From Boardroom to Box Office: A fresh take on team training

Last month, our Corporate Team attended an Audit Training session. —Rather than the traditional style of training session, this one broke from the usual corporate mould and brought a refreshing twist to professional development. Instead of gathering in a corporate offsite meeting room or hosting the event in-house, the Shorts team decided to do things very differently, choosing the Curzon Cinema in Sheffield as the venue, partnering with the ICAEW to deliver a unique learning experience.

A unique and exciting venue

The Curzon Cinema itself truly is a gem—a beautifully restored former bank building, tucked away on a quiet Sheffield city centre side street. As the team arrived, they were greeted with a warm welcome, setting a relaxed and inviting tone right from the start. There was time to chat, catch up with colleagues, and soak in the atmosphere before the training officially began.

A unique learning experience

When it was time to get started, everyone made their way to Screen 2, where the feature presentation was about to begin: “Crossing the Line.” Of course, no cinema experience is complete without snacks, so the team grabbed popcorn and sweets—let’s be honest, most people went for both! The private screening added a sense of occasion that you just don’t often find in a typical training room.

The film itself was set against the dramatic backdrop of a football club, and fast-growing software company. It tackled some weighty topics—critical themes in audit and corporate governance—making them accessible and engaging through storytelling. What made the session especially effective was the way the film was designed: it included plenty of natural pauses, giving everyone the chance to stop, reflect, and dive into open discussions. These breaks were filled with questions, answers, and valuable guidance, turning passive viewing into active learning.

After the training

Once the film wrapped up, (cue the football reference), “after the full time whistle blew”—the team didn’t rush off. Instead, they took the opportunity to relax and continue the conversation over drinks and food in the bar and out on the rooftop terrace. This social aspect added another layer to the experience, making the learning not just effective but genuinely enjoyable.

It’s clear that finding new ways to freshen up training and create a buzz in a different environment pays off. When learning is fun and social, it sticks. So, while comfy seats and popcorn might be optional, they’re definitely recommended! It was agreed by all that this alternative approach to learning was a great alternative, and something that we shall be considering to repeat in the future.