New adventure on way for Trekforce
Feb 7 2008 by Chris Knox, The Journal
A CONSERVATION holiday company that has helped guide celebrities including Jack Osbourne and Ben Fogle in some of the world’s most extreme locations has merged with a competitor to double the number of locations it can offer to adventurous tourists.
Northumberland-based Trek- force has become part of London-based group Greenforce in order to become more competitive in what it sees as a tough market.
The merger will see both organisations increase the number of placements they can offer by 10 to 20, including such far-flung locations as Tanzania, Fiji and Belize.
Both outfits act as not-for-profit organisations – Trekforce sets aside 60% of its turnover to overseas conservation projects – and offer gap year students green and ethically responsible adventure holidays with the help of properly trained guides.
Both the Trekforce and Greenforce names will continue, although Trekforce did say that it may have to lose one or two of its nine-strong Wooler-based workforce due to cost cutting measures.
Trekforce said it will be looking to build its business, including increasing its staff, once the merger has had time to bed in and hopes to capitalise on Greenforce’s dedicated marketing resources to increase its market share.
Last year saw Trekforce sign a new deal with environmental consultancy Friends for Conservation and Development for conservation work in the Chiquibul National Park in Belize.
Rob Murray-John, founder and director at Trekforce, said: “By combining forces we will ensure we can continue the special Trekforce ethos of delivering worthwhile projects and expeditions.”
As part of the merger, Mr Murray-John will continue his work supporting film crews in some of the world’s most extreme environments, which has resulted in TV productions such as Adrenaline Junkie featuring Jack Osbourne and Extreme Dreams, featuring Ben Fogle.
Mr Murray-John has already worked alongside Greenforce’s managing director Marcus Watts on many occasions as part of the Year Out Group, a trade organisation set up by the gap year holiday industry.
Mr Watts said: “This merger is the way forward in this increasingly competitive gap year market.
“On a personal level, it helps that Rob and myself have already worked well together. This merger works both personally and professionally.”
