National IAS Christmas Party

The IAS National Christmas Party took place on Thursday 8th December at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane hotel. It was great to be back in the beautiful and iconic art deco ballroom for the first time since 2014 when it was used for the IAS Awards.

Over 270 agents and clients attended the black tie event with close up magicians bamboozling everyone, caricaturists providing cartoon humour, a photo booth which produced some striking and highly amusing photos and a strike light reaction game that provided some suitable competition.

Chairman Gordon Reynolds opened proceedings explaining that this was his last speech as Chairman after 12 years on the National Committee including 2 years as Chairman. He then welcomed his successor to stage Daniel Harness who asked Gordon to remain on stage to see his surprise video message on the large screen from Brian Blessed - "GORDON'S ALIVE" was the theme of the message and Gordon commented - "it was a completely unexpected and genuinely special moment that I will never forget"

Daniel continued - "Gordon - on behalf of everyone in the room and members past and present, I want to say a big thank you for all your hard work over the years on the national committee, and more recently as Chairman. You have had to deal with some huge challenges during your tenure - Covid and the VAT situation. Having seen first-hand how hard you worked for the IAS whilst keeping up with your day job, it has been very impressive. You will be a tough act to follow"

A raffle took place to raise money for the chosen charity for 2022, Alzheimers Society and a total of £2,560 was raised on the night. Prizes included gift vouchers for Hotel Chocolat, Laithwaites, Mr & Mrs Smith, Tea at The Ritz, Urban Massage and Theatre Direct.

Thanks must of course go to all the very kind sponsors that supported the event - Tritax Symmetry, GLP, Bericote, PLP, Panattoni, Graftongate, IPIF, Goodman, SEGRO

The photos of the event can be seen via this link - bit.ly/3FJRm3E