Key Takeaways
- Opus unveiled Vivid Vision 2030 at its annual event, the next long-term strategy guiding the business with a refreshed mission and customer promise.
- CFO Paul Martin reported strong revenue growth, significant EBITDA improvement and increased headcount, reflecting continued investment in long-term value.
- Opus employees gave back 102 days' work to charity in 2025/26, supporting organisations including the Lucy Rayner Foundation and Renewed Hope.
- Opus plans to embed AI across every business function to enhance how teams work, not replace people, freeing time for higher-value tasks.
- Written by Dalia Abdelaziz - Marketing Development Executive
- Connect with Dalia on LinkedIn
Every year, our Vivid Vision event gives Team Opus the opportunity to pause, reflect on how far we’ve come and focus on where we’re heading next. It’s a day that brings together colleagues and strategic partners to celebrate success, share our ambitions and strengthen the vision that continues to shape our future.
On Friday 3rd July, we gathered at Wotton House for Vivid Vision 2026: Growth Reimagined, a milestone event that recognised the progress made over the past three years while unveiling an exciting new direction for the business.
Vivid Vision 2026: Growth Reimagined
Since introducing our original Vivid Vision in 2023, Opus has experienced significant growth, evolved as a business and continued to invest in our people, customers and partners. This year’s event celebrated those achievements while introducing the next stage of our journey: Vivid Vision 2030.
Before the afternoon sessions began, colleagues enjoyed lunch together in Wotton House’s 1877 Restaurant, taking the opportunity to reconnect before an afternoon focused on ideas, ambition and the future.
A warm welcome
The event opened on a high as Service Delivery Director Stephen Brown welcomed everyone with an interactive Wheel of Fortune game. Every attendee received a scratch card on arrival, with five lucky winners earning the chance to spin the wheel for some fantastic prizes. Congratulations to Jenny Critchfield, Georgia Taherian, Tom Emmans, Nick Funge and Martin Ellis on their wins.
Introducing the next chapter
CEO Michael O’Donnell opened the main presentations by reflecting on the journey Opus has taken since launching its first Vivid Vision. He explored how our ambitions have evolved alongside the business and reinforced the importance of remaining focused on innovation, sustainable growth and delivering exceptional experiences for our customers.
The highlight of Michael’s presentation was the introduction of Vivid Vision 2030, the next long-term strategy that will guide Opus through the years ahead, supported by an evolved mission, refreshed vision and strengthened customer promise.
Building on strong foundations
Chief Financial Officer Paul Martin provided an overview of the company’s financial performance, highlighting another year of impressive progress.
Strong revenue growth, significant EBITDA improvement and a increase in headcount demonstrate the momentum Opus has built. These achievements reflect continued investment across the business, ensuring we’re creating long-term value rather than simply short-term gains.
Investing in our people
Growth isn’t only measured by business performance; it’s reflected in the opportunities created for our people.
Chief Operating Officer Chris Terry shared how continued investment in development has helped colleagues progress throughout their careers. Through promotions, structured development pathways, mentoring and leadership programmes, many employees have been able to develop new skills and take the next step in their careers.
Digital transformation: empowering our people through AI
Digital transformation and AI was another key theme of this year’s event, with Service Delivery Director Steven Brown sharing how artificial intelligence will play an increasingly important role in the future of Opus.
Rather than replacing people, our approach is to embed AI across every function of the business to enhance the way we work. By automating repetitive tasks and improving efficiency, AI will enable our teams to spend more time where they create the greatest value – solving complex challenges, building stronger customer relationships and driving innovation.
Opus making an impact
Supporting local communities continues to be an important part of life at Opus, and in 2025/26 Opus employees gave back 102 days’ work to charity.
Nikki Laker, Ashley Wyatt and Penny Evans shared some moving personal reflections on their Giving Back Days, explaining how volunteering with organisations such as the Lucy Rayner Foundation and Renewed Hope had impacted them personally while making a meaningful difference within the community.
Their stories reinforced that success isn’t only measured by business achievements but also the positive impact Opus has on the community.
The Opus Values Awards
One of the most anticipated moments of the day was celebrating colleagues whose contributions have made a real difference over the past year.
Our annual Values Awards recognise individuals who consistently demonstrate the behaviours that define Opus:
- Be Brave and Think Differently
- Work Together to Win Together
- Stay Curious and Keep Learning
- Own It and Never Give Up
- Strive to Be the Best
This year also introduced the new Commitment to Culture Award, recognising those who actively strengthen the positive culture that makes Opus such a great place to work.
The celebrations concluded with the presentation of the All That Is Opus Award, honouring an individual who truly represents everything our business stands for.
The Ultimate Team Player Award
The Ultimate Team Player Award represented our Work Together, Win Together value. This award was reflective of the team player, who is always looking to achieve the best outcomes for everyone.
Winner: Helena Davenard – HR Specialist
Highly Commended: Nicola Chapman – Project Provisioning Co-ordinator
The Trailblazer Award
The Trailblazer Award represents our Be Brave and Think Differently value. This award was reflective of employees that are ambitious and like to challenge how things are.
Winner: Tom Shefford – Head of Proposition – IT & Cyber Security
Highly Commended: Joe Francis – Mobile Project Provisioning Co-ordinator
The Above & Beyond Award
The Above & Beyond Award embodies our values of “Own It” and “Never Give Up.” This award is given to an employee who demonstrates responsibility and a strong determination to succeed.
Winner: Claire Mellet – Head of PMO & Bid Management
Highly Commended: Alex Briscariu – Senior Project Manager
The Platinum Performance Award
The Platinum Performance Award represents our “Strive To Be The Best” value. It is given to an employee who consistently sets higher standards and excels in all their endeavours.
Winner: Ian Ferguson – Legal & Compliance Counsel
Highly Commended: Christy Church – Account Executive – MSP
The Outstanding Progression Award
The Outstanding Progression Award represents our “Stay Curious and Keep Learning” value. It is given to an employee who shows a strong commitment to learning, embodying a growth mindset and demonstrating excellence in both personal and professional development.
Winner: Dalia Abdelaziz – Marketing Development Executive
Highly Commended: Daniel Potts – Functional Consultant
Commitment to Culture Award
The commitment to culture award recognises those who actively strengthen the positive culture that makes Opus such a great place to work.
Winner: Tom Harrison – Finance Business Analyst
Highly Commended: Lucy Bailey – Service Management Analyst
Elite Sales Awards
These awards recognise individuals who have exceeded their New Logo and Growth revenue targets, exemplifying our Strive to be the Best value.
Congratulations to our 2025 Elite Sales winners:
- Drew Woodger
- Ashley Wyatt
- Haydon Kirby
- Bradley Jackson
- Kris Graham
- Stuart Green
- Christy Church
- Dave Callman
All That Is Opus Award
As the event drew to a close, we announced our most prestigious title: the All That Is Opus Award – our Players’ Player recognition, awarded to the individual who best embodies the spirit, values, and culture of Opus.
This year saw an exceptionally strong field of nominees, including Sam Faulkner, Kevin Russell, Tom Harrison, Ashley How, Georgina Mckenna and Danny Spooner. After much deliberation, the Executive Board awarded the Highly Commended title to Bradley Jackson.
The 2026 recipient, selected unanimously by the judging panel, was Ben Pearce. Ben was recognised for his exceptional contribution to the business, his unwavering positivity, and the way he consistently embodies the values and spirit of Opus.
Our vision for 2030
Looking beyond today’s achievements, the event challenged us to think differently about what growth really means.
Our ambition isn’t simply to become a bigger business, but to become a smarter, more agile and higher-performing one. As we continue investing in innovation, operational excellence and digital transformation, we’re building a business that’s designed for sustainable long-term success.
Concluding thoughts
As the event drew to a close, our CEO reminded everyone that progress is rarely achieved without embracing change.
The achievements of recent years have created a strong platform for the future, but our greatest opportunities still lie ahead. With a clear direction, ambitious goals and an incredible team behind us, we’re ready to begin the journey towards Vivid Vision 2030.
The day concluded with an evening of celebration alongside our strategic partners, with festival-inspired food, drinks and a DJ providing the perfect setting to celebrate everything we’ve accomplished together.
Vivid Vision 2026 wasn’t simply a chance to reflect on the past; it marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Opus. Together, we’re ready to reimagine growth and build the future.
The party then started...
