From algorithms to espionage: Aveni swaps Google Meet for Castle walls at Winton, bringing together its remote-working team
Aveni brought their UK remote working teams to Winton Castle near Edinburgh for an offsite away day with team building strategy sessions, a ‘Hunted’ experience, a barbeque, some games and drinks on the croquet lawn.
The guests had a morning conference followed by a light lunch, then embarked on their main activity a ‘Hunted Game’ supported by Pendragon events which was a cross between the TV programme, Hunted, a scavenger hunt and geocaching.
Winton Estate had already been scoped out on a three-day visit by Pendragon and clues planted so they had access to all areas (except the fields with the sheep and Highland cows!).
Aveni is an Edinburgh-based software business that harnesses AI to automate the time-consuming admin and compliance tasks in financial services so their clients, like PWC, Grant Thornton, Schroders and Equifax, can focus on growing their businesses.
Katie Hunter, Senior Marketing Manager, at Aveni shares some feedback on their company party below:
“Winton Castle was chosen as the venue for our offsite away day to provide a memorable setting that contrasted with the usual remote working environment.
“It offered a unique and energizing space for strategic thinking, team bonding, and fun activities – a perfect backdrop that replaced Google Meet backgrounds with real castle walls!”
What were the objectives of your offsite meeting at Winton?
“We hosted the entire Aveni team, coming together for a company-wide offsite away day,” Katie Hunter continues.
“The objectives of our team-building day were:
- “Aligning the company’s strategic direction and our future actions.
- “Spending time together in person which is so important as a remote-first organisation.
- “Getting to know each other outside of work with some fun activities.”
'Aveni Vidi Vici: We Came, We Saw, We Conquered!'
What activities and hospitality did you enjoy at Winton?
“Our away day’s activities included:
- “A strategic planning session held within the Castle itself.
- “Pendragon Projects facilitated ‘The Hunt – Rogue Agent’ experience within the grounds of the Castle. This was a high-energy, immersive experience designed to combine elements of mystery, espionage, and physical activity. It served as a creative and engaging way to reinforce teamwork, trust, and strategic thinking.
- “The most delicious BBQ and lawn games in Winton’s beautiful Walled Garden.
“In true Aveni fashion, we balanced the big thinking with rogue agent missions, BBQ-fuelled bonding, and karaoke – which our ears may never recover from!
“As we said: Aveni Vidi Vici: we came, we saw, we conquered (with a mic in one hand and a mission brief in the other)!”
What did the Aveni team particularly like about Winton?
“Overall, the feedback has been highly positive, with the team describing the event as memory-filled, fun, and invigorating – with plenty of laughter, bonding, and sore legs from running around the beautiful Winton grounds.
“The team particularly appreciated the Castle’s atmosphere, which added a dramatic and inspiring flair to the offsite.”
Katie Hunter concludes: “The blend of historical charm, outdoor space for activities, and a relaxed setting for fun and food, made it an ideal location for both strategic work and team bonding.”
Winton expect to host more Hunted corporate events in furure. You can learn more about team-building offsite meetings at Winton here.
