Strengthening Bonds and Energising Collaboration!
AES Solar and Black Isle Renewables were united for a fun-filled team-building day of powering up teamwork in the scenic town of Aviemore.
On Friday the 27th of September the two teams gathered at Macdonald Aviemore Resort for an exciting day of collaboration and getting to know each other. This day marked a key step in bringing our two teams closer together following our recent acquisition of Black Isle Renewables, reinforcing our position as one of Scotland’s leading renewable energy companies. The day was filled with fun, challenges, and plenty of collaboration as we worked together to strengthen bonds and learn new skills.
Let the Games Begin!
On arrival at the Conference Centre in Aviemore, the event organisers, Team Challenge Company, greeted us. We were then led to the outdoor arena set-up for the Mini Highland Games in true Scottish hospitality with a bagpipe welcome setting the tone for the day. Divided into groups with a mixture of AES Solar and BIR staff for maximum collaboration, we donned our Jimmy Hats embracing the friendly competition and ready for some traditional (and not so traditional) Highland Games!
Tossing Wellies and Breaking Barriers
The games included:
- Laser clay pigeon shooting
- Welly toss
- Toss the caber
- Strongman stone lift
- Chip shot golf
- Segway rides
Each activity tested our strength, agility, coordination and ability to work as a team. There was plenty of laughter and camaraderie too as we encouraged one another through the challenges. A wooden spoon was awarded to the team that came in last and a trophy to our first-prize winners but it was all in good fun and the real prize was the increased sense of team spirit!
Thinking Outside the Box
After we lucked out with a (mostly) dry morning outdoors as you can see from these pictures and a well-deserved refuelling lunch back at the Conference Centre, we switched gears for the “Beat the Box” challenge. Similar to an Escape Room on a smaller scale, this challenge required each team to unlock a metal box and solve a series of puzzles. The challenge put our problem-solving and communication skills to the test under time pressure, reinforcing the importance of clear, effective communication and collaboration.
The “Beat the Box” experience mirrored many real-world workplace scenarios, highlighting the importance of leveraging individual strengths while working toward a shared goal. It soon became clear that success wasn’t just about winning as a smaller team but how we all worked together as a collective group, assisting other teams and sharing information rather than gatekeeping.
As the day concluded we headed in separate directions, AES Solar towards Forres and BIR back to Dingwall, but with a new sense of unity and connection across the two teams!
Why Team-Building Matters
In times of growth and change, such as our recent acquisition, team-building events play a crucial role. These opportunities allow us to step out of our daily routines, engage with colleagues in new ways, and develop stronger relationships. While the activities may seem light-hearted, the benefits can be significant:
1. Improved Communication: Team-building activities break down barriers and encourage open communication. During the “Beat the Box” challenge, for instance, effective communication was key to solving puzzles under pressure.
2. Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Activities that require strategic thinking, like solving puzzles or competing in challenges, push employees to think outside the box. These exercises strengthen problem-solving abilities and encourage innovation, skills that are directly transferable to overcoming challenges in the corporate world.
3. Boosted Morale and Motivation: Fun, engaging activities create a positive atmosphere and build trust between team members, leading to higher morale. Events like the Mini Highland Games allowed us to have a great time together, which is essential for building camaraderie in a busy corporate environment.
4. Increased Creativity: When teams step out of their daily routines and engage in novel challenges, creativity flourishes. The diverse range of activities we participated in encouraged out-of-the-box thinking that we can bring back to our day-to-day work.
5. Building Trust and Relationships: Spending time together outside the office fosters trust and strengthens interpersonal relationships, creating a more supportive, collaborative company culture.
6. Leadership Development: Team-building events offer the perfect platform for employees to step up and demonstrate leadership skills in a relaxed and supportive setting.
Powering Up Teamwork
In the fast-paced corporate world, it can be easy to overlook the need for team cohesion. However, events like our day in Aviemore remind us of the value of working together, learning from each other, and building stronger relationships. The benefits we gained from this team-building day – from improved communication to enhanced collaboration – will stay with us, improving our productivity and workplace culture, as well as the ways we serve our customers.
Sunny Days Ahead
We’re excited to build on the momentum from this day and continue working together as we move forward into a new chapter with Black Isle Renewables!
