Keeley organised another fantastic Christmas party for the Bonfire team this year

All staff and their partners were invited to The National Bowl in Milton Keynes to indulge in an array of unique Russian experiences as part of the Nostrovia themed party nights.

We were greeted by Cossack guards singing Siberian folk songs and the scantily clad male and female dancers impressed on many levels, putting everyone in the party spirit. The whole Bonfire team enjoyed a night packed full of entertainment including acrobats, trapeze artists, fire-eaters, poi-twirlers and stilt walkers.

After dinner the team made their way to the casino tables where Mic, drew an impressive crowd on the roulette table. Amassing a significant amount of chips on the table and supporting cheers from watchers on, Mic undoubtedly proved the star of the evening. Keeley also proved that she could give Lady Ga-Ga a run for her money when it came to her Poker Face and Paul, was strutting some moves that MC Hammer would be proud of!

Christmas Comes Early for Chocolate Lovers

Screen shot 2011-02-01 at 16.10.57Barens Chocolate have launched an advertising campaign to capture the hearts of chocolate lovers in the run up to Christmas. The adverts invite consumers to beat the festive rush and fill their stockings with Barens’ delicious range of luxury milk chocolate at discount prices.

Barens, a Swiss chocolate manufacturer, appointed design and branding agency Bonfire Creative Intelligence to create a series of advertisements to showcase a variety of their products including; Moon Melody, Alpen Zoo and hollow Milk Chocolate Santas. The series of four adverts ran throughout November and December in popular television listing titles Inside Soap and All About Soap. Gemma Umney, Senior Account Manager at Bonfire, comments, “These titles offer a captive audience. We are a nation of soap lovers who love nothing more than to curl up on the sofa and indulge in some of our favourite treats.”

The campaign drives readers to 99p stores where chocoholics can take advantage of the Barens’ range for only 99p. Normally priced at £1.99, this gives consumers the perfect opportunity to enjoy luxury chocolate at a fraction of the price. Gemma Umney adds, “In the current economic climate buyers are having to tighten their purse strings and make savvy Christmas purchases. Whether it’s parents purchasing goodies for their children’s Christmas stockings or adults looking for a treat, consumers can rest assured that they’re getting exceptional quality without breaking the bank.”

Sales have been increased 35% week-on-week with the fourth and final advert being published in All About Soap on 18th December.

On your marks, get set, ho ho ho!

Santa_Run_2010Whilst everyone else was Christmas shopping and indulging in a mince pie or two, the Bonfire team gathered at Bedford’s embankment on Sunday 5th December in support of local charity Keech Hospice Care. Donning Santa suits and beards the team, including family, warmed up before braving the winter weather and running 5k.

Keech provides free specialist care for young people diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. Their aim is to help patients enjoy the highest quality of life, while providing vital support for their family and friends throughout their loved one’s illness and in their bereavement. All of the charity’s services are offered free of charge therefore the support of the local business community is crucial.

Jason Pearce, Bonfire’s Director, commented, “This is the second year Bonfire has supported the Keech Santa run and we were incredibly impressed with 100% staff participation. All Bonfire employees were invited to an away day earlier this year as part of Bonfire’s corporate responsibility commitment and staff were incredibly passionate about this local charity, this is clearly reflected in their attendance and fundraising efforts.”

The charity aimed to raise £50,000 by attracting 500 runners. Bonfire were delighted to be able to contribute over £1,000 and plan to continue to support Keech Hospice Care in 2011.