Ultimate Xmas sales counter party research

11 October 2003

The Ultimate Experience has sold 15% more Christmas parties than this time last year and says the figures fly in the face of research

The Ultimate Experience has sold 15% more Christmas parties than this time last year and says the figures fly in the face of research that suggested events for more than 250 people would fall by almost half. Managing director Mike Kershaw said: “The view that Christmas represents a downturn is unfounded as we have found that this time of year is a robust part of corporate culture.” Kershaw added that the doubling of the tax-free limit on individual spend at corporate parties to £150 may have boosted confidence in the market and helped The Ultimate Experience sell 163 parties to date. Marketing agency Davies Tanner surveyed businesses in central London at the start of the year and predicted a 45% fall in parties for more than 250 guests (Event, July/August). The Ultimate Experience is expected to announce its new City-based venue for corporate parties this month after losing its biggest site at the Honorary Artillery Com- pany (Event, October).