Event organisers will be well aware that Gordon Brown doubled the longstanding £75 annual tax threshold for staff entertainment to £150 a few years ago. While it’s most often associated with Christmas party budgets, it’s worth noting that the threshold can be offset against any form of event throughout the year.

So, if your company employs 100 people, at the end of the accounting year £15,000 (including VAT), could as easily be set against a family fun day as post-work team drinks in your local pub.

For many companies, Christmas is still the main event. Rather than viewing the festive bash as a costly chore, smart companies are taking advantage of the tax break to give each staff member £150-worth of party for just £90 a head net.