New club is launched for personal assistants

Katherine LaChance says she wants to address the lack of an effective support network for a profession that doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves.

And she is appealing for PAs across the area to join what she believes is the first club of its kind in the North West.

Katherine runs the award-winning Black Bull Country Inn at the foot of Pendle Hill, Rimington, and is also Director of Aptus HR Improvement Services, which she manages with her husband Steve.

She said: “Resources for PAs are somewhat limited, particularly if one works in a smaller business without a training or mentoring function.

“Developing skills, managing one’s executives and growing professionally are all areas of vital interest for PAs, but where do they turn to for advice and support? That’s where our PA Club can help.

“I’m convinced our club will provide an excellent source of support for PAs across Lancashire, Yorkshire and further afield.”

PA Club meetings will include: networking to build a group of contacts PAs can turn to with questions; nnowledge-building through guest speakers to discuss topics that affect daily work; help with professional growth and planning sessions to discuss issues, challenges and future needs of PAs.

Katherine began her career as a PA and as Director of Aptus now focuses on transforming people and performance. She is an expert at building effective strategies in today’s marketplace, reviving struggling businesses and creating radical operational efficiencies to save businesses time and money.

She has huge experience mentoring, building and developing individuals and teams in all levels of business, including customer service, back office administration, PAs, HR, management and executives. Many of the businesses have become award-winning and several of the individuals have become business leaders.

After rejuvenating businesses and business functions in diverse areas such as law firms, missile defence companies, mail delivery, airlines and back office shared services, Katherine has applied her business performance improvement skillset to the restaurant industry, transforming the Black Bull from a derelict shell to an award-winning French country inn with a burgeoning reputation.

The first meeting of the PA Club will take place at the Black Bull and will feature guest speaker Karen Donley, from Lytham St Annes, a personal coach and development expert. She will talk about Personal and Professional Development for PAs. Karen started her career as a PA and was former HR Director for BAE Systems subsidiary MBDA.

Katherine, who lives in Pleasington, Blackburn, said the first meeting was complimentary and with sufficient interest is hoping the club can become established on a regular basis with additional speakers and PA-related topics provided on a monthly basis.

Anybody wishing to attend or join the PA Club can contact Katherine on 01200 415960 or email [email protected]