What happens when you take two teams of accountants out of the office, add a series of surprise challenges, Hawaiian fancy dress, plenty of glitter and some entirely acceptable bribery?
One of them comes home with the trophy! And before anyone panics… no, crocodile wrestling wasn’t one of the challenges. This was our slightly AI-enhanced entry for the day’s wacky photo competition, and a fairly accurate representation of how wholeheartedly we embraced the occasion.
After taking on the Via Ferrata Cornwall Business Challenge for the first time last year, we returned this September with two Harland teams, and perhaps a slightly clearer idea of what we were letting ourselves in for. We knew there would be challenges. We knew our competitive streak would make an appearance. What we didn’t know was exactly what Via Ferrata had planned for us, or how much the day would reveal about the way we communicate, respond under pressure and contribute to a team. And yes, we’re delighted to report that one of our teams won! But while we are very happy to tell everyone about our victory, the trophy wasn’t the only thing we brought back to the office. The day showed us some of the less obvious benefits of team building: greater confidence, stronger relationships and a much better understanding of ourselves and one another.
The same event, but a different experience
Via Ferrata changes the activities each year, so returning competitors don’t have an advantage. You know your teamwork and problem-solving will be tested, but not exactly how. Last year, some of us approached the day with a fair amount of anxiety. A fear of heights and the words “Via Ferrata” can be an interesting combination. This year, something had shifted. We felt calmer, more confident and genuinely excited by the surprise element.
That change was an unexpected lesson in itself. Stepping outside your comfort zone once doesn’t necessarily remove the nerves, but it gives you evidence that you can handle them. Returning this year allowed us to see that growth first-hand. There were still plenty of surprises, of course (when else do you get to wrap an egg in bubble wrap, send it soaring down a zip wire and attempt to land it, unbroken, on a floating target?).
You discover what people really bring to a team
Every member of the Harland team shone in a different way. Some were natural problem-solvers. Some brought physical strength or coordination. Others stayed calm under pressure, spotted important details, kept everyone organised or helped the team regroup when something didn’t go to plan. That is one of the biggest benefits of team building outside the workplace. You don’t simply talk about your strengths and weaknesses, as you might in an interview or appraisal, you see them in action.
We also became more aware of how our individual behaviour affected the wider team. Active listening mattered. Encouragement mattered. Knowing when to lead (and when to make space for somebody else) mattered.
We often talk about being one Harland team, despite working across four different offices. At Via Ferrata, we saw that in practice. Each person contributed something different, and we needed every contribution to succeed.
Winning wasn’t about being the strongest
Interestingly, we weren’t necessarily the fastest or strongest team, and we didn’t dominate every activity. What we did do was perform consistently, support one another and wholeheartedly embrace every part of the day. Every point counted – not only those earned during the main challenges, but those awarded for car sharing, the lunchtime quiz, the wacky photo competition and the optional-but-strongly-encouraged fancy dress. Naturally, we took our chosen Hawaiian theme extremely seriously. Our “Harland Garlands” were out in force, and Marina made sure no member of ours or the Via Ferrata team was left without glitter.
The judges also openly encouraged bribes. As a firm of highly principled Chartered Accountants, we would normally have reservations about this. However, once it became clear that bribery was both permitted and actively rewarded, our competitive instincts took over! It was all part of embracing the spirit of the day. Enthusiasm, consistency and a willingness to throw ourselves into something different proved to be a pretty successful combination.
Why getting together in person matters
“Team building” is a phrase businesses use frequently, but what does it actually mean? For us, it means creating stronger relationships between people who don’t necessarily work side by side every day. With the Harland team spread across four Cornish offices, opportunities to spend time together in person are incredibly valuable. Getting out of the office helps break down barriers. It gives us the chance to know colleagues as people, build genuine friendships and feel more comfortable picking up the phone when we need someone’s help or perspective.
It also creates shared experiences. When you have solved challenges, laughed at yourselves, pushed beyond your comfort zone and collectively worried about the survival of a bubble-wrapped egg, you return to work with a slightly different relationship. Confidence grows. Communication becomes easier. People understand one another’s strengths more clearly, and appreciate the many different ways someone can contribute.
So yes, Hawaiian shirts, garlands and a generous amount of glitter really can be good for business!
An adventure with a bigger purpose
The Business Challenge also gave us the chance to meet people from other local businesses on an even playing field (sometimes quite literally). We enjoyed the friendly rivalry, celebrated other teams’ successes and shared plenty of laughter along the way. Congratulations to all our fellow competitors, who brought brilliant energy and team spirit to the event.
Behind all the fun, however, is a cause that matters enormously. Via Ferrata Cornwall is the social enterprise launched by local charity BF Adventure, and all its profits support the charity’s work with vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people across Cornwall. Through outdoor activities, trusted relationships and specialist programmes, BF Adventure helps young people facing challenges including poverty, social isolation, mental ill health, trauma and learning or physical disabilities. Its work helps young people build confidence, resilience, life skills and a stronger sense of their own potential.
This work is vital, but funding is under real pressure. If you are a Cornish business or individual looking for a local charity to support, we wholeheartedly recommend BF Adventure. Donations, sponsorship and fundraising can all help, and simply booking an activity or team day at Via Ferrata supports its work too. It is a wonderful resource to have on our doorstep, and one we need to use and support.
Could your team take on the challenge?
We would strongly encourage other local businesses to enter next year’s Business Challenge. You don’t need a team of athletes: success depends just as much on communication, creativity, consistency and enthusiasm. Via Ferrata also offers tailored corporate team-building days for different confidence and fitness levels. Whether you want to strengthen communication, reward your team or simply enjoy an unusual day out of the office, it is well worth considering.
We’re looking forward to continuing our relationship with Via Ferrata and supporting the worthwhile work it makes possible. In the meantime, the coveted trophy will be touring our four offices over the next 12 months, giving everyone at Harland a chance to admire it and giving us plenty of opportunities to mention, just once or twice, that we won.
