Have you ever been to Cloud 23 at the Hilton in Manchester City Centre? Julian (Finance Manager), Sara (Charity fundraising Manager) and I were lucky enough to be invited to the Hilton by Capita Software Solutions, who developed our app ‘Engage’, to attend their annual road show. It was a great experience and there were some very inspirational speakers. We all felt that we had learnt a lot that day and it was a privilege to be invited to this event.
One of the highlights had to be the cocktails in Cloud 23. What a beautiful place to sip a ‘cosmo’ or slurp on a ‘long island ice tea’, with views of Manchester as far as the eye can see. I would recommend it for anyone but what I would also recommend more than Cloud 23, more than crocheting, more than 12 hours sleep after a long flight is……… watching Sara on Karaoke which occurred later on that evening. She was THAT good that she developed her own ‘groupies’ in the shape of some Chinese tourists who actually thought she was famous and insisted on having their pictures taken with her. Now, I encourage anyone to follow their dreams BUT, I would hate to lose her to a new life as China’s biggest pop star. She was very good though!
Speaking of that app, what do you think? What do you mean you haven’t downloaded it??? It’s easy, just go to the app store or google play and search Fortunatus. I think you will be impressed. We are developing it all the time, adding news and information. I’m proud of this app and really happy with what Capita have done for us developing it.
We’ve had some ‘redecorating’ here in the office. I want to create a really positive culture here at Fortunatus. Somewhere that people feel inspired, happy and motivated. I’ve put up some new artwork throughout the building to increase the positive vibe we already have here. Also I have introduced Mindful colouring and motivational stickers. Check the colouring books out… Fortunatus…..calm, stress free, and relaxed.
A few of us also attended the ‘Smile’ motivational customer services course which was supplied by David West at Smile Motivation (www.smilemotivation.co.uk). We learnt that there is no such word as trying, you either do or you don’t. Listening is key to providing good customer service as is positivity. If you are a negative person then perhaps customer service is not for you. It was a great course with some great tips to work with here.
As for everything else, we’ve been dining alfresco quite a bit lately with this fabulous weather we have been having. It’s hard to stay indoors to be honest, and it was great to have a BBQ with mum and dad the other day to welcome them home from their holiday. They are great. 80 years old and nothing stops them!
Speaking of holidays, I have to sadly leave you all now… I have lots of packing to do for mine and Julian’s holiday, in Corfu. I will miss you all very much while I am away but I’ll be back with more tales to tell and hopefully no burns, injuries or lost luggage.
Bye for now!
Catherine.
fortunatushousing 