Corporate Christmas parties 'offer good value for money'

Holding a Christmas party for clients can help to put business relationships "on a sound footing for the New Year", it has been claimed.

According to Deborah McMullen, head of events at public relations firm IncrediBull Ideas, the Christmas party is a prime opportunity for firms to impress customers and strengthen ties with a view to securing new business in the future.

"You only have to look at the investment companies offering Christmas events to see what an important occasion it has become within the corporate agenda," she told Recruiter Magazine.

"It's become a valuable opportunity to network and impress. And there are innovative firms that are always looking at how to give the Christmas theme a contemporary twist."

As firms recognise the increasing importance of corporate events, so they are becoming more and more extravagant.

Some of the more notable trips on offer include a four-night trip to the North Pole; four days' skiing in Dubai; and a cookery day trip to Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons in Epernay, France.

However, Paul Jackman, a director at Thorn Baker, believes they all represent good value for money.

"It's like PR and marketing, you're never quite sure of your return. But instinct tells you that good client relationships are good for business."

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