Freshwalks celebrates ten years of netwalking with return to roots
One of the business networking success stories of the last decade celebrates its first ten years this Friday as Freshwalks heads back to Glossop to retrace the steps of its original event, 10 years on.
Now run as a full time venture by former Studio North agency chief Michael Di Paola, Freshwalks has evolved a suite of complementary formats and delivered events across the UK as well as trips overseas.
But as Di Paolo says the simplicity of the original concept and core values of “Adventure, Inclusivity, Respect and Unity” haven’t changed.
“When Michael Taylor first mooted a “netwalking” idea and Thom Hetherington led us up onto the moors above Glossop, I had no idea that some years later I’d decide to leave my previous agency world and go full-time with this venture.
“Heading to cities like Geneva, Milan, Belfast and Palma for grand hiking tours and delivering corporate hiking days and training ‘walkshops’ for global brands never crossed my mind.
“But it was on Bleaklow where the seeds of an idea were first planted and it’s Bleaklow where we’ll head back to celebrate.
“Sadly, the dear old Wheatsheaf pub is no longer with us (RIP) but I hope those nearest and dearest to Freshwalks will join us… and perhaps even some of the OGs… for a yomp and a drink afterwards,” he said.
Corporate clients of Freshwalks come to Di Paola for bespoke days for team building, awaydays and client event, which he says create closer business connections and promotes wellbeing to boost resilience, inspire creative thinking and bring balance to busy working lives.
Katya Willems runs specific walks for women as well as slightly gentler Wednesday walks that cater for people of different fitness levels and abilities.
She says: “There’s always a great atmosphere on these walks. We are welcoming and it’s easy to spark up a conversation even if you’re new to Freshwalks. There’s something about walking in nature that makes connecting with others more relaxed and instinctive.”
But there are obvious business benefits as well. On the corporate walks, experienced guides lead teams from a company, or maybe a group of clients or suppliers, to just get out and feel the elements for day, stretch them, find a place where people can really get to know each other.
Martin Murphy, who helps lead the ‘walkshops’ for business clients, and who has himself transitioned from professional soldier to business coach, says exercise and nature to improve mental and physical health can lead to increased productivity, creativity, and mental clarity.
“Taking a break from the office and spending time outdoors can boost creativity and problem-solving skills. It also allows employees to return to work with a renewed sense of focus and energy,” he says.
Recent corporate customers include OBI Property, Alliance Manchester Business School, MAPD Group, Evelyn Partners and Bexley Beaumont, while sector walks for property, recruitment and hospitality have proved popular.
One of the stalwarts of Freshwalks has been former Grant Thornton senior partner John Shinnick. “The real joy has been the people; my God, the people. And the conversations. And the support, the constant support from as wide a variety of ideas, experiences and attitudes as you could find,” he said.
