This Year’s CET Christmas Party was a Virtual Success

After the Government’s recent announcement of Plan B and how we can help prevent the spread of COVID, a Christmas Office Party seemed like a thing of the past. However, a virtual Christmas Party was swiftly arranged by Our People, with special thanks to Jan Fairhurst, Adam Wilmington, Charlotte Penny-Slinn, Kevin Chapman, Claire Sohal, Stuart Boles, and our very own People First Forum who helped to make the virtual party as spectacular as it was.

The virtual CET Christmas Party was held on Thursday 16^th December on Microsoft Teams; a platform that all of Our People are very familiar with as we all work from home. The festivities kicked off at 4pm with an introduction from our Senior Management Team followed by a mini-awards ceremony. This ceremony saw over 400 nominations be condensed down into one winner for 12 categories- which was a very difficult task to say the least!

A Family Scavenger Hunt later took place which entertained adults and their children alike, sending them on a hunt around the house for various Christmas-themed objects. Once all the items had been retrieved, we saw some of the very best talent CET has to offer in a karaoke session. The night was still young and up next was Kevin Chapman’s Christmas Quiz-Show which had everyone laughing and revelling in such a festive and family-like atmosphere.

Then it was time for the finale. The pièce de resistance. The Wheel of Fortune Christmas Prize Giveaway with presents up for grabs such as an Apple iPad, a blissful Spa Day with a 25-minute treatment for two, gin lovers masterclass with tastings and meal for two, family entry to an indoor trampolining experience, and much, much more! This portion of the night saw those at the party have their name entered into a spinning wheel which was spun and decided the winner for each prize. The spirit of Christmas was at an all-time high at this point in the night as the gift-giving spread cheer amongst everyone.

The event was such a huge success, with over half of Our People turning up throughout the night.

But don’t just take our word for it, here is some of the feedback we received on the night:

“Who knew an eight hour Microsoft Teams meeting could be so much fun! We reinvented the Christmas party for the virtual world, and it seems people had just as much fun (and probably felt a lot better the next day!). We also had more people attend than we have ever done at an old-style, pre COVID party- the turnout was incredible.” Nic Sharp, CET Commercial Director.

Jacqui Haughey, CET Customer Service Network Manager, agreed: “The night was a total success! The banter was through the roof, and everyone was having such a fantastic time. Even though it was a virtual event, it really did feel like we were all together.”

“CET is like my second family,” said Kevin Chapman, CET Customer Incident Manager, “It was amazing to see faces both new and familiar!”

Everyone had such a wonderful time and we are extremely excited to do it all again next year, either virtually or in the same room!