The Christmas party was a lavish do at a bar in central Manchester(Image: Josh Cadogan)

Party lauded as 'best Christmas do ever' after boss's incredible act stuns employees

John Roberts, director of electrical retailer AO World, has received heaps of praise from his employees across Greater Manchester and his following on social media

by · The Mirror

A party has been labelled the "best work Christmas do ever" after the boss gave out a whopping £20,000 to his dedicated employees.

John Roberts wowed his workforce with his generosity after hiring out a bar and handing out the massive sums, which have helped some employees plan once-in-a-lifetime holidays.

Team members at AO World, an electrical retailer, indulged in a lavish spread of grub at Albert's Schloss in Manchester, enjoyed a live performance from Rick Astley, and several lucky workers then became significantly richer.

Writing online, one social media user crowned the bash the "best work Christmas do ever". Another said: "POV the company you work for hires out Albert's Schloss for the Christmas party and then bring Rick Astley out". Others on TikTok cheekily asked if there were any jobs going, as the swanky soirée caught the attention of people across the country.

Honor Wildblood, pictured with company boss John Roberts, wins £2,500 at AO's bash( Image: Josh Cadogan)
Mum-of-two Nicole Swinhoe says her £5,000 will help the family go on holiday( Image: Josh Cadogan)

Nicole Swinhoe, a member of AO's stock planning squad, bagged £5,000 in the raffle conducted by Mr Roberts. Ms Swinhoe, 30, is now planning a trip to Disneyland Florida with her two daughters. The mum, from Chorley, Lancashire, told Manchester Evening News: "I couldn't believe it. The whole night was an incredible experience, and the £5,000 will make such a difference to my family. 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, 24, scored a whopping £5,000 win. Chris, who works with the commercial crew, said: "My girlfriends 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."

Honor Wildblood, another employee, won £2,500 and plans to live it up in Miami with her friends. Other cash prizes were handed out, in addition to the latest iPhone 16 Pro.

Based in Bolton, Greater Manchester, electrical giant AO operates across the nation and is recognised on the London Stock Exchange, with around 3000 staff members.

Renowned for its catchy "AO, let's go" catchphrase, the company is also behind the naming of Manchester's AO Arena. Mr Roberts, who founded the company in 2000, 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."