Our Brighter Award winners check out Boston!

A trip to Boston in the U S of A was the prize for our Brightest in the business – a reward for their efforts, celebrated back at March’s glitzy awards event in Manchester.

Rachel Bamford, Julia Clark, Stephanie Gaskell, Taylor Greenough, Joanna Lake, Benjamin Leigh, Suzanne Perkins and Sarah Taylor packed their suitcases and, armed with passports, headed to Heathrow to meet in United’s Club lounge.

Hosts Paul Casement, Jane Beeley of United Airlines and Jose Alvarez of Air Canada awaited the award-winners who enjoyed afternoon tea and champagne before flying Polaris (business) class courtesy of United, then being transferred to the impressive Kimpton Marlowe Hotel.

After getting settled in and a leisurely breakfast, the group were soon out and about with a busy itinerary.

First up was the Boston ‘Duck’ Tour – the perfect way to see the sights and sounds of the city where the group were ferried around in a replica World War II amphibious DUKW vehicle while being given the lowdown by a guide.

Then one of the highlights of the trip – judging by people’s socials – was the Secret Food Tour.

As well as learning about the 400-year history of the city, the group tucked into fresh seafood and Italian dishes which have been a staple in the North End for the past 100 years.

Julia Clark, Head of Systems and Process, said: “My favourite part of the trip was the food tour, I didn’t really know what to expect and I loved it.

“The guide we had was so much fun and she gave us some facts and history of Boston as we walked around.

“We tasted local delicacies like clam chowder and lobster roll, as well as pizza and cannolis in the North End which is Boston’s Little Italy.

“We washed the food down with some ale, cider and an espresso martini for dessert. I would definitely recommend this for anyone going to Boston.”

The following day was another unforgettable experience for the award-winners as they headed out to sea on a whale-watching cruise.

And they weren’t left disappointed as they saw numerous species of whales up close during the four-hour trip.

A cycling tour, wine-tasting in the lobby bar at the Kimpton Marlowe Hotel hosted by Burak Efeturk (Associate Director of Sales) and lots of shopping kept the group busy for the rest of their visit, while enjoying the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of Boston, as well as taking a ferry to Salem to see all the spooky decorations.

Group Head of Talent Acquisition, Rachel Bamford, said: “It was amazing trip, memories made with great people.

“The flight there and back in the United Polaris cabin really started the trip off in style.

“We saw some things I never thought I would do – the whale watching off Cape Cod was an experience that will stay with me forever.”

So that’s another group of award-winners who have enjoyed an unforgettable trip away… where will 2024’s Brightest in the business be heading?