Business Enquirer Magazine | Issue 122 | February 2024

EO CHARGING THE UK BASED FIRM EASING EV FLEET TRANSITION FEBRUARY 2024

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ISSUE 122

SUZLON INDIA’S AWARD WINNING FLAGSHIP POWERING A GREENER TOMORROW

GOMSPACE CATAPULTING THE DANISH NEW-SPACE MARKET INTO ORBIT

THE GOLD EXPERTS MADE IN THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA SAUDI GOLD REFINERY

SNPC 25 PROGRAM UPDATE FROM THE CONGO’S NATIONAL OIL COMPANY DACB SUPPORTING SUCCESS IN THE AVIATION SECTOR

MEDIA

FINANCE

EDITORIAL

Jamie Waite Group CEO, Be Media jamie.waite@busenq.com

Claire Dunn Global Credit Controller claire.dunn@busenq.com

Laura Watling Editor in Chief laura.watling@busenq.com

Bethany Waite Credit Controller bethany.waite@busenq.com

Carol Gibson Lead Editor carol.gibson@busenq.com

Tanya Rudd Head of Finance tanya.rudd@busenq.com

Rebecca Matthews Senior Journalist rebecca.matthews@busenq.com

Kim Pearson Global Head of Accounts kim.pearson@busenq.com

PRODUCTION

Harvey Coe Project Director harvey.coe@busenq.com Bryonie Knowles Project Director b.knowles@busenq.com Lisa Maxwell Project Director lisa.maxwell@busenq.com Gary Smith Senior Project Director gary.smith@busenq.com Jess Collins Project Director jess.collins@busenq.com Reece Plane Project Director reece.plane@busenq.com Kelly Darling Project Director kelly.darling@busenq.com Izzy Hardy Project Director izzy.hardy@busenq.com Adel Mhiri Project Director adel.m@busenq.com Oleksandryna Alina Project Director oleksandryna.alina@busenq.com Kelly-Ann Darling Project Director kelly.darling@busenq.com

DATA ANALYSIS Kumar Nil-Khan Senior Data Strategy kumar.nilkhan@busenq.com Simon Ferrening Production Manager Commercial Performance Analysis

SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM Anita Terrell Social Media Manager anita.terrell@busenq.com Lee Dixon Social Media Manager lee.dixon@busenq.com

HR Susan Tumelty HR Partnered Company info@hrdept.co.uk

LEGAL Chloe Bird Birketts LLP Norwich

Roisin Reynolds Head of Production roisin.reynolds@busenq.com Cheraleigh Van Zanten Production Manager cheraleigh.vanzanten@busenq.com

DESIGN Jamie Bolton Head of Design jamie.bolton@busenq.com Shah Abbas Head of Video & Content Creation shah.abbas@busenq.com

WEBSITE Matt Hardwick Online Website Manager matt.hardwick@busenq.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Didie Nturo Lead Photographer didie.nturo@busenq.com

WHERE TO FIND US

Paris Cressy Branding & Marketing Executive paris.cressy@busenq.com Ben Saunders Head of Business Acquisition ben.saunders@busenq.com 2

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A WORD FROM OUR TEAM

Welcome to the February 2024 edition of Business Enquirer Issue 122.

In this issue, we are honored to spotlight the extraordinary journeys of Saudi Gold Refinery, DAC Beachcroft, EO Charging, and several other global leaders whose innovative spirit and unwavering dedication are a testament to their inspiring contributions.

Laura Watling Editor in Chief

Saudi Gold Refinery invites us to explore their distinctive role in the precious metals industry, unveiling their commitment to excellence and sustainable practices. We delve into their vision for refining gold and its impact on global resource sustainability.

Business Enquirer also had the opportunity to speak with Anna Anatolitou, Partner at DAC Beachcroft, a globally renowned law firm with over 1,200 lawyers and a team of 3,000 supporting businesses worldwide. DACB, present in 40+ locations across the UK, Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America, and Latin America, excels in sectors such as Banking, Construction, Data Protection, Insurance, Retail, and Tax, with a strong emphasis on Advocacy and Aviation.

EO Charging takes us on an enlightening journey into the world of electric vehicle infrastructure, showcasing their pivotal role in advancing sustainable transportation solutions. We explore their vision for creating a connected and efficient charging network, contributing to a cleaner and greener future.

These stories represent just a fraction of the compelling narratives within this edition. Each article extensively explores the vision, proficiency, and unwavering commitment to excellence that define these businesses, leaving an indelible mark on their respective industries.

We hope these stories inspire you as much as they have inspired us in bringing them to you.

If you have a business story you wish to share in 2023, please contact our Head of Production via production@busenq.com

FOLLOW US INSTAGRAM @BUSINESS ENQUIRER

Jamie Bolton Head of Design

The editor and publishers do not guarantee the accuracy of statements made by contributers or advertisers, or accept responsibilty for any statement they express in this publication. The opinion of the contributors may not necessarily be the opinion of the editor or publishers.

All content including the presentation therof in this magazine is the property of BE Media and protected by internation al copyright laws. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, transmit, modify, create derivitave works, or in any other way exploit any part of copyrighted material without prior written permission from BE Media ©BE Media

024 SNPC

038 DERBYSHIRE SPECIALIST AGGREGATES

25 PROGRAM UPDATE FROM THE CONGO’S NATIONAL OIL COMPANY

CONTINUED GROWTH FOR UK’S LEADING AGGREGATES SPECIALIST

046 MJM MARINE

056 SUZLON

NORTHERN IRISH INTERIOR EXPERTS AT THE HELM OF GROWTH

INDIA’S AWARD WINNING FLAGSHIP POWERING A GREENER TOMORROW

070 HAMAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

078 DACB

THE QATARI AIRPORT TAKING PIVOTAL STRIDES IN THE INDUSTRY

SUPPORTING SUCCESS IN THE AVIATION SECTOR

088 EO CHARGING

096 GOMSPACE

THE UK BASED FIRM EASING EV FLEET TRANSITION

CATAPULTING THE DANISH NEW-SPACE MARKET INTO ORBIT

104 FORZA

114 NORWICH COUNTY COUNCIL

TIMBER PRODUCTS FRAMED WITH TECHNOLOGY AND SUSTAINABILITY

NORWICH CITY COUNCIL WELCOMES LOUISE RAWSTHORNE AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE

106 ·106 · Business Business Enquirer Enquirer Magazine Magazine 4 4IssueIssue

CONTENTS

012 SAUDI GOLD REFINERY COVER FEATURE

THE GOLD EXPERTS MADE IN THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

122 LIFESTYLE A SYMPHONY OF LUXURY AND ELEGANCE IN ITS FINEST HOTELS

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PARTNER UPDATES

IHG HOTELS & RESORTS AND SIX NATIONS RUGBY JOIN FORCES TO OFFER FANS UNMISSABLE EXPERIENCES IHG Hotels & Resorts has become the first Official Hotel Partner of Six Nations Rugby The new partnership will offer IHG One Rewards members unforgettable experiences across the men’s and women’s Six Nations Championships

I

HG Hotels & Resorts and Six Nations Rugby, the organisation responsible for rugby’s biggest annual international rugby tournaments; namely the Guinness Men’s and Women’s Six Nations, have joined forces through a new long-term partnership that will put fans at the heart of the action, by offering once-in-alifetime fan experiences throughout the upcoming Championships.

As the first Official Hotel Partner of Six Nations Rugby, IHG Hotels & Resorts will show up on and off the pitch ahead of the 2024 Guinness Men’s Six Nations, which starts on 2nd February, and will span the Guinness Women’s Six Nations which follows in March.

With matches taking place in England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales, IHG Hotels & Resorts will help rugby fans 6

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get closer to the action. Thanks to the new partnership, IHG One Rewards members will be able to bid their loyalty points for unique Six Nations experiences via the IHG One Rewards Access platform.

On offer to fans will be: • Behind the scenes stadium tours and pitch side experiences • Match tickets and hotel packages • A chance to watch teams train Karin Sheppard, Managing Director, Europe for IHG Hotels & Resorts said: “A big part of travel is bringing people together and connecting them with the things they love. That’s why we’re so excited about this new partnership with Six Nations Rugby where we can bring our IHG One Rewards members closer to the action and excitement of the upcoming Championships. Six Nations Rugby adds to an already impressive roster of sporting partnerships for IHG Hotels & Resorts, and we are so thrilled to continue to offer new ways to connect our members with unmissable experiences, in collaboration with great partners like the Six Nations Rugby.”

IHG - HOTEL PARTNER

Tom Harrison, CEO of Six Nations Rugby, added “IHG Hotels & Resorts is an internationally respected and renowned hotel company, with vast experience in connecting its guests and loyalty members with leading sporting events, so we are proud to welcome the brand as a new partner, and look forward to bringing the partnership to life with the entire IHG team and our unions, by creating some

truly unique experiences for fans across the men’s and women’s Championships.”

The announcement builds on an existing portfolio of sports partnerships for IHG Hotels & Resorts, with European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), Major League Soccer (MLS), US Open Tennis and RB Leipzig football club in Germany.

www.ihgplc.com

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PARTNER UPDATES

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN AND CFI ANNOUNCE THE SIGNING OF AN EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP Paris Saint-Germain announces the signing of a partnership until June 2026 with the financial group Credit Financier Invest (CFI), a leader in online trading in North Africa and the Middle East. With this alliance creatively combining the worlds of finance and football, CFI becomes the Official Online Trading Partner of Paris Saint-Germain, celebrating the values of excellence, performance and innovation.

P

aris Saint-Germain and CFI share the commonality of reaching a vast international audience. CFI operates in over 100 countries, offering ultra-competitive trading conditions and cutting-edge platforms through more than twelve regulated entities on five continents. Recent advancements, including the integration of artificial intelligence technology, demonstrate CFI’s commitment to providing traders worldwide with the latest and most advanced tools.

For three seasons, the premier online transaction provider in the North Africa and Middle East region, which also operates globally, will enjoy unique visibility with the support of Paris SaintGermain. Among the acquired rights,

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Credit Financier Invest will feature its name on the LED Overlay within the international feed in key territories and will have the opportunity to address directly huge fans of Paris Saint-Germain on social media, one of the largest communities in global sports, to attract new clients through innovative campaigns.

Hisham Mansour, Founder and Managing Director of CFI Financial Group, expressed: “We are incredibly excited to launch our partnership with Paris Saint-Germain, a top football club synonymous with passion and its own unique and prestigious brand identity. This venture represents a harmonious alignment of values, reinforcing our dedication to standing out as MENA’s leading broker, offering unmatched trading services

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN - SPORT PARTNER and optimal conditions. We are excited for the journey ahead, aiming to create a lasting legacy through this well-matched partnership with PSG.” Marc Armstrong, Chief Revenue Officer of Paris Saint-Germain, added: “We are delighted to welcome CFI as one of our exclusive international partners. We share the same ambitions to offer our respective fans and clients increasingly unique and innovative experiences.”

With its international stature, Paris SaintGermain is one of CFI’s key partners worldwide, which already boasts several partnerships in the world of sports. This partnership is the cornerstone of CFI’s strategy to expand its reach and influence on international scale. This exciting partnership will bring numerous unique opportunities to CFI’s clients and Paris Saint-Germain fans, such as tailor-made promotions in which both parties can participate and benefit. This partnership is a celebration of the synergy between finance and elite sports, and it signifies Paris Saint-Germain’s dedication to innovation, progress, and unique performance.

ABOUT CFI: CFI Financial Group is MENA’s Leading Broker with 25+ years of experience, possessing the highest number of regulated entities and regional offices compared to any other provider in the sector. CFI operates through different entities worldwide, including London, Larnaca, Beirut, Amman, Dubai, Cairo, Port Louis, and others.

CFI offers highly competitive trading conditions with spreads from zero pips, zero commissions, fast execution, and no minimum deposit across 26+ global markets, including stocks, forex, commodities, indices, ETFs, and other financial products. CFI is proud to have established global partnerships. At the spearhead of AI adoption in trading, CFI has recently launched several exciting projects, including the CFI Trading App, Capitalise.ai, TipRanks, the CFI AI Assistant, and other empowering tools. CFI is also renowned for its 24/7 client support, daily technical reports, free webinars, and dedicated account managers, ensuring a best-in-class trading experience for its trading clients spread over 100+ countries.

en.news.psg.fr

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HYHYHY

MINING SAUDI GOLD REFINERY PAGE 12

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THE GOLD EXPERTS MADE IN THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA T

he son of Sheikh Saleh bin Ali Al Othaim, Sulaiman was raised as part of the Othaim Jewelry empire, with Sulaiman achieving his qualifications from the Gemological Institute of America. The CEO has worked in the mining industry for 32 years.

Starting as a jewellery retailer, the business moved into gold manufacturing, and then established itself as a gold refinery. Now, the business has control of the quality of its entire gold supply chain.

“As a gold mining company we produce about 1.5 tons of gold per year. Now, we are on a mission to achieve the highest gold production in Saudi Arabia, with the aim to produce at least 10 tons per year,” said Sulaiman.

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When it comes to credentials in the gold industry, look no further than Sheikh Sulaiman bin Saleh Al-Othaim, CEO of Saudi Gold Refinery.

SAUDI GOLD REFINERY

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SAUDI GOLD REFINERY Vision 2030 Jabal Samran Prospect is located about 120 km northeast of Jeddah

Based in Saudi Arabia, Saudi Gold Refinery is invested in supporting the country’s Vision 2030 - its ambitious roadmap for economic diversification, global engagement, and enhanced quality of life.

“The Saudi Arabian Government is implementing initiatives to bring Saudi Arabian minerals to the international market, much like it has done with petroleum, and we will play a role within that,” explained Sulaiman.

In fact, the country’s government believes it’s sitting on top of an estimated $1.3 trillion worth of untapped mineral deposits, including gold.

Currently, Saudi Gold Refinery has seven operational mines, with an additional six mines in the exploration stage.

“Supported by the government, we aim to have ten operational mines by 2030,” said Sulaiman.

One way in which the government is supporting the mining industry is by establishing seaports for export, as well as the implementation of Saudi’s Mining Law. Additionally, is the allocation of the Industrial Development Fund in which the government subsidies 75% of mining costs.

Expansion through Exploration Saudi Gold Refinery is on a mission to be considered within the top ten businesses in Saudi Arabia’s mining sector, as well as become recognised as a multinational company, and a public company by 2030.

Currently producing two tons of Saudi’s ten ton output per year, the business is looking to expand its production by ten times within the next three years.

“By implementing advanced research, we are aiming to ramp up our gold ore production to 100 tons by 2027,” shared Sulaiman, “in the near term, we are keen to transform from producing 6,000 cubic Business Enquirer Magazine · Issue 120

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MARZOUQ MUSLIM AL MAH

FOR CONTRACTING, MIN ROCK CUTTING

Contact info@marzuk.org 00966505694063 - General Manager 00966547235573 - Financial Management 00966505613172 - Technical Administration 00966500075750 - Deputy Director Al-Mam 16 Issue 120 · Business Enquirer Magazine 00966556717766 - Secretary of the General Director

TRANSPORTATION WORKS

QUARRY MANAGEMENT

HYHYHY

HMADI COMPANY LIMITED

NING & ROCKS CUTTING EXCAVATION AND BACKFILLING WORKS

SUPPLY OF RAW MATERIALS

MINING

www.marzuk.org Marzouq Muslim Al Mahmadi Contracting Company, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

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Marzuk Musallam Al-Mihmadi Co. Ltd: Pioneering Excellence in Contracting, Mining, and Rock Cutting for Over 26 Years In the dynamic landscape of the Saudi market, Marzuk Musallam Al-Mihmadi Co. Ltd stands as a stalwart, boasting a remarkable 26-year track record as a leading contracting, mining, and rock cutting company. Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction has propelled us to the forefront of the industry, where we seamlessly integrate advanced data management with proven techniques to provide comprehensive solutions tailored to our clients' unique needs.

Vision: At Marzuk Musallam Al-Mihmadi Co. Ltd, our vision extends beyond the ordinary. We are dedicated to providing ingenious solutions to our clients, underpinned by a customer-centric approach, operational excellence, innovation, and the creation of value for both customers and shareholders. Our unwavering goal is to cultivate enduring partnerships while navigating the ever-evolving marketplace, ensuring sustained success and growth.

Mission: Our mission encompasses offering professional advice and specialized services in contracting, mining, and rock cutting. With a focus on natural resource-based industries, we aim to deliver cost-effective solutions, high-quality products, and services that not only meet but exceed our clients' expectations. Planning for the future, we are committed to the long-term well-being of our company, customers, and the world at large.

Strategy: Marzuk Musallam Al-Mihmadi Co. Ltd has a history of remarkable success in expanding its quarry management operations, particularly within the cement industry across the MENA region. Our strategy revolves around key operations and activities that include contracting services such as earthworks, excavation, pipeline support, aggregate and sand supply, and heavy equipment rentals. In the mining sector, our services encompass mining planning, quarry expansion, equipment sizing, and production cost estimates.

MMC Operations and Activities: Contracting: Earthworks and Excavation Pipeline Installation (water, sewerage, and drainage) Aggregate and Sand Supply Heavy Equipment Rentals Mining: Mining Planning Services Quarry Opening Design Benches Geometry Identification Access Roads Framework Design Quarry Expansion Planning Material Hauling and Conveying Systems Design Quarries Total Management: Raw Materials Quality Control Cost Optimization Operation Scheduling Geological Studies: Reconnaissance and Suspect Reserves Identification Complete Geology Investigations Mining Planning and Operation Support Drilling: Downhole Survey Core Orientation Logging Services Survey Works: Topographical and Detailed Contour Maps Roads Design and Construction Torrents Studies Quarries Opening and Operation Planning Quantity Surveys Settlement Monitoring Heavy Equipment’s: Leasing of Various Heavy Equipment Types Bulldozers, Hoes, Excavators, Trippers, Dumpers, Rulers, Midas, Maintenance Vehicles Marzuk Musallam Al-Mihmadi Co. Ltd is not just a contracting and mining company; it is a partner in progress, dedicated to the success of its clients and the sustainable development of industries. With a proven track record, innovative solutions, and a commitment to excellence, we invite you to join us on a journey of unparalleled success and growth. Experience the difference with Marzuk Musallam Al-Mihmadi Co. Ltd – where ingenuity meets reliability.

www.marzuk.org

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SAUDI GOLD REFINERY

Hamda Gold Mine

metres of ore every month to about 20,000 during 2024-25,”

Steps Towards International Recognition

Amongst its mining operations is its Hamda Gold mine. After detailed survey and sampling by Saudi Gold Refinery’s team, the “Competent Person’s” report in accordance with JORC & NI 101 criteria, fixed the resource at 1.83 million tons in situ grade 2.42 grams.

Although already employing mining experts, in order to achieve its goals as a leader in Saudi’s gold mining sector, Saudi Gold Refinery recognises the importance of providing industry specific training to young people in the country.

As well as its Saudi operations, the refinery owns three mines internationally in Morocco, Uzbekistan and Kurdistan.

“We have developed integrated plans and programs to develop talent and provide appropriate educational and training opportunities for young people,” explained Sulaiman, “partnering with industry experts, our young people have the opportunity to train internationally in places like South Africa and Canada,”.

The company currently operates a furnace dedicated to smelting gold in the acid mine and is seeking to establish foundries and smelting furnaces for copper, zinc and lead.

In addition to the educational and training aspects, Saudi Gold Refinery, recognises the importance of innovation, research and development in the mining industry to become a leader in the sector.

In addition, its Jabal Samran copper prospect is about to start its advance exploration with a Core Drilling campaign.

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The company invests in supporting scientific research and technology and strengthening cooperation with local universities.

“We are also seeking to establish partnerships within technology businesses to be able to share knowledge,” said Sulaiman. .

Saudi Gold Refinery also identifies the importance of sustainable mining, which will help to achieve a competitive advantage and industry recognition.

“Given the growing importance of sustainable development we are seeking to become a pioneer in the field of social and environmental responsibility, adhering to international standards,” shared Sulaiman.

It also implements social projects aimed at improving the quality of life of communities, including support for education, health care and skills development.

www.sgr-sa.com

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SAUDI GOLD REFINERY

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HYHYHY

OIL & GAS SNPC

PAGE 24

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ACCELERATING TRANSFORMATION:

AN ENCOURAGING PERFORMANCE 25 PROGRAM UPDATE FROM THE CONGO’S NATIONAL OIL COMPANY

A

t the close of Q3 2023, the World Bank highlighted that the Republic of Congo’s GDP was forecast to grow at a rate of 3.2% in 2023, rising to 3.5% on average in 2024-20251. This was, in part, credited to the country’s oil industry, which accounts for around half of the country’s GDP, as well 80% of its exports.

Supporting the country’s growth in the oil sector is the The Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC), the national oil company, which has six subsidiaries throughout the oil industry chain (SONAREP, ILOGS, SFP, SNPC Trading, CORAF, and SNPC D). In its March 2023 financial statement, it returned $44 million to the Congolese government in dividends.

“The aim of the SNPC is to return the profits of the Congo’s oil industry back to the country, ensuring opportunity and stability for its people. We’re really proud of this achievement, as well as submitting the financial report to the government on schedule,” shared Maixent Raoul Ominga, the SNPC’s General Director.

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Maixent Raoul Ominga, the SNPC’s General Director

SNPC

PROJECT DIRECTED BY: GLEN NEWTON ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: LAURA WATLING

1 https://www.worldbank. org/en/country/congo/ overview

SNPC

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AMMAT GLOBAL RESOURCES

Building a resilient energy pathway Ammat Global Resources is an International Upstream Oil Company.

The core business involves hydrocarbon production with a data-driven approach, emphasizing efficient reservoir management and close interaction with local communities. Ammat’s goal is to develop a consolidated portfolio, leveraging activities with a rapid time to market to ensure a secure, uninterrupted, and affordable energy supply.

Starting from 2023, the Company has initiated production in the offshore fields of Loango and Zatchi located in the Republic of Congo, following the acquisition of two Exploration Permits each lasting twenty years. Ammat will lead the expansion of the fields and infrastructure, bringing about a dual positive impact in terms of increased production and the creation of shared value.

Interview with Massimiliano Mignacca, General Manager of Ammat

Our goal is to serve as a positive force for change in the upstream sector while upholding ESG principles. We actively dedicate ourselves to implementing solutions aimed at reducing gas consumption and the resulting emissions into the atmosphere to minimize our environmental impact.

Ammat is an independent hydrocarbons producer. Please tell Business Enquirer’s readers about the role the business plays in the industry?

Ammat proudly embraces its role as a key player in independent hydrocarbons production.

Located in the offshore fields of Loango and Zatchi, approximately 70 km off the coast of Pointe Noire in the Republic of Congo, our operations are anchored in a sophisticated, data-driven strategy tailored for optimized reservoir management. This approach underscores our commitment to enhancing hydrocarbon production while prioritizing environmental sustainability.

Sustainability is crucial to Ammat’s operations. How does your business actively contribute to sustainable progress?

Sustainability is at the core of Ammat’s operations, aligning with our vision for Environment, Social, and Governance. We actively dedicate ourselves to implementing solutions aimed at reducing gas consumption and the resulting emissions into the atmosphere to minimize our environmental impact. Additionally, we prioritize creating value for local communities through meaningful initiatives that foster development opportunities. Our goal is to serve as a positive force for change in the upstream sector while upholding ESG principles.

info@ammatgr.com

The business is also passionate about its people. Please tell our readers more about the company culture.

Our culture, propelled by a passion for collaboration and inclusivity, empowers employees and cherishes diversity.

Nurturing innovation, open communication, and a collective commitment to excellence, our people form the bedrock of our success. At Ammat, our strategic focus revolves around People, particularly young talent. We export a training model for young individuals, incorporating mentoring programs and fostering growth in both human and technical values to ensure an excellent level of performance.

What measures are you implementing to fulfil the UN’s SDGs, particularly around the local community?

At Ammat, we’ve been dedicated to advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals from the outset. Our social initiatives, developed in collaboration with the government and local communities, create shared value and opportunities for growth. We concentrate our efforts on education, health, and well-being through training programs and infrastructure projects in partnership with SNPC.

In a short span, we have increased production capacity by 75%, rising from approximately 4,000 to around 7,000 barrels per day.

Ammat is considered one of Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo’s (SNPC) most valued partners. Please tell Business Enquirer more about the relationship.

As of July 1, 2023, we initiated production in the offshore fields of Loango and Zatchi through a strategic partnership with Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC). We take great pride in being entrusted with the Permis Zatchi III and Permis Loango III by the Republic of Congo for a 20-year duration, extendable for an additional 5 years. This acknowledgment underscores the value of our Strategic Plan and the proposed investments aimed at enhancing the fields. The partnership between Ammat and SNPC is characterized by mutual trust and a shared commitment to excellence in the petroleum sector, reflecting a robust and collaborative alliance.

What key initiatives and investments are outlined in Ammat’s Strategic Plan to enhance the offshore fields of Loango and Zatchi?

In our Strategic Plan, we have outlined a series of targe-

www.ammatgr.com

Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo

ted investments aimed at achieving priority objectives of integrity and security for our people, as well as ambitious operational, economic, and sustainability goals. Our aim is to double current production levels while simultaneously enhancing operational safety. To achieve these outcomes, we’ve developed a comprehensive plan involving the structural revamping and asset integrity of the operational platforms in both fields, along with a well workover plan.

This plan includes a maintenance and replacement program for key components. All interventions are focused on stabilizing and regulating production flows, thereby reducing operational risks, and optimizing activities.

And now, Massimiliano, as the General Manager, could you share updates on the milestones achieved in the first few months of executing Ammat’s Strategic Plan?

In a short span, we have increased production capacity by 75%, rising from approximately 4,000 to around 7,000 barrels per day. This accomplishment is a result of a pioneering data-driven approach, leveraging the profound expertise of our production managers, and goal-oriented smart collaborations with leading global companies for engineering and efficiency studies in the oil industry. To optimize the efficiency and productivity of the Loango and Zatchi fields, considering evolving reservoir conditions and extended well downtime, we’ve initiated assessments and analyses aimed at partially restoring asset integrity.

Substantial investments, estimated at around $250 million, have been meticulously planned to strategically support these initiatives.

Finally, what opportunities and challenges do you think the industry will face soon?

Soon, the oil and gas sector will grapple with evolving market dynamics, technological advancements, regulatory shifts, and a growing environmental consciousness linked to the necessary energy transition. Exciting opportunities lie in harnessing artificial intelligence to bolster operational efficiency and cut costs, as well as repurposing existing reservoirs for renewable energy production.

The primary challenge facing the industry is the imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a critical aspect of contributing effectively to the energy transition. For Ammat, this represents both a challenge and an ethical duty, compelling us to enhance the sustainability of our production and explore innovative solutions to meet increasingly ambitious targets.

The Progression of the Performance 25 Program Speaking to Business Enquirer in May 2023, Mr Ominga, discussed the business’ Performance 25, a program designed to increase company revenue; reduce company costs; support governmental action; and better governance and control of activities.

Nearly a year on, the SNPC is seeing great success from the program’s measures.

“We have recently invested in new drilling and production equipment, most of which is now on site and in action. By updating the equipment, our colleagues are able to complete their jobs to a much better standard, and it’s also reducing downtime,” Mr Ominga explained.

An eight week shut down of SNPC’s refinery has seen a revision of all its equipment, and the business is proud to share that it has restarted its operations without incident.

The SNPC has also invested significantly in training in 2023, with 125 training sessions benefitting 1200 employees.

“As our aim is to better the lives of people in our country, training has been paramount. It has enabled access to jobs within the oil industry for more people,” added Mr Ominga To ensure both the future of the SNPC and the people of Congo, in 2023, the company discussed with Business Enquirer its groundbreaking study to identify potential greener energy resources sheltering in Congolese subsoil. The SNPC has discovered resources of both hydrogen and helium in the Congo.

The SNPC also recently announced a memorandum of understanding with Sonatrach, the Algerian National Hydrocarbon Company. “The historic agreement aims to strengthen both companies’ development within hydrocarbon exploration and development,” explained Mr Ominga, “we are excited to share technology 28

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SNPC

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THE AMERICAN UNCONVENTIONAL PETROLEUM EXPERTISE AND EQUIPMENT

APPLIED BY AFRICANS FOR AFRICANS

Our African-competent teams executed complex petroleum projects of utmost quality, in record time within unbeatable low budgets.

Olive Energy succeeded in truly achieving the Congolisation of the workforce.

Our experts trained and worked with Congolese technical staff making up to 90% of the local personnel.

Within the strategic framework of the WinWin-Partnership with SNPC, Olive Energy has invested in acquiring the finest quality oilfield equipment for drilling, workover, hydraulic fracturing, completion and production operations, in order to transform conventional and unconventional resources into producible hydrocarbons.

Energize Africa with Olive Energy www.olive-energy.com

Olive Energy works towards an effective and sustainable economic development, socially fair, while abiding by stringent environmental regulations.

EXPERTISE & SERVICES AVAILABLE IN REPUBLIC OF CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE)

Exploration & Production

Drilling & Workover

Hydraulic Fracturing & Production

Environmental Awareness

Social Impact

Exploration and production of new reservoirs and launching the development of the Tilapia and Marine 3 oilfields

Utilizing an offshore jack up rig and two versatile rigs for drilling and completion Olive energy can drill horizontal, deviated or vertical wells at highly competitive prices.

Two state-of-the art modern frac spreads assembled with American cutting-edge technologies for a total of 12,000 HP, enables the development of unconventional resources with fastpaced programs.

Processing and valorization of hydrocarbon-bearing waste products using a combined-method implemented at the Tchitanzi Site.

Self sufficient women initiatives, launching and mentoring of small businesses creating jobs, facilitating easy access to drinkable water and healthcare.

Olive Energy - Interview Questions for Written Response Olive Energy describes itself as the future of oil and gas in Africa.

What sets the business apart from its competitors?

Olive Energy has unique capabilities that give us a leading advantage compared to other E&P companies operating in Africa. We are an exploration company with unique Africa-centric expertise and advanced technologies that allow us to see opportunities others cannot see. To seize these opportunities, we have our own drilling equipment, high pressure pumping fleet for hydraulic fracturing, and all the production equipment required to turn these opportunities into production that will be processed by micro refineries to provide the much-needed refined products to local African markets. We are also fortunate and grateful to have unconventional financial partners dedicated to Africa development as they provide the necessary means to execute integrated projects that help throughout the whole lifecycle from the start in exploration all the way to selling refined products.

Olive Energy is considered one of Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo’s (SNPC) most valued partners. Please tell Business Enquirer more about the relationship.

Olive Energy’s business model in Africa is to partner with national oil companies by providing turnkey solutions to develop their resources or to partner with them in developing new resources in blocks we operate.

The experience with SNPC and our 5 wells turn-key project in the giant unconventional MKB field has successfully demonstrated that this business model could create a win-win partnership that benefits all the stakeholders.

The business is playing a vital role in the socio-economic development of Africa - what are the key impacts you are having?

A major motivation for our presence in Africa is to contribute significantly to its socio-economic development, which is the backbone of our vision.

This is the continent with the lowest life expectancy, and where more than half of the households are without electricity, forcing people to desperate means such as cutting trees to cook their meals. Through our environmentally responsible oil and gas activities, we create opportunities to lift families from poverty by giving them the means and the know-how to become self-reliant. We focus on providing clean water, healthcare to women and children, and micro-grants to allow women and young entrepreneurs start their business to sustain their families and create jobs.

This strategy is working, and we have already seen the significant impact these actions have on women that are now employing their entire village.

Equally important, the youth formerly unemployed are now thriving in their new businesses, that we helped launch, and currently continue to support.

Olive Energy is described as ‘By Africans, For Africans’. What are the opportunities for your employees, as well as those who are in the communities of where you work?

Olive Energy commits to truly allow the transition from the reliance on foreign aid to developing the African skills and the businesses needed to develop the continent. This can only be achieved by a new generation of young Africans rising to the occasion. This new generation needs mentoring and hands on practice with other Africans who come from around the world and bring their know-how and resources to facilitate this generational transformation. In the oil and gas sector, Africans around the world have made a major impact and could play a major role in this effort by sharing their personal experience with the new generation that are hungry for knowledge and work.

Do you have any exciting projects (past, present, or future) which you would like to share with Business Enquirer’s readership?

As Africa shifts more towards the use of gas, Olive Energy is currently working on new integrated technologies and processes that allow the exploration, production, transport, and processing of gas resources for Africa needs at a lower cost than all the ongoing bloated gas projects where billions of dollars are required. Africa gas development needs small scale modular robust technologies that allow incremental gains. A good example of such technologies includes the revalorization and monetization of flared gas which is one of our priorities. Olive Energy uses the Scrum Field Development approach that we introduced in all our African projects. Just like in our software development efforts, even large gas projects could be divided into small sprints where tangible results that benefit the people are achieved every 6 months. We will be providing soon with more details on a specific project we are currently working on.

Many energy companies look to diversify into sustainable energy (such as solar and hydro), is this something Olive Energy may seek to do?

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Humanity has been continuously living through the energy transition.

Humans transitioned from wood to coal during the industrial revolution, then they transitioned from coal to petroleum in the early 20th century and today we are slowly transitioning to other forms of energy while still using coal to produce more than 30% of the electricity in most of the developing countries. So, in energy use, it is an evolution not a revolution.

Olive Energy is participating to this evolution and focusing on the use of natural gas to relief the African families from cutting trees to cook their meals. Another venue we are pursuing is the use of geothermal energy in East Africa to produce electricity. Leveraging our drilling and hydraulic fracturing equipment and experience we are vetting multiple geothermal projects to pursue in the near future.

As a business, what sustainable measures do you implement?

Olive Energy sustainable business measures revolve around the following key factors: Ecosystem management, shared use infrastructure, sustainable urbanization (Bricks), supply chain sustainability, efficient waste management, emissions mitigation with revalorization and monetization of flared gas, environmental assessments, improve energy efficiency in operations and production. We also enjoy nimble field operations and extremely rapid decision making, integrated projects with minimal reliance on third parties, integrity in everything we do, and finally taking care of our people. These sustainable business measures allowed us to grow rapidly and will continue to guide our future strategies.

What are the key strategic plans for Olive Energy in the near term?

Olive Energy strategic plans in the near term is to accelerate the development of our assets in the Republic of Congo and to expand operations in other African countries.

What is the outlook for the energy market in Africa in the next 12-18 months in your opinion? What are the opportunities and challenges?

We believe that 2024-2025 are going to be prosperous years for the Africa energy market where many projects could materialize and will start realizing value for their stakeholders. However, this high potential growth could be slowed down by the lack of capital, supply chain delays and availability of oilfield services. Thus, the need to look for alternative solutions and create new ways of doing business in Africa, without relying on past models and actors. The energy market in Africa needs to reinvent itself in order to achieve the continent’s socio-economic goals.

Our readers would love to hear more about Olive Energy’s CEO & Founder, Dr. Ahmed Ouenes. Please tell us more about your career journey.

I was trained in France as an entrepreneur and aerospace engineer and discovered oil and gas by chance through my military service. Instead of joining the army, I joined the French oil & gas company Elf-Aquitaine, (later acquired by TOTAL), to conduct applied petroleum research in the high desert of New Mexico. At the end of my military service, I returned few months to France but the call of the American southwest lead me to move back to the US. Back in New Mexico, I continued doing research funded

by French company Gaz de France (now ENGIE) to develop some new technologies for gas storage reservoirs which lead me to earn a Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering. Residing in New Mexico and Colorado, for the next 35 years I created multiple software start-ups specialized in the development of new reservoir modeling technologies and applying them in the oilfields mainly for small US independents to improve their bottom line.

During that time, I Introduced Artificial Intelligence in reservoir modeling in 1994 and actively participated in the US unconventional revolution by focusing on the technologies needed to derive a good understanding of natural and hydraulic fractures. This critical area that controls the performance of oil and gas wells and the economics of many projects around the world remains a big mystery in the petroleum industry. I use my advanced knowledge in this area as a competitive advantage.

The best way to take advantage of this edge is to operate with my partners our own oilfields which we started doing in the US more than 20 years ago.

Unfortunately, due to multiple obstacles, the upside in the USA is very limited and we realized quickly that the real challenges and the big financial and human rewards are in Africa where we started working 10 years ago.

After some exploratory work in DRC, we shifted our focus to the Republic of Congo where the oil and gas industry is mature and where large unconventional resources remain untapped. Our win-win partnership with SNPC led to a new win-win business model where we can bring advanced US technologies and unconventional financial resources to Africa’s to participate in its economic development which is my focus for the years to come.

Finally, please sum up your leadership technique in three words.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE. Business Enquirer Magazine · Issue 122

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SNPC and establish a training partnership with Sonatrach, which is a leading player in the industry”.

The two companies have agreed that the partnership will enable the exploration of new opportunities, whilst promoting innovation, and contributing to the economic development of both the Congo and Algeria.

The SNPC has also agreed a partnership with Eni Congo, Eni SPA, and Lukoil for the purchase and sale of LNG. The LNG Marine XII project, which is set to be discussed at Italy-Africa Summit in Rome , has seen a substantial investment of nearly $5 billion, with an ultimate goal of reaching an annual LNG export of three million tons.

“Whilst this is an historic achievement which highlights our dedication to the exploration, production, and export of hydrocarbons, the SNPC also appreciates the significance of oil’s role within our country’s economy,” said Mr Ominga, “with the SNPC contributing to 75% of the state’s budget, we will take time with our transition to ensure the vital balance of our economy”.

Although many measures are under way to support Performance 2025 program success, the SNPC will launch further initiatives in the coming months to achieve its goals.

The business has plans to modernise its existing refinery and explore the opportunity to establish a new facility. In honour of the SNPC’s 25th anniversary, it has also begun the construction of a new headquarters in Pointe-Noire, which is planned to complete within the next 18 months.

“As SNPC is a national company, we want to enable as many people in the Congo as possible to access our products. With this in mind, we’re also embarking on a project to increase our service stations across the country, particularly in regions where there is more challenging access,” shared Mr Ominga.

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Commitment to the Future As part of its CSR policy established within Performance 2025, the SNPC has made a commitment to contributing to the preservation of the environment, particularly through actions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

One such initiative is its Eco Zamba project. Planned over a period of twenty years, the Eco Zamba project aims to create a forestry and agroforestry plantation over 50,000 hectares in the country’s Plateaux Batéké region.

Eco Zamba is also boasts an agroforestry initiative, allowing local populations and industries to take advantage of 4000 ha of trees with species adapted to economic use.

In 2024, the SNPC plans to plant 1,000 hectares, adding a further 6,000 hectares per year from 2025 onwards.

“This project will have significant positive impacts which includes the implementation of regenerative

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SNPC silviculture of soils and forest ecosystems, the development of agricultural sectors and, importantly, a new timber industry which will see the generation of additional jobs,” explained Mr Ominga.

Ensuring that the country’s people continue to benefit from the oil produced in the country, the SNPC Foundation has established a 400-bed boarding school located in the north of the Congo.

“The boarding high school is a stand out project for SNPC, and is considered one of the most modern schools in the country,” shared Mr Ominga.

A testament to the efforts of the SNPC Foundation on this project, it has become the blueprint for further schools.

“The partnerships being formed across our business, be it exploration or social initiatives, is evidence of the SNPC and our country’s commitment to betterment. Now, we are encouraging more businesses to consider partnerships, investment, and knowledge sharing with the SNPC,” said Mr Ominga.

www.snpc-group.com

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HYHYHY

CONSTRUCTION DERBYSHIRE SPECIALIST AGGREGATES PAGE 38

MJM MARINE PAGE 46

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CONTINUED GROWTH FOR UK’S LEADING AGGREGATES SPECIALIST

Aggregates for Thermoplastic Road Markings

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DERBYSHIRE SPECIALIST AGGREGATES The UK’s leading aggregates specialists, Derbyshire Specialists Aggregates, announced at the start of Q4 2023 its acquisition of the Geveko Markings’ resin surfacing operations in Stalbridge, UK.

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he acquisition not only marks another positive step forward in the business growth, but sees Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates become the only manufacturer of resin and aggregate in the UK. Effective from 1st October 2023, the acquisition included all manufacturing plant, product, and equipment. It also ensured all employees were retained during the transition.

Discussing the acquisition, Sam Buckley, Managing Director of Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates said on its website: “This acquisition is the perfect next step in our commitment to offer only the highest quality resin and aggregate to the UK resin bound market. We are delighted to supply the superb products previously supplied by Geveko to customers who will continue to receive BBA approved products as normal.”

Founder and CEO of the business, Martin Poulter, added that the move was a “significant strategic acquisition which is a huge development in our plans for future growth in the UK and international resin bound market.”

DERBYSHIRE SPECIALIST AGGREGATES PROJECT DIRECTED BY: GLEN NEWTON ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: LAURA WATLING

The site based in Dorset sees the business grow to eight sites in the UK, which also includes another recently added location in Ashbourne, its Central Hub. The Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates Central Hub, which covers almost 30,000 square metres, saw the business add new manufacturing plants, distribution and administration facilities. The expansion of the business was heralded in the area for providing employment opportunities, in a location which had been affected by many business closures.

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Its extensive infrastructure and up-to-date technology introduced across its sites reflects Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates commitment to innovation and high quality, with the business becoming synonymous with offering cost effective and high quality products to its customers.

Leading the Way in Specialist Aggregates Established in 1984, Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates supplies a range of products and services to a variety of customers including builders’ merchants, architects, driveway contractors, and garden designers. In addition, it supports Local Authorities, Public Utility and Commercial organisations.

Ensuring it can offer consistent stock availability to its worldwide customers, the business has developed a partnership network which spans multiple production sites and dock facilities. The business highlights its partnership approach as key to its success.

The business boasts a healthy distribution network able to handle all sizes – from single pallets to artic loads of loose aggregate. Its team of experienced transport co-ordinators are able to identify and manage the most cost effective and time appropriate solution for each project, working closely with its network to ensure punctual delivery, avoiding costly downtime for clients.

Known as one of the largest exporters and importers of aggregates, the business imports around 75,000-100,000 tonnes of aggregate per year, working with the Dolomite Quarry in Spain, and the Calcining Plants in France.

Its product offering includes decorative aggregates, industrial aggregates and powders, pebble dashing products, and pre-cast concrete.

It is the home of DALTEX, the UK’s number one brand in resin bound, and offers bespoke mixes and colours for Terrazzo Flooring.

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DERBYSHIRE SPECIALIST AGGREGATES

Derbyshire Aggregates specified for Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete project in Kew Bridge

Aggregates Supplied for Terrazzo Flooring at Queen’s Street Station, Glasgow.

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Celebrating 40 years in business in 2024, Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates has exported to projects across the world, including providing DALTEX Bespoke dried aggregates to the USA for Resin Bound Surfacing to decorative gravel for Garden Centres in Japan.

Adding to the business’ versatility, Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates also offers efficient custom processing with highly flexible production and storage facilities.

Precise and carefully considered processes are followed to produce high quality aggregates. Several different processes can be combined to extract products custom made for a specific brief.

The firm prides itself on its stringent inhouse quality control ensuring customers receive a high quality product, processed accurately to the exact specification.

Its services include washing, screening, and drying. Its aggregate drying systems 42

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are capable of drying up to 40 tonnes an hour, depending on the product being dried.

In addition, Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates can bag and pack aggregates.

The bespoke offering includes branded packaging and a variety of packaging formats including single poly bags, bulk bags, and bulk tankers.

Aware of its Impact The aggregates industry is known for its impact on the environment, which can include scarring of landscape, dust, noise, and the loss of agricultural land.

Acutely aware of this, Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates have put sustainability at the heart of its business.

Its primary focus is on using ethically sourced materials from sustainable deposits. In addition, it prioritises the use of recycled products or industrial byproducts for relevant applications. For

Fife Babies Memorial Garden, Dunfermaline Park – Installation by: Alex Butter Landscaping Ltd

DERBYSHIRE SPECIALIST AGGREGATES LONGCLIFFE CALCIUM CARBONATES For nearly 100 years, Longcliffe Quarries Ltd has been a market-leading supplier of high purity calcium carbonates. The company, based in Derbyshire, England, is the largest independently-owned limestone products company in the UK.

We are at the forefront of the excavation, purifying and processing of both low-tech and high-tech limestone and calcium carbonate products. We have a reputation for excellent logistics, efficiently delivering a cost-effective 21st Century service to a loyal client base in a competitive, mainly commodity-based market sector.

We produce around 100 products for a huge range of critical industries, from animal feeds and pet foods to glass and plasterboards; from plastics and adhesives to pH correction and flue gas desulphurisation. Our products even found their way into the ‘fluoroelastomer’ docking seals on the International Space Station.

We are proud to partner with Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates, who, like us are an important local employer. We have worked with them for more than 20 years as both a customer and supplier. Their bagging plant is modern, safe and efficient and they have a commitment to first class customer service.

The UK’s leading independent supplier of high purity limestone powders, granules and aggregates.

Family-owned Derbyshire business, supplying around 100 calcium carbonate products for a range of critical industries – from agriculture to architecture, including: • animal feeds

• construction

• glass

• plasterboards

• plastics

• adhesives

01629 540284 sales@longcliffe.co.uk www.longcliffe.co.uk Longcliffe Quarries Ltd, Brassington, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 4BZ

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DERBYSHIRE SPECIALIST AGGREGATES example, some of its products used in resin-bonded applications are developed from recycled and reconstituted materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.

Its site selection process is designed to minimise environmental and social impacts, and ensures that mineral extraction takes place only in ecologically suitable deposits.

Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates actively promotes the use of energy-efficient dashing aggregates in insulation systems under government initiatives such as the Green Deal and ECO, to strike a balance in the use of raw materials.

In addition, its landscaping products are natural and comply with Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS), providing a sustainable alternative to hard landscaping Known in the industry for its technical expertise, the business has garnered a selection of accreditations, highlighting its commitment to employee safety and its culture based on continuous improvement.

Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates has been recognised by FeRFA, the Road Safety Markings Association, and the Insulated Render and Cladding Association, as well as ISO 9001: 2015 and ISO 14001 certifications.

www.derbyshireaggregates.com

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NORTHERN IRISH INTERIOR EXPERTS AT THE HELM OF GROWTH 46

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MJM MARINE Ritz Carlton Evrima Observation Room Interior

Having stabilised itself post-pandemic, during which the cruise ship industry ground to an almost halt, MJM Marine is entering a period of buoyant force.

B MJM MARINE PROJECT DIRECTED BY: GLEN NEWTON ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: LAURA WATLING

ased in County Down, Northern Ireland, and with an additional office in Gdańsk, Poland, MJM Marine offers a complete turn-key solution for the outfitting of all spaces on board cruise ships, ferries, yachts and vessels of any type.

Operating out of a 100,000 square foot manufacturing facility, MJM Marine has garnered a global reputation for the high quality of products produced through innovative manufacturing techniques and attention to detail.

As well as its dedicated carpet and upholstery division, the business has partnered with health-tech company, Vyv, a market leader in antimicrobial LED light technology.

Its antimicrobial proposition offers great benefits to the cruise line industry, including up to 99.99% reduction in surface contamination, adding safety reassurance to passengers Established in 1989, the business has built a notable portfolio of both marine and Business Enquirer Magazine · Issue 122

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specialist interiors, including clients such as Carnival Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, and Royal Caribbean.

Its orderbook grows ever stronger, with the business announcing an $150 million orderbook of new work for ‘23’24, and will see the company employ an additional 100 members of staff.

“This represents a multi-million-pound Gross Value Add to the local economy in salary contribution and significantly more in value to the local and national supply chain,” said CEO Gary Annett.

The strong order book reaches across seven of the world’s leading brands, with delivery taking place in locations across the world including Singapore, stretching across Europe, and into the Bahamas.

Of its upcoming projects is a landmark deal with Aroya Cruises. The project unites MJM Marine and De Wave Group, with MJM Marine’s role including upgrading all existing cabins and suites and the creation of multiple culinary, retail and relaxation venues.

“This milestone deal with Aroya Cruises is a testament to the exceptional capabilities of MJM Marine”, said Gary Annett, MJM CEO. “We are pioneering a fresh era in cruise ship outfitting in which our collaboration will redefine the boundaries of what is possible.

Working alongside De Wave Group on this landmark project has allowed two leading industry outfitters to work together for the first time” The partnership is set to be one of the largest cruise ship refurbishment projects to be undertaken within the marine industry.

In August 2023, the business also announced it had secured the contract for multiple areas aboard the Utopia of the Seas, which is scheduled to enter service in summer 2024.

“We’re weaving our magic to transform

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Virgin Voyages, Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady

MJM MARINE ESTABLISHED IN 1983 BY BRIAN MCCONVILLE CBE, MJM MARINE HAS EVOLVED INTO A GLOBAL MARINE OUTFITTING SPECIALIST.

YOUR STAINLESS STEEL EXPERTS ON BOARD • GALLEYS • BARS • PANTRIES • FOOD PREPARATION AREAS Marinox Ltd will find an answer to every single problem in the catering-related areas on your vessel.

Very knowledgeable team with vast experience and high quality standards.

USPH compliant solutions and most flexible approach either in service or in dry dock, worldwide. www.marinox.ee Business Enquirer Magazine · Issue 122 info@marinox.ee +372 56 683 680

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key public spaces, including the vibrant Playscape area, the mouthwatering Food Truck concept, the lively Pesky Parrot Bar, a Starbucks haven, and an out-of-thisworld Immersive Dining Experience,” said the business on its website.

This extends its work with Oasis Class ships. From being trusted with Owners work on the original delivery of Oasis of the Seas in 2009, to being the lead outfitter during the Oasis of the Seas drydocks in 50

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2014 and 2019, to the Allure of the Seas in 2015.

Its work onboard the Utopia of the Seas, sees MJM Marine becoming instrumental in taking cruising to a whole new level of accessibility and adventure.

Strengthening its relationship with Vyv, both businesses have recently joined the Sustainable Maritime Interiors (SMI) initiative.

MJM MARINE Supplier of the Year Award 2022 CSIE Europe Awards

The initiative aims to make a meaningful contribution to sustainability performance improvement throughout the ship interior life cycle, via informed stakeholder guidance and in full support of the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact.

impact across the entire cruise and ferry industry”.

On joining the initiative, the business said “At MJM Marine, we understand how the small sustainable initiatives we make ultimately can make a huge collective

“The small steps we make contribute towards the wider achievement of larger goals and our own responsible company targets,” commented

Forward planning enables MJM to prioritise sustainability, with the business recognising the sustainability challenges that the cruise industry faces.

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Fiona Nevin, Head of Global Business Development at the firm.

To help it meet some of its own sustainability targets, MJM carries out material segregation, uses reusable energy sourced from solar panels and a biomass burner wherever possible.

The business also follows sustainable practices when delivering its carpet and upholstery services, focusing on upcycling existing furniture on cruise ships rather than fully replacing it.

A testament to the impact it is making in the industry, at the end of 2023, MJM Marine was recognised alongside TUI Cruises - Marella Cruises and 20.20 Limited, winning Best Public Space – Large Ship category at the Cruise Ship Interiors 2023 Awards.

On its continued success, Naoimh McConville, Group Managing Director of Rathbane Group (MJM Marine parent’s company) said, “We are thrilled to announce the next phase of growth for MJM Marine. We are committed to strengthening our operations by investing for the future to make a positive impact for our people and planet”.

www.mjm-group.com

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MJM MARINE

MARINE ELECTRICAL SERVICES

With over 20 years of expertise, MarineTeknik specializes in marine electrical projects throughout the world.

Our strategically positioned offices and warehouses in Poland and Florida enable seamless global operations.

Renowned for collaboration with leading shipowners and general contractors, we bring innovation and reliability to every project, ensuring excellence in maritime electrical solutions.

www.marineteknik.com USA Office MarineTeknik, Inc 947 NW 31st Ave Pompano Beach, FL 33069 Office: +1 954 366 5702 info@marineteknik.com

POLAND Office MarineTeknik Sp. z o.o. ul. Batalionów Chlopskich 7 83-000 Pruszcz Gdanski Office: +48 583 803 582 Business Enquirer Magazine · Issue 122 53 office@marineteknik.com

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ENERGY SUZLON PAGE 56

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INDIA’S AWARD WINNING FLAGSHIP POWERING A GREENER TOMORROW 56

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SUZLON

A

t the 2021 COP26 climate summit, India’s Prime Minister laid out his country’s plans for an additional 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

SUZLON

Solidifying its position as a leader in renewable energy, in 2022 India produced 163 gigawatts of installed renewable energy capacity, making it the fourthleading nation in renewable power capacity worldwide.

PROJECT DIRECTED BY: JESS COLLINS ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: LAURA WATLING

Supporting the country’s renewable energy growth is award-winning pioneer of wind energy, Suzlon Energy.

Boasting nearly 30 years in the renewable energy space, Suzlon has been recognised internationally, receiving awards such as the Economic Times ‘Energy Company of the Year 2023’. The recognition highlights Suzlon’s significant contributions to the development and promotion of the renewable energy industry in the country.

Additionally, The Economic Times awarded Suzlon ‘Sustainable Business Enquirer Magazine · Issue 122

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SUZLON

CFO Marshal Fernandes

Organizations 2023’, which identifies that Suzlon has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to integrated planning, development, and monitoring of sustainability in order to achieve sustainable development goals.

Marshal Fernandes, CFO Suzlon Energy Aus Pty Ltd has most recently been recognised by Acquisition International as Global CFO Excellence Award Winner 2023 and Most Innovative International Renewable Energy Solutions CFO 2023.

Marshal spoke with Business Enquirer about Suzlon’s international expertise, and how it is working towards its vision of becoming the best renewable energy company in the world.

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Optimize Asset Performance with SkySpecs Wind farm owners and operators don’t always have a clear picture of asset health.

By partnering with SkySpecs, our customers develop a robust, proactive approach to maintenance and repairs that saves them valuable operational downtime.

SkySpecs’ purpose-built drone and software solutions were developed specifically for the wind industry and capture the highest quality turbine blade data. Our AI analysis process gives SkySpecs customers a crystal clear picture of asset health, allowing them to focus their budget and resources on the most critical repair needs.

SkySpecs has performed over 200,000 inspections worldwide, and our dedicated in-house team has successfully assisted thousands of customers in optimizing their wind farm operations.

Uncover the power of precision and explore how Skyspecs can enhance your inspection management process today.

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+1 734 413 7346

INFO@SKYSPECS.COM

Prevention is Better than Reaction:

HYHYHY

The Asset Management Company Reducing Down Time and Improving Efficiency in the Wind Energy Sector When it comes to building a successful business, SkySpecs CEO, Danny Ellis, believes that collaboration is key across the spectrum: from the staff the business hires to the customers they serve.

Danny never set out to be an entrepreneur, cofounding SkySpecs out of a senior design project during his studies to become an aerospace engineer at the University of Michigan.

“I’ve learned the importance of hiring people smarter than me, surrounding myself with people who are experts in their field. My role within the business now is to knock down the roadblocks in the way of the experts, and ensure the resources are available for them to thrive,” said Danny, when speaking with Business Enquirer.

With a youthful leader at the helm of the business (having been recognised in Forbes 2016 30 Under 30, and more recently the 2023 Michigan Entrepreneur of the Year), Danny and his team have implemented internal initiatives to create a “Culture of Belonging”. ​​ ”We see ourselves as much more than just a tech company. We’re a group of like-minded, kind, and talented people who love to collaborate and solve the industry’s hardest problems together.” explained Danny, “we are founded on an ethos of hard work, collaboration, and teamwork”.

Whilst born out of Danny’s passion for “things that fly”, in SkySpecs' instance, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs or drones), the business has grown

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Prevention is Better than Reaction:

HYHYHY

The Asset Management Company Reducing Down Time and Improving Efficiency in the Wind Energy Sector to offer far more than drones. In its 12th year of business, SkySpecs offers a holistic, turn-key, asset management service to its customers.

perform at record-setting inspection speed to minimise downtime while capturing the highestquality blade data.

From inspection to performance monitoring, blade services, CMS services, and financial asset management, there is one thing unique to SkySpecs: its focus is entirely on wind energy.

Its AI analysis process and machine learning tools provide detailed analysis of the inspections via its blade asset management platform, Horizon.

“Through three European acquisitions, we are now able to offer complete coverage on all assets, going beyond just the blades. Our goal is to make wind energy the most efficient energy source in the world,” Danny explained.

In January 2024, SkySpecs announced the launch of SkySpecs Performance, after the successful acquisition of i4SEE in 2023.

The cutting-edge product integrates SCADA-based performance monitoring and component health assessment on a fleet scale, providing unparalleled insights and efficiency to wind turbine operators.

SkySpecs Performance employs an automated system that continuously evaluates turbine performance, enabling rapid detection and diagnosis of potential issues. A team of domain experts, boasting decades of experience in wind turbine operations is readily available to deliver prioritised recommendations and valuable insights.

“With 1.5-2 megawatt wind turbines now reaching 10 years of life, assets are more susceptible to issues if they’re not discovered early. Our holistic offering supports predictive maintenance, which will reduce the need for replacement parts and equipment, and costly downtime,” explained Danny.

It is anticipated that SkySpecs' innovative solutions will set a new standard in wind energy operations.

With offices across the globe (USA, India, Austria, Denmark, and Ireland) SkySpecs has carried out 200,000+ inspections in more than 30 countries, including 2000 in Australia where it collaborates with key customer, Suzlon.

SkySpecs purpose-built autonomous drones

“The Horizon platform ensures clients have the data and insights they need to allow them to focus their budget and resources on the most critical repair needs with confidence,” shared SkySpecs’ Account Executive for Suzlon, Sean Stegemen.

Building a strong and collaborative relationship with Suzlon, SkySpecs carries out all turbine inspections for the renewable energy solutions provider in Australia.

“Our work with Suzlon has enabled us to broaden our reach as we strengthen our partnership with them. It’s exciting to grow alongside them and expand our impact in new markets,” added Sean.

Another innovative addition to SkySpecs' offering is its CMS Services, a predictive drivetrain service that scales to meet asset managers’ needs, enabling them to make data-driven decisions.

“Our goal here is to go beyond pretty dashboards by delivering the next level of insights to enable owners and operators to make data-driven decisions and optimise their resources, both financially and from a staffing perspective,” said Danny.

Combining human expertise with advanced technology SkySpecs CMS Services helps clients to reduce downtime, improve O&M planning, and reduce repair costs.

“CMS Services also provides actionable advice on all drivetrain mechanical and equipment faults, troubleshooting, and prioritisation which is where we are aiming to push the business forward,” said Danny, “We are truly trying to partner with our customers. We want to help solve their problems together and enable them to deliver the most efficient energy generation in the world”.

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Innovating Efficiencies Suzlon offers a 360-degree solutions to its customers, covering the entire spectrum of wind energy projects.

With over 12,780 wind turbines installed across six continents and 14 world-class manufacturing units in India, Suzlon wind energy solutions have become the byword for innovation and competitive advantage.

In 2023, Suzlon became the first Indian multinational business to produce 20 gigawatts of wind energy and is number four in the world in terms of installed capacity.

Suzlon provides its customers with an all-encompassing solution to wind energy projects in the form of its Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs). Its innovative WTGs feature state-of-the-art technology across their blades, nacelle, towers and foundations.

“Customers choose Suzlon because our WTGs carry the hallmark of reliability and sustainability, and have a proven track record of enabling customers maximise their return on investments by focusing on innovation and improvements,” explained Marshal.

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SUZLON Suzlon prides itself on working closely with its customers to find the best solutions for their needs, whilst incorporating value added products to increase efficiencies.

Recently, Suzlon has implemented such innovations for clients in Australia, implementing drones for blade inspection and establishing local repair shops.

Suzlon implements Periodic Software Upgrades which ensures the best HSE practices are maintained in operating the turbines. These upgrades boost an Increase of 3% - 5% Annualised Energy Production (AEP) for its clients.

Additionally, it offers Innovative Engineering Solutions to optimise cost and down-time for the customer. This includes Uptower repairs of turbine components, eliminating the need for the traditional cranes that are very expensive.

“Expanding the business offering in this way means that we can help our customers to become more efficient,” shared Marshal.

Its local refurbishment of major and critical components such as generators, gear boxes, and main bearings as opposed to replacing with new components reduces lead times and cost. At the same time, this exercise aids the development of local businesses and creates local job opportunities.

www.suzlon.com

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THE QATARI AIRPORT TAKING PIVOTAL STRIDES IN THE INDUSTRY I

n 2023, Qatar announced recordbreaking tourism statistics, achieving the highest arrivals in the country’s history for Q1. 1.163 million visitors were recorded to the 15th March 2023, which is a staggering 268% increase on the same time period in 2022.

Of those arrivals recorded in the first quarter, the majority (45%) travelled by plane, a statistic which Hamad International Airport isn’t seeing slowing down as we enter the holiday season.

The capital’s airport, recognised as one of the busiest airports in the world, has continued to build on its consistent growth, reporting a substantial 26.84% increase in passenger traffic in Q3 compared to the same period last year.

1 https://www.qatartourism.com/content/dam/ qatar-tourism/qatar-tourism-reports/qatar-tourism-q1-performance-report-2023.pdf

Offering year round sunshine, a thriving coastal capital, and plenty of iconic places to visit, Qatar is quickly becoming known as somewhere to add to the avid traveller’s roster. With that, Doha, the country’s capital, has been awarded the prestigious title of the Arab Tourism Capital1.

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Celebrating its 10th year in operation in 2024, Hamad International Airport is Qatar’s main, national airport, located east of Doha.

Named after the previous Emir of Qatar, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the airport is also home to the country’s flag carrier, Qatar Airways.

Described as an architectural masterpiece where innovation and beauty combine, Hamad International airport offers a unique experience for visitors.

Within the main atrium of the airport travellers are greeted with the famous 23foot tall "Untitled Lamp Bear" sculpture, part of the airport’s art collection.

Meanwhile, the shopping mall-esque duty free offers over 100 stores, including some of the world’s most luxurious brands.

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The airport, which has been consistently ranked among the best in the world due to its passenger-first approach, ensures operational excellence through digitised services and passenger autonomy.

The airport utilises advanced airport systems and continues to optimise airport operations by integrating smart solutions and strengthening passenger trust and confidence.

It is no surprise then, that once again Hamad International Airport has been recognised amongst the best airports in the world - receiving the 2023 Business Traveller Award for Best Airport in the Middle East, and the second best airport in the world.

Commenting on the achievement, the Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport at the time, Engr.

Badr Mohammed Al Meer, said:

Navigating Tomorrow: FMM Unveils the Future with Tech-Driven Innovations and Sustainable Solutions In an ever-evolving market, the realm of Facilities Management (FM) is undergoing a digital transformation, incorporating technological innovations and adopting processes to reduce carbon emissions.

In this race, FMM, the Five Stars Facility Management company in Qatar in charge of some of the most prestigious landmarks such as Hamad International Airport, National Museum of Qatar or Qatar Free Zones; has gone beyond the conventional role to exceed its FM service delivery.

FMM’s CEO, Eng. Irene Vidal, sheds light on this evolution: “Being the first FM company operating Integrated Facility Management in Hamad International Airport has compelled us to focus on key landmarks and prestigious organizations.

Consequently, promoting cuttingedge technology has become integral to maintaining the 5-star standard of our service delivery.

To ensure an innovative

approach that enhances our performance and maintains competitiveness, we’ve appointed a team of innovation champions tasked with identifying and tracking new innovative processes and technologies suitable for our organization and clients. Additionally, for the past 2 years, we’ve conducted our own FM Innovation Awards, recognizing employees with the best ideas and business models.

Currently, our electric cars reduces our vehicle fleet’s carbon emissions, our cleaning robots optimize cleaning productivity by 30%, and our IoT systems reduce water consumption by 15%. When we do implement a new process or innovation, we do meticulously track its direct and indirect return on investment so that we can continue investing in technology and add further value to our clients.”

As FMM pioneers thought leadership to enter the modern era of Facility Management, it fosters an environment where innovation, sustainability, and welfare coalesce.

This isn’t just about managing facilities; it’s about implementing standards of excellence towards a future where Facility Management resonates with a commitment to a sustainable tomorrow. fmm.com.qa

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HAMAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT “We are honoured to receive the prestigious award for ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ from Business Traveller. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to providing world-class services and underscores our unwavering dedication to offer our passengers an unforgettable travel experience. We take immense pride in our role as the ultimate gateway to Qatar and the Middle East – as we look forward to further enhancing our position as the favoured travel destination.”

Now, the previous COO of the airport, Badr Mohammed Al Meer, holds the position of CEO at Qatar Airways, which the airline has described as “an exciting new era that will see innovation cultivate a unified and motivated workforce”3.

Ensuring it remains one of the most enviable airports in the world, in November 2022, Hamad International Airport unveiled Phase A of its expansion plan, consisting of nine projects.

One of these projects is ORCHARD, an indoor tropical garden extending over 6000 square metres and hosting 65 of the airport’s 180 dining and retail spaces.

Designed to go above and beyond ‘stressfree’ travelling, ORCHARD has been developed to create a space for travellers to relax, rejuvenate, and recharge.

Described by the airport as an “architectural wonder”, it has been designed with a column free, grid shell roof that controls and filters the light required to maintain the rainforest trees inside.

2 https://dohahamadairport.com/press-releases/ news/hamad-international-airport-wins-best-airport-middle-east-award2023-business

ORCHARD is the flagship of a number of measures implemented by Hamad International Airport, enabling it to become the first airport in the region to achieve Global Sustainability Assessment System Design & Build (GSAS-D&B) 4-Star certifications from Gulf Organization for Research & Development (GORD). The GSAS-D&B certification validates that a project is designed and built with special consideration for the environment and helps reduce the project’s carbon footprint.

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Additional measures to ORCHARD include the airport’s Oryx Garden Hotel, the North Plaza lounges, Al Mourjan Business Lounge - The Garden, and the Remote Transfer Baggage Facility.

A year after the launch of ORCHARD, Hamad International Airport has announced its receipt of ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems Certification Extension from the British Standards Institution (BSI).

To achieve the certificate, Hamad International Airport went through a surveillance auditing process. The process included reviewing the airport’s operations with a focus on areas with high potential environmental risk, interviewing employees, evaluating operational controls and the airport’s conformance to the ISO 14001:2015 requirements.

In addition to the ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems certification, Hamad International Airport also holds the ISO 55001:2014 Asset Management System certification and the ISO 22301:2019 Business Continuity Management Systems certification from BSI. The airport has also obtained the ACI ACA Level-3 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation.

Embarking on Phase B of the airport’s expansion project will see the increase of the airport’s capacity to 70 million passengers, including over 95,000 square metres in extension of Concourses D and E, as well as a new cargo terminal.

Whilst the airport flies to destinations such as Heathrow, Bangkok, Colombo, and Cairo, it has recently introduced new (and resuming) locations including Lyon, Toulouse, and Birmingham.

Its range further enhances Hamad International Airport’s global reach and cements its position as a leader in the aviation industry.

The airport remains a pivotal bridge seamlessly connecting Qatar and the Middle East to the world.

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The canary yellow lamp teddy bear iconic airport landmark in the middle of the terminal at the Hamad International Airport in Doha at Qatar

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SUPPORTING SUCCESS IN THE AVIATION SECTOR

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ncompassing the likes of airlines, airports, manufacturers, and service providers, the aviation industry is estimated to be worth a staggering $841.5 billion (2023). The value is only increasing too, with 2023 indicating a 7% increase on the year before.

As well as the financial importance of the sector, it also provides 87.7 million jobs worldwide.

With the figures in mind, it is obvious then that the industry must be supported by robust and experienced lawyers. Business Enquirer spoke with Anna Anatolitou, Partner at DAC Beachcroft and specialist in aviation law, about why the firm has become one of the most renowned.

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Anna Anatolitou, Partner at DAC Beachcroft

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DACB An A-Z of Services Offering over 1,200 lawyers, included in its team of over 3000, DAC Beachcroft (DACB) supports businesses across the world, with one main goal: to help its clients succeed.

Whilst technology means a business can be accessed no matter its location, DACB is represented in more than 40 locations, spanning UK, Europe, Asia-Pacific, North Americaand Latin America.

In terms of sectors, there’s not much that DACB doesn’t have expertise in, with its A-Z of services covering everything from Banking, Construction and Engineering, and Data Protection, to Insurance, Retail, and Tax. And in the ‘As’? Advocacy, and of course, Aviation.

Anna and her female team of aviation experts joined DACB in Q3 2023, enabling the firm to expand its existing, impressive offering in the aviation industry, headed by one of her former colleagues, Alex Stovold.

DACB has become synonymous with providing a full-spectrum service in the industries it supports. For the aviation sector this includes providing advice to airlines, general aviation operators, MROs, ground handling companies, aviation security companies and product manufacturers in both the civilian and defence spheres.

“We’re particularly focused on providing aviation advice to the insurance industry, acting for insurers, reinsurers and their insured clients, wherever needed,” explained Anna.

DACB’s offering extends well beyond insured liabilities to: assisting aviation sector clients in risk management; commercial litigation; commercial transactions (from Ts & Cs to aircraft acquisition and MRO agreements); and regulatory advice.

“With the expertise of colleagues in other departments, we can also advise clients

on everything else they might need as a business from employment and property to corporate, such as M & A, JVs and company secretarial, immigration, tax, data… the list is long!".

Notably, the business’s team members have a strong track record of acting on "major losses", including the famous losses of Concorde and Lockerbie, and the Shoreham Airshow loss in 2015 which is known for being one of the largest UK general aviation losses in over a decade.

The team has also advised on dozens of other major losses for both commercial airlines and general aviation in multiple different jurisdictions, covering the Middle East, Asia, North and Latin America, Africa and Asia.

The team is currently handling a number of significant, but at this stage, confidential matters.

An Ethical Approach With 25 years of experience in aviation law, Anna too has played a role in her fair share of major incidents (around twenty to date), with her first major case being the loss of Air France Flight 4590, in which a Concorde passenger jet crashed shortly after take-off.

A career that has seen Anna travel the world, she spent the first seven years of her career at Beaumont & Son/Clyde & Co, which saw her take secondments to leading Aviation boutique firm Condon & Forsyth in New York and a year’s secondment to work with Emirates Group in Dubai. The latter, she said, “sparked a love for the Middle East, as well as for “entrepreneurial roles””.

Anna then moved to one of France's leading firms, Gide Loyrette Nouel, followed by Barlow Lyde & Gilbert, before she was approached for a role back in the Middle East with Norton Rose Fulbright.

“After my time at Norton Rose in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, I was offered an opportunity to go back to an in-house Business Enquirer Magazine · Issue 122

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role at Air Arabia Group, as its first General Counsel in 10 years of operations,” Anna shared, “It’s here that I got the opportunity to see the industry from an internal perspective and the commercial realities. It was really eye-opening and has since given me a unique perspective to offer clients”.

Prior to joining DACB, Anna returned to the UK as a Partner at Ince & Co, where she headed the firm's market leading Travel group. Reaching out to DACB on Ince & Co’s collapse, Anna was astounded at how quickly she and her team were onboarded to the firm.

“Within a week of reaching out to DACB, all the due diligence had taken place and we were warmly welcomed into the firm,” she said, “It's a testament to DACB’s attitude. Our first taste of DACB was not only impressive, but really welcoming. The culture at DACB is one of the reasons why its client engagement is of such a high standard”.

Considered leaders within aviation, insurance, health, employment and real estate, DACB is known as one of the top law firms in Europe and Latin America for insurance. It is also one of the founding members of Legalign Global, an integrated alliance of best-in-region law firms working as one for multinational insurers, brokers and businesses in addressing cross-border risks and claims.

“I love the culture that has been developed at DACB, which encourages first class client relationships. I believe the approach we take is groundbreaking” Anna explained.

DACB’s approach includes thorough research into the client and its whole business, including its commercial and, where relevant, political drivers, as well as working as a united team across business sectors to ensure a full spectrum approach.

What Anna described as “collegiality” and an “ethical approach” to client relationships, has clearly been conveyed to its clients, as reflected in DACB’s Client Listening and Engagement Programme.

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Research carried out by the firm showed that: • 97% of clients said that their overall experience of dealing with DACB was either good or excellent; • 98% said that DACB’s sector understanding was either good or excellent; • 99% rated DACB good or excellent for ease of engagement.

“The statistics just speak for themselves,” said Anna.

“What has really stood out for me is the kindness and professionalism shown by all colleagues at DACB,” she continued.

Empowerment for the Future Anna described DACB as “walking the walk”, which it does internally as well as for its clients - particularly when it comes to equality.

“DACB really excels in its empowerment of women in business,” shared Anna, “not only do we have a female Senior Partner, Virginia Clegg, but many business units are led by women and the business pays focus on empowering women for the future”.

This includes mentorship by women and for women, opportunities for career advancement, and support for career development after maternity leave and during menopause.

“Receiving mentorship has been a really powerful tool for my career development, and it’s something I’m keen to give back,” said Anna, who has done so by mentoring as part of several programmes, including working with university students studying law, which she described as a “shared experience”. The firm also supports the Mentoring the Market scheme.

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DACB The Sector Which Doesn’t Sit Still DACB has a clear vision for the future, with its multi-fold growth strategy always in motion. As well as expanding its global footprint, it will look to acquire new talent to support its growth within its core sectors of Insurance, Health, and Real Estate, as well as Technology, and Financial Services.

“We are also investing heavily into technology and innovation, all with the focus to improve our offering for clients,” explained Anna.

Technology also plays a key role in the future of aviation law.

“The aviation sector doesn’t sit still.

Technology in the sector is ever evolving at a fast pace and there is plenty of new and proposed legislation to be aware of” shared Anna.

This is particularly true in relation to eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) and BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Site) aircraft, which Anna foresees changing the shape of the sector and has implications for everyone.

In addition is the use of SAF (sustainable aviation fuel), with Virgin Atlantic flying the world’s first 100% SAF transatlantic flight in November 2023.

Using SAF as an alternative fuel has been promulgated worldwide. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expects a significant acceleration in the production of SAF in the 2030s and estimates that it could contribute 65% of the reduction in emissions needed by aviation to reach net zero by 2050.

The UK government has likewise published a SAF mandate that may be effective as early as 1 January 2025, which require that SAF accounts for 10% of all aviation jet fuel. The mandate also sets parameters on what constitutes SAF, for example, SAF must have 40% less carbon intensity than fossil fuel-derived kerosene.

“Airlines will have to carefully consider the contents of its chosen SAF to avoid greenwashing claims. As the UK government continues to invest its resources in boosting SAF, such as the £165 million Advanced Fuels Fund, we expect further regulation, policies and investments to emerge,” said Anna.

www.dacbeachcroft.com

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TECH EO CHARGING PAGE 90

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THE UK BASED FIRM EASING EV FLEET TRANSITION

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t will come as no surprise that the logistics market is forecasted to grow by $125.65 billion in the five years from 2022-20271. This growth, which is expected to accelerate at a CAGR of 2.12% in that period, is thought to be, in part, due to increased globalisation and the rise of e-commerce.

Of course, with this increase, we are and will see more commercial fleets on our roads to meet demand. Currently, these commercial vehicles (which also includes public transport) are responsible for around 40% of road emissions, with transport accounting for a quarter of all global emissions - and growing.

1 https://www.researchandmarkets.com/ report/logistics?utm_ source=GNE&utm_medium=PressRelease&utm_ code=9lmwdp&utm_campaign= 1886667+-+Rapid+ Growth+in+Global+Logistics+Market+Driven+by+Ecommerce+and+ Pandemic+Resilience& utm_exec=jamu273prd

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EO CHARGING

Aiming to combat the concerning rise in the Earth’s temperature due to climate change, a new agreement from COP28 seeks to transition away from fossil fuels by 2050. This will urge businesses to take the steps to switch to EV fleets.

Supplying turnkey charging solutions to businesses, EO Charging (EO) is focussed on making the transition as painless as possible.

Celebrating a decade in business in November 2024, UK founded EO has developed an end-to-end solution for its commercial partners, including charge points, advanced software and charging services that maximise vehicle uptime and lower operating costs.

Additionally, it has developed EO Cloud, a dedicated charging station management system allowing businesses of all sizes to deploy their charging infrastructure at scale and at pace.

With success nailed down in the UK and Europe by partnering with the likes of Amazon, DHL, Tesco, and Sainsburys, EO has spring-boarded its global expansion into North America.

Most recently this has seen the business open a North American headquarters in Greenville, South Carolina.

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Charlie Jardine, CEO

2 https://www.gov.uk/ government/news/pathway-for-zero-emission-vehicle-transition-by-2035becomes-law

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EO CHARGING “We are seeing fantastic opportunities for our services in North America, particularly within bus networks which are receiving significant funding for school and transit services,” shared Charlie Jardine, Founder and CEO, “within the next 3-5 years we anticipate North America will become a majority of our workload”.

Within its growth plans, EO is also exploring Charging as a Service (CaaS).

“CaaS offers the opportunity to include financing, energy supply, and EV leasing in our offering to customers. With the ZEV mandate being enshrined into law there is further pressure on businesses to switch to EV fleets, and we aim to make that transition as easy and accessible as possible,” Charlie continued.

The ZEV mandate2 will require 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans sold in Great Britain to be zero emission by 2030, increasing to 100% by 2035.

EO Charging are acutely aware of the pain-points of transitioning to EV, including two fundamental considerations: time and money.

Picture: Andy Hughes

Picture: Andy Hughes

EO CHARGING “EO delivers north of 99% uptime on its charging infrastructure. And that's delivered by both software and maintenance. This proposition is something that we built in 2020 for Amazon,” explained Charlie.

“We’re installing very high-powered charging across multiple sites and implementing measures to help them to reduce the cost of installation through our product EO Hub, which is an energy load management device”.

Considered by many as the EV van pioneer, Amazon has over 1,000 electric delivery vans on the road in the UK, which in 2021 helped the company to deliver more than 45 million packages. Now, they are on a mission to reach 100,000 EVs in Europe by 2030.

Overtime, by collecting valuable data, EO can enable scheduled charging sessions which lets the customers set vehicle charge during off peak tariffs.

“We have worked with Amazon on a significant deployment of 6,500 charging stations and 120 depots,” shared Charlie.

EO is also supporting the Go-Ahead Group, one of the UK’s leading passenger transport companies to transition its fleet.

Most recently its being awarded a contract with Warrington’s Own Buses and Warrington Borough Council supported

by DfT ZEBRA 1 funding, to install chargers to host 105 Volvo BZL Electric vehicles one of the biggest electric bus orders by any town or city in the UK to date.

Whilst EO has the capability and knowhow to assist large-scale fleet transition, it should be highlighted that it also has a “Home” arm for every-day EV drivers.

Household names such as British Gas have selected the Mini Pro3 as their charger of choice.

Included as standard for home-users is CT clamps to enable solar panel charging, supplementing with green grid energy on cloudier days. The EO Mini Pro 3 has power balancing capability to avoid overloading the electrical supplier, giving home-users peace of mind.

Despite the socio-economic climate but buoyed by incentives and legislation, uptake of EV is growing exponentially year to date data in November 2023 saw battery EV uptake up by 27.5%3. With its experience and expertise, EO Charging is swiftly becoming the provider of choice to help transition any business.

www.eocharging.com

3 https://www.fleetnews. co.uk/news/three-out-ofevery-four-new-electric-vehicles-registered-to-fleets

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CATAPULTING THE DANISH NEW-SPACE MARKET INTO ORBIT T

Celebrating 17 years in business in 2024, GomSpace is known for being the oldest business in the NewSpace industry, despite its young age.

he Denmark based nano-satellite technology innovator has been acknowledged for far more than its age, though.

In 2023, MarketsandMarkets recognised GomSpace as one of the most important players in the NewSpace market.

An exciting sector, MarketsandMarkets forecasted the global nanosatellite and microsatellite market size to grow from $2.8 billion in 2022 to $6.7 billion by 2027.

“We’re very proud of our position in the NewSpace market,” said GomSpace CEO, Carsten Drachmann, “as well as an achievement for the business and our team, it puts Denmark on the map, and shows the world that the country has an exciting NewSpace sector”.

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Established in 2007 by “two Grumpy Old Men”, or GOM, GomSpace is a leading global supplier of high-end nanosatellite design, integration, and manufacture.

Its technology includes orbit control systems, mission payloads, power systems, communication systems, command, and data handling.

Focussing on low orbit satellites, Carsten highlighted the advantages for its customers “low orbit satellites can be developed at a much quicker rate, at just 1% of the cost compared to satellites in the geo stationary orbits, $1 million compared to $100 million,” he explained.

Although the NewSpace industry is in its infancy, as the oldest company in the sector GomSpace is now on the pivotal precipice of start-up to a profitable business.

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Carrying the Toolbox to Success Brought into the company in March 2023, Carsten has joined GomSpace as CEO to help guide its transition from start-up to commercial success.

And the numbers speak for themselves in terms of Carsten’s impact since joining.

2023 is set to be a record year in the topline, with a clear and documented evolution in cash and profitability in the last three quarters.

“We are taking a two-step approach to the growth of GomSpace. Currently we are stabilising the business whilst it’s in the later stages of a startup, and then we will seek a healthy, profitable growth,” he said.

An engineer by background, Carsten started his career at IBM, followed by Philips Radio Communication, but credits Nokia, where he spent 20 years, as where he really cut his chops.

“I moved into leadership very early into my career, with colleagues joking that they’d “lost a bad engineer but gained a good manager”, which is the opposite of what usually happens,” Carsten laughed.

Further to Nokia, he took on management roles at International Copyright Enterprise (ICE) and DataPath, both in Sweden, where he gained his name for being an expert in business turnarounds.

“At DataPath I managed the turnaround in the Swedish office from a loss-making business, into a success story by reprioritising its efforts whilst reducing staff significantly. This resulted in a doubling of revenue and a positive cashflow within nine months, which transformed the office into the most profitable entity in the company,” he shared.

Carsten’s career journey has seen him live in five countries and manage people across 30, highlighting his multi-cultural experience for helping him to become a valued leader.

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GOMSPACE “My experience around the world has led me to appreciate the importance of accepting diversity, the value of people and the strength in finding a common purpose, despite differences. Once you have established a people focus and defined values in the business, the technology and business aspects will follow”, he explained.

The CEO added that his career experience has enabled to curate a strong “leadership toolbox” to help businesses find success.

Treasuring its Employees to Treasure its Customers Throughout his career, Carsten has learnt an appreciation for “Smart versus Healthy”: “You can hire the most experienced people for the job, but if you don’t have the culture right, the business won’t be the success it could be. Culture is the key to a sustainable business,” he said.

GomSpace is using its start-up culture as a baseline to catapult it to success.

“There is a definite “can do” attitude within the business, which is supported by values of clarity, respect, and teamwork,” shared Carsten.

It goes without saying that ability is vital to the success of a NewSpace business.

GomSpace is focused on a culture of learning, enabling junior staff to learn from those with more experience in the industry, and on brining different disciplines together to learn from each other, bringing a better customer experience.

“In addition to learning the technical aspects of the business, our team also has the opportunity to learn from our business journey from a start-up to a commercially successful business. We want our team members to carry that experience with them and treasure it throughout their career, whether it’s

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GOMSPACE with GomSpace or moving on to another business,” Carsten explained.

One thing that was clear in Carsten’s conversation with Business Enquirer: People are critical to the business’ success.

Flight Heritage Ultimately, GomSpace’s mission is to make nanosatellites the preferred choice for customers who have demands for professional mission critical radio based surveillance and communications solutions.

The business has facilities in Denmark, Sweden, Luxembourg, France, and the USA, has become known as a premier supplier of nano-satellites and accompanying technology.

“The technology that is built on the ground acts differently when it’s out of our atmosphere. GomSpace proudly has the longest experience in space, or flight heritage, than any of its competitors,” explained Carsten, “that, coupled with our knowledge and reliability, are the key reasons customers choose to work with us”.

The business has built a portfolio of long-term relationships, including one with Unseenlabs from France. Working with the world leader in radio frequency data and solutions for maritime domain awareness, the GomSpace satellite technology supports Unseenlabs and the French government in locating fishing boat traffic in British and French waters.

The technology enables boats to be located even when they manually “go dark”.

GomSpace collaborates closely with the European Space Agency (ESA), having signed an agreement in 2019 for the deep-space mission, Juventas.

The 6U nanosatellite, part of ESA’s Hera mission, is set to pioneer radar measurements on an asteroid, unraveling its internal structure. As a passenger on the ESA Hera spacecraft, Juventas will journey to the Didymos binary asteroid system, deploying to investigate the formation, interior, surface, and dynamical properties of binary asteroids, embodying significant mission objectives.

Moreover, GomSpace has actively collaborated with universities and industrial partners to complete numerous research projects. These collaborations are a clear indication of the company’s commitment to continuous learning and innovation, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of the nanosatellite industry.

GomSpace is well positioned to handle the increased demand for its applications. This, coupled with Carsten’s focus on people, then technology and business, means that the future is looking stratospheric for the business.

www.gomspace.com

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MANUFACTURING FORZA DOORS PAGE 106

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TIMBER PRODUCTS FRAMED WITH TECHNOLOGY AND SUSTAINABILITY The specialists in the preparation of wood veneers and timber, Forza Doors, have integrated the latest monitoring technology from FireDNA into its products.

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aunching the initiative in July 2022, Forza Doors embeds FireDNA QR Codes and NFC Tags into its fire doors, frames, and doorsets. This enables the firm to digitally attach important data relating to manufacturing, certification and installation guidance, offering a clear benefit to its customers.

Via mobile, cloud and RFID technology it links people in the chain of responsibility, simplifying and enhancing the reporting and access of compliance and traceability data for new or legacy passive fire products.

Amongst the benefits of the integration it helps to ensure architects’ specifications are enforced from inception to installation, and allows users to plot Passive Fire Products onto floor plans to assist in onsite locating, which can also be output into reports.

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Since its launch, it has rolled out the programme to its full product range, including Fire Screens.

“FireDNA is the technological solution to creating a Golden Thread of Digital Data that we’ve, and I think the industry at large, has been waiting for,” said Forza Managing Director, Nick Hare.

Forza Doors’ products are used within the production of doors, frames, panels and associated joinery for use in the commercial interior construction market, encompassing office, education, health, hotel and retail.

The Forza product range satisfies the demands and standards required by the UK interior fit-out construction industry.

The firm aims to provide its clients and their clients with a superior range of veneer or laminate doors and panels.

In March 2023, Forza supported iWall in the interior fit-out in an office development in Brackley, UK. iWall are a leading designer, manufacturer, and installer of demountable partitioning systems in the commercial sector.

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Supporting the UK’s Manufacturing Industry Supplying cutting edge technology to manufacturers processing materials such as wood, glass, stone, and composites, Biesse is known for being the number one supplier of UK panel processing machinery.

Paul Willsher, Sales Director UK at Biesse, highlighted how now is a perfect time to invest into CNC machinery in the UK. “UK Governments super-deduction capital allowance for plant and machinery bolstered the manufacturing industry during the COVID pandemic. Now, the government is offering the Full Expensing incentive, which is encouraging the nation to bring manufacturing back to the UK,” explained Paul.

The outlook is positive for the UK manufacturing sector, and Biesse is on a mission to support the industry from designing and manufacturing leading technology and software, to delivering best-in-class after-sales services.

“Our aim is to simplify the manufacturing process and empower our customers by providing the complete solution to our customers which is right for their requirements,” said Paul.

Building relationships to create long term partnerships is crucial to the success of Biesse, something which is evidenced in its relationship with Forza doors.

Starting with two Biesse CNC machines, Forza is now expanding its order sheet with Biesse to a further two sanders.

“Internationally we’re reviewing our structure and strategy to ensure the needs of customers are met, with the requirements, legislations, and nuances of each location in mind,” explained Paul, “this is a positive shift which will give subsidiaries more autonomy to provide the best customer journey and support business growth”.

From a group perspective, Biesse has established sustainability measures, enabling the business to improve its environmental performance. In 2023, Biesse Spa announced its receipt of its ISO 14001:2015 certification for its environmental management system.

The Italian based headquarters has worked to improve the energy efficiency of its plants, including purchasing electricity from renewable sources. The headquarters in Pesaro has also been fitted with 16,500 sqm of photovoltaic panels, avoiding 787 tonnes of CO2.

Regarding materials management, Diamut – the company's brand dedicated to the production of tools for processing glass and natural and artificial stone and ceramic materials – has developed a new "cobalt-free" binding agent, which is used on all the products in its range. This provides a benefit to customers by saving on the waste disposal costs associated with the manufacturing process of the material.

In 2023 the firm also unveiled an HFS hydrogen gluing system which combines technological innovation and environmental performance for panel edging.

“This is a testament not only to the quality of technology Biesse can provide, but also our team's service and attention to detail,” shared Paul.

Providing complete solutions to companies manufacturing anything from fire doors, kitchens, stairs, and window frames, there is a touch of Biesse almost anywhere you go.

Headquartered in Italy, Biesse has subsidiaries worldwide, employing around 4,200 people. Despite its global presence, Biesse is now transforming the business to ensure that can provide the best customer experience at a local level, globally.

Supplying its innovative systems and machines to manufacturers processing materials for the furniture, housing & construction, automotive and aerospace sectors, means that you’ll find a touch of Biesse almost anywhere you go.

www.biesse.com

The design decisions for the project were completely guided by the client's requirements, resulting in a tailored and highly functional space. iWall's demountable partitioning systems allowed for flexibility and ease of reconfiguration for any future changes to the layout or function of the office space.

The ground floor of the office development used iWall's 110 singleglazed system, consisting of several meeting rooms along a corridor with timber doors and a conference area with double doors. The glazing was finished with flat bars, giving it a transom glazing look that added a sleek and modern touch to the space. The second floor utilised the iWall 110 system but was double-glazed,

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providing enhanced insulation and noise reduction for the office. iWall chose Forza as the door supplier due to our high-quality and extensive options.

“We chose a mix of horizontally laid natural Oak and engineered Oak veneers, as well as white laminate in some areas.

The doors supplied not only added aesthetic value but also provided practical benefits like sound reduction,” said Adrian Law, Director of iWall Ltd. Forza Doors, which has grown to a turnover of £28 million, has perfected its production process, which has been specifically developed to support the demands and needs of the construction industry, enabling a 10 to 14 day lead time.

FORZA DOORS In May 2023 a buy-out of Forza Doors was announced, which saw the senior management team at the time working alongside the new Managing Director, Will Hunnam.

Further to Will’s appointment, the business laid out its environmental goals and commitments, adding yet another competitive edge for the business.

The eight environmental goals set out by Forza Doors include using a life cycle approach to adapt production processes and product development in order to reduce current and long term environmental impact. This also forms part of its Sustainable Procurement Policy.

It also identifies the business commitment to reducing the use of energy, materials, and utilities, as well as minimising waste generation and implementing responsible waste management and disposal techniques.

Crucial to the timber industry, Forza Doors also commits to promoting and supporting the Forest Stewardship Council and Programme for the environment of forest certification schemes.

www.forza-doors.com

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GOVERNMENT NORWICH COUNTY COUNCIL PAGE 116

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NEW ERA OF LEADERSHIP: NORWICH CITY COUNCIL WELCOMES LOUISE RAWSTHORNE AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE

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orwich City Council is entering a new chapter of governance and strategic development with the recent confirmation of Louise Rawsthorne as its permanent Chief Executive. This decision, unanimously approved by the full council on April 28, 2023, marks a significant step forward in the council's ongoing efforts to address the complex challenges facing local governments in the UK today.

A Proven Leader for Challenging Times Louise Rawsthorne brings to the role an impressive portfolio, showcasing 13 years of senior leadership experience in local government. Prior to her appointment, Rawsthorne had been a pivotal figure at Norwich City Council since 2021, first serving as the executive director of community services and later as interim chief executive. Her career trajectory also includes influential positions at the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and Babergh and Mid Suffolk Councils, where she honed her expertise in housing, economy, property, regeneration, and commercial companies.

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Chief Executive Louise Rawsthorne

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NORWICH CITY COUNCIL The Rigorous Path to Leadership The process leading to Rawsthorne's appointment was thorough and competitive. The recruitment drive attracted a talented pool of external candidates and was meticulously overseen by interview panels comprising crossparty councillors, external stakeholders, and colleagues. This rigorous process underscores the council's commitment to excellence and its determination to identify a leader capable of steering Norwich through the complex landscape of modern local governance.

Vision for Norwich: Inclusivity, Ambition, and Trust In her initial address following the council's decision, Rawsthorne expressed deep gratitude for the trust placed in her and articulated a clear vision for the city.

She intends to cultivate an environment of inclusivity, ambition, and trust, aligning with the council's broader strategic goals.

Alan Waters, the leader of the city council, lauded Rawsthorne's authentic style of leadership, emphasizing its critical role in achieving the council's ambitions for the city.

Navigating Financial Constraints and Operational Challenges

Houses on the River Wensum

Louise Rawsthorne assumes her role at a time when UK local governments face unprecedented financial and operational challenges. Norwich City Council, while in a more stable position than some counterparts, is not immune to these pressures. The council recently navigated a £6.2 million budget cut for 2023-24, a stark contrast to the more dire situation of Birmingham City Council, which grapples with a £760 million equal pay claim.

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Norse Group: Improving People’s Lives Across the UK Celebrating 35 years in business this year, Norse Group is the UK’s largest local authority trading company (LATCO), owned solely by Norfolk County Council. With its HQ in Norwich, the group is one of the city’s largest employers and has a daily impact on the lives of its residents.

Although, as its ownership implies, a high proportion of its work is carried out in Norfolk, Norse supports local authorities and businesses across the UK, employing 8500 people nationwide.

“Norse’s growth has been careful and consistent,” explained Justin Galliford, CEO. This considered approach has seen the business achieve a turnover of around £350 million across three pillars of business.

The facilities management company’s core vertical is Norse Commercial, which accounts for around 70% of the business turnover. The frontline service encompasses catering, cleaning, grounds maintenance, highways maintenance, housing repairs, FM and security, as well as waste and environmental management.

The remaining business income is split between Norse Consulting, the umbrella for its property consultancy services, and Norse Care, which provides elderly care services to 1000 people in 30 care homes.

“Our range of services and the experience of our team gives partner organisations the confidence to concentrate on their core operations,” said Justin.

Key to Norse’s success is the long-term joint ventures it has nurtured, with Justin citing the shared ownership of the model as a key factor in building trust with its customers.

“Whilst Norse operates as a commercial business, we understand the challenges and nuances that come with the public sector,” he said, “we operate at a commercial pace whilst maintaining a public sector ethos”.

Norse has worked in a joint venture agreement with Norwich City council for 10 years, supplying them with a suite of services including both housing and ground maintenance.

In addition, it has worked with other councils across Norfolk for 17 years handling their recyclable waste, as well as providing ad hoc services such as out of hours contact centres and security.

As well as operating in its East Anglian heartland, Norse also has partnerships in areas such as Newport, Waltham Forest, Exeter Leeds, and Essex.

“We take a forward-thinking and quality-driven approach to our services, ensuring that we deliver the right solutions for our clients’ needs, whilst supporting the communities in which they operate,” Justin shared.

food insecurity and make sure no one in the region goes hungry. Norse provides warehouse and logistics support to ensure food is delivered to the hubs.

Now, Norse wants to use its foundation of building pioneering joint venture relationships to evolve its offering to clients, with a strong focus on governance and ESG.

“The rising cost of living seems to be increasing household food insecurity, and nationally the use of food banks is rising. So far, Nourishing Norfolk Network has supported 26,000 families, and we are very proud of that valuable impact,” said Justin.

Internally, the business has made a commitment to achieve net zero by 2050. However, at the front of its mind is what additional value and impact it can bring to its customers and partners.

Justin also represents the business on a prison Employment Advisory Board, helping prisoners find employment upon release – thus reducing their likelihood to reoffend.

“We are currently exploring a group-wide suite of measures for ESG, which our local authority clients would benefit from,” explained Justin, “this includes implementing alternative, sustainable fuel for our fleet of refuse trucks”.

“If we can support prison leavers into employment they are 50% less likely to reoffend, which in turn saves the £50,000 cost per year to house a person in prison. The value we provide partners on this front has both social and economic benefits,” Justin continued.

The business also helps local authorities to decarbonise existing housing estates as well as create new, affordable, low carbon homes.

On its mission to support more communities across the UK, Norse is developing a solid pipeline, with a further eight joint ventures in the offing, which is supported by an increased demand in waste, housing, and highways services.

In addition to sustainability, Norse provides high levels of social value to its local authority partners, tackling the likes of food poverty by supporting initiatives such as Nourishing Norfolk Network.

Set up in 2022 by the Norfolk Community Foundation, the network provides food hubs across Norfolk to help combat

“We aim to continue the development of our customerdriven offering, which includes upgrading our back office to be more responsive, ensuring we are “match fit” for AI integration, and able to continue our growth across the UK and our support for the Norfolk economy” Justin closed.

Strategic Focus: Projects and Personnel Rawsthorne's tenure begins amidst significant organizational changes within the council. Notably, the council is advertising for three senior roles – executive director of housing and communities, executive director of resources, and director of finance, signaling a strategic reshuffling at the top levels. Concurrently, the council is advancing key projects, such as the £250,000 revamp of Kett’s Heights in Thorpe Hamlet, which aims to enhance public accessibility and enjoyment of this historic site.

A Future Anchored in Community and Growth Louise Rawsthorne's leadership comes at a crucial time. Her experience, coupled with her inclusive and ambitious vision, positions her uniquely to lead Norwich City Council through these challenging times. With a focus on both internal restructuring and community-centric projects, Rawsthorne is set to embark on a journey that promises not just to navigate the immediate challenges but also to lay down a robust foundation for the city's future.

As Norwich City Council turns this new page, the expectations are high, but so is the confidence in Rawsthorne's ability to lead with integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to the community she serves. The council, under her stewardship, is poised to redefine local governance, making a tangible impact on the lives of Norwich’s citizens and setting a precedent for other councils across the nation.

www.norwich.gov.uk

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Norwich Market viewed from the castle

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A Symphony of Luxury and Elegance in its Finest Hotels

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In the heart of Paris, the city renowned as the epitome of romance and sophistication, luxury isn’t just an offering; it’s an experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

For the discerning traveler, Paris presents a tableau of exceptional hotels, each narrating a story of elegance, history, and unparalleled service.

This exploration into Parisian luxury will guide you through the city's most esteemed hotels, showcasing why they are the pinnacle of opulence and comfort.

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1. Hôtel Le Grand Mazarin: A Blend of Historical Splendor and Modern Chic Nestled in the vibrant district of Paris, Le Grand Mazarin stands as a testament to luxurious living. It is the latest jewel in the Maisons Pariente’s crown, joining the ranks of their other esteemed properties. The hotel's design, a masterpiece of Swedish designer Martin Brudnizki, is a harmonious blend of eclectic and maximalist elements, creating an atmosphere that is both historical and avant-garde. The rooms and suites, each uniquely adorned, offer mesmerizing views and are equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a stay that is as comfortable as it is luxurious.

2. InterContinental Paris Le Grand: A Historical Landmark of Opulence Since its inception in 1862, the InterContinental Paris Le Grand has been a symbol of grandeur and elegance.

Overlooking the Palais Garnier, this hotel has played host to royalty and celebrities alike. Its rich history is complemented by modern luxuries, making it a preferred choice for those seeking an experience steeped in Parisian history. The hotel's Café de la Paix is a culinary destination in itself, boasting a menu that celebrates French gastronomy.

2. InterContinental Paris Le Grand: A Historical Landmark of Opulence Since its inception in 1862, the InterContinental Paris Le Grand has been a symbol of grandeur and elegance.

Overlooking the Palais Garnier, this hotel has played host to royalty and celebrities alike. Its rich history is complemented by modern luxuries, making it a preferred choice for those seeking an experience steeped in Parisian history. The hotel's Café de la Paix is a culinary destination in itself, boasting a menu that celebrates French gastronomy.

3. SO/ Paris: Contemporary Elegance with Breathtaking Views For those who seek a blend of contemporary design and breathtaking city views, SO/ Paris is a perfect choice. Situated in a dynamic neighborhood, this hotel offers a unique experience that combines luxury with a touch of playfulness. The top floors house Bonnie, a restaurant-bar-nightclub offering panoramic views of the city. The rooms are a tapestry of color, featuring modern amenities and design elements that cater to the needs of the modern traveler.

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4. Hôtel Madame Rêve: Where Style Meets Heritage Located near Les Halles, Hôtel Madame Rêve is a fusion of Parisian charm and contemporary style. The hotel, once a 24-hour post office, now stands as a stylish retreat in the heart of the city. Its rooftop restaurant offers a sublime dining experience, while the rooms provide views of iconic Parisian landmarks. The hotel’s design is a blend of luxury and modernity, perfect for travelers seeking a chic and comfortable stay.

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5. Cheval Blanc Paris: FashionForward Luxury by the Seine

6. Kimpton St Honoré: Art Deco Elegance in the Heart of Paris

Situated in a lively district, Cheval Blanc Paris redefines luxury with its elegant rooms and suites that offer stunning views of the Seine. The hotel's interior, a blend of beige and gold hues, exudes a sense of understated elegance. Its seventh-floor brasserie and cocktail bar, Le Tout-Paris, is a popular spot among the fashionable crowd. The subterranean spa, designed

by Christian Dior, adds to the hotel’s allure, offering a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation.

The Kimpton St Honoré, with its Belle Epoque façade and Art Deco interiors, is a masterpiece of design and luxury.

Located near the Palais Garnier, this hotel is a blend of historical charm and contemporary style. The rooms and suites are a testament to the meticulous design philosophy of Charles Zana, combining luxury with artistic flair. The Montecito restaurant and its California-inspired menu offer a unique culinary experience in the heart of Paris.

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7. Cour des Vosges: A Secluded Retreat in the Heart of the Marais

10. La Réserve Paris - Hotel and Spa: A Private Mansion of Exquisite Luxury

Overlooking the Place des Vosges, Cour des Vosges offers an exclusive and intimate experience. This hotel, with its blend of historical architecture and modern amenities, provides a tranquil retreat in one of Paris’s most picturesque settings. The Roman-style bath and luxurious rooms make it a perfect choice for those seeking privacy and indulgence in a historic setting.

La Réserve Paris, situated in a hôtel particulier designed for Napoleon III’s half-brother, is a sanctuary of opulent luxury. The hotel’s decor, with its rich tapestry of colors and textures, creates an atmosphere of regal elegance. The rooms offer a magnificent view of Paris, while the hotel’s prime location makes it an ideal base for exploring the city.

The Michelin-starred restaurant and spa further enhance the experience, making it a favorite among discerning travelers.

8. Saint James Paris: A Château-Hotel with a Modern Twist Set in a neoclassical mansion surrounded by lush gardens, Saint James Paris is a unique blend of historical grandeur and contemporary design. The hotel, recently transformed by Laura Gonzalez, offers rooms and suites that are a feast for the senses, featuring a mix of ornate moldings, vibrant wallpapers, and luxurious fabrics. The Guerlain spa and its array of treatments add to the hotel’s appeal, providing a sanctuary of wellness in the heart of the city.

9. Brach: A Lifestyle Destination in the 16th Arrondissement Located in a former mail-sorting facility, Brach is a hotel that epitomizes the modern Parisian lifestyle. Designed by Philippe Starck, this hotel is a vibrant hub of activity, from its bustling restaurant to the rooftop vegetable garden and bar.

The rooms are an eclectic mix of design elements, featuring walls adorned with rosewood and leather, African masks, and unfinished marble sinks. Brach is a destination for those who seek a hotel experience that is both stylish and lively.

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11. Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel: A Symbol of French Elegance and Artistry The Hôtel de Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel, is a blend of historical charm and modern innovation. Following a comprehensive refurbishment, this iconic hotel offers a unique experience that combines the best of traditional French artistry with contemporary design. The rooms and suites are a testament to the hotel's commitment to luxury, while the Les Ambassadeurs lounge and spa provide a haven of relaxation and indulgence.

12. Ritz Paris: An Icon of French Hospitality The Ritz Paris, a historic landmark in the city, continues to define luxury and sophistication. With its blend of traditional elegance and modern amenities, the hotel offers an experience that is both timeless and contemporary. The rooms and suites are furnished with classic French décor, while the hotel’s restaurants and bars, including the legendary Bar Hemingway, offer a culinary journey through French gastronomy.

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13. Le Meurice, Dorchester Collection: A Haven of Art and Elegance Le Meurice, part of the Dorchester Collection, is a hotel that celebrates art and design. With its prime location near the Tuileries Garden, the hotel has long been a favorite of artists and celebrities.

The recent renovation by Philippe and Ara Starck has infused the hotel with a modern sensibility, balancing classic elements with contemporary design. The rooms and suites are a blend of luxury and artistry, making Le Meurice a destination for those who appreciate fine design and exceptional service.

14. Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Dorchester Collection: A Fashionable Retreat in the Heart of Paris The Hôtel Plaza Athénée, with its signature red awnings and prime location on Avenue Montaigne, is a symbol of Parisian chic. The hotel's long-standing ties to the fashion world are evident in its décor, which combines classic, chandelierladen public spaces with contemporary design elements. The guest rooms and suites are a blend of elegance and modernity, offering a luxurious retreat in the heart of the city's fashion district.

15. Le Bristol Paris: A Fusion of Grandeur and Warmth Le Bristol Paris, known for its polished marble and Louis XVI armchairs, is a hotel that exudes grandeur without sacrificing warmth and comfort. The hotel's stylish insouciance, combined with its commitment to comfort and luxury, makes it a favorite among fashion week attendees and discerning travelers.

The rooms and suites overlook a serene garden, while the Michelin-starred Epicure restaurant offers a culinary experience that is both exquisite and memorable.

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LIFESTYLE - PARIS 16. The Peninsula Paris: A PalaceGrade Hotel with a Modern Touch The Peninsula Paris, a former 1908 hotel, has been transformed into a modern luxury destination. The hotel's public spaces are a testament to skilled craftsmanship, featuring a muted cream palette accented by original wood and decorative stone work. The six dining venues, including the Michelin-starred L’Oiseau Blanc and Le Bar Kléber, offer a range of culinary experiences, from Cantonese cuisine to contemporary French dishes.

17. Shangri-La Paris: A Historic Palace with Modern Elegance The Shangri-La Paris, once the palace of Prince Roland Bonaparte, is a hotel that combines historical elegance with modern luxury. The hotel's restoration has preserved its architectural heritage, including the famous "Stairway of Honor," while adding contemporary amenities and design elements. The dining experience is a highlight, with the Michelin-starred Shang Palace and La Bauhinia offering a fusion of Eastern and Western cuisine.

18. Maison Souquet: A Seductive Retreat with a Storied Past Maison Souquet, with its Arabian Nightsinspired décor, offers a unique and seductive experience in the heart of Paris.

The hotel, once an upscale brothel, has been transformed by designer Jacques Garcia into a luxurious hideaway. The interiors, adorned with velvet, Moorish tiles, and antique furnishings, create an atmosphere of opulence and mystery.

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19. Prince de Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel: Art Deco Elegance in Paris The Prince de Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is a celebration of 1920s Paris, with its art-deco mosaics and fashion photography from the Années Folles. The hotel offers a modern design aesthetic and a less ostentatious experience compared to other luxury hotels in Paris.

The Michelin-starred La Scène restaurant, led by one of the city’s few award-winning female chefs, is a culinary destination in its own right.

20. Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

The Four Seasons Hotel George V, originally opened in 1928, is an icon of Parisian luxury. The hotel combines traditional elegance with flashes of modern style, offering a unique experience in the city’s chic eighth arrondissement. The hotel is home to three Michelin-starred restaurants, including the renowned Le Cinq, where French classics are reinterpreted with lighter ingredients and techniques.

21. Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme: Understated Elegance in the Heart of Paris The Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme is a hotel that epitomizes understated luxury. Its unassuming entrance leads to a world of refined elegance, with dark wood paneling and gilded accents bridging the old and the new. The hotel's Michelin-starred PUR restaurant offers a memorable dining experience, while the rooms and suites are equipped with topshelf beauty products and bespoke scents.

22. Mandarin Oriental, Paris: A Contemporary Oasis in the Heart of the City The Mandarin Oriental, Paris, offers a contemporary retreat in the city. The hotel's modern design and impeccable service set it apart from more traditional Parisian luxury hotels. The dining experience, overseen by Thierry Marx, is a highlight, with Sur Mesure and Camélia offering a fusion of inventive cuisine and local culinary traditions.

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23. Nolinski Paris: A Cool Retreat in a Historic Neighborhood Located in a historic neighborhood, Nolinski Paris offers a blend of aristocratic elegance and playful design. The interiors

by Jean-Louis Deniot feature polished-brass Deco-style tables and electric-teal pianos, creating an atmosphere of high comfort and luxury. The hotel's spa and rooms, with their deep bathtubs and modern amenities, make Nolinski an unbeatable choice for those seeking comfort and style.

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24. Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris: 25. Hôtel Splendide Royal Paris: Artistic Flair in a Sophisticated Setting A Quiet Oasis of Elegance Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris, is a hotel that balances sophistication with a touch of whimsy. The hotel, originally opened in 1928, underwent a significant redesign by Phillipe Starck, who infused the property with a contemporary flair and a focus on art. The hotel features a private movie theater, an art gallery, and a Matsuhisa restaurant, offering a unique experience for art and culinary enthusiasts.

Hôtel Splendide Royal Paris offers a tranquil retreat in the bustling city.

The hotel's charm lies in its blend of old-world elegance and modern amenities, providing guests with a luxurious and discreet experience.

The private check-in and quiet corridors make it an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful and refined stay in Paris.

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