[About Us]
What makes us different.
From our unique base, by the watersports centre
opposite the Low Wood Hotel, on the beautiful banks of Lake Windermere, we have
amassed 24 years’ experience of organising and running corporate events and team
building activities.
Our team, from Olympic coaches, to personnel and development
professionals are all highly experienced in managing people and activities, and
getting the most out of both. Our difference is in the detail. Nothing is left
to chance and no team is left to its own devices.
We design each event personally to suit your requirements and manage your day’s
events rigorously to maximise the enjoyment, excitement and adventure. The
outcomes are strongly motivated individuals and strengthened working
relationships, which are really useful to your organisation.
Meet the Team
When you’re looking for a team to build your team, you need one that’s motivated,
skilled and qualified to do so.
Our people have strong backgrounds in designing engaging, exciting
events, developing powerful relationships and creating winning teams.
They come at their job from a variety of perspectives - Olympic coaching, CIPD
training and corporate event management. All are driven by an infectious energy
and enthusiasm, and supported by an organisation with over 24 years’ team
building experience.
Ian Woods, Director
An accomplished sports performance coach, Ian’s 20 years’ of competing and
coaching, includes three Olympic Games. He has represented Great Britain at
world or Olympic level on more than 80 occasions and has coached some of the
UK’s toughest athletes to Olympic standard.
Now as a qualified business and executive coach, Ian is able to transfer his
world-class sports experience into raising performance within the world of work.
He is a confident public speaker and has worked as a commentator for Eurosport
at major events and at its broadcasting centre in Paris.
He has developed individuals and teams from many walks of life - senior
executives of blue chip companies, such as Rolls Royce; elite members of the
Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force; high performing champions of
not-for-profit organisations; and under-achieving young people with big issues,
large egos and huge potential.
Who's my inspiration?
Any individual overcoming the odds to achieve something praiseworthy or
outstanding.
What’s my greatest achievement?
Surviving a kidnapping by the Russian mafia while coaching in Siberia!
How do I relax?
A long run over a mountain or through a valley that I’ve never visited before.
What’s the secret to building a great team?
To achieve or perform at the highest level you have to really want it. That’s
square one. If the desire to achieve is missing, that’s where we need to start.
If I was Prime Minister...
... attract gifted teachers into school sports, and make it compulsory for all
school children to participate in a minimum of 60 minutes exercise every day.
What people have said about me?
“Ian Woods in his position as Olympic team manager and coach was undoubtedly the
best regarding his integrity, planning and work ethic that I have experienced
during six Olympic Games and 15 World Championships".
Mike Dixon MBE BEM
"I've worked with Ian many times and there is no one more professional,
diplomatic or flexible. One of life's fantastic people - his combination of
business experience and sports application brings out the best in all those he
works with."
Susan Myles, HR Director, The Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Michaela Gardner, Low Wood Events Manager
Michaela is almost part of the furniture now after being with Onesimus for 6
years.
In her role as Low Wood Events Manager she has to balance both sides of the operation,
training and events, which she manages to do without ever appearing ruffled.
When it comes to dreaming up wacky ideas for the more unusual events Michaela
has a reputation for fanatical innovation. She also has a CIPD Certificate in
Training Practice, for when she needs to get involved with the more serious side
of things.
If she’s not planning the next spectacular event or expedition for Onesimus she’s
planning the next spectacular event or expedition for Michaela and pals, it
never stops...
If I was Prime Minister...
I would make it compulsory that everyone take up an outdoor pursuit and start to
appreciate the environment around us. I would probably allow a few more bank
holidays too, just to ensure everyone had enough time to enjoy it!
I get inspiration from...
Interesting people, new places, music and taking in the things around me.
How I relax...
A good book, a glass of wine, climbing to the top of a mountain or hurtling down
the Lakeland fells on my mountain bike!
My favourite place...
New Zealand, after living there for a few years you cant beat the blue seas,
golden sands, breathtaking mountains and adrenalin action.
Andy Jordan, Sales & Marketing Manager
Andy began his working life as a Management Trainee with Marks & Spencer's and
moved into buying and marketing with Selfridges Ltd in London during the early
1990's. From the late 1990's, he has assisted in helping to set up the Marketing
& Promotions Department at the Bay FM commercial radio station in Lancaster and
in developing 'new music' sales & marketing worldwide for a division of
Universal Music.
With over 25 years of experience in Sales & Marketing, Andy has worked both
Nationally and Internationally with FMCG, Retail, Media, Leisure and not for
profit Organisations. His work with not for profit organisations began with
fundraising work for 'Children of Chernobyl' and continued with developing sales
& marketing for Corporate, School & Youth Events & Training at the YMCA National
Centre in the Lake District.
As a local resident of the Lake District for over 18 years, his love of the area
began as a boy. Originally from Manchester and a City fan by default (his elder
sister was a United fan), Andy became a keen fell walker and outdoor sports
enthusiast when visiting the area with his local school. Today, he is just as
passionate about the area, its local people and businesses.
Andy is a member of the Charted Institute of Marketing and Institute of Sales &
Marketing Management and brings a wide knowledge of all Sales & Marketing fields
to the business.
The scariest thing I've ever done
Driving into a Hurricane between Key West and Key Largo, Florida, USA. Whilst on
Holiday a hurricane warning was given over the radio and I could see it
approaching us. I drove right into it. It was pretty scary but I managed to keep
the car on the road before the worst of it hit and long enough to find a
hurricane shelter. The girls (my wife and daughter) slept the whole way through
it, right up to the shelter!
How I relax
Fell Walking and Reading Sci-Fi Novels. Both help me to escape when I need to and
both often leave me wondering what kind of world our children will inhabit.
Something I'm proud of.
My daughter (now aged 23). One of the greatest pleasures of my life has been
helping to raise, nurture and care for our 'little girl'.
What people have said about me;
"He's a lovely boy!" (Mrs. M. Jordan aged 86)
"He does the dishes on occasions" (Mrs. D. Jordan – wife)
Greg Duckworth, Corporate events manager
With a working knowledge of running events in a range of environments, Greg has lived and worked in the Lake District for 6 years. A qualified mountain bike leader and with professional qualifications in management and coaching, Greg has previously worked with youth groups, university students and aspiring business leaders using the outdoor environment as a platform for fun, adventure and learning.
My inspiration
Jimi Hendrix for defining, Sir Clive Woodward for winning and Banksy for creating
Greatest achievement
Ice climbing by moonlight in North Wales.
How do I relax?
Big solo mountain bike routes, playing my guitar, cooking
What people have said about me?
"Every day is a new experience": Mrs Cheryl Duckworth (wife)
Things I plan to do in the next 10 years…
Finish writing my book on customer service, record an album, think up a truly unique adventure challenge and do it.
If I was prime minister
I would introduce traditional trades and crafts to the national syllabus and appoint a minister for adventure.