Keep your eyes on DeskDemon UK over the next few weeks, as your favourite resource is about to get even better. We are in the process of giving the site a sleek new look, which will help us to reach our ultimate goal of saving you time and money. Our designers are hard at work updating the site to make it more streamlined, more concise and easier to navigate, as well as adding some attractive new design features. All in all, the best is set to get even better! So, look out for our brand new look, and don't forget to get in touch and let us know what you think of it.

The most reliable way to select the perfect venue is often through word of mouth or recommendation. With that in mind we sent Teresa Way, executive administrator at British American Tobacco to check out the facilities at Imperial College London's Conference Link and report back on the site. Here's a sneak preview of what she had to say...

En route to conduct a review of the conference facilities at Imperial College London, I took the short walk from South Kensington tube station along Exhibition Road. Having had many years' experience of site visits to hotels and dedicated conference venues, I was intrigued to see how Imperial's facilities would compare. I was not to be disappointed.

My first port of call was Mark Vernon, the conference general manager. Mark talked me through the organisation chart and I was surprised to learn that he has over thirty staff, ranging from marketing executives to porters. Each team-member plays an important part to ensure the smooth-running of Conference Link.

During our discussions it became apparent that Imperial has a great deal to offer. Clients range from language schools looking for value-for-money accommodation and 'no frills' lecture space, to blue chip companies seeking prestigious boardroom and dining facilities. Many of the staff at Conference Link come from hotel backgrounds so they understand what PAs are looking for, namely good value, friendly and efficient service and attention to detail. Reading through the Conference Link literature I noted that the South Kensington facilities boast "diversity, capacity, flexibility and affordability in an unbeatable locality". Having visited the campus I agree with these claims wholeheartedly.

How do you fancy getting your hands on some FREE bestselling books? We've teamed up with 3M to offer you the chance to pick up bestselling paperbacks to enjoy over the long, warm summer days. All you have to do is stock up on participating packs of Post-it® brand products and Scotch® Magic™ Tape, and 3M will give you a voucher worth £5, plus postage and packing, to spend on bestsellers at Amazon.co.uk.

At DeskDemon we pride ourselves on helping you to make the most of the career opportunities that come your way. We believe that there are exciting times ahead in the secretarial sector, but how do you make the most of them? Phil Sheridan, UK district director of OfficeTeam shares his advice and thoughts...

"PAs need to have a clear idea of what they want from their careers – changes won't just happen,"stresses Phil. "As a PA, you need to define set goals, which include an appreciation and understanding of how and what you need to do to get there; the sort of organisation you want to work for; and the relationship you want to have with your boss. You need to be more pro-active in making your career goals happen.

"Top people have got to where they are because they have managed their careers. The majority meander through – things happen to them which are good and bad, and they tend to complain and moan without taking personal responsibility and accountability for making things happen."

So how can you start taking control of your career once you've got your career goals in mind?

"It's important to have a degree of honesty and openness with your boss,"advises Phil. "Those who enjoy the best careers have the best relationships, which are born out of two-way communication with mutual respect and trust. You need to be candid about what you need – that's an extension of taking responsibility and being accountable."

You've no idea what hotel to book in Outer Mongolia, the flight prices are extortionate, bossie's passport has expired... the list of business travel nightmares are endless. Suzanne Brown has put together this simple business travel checklist to help you stay cool, calm and collected.

1. Start a business trip folder containing all the information you could possibly need to arrange any kind of travel, whether it's one day in the UK or 10 days in Timbuktu. Include a list of recommended hotels used by your company, as well as things like maps to airports, and local conference venues. If your company has offices abroad, speak to the secretaries there to pick up their recommendations.
2. By using templates you can ensure you have all the information you need before you start. Websites such as www.microsoft.com have some great business travel tools. Feeling inventive or have specialist needs? Why not create your own. Remember to include sections for:
   • Travellers personal details
   • Information such as destinations, departure dates etc (outgoing and return)
   • Accommodation Information
   • Car Rental
3. Set up agreements with travel agents, hotels and taxi companies that you have regular dealings with. Having an arrangement where everything is paid via invoice or on company expenses should help you control your boss's expenditure on the move.

Some of us glow in the summer sun, but some of us are less fortunate! But by making small changes to your hair care, skin care and nail care routines, you can be well on your way to having soft, shiny, supple hair, smooth, gorgeous nails and a healthy, glowing skin. We spoke to the experts at hair and beauty specialists Lookfantastic.com to get some tips on how to get the best from your products this summer.

It goes without saying that your skin needs protection –everyone is aware of the damage the sun can cause. The good news is that you can get that essential summer glow and save your skin by getting a fake tan. Before you recoil in horror at the thought of stained hands and patchy legs, top brands like Fake Bake or St. Tropez won't leave you orange or streaky.

If you know you are going to spend time in the sun, a quality sunscreen product like Dermalogica's Solar Defense Booster can be mixed with your favourite moisturiser or even your foundation, so you will be protected and look immaculate. Also, get a good body moisturiser and exfoliate your skin at least once a week to help keep it glowing. Detoxifying your skin around once every two weeks will also be beneficial. Try a product such as Espa's Detoxifying Salt Scrub to exfoliate and detox in one easy step.