We waited more than five years for it and the B+K Group Chairman’s Night 2023 didn’t disappoint.
Postponed for two years by the pandemic, the event was themed A Journey Through Time – Our First 100 Years and started with drinks receptions amidst the glitz and glamour of the roaring twenties.
Chairman Jack Kirkland welcomed more than 1100 staff and reminisced about the beginnings of Bowmer + Kirkland and the part played by his father, former Chairman John Kirkland, in the success of the company. He also looked to the future with the acquisition of new group companies and investment in our younger trainees and apprentices. Our VIPs for the night – those receiving their 25-year long service awards – were congratulated on stage by Jack and Chris Kirkland. The formalities ended with Jack thanking everyone, saying:”I would like to thank each and every single one of you for your dedication, hard work, enthusiasm and willingness to go above and beyond ensuring that our company retains its place as the best in the business. Here’s to the next 100 years!”
Guests then travelled back to the future via a 1950s/60s diner and the 70s and 80s with a silent disco and cocktail bar. The focus of the venue at Derby Conference Centre is a sunken lounge which featured silver and gold decor fitting for a huge party. We enjoyed music from Hot House Jazz who played as a trio in the 1920s drinks reception and then as a brilliant six-piece in the sunken lounge.
They were followed by 14-piece The Royals, who wowed us with their energy and seemingly everyone at the venue was up on their feet dancing the night away.