This week, the John Mason International team stepped away from our usual routines to spend a day together at the Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service Training Academy. The day was all about reflecting on achievements, planning for the future, and strengthening the bonds that make our family business so special.
The morning began with an inspiring talk from our Owner, Simon Hood, who looked back on the key milestones from the past 12 months. Highlights included winning the King’s Award for Enterprise in November 2024, signing the Armed Forces Covenant, and being recognised as one of the Best Places to Work in 2025. Simon also shared updates on our transition from Hemel Hempstead to our new Thurrock site and the exciting progress on our purpose-built Liverpool HQ and Removals Hub, which is set to open in summer 2026.
We also welcomed Rob Antoniazzi, Warehouse Manager, Bishops Move, who manages the Central Logistics Centre in Thurrock, the new home for John Mason International’s southern operations. Relocating to this state-of-the-art facility marks the start of a valued partnership, giving our team the chance to work alongside AGM Group in a truly collaborative environment. Rob’s visit was a great opportunity for both teams to connect and set the foundation for a strong working relationship as we look ahead to continued growth together.
Celebrating Our People
A key part of the day was taking the time to acknowledge the incredible individuals who make up our team. During our mini awards ceremony, we celebrated everything from positivity and teamwork to humour and leadership. Categories included Dynamic Duo, Chatterbox of the Year, Best Boss, Best Comedian, and the coveted John Mason Legend – all well-deserved and met with plenty of smiles and applause.
Exploring the Fire & Rescue Training Academy
The team were honoured to be given a behind-the-scenes tour of the Merseyside Fire & Rescue Training Academy – one of the most advanced and respected firefighter training facilities in the UK. Fire stations from across the country come here to hone their skills, and during our visit, teams from Yorkshire Fire & Rescue were actively training on site.
Guided by expert instructors, we explored a series of purpose-built training environments designed to simulate the real-life emergencies firefighters face every day. The facilities include a semi-collapsed house for search and rescue drills, terrace houses engineered to create a variety of scenarios, a high-rise building for tackling incidents at height, and full-sized train carriages for complex extractions. There’s even a dedicated section of the M57 motorway reconstructed within the complex for realistic vehicle rescue simulations.
It was eye-opening to see the level of care and precision that goes into each training scenario, and incredibly inspiring to witness the teamwork, communication, and courage that underpin the work of fire and rescue crews.
Game Show Fun and Friendly Rivalry
No team day would be complete without some healthy competition, and we finished on a high note with a lively gameshow hosted by the Showtime London team. Split into the Red Team and the Blue Team, we went head-to-head in a mix of classic TV-style challenges that tested knowledge, instinct, and teamwork.
The line-up of games included crowd favourites such as Higher or Lower, Our Survey Says, Spin the Wheel, and Right on the Money. Each round brought its own mix of excitement and laughter, with every player keen to score points for their team. The atmosphere was full of energy as colleagues encouraged one another, strategised their next moves, and celebrated each small win together. It was fantastic to see how quickly everyone got involved and how much collaboration, friendly competition, and creativity each game inspired.
As the rounds went on, the scores were neck and neck, adding to the sense of anticipation. It all came down to the final round – a nail-biting game of bluff that would decide the overall champions. The tension built with every move, but in the end, the Red Team held their nerve and took home the trophy, claiming the day’s victory.
The gameshow was a brilliant way to wrap up our away day – a session filled with teamwork, communication, and plenty of shared smiles. It perfectly captured the close-knit, supportive spirit of John Mason International and reminded us how much can be achieved when we work, laugh, and succeed together.
Looking Ahead
As a proud family business, it’s important to take days like this to step back, reconnect, and celebrate the people who drive our success. Our team away day embodied that spirit -combining reflection, appreciation, and fun, and leaving everyone energised for what lies ahead at John Mason International.
