The Successfactory™

Success Factory News

Latest News From The Successfactory, view the full archive here.

1. Hot off the press: latest news from Successfactory....
   Friday, 20 January 2012, 3:01 pm
   

   January has brought with it an atmosphere of eager anticipation and there's definitely an excited buzz around the Successfactory^TM offices. 2012 is looking to be an awesome year as we welcome back our existing clients and look forward to introducing many new clients to Successfactory^TM for exciting projects.

   We started the year with Vauxhall's on going Lean Teambuilding workshops.  Vauxhall are experts at lean thinking and asked us to develop a series of 2 day programmes that embed the use of lean principles through effective teamworking.  The results have been amazing. As well as creating continuous improvements the workshops also help build trust, motivation, communication and co-operation within teams, showing the benefits of group synergies thus increasing productivity and reducing bureaucracy.

   Reaseheath returned for more Leadership Development, Stonegate Pubs for their Talent Development Programme and Moneysupermarket for Negotiating Skills.  A busy time for all.

   We have also have developed a new and exciting team event based around the historic City of Chester where a team has to plan and execute a competitive strategy against other teams to score as many points as possible.  Teams will have to use their creativity, ingenuity to solve problems and complete challenges.  The event is suitable for all and can be conducted in a venue of your choice and can take you in and around the City walls as you complete the challenges.

   If you want to know more about "Making Lean Thinking Work " or the Chester Team Challenge by Successfactory^TM please give us a call on 01829 771770 and a member of the team will be happy to help.

2. Latest News ...
   Monday, 14 November 2011, 5:22 pm
   

   Summer is a but a distant memory now Autumn is here but with the mild weather just recently we are being treated to a backdrop of  glorious autumnal colours cascading across the Cheshire plain - it's worth a visit to Successfactory^TM just to see the glorious view!

   We've been working with Bentley, Coca-Cola, Vauxhall, Airbus, NHS, Specsavers, Moneysupermarket, Golden Gates Housing, Republic, Samsung, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Convatec, Marks and Spencer, Rapid News, Umbro, Prodo Digital Media, Kelsall Community Primary School, BUPA Care Homes, Reaseheath College and M&S Money running a variety of exciting programmes.  We've even had our first wedding which was a huge success and the bride and groom together with their family and friends transformed our training room, Creategy - it was absolutely stunning!

   We are now revving up for our Christmas teambuilds and a variety of planning workshops for the New Year.  Creativity and innovation seems to be the flavour of the month as well as dealing with fast moving change and ambiguity.

3. Summer News from Successfactory....
   Thursday, 28 July 2011, 6:04 pm
   
   Despite the changeable summer weather the outlook is looking sunny for Successfactory and we have had some fantastic companies join us over the past few weeks. Here is just a snapshot of what's been happening.
   We've launched an impressive new activity called Leonardo's Bridge and we had the opportunity of using it with our clients, Moneysupermarket.com. The idea for Leonardo's Bridge comes from Leonardo Da Vinci in about 1480; he designed a transportable bridge that could be erected without tools. Taking this idea back to the work place, constructing the bridge can encourage team stability within the group and the ability to bridge gaps and overcome obstacles. The team at Moneysupermarket where asked to construct a self-supporting bridge of 4 metres in size, using only the 28 sticks provided and they were not allowed to use any other tools! Leonardo's Bridge can result in an engaged team, promote team spirit and ensure everyone can work together to make the project happen.
   Another first is our new venture into Weddings - we are in the process of creating a new website specificially for couples wanting to find the perfect venue for their special day, enticing them to come and see what we can offer and so some fantastic new photographs were needed to show off our spectacular venue! A photo shoot was soon organised and Successfactory was transformed into a stunning wedding venue for the day to show how the perfect wedding venue can be created. The website will be launched very soon and we'll keep you updated.
   It was also a pleasure to welcome two groups from Unilever at the end of June. Each group used our bespoke facilities for their meetings initially and then both finished off with some re-energising activities to complete their day. One group were chauffered off to a local clay pigeon shoot - a local farmer, Dave Humphreys is a regular at Successfactory as he is a fantastic facilitator and quite often comes to work with us when we need extra support. This time though we went to him and Dave, wearing tweed and looking every part the gentleman farmer, gave the team a fantastic afternoon and we received some wonderful feedback:
   "Thank you so much to all the staff at Successfactory who made yesterday such an amazing day. All requirements ran perfectly, the venue is a huge hit and the food - well wow we are speechless! Everything from the people there on the day, Vicky, Anne and Martin, they were all fanstastic and I cannot praise them enough. Also many thanks to Dave the farmer and his helper for their fantastic hospitality and tuition. You have an absolutely wonderful set up at Successfactory and I hope we can do all we can to spread the word." Helen Fisher, Unilever.
   We said "goodbye" to a group of GP's who as Clinical Leaders have been on a bespoke leadership programme with us since November; shaped by the current NHS environment and the desire to provide the best leadership development opportunities to Clinical Leaders in Central and Eastern Cheshire. It has been a pleasure working with such an interesting and motivated group and we wish them great success in the near future.
   It has also been wonderful to welcome new clients, the first being JCB, who joined us for an early evening teambuild using our high ropes course. The sun shone and our newest associate, Chris Bate, took them through their paces. It never ceases to amaze us when we watch someone take their first nervous steps up the pamper pole and then prepare themselves for a "leap of faith" and then when they come down back to earth literally observe them buzzing with excitement at their achievement. After all that excitement the team then enjoyed a delicious meal at our local pub and no doubt swapped experiences of their time on our Ropes Course.
   Sellafield Sites were also a new client and arriving on a minibus, the Sellafield staff had been briefed to expect a dark room and death by PowerPoint; instead they were treated to stunning views and a warm welcome! A delicious lunch was served on arrival and then came their second surprise; our Chocolatier was waiting for them to introduce them to the delights of chocolate making and our Creategy room became a hive of activity with serious chocolate making going on - we managed to sample a couple of their efforts but sadly for us they took all their beautifully wrapped creations home with them and we could see that the Sellafield team went away feeling very valued for all their hard work back at Sellafield.
   Welcoming Chris as an associate is an exciting progression for Successfactory. As the bookings increase; Martin our full-time Senior Training Specialist, is working flat out and now needs support himself to continue running our very popular Ropes activities and Chris is a fantastic new addition to our team. He comes from an Army background as a highly qualified outdoor pursuit's instructor and a great motivator of people. He has also worked in management training, recruitment and youth work.
   Youth work is not something we do often but when we do it is very rewarding. Martin was asked to take 21 Cub Scouts onto the ropes course and a great time was definitely had by all! Another change from our usual days was hosting Tattenhall Primary School's fund raising event on 3rd July. Families from all over the local area came over to Successfactory where they could take part in Archery, Ropes course, Baking and Cake Decorating and we were blessed with a hot sunny day - so the patio chairs and tables were dusted off and families enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon on the patio overlooking the fantastic views of the Cheshire plain, raising money for some much needed playground equipment. The awsome sum of £500 was raised so well done to everyone who worked hard to make it all happen!
   Bentley Motors also enjoyed our facilities recently for a team meeting in the morning and then we were asked to organise a Sandstone Challenge Activity for them - this always goes down well where clients enjoy the beautiful scenery and experience the fantastic team work the Sandstone Challenge initiates.
   Let's hope we continue to enjoy hot sunny weather and everyone gets an opportunity to re-charge and be ready and raring to go in September!
   And on a final note as our thoughts "might" be drifting towards Christmas - our "Chocolate Heaven" experience which Sellafield Sites enjoyed, is also available for a Christmas party with a difference together with a host of other fantastic experiences if you are struggling to find the perfect Christmas Venue to reward your team - if you would like to know more please contact a member of the Successfactory Team on 01829 771770.
4. Local Heroes and Inspiring Stories
   Thursday, 28 July 2011, 12:42 pm
   

   On July 14th Chester's local radio station, Dee 106.3, celebrated the achievements of local heroes with a glittering awards ceremony and Successfactory were proud to sponsor the Local Business of the year award - which recognises any business that has made a significant impact in the community. The other categories were: Act of Courage, Carer of the Year, Volunteer Worker of the year, Child of Courage, Outstanding Sports Person of the Year, Parent/Guardian of the Year, Grandparent of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Young Achiever/Young Person of the Year and an Eco-Award.

   The Succesfactory team donned their best outfits and enjoyed a fantastic night, celebrating local people's achievements and spending some time together away from the office. Graham, our Managing Director, presented the Local Business of the Year award to Paul Harsten of Roman Tours Limited whose "Roman Soldiers" endure the changeable British climate with authentic clothing and equipment, guiding school children and visitors around the streets of Chester imparting their considerable knowledge of Chester's Roman history.

   It was often an emotional night but also a proud night as the invited guests listened to the winner's inspirational stories and learned that inner strength and determination can achieve so much; it was an extremely humbling experience.

5. Ladies That Latte, The Sandstone Trail and a Trip to Guernsey!
   Thursday, 16 June 2011, 5:02 pm
   

   Here is your latest update from the world of Successfactory^TM it's still all go here with lots of exciting courses and projects. 

   It was a pleasure to welcome the Ladies that Latte networking group who chose to hold their networking meeting at Successfactory^TM to celebrate their first birthday with our freshly made cake and plenty of coffee!

   We also welcomed new clients Morris & Co Chartered Accountants who needed somewhere away from their offices to have a business update and celebrate their successes together and then enjoy a fun team activity which incorporated planning skills, communication skills and have some fun working together.  The perfect activity for this was our Sandstone Challenge and it was fantastic to observe 6 teams, heads together talking and writing enthusiastically during the planning stages with a definite buzz of competiveness going around the building!  Then they were off out and about along the Sandstone Trail and around the stunning countryside that surrounds Successfactory^TM.  All returned successfully after completing their challenges to have their scores were tallied up and after the prize giving a very happy group headed home, with plenty of experiences to reflect on over the coming days.

   Graham has continued travelling, this time with Novo Nordisk's Summit in Paris teaching New World Project Management techniques with Eddie Obeng.  He also started work with Republic running a team building workshop in Leeds for the HR team, great team, great people and with massive potential to make a real difference to the business. Graham and Alison also spent two days developing their new book.  It's called "Teamworking is Cheating" - if you want one of the first copies hot off the press please let us know.  It's all about how to be successful at making change happen in a fast moving ever changing world, and introduces Successfactory's new Leading Change Framework developed from our experiences of working with our clients. It's also packed full of examples, stories and pragmatic tools.  The tools and Change Framework will be available as apps very soon - watch this space.

   Graham also visited Guernsey with a 10 hour flight (usually 1 hour 30 minutes) due to bad weather but had a fantastic time teaching Strategic Thinking skills to Specsavers. He has also been busy seeing potential new clients and writing proposals for many new and exciting global projects.

   Alison has been working with the University of Liverpool delivering training as a part of their Future Leaders Programme.  The aim of the workshop was to build their skills and confidence in Influencing and Negotiating.  Alison has also been in London presenting at an annual Regional Managers Conference.  The managers have been continuing their leadership development journey by focusing on their leadership styles using the Life Orientations® behavioural analysis tool.  The tool provided valuable insight into themselves and their teams.  If you would like to know more about Life Orientations® please get in touch.

   Even though our thoughts are filled of summer holidays to look forward too we felt it was important to plan ahead and start thinking about what we can offer clients during our Christmas period.  More information will follow shortly but if you want to know more or want to get ahead of the game and book early please get in touch!

6. Welcome all to the official start of Summer!
   Monday, 6 June 2011, 1:17 pm
   

   June has arrived in a blaze of sunshine and immediately everyone here at Successfactory^TM  are finding reasons to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather and our fantastic location.

   As always our clients have been fantastic and here is a snapshot for you:

   Bentley joined us for lunch and then took part in the extremely popular Sandstone Challenge; this really is an activity that never fails to leave our clients with a sense of great achievement. As the title suggests The Sandstone Challenge takes in Cheshire's Sandstone Trail and the many beautiful sights along its path. This activity is designed to stretch a team and align it with the challenges they are facing in the workplace at present. Successfactory^TM provided all of the resources they needed to find their way to different locations as indicated in the team's brief. Some of the Bentley delegates also took little picnic boxes so they were able to sit and have a picnic if time allowed. The groups were very competitive and had a wonderful day.

   Airbus... what a day. Successfactory^TM staff had such fun working with a very great group of Airbus employees all from a number of different areas within Airbus. They started their day with their own meeting and our Inspiration room was transformed with round tables and as always, the Successfactory^TM ensured everything was just so for them.  After a delicious lunch the Airbus teams were pleasantly surprised with our Unbeatable Energy activity.  This is a powerful workshop which helps to develop high performance teams by harnessing the power of group creativity, communication and teamwork. This is done by using a variety of authentic drums and percussion instruments from around the world. It was a joy to watch as the teams divided into smaller groups and went off to rehearse their given pieces of music. When they came together the atmosphere was electric with the rhythmic drumming and the air was filled with excitement, unique energy and the unavoidable need to start moving your feet. Airbus had a wonderful day, as did we and we can't wait to work with more clients on this activity.

   We also welcomed David Ormerod to our Successfactory^TM Venue to launch the final phase of their Management Development programme with our Learning Director Alison Hattersley. This has been a long term course and the delegates have worked exceptionally hard. As this phase is completed we wish those who took part all the best for their future and hope to work with them again soon.

   Chilli Marketing from Manchester came over to the Venue with Rachel Thomas for two days of intense training. During their two days at Successfactory^TM, Chilli Marketing took the time to take a walk around the Sandstone Trail, enjoying the spectacular views around Successfactory^TM.

   Over the bank holiday weekend we were hosts to the Segway Experience again and not even the heavy downpours stood in the way of our adventurers splashing through the muddy tracks of our purpose built Segway course around the woods. If you are interested in taking part in a Segway experience give us a call.

   Alison has been based at the Samsung European Headquarters working with leaders from across Europe to explore what is needed to be successful leaders in today's ever changing world.  Building the skills to develop effective strategy, lead high performance teams and deliver integrated change management, through a highly practical and interactive series of programmes. 

   Chester city centre challenged the ingenuity and creativity for a team from Co-operative Group as they navigated their way along the City walls, through Roman ruins and the odd sweet shop to the lost treasure. 

   Plenty of time has been spent in the Wine Bar this month - in this case a business simulation game!  This is a fantastic way for teams to explore how they work together and gain valuable insight into how each individual as well as each function works.  Throughout the simulation the team's decisions are analysed on a computer and results given as a weekly P&L, bank statement and sales breakdown together with help and advice. They face further challenges of quality, expansion and diversification, all whilst trying to maximise their profit and win the game. 

   Graham has been busy travelling and training with a wide range of clients over the past few weeks, he even managed to fit in both his daughters' birthdays - 14 and 18!!!  From running Successfactory^TM's Good to Great leadership sessions for BUPA International in Brighton and Copenhagen, to project management training in Paris, to commercial negotiation training for Arup in Cardiff and London, to Presentation Skills coaching in Nottingham, Graham has had a great time.  Always wanting to inspire people to make a difference he has certainly achieved this recently.  On top of this there are the sales meetings with new and existing clients looking at a wide variety of solutions, and developing new products and services, so it is a really exciting time.  Graham has been looking at how we can make our knowledge and tools available via apps on ipads, iphones and blackberry's - all exciting stuff for our clients  He has also been seen in training a lot, going running and cycling a great deal in preparation for his latest challenge.

   Our Business Director, Anne Wilson, has also picked up the fitness bug and spent a week at a "Fit farm" where she completed 36 hours of exercise in 6 days!  Martin is fresh and raring to go after his trip to Australia visiting family and his brand new baby nephew, Oliver.  The team embrace Successfactory's vision of "Living a Wonderful" and hope it rubs off on our clients!

7. Sun, Stylites and Signlines
   Friday, 25 March 2011, 3:15 pm
   

   Wow what a week!  Spring was in the air with temperatures soaring; the sun shining and at long last we could get the patio furniture out and dusted down for our clients to enjoy time outside enjoying the glorious views here at Successfactory.

   Our awesome week began with our own quarterly team meeting - a chance for the team to spend some time together to review, reflect and celebrate what's been happening over the past three months and also to look forward and plan for more exciting times ahead.

   On Tuesday we welcomed M&S Money for two days in Creategy, utilising the white space for their planning sessions, having the benefit of a full wall of white boards, flip charts and areas to break out for separate discussions.  Lunch was eaten al fresco on the patio which also doubled up as another break out area.

   The Safer Cheshire East Partnership also joined us on Tuesday for the day and Successfactory's Martin Peterson helped the group to ‘save the world' when they took part in a Mission Impossible Teambuild.  Teams completed challenges outside such as Rollarball, a Low Ropes Trail and Stylites. Many of the team had not met before as they have very different roles within the Partnership, but after accepting and succeeding in their mission they now have some fantastic shared experiences to talk about.

   On Wednesday Airbus Broughton's Finance team arrived for a two day Teambuild enjoying plenty of fun with a serious intent! This meant developing ways of getting even better results by working together competing in the Sandstone Challenge which took them out and about the local area including the Sandstone Trail which is just on our doorstep.  On their second day they used a popular activity called Signlines which is designed to help teams gain results by exploring team values, develop problem solving skills, enhancing communication strategies, focus on high performance, managing conflict, dealing with ambiguity and change and after a successfully completing the activity the team ended their day high up on our ropes course with individual challenges traversing the high beams and a team of four successfully standing atop the pamper pole.  Fantastic!

   Graham Clark, Airbus's Long Range Financial Controller told us: "We had a really great experience with you (especially the 4 lads up that pole!) and one we won't forget too soon. Everyone has said they really enjoyed their time over the two days. The setting, weather, activities, hospitality were perfect. On behalf of Airbus Broughton Finance please thank all those involved. " 

   Alison began her week working with BUPA Care Homes in Glasgow, facilitating an Enabling Excellence Workshop and then on Thursday was nearer to home in Sandbach working with the Cheshire East Children's Centre Co-ordinators, who explored their team strengths using Tetra Map a new personal profiling tool that is proving invaluable for teams understanding each other's behaviours and then using this information in a practical way observing behaviours as they work together to create a six foot Geodesic dome using materials supplied and a brief - fascinating!

   Graham spent most of the week working with BUPA International facilitating their Leadership Forum and now is spending time with his daughter skiing - a great way to end the week!

   If you want to know more about the events of this week and the activities and workshops we can facilitate for you please get in touch. 

   Call us on 01829 771770

8. Spring is in the Air!
   Friday, 11 March 2011, 2:08 pm
   

    

   The week began with lovely, warm sunshine and there was a definite hint of spring in the air and with the lighter mornings too summer is on the way, bringing with it exciting times and we can't wait to welcome our clients; some visiting for the first time and others returning to take in more of the breathtaking scenery and the amazing experience that is Successfactory^TM.

    

   Graham, our Managing Director and inspirational storyteller, coach and leadership wizard, continued inspiring the delegates on Module 4 of the Clinical Leadership Programme, the 20+ GPs had a day exploring exactly what high performing teams are and what it takes to transform a team from good to great. They will be back in a few weeks to look at Leading Innovation and Change. Graham is jetting off on Saturday to Hong Kong to work on an exciting programme of Strategic Agility with HSBC, unfortunately for us he's decided to carry his own bags.

    

   Alison is in sunny (but cold) France spending time with her family and perfecting her Snow Plough on the Piste - giving her plenty of time to recharge before returning to a busy and exciting schedule in the world of training and development.

    

   The Successfactory^TM office has been buzzing this week, phones have been ringing and Kate, our Sales Manager, and the rest of the Successfactory^TM team have enjoyed telling as many people as they can about us and what we can offer to improve performance and make a difference.  The diary is filling up with friends as well as some new ones booking our exclusive venue rooms, Inspiration and Creategy.

    

   We will be welcoming Nigel Botterill from the Entrepreneur's Circle to the venue on Sunday for a pre course networking event ready for a great three day event beginning on Monday so, stop by here again in a few days to read more....

9. The Big Picture
   Friday, 4 March 2011, 2:05 pm
   

   At Successfactory^TM this week things have been fantastically busy and creative, here are just a few of the highlights:-

   Earlier this week Graham spent time with a senior team developing their strategy, the day went wonderfully and we are looking forward to spending more time with this team in the near future. As I type this Graham is delivering Project management training down in Southampton.

   Alison has been out and about in Cheshire working with parents from the Aiming High for Disabled Children organisation.  Influencing and Negotiating skills, Personal Effectiveness and Building Positive Relationships were the focus of these workshops, giving parents greater confidence and practical skills to work closely with the many different agencies that support their children.

   Martin and Vicky spent a day with Moneysupermarket.com's Financial Services team during their quarterly meeting. They ran the "The Big Picture" team challenge, a fantastic activity focusing on teamwork, communication and creativity. The Big Picture starts with a number of fun activities that teams complete in order to earn money to purchase art materials. Once the money earners are complete the teams use their Successfactory^TM pounds to purchase all of the materials required to produce a picture - their shared vision. One giant picture was cut into many parts and each team had to replicate their piece of "The Big Picture." Many lessons were learned along the way, such as the importance of being clear about the vision and strategy, having the confidence and courage to make it happen and having a flexible plan and working collaboratively. The day went exceptionally well and the Moneysupermarket.com team came up with a phenomenal "Big Picture" to take back to their office.

   Kate has been networking so much that we are hardly seeing her! This means that we're delighted to be welcoming lots of new clients to our venue and working with them to create exciting new solutions.

   Finally our lovely office mother Anne is poorly so we would like to send her our love, get better soon!!! 

10. Segway has arrived!
    Friday, 11 February 2011, 12:10 pm
    

    We have some really fantastic news to share with you.  Our very own Segway track has been installed. The track is located in our woods encircling our Ropes Course and Mongolian Yurt. 

    This is a great new addition to the outstanding facilities and activities we already have available. Segway Rally will be launched shortly offering an exciting mix of Segways, High and Low Ropes to enhance your teambuilds or training programmes. 

    Call the Successfactory Team now for more information as we are eager to talk!  It really doesn't get much better than this and with 21^st of March being the first day of spring there'll soon be lots of sunshine in which we can enjoy this awesome new activity.

    Be the first to book a Segway Adventure, due to great demand, you really should get in there first!!