Why Going to Ideas Fest Was a Wonderful Idea!
After years of running a larger business, where I had a fantastic Marketing Director and her talented team promoting everything we did, I changed direction and went back to attempting to get things done myself. Since I last launched a business, the world has moved on. I have years (and years) of experience running a design company across every channel (stores, online, social and trade sales), but my new business has two full-time employees rather than nearly 1,000. That means I need to (try to) learn some new skills all over again which is not so easy at my advanced age.
So off I went to the ubiquitous Ideas Fest in Tring, wearing three hats.
Hat one: The Visitor. I wandered the stands and dipped into a few of the hundreds of inspiring, informative talks and workshops, just like everyone else. It's hard to beat some time away from the coal face to really think about your business.
Hat two: The Angel Investor. I was on the lookout for innovative new businesses that I might back. I love meeting founders face to face and finding talented, energetic individuals.
Hat three: The Wonderful Escapes Ambassador. We had a great time telling interested parties about what goes on at Wern-y-Cwm, the mountain farm retreat I launched after a full exit from my last business;
Company bonding and retreats: the perfect setting for team away stays that people remember for life, and for yoga, wellness or creative retreats across our 18 rooms and huge activity space
Romantic getaways: our Owl House honeymoon cabin is unique and superb
Family holidays: the Dairy is ideal for a relaxed break in total comfort
Landmark celebrations: fill the Farmhouse and book the Great Barn for a huge group of family and friends
And the bonus reason: a little bonding of our own. Emily who has worked alongside me for many years, (my EA at JoJo) and is now our General Manager, and I work very hard, but we love to party hard too. A bit of music, sing-alongs to great cover bands, a dance and a few drinks are the best way I know to cement a working relationship.
I'm not so sure the "glamping" was quite Emily's cup of tea, though. Next year we may have to upgrade her to the hotel. Honestly, some employees don't half expect a glam life!
Ideas Fest gave me new skills, new contacts, new ideas and lots of laughs. I also lost my voice from all the chatting, and maybe from singing "Bohemian Rhapsody" at the top of my voice. Oh dear.
Come and see us at Wonderful Escapes
Did we meet at Ideas Fest or are you only now hearing about us? Either way, come and see the farm for yourself. It’s a bit of magic, a creative project, a centre for biodiversity and wildlife (honestly, I nearly trod on a hedgehog just now as I walked the puppy) and full of eclectic character and design. Whether you're planning a team retreat, a romantic escape in the Owl House, or a milestone celebration in the Farmhouse and Great Barn, we'd love to host you.
And if a family or friends break is more your style, we have a special offer on the Dairy this winter: stay 3 nights, pay for 2 on any new booking for a stay before end of January 2027. With wood-burning stoves, underfloor heating, a covered play barn and mini-donkeys to cuddle, there's nowhere cosier or more fun for a winter break. We even have sledges in case it snows!
Book direct for the best price here
If you didn't get to Ideas Fest this year, have a think about signing up for the next one. And no, I'm not on commission, I just think it's a great idea. 😊
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