Scott Bennett
11 December, 2024
News

Is this the UK’s best Christmas party? Employees unwrap over £20k in gifts as AO takes over Alberts Schloss for spectacular Christmas party.

A mum got an early Christmas surprise and is finally able to take her two young daughters to Disneyland after winning a life-changing sum of money at her work’s Christmas party.

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Nicole Swinhoe, who works on the stock planning team for online electricals retailer AO, won £5,000 after her name was drawn at random during a giveaway hosted by founder and CEO, John Roberts.

Nicole, 30, of Chorley, says that the money will finally allow her to take her two young daughters to Disneyland in Florida. 

She said: “I couldn’t believe it! The whole night was an incredible experience, and the £5,000 will make such a difference to my family.

Kevin Walmsley wins £2,000 at AO's Christmas Party, with Founder and CEO, John Roberts
Kevin Walmsley wins £2,000 at AO's Christmas Party, with Founder and CEO, John Roberts Credit: AO World plc

“I was able to take my eldest daughter to Disneyland Paris a few years ago and ever since, my youngest has always felt like she missed out, so to be able to think about taking both of them to Disneyland in Florida will be just the most magical holiday of our lives.

“We all went to the staff party for a great night out, never in my wildest dreams did I expect to be leaving £5k richer with the ability to take my girls to Florida. Honestly unbelievable!”

 

Chris Wilson wins £5,000 at AO's Christmas Party, with Founder and CEO, John Roberts
Chris Wilson wins £5,000 at AO's Christmas Party, with Founder and CEO, John Roberts Credit: AO World plc

Another big winner on the night was Honor Wildblood, who works in AO’s HR team and won an incredible £2,500. The 25-year-old from Bury is planning on spending the money on a dream trip to Miami with her close group of girlfriends.

The prizes included two lots of £5,000, £2,500, £2,000 an iPhone 16 Pro and of course an AO teddy bear.

Nicole Swinhoe wins £5,000 at AO's Christmas Party, with Founder and CEO, John Roberts
Nicole Swinhoe wins £5,000 at AO's Christmas Party, with Founder and CEO, John Roberts Credit: AO World plc

The second winner of £5,000 was 24-year-old Chris Wilson, who works on the commercial team at AO’s head office in Horwich. 

 

Honor Wildblood wins £2,500 at AO's Christmas Party, with Founder and CEO, John Roberts
Honor Wildblood wins £2,500 at AO's Christmas Party, with Founder and CEO, John Roberts Credit: AO World plc

“My girlfriend's sister moved over to Dubai in 2019, then of course with the pandemic and the cost of living, we’ve never had the opportunity to see her. I can’t wait to be able to surprise her with a pair of plane tickets, for them to reunite after five long years.

Held at Alberts Schloss on Saturday, December 7, the annual AO Christmas Party was a no-expense-spared extravaganza, featuring glitzy cabaret, DJs, live music and of course free food and drinks all night.

John Roberts, AO’s founder and CEO, said: “Our legendary AO Christmas Party is always an epic night and a well-earned chance for our people to play hard after working hard all year.

"It’s our opportunity to thank them in fine style for the care and effort they put in all year to creating magic in the moments that matter for customers. They deserve every minute of it and it’s mega to know that these prizes will make such a massive difference to our winners including Nicole, Chris and Honor.”