KPMG party is on top form despite recession biting

Dec 16 2008 By John Bright

The KPMG Christmas party proves as usual to be an excellent occasion, but much talk about how long the recession will last.

Old pal Roy Richardson, of Richardson Capital, is there and in good form.

He thinks it is going to be a tough old time and indeed is cleverly opting out.

Has now just left on the Queen Victoria for his regular four-month round-the-world cruise.

So I tap him for a postcard and a T-shirt and wish him bon voyage.

James Retallack, of Aggregate Industries, insists the business remains in fighting form.

James is ordering all-comers to ‘talk up’ the economy.

He reckons incidentally that he can tell how well KPMG is doing by the quality of the Champagne that is available.

Apparently it is up to requirements and hence the accountancy firm should be in reasonable nick.

Sensibly, not wishing to be overly ostentatious in these troubled times, they have rationed the bubbly this year, but there is plenty of draught Tetley available.

And I meet up with another old friend, Tom Nash, of Citi Quilter, a noted Bluenose who even goes to most of Birmingham City’s away games.

Surely beyond the call of duty.

He tells me he is to spend new year in Somerset with a bunch of scoundrels, and has just obtained his Julius Caesar outfit.

Apparently the local pub is putting on some themed night.

Mind you, quite what a Slade tribute band and the Romans have got in common is quite beyond me.

Still, it sounds fun.

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PR darling Judy Hanley has been in the wars again.

She tells me: “Am now back in Blighty again, having organised a trip to Jamaica for six friends to run a half marathon there for Breast Cancer Care.

“I was meant to be running, too, but slipped on some wet leaves while out training and badly sprained my ankle.”

What, the old wet leaves excuse again, Hanley! Sounds a bit like British Rail or whatever they are called this week.

But, actually sympathy is needed.

“I ended up stuck in bed for a fortnight and having to be pushed around in a wheelchair. I think I would rather have run 13.1 miles in thirty degree heat!

“I’m now upright again, but still teetering!”

Bravo. Plucky old bird is Judy.