Blog

by Claire Gray - September 10, 2026

An HR Representative is often the first point of contact for employees when they have a question or issue at work. The role sits between employees and management, helping businesses manage the day-to-day people matters that keep a workplace running effectively. So, what does HR do on a typical day?

by Claire Gray - September 07, 2026

September is often described as a “surge” month for recruitment, but does the September surge still hold up in a more cautious UK job market?

by Claire Gray - August 10, 2026

Personal assistants and office managers are both valuable support hires, but they are not the same role. For hiring managers, understanding the difference matters because each one solves a different business problem.

by Claire Gray - August 10, 2026

Many of the best operations managers start in business support. If you have experience as a PA, EA, office manager, or operations assistant, you may already have more of the right skills than you think.

by Claire Gray - August 06, 2026

Emotional intelligence is one of the most valuable workplace skills, especially in PA, EA, office manager, and business support roles. The good news is that it is not fixed; with the right habits, you can strengthen it over time.

by Claire Gray - August 06, 2026

Sending the same CV to every job is one of the most common mistakes candidates make. It may feel efficient, but recruiters can usually spot a generic application immediately. The good news is that tailoring your CV does not mean rewriting everything.

by Claire Gray - July 23, 2026

As we move through the summer months, the UK recruitment market continues to tell a story of cautious optimism. While many businesses remain mindful of economic uncertainty, hiring has by no means ground to a halt.

by Emily Verschoyle - July 16, 2026

For many professionals, summer is synonymous with switching on an out-of-office and switching off from work. But for those considering their next career move, it can also be one of the most strategic times of the year to pause, reflect and plan ahead.

by Ellie Grindle - July 14, 2026

Summer can bring a different pace to the workplace. For assistants, the challenge is to stay proactive when the usual pace of work changes. The best PAs understand that slower periods still matter, because the quality of support they provide during this time has a direct impact on how smoothly the wider business runs.

by Alice Stevenson - July 09, 2026

When July arrives, many London businesses enter the same familiar cycle: annual leave starts to peak, inboxes slow down, and the pressure to keep everything moving shifts onto the people who remain in the office. For office managers, EAs, HR teams and chiefs of staff, that is exactly when temporary support becomes most valuable.

by Claire Gray - June 11, 2026

In this article, we explore what makes a good receptionist, the personal qualities that matter most and what to look for when hiring for a more premium or executive environment.

by Claire Gray - May 28, 2026

The role of an Executive Assistant has evolved far beyond coordination. Today, it sits firmly at the centre of decision making in business, acting as both gatekeeper and enabler.

by Claire Gray - May 21, 2026

Fixed term contracts are an increasingly common feature of today’s hiring landscape, offering both businesses and professionals a level of flexibility that permanent roles cannot always provide. But what exactly is a fixed term contract, and how does it compare to other types of employment?

by Emily Bain - April 23, 2026

In a climate where breaking into the workplace can feel increasingly competitive, we believe it’s never been more important to create meaningful opportunities for the next generation. At Bain and Gray, this isn’t just something we talk about, it’s something we actively invest in.

by Hetty Woyka - April 09, 2026

As summer approaches, many organisations face a familiar challenge. Annual leave increases, projects accelerate, and workloads continue to rise, often at the same time. For leadership teams, the question becomes less about whether additional support will be needed, and more about how prepared the business is to secure the right talent at the right time.

by Claire Gray - April 09, 2026

Spring often brings a natural moment to reset and reflect. Just as organisations review priorities for the year ahead, many professionals begin thinking about their own development and future opportunities.

by Claire Gray - April 02, 2026

Spring is traditionally a season of renewal - clearing out clutter, resetting routines and making space for what really matters. But while many of us apply this mindset to our homes, far fewer take the same approach to their careers.

by Claire Gray - March 05, 2026

As organisations rethink structure, culture and leadership, Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants and other key Business Support roles are emerging as influential operators at the heart of business. This evolution reflects wider conversations around women in the workplace, gender equity and the changing definition of leadership itself.