AN amusing performance raised a few laughs at London Clancy’s 25th anniversary celebration.

Jim London and Mark Clancy, founding directors of the Basingstoke-based commercial property agents, put on an Alas Smith and Jones skit, at Bombay Sapphire Distillery, in Laverstoke.

Playing homage to the TV comedy sketch show popular in the 1980s and 1990s, they took a look at the firm’s quarter of a century, in front of around 100 guests.

In the style of the two great comedians, Mark said: “A lot’s changed – and that’s not just the hair styles and belt sizes, while Jim retorted: “You speak for yourself!”

The pair discussed the changes they have seen over the years such as with office printers and copiers, the use of floppy discs and filo faxes and the size of mobile phones and spike of today’s social media with Facebook, tweeting and selfies.

The latter is a far cry from when the pair worked for local agency Pearsons, which was based in London Street.

Following the firm’s takeover by The Prudential in 1986, they seized on the opportunity for a management buyout of the agency three years later.

During the Alas Smith and Jones homage, Jim said: “We started the business in 1990 in a recession.”

He went on to mention subsequent slumps, including the “dreadful” recession of 2008 to 2013.

Meanwhile Mark ironically added: “Some things don’t change. Well as business goes, we’ve moved with the times haven’t we? I mean who will ever forget our QR code mouse mats – absolutely groundbreaking.”

Still in character Jim said: “Some of the people we’ve had have been real characters – great people,” with Mark agreeing and adding: “All in all they’ve been a great bunch of staff and directors. We couldn’t have done it with the team – the team that gets results.”

Jim continued: “We’re in all the right places. We’re in Basingstoke, Camberley, Southampton and Winchester – all great towns and cities – all great places, slap bang in the best part of the country, Wessex.”

After the performance Jim addressed the guests more formally.

He said: “I’d like to thank all of our clients who are here. Thank you so much for all your support over the years - it’s very much appreciated.

“Without you we wouldn’t have a business.

“And thank you to the business community for all their support as well and to Bombay Sapphire who have done a magnificent job this evening.”

Jim spoke of the London Clancy charity challenge.

He explained: “We’ll all be doing a five by five challenge for three charities across our area to mark our 25 years.”

He said these will involve the Basingstoke office raising funds through various activities for the Ark Cancer Centre Charity, with the office in Southampton supporting the Jubilee Sailing Trust, and the Camberley team supporting the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice.