Concerto to appear on BBC tonight as firm hits back at pricing criticisms

David Quainton, 15 December 2009

Concerto chairman Mike Kershaw, who has launched a staunch defence of £100-per head Christmas parties, will appear on television as the event industry's Christmas party campaign continues to gain traction.

Kershaw is set to appear on BBC London Tonight (15 December) defending the Christmas party industry and talking about how the downturn has affected suppliers.

An article on ‘The death of the Christmas party?' is currently one of the most read on the BBC website, and Event and "Say Thank You at Christmas" campaign organisers have been interviewed by German and French TV as the continent picks up on the story.

"Europe sees it as a measure of how the City is doing," said Kershaw. "But Christmas parties are actually about small business. They touch everyone, from the butcher, the baker to, literally, the candlestick maker."

The downturn in Christmas party booking has hugely affected the event industry. Kershaw admitted that his Concerto Group, the largest such Christmas party supplier in the UK event industry, will "probably" have to reduce the number of venues it offers next December.

"Christmas parties, at £100 a head, remain incredibly good value, it would be far more expensive to create a bespoke event," said Kershaw. "Even though the market has been hit we'll be staying in it. It's still a huge market."

To leave a comment register and let us know your thoughts.