Something the entire Harris Black team look forward to each year is our annual Staff Day recently held at Ronald McDonald House on 22 July 2022. This is a day on which we all down tools and spend time together revisiting the financial year that was, working on areas we might improve, listening to key speakers on relevant topics and challenging each other with some fun activities.
This year we were lucky enough to have Petris Lapis return to speak with us on “Upskilling Communication”. Some great takeaways from this session which has us all committed to implementing even better communication both in the office and with our clients also. Another topic close to our hearts is how we can become even better Trusted Advisors again both internally with our colleagues and importantly to our clients also. In this regard it was wonderful to hear from one of Harris Black’s key clients, whose open and candid explanation of what has promoted the development of a trusted relationship with Harris Black over the years was greatly appreciated.
A great lunch was followed by a session on personality types in the office – an interesting exercise and a lot of fun also! Then our own Senior Manager (and qualified Yoga Instructor) Keziah Sedgwick lead the firm in a relaxing Yoga session!.. So relaxing in fact that a certain Director could be heard snoring from the back row! Final entertainment for the day was designed by our Managers. A delegation challenge with teams competing by building a structure with team members who were either “blind”, “one armed” or able to instruct but not touch! Pictures probably explain this better!
A word also about Ronald McDonald House… Emma Thompson, CEO of Ronald McDonald House organised a tour of the RMH facility for the Harris Black team during one of our breaks. This is a truly thoughtful, warm and welcoming haven for families who need accommodation whilst children are in hospital care or undergoing hospital procedures. RMH relies heavily on donations for funding and Harris Black are proud to have selected them as the firm’s charity to support for the month of August. The venue / boardroom Harris Black used for their staff day was exceptional with great space and a rooftop area also. It is available for hire by donation and it was indeed a perfect place to hold our Staff Day! We would encourage any of you with a need for a conference venue to contact Emma to consider whether it may be suitable for your purpose also.
Finally, at the end of such a wonderful day, there was still work to be done… Some solid celebrating at the Harris Black EOFY Dinner!! Great food, wine and conversation was had by the entire team at both the Ship Inn and then Popolo’s, Southbank.