Rob Scott
The Today Digital team journeyed to Cardiff this June to spend two nights in the Welsh capital for what would be a well-earned break.
Given the growth of the business during the previous 12 months, it was the first time that many of the team had met in person. As is customary in remote working businesses now, there was much discussion about how tall or short people had perceived their co-workers to be before they met in person!
Dubbed the ‘Summer Recharge’, the event kicked off on a Wednesday afternoon with a trading and operational update from the Senior Management Team. During the update, CEO & Founder Rob Scott shared his vision for Employee Experience with the team and highlighted a 4-day work week trial to start in January 2023.
Scott stated:
“I am committed to making this business a great place to work. We are on a fantastic journey in each of our brand’s technology markets. I honestly wake up every day excited to come to work. I want to share that excitement with you all, and I want you to truly value your time with the business.”
Networking drinks ensued and gave staff the chance to mingle and discuss the activities planned for the following day. After an Italian meal, the team found their way to a local Wetherspoon’s pub to round off the first night, with the bulk of the activities still to come.
It was an early start on the Thursday morning as the team piled into minibuses and made the hour journey north to the bottom of Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales.
Following a quick briefing from our resident action man, Sales Manager Jon Melson, we set off on our climb to reach the summit – 886 metres above sea level.
The trek challenged the team, but the company’s collaborative nature shone through as everyone helped each other reach the peak. Spirits were high, and everyone posed for a group photo, shared some sweets and caught their breath before beginning the descent.
The ground underfoot was rugged and uneven. The rains came in mid-descent as the group made their way to the destination, a quaint tearoom in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
After filling up on tea and sandwiches, a ride on the mountain railway was next, with the biggest thrill-seeking activity still to come. Every member of Today Digital completed the 10km hike, and there was a great sense of achievement in the air!
It wasn’t long after leaving the train station that the team arrived at Zip World, a thrill-seekers paradise on Pen y Fan’s edge.
Said to be the ‘fasted seated zip line in the world’, the group was treated to more stunning views of the Welsh scenery as they sped down the mountainside reaching speeds of 60 mph!
Then it was time to hit the town for a well-deserved night out in Cardiff. Team members shared stories from the day over a meal and some drinks. For those with fuel left in the tank, it was time to hit a karaoke bar and dance until the small hours rolled around.
After breakfast the next day, it was time to part ways from what was another fantastic company recharge event, despite a few sore heads!
As the team made their way back home, the messages were flying across the company Microsoft Teams chat. Here is what a few of the newer members of the team had to say.
James Stephen, Technology Journalist for UC Today, said:
“I know we’re too progressive, but if we worked in an office, it would be the best office in the world.
“Really nice to meet so many of you, and I hope to see you all again soon.”
Callum Sharman, Content Marketer, added: A pleasure to meet so many of you and thanks to everyone for such a warm welcome to the team!
“The climb up Pen y Fan and the karaoke night will live long in the memory.”
All focus has now turned to the Christmas party as the bar has been set high for company get-togethers! We will undoubtedly have more stories to share and will have welcomed new faces into the business by the time the festive period rolls around.
Stay tuned for more updates coming soon from the Today Digital team! 🖖
