Our Story
The PA Hub is an award-winning network, recognised as Best PA Network in the UK at The PA Show 2025 Awards. The PA Hub stands as the North of England’s premier networking and development community for business support professionals. Since our founding in 2012, we’ve been dedicated to a singular mission: empowering Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants, Office Managers, Secretaries, Virtual Assistants, and business support professionals to reach their full potential.
Our Foundation
The PA Hub began in Leeds through the vision of Marion and Jon Lowrence in September 2012. After a successful pre-launch in November 2012, they officially opened their doors in January 2013. What started as a response to the lack of professional development opportunities for Northern business support professionals has evolved into the region’s most respected network.
Our Expansion
Recognising the demand for quality professional development across the North, The PA Hub expanded to Liverpool in October 2015, Manchester in October 2021, and Newcastle in May 2022. Today, they deliver diverse event formats across all four cities, combining digital accessibility with in-person connection through development days, and social events. The PA Hub also run supplier showcase events in seven cities twice a year in Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, York, Chester and Sheffield. The PA Hub is launching the prestigious Northern PA Awards in June 2026, all alongside the renowned annual PA Conference.
The PA Hub Today
Since 2012, The PA Hub has cultivated lasting professional relationships and facilitated remarkable career transformations. Our community includes business support professionals from the region’s most prominent organisations, with many members advancing to senior roles and earning industry recognition since joining.
Our Impact in Numbers
Combined organisational turnover: Over £44 billion annually
Total workforce represented: More than 1.2 million employees
Senior executives supported: Over 700 directors and C-suite leaders
Collective member experience: More than 2,300 years in business support roles
Meet Our Leadership Team
Marion Lowrence
Founder & Company Director
Marion Lowrence is the visionary founder of The PA Hub and a distinguished figure in the business support profession. Her journey from award-winning Personal Assistant to influential network founder exemplifies the transformative power of professional development and community.
Read moreAward-Winning Professional Career
Marion’s 30-year career in administration and business support saw her excel across multiple sectors, including the Civil Service, NHS, and higher education. As a senior Executive Assistant at Yorkshire Universities, she earned prestigious recognition: Yorkshire PA of the Year (2011) and Pitman Training Super Achievers International PA of the Year (2012). These accolades opened Marion’s eyes to the thriving PA networks in London and revealed a critical gap; Northern professionals deserved equal access to world-class networking and development opportunities.
Building Networks That Matter
Before founding The PA Hub, Marion established the Yorkshire Universities Internal PA Network, bringing together administrative professionals from 12 universities across the region with over 250 members. When demand extended beyond the education sector, Marion recognised the opportunity to create something truly transformative. Together with her business partner and husband Jon Lowrence, she launched The PA Hub, now operating thriving communities in several cities, delivering over 40 events annually including networking meetings, training sessions, conferences, showcases, and the celebrated PA Awards.
International Leadership
Marion’s influence extends far beyond the North of England. She served as Events Director for Executive Support LIVE for 9.5 years, producing international events in London, Johannesburg, Auckland, Wellington, Sydney, Washington DC, Silicon Valley, Atlanta and Seattle. In 2018, she represented the UK as lead delegate at the World Administrative Summit in Frankfurt, continuing her advocacy role through virtual summits in 2020 and 2021. Marion remains a passionate champion for elevating the business support profession globally.
A sought-after speaker and natural networker, Marion has presented to business support professional groups throughout the UK and internationally. Her commitment to both in-person connection and social media engagement has made her a respected voice in the profession, inspiring countless professionals to pursue excellence and recognition in their careers.
Jon Lowrence
Company Director
Jon Lowrence brings strategic business acumen and operational excellence to The PA Hub. Prior to co-founding the organisation, Jon successfully ran his own business for over a decade, developing deep expertise in entrepreneurship, business development, and financial management. His concurrent management role within the social housing sector further refined his skills in customer service, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder relations.
Jon transitioned to full-time leadership at The PA Hub in May 2014, focusing on membership strategy, corporate sponsorship development, business growth initiatives, and financial oversight. His business development expertise has been instrumental in establishing partnerships with leading organisations and creating sustainable revenue streams that support The PA Hub’s mission. Jon’s strategic approach ensures the organisation maintains financial health while expanding its reach and impact across the North of England.
Joe Cunliffe
Social Media Manager
Joe Cunliffe brings fresh perspective and digital expertise to The PA Hub’s brand presence across all platforms. Currently completing his final year studying International Business Management at Liverpool John Moores University, Joe combines academic insight with practical experience to drive The PA Hub’s content strategy, event promotion, and community engagement initiatives.
Since taking on the Social Media Manager role, Joe has been instrumental in elevating The PA Hub’s digital visibility and engagement. He played a pivotal role in delivering The PA Hub Conference 2025, one of the organisation’s most successful events to date, demonstrating his capability in managing large-scale event promotion and digital communications.
Originally from Alcester, Warwickshire, Joe brings entrepreneurial spirit to his work through his own house music events company, understanding firsthand the importance of building authentic communities and creating compelling content that resonates with audiences. This experience in event management and community building translates seamlessly into his strategic approach to social media, ensuring The PA Hub maintains its position as the leading voice for business support professionals across the North of England.
Gem Neilan
Freelance Project Coordinator
Gem Neilan, works on a freelance basis, leveraging extensive experience in communications and management to drive The PA Hub’s special projects and events to exceptional standards. Her organisational expertise and leadership capabilities ensure seamless execution of showcases, conferences, and member initiatives. Gem serves as the primary liaison with suppliers, speakers, and directory partners, maintaining the high-quality relationships that make The PA Hub events distinctive. Her attention to detail and commitment to member experience ensure every interaction with The PA Hub reflects the organisation’s professional standards.
Matt Harrington
Freelance Digital & Communications Manager
Matt Harrington brings global technology expertise to The PA Hub’s digital infrastructure. With a background spanning computer science, IT, website management, and data analytics, Matt has delivered solutions for major private and public sector organisations including Sony, Auckland Council, and Australian Veterans’ Affairs. At The PA Hub, Matt oversees information systems, website management, and business intelligence. His analytical approach provides data-driven insights that inform strategic decisions and enhance member experience. Matt ensures The PA Hub’s technology platform supports both digital and in-person community engagement at scale.