Jonathan and Richard: Business, Business, Business, Play

Our day begin in the lobby of our hotel where everyone took a brief moment to share what they did on their day off, which was the previous day. After hearing about everyone’s adventures and late returns home, the appropriate song of Kickstart My Heart by Motley Crue was played to try and rejuvenate all the tired faces for the busy day ahead.

The first destination of the day was to the Ernst and Young (now known as just EY) offices for a tour and presentation made available to us thanks to Robin and his sister. In the presentation we heard from a few different speakers, mainly those from EY’s event planning division, about the trials and tribulations of daily operations in a large firm with unique, diverse, and demanding clientele. Additionally, we learnt a little bit about dealing with differing cultures within the EY organization and how they are being progressive in adopting, and adapting to, varying cultural needs. This diversity in the workplace was one of the most interesting aspects of the visit for us because it gave us perspective. Generally speaking, people from Canada, especially Vancouver, say that we’re a multicultural country and that is reflected in our business environments; however, in comparison to London, Vancouver doesn’t seem as diverse as some of us may have thought.

In between the presentation we were also taken on a tour of the offices on the top floor that showcased the amazing views boasted by the EY offices. We later found out that these views helped make clients feel comfortable and important which is why the meeting rooms are on the top floor as well as why EY is plaanning a remodeling of the entire floor into one giant open concept floor plan to cater to large parties and clients with a more upscale, less office centered, design. In the business world you always hear about the importance of relationships between companies and clients, so it was great to actually see an international company investment so much time, money, and resources into trying to improve these bonds through the planned renovations.

Following the EY visit, we walked a little ways to a special meeting we were fortunate enough to get with Lance Uggla, the CEO of Markit and winner of the 2012 Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. Previously a Vancouver resident and SFU graduate, Lance Uggla talked with us about his rise to success and growth of his billion dollar company along with what it takes to take an idea and make it a reality. After the brief presentation from Lance, we were able to ask him a few questions before he had to leave to attend to other business affairs. One great question directed to Lance was how he maintained strong relationships within the organization with so many offices around the world. His solution was having regular visits from an executive member to the locations and hosting a weekly/monthly companywide video conference in an auditorium style room which helps keep the company on the same page and connected. Additionally, we received a quick tour of the rest of the offices and ended up seeing the auditorium room he spoke about.

Next up was another business presentation at Global Radio, a leader in the commercial radio industry in the UK that is also rapidly expanding into other media outlets at an impressive rate. Inside of their miniature theatre/presentation room we were treated to the life story of the company and how the president and founder, Ashley Tabor, recognized an untapped marketplace, exploited it, and is now reaping the benefits while still expanding even more. It turned out to be a very interesting and valuable presentation about how it pays to be aware and adaptive in business. However, to the disappointment of some of us, it turned out we missed the Prince and Posh Spice who were in the same offices as us only three days earlier as well as Harry Styles who was scheduled to be in the offices in the upcoming weeks. Too bad.

After a short break were some walked around Leicester Square, or went into the M&M store to find out what type of M&M they waere, we went for dinner at Wagamama, a Japanese restaurant chain. A nice atmosphere, good food, and great company made for the perfect break after a long rushed day of travelling and presentations. Following dinner we had a short walk to Theatre Royale for the play Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The play was amazing. The theatre was beautiful, the props spectacular, and the performances and singing stellar. If you ever get a chance to go see a play like this, it is a must.

After having some Wonka chocolate bars we made our way back to the hotel and did the final count of the day of everyone and thankfully we didn’t lose anyone; there was a big sigh of relief from Richard and I and that concluded our day. Overall, the day was filled to the brim with events, exceeded our expectations of what we’d take away from these presentations, and made for, in our opinion, one of the most memorable days. Learning about all the different ways organizations in London operated and being able to take the theoretical business concepts we learn in class and actually seeing them applied within large organizations was invaluable. Also, seeing an even more enriched and multicultural city like London, and the businesses that operate there, was great to realize the growth Canada still has ahead of it. Oh, and the chocolate bars were great too.

Jonathan Buffone and Richard Harvey are both Bachelor of Business Administration students.