Cameron McNeish speaking at the recent Outdoors Show

Broadcaster and journalist Cameron McNeish has joined the board of a trade body with a brief to encourage outdoor professionals to join.

Mr McNeish will champion the independent outdoor professional group within the Outdoor Industries Association.

The association represents a large number of companies in the outdoors sector, from retailers and manufacturing brands to representative bodies and activity providers.

The former TGO magazine editor will play an active role in promoting the new category of membership, aimed at sole traders from the outdoor industry, such as commercial sales agents, other journalists, photographers, guides and instructors.

Mr McNeish will also promote the OIA and its aims and objectives to both consumers and government and will attend its conference in Malhamdale in the Yorkshire Dales in March, leading a walk on the afternoon of the first day and will be guest speaker during dinner on the same evening.

He said: “I guess it’s a bit of a cliché to say I’m keen to put something back into the industry that has supported me for the past 30 years or so but it’s true.

“Since standing down as editor of TGO magazine I realised I had lost contact with the industry, although I’m still working to the same audience, outdoors folk from throughout the UK. This made me realise there are probably many outdoor professionals in the same situation.

“With the new category of membership we hope to bring many more individuals into the fold, and help them enjoy the same benefits as those who are employed by member retailers or manufacturers.”

The IOP membership category will cost £60 a year and has been designed to appeal to individuals who have previously been unable to access the services of the OIA.

Chief executive Andrew Denton added: “I am thrilled that Cameron has agreed to join the OIA board.

“He commands huge respect throughout the industry and shares our passion for promoting active participation in the outdoors. Crucially, Cameron also has the kind of high profile that will help us to reach a broad audience – from the general public to influential politicians – with key OIA messages and campaigns.

“As a champion of the outdoors and figurehead for the IOP membership category, he fits the bill perfectly. Everyone on the board is looking forward to working with Cameron and it’s fantastic that he has joined in time to play a role at our AGM and conference in March.”

• grough is a member of the Outdoors Industries Association.