On 13th July, our employee owners took time out to come together for the Summer Away Day in Steyning, South Downs. A great day of strategising, prioritising, discussing our company values, identifying risks and opportunities for the next 5 years and collaborative woodworking!
We were hosted by Making it Out, a fantastic charity based in Brighton and Hove that provides opportunities and resources to people who are at risk of committing crime change their current situation through art, design and making. To learn more about the charity, click through to their website
There was plenty of extra-curricular activity for our team to engage in. Under the careful guidance of Mark Whaley, charity co-founder and his team, we took to the drills and heavy duty saws and merrily spent a couple of hours breaking up pallets, measuring and cutting blocks to size to make two acoustic diffuser panels. For those wanting a more restful activity, Emma brought along her sound table for some calm and meditation!
Lucy Grubb, charity co-founder, and who kept us fed and watered throughout the day observed ‘I am always interested in the feeling that organisations give off and what impression they create to an outsider. My impression was of a very happy, dynamic and ambitious team with vision. People are obviously used to speaking openly and honestly and not afraid to challenge. There was a great deal of respect both from the management team, towards the management team and between peers. Humour was important! It felt very caring as discussion on social capital and mental health featured highly. Shyer members of the team were cared for. Everyone was engaged with the process of creating the strategy and genuinely wanted to contribute. That created cohesion and felt very egalitarian. Collaboration was key’
We couldn’t have said it better Lucy, thank you to you and Mark for helping make the day a success. Now on to shaping our strategy for the period 2024-2025 and finalising a new set of company values shared by all.
