On 13 June, we swapped our project plans and site visits for safety harnesses and throwing axes as the entire Consult Group came together for our annual Team Day. This year, we descended on the beautiful St Andrews Lakes for a day dedicated to collaboration, wellbeing, and team development. It was a fantastic opportunity to welcome our colleagues from Consult Construct, Consult Sustain, and our new team at Consult LDN, bringing everyone together away from the usual demands of work.
The day was filled with energy, laughter, and a healthy dose of friendly competition. From zip-wiring across the water to hitting bullseyes in archery, the event was a powerful reminder that the foundations of a great company are built not just in the office, but through shared experiences and genuine connection. It was also, by a wonderful coincidence, International Axe Throwing Day—a fact we fully embraced!
More Than Just a Day Out: The Purpose Behind the Fun
While the activities were thrilling, our annual Team Day serves a deeper purpose. In a business built on collaboration, creating opportunities for our teams to connect on a personal level is essential. As Consult Group has grown, integrating our specialised divisions is key to delivering the seamless, multidisciplinary service our clients expect. Events like this are crucial for breaking down silos and strengthening the bonds that turn a group of experts into a single, unified team.
This year's focus was on three core pillars:
- Collaboration: Working together in a different context—whether figuring out the best technique for axe throwing or cheering on a colleague on the zip wire—builds a different kind of teamwork. It fosters communication and trust that translates directly back into our professional projects.
- Wellbeing: Stepping away from our desks to enjoy the outdoors and try something new is a fantastic way to recharge. We are committed to promoting a healthy work-life balance, and investing in our team's mental and physical wellbeing is a priority. A day of fresh air, physical activity, and laughter is a brilliant way to reduce stress and boost morale.
- Team Development: Shared challenges are a great way to uncover hidden talents and develop new skills. Activities like archery and water sports require focus, problem-solving, and mutual support—qualities that are vital in the fast-paced world of construction consultancy.
A Day of Adventure and Adrenaline
St Andrews Lakes provided the perfect backdrop for a day of action-packed fun. The variety of activities on offer meant there was something for everyone, regardless of their appetite for adrenaline.
Channelling Our Inner Adventurers
The day kicked off with some unique and exciting challenges. The archery range saw team members testing their focus and precision, with many discovering a surprising talent for hitting the target.
Of course, we couldn't ignore the fact that our Team Day fell on International Axe Throwing Day. This activity was a huge hit, providing a safe and supervised environment for everyone to try their hand at the rustic sport. It proved to be a great stress reliever and a source of much laughter and friendly rivalry.
For the thrill-seekers, the zip wire offered an exhilarating ride across the stunning blue lake. It was fantastic to see colleagues encouraging each other, building confidence, and celebrating each successful flight.
Making a Splash
As the day warmed up, many of our team took to the water. The lake, a beautiful reclaimed quarry, was the ideal spot for a range of water sports. From paddleboarding to kayaking, it was a refreshing and fun way to cool down and enjoy the picturesque setting. These activities required balance, coordination, and teamwork, especially for those venturing out on tandem kayaks.
The combination of land and water-based activities ensured a dynamic and engaging day, allowing people to mingle, form new connections, and strengthen existing ones.
The Importance of Culture and Connection
At Consult Group, we firmly believe that our people are our greatest asset. Building a positive and supportive company culture is at the heart of our strategy for success. Our annual Team Day is one of the most visible expressions of this commitment.
Investing in these experiences yields tangible benefits that go far beyond a single day of fun. When colleagues know and trust each other on a personal level, collaboration becomes more natural and effective. A strong sense of team spirit improves morale, increases job satisfaction, and ultimately leads to higher retention rates.
For a growing organisation like ours, which now includes the specialised teams of Consult Construct, Consult Sustain, and Consult LDN, these shared moments are invaluable. They help to embed our shared values and ensure that as we expand, we maintain the close-knit, supportive culture that has been so critical to our success. It ensures that every member of the team, regardless of their division or location, feels a part of the wider Consult Group family.
A Big Thank You
An event of this scale is only possible with the help of great partners and enthusiastic participants. We want to extend a huge thank you to the entire team at St Andrews Lakes for being such fantastic hosts. Their professionalism, enthusiasm, and expert instruction ensured that everyone had a safe and enjoyable experience.
Most importantly, thank you to every member of the Consult Group team who joined in and made the day such a memorable success. Your energy, willingness to get involved, and fantastic team spirit were what truly made the day special.
As we look back on a day of teamwork, laughter, and shared experiences, we are more excited than ever about the future. We are building more than just projects; we are building a strong, connected, and thriving team. Here's to many more moments like this.
