Category Archives: Christmas

Christmas, Driving, Electric Vehicles, EVs and Automotive News

Charging home for Christmas – Lexus top tips for a festive EV charge

For the thousands of motorists driving home for Christmas this week, Lexus has curated a list of attractions where drivers of a battery or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, can recharge their car and enjoy a festive break en route. The locations include dazzling light displays, enchanting Christmas trails, and bustling markets, chosen for their focus on design and craftsmanship, which is a central feature of all Lexus cars. They are also strategically placed a few miles from major roads and motorway junctions, so journeys can be resumed quickly and easily.

The recently upgraded Lexus UX 300e all-electric, compact luxury SUV is the perfect car for driving home for Christmas, with a range of up to 279 miles on one charge, an open and spacious interior, and 367 litres of boot space, which is ideal for carrying Christmas presents and overnight bags. For those who over-indulge on turkey and mince pies, the UX 300e’s nanoe™ X air purification technology can neutralise bad odours, act against mould and inhibit viruses, bacteria, pollen and allergens.

M11

Wimpole Estate, near Cambridge, eight miles from junction 12

Wimpole Estate has been beautifully decorated for Christmas with an after-dark illuminations trail, Christmas decorations in Wimpole Hall house, local choirs singing carols, and gifts on sale in the stable block. Festive food and drink are available at The Rectory, Stables Café and Farm Café, and a turkey or vegan roast is served on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 12:30 and 14:30.

Christmas Illuminations dates: 24 November 2023 to 31 December 2023. For information and evening tickets visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cambridgeshire/wimpole-estate.

There are 12 7.4kw electric charge points in the main car park, available through Raw Charging.

M25

RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey, three miles from junction 10 of the M25

Junction 10 of the M25 is a traffic jam hot-spot right now, so taking a break from the queues to recharge and refresh is recommended. RHS Garden Wisley’s magnificent Glow light display is a real show-stopper. A special illuminated trail through the garden and Glasshouse features dazzling wicker alliums, globes and arches and the Alpine Meadow field of fire, all accompanied by music, orchestrated fountains and special effects. Festive food chalets serve snacks and drinks, such as Bratwurst and hot chocolate, while the Terrace Restaurant and Wisley Café offer special Christmas menus. The Wisley Garden Centre sells gifts and Christmas decorations as well as homewares, books, plants and gardening tools.

RHS Garden Wisley is one of the UK’s most visited and best-loved gardens and is a hub of horticultural excellence, with some of the largest plant collections in the world.

Date: from now until 2 January 2024, 16:00 – 21:00.  For info and tickets visit https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley.

There are eight standard 7.2 KWH 32 Amp sockets available in the car park for re-charging.

Lexus UX 300e all-electric SUV at GLOW light display at RHS Garden Wisley, in Surrey.

A429

Charlecote Park, Warwickshire, two miles from the A429

This Christmas, Charlecote Park will be celebrating the traditional skills and techniques of crafts featured on the Red list – those which are in danger of dying out. The house will therefore be filled with heritage craft-themed decorations, such as globe making, flock wallpaper, illuminated books, and harp making.  There will be a selection of eco-friendly and sustainable gifts on sale in the Servants Hall, which are perfect for last minute Christmas presents, while children will enjoy a heritage crafts puzzle trail.

Charlecote Park is a National Trust Victorian country house located in Charlecote, near Wellesbourne, Warwickshire. The house is situated along the banks of the River Avon and is known for its picturesque setting and 180-acre deer park.

Christmas activities run from now until Monday 8 January 2024; opening hours 9:00 – 16:00 (last entry 15:00).

There are 14 11.4kw electric vehicle charging points in the car park, available through Raw Charging.

A41

Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire, one mile from A41

Waddesdon Manor is a Grade I listed grand country house owned and managed by the National Trust.

The house and estate are transformed into a magical wonderland at Christmas, with themed exhibits within the mansion, spectacular light projections on the manor facade inspired by three classic tales and a Christmas lights trail. A Christmas food village runs until 1 January.

Dates: From now until 1 January; Christmas grounds open 12:00 – 19:00 (last entry 18:00); Christmas house open 12.30 – 19.30 (last entry 18:30). Visit Waddesdon.org.uk for more info.

There are four 16A EV Type 2 charging socket charging spaces available in the visitor car park.

Waddesdon Manor illuminated with winter lights for Christmas.

A5

Attingham Park, Shropshire, eight miles from A5

Christmas at the National Trust’s Georgian mansion, Attingham House, near Shrewsbury, runs from now until 1 January, featuring more than 50 decorated Christmas trees throughout the house and grounds, including a mile-long walk with festive trees inspired by classic fairy tales.  Visitors can discover All That Glitters inside the house, and an eco-friendly synthetic ice-skating rink is making its debut in the park.

Every Saturday morning in December, 09:30 – 10:15 the mansion will be open for SEN (Special Educational Needs) relaxed sessions, when the house will be quieter and more relaxed, especially for those on the Autism Spectrum who may find the environment overwhelming during busy times.

Dates: Christmas at Attingham is open from now until 1 January 2024. Visit  National Trust website for info on tickets and opening hours.

There are two 7kw Vend electric charging points, each with two connectors, available in the main car park.

M6

Trentham Estate, Staffordshire, one mile from J15 of the M6 and A500

Trentham is home to 725 acres of spectacular natural beauty, with award-winning gardens, ancient woodland and an outdoor shopping village, so there are plenty of walks and attractions to enjoy during a break from driving.

There is a shopping village filled with a range of independent and high street brands housed in more than 80 wooden lodges – perfect for last-minute gifts. There are also plenty of cafés, restaurants and bars to choose from.

Car parking is free, and there are four electric car charging points available, next to the Shopping Village.

M53

Chester Zoo, five miles from the M53

Chester Zoo has an expansive landscape of 130 acres and is one of the United Kingdom’s most famous zoological establishments. In the spirit of the holiday season, Chester Zoo and Sony Music present the world premiere of Lanterns and Light, where the park is transformed into a festive wonderland trail where you can meet giant illuminated model creatures and puppets, such as lions, dolphins and elephants, along the way.

Opening dates: from now until 31 December, 16:15 – 21:15 (last entry for Lights and Lanterns: 20:15)

There are 13 EV charging devices with 26 connectors available.

M4

Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire, 10 miles from the M4

Hardwick Hall is a stunning Elizabethan house filled with beautiful furniture and tapestries, carefully preserved by the Devonshire family for generations. This Christmas, Hardwick Hall presents Wintertide, a lantern light tour, in which visitors can explore the rich tapestries, friezes, and portraits on the 400-year-old walls and uncover the fascinating stories they hold as they walk through with a lantern. Artist Pedro Sanchez Carvera has created contemporary displays playing with light and shadow that highlight the best of Elizabethan winter celebrations.

Opening dates: from now until 7 January 2024, (gardens open 09:30 – 15:30, house open 11:00 – 15:00). Click here for more info.

There is one device and one connector available in the lower car park.  There are also two EV chargers, each with both 50kw and 120kw connectors, available at the nearby Starbucks on the A617, S44 5LY (12-minute drive).

A483

Erddig, Wales, five miles from the A483

Erddig house and yards have been transformed into a festive wonderland with enchanting decorations, where visitors can enjoy Christmas-inspired craft activities, visit Father Christmas in the grotto and listen to live music on selected dates. There is also a seasonal menu with hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows in the restaurant.

Erddig Hall is a National Trust property, built in 1684-1687with a mix of architectural styles. The property’s extensive gardens and parkland are well-known for their beauty and variety and the walled garden is particularly famous for its formal layout and historic plants.

Opening dates: from now until 7 January 2024 (gardens open from 10:00 – 16:00, house from 11:30 – 14:30). Visit National Trust website for more info.

There are three EV charging devices, with four connectors, provided by the ZeroNet network.

M9

Stirling Castle, Scotland

Stirling Castle is among Scotland’s largest and most impressive castles, located on top of an imposing crag with cliffs on three sides.

The ever-popular Christmas Shopping Fayre filled with local crafts, fine foods and drinks, is located on the Stirling Castle esplanade. The castle is serving a festive lunch in the castle Green Room every day until Saturday 23 December.  It is also staging a special adaptation of Charles Dickens’, A Christmas Carol on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 December.

Although there are no EV chargers at the castle itself, there are 33 EV chargers with 98 connectors available at nearby Castleview Low Carbon Hub, FK9 4TW, which is part of the ChargePlace Scotland network. This is just a six-minute drive from the castle.

For info on the location and status of EV chargers around the country, Lexus provides a handy map and guide to public EV chargers: https://www.lexus.co.uk/electric-cars/public-charging.  For those with a Lexus car, the Lexus Public Charging Network is a new subscription-based model that provides access to more than 500,000 charging points across Europe. It also works with the Lexus Link+ app, so drivers can manage all their EV information in one place.

Christmas, Climate, Climate Action, News

All I Want for Christmas Is Some Real Action on Climate Change

Written by David Peters, Director at Coalternative Energy

COP28 has just concluded, with allegations emerging that the hosts planned to use it as a business opportunity to strike new fossil fuel deals and world leaders showing their appetite for making urgent climate changes by flying to the conference via private jet.  As we now face Christmas, with record-breaking heatwaves in Spain and forecasters now predict one of the UK’s warmest December days to date in Scotland, it’s not the warmth from the fire that I’m feeling.

As the holiday season approaches and we eagerly encourage our kids to make wish lists for Santa Claus, it’s worth reflecting on the most significant gift our children could ever receive: a sustainable planet. Climate change is a pressing global issue that threatens our environment, our way of life, and future generations.

This year, more than ever, all I want for Christmas is some real action on climate change.

 

The Urgency of Climate Change

Climate change is not a future problem; it’s a present crisis. We’ve witnessed its devastating effects with record-breaking wildfires, increasingly severe hurricanes, rising sea levels, and extreme heatwaves. These events have caused loss of life, economic turmoil, and displacement of communities worldwide.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has issued alarming reports highlighting the urgency of addressing this crisis. Their research indicates that global temperatures must be limited to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels to prevent catastrophic consequences. Beyond this threshold, we risk triggering feedback loops that could accelerate global warming and make the situation irreparable.

It’s not ‘time for change’.  It’s time for desperate, urgent, earth-healing ACTION.  Anything less is just greenwashing.

 

What Can We Do?

Here’s just some ways we can make a very real difference.

 

Transition to Renewable Energy: One of the most effective ways to combat climate change is to transition away from fossil fuels and embrace renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Governments and businesses must invest in clean energy infrastructure and support research and development in this field.  For countries still heavily reliant on coal, black pellets offer a sustainable solution right now – with the added benefit of reducing the risk of forest fires and no further investment in infrastructure required.  It’s a no brainer!

 

Encourage climate investment: High Net Wealth Investors should be encouraged to move away from legacy fuel investments that harm the planet and instead be supported to invest in schemes and technologies that will promote a greener future.  The yields are normally high on these investments anyway, but there’s so many other reasons to encourage this, why wouldn’t you want to do it?

 

Carbon Pricing: Implementing carbon pricing mechanisms, such as carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems, can incentivize individuals and corporations to reduce their carbon emissions. These measures encourage sustainable practices and promote the transition to a low-carbon economy.

 

Reforestation and Afforestation: Forests act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Protecting existing forests and planting new ones can help offset carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

 

Sustainable Transportation: Promoting public transportation, electric vehicles, and active transportation modes like cycling and walking can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.

 

International Cooperation: Climate change is a global issue that requires international collaboration. Countries must work together to set ambitious emissions reduction targets and uphold their commitments under the Paris Agreement – not meet up for a chin wag, a jolly and another smokescreen via private jet.

 

Education and Advocacy: Raising awareness about climate change and advocating for meaningful action is crucial. Individuals can support climate-friendly policies and lifestyle changes, encouraging others to do the same.

 

Mindful shopping:  What we buy can really make a difference.  Simple things like switching to a palm-oil free brand of peanut butter can send signals to manufacturers that consumers care where they source their ingredients.  Likewise, when buying gifts, think about the messages we send.  Maybe even consider gifts that keep on giving, such as a charity adoption or sponsorship of wild animals to encourage children to learn about endangered wildlife.  However it doesn’t have to be massive – just making sure we only buy cards and gift wrap that can be recycled sends a message to producers that they need to be more mindful.

 

This holiday season, let’s ask for more than material gifts; let’s ask for a sustainable future. Climate change is not a problem that can be solved with wishful thinking alone, but with collective action and determination. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and the planet to demand real action on climate change from our leaders, businesses, and communities.

By transitioning to clean energy, implementing effective policies, and fostering a global commitment to combat climate change, we can work towards a brighter and more sustainable future. All I want for Christmas is a planet where future generations can thrive, and that begins with taking action on climate change today.

Christmas, interior design, News, Retail & E-commerce

North West’s biggest advent calendar lights up the region’s skyline

Arighi Bianchi unveils 110ft high advent calendar as part of store’s Christmas festivities

Homewares retailer Arighi Bianchi is once again sprinkling some festive magic over the North West after unveiling what is believed to be the region’s biggest advent calendar at 110ft high. The advent calendar has quickly become one of the area’s must-see festive decorations!

Arighi Bianchi’s iconic Silk Road store in Macclesfield has been transformed into a 110ft high and 45ft wide advent calendar that lights up the skyline throughout December The famous arched shaped windows on the landmark building have been brought to life for the festive period, bringing Christmas cheer to one of the town’s busiest routes.

The Advent by Day

Sarah Bianchi, Arighi Bianchi’s Managing Director, said: “We absolutely love getting into the festive spirit at Arighi Bianchi. Christmas is such a special time for our family-run-business, and we love to share that magic and goodwill with our customers too.

“Of course it wouldn’t be Christmas without our now famous window display, and we have once again pulled out all of the stops to surprise and delight shoppers and passers-by. Our advent calendar has really captured the hearts of people in the town and it is fantastic that is has become so integral to creating some Christmas magic in the local area.”

 

Also taking place at the store in December:

 

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Expanding on its popular visit from Santa last year, Arighi Bianchi will be hosting a Breakfast with Santa event, giving local children the chance to meet Father Christmas and his mischievous elf.

The fun-filled morning will take place on Sunday 10th December from 9:30am inside Caffè AB (on the second floor of the Arighi Bianchi store). Included is breakfast, a meet and greet with Santa, Christmas gift goody bag and festive fun and games. Tickets are £14.95 per child and can be pre-booked here.

 

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS ONLINE GIVEAWAY

Arighi Bianchi will also be giving away £3,000 worth of prizes in December with an online advent draw. Prizes include Le Creuset cookware, throws and a selection of accessories for the home. To enter keep an eye on Arighi’s social media channels (@arighibianchi), go online at www.arighibianchi.co.uk or visit the store.

 

Sarah continued: “Our breakfast with Santa event is set to be hugely popular and we are honoured to welcome such a special guest into the store. For anyone who misses out on a ticket, he will be walking around the store during the afternoon so there will be ample opportunity to say hello and let him know why you deserve to be on the ‘good list’.

“Within our store, and online, we have gifts galore and some beautiful home accessories to help make a house a home this Christmas. We look forward to welcoming visitors throughout the festive period.”

Careers, Christmas, Food & Drink, Hospitality, News, Recruitment, Recruitment News

Greene King Puts the Spotlight on Festive Hiring with Innovative Careers Site in Partnership with SmartRecruiters

Greene King, the country’s leading pub company and brewer is enhancing its holiday hiring efforts with the launch of its new festive careers site. The site has been designed to help Greene King meet the demands of the holiday period and will see 580 vacancies go live throughout the country, open to candidates from all backgrounds and experience levels.

The Greene King jobs site recently secured the prestigious Happy Dance Award for “Best New Careers Site” at the 2023 Tiara Talent Acquisition Awards. The recognition stems from the site’s successful implementation of multiple sub-brands whilst allowing individual Talent Acquisition (TA) teams access to update their own content, clearly highlighting the site’s impressive personalisation, flexibility, and interactivity.

 

Lindsey Stone, Greene King’s Head of Talent Attraction & Resourcing, emphasised the importance of this initiative: “It goes without saying that the Christmas period is one of the busiest times of year for us, and with that, it is one of the busiest times of year for hiring. Greene King manages 1,600 pubs across the country and it. is essential that we have a careers site that is easily accessible and manageable by individual talent acquisition teams.”

“The new Greene King careers site doesn’t only serve as a gateway for potential employees, it also offers jobseekers a unique glimpse into life at Greene King – showcasing authentic stories from team members that reflect the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“Our mission is to be a trailblazer when it comes to inclusion in the hospitality industry. We want to embody this commitment to everyday inclusion through our new site. We chose to partner with SmartRecruiters to build a site that mirrors our brand values and culture and brings those aspects to life by delivering an excellent candidate experience,” Stone added.

 

Rob Symons, EVP Strategic Partnerships at SmartRecruiters, highlighted the challenges faced by the UK’s hospitality sector in recent years, particularly concerning staff shortages. “For Greene King, optimising the candidate experience was crucial to attract and hire the best talent. We are excited to be a part of this transformative journey,” Symons added.

 

About SmartRecruiters

SmartRecruiters enables Hiring Without Boundaries™ by freeing talent acquisition teams from legacy applicant tracking software. SmartRecruiters’ next-generation platform serves as the hiring operating system for 4,000 customers like Bosch, LinkedIn, Skechers, and Visa. Companies with business-critical hiring needs turn to SmartRecruiters for best-of-breed functionality, world-class support, and a robust ecosystem of third-party applications and service providers.

For more information visit www.smartrecruiters.com or www.linkedin.com/company/smartrecruiters.

 

 

 

 

Christmas, Events, Music, News

As Firms Bring Back the Christmas Parties, New Poll Reveals the Acts In Hottest Demand

A NEW poll has revealed the bands, entertainers and tribute-acts in hottest demand for corporate Christmas events this year.

Vocalists The Overtones came out on top in the survey which comes as businesses race to bring back events following years of cancelled parties due to Covid.

Experts say the resurgence is being driven by remote and hybrid working and a demand for bosses to bring teams together for a big celebration once a year.

And according to the poll carried out by Musician Bands it’s The Overtones – who were discovered while singing on their tea-break – that are most in demand for events.

The findings were based on data linked to 2022 bookings and feedback from events that took place last year.

Other acts in the top 15 compiled were BoyzLife, Slade and Nearly Buble.

Jack Hayes, Director of Champions Music and Entertainment and founder of Musician Bands, said: “After years of canceled parties and concerns about Covid, Christmas is back this year in a massive way.

“Despite the financial pressures in the economy, many companies are shrugging things off to try and give their employees a much needed boost.

“The rise of remote working means the Christmas party is also now one of the few times of the year when whole teams are brought together.

“That may explain why many companies are looking to book high quality entertainment to reward staff for their efforts throughout the year.

“It’s created a huge market for bands and tribute acts – and the Overtones are benefiting from it more than most. It’s the latest chapter in their remarkable rise to fame.”

Christmas parties surged back in popularity last year – and the trend is tipped to continue this year too.  Some companies are reporting seeing four times the level of demand this year compared to 2019.

The most popular Christmas party dates are 8 December and 15 December.

Many businesses also earmarked a significant increase in the average size and cost per head for Christmas parties in 2022. Overall budgets were up by around 50% according to a report earlier this year.

Mr Hayes added: “The days of clocking off at 3pm, turning the office into a disco and putting out some mince pies are long gone. Companies are now pulling out all the stops to put on a great event which has created a huge market for those in the entertainment industry.”

 

TO READ MORE VISIT: https://musicandbands.co.uk/news/trending-christmas-party-bands

 

TOP 15:

  1. The Overtones
  2. Boyzlife
  3. Coyote
  4. The Talent
  5. Rewind 80s
  6. Slade
  7. The RPJ Band
  8. Madhen
  9. Singing Waiters
  10. Urban Intro
  11. American Four Tops
  12. MIB Band
  13. Nearly Bublé
  14. The Funtime Frankies
  15. The Edge
Charity News, Christmas, News

PKF Smith Cooper Systems Launches Spare A Chair Christmas Campaign

PKF Smith Cooper Systems, an award-winning Sage business partner, has launched its 2023 Christmas campaign, ‘Spare A Chair’.

The company is asking local businesses to donate the cost of an extra seat at their Christmas party. The total raised will be split between three charities: the NSPCC, Shelter, and the Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance.

This campaign follows previous work fundraising for charities based across the country, including donations to the Thames Valley Air Ambulance, Winchester Basics Bank, and The Cowshed as part of their event earlier this year in Reading.

PKF Smith Cooper Systems’ Managing Director, Chris Smith, said:

“Over the last few years we have done some great things working specifically with food banks local to our offices. This Christmas, we really wanted to take things up a level and had this idea as we were organising our own Christmas party! For the price of one extra attendee at the Christmas party, businesses can make a major contribution to one of the charities below and help the most vulnerable at a particularly tough time of year.”

Companies who want to donate to the campaign can do so by going to the campaign’s dedicated page on GiveWheel    

About Shelter: Shelter exists to defend the right to a safe home and fight the devastating impact the housing emergency has on people and society. Shelter believes that home is everything. Learn more at www.shelter.org.uk.

About NSPCC: The NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) is the leading children’s charity in the UK, working to prevent child abuse and neglect. Through its helpline, therapeutic services, and campaigning efforts, the NSPCC aims to ensure that every child has a safe and nurturing childhood. Learn more at www.nspcc.org.uk.

About Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance: Initially created to respond to the immediate needs of people in Derby at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance now supports people experiencing food poverty, through food provision, signposting, education, and advice. Learn more at www.derbyfood4thoughtalliance.org.uk.

About PKF Smith Cooper Systems: Founded in 2014, PKF Smith Cooper Systems is a Sage business partner, based in Derby. They work across the UK, in multiple industries, to implement Sage’s business accounting software into companies of all shapes and sizes. The company has a proud track record of supporting causes both local and national.

Christmas, Employee Benefits, Employee Engagement, News

TOP TIPS FOR SMEs TO HOST THE BEST XMAS PARTY AND ENGAGE EMPLOYEES

Chris Ronald, VP B2B EMEA at employee benefits platform Blackhawk Network Extras, provides readers with some top tips on how to host the best Christmas party this year

As we approach the festive season, it’s time to start thinking about organising the perfect office Christmas party. At Blackhawk Network Extras, we understand the importance of creating memorable and enjoyable events for your team. That’s why we’ve put together a festive collection of office Christmas party ideas that will make ’tis the season to be jolly.

Office Christmas parties offer numerous benefits, such as making employees feel valued, improving staff retention, boosting motivation, and strengthening workplace friendships. In fact, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) considers Christmas parties the most popular Christmas perk.

So, let’s dive into some fantastic ideas to ensure your office Christmas party is a hit:

 

Ask the audience:

Before planning the party, take the time to ask your team what they’d like. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and considering diverse preferences, dietary needs, and accessibility requirements is key.

 

Christmas Jumper Party:

Embrace the festive tradition of ugly Christmas sweaters. Let employees showcase their holiday knitwear and turn it into a fun contest with prizes for the most outrageous jumpers.

Christmas Karaoke Party: Provide a festive soundtrack for your employees to sing their hearts out. It’s a fantastic way to bond over classic holiday tunes.

 

Christmas Cooking Party:

Host a culinary adventure where teams prepare a festive feast together. If an in-person event isn’t feasible, a virtual cooking class can also be exciting.

 

Christmas Party in a Box: Consider gifting employees a selection of holiday-themed items or money-saving employee benefits. This gesture not only spreads joy but also provides long-lasting financial relief.

 

Christmas Quiz:

Test your employees’ knowledge of holiday traditions, music, and movies with a Christmas-themed quiz. Offer prizes for correct answers to add some friendly competition.

 

Pantomime Party:

Embrace the theatrical spirit with a pantomime-themed party. Encourage employees to dress up as their favourite pantomime characters for an unforgettable night.

 

Secret Santa Party: Add a twist to your Secret Santa tradition by hosting a party where employees open their gifts together or create personalised Christmas-themed cards.

Photo Booth Party: Capture memories with a holiday photo booth, complete with festive props and backdrops. Let employees get creative and have fun with selfies.

 

Remote Office Party:

Include remote employees by organising virtual holiday activities such as trivia quizzes, gift exchanges, carol singing, and more.

 

Festive Escape Room Party: Transform your office into a Christmas-themed escape room for an immersive adventure. It’s a great way to promote teamwork and collaboration.

 

Charitable Party: Foster a sense of community and togetherness by organising charitable activities like collecting items for the local food bank or volunteering at a shelter.

Winter Wellness Party: Prioritise employee well-being by offering a day of self-care activities like spa sessions, yoga, massage, and meditation to alleviate holiday stress.

 

Christmas Movie Party: Create a cosy cinema in your largest meeting space for a holiday movie night. Don’t forget the seasonal snacks and mulled wine!

 

We hope these ideas inspire you to plan the ultimate office Christmas party that your employees will truly appreciate. Remember, it’s all about celebrating the season, building connections, and spreading joy within your workplace.

Christmas, Employee Benefits, Events

Companies to spend 142% more on employees this Christmas

  • Employers spend 142% more on Christmas parties than any other work event. 
  • Companies spend an average of £58 per employee on Christmas celebrations. 
  • Escape rooms the most popular Christmas party activity. 
  • Thursday revealed as the most popular Christmas party day, while Monday is the least popular.
  • Media, advertising and investment banking are the most generous employers. 

Remote workers are set for a very merry Christmas as employers gear up to spend a whopping 142% more on their festive celebrations, according to a study by Avva Experience.

The corporate experience company analysed data from over 200 companies, which revealed an average Christmas party budget of £58 per person, compared to £24 on employee events held earlier in the year.

The study also showed Thursday is the most popular day for virtual Christmas parties, with nearly 30% of events taking place on this day. Whilst Mondays were the least popular weekday.

Interestingly, escape rooms and virtual challenges are the most-loved Christmas party activities, with 35% of companies preferring this over activities like cocktail making and wine tasting.

Media, advertising, and investment banking industries were the biggest spenders – with average budgets of £75, £70, and £63 per person, respectively.

Avva Experience CEO and co-founder, Barnaby Sellers, said: “Virtual Christmas parties are a great way for companies to show their appreciation for their employees and celebrate the holiday season. This data highlights the importance companies place on boosting employee morale and celebrating achievements which is really encouraging. As remote working continues to be the norm, and companies seek to bring together geographically dispersed teams, virtual events and experiences are becoming increasingly popular.”

 

—

About Avaa Experience

Founded in 2018 by Barnaby Sellers and Chris Smith, Avva Experience provides hundreds of virtual and hybrid events and experiences for companies looking to engage their remote teams and communities.

Christmas, News, Travel, Wales, West Wales

Luxury Welsh resort offers a festive escape for the whole family this Christmas

Bluestone National Park Resort has announced details for its highly-anticipated Christmasland break, which will be running from 6th November 2023 to 4th January 2024, and offers families a festive break starting from less than £18pp per night and with 35% savings.

The luxury holiday resort is situated within 500 acres of National Coastal Park in the scenic Pembrokeshire countryside and for the second year running has been named in the top 3 of best holiday parks in the UK by Which? Magazine.

It’s made up of luxury and platinum lodges, cottages and studio apartments which accommodate between one and 14 guests, making it the perfect festive break for couples, friends and large families.

‘Christmasland’ is an experience like no other with a full-festive takeover of the resort. On arrival at Bluestone, guests are transported into a world of winter wonderment and magic, greeted by twinkling trees and elves who will hand out a ‘Christmasland Passport’ – a jam-packed itinerary of the festive fun to make the most of during the stay, including a Polar Postal envelope, ready for the all-important letter to Santa.

All guests will save on three or four-night stays with free entry into a host of exciting and magical activities including Claus Christmas Show, an interactive theatre experience, and Santa’s Sleigh ride, a VR experience that offers little ones the chance to become Santa’s helper.

Guests staying for this duration will also enjoy free entry to Santa’s Workshop, where you’ll be taken on an enchanting journey to discover the secrets behind Santa’s magical workplace including creating delicious shortbreads at the Jolly Ginger Bakery! before meeting Santa Claus himself.

The whole resort has had a festive makeover, with the indoor water park becoming “Elf Lagoon” and its indoor adventure play dome undergoing a full transformation to become “The Snow Globe”.

For those looking for a more relaxing Christmas spirit, the award-winning Well Spa Retreat offers a hydrotherapy pool, thermal suite including experience showers, an ice pod, a sea salt cave, and a meditation room, as well as soothing treatments.

Discover more about Christmasland 2023 at www.bluestonewales.com/discover/whats-on/christmasland

Charity & CSR, Christmas, Construction, News

Gift from Premier Forest helps Yorkshire Santa spread festive cheer

This festive season, Premier Forest Products is showing support for an inspiring fundraiser by donating 6m³ of products to the cause.

Premier Forest Products reached out to Reese Fletcher, the landscape gardener who raises money for vulnerable children at Christmas time, after hearing about his amazing project on BBC Breakfast.

Reese crafts Christmas trees out of leftover wood and sells them for £10, using the profits to buy Christmas presents for children and young people at risk in his local area.

In 2020, his first year, Reese raised £3600 and last year, after word spread, they raised an incredible £10,000, which meant they bought toys for hundreds of children in the area.

This year, they have set themselves a target of £50,000 and have scaled up the scheme massively, organising collection points, online fundraisers and receiving large donations from businesses like Premier.

Premier is always keen to help their local communities across their 12 sites in England and Wales, with Premier Forest Doncaster donating to Reese’s local appeal.

 

Andrew Francis, UK Sales Director at Premier Forest, said:

“The work that Reese and his team are doing in our local community is so important, especially at this time of year. We’re proud to be able to support them in any way we can and hope our donation helped them raise even more funds to buy even more presents for local children in need.”

 

On the donation, Reese Fletcher said: “I’m very grateful to businesses like Premier for approaching me to donate to the cause. The wood to make the trees has to come from somewhere and receiving it for free means more money can go towards buying presents for vulnerable children.”

 

Premier Forest Products is a vertically integrated timber operation engaged in the importation, sawmilling, processing, merchanting, and wholesale distribution of timber and timber products.

You can donate to Reese’s JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/reese-fletcher-2

 

Image: Reese and his team featured on the BBC