As you may have recently heard, Simplify Technology Group has been created to incorporate an umbrella of specialist companies that can offer the very best specialised services, yet work in unison across the group to provide complete services and solutions to our customers. At the moment, this unholy alliance (lovely people really) involves two companies - Simplify IT and CC Communications, each outstanding in their field. So it was decided that, in the spirit of unity and to get the ball rolling properly, both would come together and try and be outstanding in a field. So Spa, so good. In the breath-taking surroundings of Shrigley Hall Hotel and Spa in the stunning Cheshire countryside, the staff of the newly formed Simplify Technology Group met. Firstly for some delicious refreshments and to get to know each other. In truth, this union has been in the offing for about six months now and so many of the guys already knew each other in many respects, but not all. It quickly became apparent that getting on wasn't going to be an issue. So after lunch you'd imagine the parties would take advantage of the famous open air luxurious spa, or the perfectly maintained golf course. Nah. Fetch my axe! In the true and finest traditions of founder Lee Rogers, who would rather drive a Main Battle Tank across the thirteenth fairway, or do donuts on a jet ski in the spa, we resorted to sporting violence to break the ice. This involved pistol shooting, archery, clay pigeon shooting and of course, axe throwing. The group were divided up into four groups (orange, blue, black and pink - at least I think so) and got stuck in. An absolute blast was had by all, with orange team just about victorious. Some seriously good Robin Hoods, assassins, vikings, and... to the manor born aristocrats became known. The Group would fare well in a zombie apocalypse perhaps. In any case, great fun was had by all. All that remained to be decided on the field of valour was a 100m sprint race, weeks in the planning after some office shenanigans. Poor Tom injuring his hamstring left Joe victorious, even over the stand in competition. Mouth like a Pharaohs sock Forgive the vulgar analogy but I've rarely been so ready for... refreshment. It was thirsty work that afternoon after all. A beautiful September sun blazing away for the duration. That seemed to be a popular opinion too by all accounts. So after a quick change for the guys, and meticulous preparation for the gals, it was time to get a sup on before dinner. Not content to settle their differences on the field, Tom and Joe squared off to see who could throw a pint down their neck quickest. It was close but a steward's enquiry favoured Joe again. As the day wore on, both companies were feeling very comfortable in each other's company, talked a bit of shop, and shared some laughs. Dinner is served A fine dinner, with the marvellous fare matching the grand surroundings. Shrigley Hall truly is something to behold. Tom said a few words after dinner to mark the occasion and to remember Lee, without whom none of this would be possible. We miss him but we're going to make this a success - as was his vision. We're a good fit for each other, we offer far more to our customers together than we did alone. So here's to the success of Simplify Technology Group Ltd. We think it's going to work out just fine. Thank you to Sarah Rogers for arranging this fantastic day. Thank you to the staff at Shrigley Hall Hotel and Spa, and thank you for reading this.