What have duck herding, ice cube curling and painting a psychedelic love bus got in common?

They are all part of the fantastic range of teambuilding activities that are on offer in England, to encourage communication between colleagues and helping organisations to become more profitable.

Teambuilding events, venues and activities spanning the length and breadth of England are showcased in a new 50-page brochure from VisitBritain’s MeetEngland team.

The national tourism agency’s new brochure launches at learning and development conference HRD 2006 (Olympia, London 4-6 April). 

While previously event planners endured hours of research and comparison, Business Pursuits England brings together all the essential elements of planning a successful corporate team event in one dedicated resource.

The brochure features examples of the latest cutting-edge teambuilding events, details about venues from all over England and insider knowledge about how to go about booking your event. In addition, it also features a unique directory of England’s foremost teambuilding companies.

Sarah Mayfield, MeetEngland manager, said: “95% of companies in the UK send staff away on external training, meetings and events and spending on such activity is forecast to increase over the next five years. Teambuilding exercises are a popular way for companies to improve performance by investing in staff development.  Business Pursuits England demonstrates the wide range of options available and inspires organisers to choose one of the excellent venues, events or experiences for teambuilding on offer in England.”

Business Pursuits England takes the reader on a regional trail to discover all sorts of new, invigorating ideas that can be adapted to suit individual client needs and proves England is hard to beat when planning a teambuilding event.

Unique ideas include “Corporate Collies” where team members are paired with a dog and must control an unruly flock of sheep in Yorkshire, simulated missions to outer space at The National Space Centre’s Challenger Learner Centre in Leicester and The Handbag Bar in London where teams must design, market and pitch their product.

Packed with tips and advice around planning corporate events, the brochure also features case studies and advice from event planning professionals who have previously used English venues or activities.

Speaking about the success of a teambuilding event at Butlins Bognor Regis, a Deloitte Touche spokesman said:

“From the start the event was excellently managed, but what did surprise us was the quality of the facilities.  Shoreline hotel was spacious and stylish, the Redcoats venue relaxed and informal, and the range of teambuilding activities pretty unbelievable!”

The brochure also showcases distinctive English venues for a memorable event. From a two wheeled experience at the Manchester Velodrome to navigating the mazes at Knebworth House and Park, saluting delegates on board the HMS Belfast to creative camerawork at Bradford’s National museum of Photography, Film and Television, England can offer options for even the most demanding event requirements.

For more information or to order a brochure, visit www.meetengland.com/businesspursuits or email meetengland@visitbritain.org.