As well as Chief Executive, David Pollock, Speakers at the conference included Business Development Director, Warren Pryer and Director of HR and Quality, Anne Binnie. The speakers focused on critical success factors in Chess’ Blueprint including People Development, Effective Systems and Procedures and the Chess Culture.
The conference was a celebration of Chess’ successes in the first half of 2006, including its Best Companies Accreditation, for which Chess joined only 259 UK businesses to receive its ‘Michelin Style’ star award from host, Gordon Ramsey on Tuesday 6th June. Chess toasted its successes with glasses of Pimms and by lifting the Guinness Premiership Trophy, which the Chess sponsored Sale Sharks team proudly carried home from Twickenham in May.
As well as reflecting on the last six months in the business, Chess’ conference was an opportunity to talk about its vision for the future and strategy of growth. This is an exciting time for Chess in a fast moving and dynamic industry. Chess has enjoyed a period of significant expansion and is looking forward to achieving 100% year on year growth in the years to come. Group Sales Director, Chris Morrisey talked about the real opportunity for Chess and introduced a new set of initiatives to increase and support the sales growth.
One of the objectives of Chess’ summer conference was to recruit more Cultural Architects. These are outstanding individuals who influence, motivate and engage others on a daily basis. Chess ‘double act’ Stuart Webster & Rebecca Turner spoke about the role of the Cultural Architect and the important part they play in the Business Growth Journey.
After a theatre style interval with ice creams and lollies, Chess’ Play your Part conference culminated with the big draw for the lucky winners of trips to London, Paris and New York in its lead incentive, launched in March 2006 and a Bowling, Big Screen and Bubbly party to round off the event and celebrate the start of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Chess’ Chief Executive, David Pollock was excited by the success of the occasion. “Our Blueprint Conferences give us the opportunity to ensure that everyone in the organisation knows where we are up to on our Business Growth Journey. Our Play your Part conference created a buzz around the business, and everyone is energized about where we are going. The vitality and enthusiasm created by these events, together with our Chess spirit and drive are the main ingredients we need to achieve our vision.”