YOLO 2024: Unleashing Potential with the GO APE Vision

As the sun sets on 2023, the YOLO team, embodying the spirit of ‘You Only Live Once’, gathered for our annual ritual: a thorough review of the past year and setting ambitious plans for the year ahead. This year's congregation, held at the charming retreat in Alderbrough St John, was not just a meeting but a celebration of our collective achievements and a bold step into the future.

A Year of Monumental Achievements

2023 was nothing short of extraordinary for the YOLO team. Our journey was marked by significant milestones that have set a solid foundation for our future endeavors:

1. Expansion into a New Campus: Our team moved into a sprawling, state-of-the-art campus, marking a new era of growth and innovation.

2. Amazonas Distribution Success: We ventured into Amazonas distribution, collaborating with over 100 retailers, including giants like Tesco, catapulting us into new markets and opportunities.

3. Acquisition and Expansion in the USA: Despite the logistical challenges of two warehouse moves, we successfully acquired a business in the USA and are now fully operational, marking a significant step in our global presence.

4. Scayl’s Evolution: Scayl continued to evolve, introducing a new range of products and systems, demonstrating our commitment to innovation and excellence.

5. Team Growth and Leadership Development: Our family grew, not just in numbers but in strength, with the induction of four senior leaders, fortifying our strategic and operational capabilities.

6. Investment in Workplace: We heavily invested in our workplace, creating an environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and well-being.

7. Success at the PPMA Trade Show: Our impactful presence and success at the PPMA trade show underscored our industry leadership and commitment to quality.

8. Property Ventures: We ventured into real estate, buying, developing, and renting out a property, diversifying our portfolio and financial strength.

Lessons Learned and Structure Embraced

The past year also brought valuable lessons. We learned the importance of detailed planning, which not only enhances execution but provides a clear structure for the team. The realization that our investment in the vision and in each other fuels our collective energy was profound and heartening.

The YOLO Way: Our Mantra for 2024

Looking ahead to 2024, we embrace the ‘YOLO Way’ – a philosophy symbolizing Your family, Originals, Limitless, and Outstanding. This guiding principle will be the cornerstone of our strategies, decisions, and actions as we venture into new territories.

GO APE: The Theme of 2024

Our theme for 2024, ‘GO APE’, is a metaphor for our ambition to reach new heights. It symbolizes strength, intelligence, and a family-focused approach, mirroring the traits of a gorilla. This theme will guide our decisions, pushing us to be ferocious yet gentle, strong yet caring.

Bonding and Planning at Alderbrough St John

The team’s retreat at Alderbrough St John was more than a planning session. It was a time for bonding, reflecting, and laughing together. In those moments of togetherness, we not only set our plans for 2024 but also reaffirmed our commitment to each other and the journey ahead.

As we step into 2024, the YOLO team is energized, focused, and ready to embrace the GO APE theme. With our sights set high, we are poised to conquer new challenges, create innovative solutions, and continue making a meaningful impact in our industry and beyond. Here's to a year of limitless possibilities and outstanding achievements – the YOLO way!