There was a frosty chill in the London air as the Team Challenge Company team arrived at the lovely Woodland Park Hotelat the crack of dawn for the BP Team Building Trade to Win Event.   

The format for the Team Building day was fairly simple - teams compete in a number of  Team Building challenges in a bid to earn as much fun-money as possible. The teams would then put their business acumen to the test as they used their money wisely (or unwisely in many cases!)  so as to design, build and launch a team rocket! It was obvious from the outset that the Team Building Event was going to be a real laugh, and it would seem that the day did not disappoint!

The group from BP were due to arrive for their Team Building event at 9am, but to our surprise one eager gentleman (obviously keen to take home the Winners Trophy) arrived at 7.30am hoping for a sneak preview of what was to come.  Following the arrival of the rest of the group the Trade to Win Team Building event kicked off with a quick fire question round.  Each team member was asked to share what they hoped to gain from the event, and responses varied from a desire to recharge one's batteries, through to make friends, have a good laugh and of course to WIN.

The group came up with some sound business strategies, which saw some teams keep back their secret weapons till almost half way through the event. Some special mentions needed here to Philosophical Phil for deciding enough was enough, his team was going to win, even if they had had to burn bridges with their competitors!  Bashful Bill lived up to his name until taking charge in the Team Building Challenge Casket, where he led his team to a glorius victory. And finally, a mention must go out to Super Steve, Sincere Subra and Magic Martin on the Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting, where their pheonomenal shooting skills shone through as they racked up the points for their respective teams left, right and centre...what legends!

All  teams embraced every money making opportunity during the Team Building challenges, and there was chaos when the shop first opened as everyone charged up to buy a manual.  This was where the role of the Finance Manager was critical, as only he/she could authorise a purchase. As the Team Building event progressed, the shop was soon struck by some rogue traders (the A Team), who bought the entire stock of some items in the hope of controlling the market.

In the end there was little to separate the teams in this Trade to Win Team Building Event in terms of the presentation, as every team member made a valid contribution.  Ready Robert, who was initially known as Beautiful Bob, took the lead here.  In the end it was the A Team that was crowned winners of the Team Building Trade to Win Event;  not only winning the contract with the Army but taking home the Golden Team Challenge Company Trophy too!!  What followed this was an occurance rarely witnessed by us, as we were unable to single out a team that were worse than the others and so no one was given the Wooden Spoon.  This positive surprise was an apt end to a Team Building day, one which was highly successfull and enjoyed by all in attendance.

We would like to say a big thank you to Alex and Malcolm for their hard work and effort in organising a fantastic Team Building Event for their team, it has been a pleasure to work with you all and we look forward to your next event in 2011.