WorkWell Hosts an Executive Breakfast, High-Performance Team Event

WorkWell on April 15, 2026

We hosted another event, bringing together a group of professionals across various sectors and roles. Creating an environment for cross-sector conversation and idea sharing.

The event was designed with the clear purpose of establishing the true drivers for performance.  Moving beyond surface-level discussions, instead analysing how leadership, environment, engagement and culture all play a crucial role in businesses succeeding.

The aim and what we ultimately managed to achieve was creating a space for honest and practical conversations around how high-performance looks today, and how organisations and individuals can build it sustainably.

Introducing the Panellists

We invited two speakers into WorkWell to discuss matters for our panel. David Moss,  a managing director at Apollo Capital, joined us, along with Martin Wright, a People Manager at Athena HR. Both brought invaluable insight and experience that helped provide clarity around performance driving.

High Performing Teams 2

Oliver Corrigan, WorkWell’s managing director, helped moderate the panel.

The conversation

Rethinking leadership in a changing workplace

A central theme covered throughout the discussion was the evolving role of leadership and its impact on performance.  In an evolving landscape shaped by hybrid and remote working, leadership is a lot less about oversight and more about being intentional.

As highlighted by the panellists, communication is no longer a given; it requires structure, consistency and a deeper awareness around individual need. The concept that one-size-fits-all leadership styles are outdated and not fit for purpose.

The shift from control to understanding

The conversation also highlighted a number of common blind spots for leadership. Many organisations still depend on traditional approaches that often fail to recognise what truly motivates individuals. What emerged instead was a clear shift. High performance isn’t achieved with control; it requires understanding. Taking time to connect with people on a personal level and adapting strategies accordingly.

Performance beyond metrics

The conversation expanded beyond metrics and output. Acknowledging that in smaller teams, misalignment or bad performance can have disproportionate impacts. Emphasising the need for early intervention and support, while most importantly identifying how performance can be shaped by environment as much as expectation.

Workspace, engagement and culture were all identified as critical factors influencing operations. When people feel connected to their environment and genuinely want to be there, the level of contribution naturally improves.

Engagement in particular stood out as a defining factor. Not as a vague concept but as something tangible:

  • Listening
  • Acting on feedback
  • Allowing staff to set expectations and goals
  • Inviting staff to shape their own experiences

Closing thoughts

Ultimately, the panel reinforced a clear shift in thinking. High performance is no longer about control; it’s about understanding.

Across every theme, the same idea resurfaced repeatedly. Organisations that understand and invest in their staff, create environments to serve staff, and those that foster a culture of genuine engagement often see sustainable results.

As the workplace continues to evolve, so too must the way we think about performance and the role we play in shaping it.

International Women’s Day Panel at WorkWell

WorkWell on March 10, 2026

To mark International Women’s Day, we were proud to have hosted a panel discussion, bringing together an inspiring group of thought leaders, founders, and central figures across various sectors.

The conversation explored a range of themes around gender dynamics, workplace inclusion, and leadership, with a particular focus on women excelling within their careers. Through sharing a collection of unique perspectives and experiences, the panel reflected on opportunities and challenges which women continue to navigate in modern workplaces.

Meet the panel

The discussion was moderated by the fantastic journalist and broadcaster Christine Talbot, who led the conversation through a series of topics around workplace culture and inclusion for women.

She was joined by a group of inspiring speakers, including:

  • Annabel Tonge, Associate Partner with Q5 Partners
  • Sharon Jandu OBE, Director of the NPH Ethnic Minority Business and Policy Forum, and founder of the Yorkshire Asian Business Association
  • Jennifer Potter, a leadership expert and executive coach
  • Jane Slimming, CEO and founder of creative and marketing agency Zeal
  • Hana Gwyn, Partner at LCF Law, specialising in private client law
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Key subjects discussed at the panel

Gender dynamics in the workplace

Gender dynamics were a focal point of discussion, exploring how gender shapes workplace experiences. Speakers reflected on the need for awareness around these subjects in order to take a step towards creating more equitable workspaces.

Inclusion as a fundamental practice

A leading topic of conversation was what meaningful inclusion looks like day-to-day. Whether that be from supportive workplace cultures or strong peer networks where staff feel valued and respected in their experiences.

Knowledge sharing and mentorship

Another key subject covered by the panel was the value of knowledge sharing. How mentorship and advocacy help create pathways for women to navigate success within their careers. A lot of women progress through workspaces that have conformed to traditional norms where male counterparts are favoured or taken more seriously. Access to this kind of guidance from those who have already navigated through these experiences can be an invaluable tool for women looking to achieve success in their careers.

Looking ahead

Hosting events like this highlights the importance of having conversations about women in leadership, creating opportunities and championing inclusion within the workplace.

As we celebrate International Women’s Month, the message from the panel was clear. Creating inclusive workplaces is a necessity; it benefits everybody in a work environment. Progress is driven by experience, knowledge and support that are shared.

Thank you to all who came, the turnout was fantastic! We hope to see you at the next event.

Where to go for lunch in Harrogate.

WorkWell on May 23, 2025

Harrogate doesn’t shout about its food scene enough, but it really ought to. Our elegant North Yorkshire town has quietly built a reputation for serving up some of the best lunches in the region. Whether you’re in the mood for a plate of something comforting and familiar or looking to explore flavours from further afield, there’s a spot here that fits the bill. These aren’t just restaurants, they’re places with personality, doing what they do well. Here are a few of the best for our Copthall Bridge members to explore…

FIFTY-TWO at Rudding Park

Set on the edge of town at Rudding Park, FIFTY-TWO is not your average countryside restaurant. Housed in converted shipping containers with views of the kitchen garden, it’s part of a wider push by the hotel to take food seriously. The menu leans into seasonality with quiet confidence, and there’s even a feature called ‘Dessert Islands Discs’, which lets you pick the soundtrack to your pudding. It sounds gimmicky, but it works. The food does all the real talking.

Three’s A Crowd

This smart gastropub overlooks the Stray and doesn’t mess about when it comes to flavour. British dishes are treated with just enough modern flair to make them interesting without being fussy. The menu changes often to reflect what’s in season, and the wine list includes a few unexpected gems. It’s hugely popular at lunch, especially at weekends, so booking ahead is advisable.

Paradise Café

Tucked behind a garden centre, Paradise Café has a big terrace with views over a small lake, and the space has a laid-back charm that suits its no-nonsense menu. Expect generous salads, sandwiches that don’t skimp on filling, and occasional specials that make good use of what’s fresh. It’s a solid choice for a casual, unhurried lunch.

The West Park Hotel

A former coach house turned boutique hotel, The West Park sits comfortably between brasserie and pub, depending on what you’re after. The lunch menu includes both lighter bites and more substantial dishes, all built around ingredients sourced as close to home as possible. It’s smart without being stiff, and you’ll find both regulars and out-of-towners settling in for a relaxed meal.

The Harrogate Inn

Right in the centre of town, The Harrogate Inn has had something of a glow-up in recent years. It’s still a pub at heart, but the food has stepped up a gear. Expect well-executed classics, think fish and chips, pies, and Sunday roasts, with no corners cut. The kitchen knows its audience, and there’s a real effort to make things from scratch. It’s a safe bet, in the best possible way.

Stuzzi

You’ll find Stuzzi on King’s Road, and if you’re in the mood for Italian, it’s where you should go. The cooking here has real swagger: dishes are bold, flavours are full-on, and there’s no mistaking the kitchen’s confidence. The Porchetta panini is as rich and indulgent as it sounds, and the arancini are small golden miracles. The sage tagliatelle with slow-cooked mutton ragu is worth crossing town for.

La Feria

La Feria, on Cold Bath Road, offers something different. It’s not trying to replicate a generic tapas bar, it’s aiming squarely at the food you’d actually find in a decent Andalusian joint. There’s rotisserie chicken seasoned just right, prawns swimming in garlic and chilli oil, and croquettes that crackle lightly before giving way to soft, savoury filling. The atmosphere is buzzy, the tables are close, and it all adds up to something very enjoyable.

Harrogate’s reputation for tea and scones is long established, but these places show it’s also somewhere you can eat properly and well in the middle of the day.

If we’ve missed your go-to, you know what to do; let us know. Good lunch spots deserve to be shared.