For the first time since 2015, Your Housing Group brought colleagues from across the organisation together for an all-company conference, welcoming over 800 staff to the Toughsheet Community Stadium in Bolton on 8 October 2026.
With the theme Pride in Progress, the event was an opportunity to celebrate achievements, recognise the contributions of colleagues and look ahead to the future. The programme included leadership discussions, colleague stories and an awards ceremony recognising the people who make a difference across the organisation.
Joining the celebrations was motivational speaker Richard McCann, whose personal story of overcoming adversity provided a fitting reminder that progress isn't always straightforward, but every step forward deserves recognition.
Richard's keynote followed a morning of discussions about the organisation's achievements and future ambitions. With colleagues from customer-facing, operational and support roles gathered in one room, the event offered a rare opportunity to reflect on what had been accomplished together.
For Richard, the theme of Pride in Progress had a particularly personal connection. His journey from a childhood marked by trauma and disadvantage to becoming a bestselling author and international motivational speaker has involved considerable setbacks, difficult decisions and moments when the future seemed anything but promising.
During his presentation, Richard shared his familiar red and green bounce-back-o-graph, illustrating how our lives can be shaped by both positive and negative experiences. He encouraged delegates to consider their own journeys, the progress they may sometimes overlook and the limiting beliefs that can prevent people from recognising what they are capable of achieving.
Through his iCan philosophy, Richard explored the importance of self-belief while reminding the audience that resilience isn't about avoiding difficult experiences. It's about developing the confidence to respond to them and recognising that our past doesn't have to determine our future.
Combining powerful storytelling with humour and audience interaction, Richard's presentation prompted some heartfelt responses from colleagues who attended.
Louise described the keynote as the "Best part of the day", explaining that she had received difficult news that morning and that Richard's message had been particularly meaningful.
"Your session really surprised me. You are So positive, funny & really engaged the room." - Louise, Your Housing Group
For Liz, the presentation provided a reminder of the importance of challenging the beliefs that can hold us back.
"That I need to break the invisible bars, because I CAN do be or achieve anything." - Liz, Your Housing Group
Another colleague, Natasha, captured one of the central messages of Richard's story in just a few words:
"Your past doesn’t define you or your potential." - Natasha, Your Housing Group
Perhaps one of the most touching responses came from Donna Latter, who reflected on the importance of recognising that we never truly know what another person may be experiencing.
"It was a privilege to listen to you and I know your words will stay with many of us for a long time." - Donna Latter, Your Housing Group
Her reflection was especially relevant to an organisation whose work centres on people, communities and providing homes. Whether supporting customers or working alongside colleagues, understanding the experiences of others and recognising the difference our actions can make are qualities that matter enormously.
The conference continued with the Colleague Awards, recognising the achievements and contributions of people from across Your Housing Group. Richard's keynote provided a natural connection between celebrating organisational progress and recognising the personal journeys of the individuals who make that progress possible.
Richard was also accompanied by his son Ellis, who attended to capture photographs of the event. It was another opportunity for Richard to share an important part of his professional life with his family while documenting a memorable occasion.
For an organisation coming together on this scale for the first time in more than a decade, Pride in Progress was an appropriate theme. It acknowledged what had already been achieved while encouraging colleagues to look ahead with confidence.
And as Richard reminded the audience, progress doesn't always happen in great leaps. Sometimes it begins with recognising how far we've already come and believing that we are capable of taking the next step.
Richard McCann delivers inspirational keynotes for corporate conferences, leadership events and colleague engagement days, helping organisations explore resilience, mindset, self-belief and the difference people can make to one another.
To enquire about Richard speaking at your next event, contact the iCan Academy team.
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