Blog

by Liza Shashenkova - April 16, 2024

Asset Management involves managing investments on behalf of a client to reach specific financial objectives. Typically such a firm will manage a portfolio of securities including stocks, bonds, and other assets with the aim of increasing their value whilst mitigating risk based on the client’s risk appetite.

by Liza Shashenkova - April 04, 2024

Chief of Staff (CoS) roles can come via the high-level Executive Assistant (EA) positions or from roles where the skills are directly transferable. Key skills would include; project management, written skills, outstanding interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to execute work expediently. The specific responsibilities can differ from one organisation to another. Chiefs of Staff serve as key advisors to the CEO or the Board, managing crucial projects for their executives or/and the entire business.

by Liza Shashenkova - March 29, 2024

Spring brings a breath of fresh air! After months of gloomy days and soggy afternoons taking a toll on our spirits, it's time for a revival. With longer days and temperatures climbing to 12 – 14 degrees next week, let's seize the opportunity to explore the best of London.

by Liza Shashenkova - March 25, 2024

A Family Office is a private wealth management advisory that serves high-net-worth individuals and their families. Family Offices can be structured in different ways. You can have a Single-Family Office that serves only one wealthy family or a Multi-Family Office that caters to multiple families.

by Julia - March 22, 2024

Quest professional and Bain and Gray have always had a strong relationship and my colleague, Hetty and I have had the pleasure of being involved with the 2024 graduates over the past month.

by Liza Shashenkova - March 14, 2024

Executive Assistants (EAs) typically work with executive leaders within an organisation, board level and director level, handling all the executive’s administrative needs including scheduling appointments, answering phone calls, and replying to correspondence as necessary.

by Liza Shashenkova - March 14, 2024

Personal Assistants (PAs) offer multifaceted support to individuals at different levels, encompassing both professional tasks and personal responsibilities. Their assistance spans from managing administrative duties to handling personal errands like coordinating calendars and grocery shopping.

by Liza Shashenkova - March 07, 2024

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we will be giving a fascinating glimpse into a female led UK business, our own! Bain and Gray was founded in 2009 by two female founders, Emily Bain and Claire Gray who have had extraordinary careers and a long-term passion for recruitment.

by Liza Shashenkova - February 18, 2024

No matter where we look these days, artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere! AI-generated images and videos remain a trending topic on multiple online forums and the launch of ChatGPT has left some of the brightest minds both excited and terrified. There is no denying that this technology is growing in terms of capability and popularity – sometimes even beyond our own comprehension!

by Liza Shashenkova - February 09, 2024

Introducing one of our most highly anticipated blogs to date. And it’s no surprise! Many of us have been raised with the belief that talking about money is a taboo - the idea of even hinting at a potential pay rise comes with a large side of anxiety. Is it normal to ask for a raise? In short…absolutely! It is not a favour or a gift! It is a symbolic recognition that you are contributing at a higher level than when your salary was initially set.

by Liza Shashenkova - February 08, 2024

Job satisfaction is a critical ingredient to a thriving workplace, influencing both employees and employers. For employees, it stimulates feelings of fulfilment derived from various facets of the job such as the work environment, relationships with colleagues and management, opportunities for growth and compensation. Dissatisfied employees actually pose significant risks, including reduced productivity and increased turnover.

by Liza Shashenkova - January 25, 2024

This sentence continues to surprise many: creating a positive and productive work environment hinges on the fundamental concept of accountability. When individuals fail to take ownership of decision-making, problem-solving, and addressing issues, tasks can often go unfinished, and goals can go unmet. When you are an assistant, the pursuit of accountability extends beyond completing tasks on time. It involves taking ownership of responsibilities and their outcomes!

by Julia - January 18, 2024

In order to kick-start our relationship, Astriid provided us with a hugely informative training session on invisible disabilities and long-term conditions in the work place. In this session we covered what these disabilities look like, how employers can be more supportive and the barriers in place for those with long-term conditions.

by Liza Shashenkova - January 10, 2024

Are you, perhaps, one of the many assessing their current satisfaction levels in career? Is it time for a fresh start? Even with our job board picking up when it come to opportunities, as a PA or EA it is essential you maintain a positive and professional reputation. The world is small, and you do not want to upset your current employer! This is a guide to help you prepare to say goodbye gracefully.

by Liza Shashenkova - December 22, 2023

In the spirit of our festive pause, Bain and Gray are taking a break from social media until the 2nd! Before we sign off, we gift you our winter book recommendations. Get ready to slip into your cosiest socks, clutch a favourite hot chocolate, and embark on a magical journey to other worlds.

by Claire Gray - December 20, 2023

2023 has been another eventful and exciting year at Bain and Gray. Looking back at the start of the year I can hardly believe how much has happened, but I want to mention as much of it as possible, because Bain and Gray would not be where it is now without any of it.

by Liza Shashenkova - December 12, 2023

People have trouble differentiating between a Personal Assistant (PA) and an Executive Assistant (EA). The technical difference comes down to the level of responsibility, with the roles containing overlap. While being an Executive Assistant is seen as a 'step up' within the profession, those working in Personal Assistant positions often have similar roles and responsibilities.

by Tray Durrant - December 11, 2023

Our latest episode of Links Bitesize with Tray Durrant and Founder and Director, Claire Gray unpacks the dynamic job market in our Salary Survey special. Explore the surge in job applications, pay trends over the last 6 months, and the future of hybrid roles. Discover the keys to effective staff retention through comprehensive benefits and upskilling. Plus, get insights into cutting-edge recruitment strategies fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion.