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A Hauntingly Good Time: How We Celebrated Halloween at the Office

Halloween is always a fun and festive time of year, and at QED Structures, we made sure to embrace the spooky season with some seriously spooky (and fun!) office activities. From a wild costume contest to cupcake decorating, an Office-themed "Trick or Treat," and an after-work happy hour with games, this year's Halloween celebration was one for the books! Here's a look at how we brought the spooky season to life in the office and had a fang-tastic time doing it.

1. Costume Contest: Who Wore It Best?

What’s Halloween without a little costume competition? This year, our theme was characters from a movie/TV Show. Our office was filled with all sorts of creative costumes, from Ghostface and The Grim Reaper to Tracy Turnblad and Kermit the Frog. We kicked things off with our annual costume contest, and the creativity on display did not disappoint!

Employees went all out, and the results were a hilarious and impressive array of costumes. The competition was fierce, but in the end, we crowned the winners:

3rd Place: Joe as Georgie from It and Chloe as Dwight from The Office.
2nd Place: Ian as the unforgettable Beetlejuice.
1st Place: Samantha stole the show as M3GAN, winning the £50 prize!

Of course, the best part was the laughter and camaraderie that filled the office as everyone entered the office showing off their costumes. The costumes may have been spooky, but the good vibes were truly contagious!

2. Cupcake Decorating: A Sweet Treat for All

After all the costume excitement, it was time for something sweet! We hosted a cupcake decorating lunch, and our office turned into a mini bakery. Everyone was given one vanilla cupcake and one chocolate cupcake along with an array of toppings — coloured frosting, sprinkles, chocolate buttons, and more.

Some employees went all-in with detailed designs, creating little pumpkins, monsters, and graveyard cupcakes. Others kept it simple with lots of colours, sprinkles and chocolate.

It was a sweet, sugar-filled break from the usual workday hustle, and a great way to bond over some tasty treats. And we finished it off with pizza and laughs!!

3. Office-Themed 'Trick or Treat': Spooky Surprises Around Every Corner

Who says "Trick or Treating" is just for kids? This year, we brought the Halloween tradition to the office with an office-themed "Trick or Treat." Rather than sweets and scares, we had everyone pick an office-themed “Trick or Treat” at random. Whilst some people had the treat of leaving work 30 minutes early or having a treasure hunt to find the hidden £20, others had to clean the George Foreman Grill or clean out the fridge!

It was a fun way to spread some Halloween cheer throughout the office and surprise a few people with an unexpected trick-or-treat, keeping the festive mood going all day long.

4. After-Work Games & Drinks: A Bewitching Happy Hour

We finished the workday early at 4:30 but, the Halloween festivities were far from over. We wrapped up our celebration with an after-work happy hour, complete with spooky cocktails, beer, snacks, and games.

These games were a fun way to wind down the day and share some laughs, and definitely helped set the mood for a relaxed and enjoyable evening. It was the perfect way to cap off a day of creativity, camaraderie, and spooky spirit.

Why We Love Halloween at the Office

Halloween is a special time for us at QED Structures because it gives us an excuse to break out of our usual routines, have some fun, and connect with colleagues in a more relaxed, creative way. Whether it’s showing off our costume creativity, decorating cupcakes, trick-or-treat at work, or enjoying an after-hours happy hour, these activities help bring us closer together as a team.

At QED Structures, we believe in creating a workplace where fun, collaboration, and creativity are always encouraged—and Halloween is the perfect opportunity to celebrate all of those things. This year's Halloween celebration was a blast, and we can’t wait to see what next year has in store!

From our spooky office to your screens, we hope you enjoyed reading about our festive day as much as we enjoyed celebrating it!

If you want to see more about our Halloween activities or if you're looking for ideas to bring a little Halloween fun to your office, please take a look at our social media.

a day of fun and competition: our go-karting company outing

On the 6th of September, our team traded in our office chairs for racing seats as we headed out for an exhilarating day of go-karting! This company outing was a perfect blend of fun, competition, and team bonding, creating lasting memories and strengthening our workplace camaraderie. Here’s a recap of our thrilling day on the track!

revving up for adventure

We kicked off the day with a casual morning at the office, where excitement was high, anticipating the day ahead. After fuelling up, we made our way to Buckmore Park. The Hove, London and Manchester offices gathered in the go-karting lobby, where everyone was buzzing with excitement. It was the perfect opportunity to mingle and fuel up before we hit the track. The atmosphere was charged with energy, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.

the thrill of the race

After a quick safety briefing, it was every racer for themselves! As we climbed into our go-karts, the adrenaline kicked in! Racing around the wet track, navigating sharp turns, and competing for the fastest lap brought out everyone’s competitive spirit. Watching colleagues zoom past—or trying to catch up—added an extra layer of excitement to the day. We laughed and cheered each other on and playfully challenged one another.

building connections

Beyond the thrill of racing, the day provided an excellent opportunity to connect with colleagues outside the usual office environment. Whether celebrating a close finish or sharing tips on how to navigate the track, the day fostered deeper relationships among team members.

reflecting on the experience

After several rounds of racing, we gathered to reflect on our experiences. Conversations flowed as we shared highlights and laughed over near-misses. This reflection not only enhanced our understanding of each other but also reinforced the importance of collaboration in our daily work.

celebrating our achievements

After a series of thrilling races, we gathered to celebrate our top finishers – and of course, we let the boss win. The atmosphere was filled with laughter as everyone shared their favourite moments from the day. Recognising individual achievements created a sense of accomplishment and unity within the team.

looking ahead

Our go-karting outing was a fantastic reminder of the importance of stepping away from our desks and bonding with other colleagues as we enjoyed each other’s company. The lessons learned about communication, encouragement, and friendly competition will undoubtedly carry over into our work environment and enhance our workplace culture.

We are thrilled to announce that our company has achieved the prestigious CHAS Elite Accreditation! This recognition shows our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety in all our operations. It reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire team and emphasises our position as a trusted and responsible partner in our industry. We look forward to continuing to prioritise safety and excellence in all that we do.

what is chas elite accreditation?

The CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) Elite Accreditation is a highly regarded certification in the construction and contracting industry. It signifies that a company has demonstrated exceptional commitment to maintaining rigorous health and safety standards in its operations. CHAS Elite Accreditation reflects a company's dedication to excellence and safety, instilling confidence in clients and partners alike.

why chas elite accreditation matters

1. Credibility and Reputation Enhancement:

CHAS Elite Accreditation shows our reputation as a responsible and safety-conscious organization. It signifies to clients, partners, and stakeholders that the company is serious about adhering to high standards of health and safety in its operations.

2. Risk Mitigation and Accident Reduction:

Safety is a top priority for the construction industry. The CHAS elite accreditation proves we have a track record of proactive risk management. This can result in fewer accidents and injuries on job sites.

3. Commitment to Excellence and Improvement:

CHAS Elite Accreditation is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing commitment to excellence in health and safety. Therefore, we are expected and obligated to continually improve our safety practices, which benefits both employees and clients.

4. Supply Chain Collaboration

Our recent Accreditation facilitates collaboration with other accredited companies and contractors. This streamlined coordination can lead to more efficient project management, reduced delays, and improved overall project outcomes.

how we achieved elite accreditation

1. Training and awareness:

We had to implement a culture of safety awareness where our employees are actively engaging in in maintaining safe practices by providing ongoing health and safety training.

2. Risk assessment:

We had to conduct a thorough risk assessment for all projects, addressing potential hazards and implementing control measures to mitigate the risks.

3. Monitoring and renewal:

CHAS Elite accreditation is not a one-time achievement: it requires ongoing commitment Therefore we are having to always keep up the same standards and always being prepared for periodi9c reviews and assessments.

what does this mean for our clients?

1. Enhanced safety:

Clients can trust that we place high priority on safety, reducing the risk of accidents and incidents on our projects.

2. Compliance assurance:

You can have confidence that our company complies with industry specific health and safety regulations, minimising legal and regulatory risks.

3. Risk mitigation:

This helps clients reduce their own risk exposure, as we collaborate with a safety focused contractor.

4. Peace of mind:

Know by knowing we have met stringent accreditation standards provides clients with piece of mind, allowing them to focus on their project’s success.

5. Improved project outcomes:

Safety conscious practices often lead to smoother project execution, fewer disruptions, and ultimately, better project outcomes.

The district event Barcelona is an event QED are very proud to be a part of as it is already the key European tradeshow in the industry with over 10,000 real estate professionals, including some of the industry’s biggest players in the real estate scene. We went with our QED team lead by our Managing Director Ian and head of the Barcelona office Maria, as you can see by the experience, we brought with us we were ready to make a good impression and really benefit from this opportunity.

Attending the district event in Barcelona proved to be an immensely beneficial experience for QED structures. The vibrant and culturally rich city provided an ideal backdrop for networking and collaboration among diverse individuals and businesses. QED had the opportunity to exchange innovative ideas, gain fresh perspectives, and provide and teach ideas for others and offer others valuable information, which forge priceless connections that transcended borders and industries. This is exactly the experience we achieved as we got a multitude of great leads in lots of different fields such as developers, architects, finance etc. The event also showcased cutting-edge technologies and trends, enabling us to stay ahead of the curve. Beyond the professional benefits, Barcelona’s unique charm, world-class cuisine, and historical landmarks added an extra layer of enrichment to the trip, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

In summary, the district event in Barcelona was a highly rewarding experience. it brought together professionals, fostering collaboration and idea sharing. The city's unique atmosphere and culture added to the event's value, offering personal and professional growth. Attendees left with new knowledge, valuable connections, and cherished memories, making Barcelona an integral part of the event's success. in essence, the event in Barcelona was a truly beneficial and transformative experience for everyone involved.

We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our journey towards excellence in the construction industry – we have achieved Constructionline Gold certification! This achievement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering quality, safety, and sustainability in all our projects. In this blog post, we'd like to share what this prestigious certification means for us and our valued clients.

Message from the Managing Director:

Before we dive into the details, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and pride in our team. Being awarded the Constructionline Gold Status is a great achievement and will allow QED Structures to continue our growth and expansion plans. Thank you so much for the hard work and dedication to all of our staff for achieving such an amazing status.

What is Constructionline Gold Certification?

Constructionline is a UK-based procurement and supply chain management platform that connects contractors and suppliers with construction projects. The Gold certification is a high level of accreditation offered by Constructionline and demonstrates an organisation's dedication to achieving the highest industry standards.

Why Constructionline Gold Certification Matters

1. Enhanced Credibility:
Achieving Gold certification is no small feat. It demonstrates to clients, partners, and stakeholders that we meet rigorous standards for health and safety, financial stability, and ethical business practices. This added credibility can set us apart in a competitive marketplace.

2. Streamlined Procurement:
Constructionline's platform simplifies the procurement process for buyers. With Gold certification, we are now more accessible to a broader range of potential clients, making it easier for them to engage our services.

3. Commitment to Quality:
Gold certification reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality construction services. It reassures clients that we adhere to best practices and industry standards in every project we undertake.

4. Emphasis on Health and Safety:
Safety is paramount in the construction industry. Gold certification indicates that we prioritise the safety of our employees, and anyone who interacts with our projects, leading to a safer working environment.

How We Achieved Gold Certification

Reaching this milestone was not an overnight accomplishment. It required dedication, hard work, and a continuous commitment to excellence. Some key steps we took include:

1. Documented Processes:
We meticulously documented our internal processes to ensure they align with industry standards and best practices.

2. Training and Development:
We invested in our team's training and development, ensuring that all employees have the skills and knowledge required to excel in their roles.

3. Health and Safety Measures:
We implemented robust health and safety measures to protect our workers and the public, consistently exceeding the required standards.

4. Sustainability Initiatives:
We incorporated sustainability into our projects, adopting eco-friendly practices and materials where possible to reduce our environmental impact.

What This Means for Our Clients

Our clients are at the heart of everything we do, and this certification directly benefits them:

1. Peace of Mind:
Clients can trust that their projects are in capable hands, knowing that we have met the stringent requirements for Gold certification.

2. Efficiency:
Streamlined processes mean quicker project kick-offs and smoother collaborations.

3. Quality Assurance:
Clients can expect top-notch workmanship, adherence to timelines, and a commitment to safety and sustainability in all our projects.

Achieving Constructionline Gold certification is a significant achievement that underscores our dedication to excellence in the construction industry. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to delivering quality, safety, and sustainability in all our projects. We look forward to continuing to exceed expectations and serving our clients with the highest level of professionalism and expertise.

In the ever-evolving realm of construction, innovation continues to reshape the way we build our structures. One such innovation that has gained significant attention is Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT). With its environmentally friendly properties, structural versatility, and potential to revolutionise modern methods of construction, CLT is emerging as a game-changer in the industry. In this blog, we'll delve into the world of CLT and explore how it's transforming the way we create sustainable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing buildings.

The Rise of CLT: A Brief Overview

Cross-Laminated Timber, often referred to as CLT, is an engineered wood product that consists of layers of timber boards stacked perpendicular to one another and bonded with adhesive. This cross-lamination enhances the material's structural stability and load-bearing capacity, making it suitable for a wide range of construction applications. Initially developed in Europe, CLT has gradually gained recognition worldwide as a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials like concrete and steel.

Benefits of Using CLT in Modern Methods of Construction:

1. Sustainability at Its Core

In an era where sustainability is paramount, CLT shines as an eco-friendly building solution. It's crafted from renewable resources—wood sourced from sustainably managed forests. Unlike concrete and steel, CLT production generates fewer carbon emissions, making it a crucial player in mitigating the construction industry's environmental impact.

2. Speed and Efficiency

CLT panels are prefabricated off-site, leading to faster construction times and reduced on-site labour requirements. This modular approach not only accelerates project completion but also minimises disruptions to local communities and reduces waste generated during construction.

3. Design Flexibility and Aesthetic Appeal

CLT's versatility extends to design flexibility. Its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio allows architects and engineers to explore creative architectural forms while maintaining structural integrity. Additionally, the natural warmth and beauty of wood create inviting and aesthetically pleasing spaces, contributing to occupants' overall well-being.

4. Seismic Performance and Durability

CLT's layered construction grants it inherent seismic resistance, making it a robust choice for earthquake-prone regions. With proper maintenance, CLT structures have the potential to last for decades, offering a durable and reliable option for long-term construction projects.

5. Improved Insulation and Thermal Performance

Wood's inherent insulating properties, coupled with CLT's layering, result in impressive thermal performance. CLT buildings can maintain stable indoor temperatures, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling and contributing to energy efficiency.

Challenges and Considerations:

While CLT offers numerous benefits, there are some challenges to be mindful of. These include fire resistance, moisture control, and ensuring a consistent supply of quality timber. However, ongoing research and advancements in CLT technology are addressing these challenges, making the material even more viable for a broader range of projects.

In conclusion, Cross-Laminated Timber represents a paradigm shift in modern construction methods, offering a blend of sustainability, efficiency, and architectural freedom. As the world continues to prioritise eco-friendly solutions and innovative approaches to building, CLT stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the potential to create a harmonious balance between nature and urban development. With its remarkable attributes and ongoing advancements, CLT is undoubtedly carving a path towards a greener and more sustainable construction future.

Almost a year on since our surprise Barcelona team-building event, and we are still talking about it! It was a pivotal chapter in our company's story of growth and collaboration.

As we reflect on the memories made and connections formed during those days, it's clear that in-person interactions have a unique power to bridge virtual divides, foster personal relationships, enhance communication, and solidify a strong company culture.

But why are team-building experiences so important for a healthy and productive office environment? This is our hot take:

Cultivating Personal Relationships

Beyond the office, we discovered more about one another. From team challenges to strolls along the beach, our shared experiences during the trip created a space for personal conversations that deepened our understanding of one another. These personal connections are crucial in understanding each team member's strengths and challenges, ultimately leading to more effective teamwork back in the office.

Strengthening Trust and Communication

Engaging in team-building activities such as silly challenges and collaborative tasks required us to communicate, strategize, and problem-solve in real-time. These activities not only showcased the diverse skill sets within our team but also reinforced the importance of clear communication and the value of leveraging each other's strengths. The trust that blossomed during these activities translated directly into improved teamwork and project execution upon our return.

Fostering a Vibrant Company Culture

The Barcelona experience breathed life into our company culture. By sharing unforgettable moments, inside jokes, and laughter, we established a sense of belonging that extends beyond work tasks. This sense of belonging is a driving force in employee satisfaction, as it cultivates an environment where individuals feel valued, appreciated, and motivated to contribute their best to the team's success.

Reaping the Benefits of In-Person Interaction

The tangible outcomes of our Barcelona adventure soon became evident back at the office. The increased unity translated into improved communication, faster problem-solving, and a palpable surge in creativity. The bonds we forged during those sunny days in Barcelona continue to impact our daily interactions, making us more efficient, resilient, and adaptive in navigating the challenges of our professional journey.

halloween highlights: celebrating the spooky season

November 12, 2024

A Hauntingly Good Time: How We Celebrated Halloween at the Office

1. Costume Contest: Who Wore It Best?

2. Cupcake Decorating: A Sweet Treat for All

3. Office-Themed 'Trick or Treat': Spooky Surprises Around Every Corner

4. After-Work Games & Drinks: A Bewitching Happy Hour

Why We Love Halloween at the Office

go-karting company outing

October 15, 2024

a day of fun and competition: our go-karting company outing

revving up for adventure

the thrill of the race

building connections

reflecting on the experience

celebrating our achievements

looking ahead

Constructing Excellence SECBE Awards 2024

June 28, 2024

merry structurally sound christmas!

December 12, 2023

qed structures – 18th anniversary

December 5, 2023

planning approval – anglia square, norwich

October 10, 2023

celebrating our chas elite accreditation

September 29, 2023