Forget suits and sherry - a host of clients from recruitment firm, NES took an alternative approach to networking this month as they took part in the company’s 3rd annual 5-a-side football tournament at Wembley Goals.
Fighting for the title were last year’s tournament winners, MW Kellogg who, along with Arup, Jacobs, Worley Parsons, Gardiner & Theobald and CB&I, made an early exit from the competition. Other competing companies from within the construction, rail and oil & gas industries included Petrofac, Atkins, and Metronet, who all won their groups, and Network Rail, JP Kenny, Mustang Engineering and URS who made it through to the quarter finals.
Mustang Engineering’s eventual semi-final victory over Network Rail was decided on penalties following a 2-2 draw, and Atkins claimed the second place in the final, following a phenomenal 5-0 defeat of JP Kenny.
The final between Mustang and Atkins - two teams that had already played each other during the group stage - saw Atkins secure a lead of three goals, only for Mustang to close the gap to 3-2 with just two minutes remaining. However, in the end the early lead proved decisive and Atkins won the Tournament Winner’s Cup, which was presented by NES director, Simon Gerrard.
“Our clients always look forward to this event,” says Simon. “Everyone had a great time this year and it was especially pleasing to see those who didn’t make it past the group stage stay to support teams still competing. It’s an excellent way for everyone to approach the dreaded ‘networking’ in a less conventional environment,” Simon adds.