The Quickened Pulse

We are transferring our offices from High Wycombe to our new factory at Milton Keynes. Many of our people are coming with us, but not all of them. Distance and cost  makes that unfeasible. For those who do make the move there is a sense of excitement about something new, and a trace of anxiety about what will be different. In particular, the question I hear asked most often: what will it be like - will it be fun...and vibrant?

Throughout our years of trading there has been a distinct Discovery culture. I like to think that it has been an air of purpose, respect for each other, a willingness to help one another out, and a let's work hard but not take ourselves too seriously approach. It has been a friendly, committed, big family ambience that even window cleaners and maintenance people visiting the company for the first time, have commented on. These were early-emerging traits that I originally championed, but their permanence and the fact that they are an integral part of our company DNA has much more to with many people in the business living out these values day to day. My determination is that we will not lose our heritage and that our distinctiveness will remain intact despite the change of location.

I liken recruiting a new person to join the team to people sitting at a bus stop. When someone else comes a long and wants a seat you all have to budge up and it may be a little uncomfortable for a short while - but that is soon unforgotten. With so many of us moving, it may be uncomfortable at first. We will need to plan some social activities so that our team and those already there will quickly get to know each another. Leadership from the front will be very necessary to regularly remind everyone our common aims and goals. Those of us who have always straddled the office and the factories will need to be promiment - and work purposefully to bring teams together. These are practical and important considerations.