SUMMIT CHAUFFEURS

Oh, what a night! The Strategic PA Network Awards 2025

The Summit Chauffeurs were honoured to be nominated for a recent award in the category of ‘Supplier of the Year’ by the wonderful Strategic PA Network, so of course we went along to the awards night in support of the community, and kept our fingers firmly crossed…

Who are the Strategic PA Network?

Headed up by dynamic duo, Sarah Howson and Marianne Whitlock, the Strategic PA Network (SPAN) was formed to recognise, support and celebrate the dedicated people within the professional assistant community. Those professionals include Chiefs of Staff, Personal Assistants, Executive Assistants, Virtual Assistants, Administrators and Office Managers.

Sarah Howson and Marianne Whitlock of The Strategic PA Network on stage at the awards

The awards were created to recognise and thank those who have proven excellence in their ‘category’, not only for the assistants but also the extended network including venues, trainers and suppliers.

Award categories 2025

There were 13 awards being presented at the ceremony, as follows:

  • Star of the Future
  • Networker of the Year
  • Internal Team of the Year
  • Diversity & Inclusion Champion of the Year
  • Virtual Assistant Associate of the Year
  • Strategic PA Supplier of the Year
  • Strategic PA Venue of the Year
  • Strategic PA L&D Speaker of the Year
  • External Network of the Year
  • Virtual Assistant of the Year
  • Chief of Staff of the Year
  • Assistant of the Year
  • Outstanding Contribution to the Industry

It was an impressive lineup, to say the least. But before the winners were announced we had the pleasure of listening to the keynote speaker of the evening, Shelagh Donnelly, founder of Exceptional EA. She spoke about her experience as a speaker and trainer, offering unique and creative advice on how to thrive in the workplace.

Shelagh Donnelly giving her speech at the awards night

Not only did we have a speech from Shelagh, but there was also an interesting keynote conversation on the power of partnership from Little Moons CEO Joanna Allen and her Executive Assistant Amy Callaghan. Their use of language in particular struck a chord, as Amy referred to Joanna as her ‘leader’, rather than her ‘boss’. Not only this, but they explored the question: ‘Are assistants the culture setters and ambassadors of the company?’ To which, Joanna responded: ‘They are the gatekeepers. They meet everyone, know everything that’s happening in all departments and understand the root purpose for the CEO. If you get a response from my EA, you can trust it’s the same response as I would deliver myself.’ This talk especially highlighted just how much work goes on behind the scenes for a business and really highlighted the importance of having a trusting relationship between CEO and assistant.

Little Moons CEO Joanna Allen and her Executive Assistant Amy Callaghan on stage with Sarah Howson and Marianne Whitlock during the fireside chat.

The fireside panel chat that followed focused on excellence explored, and was an open discussion with Winnie King, executive assistant at Mace, Shirwyn Weber, Head of business Administration at Vitrifi, and Marianne Whitlock, Director of the Strategic PA Network. From this discussion, two pieces of advice came forth: ‘Be 10% CEO’, from Sarah Howson and ‘Stay curious and be adaptable’, from Shirwyn.

Strategic PA Network Supplier of the Year

The Summit was recognised in this category for our outstanding service and effective communication, but faced stiff competition from:

  • ACEA Training
  • Beagle create
  • Clays
  • Ellevate Entertainment
  • Fortnum & Mason
  • Helloprint
  • Hibiscus Catering
  • Koffeklatch LTD
  • Manna Eating
  • MeJuicer
  • Opulence
  • Orega
  • Pitman Training
  • Prescott Chocolates
  • TAG
  • The Headshot Guy
  • Treat Your Staff
  • Voucherline
  • Wild at Heart
  • Yes, Your Event Solutions

Whilst The Summit were unsuccessful this year, we applaud the indomitable Fortnum & Mason for their well-deserved win and thank them for the fabulous goodie bags. Despite our obvious disappointment, we still recognise the honour of being nominated and look forward to our relationship growing even deeper with the Strategic PA Network.

Here’s to next year!