Cicada Communications organised a packed evening of awards, fashion, and fun for its client Damart UK last month.

Damart’s second annual employee event, entitled ‘The Big Event: Working Together’ was held at Bradford’s Abundant Life Centre on Thursday 24 January.

The purpose of the evening was to bring staff together from Damart’s three UK sites in Bingley, Steeton and Earby for an evening of reward and recognition, team building and fun. Guests were treated to a buffet meal followed by an evening of entertainment hosted by Eastenders and Extras star Shaun Williamson.

Awards were presented to employees in three categories, reflecting the company’s values of Spirit of Innovation, Team Spirit, and Passionate about Customers. Damart also rewarded its long-serving employees, with one staff member recognised for working at Damart for 30 years.

Volunteer models from all areas of the business strutted their stuff down the catwalk in an array of best-selling and new season products – and not a thermal vest in sight!

There was a serious side to the evening too – managing director Andy Hill presented his business outlook for 2008, and company chairman Thierry Daignes flew over from France to present his company plans.

Cicada has worked with Damart on its internal communications since June 2007, planning the event and organising catering, the host, the running order and the promotion of the evening.

Damart’s Head of HR Amanda Cains was delighted with the event, saying: “Whilst we felt confident that Cicada could deliver our annual employee event, we had no idea quite how successful and enjoyable this would be. Their support and hard work from the initial planning to the final stages of the evening was fantastic and we could not have managed without them.”