REED Employment got into the festive spirit last week, with the opening of its refurbished offices in Wote Street, Basingstoke.

A choir of 29 carol singers from Bishop Challoner School set up outside and entertained ceremony guests and passers-by alike.

Siobhan Smith, head of music at the school, said: "It's good to be able to support local businesses and the children are really enjoying it.

"People started giving us money, which we weren't expecting, so we decided to put my school bag on the pavement and collect for charity."

The school raised more than £60 in less than two hours for the Catholic Children's Society.

Candidates, clients, staff and local dignitaries were all present at the ceremony, where chief executive James Reed cut the ribbon and declared the refurbished premises officially open.

He said: "It gives me great pleasure and considerable pride to be here today. I've always enjoyed coming to this lively branch and now, with its fabulous bright new office, it offers an even friendlier welcome to our team and its clients and candidates."

The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Gwen Richardson, also gave a speech at the ceremony.

Jo Rapley, business manager at the branch, said: "I would like to thank our guests for sharing this important and momentous day with us. We are all very excited about the new and improved office. This branch hasn't changed much since it opened in 1985, so it was really in need of a refurb."

Because of the prominent position of the offices in the town centre, privacy is paramount. For this reason, the new training and testing area has frosted glass, which gives privacy to those who may worry about their current employer walking past.

They have also introduced private interviewing rooms at the back of the building that allow them to conduct comprehensive interviews with both clients and candidates to give them a thorough picture of what both parties are looking for.

These rooms may also be used for clients to interview the candidates - another important factor for companies who may not have the spare space to conduct interviews on their own premises.

"The interview rooms are a great addition because it's important to be able to talk in private about issues, such as pay, that you may not feel comfortable discussing in a room full of people," said Linda Coleman, who has been temping for Reed for 10 years.