Having worked within a big business for several years, I was used to managers making extravagant plans for celebrations or events for when targets had been hit, for them quickly to reduce to a drink one lunchtime, for which the time needed to be made up later in the week. So, when Chris, one of the directors, started talking about his plans to take us and our plus ones to the Cotswold water park for a summer social, I smiled sweetly and noted not to worry too much about making sure my diary was free that weekend. Four months later, I’m in the car with my partner driving down to the water park. On arrival, both directors quickly greet my partner, introducing themselves and asking him questions about himself. Once they have gone my partner remarks “I think they now know more about me than my own manager does”. When everyone has then arrived, we make our way down to the lake for our hour session paddle boarding. With everyone nervous about how they are going to fair on the water, there is a real sense of comradely, as words of encouragement and belief are passed round. On the water, I gently paddle myself forward, careful not to move at any speed with fear of falling off. Looking around others are slowly starting to brave getting to their feet, so I attempt to do the same. Then, I hear a loud splash! While attempting to do a head stand on the board, one of my fellow colleagues had fallen in. With the fear of being the first to fall in gone, I quickly jumped to my feet. The hour flew by, full of laughter and achievements for all. Back on land it was time for lunch and Chris had arranged an BBQ buffet with an open bar. With bottles of prosecco flowing, the room is a buzz with everyone getting to know each other on a more personal level. Everyone’s plus ones joining in and being made to feel welcome. The food served was incredible, I still think about the pulled pork to this day. Feeling completely full, we all make our way to the hotel to check in for some downtime with our plus ones before meeting up again later at the hotel bar. The party continuing way into the early hours of the morning. At breakfast, I look at my partner who seems to be deeply processing something. I ask what he is thinking about to which he says, “I can’t believe the last 24 hours, we have had the most incredible time, and your company has organised and paid for it all. I have to pay to go to the Christmas party for the company I actually work for. You’ve landed in a great company”. An enormous smile spreads across my face because I know I really have. I have never been in a company that not only sticks to what they say but goes above and beyond. The weekend has brought the whole company together and the benefits of this can be seen in the work we produce. I can’t wait for this Summer’s social, to Barcelona!!