Some trips stick with you, not because of where you go, but because of who you’re with. Last weekend, the Shirley Parsons UK team swapped office chairs for sun loungers, spreadsheets for prosecco, and Teams calls for team hangouts. It wasn’t just a reward for a great year; it was a chance to step back, connect, and celebrate what makes our team special.
Pastries, pool days and a touch of competition.
Each morning began in the resort’s bright, airy restaurant where the smell of fresh pastries mingled with strong coffee and the sound of laughter carried across the tables. We’d gather as one big, slightly sleepy group, swapping stories from the night before, comparing sunburn progress, and plotting the day’s adventures.
Some opted for poolside tranquillity, toes dipped lazily in the water with a book or a mocktail in hand, while others set off to explore Marbella’s charms; from hikes in the Andalusian hills to the golden beaches of Puerto Banús to the cobbled streets and whitewashed beauty of the Old Town, where flower-filled balconies framed every turn like a postcard come to life.
And then there was Mike Roebuck, our King of Games. A man of energy, enthusiasm, and an unwavering commitment to “one more round.” Mike somehow managed to organise activities that catered to everyone, whether that meant a gruelling hike up the Sierra Blanca or an epic spikeball on the beach.
The spikeball matches became fabled fun. Sand flew, shouts echoed, and laughter rolled as the teams rubble it out with friendly competition, complete with spectacular dives, questionable tactics, and the occasional victory dance. We even drew a small crowd of amused onlookers envious from the sidelines.
Padel was also on the agenda. A fast and fiery blend of tennis and squash that left us sweating, smiling, and occasionally shouting at the ball (yes, Fraser, that means you). Even the Andalusian heat couldn’t dull the energy. Every doubles match came with its fair share of banter, dramatic stretches, and some serious bragging rights by the end.
And of course, there was the pool, the week’s unofficial headquarters. Between laid-back swims, impromptu races, and a few “keepy-uppy” contests (headers only!), it became the perfect spot to unwind, recharge, and catch up. There was no agenda, no pressure, just good, old-fashioned fun in the sun.
Music, laughter and Marbella nights.
As the evenings rolled in, the atmosphere shifted from sun-soaked to softly golden. We’d gather around the poolside bar, drinks in hand, as the sound of live music drifted through the warm night air. Our favourite act? Two incredibly talented twins, or at least we think they were twins. Who serenaded us with Spanish classics one night, and then surprised us the next with upbeat British hits like Sweet Caroline. Before long, we were all on our feet, singing and dancing as if we were at a festival rather than a resort.
One particularly special evening took us to Pizzeria Picasso. A charming Italian spot where the walls were adorned with colourful, Picasso-inspired artwork. The food came in generous portions, the staff were superb, and the atmosphere was pure joy. Midway through the evening, we surprised our very own Shirley with a birthday celebration. The pièce de résistance? A towering chocolate cake crowned with a sparkling candle that lit up the room, and Shirley’s smile.
As the trip wound down, some of the die-hard football fans (and a few curious spectators) gathered to watch Liverpool take on Manchester United. Watching with the usual mix of passion, banter, and disbelief (mainly from the United fans who couldn’t believe their luck that night) the last night Marbella end with the team saying a sweet goodbye.
The heart of it all.
Trips like this aren’t just about sunshine or celebration. It’s a reminder to celebrate your employees hard work and their support of each other and genuinely enjoy spending time together.
“The Marbella trip was about recognising the dedication and teamwork that drive our business forward every day,” said Ben Hiner, Director at Shirley Parsons. “Building a strong, connected team isn’t just good for morale; it’s what keeps us moving forward.”
For Daniel Kuijper, who joined as a Graduate last year and is now a Recruitment Consultant, it summed up the culture perfectly:
“To be part of something like this so early in my career was incredible. It showed how much the company values its people, and it’s made me even more excited for what’s next.”
Carrying the momentum forward.
We came home with a few tan lines, plenty of in-jokes, and a reminder that success feels better when it’s shared. That’s the spirit we’re proud to build on: ambitious people, meaningful work, and a culture that celebrates both the wins and the people behind them.
If that sounds like your kind of team, we’d love to hear from you.
