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Comment by J. Skidmore: How we’d all love to be in Kirker’s shoes
I’ve always liked Chris Kirker.
He an amiable chap and he runs a good quality tour operator.
And over the years his outspoken and articulate attacks on the major companies have provided me with plenty of copy.
I’ve always suspected he would sell out if the price was right. There may be a huge amount of satisfaction in building up your own business, but there must come a time when you want to take your foot off the pedal and enjoy the fruits of your labour. After all, you can’t take it with you.
So I was interested to see the news that he has sold the business for several million pounds.
I hope Chris doesn’t take this as a slight, but I reckon he would have sold to one of the enemy, a vertically integrated company, if they’d put enough money on the table. Once you’ve made the decision to sell, everyone’s money is the same.
But it’s nice that it’s being bought by management, who have served him so well over the years, backed by ECI Ventures.
The company may one day end up as part of a big global operator, but so what?
Chris and his wife Angy have more than done their bit for the industry. They’ve served their customers well and provided employment for numerous people.
And now they’re off with a bag full of cash while they’re still young enough to enjoy it. Go on, admit it. Wouldn’t you love to be in their shoes?
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