Northern PA Awards 2026

01.  The Future Forward Award

Up and Coming Business Support Professional of the Year

This award celebrates a business support professional who is early in their career but is already making a remarkable impact. They bring fresh thinking, a genuine hunger to grow, and a standard of work that out ways their experience. This is someone the profession should be watching.

WHO IS THIS FOR

Any business support professional across the North of England who has been working in a business support role for 2 years or fewer.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Evidence of outstanding performance and impact in their role despite being early in their career
• A proactive approach to their own professional development — seeking out learning, training, or networking opportunities
• Examples of initiative — going beyond what is expected and taking ownership
• Feedback or recognition from colleagues, managers, or peers that demonstrates their potential

02.  The Dream Team Award

Business Support Team of the Year

This award recognises a business support team that consistently delivers at the highest level. Whether a small PA team or a large administrative function, this team works with exceptional cohesion, professionalism, and impact. Together they are greater than the sum of their parts.

WHO IS THIS FOR

Any team of two or more business support professionals working together within an organisation based in or operating across the North of England.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Evidence of the team working collaboratively to deliver outstanding results for their organisation
• Examples of how the team has overcome challenges or adapted to change together
• Demonstration of the team’s collective impact on the business and the people they support
• A culture of mutual support, respect, and shared commitment to excellence within the team

03  The Strategic Leader Award

Business Support Leader of the Year

This award is for the business support professional who leads with confidence, influence, and vision. They operate at the highest level, are trusted by those around them, and actively champion the profession through everything they do. They do not just support the business — they help shape it.

WHO IS THIS FOR

Any senior business support professional across the North of England who holds a leadership, managerial or senior position within their organisation or the wider profession.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Evidence of operating at a strategic level — influencing decisions, managing relationships with senior stakeholders, and contributing to organisational goals
• Examples of leading others, whether through direct line management, mentoring, or setting the standard for those around them
• Demonstration of how they have elevated the profile and perception of the business support profession within their organisation
• A clear sense of their own professional values and how those values drive their approach to their role

04  The Digital Innovator Award

Tech and Digital Professional of the Year

This award celebrates the business support professional who has embraced technology and digital tools to transform the way they work. They are curious, resourceful, and ahead of the curve — and their willingness to innovate has made a tangible difference to their organisation.

WHO IS THIS FOR

Any business support professional across the North of England who has championed the use of technology, digital tools, or AI within their role or team.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Clear examples of how they have introduced, championed, or maximised the use of technology or digital tools in their role
• Evidence of the impact that their digital approach has had — saving time, improving processes, or enhancing the service they deliver
• A willingness to share their knowledge and upskill those around them
• Forward-thinking attitude towards emerging technologies such as AI and automation, and how these can benefit the profession

05  The Event Powerhouse Award

Event Planner of the Year

This award is for the business support professional who plans and delivers outstanding events — consistently, brilliantly, and across the board. From internal meetings to large-scale external events, they bring precision, creativity, and professionalism to everything they organise. Their events do not just run smoothly — they are remembered.

WHO IS THIS FOR

Any business support professional across the North of England for whom event planning forms part of their role.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Evidence of planning and delivering a range of events to a consistently high standard, regardless of scale or format
• Examples of how they have managed logistics, suppliers, budgets, and stakeholders with skill and professionalism
• Demonstration of creativity and attention to detail — going beyond the brief to deliver something truly memorable
• Feedback or recognition that speaks to the impact their events have had on delegates, clients, or the wider organisation

06  The Guiding Light Award

Mentor of the Year

This award recognises a business support professional who freely gives their time, knowledge, and experience to help others grow. They are the person others turn to, the voice that builds confidence, and the steady presence that helps people find their way. Their impact extends far beyond their own career.

WHO IS THIS FOR

Any business support professional across the North of England who actively mentors, coaches, or supports others within the profession — formally or informally.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Evidence of actively mentoring or supporting one or more individuals within the profession, whether through a formal programme or informally
• Examples of the tangible difference their mentoring has made — to someone’s career, confidence, or professional development
• Demonstration of generosity with their time and knowledge, with no expectation of personal gain
• A genuine commitment to lifting others and championing the next generation of business support professionals

07  The Employer Champion Award

Employer of the Year

This award recognises an organisation that truly values its business support professionals. They invest in their development, recognise their contribution, and create an environment where PAs, EAs, and their colleagues can genuinely thrive. They understand that when their business support team excels, the whole organisation benefits.

WHO IS THIS FOR

Any organisation based in or operating across the North of England that employs business support professionals. Organisations of any size are welcome to be nominated.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Evidence of genuine investment in the professional development of their business support team — through training, qualifications, memberships, internal networks or other opportunities
• Examples of how the organisation recognises and celebrates the contribution of its business support professionals
• Demonstration of a culture where business support professionals are valued, heard, and given opportunities to progress
• Feedback from the business support team themselves that reflects a genuinely positive and supportive working environment

08  The VA Elite Award

Virtual Assistant of the Year

This award celebrates a self-employed Virtual Assistant who has built an outstanding business rooted in administration and business support. Working independently, they deliver an exceptional standard of service to their clients, run their business with professionalism and integrity, and are a true ambassador for what a modern VA can achieve.

WHO IS THIS FOR

Any self-employed Virtual Assistant based in or operating across the North of England whose business is primarily focused on providing administrative and business support services to clients.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Evidence of running a professional, client-focused VA business that consistently delivers an outstanding standard of work
• Examples of how they have grown, developed, or innovated within their business — whether through services offered, systems used, or clients served
• Demonstration of professionalism, reliability, and integrity in the way they operate and represent the VA profession
• Feedback or recognition from clients, peers, or the wider community that reflects the quality and impact of their work

09  PA of the North

The Headline Award

This is the highest honour at the Northern PA Awards. PA of the North is awarded to a business support professional who represents the very best of the profession. They excel in their role, inspire those around them, and are a true ambassador for what a PA, EA or business support professional can and should be. This is not just about what they do – it is about who they are and the difference they make.

WHO IS THIS FOR

Any business support professional across the North of England. There is no restriction on years of experience — this award is open to anyone who can demonstrate exceptional, all-round excellence.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Outstanding performance in their role, with clear evidence of the impact they have on their organisation and the people they support
• A genuine commitment to their own professional development and to the wider profession
• Examples of going above and beyond — demonstrating initiative, leadership, and resilience in equal measure
• A positive influence on those around them, whether through mentoring, collaboration, or simply leading by example
• Recognition from colleagues, peers, or the wider community that reflects the esteem in which they are held