Erik the Viking versus St George

Last week a Swedish Viking rather bravely entered a lionís den of England football supporters when the World Cup Group B deciding match between the two countries was screened by specialist finance, banking, office support and HR recruitment consultancy Poolia Parker Bridge, based in Holborn, London.

The event, rather aptly titled Let the Battle Commence, was held on the Gun Deck of the HMS Belfast for UK staff and clients of the specialist recruitment consultants. It was hosted by Erik Strand and Helena Nilsson, Chief Executive Officer and Corporate Communications Director (respectively) of Poolia AB, which is headquartered in Stockholm, who flew to London to MC the live screening of the showdown match.

Tensions were high, the wind providing a blustery backdrop as 100 clients sighed their way through the encounter while Chris Vacher, the voice of BBC South West, supplied the commentary. Lynda Pickess, Managing Director of Poolia Parker Bridge, said: ìI am not too sure Erik really knew what he was letting himself in for as the venue, not to mention all our fanatical English supporters were draped in the flags of St George.î Fortunately, a politically correct 2-2 fulltime score-line kept both sides happy and all corporate relations intact ñ although it turned out that Swedenís luck stopped there in the competition.

A raffle on the night kindly supported by Fleet Support generated 600 for Scope, a charity that supports sufferers of cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Tania Fitzgerald, Scopeís Financial Director was on hand to receive the cheque. She said ìit was a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Thank you on behalf of Scope and the disabled children and adults that we support, for the donation of the proceeds of the raffle. The support of companies like Poolia Parker Bridge is so important to us to continue our work.î

Poolia is listed on the Swedish Stock Exchange and employs over 2000 staff. It provides recruitment services in 25 locations throughout Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Germany and the UK.

For further information please contact Poolia Parker Bridgeís PR Executive Kim Matthews on 020 7464 1910 or kmatthews@pooliapb.co.uk.