UKFast installs giant slide at office to encourage 'more fun and laughter'

Lawrence Jones among the first to give the new office toy a whirl

UKFast has built a giant two-storey slide at its Manchester HQ, aiming to "encourage a bit more fun and laughter into the working day".

The metal tube runs from the second floor down to the reception area, and was opened on Friday. The slide has two corners and a steep drop, which "gets the adrenaline going", according to UKFast's CEO Lawrence Jones, who was among the first to give it a whirl (video below).

On his blog, he explained: "We've designed every corner of the office space to create a mood or feeling, and to allow the team to have fun. This week, we had an extra amount of fun in the office.

"On Friday, at 'Beer O'Clock' - when our bar opens to celebrate a fantastic week - our first sliders opened the helter-skelter. We'd created a competition to win the first three slides, and our lucky winners certainly made the most of the occasion - Kirsty even made a speech!

"Of course, once the helter-skelter was open, chaos ensued with everyone wanting a turn - including some head first, upside-down. You could hear the laughter and screams throughout the whole office - it was like a funfair!

"This is exactly how it should sound. No-one wants to work somewhere where you're not able to laugh and enjoy yourself alongside working hard."

Digital and culture minister Matt Hancock was at UKFast's HQ on Friday, and also gave the slide a whirl.

If you want something to make you smile take a look at this. The new slide is up and running and rather fast! #teamukfast #slide @UKFast pic.twitter.com/eJUXs8Q8BI

— Lawrence Jones MBE (@Lawrence_Jones) March 6, 2017