A Deloitte team has reached the finals of The Times Leadership Challenge for the third consecutive year. The final, which takes place in Malawi from 9 to 15 October, will see the Deloitte team pitted against teams from BDO, London & Quadrant and Kingston Technology.

Over 60 teams have taken part in the competition this year which aims to develop young leadership talent. Teams have to meet various physical and mental challenges that stretch their planning, decision-making, resource management and creativity skills. Five teams from Deloitte took part in the challenge this year, which forms a key part of Deloitte’s community investment programme.

Caroline Rivas, a member of the Deloitte team said: "Being part of the Deloitte Real Estate team for the Leadership Challenge has been a great experience. Our team of eight was comprised of people from the tax, audit and corporate finance parts of our business. Some of us didn't even know each other to begin with and now we have built trust, respect and strong friendships. The competition so far has really tested our leadership skills and has been a great way to learn about ourselves and our team mates.  

"The firm has supported us completely, giving time and funding for the event, and the value we got from it through professional and personal development was huge. We're extremely proud that a Deloitte team has once again reached the finals. I'd encourage anybody to get involved in this type of challenge.

"We're really looking forward to the final challenge in Malawi. We've all started learning Chichewa in preparation for the trip, so if you see us on the tube muttering to ourselves and frowning at a Chichewa phrasebook please wish us luck!"

Richard Stone, head of community investment said: "The Times Leadership Challenge is a key part of our community investment programme. One of their goals is to raise £25,000 in entry fees for the British Council to spend on community projects in Malawi and Deloitte is really pleased to be playing a big part in this. Five Deloitte teams took part in the challenge this year, competing against a total of 60 teams from 26 companies across the UK including our Big 4 competitors. It really is a fantastic achievement for a Deloitte team to have reached the final for the third consecutive year." 

The Deloitte teams were also required to do fundraising as part of the semi-final challenge. The real estate team raised an additional £2,686 at this stage.

The successful team from Deloitte is made up of individuals working in the real estate industry group including: Caroline Rivas, Jonathan Clements, Jennifer Holmes, Robin Rossmann, Fiona Marshall, David Johnson, Jasper Hasell and Valerie Bonnin.

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About Deloitte
In this press release references to Deloitte are references to Deloitte & Touche LLP, which is among the country's leading professional services firms.  Deloitte & Touche LLP is the United Kingdom member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu ("DTT"), a Swiss Verein whose member firms are separate and independent legal entities.  Neither DTT nor any of its member firms has any liability for each other's acts or omissions.  Services are provided by member firms or their subsidiaries and not by DTT.  Deloitte & Touche LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.