What’s the best competition prize you’ve ever won?
A bottle of wine in a raffle? A team night out? Maybe a gift voucher you forgot to spend?
For Ben Humphrys, Operations Director at Electrical Testing Ltd, the answer is on a completely different scale.
As part of CU Phosco’s 100th-anniversary celebrations in 2023, Ben was the lucky winner of our centenary competition, securing a once-in-a-lifetime trip: a two-week family holiday to Sydney, Australia. We caught up with Ben to reflect on an experience he describes as “a life event” for him and his family.
TWO WEEKS OF ADVENTURE IN SYDNEY
For Ben and his family, Sydney delivered something unforgettable every single day.
“Trying to find a standout moment when visiting such an amazing city is difficult,” Ben told us. “From the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Sydney Tower, Bondi Beach, Luna Park, Taronga Zoo, boat trips around the harbour, bus tours to the Blue Mountains… every day was an adventure.”
What made the experience even more special wasn’t only the landmarks, but the rare luxury of staying in one place long enough to truly live the culture.
“Normally with long-haul holidays a lot of time is spent travelling from one location to another, but to fully embed ourselves in the laid-back Australian culture in Sydney for two weeks made this a special trip.”
And of all the iconic attractions Sydney has to offer, one moment did stand out for Ben and his family:
“The moment you turn the corner into Sydney Harbour and catch sight of the Bridge and Opera House was slightly emotional and being able to share that moment with my family made it even more special. The fact that we’re standing on the opposite side of the world in such a recognisable location is a feeling I will never forget.”
A LONG-STANDING PARTNERSHIP BUILT ON TRUST
Ben has worked with CU Phosco for more than 20 years and knows our products and people well. He shared a recent example of collaboration under pressure, where tight deadlines and changing specifications required speed, flexibility and teamwork.
“We were recently awarded an LED upgrade project which needed a quick turnaround on about 1,000 E950s. After a few weeks of various spec changes and revised project start dates, the first lanterns were delivered within five weeks, and with regular staged deliveries during the project we were able to exceed our client’s expectations.”
Sometimes support goes even further than manufacturing schedules.
“When we needed some adaptors for columns, Nick (and Clare) delivered these in the back of the car for us to maintain the delivery programme.”
CLIMBING THE HARBOUR BRIDGE — AND OTHER MEMORABLE FIRSTS
Since returning, Ben admits there has been no shortage of stories to share.
“The flight is always a talking point,” he laughed, “but it has to be the day we climbed the bridge. It is just such an iconic structure, and when you start to ascend from the base of the towers and on to the actual curve of the bridge, looking out over the harbour and the city skyscape, it really is a reality check moment.”
There were also some culinary firsts worth talking about: “crocodile, kangaroo, camel… and of course the local beer.”
HAS HE ENTERED ANY COMPETITIONS SINCE?
After a life-changing win, you might assume Ben has hung up his competition-entry hat. Not quite.
“I’m still entering competitions although I’ve had no further wins, but some say maybe I had my fair share with this one,” he smiled. “We are so grateful to CU for giving us this experience. It has definitely created a life event for me and my family and something we will be talking about for years. Although my 12-year-old keeps asking, ‘Where are we going next year, Dad?’”
A CENTENARY CELEBRATION MADE PERSONAL
We were delighted to give Ben and his family an experience they will remember forever as part of our centenary celebrations. Ben has been a valued customer for more than two decades, and his continued support, along with the support of our wider network, has helped shape CU Phosco across its 100-year journey.
A huge thank you again to Ben for entering, for sharing his memories with us, and for being part of the CU Phosco story.