Adventurous Business

Be Safe Leadership Workshops Extended Across Civil Engineering Industry

rhale — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:30:22 +0000

25th - 26th June saw the extension of the Be Safe Leadership workshops in the construction and civil engineering industry from Costain to 4 Delivery. 4 Delivery is carrying out a £700 million programme of improvement works on behalf of Southern Water across Hampshire, Kent, Sussex and the Isle of Wight between 2005-2010. 4Delivery is a consortium comprising United Utilities, Costain and Montgomery Watson Harza, and brings together a wealth of experience and knowledge from within the utility sector. The Be Safe Leadership workshop was delivered at Brighton Racecourse to c60 leaders from across the partner companies, client and supply chain. Inspirational presentations were delivered by Alan Chambers MBE, polar adventurer and Phil Davies and Richard Hale facilitated discussion regarding the links between business leadership in the world of adventure, elite sport and business.

This was just after the return of Phil Davies from the IRB Junior World Championship in Japan as Head Coach of the Wales Under 20 squad. Phil now takes up his role as the WRU’s first ever National Academy Manager with the brief to accelerate the performance and maximise the potential of the most talented individuals within Welsh rugby.

A similar workshop was then delivered to Costain and its partner organisations at Felixstowe, location of a major ports project for the UK’s largest container port. Dr Richard Hale said of the events:

‘ I was delighted that we have been asked to extend the Be Safe Leadership workshop into these other organisations and the level of engagement was very impressive. The feedback from participants and senior management has been great - It seems that we have found a way of inspiring leaders in business to recognise the positive and proactive ways in which the safety ethos can be embraced. It was also great to see partner organisations coming together to share views and learn with and from each other.’

Costain “Be Safe” Leadership Workshop an Inspiration

rhale — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 21:11:49 +0000

8th December 2008 saw the delivery of the pilot programme for Costain held in Cardiff with the Adventurous Business team, Alan Chambers, Phil Davies providing their inspirational talks focused on leadership, risk management and coaching and Richard Hale facilitating a session to help participants make the links to the challenging work environment at Costain. This was part of a focus on developing safe leadership capabilities at all levels in the business. Richard Hale said of the event: “This was an exciting event with around 60 leaders from across the UK who became very involved in linking the learning from Alan and Phil’s talks to the challenges they face in the workplace. The immediate feedback was very positive and we hope to be involved in rolling the programme out in 2009″.

Prince’s Trust Axa UK Gala Dinner - A great success

rhale — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:29:38 +0000

15th November 2008 saw the Axa UK Gala Dinner in aid of Princes Trust held at the Thistle Grand Hotel in Bristol. The evening was a great success as the guests form Axa and several businesses based in the west of England were inspired by insights into the world of elite sport coaching and leadership by Richard Hill, Head Coach of Bristol Rugby and Phil Davies, and heard Alan Chambers’ remarkable presentation of his North Pole Expedition. The guests we also treated to an emotional rendition of songs from Sam Ho, Prince’s Trust ambassador who told of his moving journey from adversity to success. Many sports memorabilia items were provided by Ray Collister of Liaisons UK and were auctioned in aid of the Prince’s Trust.

Richard Hale of Adventurous Business said of the event: ‘This initative was wonderful for us to be involved with on a number of levels. First it was for a worthy cause in helping the development of young people who have faced adversity. Also the fact it was organised by Axa as part of a leadership development programme fits very much with our own focus on action learning projects to support leadership development. A lot of effort goes into organising such an event as this and the Axa Enigma team worked hard to make it an evening to remember. Also as this event was based on Bristol it was great to be able, through Richard Hill’s contribution, to help provide some links between Bristol Rugby Club and the local business community.”

More photographs can be seen in the Gallery section.

The Prince’s Trust - Evening of Inspiration 25th Nov 2008

admin — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:13:28 +0000

Adventurous Business is pleased to support the Star Qualities Gala Dinner and fundraising event in support of The Prince’s Trust. A truly inspirational evening in a relaxed atmoshphere featuring motivational talks by highly acclaimed achievers, Alan Chambers MBE, Phil Davies and Richard Hill Director of Rugby with Bristol Rugby, whilst providing fantastic networking opportunities with like minded business professionals.

The evening is supported by AXA UK who invite you to join them in raising funds for this incredibly worthwhile cause. The Prince’s Trust helps change young lives. Around one in five young people in the UK are not in work, education or training. Youth unemployment costs the UK economy £10 million a day in lost productivity, while youth crime costs £1billion every year. The Pince’s Trust address this by giving practical and financial support to the young people who need it most and help them to develop key skills, confidence and motivation.

Star Qualities Gala Dinner

Tuesday 25th November 2008

Thistle Grand Hotel, Bristol

from 6.00pm

Tickets can be purchased from

Matthew Aston Call: 07854 174 559

Sue Newman Call: 07875 734 408

email star.qualities@axa.co.uk