The summer season for entertaining customers at places such as Glyndebourne, Wimbledon, The Chelsea Flower Show and Henley is on us, which squeezes out the people not on the A list for invitations to such events. It has to be the A list since these indulgences come at a price few private individuals could afford. Even that seems a bargain next to the cost of taking clients to watch the formula one Grand Prix at Monaco. That could easily set the company back 2000 a head. But there is waning enthusiasm for conspicuous spending, Mr Hoare says.
Companies do want to be seen to be lavish.
Nobody seems to watch the rowing at Henley, being far too deeply engaged in drink, food and relaxing, which does allow the establishment of a rapport with customers. Non-sporting events can also be pretty pricey. Mark Butler, who has his own company, wishes he could get access to Glyndebourne. It is also popular with bankers, management consultants, accountants and advertising agencies. Mr Butler points out it has the added attraction of being less formal and remote than Covent Garden or Glyndebourne, as well as being outdoors but under cover.