At IS-Instruments and i3D robotics, innovation doesn’t just happen in the lab or workshop — it’s built through collaboration, creativity, and connection. As sister companies sharing offices and workshop space, our teams of engineers and scientists work side by side every day, tackling complex challenges in optical instrumentation, spectroscopy, and 3D vision systems.
That collaboration thrives because of a straightforward belief: great teamwork starts with great relationships.
Why Team Days Matter
Directors Dr Michael Foster, Dr Jon Storey, and Nicholas Bantin, have long recognised that time spent together outside of work is an investment, not an indulgence. Whether it’s a full-day team event or an impromptu lunch, these moments create opportunities for conversation, laughter, and shared experiences that simply can’t happen over a lab bench or project meeting.
When people feel connected to one another, communication becomes easier, ideas flow more freely, and the workplace becomes somewhere people genuinely enjoy being. That sense of camaraderie doesn’t just boost morale — it feeds directly into how effectively the team can collaborate on complex research and development projects.
A Team Rich in Diversity
Across both companies, we’re proud to have a diverse mix of talent, bringing together people from a range of backgrounds, nationalities, and disciplines. Our team includes colleagues from the UK, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, and India, among others — each bringing unique perspectives and approaches that enrich how we solve problems.
In industries that thrive on innovation, diversity is not just a value, it’s a competitive advantage. By drawing on different cultural experiences and technical expertise, we’re able to think more creatively and deliver smarter, more robust solutions for our clients.
A Look Back at Some of Our Favourite Team Days
Over the years, our team days have become something of a tradition — with each one offering a new way to learn, laugh, and sometimes compete!
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Crazy golf at Putt Shack, London — a chance to let off steam and show our competitive sides before enjoying dinner at Rosa’s Thai.
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A day out in London featuring a drink at the Eye Lounge, a boat ride on the Thames, before sampling Carribbean cuisine and hospitality at Limin Southbank.
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Cocktail-making at Maidstone Distillery – where we swapped lab stories for mixology skills, followed by a relaxed dinner at La Taberna.
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A hands-on CPR training day — where we mixed valuable life-saving skills with some creative team challenges, including biscuit portrait competitions and a lively pub quiz.
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A day of engineering-inspired games, including spaghetti towers, and the egg drop challenge — the last of which culminated in dropping our creations from the fire escape to test their success (and occasionally, failure!).
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And of course, a custom quiz written by Jessica Gabb, who knows just how to challenge our scientific brains while keeping things light-hearted.
Festive Traditions
Our Christmas celebrations have always been a highlight of the year — a chance to relax, reflect, and raise a glass to another year of learning and innovation, and to celebrate success. Past venues have included The Old Bank in Westerham, Chapter One in Locksbottom, Gaucho at London Bridge, Essence at The Pantiles by Atul Kochhar, and Balls Brothers — our first festive gathering after the COVID lockdown, which felt especially meaningful after so long apart.
“We’ve come a long way since we first launched back in 2010: that Christmas, the only thing we could afford to do was have a lasagne dinner in the local pub. Our team is a massive part of our success, and it feels great to be able to say thank you for their hard work at the end of each year with a special festive day out.” Dr Michael Foster
These events give everyone a chance to unwind and enjoy one another’s company in a different setting, often sparking conversations and connections that carry back into the workplace long after the decorations are packed away.
More Than Just a Day Out
As Dr Jon Storey puts it, “At first glance, team days might look like a fun break from the routine – and they are, but they’re also something deeper. They’re about recognising that people work best when they feel part of something bigger than themselves.”
By investing in these moments, IS-Instruments and i3D robotics are investing in the strength of their teams — ensuring that collaboration, respect, and a shared sense of purpose remain at the heart of everything we do.rAfter all, when the people behind the technology are connected, supported, and inspired, the results speak for themselves.
