Punts, People and 15 Years of Opendoorz

Our annual punting event is always a highlight in the Opendoorz calendar but this year, it became part of something much bigger.

There are, of course, easier ways to celebrate a 15th anniversary than placing a group of business owners into punts and handing them poles. But easier does not necessarily mean more memorable.

There was plenty of laughter, a little healthy competition and for some, the useful discovery that business experience does not always transfer seamlessly to the water.

Once everyone was safely back on dry land, we turned our attention to a significant milestone: 15 years of Opendoorz and the people, relationships and behaviours that have shaped our community.

Fifteen years built on relationships

When Opendoorz began, it would have been difficult to imagine everything it would become.

Today, our community reaches across several counties, with hundreds of people having played a part in its story and millions of pounds of business created through trusted relationships.

Those numbers matter but they are not the part we are proudest of.

Across the past 15 years, businesses have been created, careers have changed and thoughtful introductions have opened entirely unexpected doors. Members have shared knowledge, challenged one another’s thinking and provided support through significant professional and personal highs and lows.

That is the real story of Opendoorz.

As our founder, Cathy Dunbabin, reflected during the anniversary celebration, Opendoorz has never been about entering a room and asking, “What can I get from these people?”

It works when people arrive thinking: “Who can I help? What can I share? Who should these people know?”

When that behaviour is repeated consistently, trust grows. People advocate for one another, friendships develop and opportunities arise naturally.

Belonging comes before business and behaviour remains the real currency.

Celebrating the people who bring our values to life

Our 15th Anniversary Awards were not about recognising the biggest number, the loudest voice or the person most visible in the room.

They celebrated the members whose behaviour makes Opendoorz what it is: people who contribute, encourage, support and generously share their time, knowledge and connections.

Often, they do far more for the community than they realise anyone has noticed.

Our award winners and runner-up were:

Never Compromise: Winner – Gemma Cubitt; runner-up – Jon Ellard.

Bring Out the Best: Winner – Rebecca Lisi; runner-up – Ed Haigh.

Respect: Winner – Natalie Murray; runner-up – Helen Parsons.

Grown Up Approach: Winner – Greig Box Turnbull; runner-up – Tom Barnes.

Energise & Motivate: Winner – Lorna Moles; runner-up – Jon Ellard.

Generosity of Spirit: Winner – Ben Procter; runners-up – Caroline O’Connor and Greig Box Turnbull.

Fun: Winner – Elina Brown Skromane; runners-up – Warren Kerley and Shaun Nicholson.

Our final award recognised someone who demonstrates all these qualities: high standards, respect, responsibility, energy, generosity and the ability to make our community stronger simply through the way they show up.

The 15th Anniversary Overall Opendoorz Award was presented to Natalie Murray and very, very deservedly so.

What the recognition meant to our members

For our winners, the awards were particularly meaningful because they reflected the experiences and votes of their fellow members.

Ben Procter, winner of the Generosity of Spirit Award, said:

“Winning the award and being recognised by my fellow members feels amazing. There are so many fantastic members of Opendoorz and so many other people who I thought would have been worthy winners. I feel very honoured to have been chosen. Thank you all.”

Lorna Moles, winner of the Energise & Motivate Award, shared:

“I was completely shocked, but so honoured to receive the Opendoorz member award for Energise & Motivate.

“Relationships are important to me, and I love nothing better than motivating others to be their best selves. To know that fellow members experience this and voted for me in my first year of membership means the world.”

Greig Box Turnbull, winner of the Grown Up Approach Award and runner-up for Generosity of Spirit, said:

“It was lovely to be recognised by fellow members. The network is full of excellent professionals, so to be voted for by my peers felt extra special.”

Natalie Murray, winner of the Respect Award and our Overall Opendoorz Award, reflected:

“Being recognised by my fellow Opendoorz members genuinely means the world to me. Frilford and the wider groups have given me friendship, support, confidence and a real sense of belonging, so to receive awards for Respect and Overall Outstanding Contribution feels incredibly special.

“I feel very lucky to be part of a community where people show up for each other so generously.”

Their words say a great deal about the culture behind the awards. The recognition mattered not simply because a trophy was presented, but because it came from people who have experienced how each winner contributes to the community.

More than an anniversary celebration

The event gave us an opportunity to look back, but it also reminded us why taking time away from our usual routines matters.

Punting created a different environment for members to relax, laugh and get to know one another beyond their businesses. Conversations happened naturally, relationships deepened and members from across the wider network shared an experience that will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.

That is important because strong professional relationships are not built through exchanging details and waiting for an opportunity. They grow through shared time, honest conversation and the moments that allow us to see the person behind the business.

Sometimes that happens over coffee. Sometimes it happens around a meeting table. And sometimes it happens while attempting to steer a punt in vaguely the right direction.

Looking ahead without losing what matters

Opendoorz has evolved considerably over the past 15 years.

We have welcomed new groups, new members, new Associate Directors and new ideas. We have grown up a little some of us more than others and we continue to ask the questions that will keep our community relevant, valuable and strong.

Celebrating this milestone was not simply about looking backwards and saying, “Wasn’t that lovely?”

It was an opportunity to recognise what brought us here, protect the things that matter and feel excited about what comes next.

Those things remain refreshingly simple: people who turn up, make introductions, have the coffees, share their experience, notice when someone needs support and offer help without keeping score.

To every member who has played a part in the Opendoorz story so far whether you have been with us for 15 years, 15 months or have only just joined thank you.

Thank you for the relationships you have built, the knowledge you have shared and the generosity you have shown. Most of all, thank you for helping to create a community in which people feel that they belong.

Here’s to the friendships, opportunities, ridiculous moments and successes still to come.

And here’s to the next 15 years although we may choose to celebrate the next big milestone on dry land.