On Friday 25th July, team Millbrook hopped on the train and swapped the office in Lutterworth for Birmingham City Centre for our 2025 Summer Staff Day. The day was planned as a thank you to the team for their hard work in the first half of the year – and what better way to celebrate than with some friendly competition, sunshine, and great food?

In the lead-up to the day, all the team knew was to pack a water bottle, power bank and sun cream as we prepared for a scorcher in the city. The team met at St Martin’s Church in St Martin’s Square and awaited instructions.

Once assembled, the team was split into four groups – each named after one of Millbrook’s core values: Innovation, Excellence, Integrity, and Dedication. Each group was led by a member of the senior team:

  • Dom Legate, Managing Director, led Team Excellence
  • Lizzie Head, Head of Events, captained Team Dedication
  • Sarah Legate, Head of Marketing, led Team Innovation
  • Fiona McDonald, Millbrook’s Founder, took charge of Team Integrity

The main event was a city-wide scavenger hunt run by CityDays, with everything coordinated via WhatsApp. Team leaders messaged “Start” to CityDays, kicking off the clock and receiving the first clue via text. Although all teams began from the same spot, teams completed their clues at different times and interpreted the clues differently, so we quickly dispersed, each racing to be the first to solve the riddles and complete the challenge.

The route covered roughly 3km through central Birmingham, and each participant racked up more than 10,000 steps all before lunchtime! The CityDays WhatsApp chat provided walking directions, clues, and riddles, plus handy hints for those who got stuck or lost their way. However, there was a twist: incorrect answers meant time penalties, which added an extra layer of pressure.

Team Dedication (Lizzie) appeared to take the early lead, followed closely by Innovation (Sarah), Excellence (Dom), and Integrity (Fiona). Despite team Dedication finishing the physical route first, all was not as it seemed. Over lunch at Gas Street Social, the results were revealed, and after time penalties were applied, it was Team Innovation who claimed the overall victory!

The day was a huge success. There was teamwork, a lot of laughs, some healthy rivalry, and plenty of sunshine. It was a great chance to connect with colleagues we don’t always work closely with, stretch our legs, and unwind together.

thank you to the entire Millbrook team for a brilliant first half of the year. We hope this day left you energised and ready for an exciting second half!