The Challenge:

BT and Small Business Britain were preparing to launch their latest report at a high-profile event, with around 100 small business owners and stakeholders in attendance. They wanted to do more than present the findings—they aimed to energise the audience and set the tone for meaningful, action-oriented discussions. The challenge was to deliver an engaging workshop that would not only inform but also actively involve the participants in thinking about sustainability in a practical, relatable way.

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The Solution:

BT and Small Business Britain turned to us to deliver a unique, interactive experience. We tailored a version of Sustainable Pathways The Game, to specifically focus on small businesses. Over the course of one hour participants worked together to make a fictional small business—represented by a coffee shop—more sustainable.

Here’s how the workshop unfolded:

• Interactive Decision-Making: The workshop was structured around three key decision-making rounds. Each round presented the audience with different sustainability challenges, such as whether to implement a procurement policy focused on social enterprises or to apply for a grant for solar panels.
• Audience Engagement: Participants discussed each scenario in pairs, debating the pros and cons of each option. Following these discussions, they used Mentimeter to vote on the preferred course of action. This not only allowed them to engage with the material but also made them active contributors to the workshop’s outcome.
• Real-Time Results: As the votes were cast, the chosen path was revealed, and the impact of those decisions on the business's sustainability journey was discussed, creating a dynamic and participatory experience.

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The Outcome:

The game transformed what could have been a passive listening experience into an engaging, thought-provoking session. Attendees left not only with insights from the report but also with a deeper understanding of how sustainability can be practically applied in their own businesses. The positive feedback from participants highlighted the effectiveness of the interactive format in keeping them engaged and motivated.

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Quote from Anna @ Small Business Britain:"The Sustainable Pathways workshop worked brilliantly at our event. It brought our audience into the heart of the discussion, making sustainability feel both achievable and essential for small businesses. The energy in the room was great."

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If you'd like to mix up your event with a game, or even design your own game-based workshop - get in touch.