More the merrier at Christmas

Fairfax Media

TIED UP WITH PARTIES: With company purse-strings tightening, some businesses are opting for a combined party where several companies get together for one super end-of-year shindig.

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The annual office party is getting bigger, writes Finbarr Bunting.

Going to your work Christmas party this year? Make sure you take your business card to introduce yourself to the stranger sitting next to you.

With company purse-strings tightening, some businesses are opting for a combined party where several companies get together for one super end-of-year shindig.

Auckland-based New Zealand Corporate Events is helping smaller companies make the most of their Christmas party budget by organising combined functions for businesses wanting a little extra for their money.

Manager Sharon Schutte said the combined Christmas party was "a sign of the times".

"We organised two last year as a test run and they went very well. We started off with three this year and are up to seven."

The company caters for groups of between 250 and 450 people.

But although the combined Christmas party offers more value for money, it's not necessarily all about reducing cost.

Water-heater manufacturer Rheem is one company that will be partying with strangers. Sales and marketing manager Steve Bullock believed the combined idea would give the party "real atmosphere" for its 60-odd participants.

"We are a relatively small company but it gets us benefits of a large corporate-type party with all the bells and whistles."

Philippa Stokes, import supervisor for Hemisphere Freight, also saw the benefit in the added atmosphere a bigger party offered. "With our small number we could have hired a restaurant, but it would not come with entertainment so the atmosphere would be different. Now, we just turn up and enjoy the night."

Stokes said her workmates had been very receptive to the new Christmas party idea.

"This is something extra and it is a bit of fun for everyone to dress up in black tie and celebrate the year."

- © Fairfax NZ News