In a recent inrerview, Sundial Group's Learning & Development Director, Lucy McGibbon, talks to us about how Teamscapes all began:
What is your background and experience?
I grew up at Highgate House, a country house in Northamptonshire which was originally home for me and my eight brothers and sisters. Over time, my parents opened up our home for afternoon teas and bed and breakfasts, eventually going on to specialise in group bookings. We soon became one of the first independently-owned residential training centres in the country. As a family, we now run the Sundial Group, of which I am a director. Today I mainly focus on Teamscapes, the team building company which I’ve been developing for the last 25 years.
What does your company do?
Sundial Group specialises in providing hospitality for conferences, training and meetings. Teamscapes is one part of our events offering.
How did it all start?
I noticed customers coming to one of our venues for meetings struggling with planks, ropes and barrels in order to set up team building activities in the grounds. I offered to build six activities in the grounds to save them the trouble of transporting their own kit. It really was just intended to add value and service to their customer experience with us – I had no idea how successful Teamscapes would go on to become.
What’s your greatest achievement so far?
Being an integral part of a family business and working on a daily basis to create value for our customers and employees.
What is the biggest risk you’ve taken and did it work out?
Riding over the Andes. I raised over £9,000 for the Prince’s Trust.
What keeps you awake at night?
Thinking about all the challenges that lie ahead of me and trying to work through them. I keep a pad by my bed and write notes down in the night, so I can let go of them until the morning.
What one phrase sums up your attitude to business life?
Business life is another part of life’s rich tapestry – enjoy it.
