A Bermudian firm is celebrating its 20th anniversary by taking all its staff to New York for their Christmas party.

Consolidated Group of Companies? president and chief executive officer, Trevor Williams, said that the company had decided to fly their 15 employees to New York for a treat and in recognition of their hard work.

?When we had our tenth anniversary we decided to take everyone to New York, so when it came round for the twentieth anniversary, we thought it would be nice to do it again,? said Mr. Williams.

The 15 staff are being flown out on the early morning flight and given the day to themselves, before being taken for cocktails followed by dinner at a top restaurant.

Jennifer Kelly, vice president/treasurer of the company, said staff were looking forward to the trip, which takes place at the end of the month.

?It is a bit early for dressing up as Santa, but we will see,? she said.

Mr. Williams was one of the founders of the corporate administration company in 1983 which he started with John Epps.

?The purpose was to bridge the gap between companies that just required a law firm, and ones that needed office facilities,? said Mr. Williams. The business started dealing mainly in shipping, where Mr. Williams had been working but has since branched out to mutual funds and insurance.

In 1985 it became affiliated with TST Management which specialises in providing accounting and payroll services to local companies.

In 1989 the group moved from its Front Street offices to a purpose built office at Par-la-Ville Place, on Par-la-Ville, which is built with four other companies to give them a large office space.

The fund management arm of the business was incorporated in 1993 and provides administrative services to mutual funds.

?Consolidated has developed a niche market in the shipping industry providing a broad range of services to ship owners operating in the tanker, bulk carrier and cruise ship sections of the industry,? he said. ?The group is currently experiencing the most significant growth is Consolidated Fund Management Ltd., providing accounting and administrative services to a number of mutual funds.?