Each member of moving firm Abels 100-strong workforce takes part in an off-site team-building course in a bid to promote greater awareness and co-operation across the company.
On the most recent programme, 22 staff from the Suffolk-based company decamped to the Hilltop Activity Centre on the North Norfolk coast to take part in a two-day outdoor activity course.
The aim over the two days was to enable them to get to know others within the company with whom they would not necessarily work on a regular basis.
Everyone was also given a personal challenge to negotiate – namely a high ropes course.
Abels has used this type of training since 1996 and is proud of the fact that all staff, including senior management, take part.
As a holder of the Investor in People Award since 1996, the first removal company to achieve this standard, Abels has consistently funded training to create a culture of teamwork.
John Watson, operations director, who organises the courses said: “Teamwork, honesty and respect for one another are all part of what our company stands for, and this type of activity helps to get the message across."
On the most recent course, comments ranged from: “I never thought I could do this”, through “It was good to meet with other colleagues from different parts of the company, office and crew mixing together, thus making new friends,” to “Good friendly company, supervision and food!”
Mr Watson believes that there are strong business in promoting greater trust and understanding among staff of each other's roles.
"The proof of the pudding continues to be our customer satisfaction levels," he said. "Along with the acknowledgement of just how outstanding our people are."
* The term 'outward bound' was used in an earlier draft of this case study as a generic description of the course. TrainingZONE has been informed by solicitors acting for the Outward Bound Trust that this term is a registered trademark of the Trust. We have now changed the term and apologise to the Outward Bound Trust. Prior to being contacted by solicitors acting for the Trust, TrainingZONE had no idea that this term was a registered trademark.
