Case Studies & FAQ

BRIBERY & CORRUPTION POLICY

Fun Events Corporate Services Limited (FunEvents.com) has always been committed to operating a corruption-free organisation and conducting all business and it’s dealings with any third parties professionally, with professionalism and in acceptance of all legal obligations. FunEvents.com will never tolerate any form of bribery, corruption or related malpractice and expects its employees and any third parties acting on its behalf to also adopt a similar approach. There term “Third Parties” includes any individual or an organisation which is or has been engaged by FunEvents.com or acts on behalf of an individual or organisation which is executed by FunEvents.com and this would cover freelancers, agents, talent, sub-contractors and fixers (each a “Third Party”).

This Bribery Policy explains what is required of any person connected directly or indirectly including Third Party employee’s or those engaged by FunEvents.com and what action must be taken by such person or Third Party should it encounter or suspect corruption or bribery of any kind whilst working for or with FunEvents.com.

Bribery

A bribe is an inducement offered, given or received in order to obtain an improper advantage, be it commercially or individually. Under the Bribery Act 2010 (“the Act”) the following actions are listed as criminal offences:

1. To offer or give a bribe;

2. To request, agree to receive or accept a bribe;

3. To bribe a foreign public official ; and

4. Failure by a company to prevent bribery by an associated person acting for that company’s benefit.

If an individual or a company is found to have committed an offence under the Act, substantial (unlimited) fines can be imposed and individuals responsible can face up to 10 years imprisonment. Obviously, a company implicated in any form of bribery or corruption would also suffer unquantifiable damage to its reputation.

The offence outlined at point 4 above refers to “associated persons” of an organisation. This is intended to cover the entire range of persons that may perform services for or on behalf of an organisation, including employees, freelancers, agents, suppliers and subsidiaries. FunEvents.com therefore requires all persons and Third Parties employed or engaged by it to comply with this policy and the Act generally at all times.

Hospitality and Gifts

FunEvents.com recognises that hospitality is, for the most part, an accepted form of business in order to establish or build good business relations and that it is normal for employees and Third Parties to give and/or receive gifts and hospitality in the course of their engagement. However, care must always be taken to ensure that the gift/hospitality that is given or received by/from FunEvents.com or Third Parties is reasonable and appropriate given the particular set of circumstances.

As a general rule, the less lavish the gift/hospitality is and the lower the expenditure, the less likely it will be deemed a bribe. If a gift/hospitality given or received appears out of the ordinary based on the circumstances and the particular business relationship or if the gift/hospitality is beyond what would reasonably or justifiably be given in the industry, question why it is being offered.

It is crucial that any person or Third Party giving or receiving a gift/hospitality on FunEvents.com‘s behalf considers the intention behind the gift/hospitality. If the giver of the gift/hospitality is hoping to persuade, induce or oblige the recipient to act improperly (as opposed to simply contributing to a legitimate business relationship) it could be deemed bribery. Please contact the CEO’s office immediately if based on the above you are still unsure whether a gift/hospitality is reasonable and/or appropriate.

FunEvents.com operates a Company Gift Register which logs all gifts given or received by or on behalf of the company. Any person or organisation acting on FunEvents.com’s behalf must register each gift received or given by it in the Company Gift Register as soon as it gives/receives the same.

Operating Abroad

The Act extends to the bribing of foreign officials and it is therefore crucial that any person or organisation acting on FunEvents.com’s behalf abroad is made aware of FunEvents.com’s policy on bribery and corruption. This clearly needs to be considered when engaging fixers and production services companies for foreign events.

FunEvents.com expects all employees and Third Parties who are required to provide their services abroad to seek local advice with regards disguised requests for facilitation payments; question the authority of those demanding any payments and ask to confirm such authority with superiors; always require receipts for any payments made; and, where necessary build in extra time to cover potential delays as a result of non-payment.

Code of Conduct

When working for, with or on behalf of FunEvents.com it is never acceptable for employees or Third Parties to:

• Offer or give a payment, gift or hospitality with the intention of obtaining a business advantage as a result of that inducement (rather than because of a bona fide commercial reason for providing the advantage, such as a lower price, better service etc), or to reward a business advantage already given; AND/OR

• Offer or give a payment, gift or hospitality to a government official, agent or representative to “facilitate” or expedite a routine procedure both at home or abroad; AND/OR

• Receive/accept a payment, gift or hospitality from a third party that it would be reasonable to suspect is offered with the expectation that it will result in a business advantage for that party; AND/OR

• Engage in any activity whatsoever that might lead to a breach of this policy or in contravention of the Act generally.

Failure to comply with this Bribery Policy will be deemed to constitute a material breach of an employee, worker or Third Party’s employment or engagement contract and shall entitle FunEvents.com to terminate the same with immediate effect.

Monitoring & Review

This Policy has been drafted and approved by directors of FunEvents.com who take the matter of bribery and corruption extremely seriously. The directors will regularly review this policy, assessing the efficacy of both the terms and implementation of its code of conduct. Any improvements identified as being necessary will be made as soon as possible in order to ensure that the policy is suitable, adequate, up to date and effective at all times.

If you have any questions about this policy or the code of conduct outlined above, or, suspect that any bribery or corruption has taken place, please contact the CEO office a senior member of staff immediately.

Our Focus ?
Our focus is in designing value for money travel & event packages. The aim for all businesses is to make profits. Our historical record already outlines the benefits provided to a number of branded companies. Whether it’s for a staff incentive package, conference, a fun activity or simply looking for either a retreat or honeymoon package, experience what door we can open !

Global connections ?
Our 25 years experience has made us serious player within the international event planning arena. For those that are curious… Yes, we also organise events within mainland Europe and the UK as we consider this as local. With such a vast supplier list, we may be amongst the most resourceful event planners around. Our focus is in designing events that enhance; luxury, enjoyment and communication.

The value of project management
All our project managers around the world are trained individuals with years of experience which means that they are at the forefront in preventing any negative issues relating to your event ever occurring. This often relates to issues that may seem simple when first discussing itineraries or schedules at the time of booking but often can be lost in translation. Project managers first responsibility is the client.

So many companies offering events…
Over the last 25 years, our clientele has grown. In our experience, its seldom about the budget but quality and value, however although budgets are an important factor, but more so; it’s often about the final end result that matters.

We always need to understand the core values behind both the organisation paying the account and the profile or make-up of those participating.

Let us explain; Assume we are required to organise a communication enhancing event for two very different industry sectors. One being a firm of prestigious accountants whilst the other being a sales oriented telesales operation… Due to the difference in work practices and staffing personalities, it’s not difficult to see why the final outcome may be different. This is important issue when considering the perfect event to select.

How long has your organisation been working within the events industry
That’s easy… The company has been organising high-end corporate events for over 25 years. Very little surprises us, but we always keep an open mind. We like to think that we know every aspect of the event planning industry and yes, often we do get surprises. Our buying power coupled with experience are proven traits which depict our market value.

How much detail do you need before you can start?
The more information clients supply at the outset, the better the final outcome. We want to ensure that all events work like clock work. Our secret has been a fully adaptable function sheet that is completed prior to execution of any event program.

Do you have any preferred locations
The answer to this is No. We have over 37 representation offices with is roughly just over 160 event suppliers worldwide from North America to Australia. They all understand the value of local communication and have in-depth knowledge of any advance festivals that help get the most out of any group event.

I want to feel comfortable with one source
Many of our clientele prefer to deal with a single source when it comes to organising an event rather than a collection of mixed suppliers where there is no central focal direction. This is key especially when you may at times need to shuffle event schedules and timings. This is a logistics issue and often discourages many from handling the projects directly. Its exactly what we have been doing for 25 years.

Anything you don’t do?
Children’s events, weddings ceremonies and bad events.

When you interact with the Fun Events Group we sometimes receive or collect personal information about you. All information held is regulated under the data-protection and can be accessible upon a written request. We do not keep any sensitive information on any server.

For example, if you write to us or sign up to a newsletter, you might tell us who you are, how we can contact you and what you think of the Fun Events Group and the goods and services it provides.

If you enter a competition, or apply for tickets from the Fun Events Group or any associated event, we may collect your contact details. If you register for an account, we may ask you to provide some personal information, such as your email address, so that we can manage your registration. We will never ask for any credit or debit card information as all payments are made via BACS.

The information we collect may vary depending on upon which Fun Events Group service you’re using.

Please don’t hesitate to contact our office should you require any additional information.

THE FOLLOWING ARE FOR GUIDE PURPOSES ONLY

1 * Transportation logistics

This refers to passenger distribution; from transfers, coaches to flight ticketing. Did you know that we are able to get the best prices on the market for airline seats if the group size exceeds 50 people. We have agreements in place where we are able to beat any on-line price plus give you the advantage of having flexibility in your tickets; Name changes, last minute alterations (normally permitted with business class), All airlines from BA, TAP, etc…

2 * Location

Where the event is being staged can be subject to price and value. This can also reflect on final quality of an event. Consider an excitable location, look at different city or country where you get more from an event. We always consider overseas locations for large events. Better exchange rate and easy logistical access and a look at any hidden charges that may be either included or even imposed as penalties like local taxes either directly or indirectly.

3 * Hotel / Venue Selected

Hotel rates vary from location / city / country. We can often get enhanced rates as group concessions also known as sweeteners.

4 * Event duration

This refers to total time from start to finish… 1 day to 5 days etc.

5 * Group size

The cost for various products and services often are cheaper subject to group size. The greater the group size the greater the discount. (Please note that the level of discount varies from event to type of services being commissioned.

6 * Budget

An open budget however beautiful this may sound is not realistic. Over spending on events can and often does happen and if accounting procedures are not recorded then this would be dangerous to all parties. Flexibility is also important as many clients often have the need for those last minute trinkets and souvenirs.

7 * Cancellation Policy

All bookings must be confirmed and paid for within 16 weeks prior to the event date. Any event cancelled within 12 weeks of the event date would mean that zero refund is applicable. Any cancellation made prior to 16 weeks will quality for full 100% refund. This will however not include any costs incurred for for flights as their prices are always subject to last minute changes and alterations.

8 * Changes and Amendments

With group bookings, there are often changes and alterations being made till the last four weeks of departure. We understand this and as policy, changes are permitted 4 weeks prior to the event date. However we do allow flexibility on this. Please note that this policy does not include any pre-paid airfares that may have been paid.

9 * Delegate registration, Conference Set-up ~ Set Design ~ Staging ~ Lighting and including take-down and clearance of waste

This refers to anyone considering planning a conference.

10 * Type of activities or services selected as extras.

Don’t assume that all products and services being commissioned on events are the same price. Whether its team building activities, theatre evenings, spa activities or golfing green fees, event and personal security to syndicate room hire rates etc, Please note that our full proposals outline all aspects of can or those that should be included.