A former Royal Marine has launched a Newcastle-based travel and risk management company to support corporates.
Virtus Global has been set up by Ian Smith (pictured), who is a former member of the 45 Commando Royal Marines. He served tours of duty on the frontlines in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Smith says he is now using his military expertise from time spent in various maritime and land-based security and risk advisory roles to help businesses travel more safely.
The Virtus Global team can create tailor-made travel plans including risk analysis, evacuation and emergency response planning, as well as protection and crisis management where necessary.
Smith said: “Ordinary travel agencies lack an understanding of risk reduction and management, while previously, risk management companies have specialised only in so-called ‘high risk’ areas of the world.
“However, we live in an increasingly hostile world, where even local travel carries its own risks. So, by bringing travel planning and risk reduction into a single operation, we can provide a unique service for businesses.
“We can help companies manage better the exposure of their employees to risk, and we can help travellers to be better prepared. Drawing on our knowledge and resources we can provide them with a range of single-sourced, cost-effective solutions, which deliver peace of mind.”
Smith says Virtus Global can also provide specialist aviation and accommodation services, as well as close protection as part of a package of measure for companies and individuals looking to develop business opportunities in areas they have concerns about visiting.
The company is currently supporting a range of businesses in the engineering, oil and gas and finance sectors, as well as high net-worth individuals.
virtusglobal.co.uk