Judging for the Yorkshire PA of the Year Awards 2011 has been held at The Queens Hotel, Leeds, to find the most dedicated and outstanding PAs.

Judges David Kanarens (General  Manager, The Queens), Deborah Green (Marketing Leeds, Chief Executive) and Diane Marshman (Institute of Personal Administrators, Yorkshire, Regional Co-ordinator) shortlisted ten nominees to be put through to the final after receiving a staggering number of entries from businesses across Yorkshire. The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony on 10th February, along with the winners from the other four categories.

The Queens Hotel has designed the awards to recognise the commitment and hard work of PAs in organisations of all sizes who work their socks off to help keep the wheels of business in motion.

Commenting on the shortlist, David Kanarens, General Manager at The Queens said:  “We were overwhelmed by the response that we have had for all five categories of the awards, especially as this is the first year that it has taken place. All ten shortlisted candidates thoroughly deserved their place and it’s going to be very tough choosing a winner.

“When choosing our PA of the Year, we’ll be looking for that person who goes the extra mile and consistently shows initiative and adaptability. PA’s are often the unsung heroes within a business so it’s great that they can now get the true recognition that they deserve.”

As well as the coveted title, The QHotels’ PA of the Year 2011 winners will receive a range of prizes.

The shortlisted PAs for Yorkshire PA of the Year are:

Georgina Cottam, BDO

Rachel Firth, Skills for Care

Wendy Bussey, Addleshaw Goddard

Rachel Sherbourne, PwC

Clare Fraine, Chamber of Commerce

Denise Cole, nPower

Marion Lowrence, Yorkshire Universities

Cathy Newboult, Lupton Fawcett

Michelle Baines, 7 Solicitors LLP

Maddie Smith, Northern Gas plc