One of Scotland’s largest hospitality groups, Buzzworks Holdings, lived up to its reputation as a top employer in the country by celebrating with all of its employees at an extravagant black tie event recently.
The Buzzworks Ball is the biggest event in the groups’ annual calendar and aims to thank everyone within the 500-strong company for their hard work throughout the year. It also offers a backdrop to recognise key employees for their outstanding contribution to making Buzzworks great.
The Ayrshire based hospitality group holds a themed event each year and the 2018 spectacular was inspired by Alice in Wonderland and saw one of its venues transformed to emulate a magical adventure.
The grand night, held exclusively for Buzzworks employees, includes a three course meal and impressive live entertainment. All venues close early on the evening of the ball to ensure everyone in the company can be involved.
Stilt walkers and flame throwers welcomed guests through the ‘rabbit hole’ to Elliots in Prestwick where Bar Training Manager, David Howie mixed up cocktail concoctions on the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Terrace. Scottish piano and vocal duo Ginny and The Tonic provided a musical backdrop as everyone arrived and sipped their gin cocktails.
Buzzworks Brand Executive Chefs catered a savoury and sweet buffet in the Queen of Hearts restaurant where diners were mesmerised by Ariel Edge circus tricks, a magician and magic mirror selfie booth.
Alison Blair, Buzzworks Holdings MD, said: “We are really lucky to have such a fabulous team of people working within our business and it is important to us to show them just how much we appreciate their hard work.
“I’ve attended staff nights out in the past where the team can relax after a busy year and festive season, but I felt that our employees deserved a much bigger reward and so the Buzzworks Ball was born.
“The Ball has grown arms and legs over the years and has become a very special and memorable night. With a dedicated events team and three months of planning, we put on a great show and huge party that everyone can enjoy.
“We are extremely proud of our people and their hard work and commitment all year round – our annual ball is held for them, as a celebration to thank the whole team.”
At the 2018 ball, 14 awards were presented which included an Employee of the Year from all ten venues, Management Team Player of the Year and three prize draws for people that recommended a friend to work at Buzzworks.
The Management Award was presented to Company Buyer Pamela Gordon from Prestwick who was described as a great central support to the managers and the venues.
The Employee of the Year winners were:
- Elliots – Stephen Robertson – Commis Chef
- Scotts Troon – Joanna Cieslik – Senior Server and Bartender
- Scotts Largs – Ciaran Skinner – Senior Server and Bartender
- Lido Troon – Alastair Clark – Kitchen Porter
- Lido Prestwick – Christopher Cook – Junior Sous Chef
- Tree House – Debbie McKeating – Chef De Partie
- Long House – Ieva Talmane – Kitchen Porter
- Mill House – Jade Barr – Assistant Manager
- Corner House – Jordan Blades – Senior Server and Bartender
- Coach House – Karis Shankland – Team Leader
The final awards were a Buzzworks Ball first – the ‘Recommend a Friend Awards’. This is a companywide referral scheme where any member of staff who has successfully recommended a friend to work for Buzzworks was entered into a prize draw. The three winners Francis Carr, Mark Hamilton and Graeme Moffat each took home a share of £1,750 to spend on a trip of their choice.