We knew HA turning 15 was going to be a big celebration, but none of us were quite prepared for what Andy had in store... He kept it a secret for months, never letting any details slip, until finally the day was here. Introducing: 'HA Race Across the Cotswolds...'
But first, we couldn't resist sharing this behind-the-scenes snippet from Andy's speech at our 15th birthday evening. It perfectly sums up the magic of the culture we have here at HA. And exactly why we're all so proud to be a part of it.
Here at HA, we're always talking about the importance of people and connection. It really is at the heart of everything we do, and we believe the success of HA is in no small part down to the close-knit team and amazing culture we all work to protect and build on every day.
When it came to planning our 15th birthday party, we knew one thing for sure: it had to feel like us. And Andy pulled this off perfectly. This wasn't just a party. It wasn't just your standard 'team day'. It was a day that really captured the spirit of HA... adventurous, a bit unpredictable, full of laughter, and rooted in connection, fun and the brilliant journey we’ve all shared.And so, on a (mercifully sunny) morning in Cheltenham, the HA15 celebrations began...
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“
This is genuinely the best team day idea I've ever heard of.
”
On our birthday morning, we all met at our Cheltenham office bright-eyed, bushy-tailed and ready to find out what adventure was in store. Before long, we were split into five groups and Andy's secret plan was finally revealed...Introducing Team HA's 'Race Across the Cotswolds'Each team had a “Friend of HA” along for the ride (to check there was no cheating taking place), someone who has been a big part of our story in one way or another:
- Damien, our original co-founder
- Byron, who shared his office space with us during the Covid years
- Sophie, one of the HA originals
- Nick, who’s been cheering us on from day one
- Chad, our ever-wise and ever-patient chairman
The challenges set by Andy were as brilliantly quirky as the day itself...🐶 Walk a stranger’s dog👕 Swap an item of clothing with a stranger🥪 Have a picnic in a field (no buildings in sight)🧸 Buy a gift that Andy would enjoy "immensely".🚍 Ride at least two kinds of public transport🍺 Have a drink in a country pub🐑 Take a photo with a sheep🎶 Film a stranger singing Happy Birthday to HA📸 Get a photo outside each of HA’s 5 past office locations (and associated locals – of course.)It was a day that was part scavenger hunt, part team-building and part improvised comedy. We made friends with locals. We got lost. We found ourselves again (eventually). And we laughed, an awful lot.
After meeting back at the pub and going through the crucial scores and winners, it was time for the, slightly more civilised, evening events to kick off.We all got our gladrags on, headed out to one of the loveliest restaurants in Cheltenham, listened to Andy's brilliant speech and had the most delicious dinner (musical-chairs-style, making sure we all got to spend some time with eachother during the night.) What a day to remember.
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