One Issue 18 September 2017

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ISSUE 18 : SEPTEMBER 2017

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The voice of the Aspire Team - Bringing our community together

ASPIRE REACHES

NEW HEIGHTS WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH GET GOING, BUT THERE’S NOTHING QUITE LIKE THE NATIONAL THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE TO TEST A TEAMS STRENGTHS, DEDICATION AND LOYALTY.

National

3 PEAKS CHALLENGE 15th-17th Sept 2017

aspire one team

one vision

ONE MESSAGE FROM

The Steering Committee

Rising to the challenge SINCE THE ASPIRE MOVEMENT FIRST BEGAN, WE HAVE STRIVED TO INTEGRATE EVERY MEMBER OF OUR WIDER TEAM AS ONE LARGER NETWORK, IN ORDER TO PROVIDE THE BEST CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE. WE BELIEVE THAT WITH THIS UNIFIED APPROACH, WE ARE MORE CAPABLE OF DEALING WITH ANY CHALLENGE THAT MAY ARISE, NO MATTER HOW DAUNTING. The recent ‘Three Peaks’ event was a fantastic example of what the Aspire team is capable of when it comes together. In the face of overwhelming difficulty, a team of Aspire members supported each other and overcame the challenge before them.

They proved that with the right amount of determination, resilience and teamwork, anything is achievable, no matter how long the journey or however high the climb. It was also a valuable opportunity for them to connect in ways that go above what they might have learned in the workplace, providing insights into the real characters of the people they work with.

The extreme conditions of the Three Peaks Challenge showed the strengths and weaknesses of everyone involved, and how each member operates when pushed to their limits.

a personal one as well. By integrating our Service Providers in this way with the rest of the team, we have successfully created a network of people who are far more than just work colleagues. With so many different, difficult scenarios arising on a daily basis across our many different sites in London and beyond, we are building a team that knows exactly who has the correct skill set and personal qualities needed to deal with situations as efficiently as possible.

Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Three Peaks Challenge, for their courage, their unwavering spirit and for demonstrating that with this unified, integrated approach, there is no limit to what can be achieved.

Ian Burr

Head of Property Management, Landsec

The experiences shared on trips like this, both good and bad, therefore help to connect the wider Aspire team not just on a professional level but on

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3 PEAKS CHALLENGE 15th-17th Sept 2017 2

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ONE EVENT REVIEW

Trails & tribulations ON THE WEEKEND OF THE 15TH-17TH SEPTEMBER 2017, 29 ASPIRE MEMBERS SET OFF FROM PORTLAND HOUSE IN LONDON VICTORIA TO CONQUER THE NATIONAL THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE. THE TEAM WERE ATTEMPTING TO CLIMB THE HIGHEST MOUNTAINS OF ENGLAND, SCOTLAND AND WALES WITHIN 24 HOURS, WITH THE AIM OF RAISING MONEY FOR THE HONEYPOT CHILDREN’S CHARITY. THE ADVENTURE TESTED EACH PERSON TO THE MAX, NOT ONLY THEIR PHYSICAL ENDURANCE, BUT MOST OF ALL THEIR MENTAL STAMINA.

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The place to bee Portland House, Victoria

The journey began early on the morning of Friday 15th September, as the coach made its first stop at One New Change at 7am, before moving on to collect the rest of the team at Portland House, Victoria.

for The Honeypot Children’s Charity, the organisation which continues to provide support to young carers and vulnerable children, the team were also met by ‘Bumble the Bee’, the charity’s official mascot.

Once assembled, the 29 Aspire members introduced themselves to one another in preparation for the task ahead. With the event having already raised over £7,000

With the coach loaded with all the necessary supplies and the team buzzing, they soon set off from Victoria on the long road to Scotland.

From Left to right: Milan Sunuwar, Celia Bouchut, Elisa Mancarella, Sarah Hotchen, Gedi Tamasevicius, George Wheat, Layla Pickering, Lawrence Merry, Russell Southern, Francisca Cumbicus, Robbie Almond, Clarence Hyman, Kelly Barlow, Nicky Rifat, Bumble The Honeypot Bee, Solomon Jackson, Glenn Darlison, Perry Lock, David Wickens, James Gladding, Charnell Dry, Andreanna Coley, David Payne, Dan Graham.

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On the buses

Clarence Hyman helps load hundreds of litres of water on the coach.

London to Fort William

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he first half of the journey took the ‘Three Peaks’ team from London to Lymm Services on the M6 between Liverpool and Manchester. After reaching this checkpoint six hours later, the team had to then shift all the equipment and supplies to three smaller minibuses.

David Payne and David Wickens, both of Landsec, and Solomon Jackson of Bywaters were all named team leaders for each of the buses (Granite, Slate and Flint) as all three were trained to deal with any health and safety problems that may have arisen.

After another six hour journey, the group finally arrived at the hostel at Fort William, in Scotland, at 9.45pm. Despite the long journey from London, everyone on board managed to stay in high spirits throughout, clearly excited for the days ahead and the many challenges they would bring.

Most present decided to turn in for the night after arriving in Scotland, knowing they’d have to set their alarms for 4am ready for a 5.30am pick-up the following morning. They would wake up knowing it’s time to tackle the first of the three climbs.

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John Paul Kenneally and Milan Sunuwar prepare for the long journey to Scotland

Landsec General Manager, Andrew Slatter

Jasmin Byrne, Kelly Barlow and Layla Pickering stretch their legs at Scotland picturesque Loch Lomond

Check out all om the images fr e. g n lle a ch e th

Solomon Jackson

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Francisca Cumbicus enjoys the early morning views from the lower tracks of Ben Nevis.

Ben Nevis, Scotland

1,345 metres, 10.5 miles - Approx 5.5 hour hike Craig Beswick leads the way past Loch Lochan Meall an t-Siudhe up the zigzag track

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he first mountain the Aspire team faced was also the tallest of the three.

Following a hearty breakfast, they took to the minibuses from the hostel to the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre just in time to begin the climb as the sun rose at 6.30am.

The team started up the single path that runs up Ben Nevis, from Glen Nevis. The hike continued past Loch Lochan Meall an t-Siudhe at the half way half point, then up the rugged zigzag track to the peak. The route popularly known as The Pony Track, is 10.5 miles long, up and down, and includes 1352 meters of ascent.

Although the temperature in the early stage of the task was comfortable enough, it had dropped to below 2 degrees by the time the team reached the summit. The ascent even

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Celia Bouchut

took the brave Aspire members into the clouds at times, with rain and snow making the race to the top even more difficult.

Despite the adverse weather conditions, it was easy to see why Ben Nevis has become such a popular destination for hikers and climbers alike; the views from trails were absolutely stunning, making the long trip up well worth it.

After conquering Ben Nevis and returning back down to the visitor centre, the team rewarded themselves with well-earned snacks, and a round of teas and coffees.

It wasn’t long before everyone had to jump back on the minibuses for the five-hour trip to the Lake District, where they would tackle the second climb of the day.

Nicky Rifat enjoys a well earned rest before pushing to the peak

Andreanna Coley and Layla Pickering on Ben Nevis’ winding Pony Track

Clarence Hyman tackles the giant stone steps

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Lawrence Merry puts on a brave face as the team reaches the summit of Ben Nevis

Check out all om the images fr e. g n lle a ch the

Nicky Rifat on the summit

Andreanna Coley and Solomon Jackson celebrate life at the UK’s highest point

THANK YOU VERY MUCH EVERYONE, YOU MADE THIS EXPERIENCE WORTH ALL MY ACHES AND PAINS!

Andrew Slatter learns that coming down is just as tough as going up!

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Craig Beswick

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A line of head torches and sheep are the only thing visible in the darkness

Scafell Pike, England

989 metres, 6 miles - Approx 4 hour hike

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he descent at Ben Nevis had taken slightly longer than expected, which meant that by 8pm, when the Aspire group arrived at Scafell Pike, it was so dark that you couldn’t even make out the outline of the mountain, just a flickering trail of lights into the distance from other climbers. On top of this, it was growing colder by the minute, and sure to be bitter at the summit.

Given these difficult conditions and having already completed one hike that day, this second climb presented an enormous challenge to the weary Aspire team. Even so, many members of the party still set off without delay, eager to reach the top.

From the Wasdale Head car park, they followed the footpath up and over a footbridge and onwards to Lingmell Gill.

Here, they turned left and headed uphill before crossing the river and passing Brown Tongue, before continuing to the peak of Scafell Pike. The Wasdale Head route is 6 miles long, up and down, and includes 989 meters of ascent.

It was at this mountain, covered in darkness, that teamwork and careful

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John Paul Kenneally, Jasmin Byrne, Sarah Hotchen, Dan Graham and Martin French battle to the top of Scafell Pike

coordination became more crucial than ever as individuals had to rely on the light from their head torches to find the way.

Without these, it would have been all too easy to lose the track or suffer injuries.

at this point, meaning concentration was vital for avoiding twisted ankles or other injuries. It was also necessary to cross the fast-flowing river, which was made all the more daunting by the constant darkness.

Unlike the Ben Nevis track, there was a relentless, continuously steep incline all the way from the bottom to the top of the mountain, which made the climb even more strenuous. As the team made it halfway up, they faced new hazards. The terrain was rough and extremely rocky

Considering these factors, it was impressive that everyone who braved the hike made it safely back to camp.

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After a very long, difficult day, the Aspire team were more than happy to get back to the minibuses for a rest before the 5 hour trip to the final mountain began.

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Snowdon, Wales

723 metres, 7 miles - Approx 4 hour hike

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arly the next morning, the team was greeted with the stunning sights of Snowdon, the tallest mountain in Wales. Shortly after 7am, everyone was all geared up and ready for the final push to the third peak.

Given that Snowdon is smaller than Ben Nevis and they weren’t climbing in the dark, as they were on Scafell Pike, the team at first thought this would be the easiest climb. However, by this point fatigue and the lack of sleep and food had really begun to take it’s toll. Energy levels for most were lower than ever, leaving some to push on with just sheer willpower and determination.

Starting from the Pen-y-Pass car park, the hike followed the Pyg Track.

Beginning briefly as a tarmac path, it soon became rocky with steep steps leading to the top. A large upright stone half an hour from the summit marked the join of the Miners Track and a second marker stone below the final

Snowdon’s stunning peak from the Pyg Track

Robbie Almond, Kelly Barlow, Jasmin Byrne and Sarah Hotchen

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ascent pointed towards the summit.

The Pyg track route is 7 miles, up and down, with an ascent of 723 meters.

While everyone forced themselves onwards at different paces, a few people had a final burst of energy as they raced ahead to Snowdon’s peak, with Perry Lock of NG Bailey, Russell Southern of Corps Security and Charnell Dry of Bywaters reaching the summit first.

Sarah Hotchen of NG Bailey, also demonstrated a great desire to finish quickly as she arrived at the summit well ahead of the remaining groups. So far in fact that she waited an hour and forty minutes for the last of the climbers to arrive. Once at the top, every member of the team was able to remark at the incredible landscapes on the way and acknowledge just how far they had come.

By the time everyone was back on the minibuses, every person was tired, aching and hungry, but also amazed at what they had been able to achieve. All involved had been able to push themselves to reach new heights, forming new bonds and strengthening old ones along the way. The team that finally arrived back at Victoria, London, at 10pm that night was far more worn-out than the one that had left it two days before, but had returned with a fantastic sense of accomplishment.

Charnell Dry, Russell Southern and Perry Lock aiming to be the first members of the group to reach the summit

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Three peaks challenged and overcome!

Above: James Gladding leads Lawrence Merry and David Payne back from the top Right: Lucy Dupre is glad to be out of the clouds and back with the stunning scenery

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CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE ON TAKING PART. I GET THE IMPRESSION THAT IT WAS VERY TOUGH, BUT A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT. I CAN’T WAIT TO FIND OUT WHAT YOU’RE GOING TO DO NEXT YEAR TO TOP THIS! Ian Burr

Head of Property Management, Landsec.

Far left: George Wheat Left & Above: A large upright stone half an hour from the summit marked the join of the Miners Track and a second marker stone below the final ascent pointed towards the summit.

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ASPIRE STAFF RECOGNITION AWARDS ASPIRE

Special RECOGNITION AWARD

THIS AWARD CREATES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPRESSED MEMBERS AND CUSTOMERS TO RECOGNISE EXCELLENT SERVICE

BY NOMINATING ASPIRE TEAM MEMBERS VIA THE WEBSITE.

THE MAGNIFICENT 29 EVERY PERSON WHO TOOK PART IN THE THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE DEMONSTRATED PERSEVERANCE, COMMITMENT AND EXCEPTIONAL TEAMWORK SKILLS. FOR THIS REASON, ALL 29 ASPIRE MEMBERS WHO BRAVED THE JOURNEY HAVE BEEN NOMINATED FOR A SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD. Although everyone who took part in this monumental challenge deserves special recognition, there were some individuals who really went above and beyond to help their colleagues right to the very end.

Solomon Jackson of Bywaters (below) and Nicky Rifat of NJC, meanwhile, were able to locate missing team members on the Snowdon trail. It was easy to lose track of people on such a long journey, nevertheless, both Solomon and Nicky did a great job of making sure that no teammate was left behind. Sarah Hotchen, of NG Bailey, also helped with this, waiting at the peak for over an hour for the rest of the team to catch up.

Congratulations to everyone for overcoming such a monumental task, especially to the few who provided the extra level of support needed to ensure people made it past the finish line.

E AT

O F RE C O ITION

Special

GN

CERTIF IC

Craig Beswick and Robbie Almond of NJC, Glenn Darlison and James Gladding of NG Bailey and Dan Graham of CBRE were invaluable when it came to dealing with the bad knees at ‘Clarence Rock’, plus sprained ankles and other injuries sustained along the way. Without their quick thinking and skills, it would have been far more difficult, for everyone to complete the challenge safely.

MEMBERS THAT TOOK PART IN THE THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE

huge

Special thanks to Kelly Barlow, Amanda Heppelthwaite and David Wickens for the event planning. The guys left no stone unturned in the organisation of the coach, minibuses, overnight accommodation and even a cleverly thought out ‘snack pack’ of carbs and proteins for each member to munch during the hiking.

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Andreanna Coley Bywaters Solomon Jackson Bywaters Charnell Dry Bywaters Dan Graham CBRE George Wheat CBRE Layla Pickering CBRE John Paul Kenneally CBRE Andrew Slatter Landsec Celia Bouchut Landsec David Payne Landsec David Wickens Landsec Jasmin Byrne Landsec Kelly Barlow Landsec Glenn Darlison NG Bailey James Gladding NG Bailey Sarah Hotchen NG Bailey Perry Lock NG Bailey Craig Beswick NJC Robbie Almond NJC Francisca Cumbicus NJC Nicky Rifat NJC Elisa Mancarella Portico Lucy Dupre Portico Martin French Tiger Bay Design Clarence Hyman Corps Security Russell Southern Corps Security Gedi Tamasevicius Ultimate Security Milan Sunuwar Ultimate Security Lawrence Merry Ultimate Security

A thank you to everybody who sponsored the team. The total raised for The Honeypot Children’s Charity currently stands at...

£7,400

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all Check out om s fr the image nge. e ll a h c the

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WE’RE ALL ABOUT YOU

Let’s get cooking!

Enjoy fab facilities, a relaxed atmosphere & expert advice.

ON THE 5TH OCTOBER, ASPIRE’S BUDDING MASTERCHEFS WILL PREPARE A DELICIOUS MEAL WITH THE HELP OF THE UNDERGROUND COOKING SCHOOL’S PROFESSIONALS. Chefs will then sit down to enjoy the meal they have just created, with wooden spoons for the unlucky losers and medals for the winners. If you would like to join the fun, as we host dinner with a difference, book your FREE place now by emailing aspire@landsec.com

2017

Chef

MASTER

Thursday 5th October THE UNDERGROUND COOKERY SCHOOL 201/203 City Road, London, EC1V 1JN

B O OK N OW

To confirm your place p lea email aspir se e@ landsec.com

Bring colour to life.

Be a part of London’s digital history.

Poweron the Piccadilly Lights through the gift of colour. Every colour sponsored helps Barnardo’s to empower children’s lives.

SPONSOR YOUR COLOUR 18

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In focus with

Ross Wiles

LANDSEC, 24 SOUTHWARK BRIDGE ROAD

PUTTING 24 SOUTHWARK BRIDGE ROAD ON THE MAP As someone who has been with Landsec for over 14 years, Operations Support Assistant Ross Wiles has become a familiar face and a source of support for everyone who has worked with him. Having been based not only at 24 Southwark Bridge Road but at neighbouring sites as well, he has continued to spread the values of Aspire across the city.

Although he is based at 24 Southwark Bridge Road, Ross is often asked to support at other sites such as New Street Square, Ludgate Hill and Cardinal Place.

He is clearly a person in high demand and all too happy to respond to the calls for support he receives. His responsibilities are as varied as his places of work, always ready to help his colleagues when necessary. These duties include everything from manning reception areas when Front of House staff members are busy, to overseeing projects and events, even if this means taking on the task with limited information and time.

This means that, even 14 years on, Ross’s job still presents him with new challenges on a daily basis, given that his days are kept so varied. Although he has been working in the heart of London for so long, he still never fails to admire the views of some of London’s most iconic landmarks. The main reception at 24 Southwark Bridge Road offers a clear view of The Shard, for instance, and is just a ten minute

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walk away from the ever-popular Tate Modern. This part of the job, Ross comments, is something that ‘never gets old’, and something he is very grateful for.

Speaking to Ross about his hobbies and passions, it becomes clear that his life outside of work is every bit as busy, with much of his time dedicated to his family.

When he gets the chance, he keeps a close eye on F-1 events, being a massive motor sports fan and a keen driver. As someone who makes every effort to attend the numerous Aspire events each year, he comments that it’s great that they ‘give you the chance to speak to people you wouldn’t meet otherwise’.

With his extensive knowledge, sociable attitude and passion for teamwork, Ross continues to build bridges across the wider Aspire community and to provide an invaluable service for the team.

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ASPIRE WHAT’S ON

Beach B A L L

5th December 2017

THIS WINTER

Summer is coming Let me take you to the place... Where membership's a smiling face...

Brush shoulders with the stars... Where strangers take you by the hand...

And welcome you to wonderland... From beneath their panamas!

S M A R T C A S UA L // O P T I O N A L P I N K B E AC H W E A R

PartyAsOne # P i n k B e a c hw e a r

CONTACT For further information regarding the articles in this newsletter please contact Amanda Heppelthwaite at aspire@landsec.com Landsec, 100 Victoria Street, London SW1E 5JL T +44 (0) 20 7413 9000 E aspire@landsec.com One newsletter is keen to welcome points of view from Landsec staff and service partners. Therefore, the views expressed in this newsletter are those of the individual contributor and do not necessarily reflect the views of Landsec. We welcome contributions whether through social media, email, letters or stories. Please forward contributions to aspire@landsec.com

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