It may not have exactly been Caribbean weather outside but inside London’s Floridita restaurant and bar in Wardour Street last night the Office Agents’ Society summer party was certainly hotting up as over 100 attendees embraced the adopted Caribbean spirit of the event.

Sporting everything from neon dresses (Porterfield’s own Liz Morrell for one!) to outrageous shirts (for which Johnny Gardiner of Savills has to win a prize) to over-the-top bow ties and the more predictable carnival masks and Hawaiian necklaces the South East’s leading office agents came together to celebrate summer (or its lack of!) in style at the annual event.

Of course as well as the usual free bar, three course meal and general networking there was the serious job of raising cash for OAS’ adopted charity Sparks. After an introduction from Strutt & Parker’s masked Matt Willcock and a touching appeal from former England rugby international and British Lion Roger Utley the evening’s silent auction saw lots from a signed Liverpool football to cocktail lessons being sold off. Meanwhile in the excitement of the traditional main auction — run authoriatively by Jones Lang LaSalle’s Simon Bailey – the natural competitive nature of agents saw thousands raised for the charity as rival agencies bid against each other.

Of course in an industry that remains heavily male focussed filling the dancefloor proved a harder challenge – despite the sterling efforts of the night’s live band. But as the wine, conversation and champers continued to flow a few bravehearts were seen stepping (or should that be stumbling) onto the dancefloor to show off their moves. For the Porterfield posse however beds were calling – PR is a serious business after all and we have to be on top form for you guys.

All in all a great night, raising almost £20,000 for a great cause, if only marred slightly by the fact that for once the team on the Savills table actually behaved – well until we had gone anyway…..