Now that the summer is almost over, we are getting into the time of year when people start organising their office Christmas Parties.  As people often consider hiring a coach to transport the staff to and from the office to the venue of choice, we thought it would be useful to put a few pointers down if you are considering hiring a coach.  As well as being cheaper than taxis, hiring a coach is also sociably responsible as it reduceds the temptation for drink-driving.

Usually when looking to hire a coach for a party, the general rule of thumb is that the later the return the more difficult and expensive it is to hire a coach.  If you are looking to hire a coach for your Christmas party or wedding, consider the following to ensure the occasion and associated coach hire runs as smoothly as possible:

• Hire the coach in good time - last minute coach hire bookings often result in poor planning. Hiring the coach in plenty of time ensures that all the information is confirmed, and any special instructions can be agreed.

• Try and finish the party before midnight - any later than this and the coach booking tends to be much more expensive.

• Don't drink too much! This is clearly difficult to control on an office party, or wedding but its important that there is no damage done to the coach as a result of drunken behaviour or illness. If you are hiring a coach for a party, then often expect a refundable bond to be asked for.  This ensures that if there is any cleaning or damage to be repaired on the coach the bond will cover the majority.

• Ensure that a responsible member of your staff is the nominated contact for the day or evening. If there are any problems such as the coach being delayed due to traffic, then the nominated person will be able to contact the coach driver.