TEAMING UP WITH CHARITY TO CHALLENGE

AN international corporate events company first established in Sanctuary Cove is aiming to recruit more staff and co-operate with charities on a future line-up of challenging events.

Corporate Challenge director Travis Ireland (pictured) claims he is busier than ever because more employers realise that improving staff morale through corporate events can also boost performance.

“We grew dramatically, ran 800 events throughout the year and dealt more with bigger companies,” says Ireland.

The company held events for Santos, Telstra, Vodafone, Lenard’s, Coloplast, BHP Billiton, Shell Australia, Mortgage Choice, News Advantage, Merck Australia, Fuji Xerox Australia, BMA Coal Mining, Kraft Foods Australia, Thermal Electric Elements, the Department of Corrective Services and Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Ireland says the Corporate Chef and Company Creativity programs have attracted groups of up to 300 people, which involves splitting into two groups to prepare the ultimate dining experience.

Total World Sport, on the other hand, lured 800 people for international rugby and netball camps.

“We also organised Christmas parties and other events for smaller companies. They can choose small team programs for our activities including Cluedo, Photo Opportunity and City Scramble. We like to do activities that are fun, adventurous and help people get out of the office,” says Ireland.

The business recorded a 32 per cent rise in fiscal 2011 revenue to $2.5 million and should growth continue at this rate, staff numbers will be bolstered to accommodate expansion.

“Having added six staff to our Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Gold Coast offices, we will also look for new licensees and program co-ordinators,” says Ireland.

Corporate Challenge is also collaborating with charity organisations to introduce more community focused events.

“Our Corporate Chef program can feed the homeless and school students. We also used a ‘Bikes for Tykes’ program to raise funds that support dogs kept at the RSPCA,” says Ireland.

“Clients are telling us they want to do a charity side, giving them a sense of corporate social responsibility and spending money on those who need it.”

The company’s New Zealand office has operated for almost four years and increased business from 20 to 100 events a year, according to Ireland.

----------

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR FINALIST
Travis Ireland
Corporate Challenge
EVENTS MANAGEMENT
Age: 39
Business Est: 1994
Staff: 3 (19 nationally)
Growth: 32 per cent
Turnover: $2.5 million