A future built on purpose.
Smaller Earth began with a simple idea in 1999. After returning home from a life-changing summer at camp, Chris Arnold, with the help of his friend and swimming coach Dave Robinson, set out to create a company that would make it easier for young people to experience a summer in America. What started in a small bedroom in Liverpool has since grown to 17 countries and over 100,000 life-changing experiences.
At our core, our purpose is to inspire people to go further—across borders, into new cultures, and toward new perspectives. We believe that cultural exchange builds understanding and brings people together, creating a safer, more inclusive, and more connected world.
For over two decades, this belief has driven us to create life-changing experiences through brands like Camp Leaders, Resort Leaders, and Camp Canada. These programs bring people together across cultures, fostering mutual understanding and building connections that last long after their adventure ends.
At every step of that journey, we've kept people at the heart of what we do. Whether it's our dedicated team, our participants, or our partners, staying true to our values and our people is what has made us successful.
A new chapter for Smaller Earth
After 25 years in the business, Chris and Dave felt it was the natural time to think about the next chapter for Smaller Earth. Together with the leadership team, they began to explore options for the company's future. We considered several paths, from selling to an external buyer to merging with another company or seeking investment. However, as we evaluated each option, it became clear that none quite aligned with our vision for Smaller Earth's future and legacy.
Ultimately, entrusting the company to the people who live and breathe it every day was the only option—the people who helped make Smaller Earth what it is today.
With this vision in mind and the full support of the shareholders, we're pleased to announce that Smaller Earth will become an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
This means that our company will be held in trust for everyone who works here. Each of us can now call ourselves owners, part of the journey and the future. This new model of ownership brings us together to shape our path forward, guided by our shared commitment to making a positive impact.
Over the coming months, we will form a new board of trustees who will work closely with the leadership team and with a responsibility to represent and protect the interests of Smaller Earth and its people.
While the majority of Smaller Earth will stay as we know it, there is one significant change we're pleased to share. Cleversteam will be stepping out on its own. For the past decade, Cleversteam has been a key part of the group, helping drive innovation and growth. Now, with new ownership and investment, they're set to focus fully on expanding the Hanover product to its full potential. While we'll miss having them as part of the group, we're looking forward to seeing what Cleversteam will achieve in the future.
Our work continues, with a renewed commitment to bringing more life-changing experiences to new destinations worldwide. Further, we want to increase our efforts on diversity, equity, inclusion, sustainability and accessibility, ensuring we play our part and that our programs reach people from all backgrounds.
As we step into the next generation of Smaller Earth, we're excited for the road ahead, inspired to continue making a difference, one connection at a time.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, we're going further than ever before.
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We've spent years building a company that cares about people and brings them together through shared experiences. Knowing it's now in the hands of those who believe in its purpose is incredibly meaningful. The EOT ensures Smaller Earth's legacy is protected while empowering our team to achieve our vision of being the global leader in life-changing cultural exchange.
Dave Robinson, Co-founder, Smaller Earth
Starting Smaller Earth was about creating connections and experiences that stay with people for life. In today's world, cultural exchange is more important than ever for building understanding across borders and supporting peace. Passing it on to our staff feels like the best way to keep that spirit alive. They're the heart of what we do, and I couldn't imagine better people to take it forward.
Chris Arnold, Co-founder, Smaller Earth
Our staff are the heart of Smaller Earth and the reason we've come this far. Every success we've had comes down to their passion and dedication for our vision. Moving to employee ownership is our way of honoring that, and I couldn't be more excited to see what we'll accomplish together in this new chapter.
Iza Gyuricza, CEO, Smaller Earth
Being part of the Smaller Earth Group has been invaluable in building the foundations of Cleversteam and Hanover, giving us the support to grow into what we are today. Now, with new ownership and investment, it's the perfect time for Cleversteam to stand on its own and focus fully on Hanover's growth. This next phase will allow us to unlock Hanover's full potential, and I'm excited to see all that we'll achieve in the years ahead.
Bastian, Chair, Cleversteam
Learn more about our employee ownership.
An EOT is an ownership model where a company is held in trust on behalf of its employees. This means that employees have an indirect ownership stake, fostering a culture of shared responsibility and allowing the business to focus on long-term goals.
After 25 years, our founders and shareholders wanted to ensure Smaller Earth's legacy would continue with the people who helped make it successful. An EOT structure allows our team to directly benefit from and contribute to the company's future, keeping our purpose and values intact.
As part of the EOT, each team member becomes a stakeholder in the company's journey. This shift deepens the sense of collaboration and accountability, with everyone invested in driving the company's success.
The transition to an EOT allows us to continue serving our participants and partners with the same commitment and high standards, supported by a team that has a shared interest in the company's future.
The leadership team, including our CEO Iza Gyuricza, remains fully committed to guiding Smaller Earth’s journey forward. With a focus on our long-term vision, they will continue to provide stability and continuity as we transition to an Employee Ownership Trust.
Yes, as part of the Employee Ownership Trust structure, a board of trustees will be established to represent the interests of both the business and its employees. This board will include independent trustees who bring valuable, impartial perspectives, ensuring that decisions align with the long-term goals of the company and the wellbeing of the team.
The business will be held in an Employee Ownership Trust, which means it's collectively owned by the employees through the trust. This structure allows every team member to be part of Smaller Earth's journey and success.
No, Smaller Earth remains a for-profit organisation. However, profits will be reinvested back into the business and its staff, supporting growth, enhancing opportunities, and strengthening our commitment to making a positive impact.