Our September Company Retreat in West Sussex

A main goal was to strengthen our internal bonds, especially with new team members. The retreat started on a high note with a lovely dinner provided by Bekki, our head of Design. The relaxed atmosphere immediately fostered easy connection. The welcoming tone was set right from the start, as several of our partners joined us for the evening.

Direction and Hands-On Learning

Our first full day began with a focus on self-care, as Ross, or Project Manager, led a Group Tai Chi session outside on the picturesque grounds. Once the full team was on site, we immediately dove into the Opening Keynote and workshop led by Managing Director Pete, where he outlined our progress this year, highlighted key successes, and set our strategic direction for the remainder of the year.

With team connection as a core theme, Bekki’s husband, Ewan, led a hands-on woodworking workshop. We tasked ourselves with crafting a small spice box, and Ewan guided us through the entire process, from selecting the wood to cutting and planing.

After lunch, our first dedicated team-building session saw everyone sharing a personal photo and a story. This quickly helped us move past surface introductions. Later, we relaxed by the pool and hot tub while discussing the future of AI, exploring how we can integrate it into our workflow and identifying other potential uses. We ended the day with a fantastic BBQ dinner prepared by Chef Tim, with the evening open for more socialising or a soak in the hot tub.

Growth, Trust, and Celebration

Tuesday was packed with both professional development and fun. Rachel kicked off the morning with a session focused on our individual professional development journeys, prompting us to consider where we want to grow next.

Next, Bekki led us through a painting session using acrylics. In this calm setting, we practiced letting go of perfectionism and focused on being present in the moment; everyone produced work they were proud of.

In the afternoon, Ross led a discussion on trust in working environments and its impact on employees. We explored how this dynamic looks for us and how we can actively build trust as a team and a company. This was followed by more casual poolside chats where we discussed anything we felt could be improved or new ideas we wanted to try.

The evening was focused on acknowledging and celebrating our achievements this year. It began with Pete teaching us to make some of his favourite cocktails. This led into a magnificent three-course dinner cooked by Chef Tim. The night reached its peak with the highly anticipated Steadfast Awards and a fun, competitive quiz, giving us a fantastic opportunity to recognise accomplishments and celebrate our shared success.

Reflection and Farewell

Our final day was dedicated to reflection and a relaxed farewell. Rachel continued the theme of personal development and connection by facilitating a round-table discussion where we explored what progress looks like for each of us and left positive notes for every person. This session helped us consolidate our takeaways and set intentions for the coming months.

The retreat officially concluded with an optional, special group activity: a peaceful foraging walk with Ross. This walk allowed for one-on-one chats and a true moment of mindfulness, followed by a final coffee and cake together before we all headed our separate ways.

The retreat was a resounding success, effectively balancing our need for productive discussion with valuable team building. We left feeling refreshed, inspired, and, most importantly, more connected than ever.