
On 3rd September, our team came together for our annual ‘Echo Day’, an event we look forward to each year as an opportunity to reflect on our achievements, and the challenges we’ve faced, as well as set new goals, and strengthen our team bond. This year, the event was hosted at the historic Orton Hall, a stunning venue located close to Ferry Meadows and just minutes from our office in Peterborough. With its rich history and picturesque surroundings, Orton Hall provided the perfect backdrop for a day filled with business updates, team-building activities, and a little fun along the way.
Celebrating success and setting new goals
The day kicked off with a series of presentations that highlighted the company’s growth and evolution over the past year. Several members from the digital marketing and web design teams took the spotlight to showcase key achievements and their impact on the overall business. They also shared the strategies used to overcome challenges and discussed how these milestones will help shape future progress.
It was inspiring to see the hard work that had been put in, and each presentation sparked discussions on how we could build on that momentum moving forward to continue to Be Better, one of our core values.
The updates showcased the team’s collective efforts, from securing new clients to expanding service offerings. While there have certainly been challenges along the way, as we continue to grow, we recognise the importance of staying true to our values and preserving our core identity.
Key stats learned
As a trusted digital marketing agency for SMEs, we continually strive to deliver seamless online success across multiple channels for our clients. We took a moment to reflect on the whirlwind of activity over the past year. It’s astonishing to recognise just how much we’ve accomplished in only 12 months, including:
✅ Over 75 websites built
✅ 16,945 tasks completed
✅ 20,948 hours tracked
✅ A 48% growth in headcount, taking the team from 21 employees to 31
✅ Referrals remaining high
✅ 100s of energy drinks guzzled, 1000s of office snacks demolished!
Even with challenges, our team has remained steadfast, rolling up our sleeves and staying focused on both our clients’ objectives and our own goals. Through determination and collaboration, we have worked tirelessly to achieve success, adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, whilst never losing sight of the client. Together, we’ve turned challenges into opportunities, and we’re excited to see what the future holds!
The future is bright
Echo Day 2024 was not just a time for reflection; it was also an opportunity to focus on our future aspirations. Zak Wattiez, our Managing Director, presented new targets and shared exciting upcoming projects while outlining the strategies that will propel our continued growth. To further inspire us, we welcomed an external guest speaker from a leading growth consultancy, who shared valuable insights and motivation. Together, we are not only looking back but also forging ahead with renewed energy and purpose!
Zak Wattiez: “It’s crucial to me that everyone in the organisation understands how we’re doing and that we consciously make an effort to be transparent, sharing all of our important business performance metrics. This helps keep us aligned and focused on what matters most. Equally, simply having a moment to spend time together is energising and valuable.”
With the next phase of our ambitions now clear, everyone left the session feeling motivated and ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
Team building fun with ‘In it to Win it’
After a morning of business updates, it was time to switch gears and engage in some friendly competition! We enlisted the help of Ace Tone Entertainment, a company based in Spalding, to facilitate a series of exciting team-building games called ‘In it to Win it’. The games were designed to promote collaboration, communication, and creativity while providing plenty of laughs along the way.
What we had to do to win
The games ranged from quick thinking….to physical challenges, with teams competing for bragging rights, and of course, a few prizes. The energy in the room was electric as team members cheered each other on, and it was great to see everyone working together so effectively….and strategically. While some tasks tested our problem-solving skills, others were all about having fun and enjoying the moment.
The winning team
With four teams vying for first place, the competition was fierce! The Echo team is a competitive bunch, each bringing unique strengths to the table. Some excelled in the paper airplane challenge, showcasing their creativity and aerodynamic skills, while others demonstrated lightning-fast reactions at the light table, proving their quick thinking and agility.
One of the highlights was the hilarious cow-milking challenge – don’t worry, no real cows were involved! We also enjoyed a quirky contest where we had to knock over Coke cans while wearing tights on our heads, leading to plenty of laughter and camaraderie.
It was a nail-biting finish but ‘Team Pumped’ clinched first place! This dynamic group consisted of our Senior Website Developer, Andrew; Alex from the web design team; Emma, our SEO Content Writer; Fraser, our newly joined digital marketing apprentice; and Anissa, our Digital Marketing Manager. There was definitely a strategic mindset in the team, keeping a sharp focus on the end goal and working together toward victory. Their combined talents and teamwork truly set them apart!
Why our Peterborough team value Echo Day
At its core, our Echo Day is about more than just business updates or games – it’s about coming together as a team and collaborating to make it an even better place to work.
Throughout the year, we collect feedback from each team member on what they feel is working well and where improvements can be made. A key aspect of Echo Day is reviewing this feedback and setting goals for positive change. Here are a few of the insights shared in the most recent team survey:
“I love working with motivated and energetic people who want to achieve the same standards. You have the trust and freedom to go and work independently but also an amazing support network when help is needed.”
“There’s always something new to learn or improve on. And a lot of knowledgeable people around to share information.”
“The feedback I receive is always really thought-out and I appreciate the time and effort it takes to provide this. It’s really valuable and has helped a lot with my progress and with understanding how I can be better.”
Taking the time away from the usual work environment allows us to reconnect on a more personal level, which is vital for maintaining a strong, collaborative culture.
Whether through sharing successes, setting ambitious goals, or engaging in a bit of light-hearted competition, Echo Day is always a reminder of the incredible team we have and the great things we can achieve when we work together.
We’re already looking forward to the next Echo Day, but until then, we’re ready to take on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, knowing that we have the strength of our team to always Be Better.
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