Armstrong Watson is celebrating the achievements of workers who completed a gruelling three-day endurance challenge that put their physical and cognitive abilities to the ultimate test.
Team captain Michael Morris, Kim Kreutle and Michael Stewart, of the firm’s Newcastle office, joined colleagues Jess Richardson, of Penrith, and David Harper and Holli Coulthard, of West Cumbria, to make the firm’s debut appearance at the 2025 UK Challenge, held from July 10 to 12 in the Lake District.
The team, supported by marketing and business development partner Stephen McCullough, competed against some of the UK’s largest corporate organisations in the seven-stage event and ranked among the highest of any newcomers, securing an impressive 19th place out of more than 60 teams.
The UK Challenge, now in its 36th year, is widely regarded as the world’s leading team-building event and corporate challenge.
This year’s competition featured stages, combining running, cycling and kayaking and a series of mind-bending puzzles throughout.
Armstrong Watson’s team, who share a passion for fitness and teamwork, demonstrated exceptional determination and unity throughout the challenge, which saw them compete in 30C heat and also involved a severe lack of sleep with 6am starts and finishing after midnight.
Audit and assurance partner and team captain Michael, who is no stranger to endurance tests, said: “We all had lots of fun, and despite the sheer and at times brutal stages in intense heat, we won’t ever forget this experience.
“It was the most challenging event I have taken part in over many years of entering various Iron Man competitions across the world and it was made harder as we didn’t quite know what to expect.
“A huge thank you and well done to the team, all of whom individually brought a unique dynamic to the overall team, strategy, planning and most importantly the skill, fitness and energy they brought to every stage.
“We were also supported logistically and encouraged throughout by Stephen, who was by our side at all times.”
Paul Dickson, CEO and managing partner of Armstrong Watson, said: “We are incredibly proud of our team for taking on the UK Challenge with such enthusiasm, grit and teamwork.
“Finishing 19th in a field of seasoned competitors is a fantastic result and a reflection of the values we hold at Armstrong Watson – passion, trust, honesty, and humanity. Events like this not only build physical and mental resilience but also strengthen the bonds that make our people and our business stronger.
