JANUARY 2015
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National Carnival Commission Getting The Party Started LGO Energy Focused Firmly On Field Reactivation Pick n Pay Express Stores Convenience Is Everything
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INSPIRED BY YOUR SUCCESS
2 | Endeavour Magazine
EDITOR’S NOTE Heads of Departments Editor in Chief Daemon Sands daemonsands@littlegatepublishing.com
D
o not make New Year resolutions, make New Year obsessions. Statistically, New Year Resolutions just do not last. People resolve to go to the gym after the Christmas binge and never make it past
February, people resolve to give up smoking but end up just taking a
Director General Don Campbell doncampbell@littlegatepublishing.com
break. ‘Resolution’ is a word that has become a catchphrase and since
Editorial Research Manager Alex Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com
make obsessions for 2015 and you may find yourself achieving some
Sales Director James Martin jamesmartin@littlegatepublishing.com
‘Obsession’ still has volume and weight as a word. A business man or
Sales Manager Tyler Harrison tylerharrison@littlegatepublishing.com
so because they put their obsessions before everything else. We’re
Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com
programmes, video games, food, alcohol or moaning - however when
Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com
of focus.
Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com
select our best habits to obsess over, while distracting from the other
Any enquiries or subscriptions can be sent to info@littlegatepublishing.com ENDEAVOUR MAGAZINE is published by Littlegate Publishing LTD which is a Registered Company in the United Kingdom. Company Registration: 07657236 VAT registration number: 116 776007
If you look back at a particular talent that has been honed you will
343 City Road Kings Lane London Norwich EC1 V1LR NR1 3PS Littlegate Publishing Ltd does not accept responsibility for omissions or errors. The points of view expressed in articles by attributing writers and/or in advertisements included in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this magazine, no legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising from use of information published. All rights reserved. No
difference is what you actively choose to become obsessed with.
part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrievable system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher. Copyright © Littlegate Publishing Ltd 2014-2015
lost its meaning, so instead of making resolutions or even goals, try to marvelous things. woman who is obsessed with achieving targets and goals usually does all obsessed with something, often trivial things such as television we actively decide to become obsessed, we tap into a super power Choosing your obsessions is a useful tool as well as it allows us to habits that have no purpose or are negative. see that it developed by being becoming an obsession, to the point where you ignored everything else. We get better at the things we’re obsessed with, which is why pro athletes get better when they have targets and why, conversely, people who are obsessed with negatives in their lives get better at only seeing the negatives. What makes the Why not take the Littlegate challenge and make 2015 your year of positive obsession? Pick one area of your professional life and one area of your private life that would benefit from your full and undivided attention, for example if you work in a sales office, become obsessed about closing, if you work as a designer become obsessed with accuracy and if you’re a family man become obsessed with being the best father and husband you can be. Give yourself fully to a year of obsessing about productivity and achievement in a couple of areas of your life and when you look back at the end of the year you will be amazed at what you’ve accomplished. I guarantee it. Have a great 2015.
Endeavour Magazine | 3
CONTENTS
13
National Carnival Commission
FEATURES 13 19 25 31 43 43 57
43
Swiss Deluxe Hotels
4 | Endeavour Magazine
National Carnival Commission Getting The Party Started LGO Energy Focused Firmly On Field Reactivation OAS Construction Innovative And Global StarOil Not About Having Big Promises, It’s About Keeping Them Swiss Deluxe Hotels In The Lap Of Luxury Guyana Goldfields All That Glitters Pick n Pay Express Stores Convenience Is Everything
31 StarOil
ARTICLES 3 6 34 38 60 62 63 64
Editor’s Note Business Headlines Automotives Nissan X-Trail Built For Bond: New Aston Martin Travel Find The New You This New Year Kipi Suites: Traditional Greek Hideaways Gadgets Book Reviews The Best Places To Get Traffic Reality Check Half A Dozen Teenagers Who Are Self Made Millionaires
25
OAS Construction Endeavour Magazine | 5
BUSINESS HEADLINES UK’S PLAN TO REVAMP OIL & GAS FISCAL REGIME
T
he UK’s Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, announced what was described as “significant new support for the oil and gas industry.” He and the Exchequer Secretary to
the Treasury, Priti Patel, announced the changes today at a meeting with industry representatives to unveil a further set of reforms and provide further detail on the Autumn Statement measures. Described by the Government as ‘radical’, these reforms include introducing a basin-wide investment allowance, with the intention to reduce the effective tax rate for companies investing in the future of the UK Continental Shelf. Additionally, the government has committed to boosting offshore exploration through supporting seismic surveys in under-explored areas of the North Sea. To ensure the longevity of the industry, the Government will open discussions with the new Oil and Gas Authority on ways to remove fiscal barriers to extend the life of critical infrastructure, in addition to providing access to relief on the decommissioning of assets. This follows announcements in yesterday’s Autumn Statement, including an immediate cut in the rate of the Supplementary Charge from 32% to 30% from 1 January 2015. The reforms come as part of the Government’s response to a consultation with the industry on the fiscal regime that took place over the summer. The Government also looked at ways to boost investment in ultra-high pressure, high temperature projects. At the Autumn Statement, it announced a new “cluster area” allowance, which ministers and representatives from the industry signed.
paid particular attention to the need for the Treasury to work
Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, said: “I am an
with the new Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) and the industry in the
advocate of Scotland’s thriving oil and gas industry, which is why
tripartite approach, as called for in the Wood Review, a view which
I’m here today announcing the Government’s ambitious package to
Oil & Gas UK fully endorses and is committed to promote.
continue to support this hugely valuable sector. We’re incentivising
“We are encouraged by these proposals but must now act
and working with the industry to develop new investment
on them, given the current challenges in the industry”. The need
opportunities and support new areas of exploration. This will help
for swift action was unanimously endorsed by all parties present
ensure that the industry continues to thrive and contribute to the
(industry, Treasury and OGA) at the Fiscal Forum meeting, which
economy. This level of support is only possible because we can draw
immediately followed the announcement. Senior industry figures at
on the combined strength and resources of the United Kingdom.”
the meeting committed to identifying the priorities for most urgent
Priti Patel added: “Today, the Government is demonstrating its long term commitment to supporting the North Sea oil and gas
implementation and work with the Treasury and the OGA to ensure these are delivered quickly and certainly by Budget 2015.
industry with a package of measures expected to drive around £7
“We are pleased that the Government has responded positively
billion of additional investment. These measures will reduce the tax
to many of the concerns we raised during the consultation. In
burden on the industry, driving investment in the North Sea that will
particular, we asked for the current, complex portfolio of different
provide economic benefits to the UK for many years to come.”
allowance types to be simplified and the proposed investment
Speaking after the press conference, Oil & Gas UK Chief
allowance will, we hope, do just that. This new allowance will of
Executive Malcolm Webb said: “A spirit of co-operation was very
course need to be pitched at the right rate. However, we are all in
much in evidence today. We are encouraged to note that fiscal policy
agreement that actions speak louder than words. There is no time
will now be framed in the context of the sector’s wider economic
to delay as we are at a critical stage in the life of the North Sea
benefits and will also take account of the global competitiveness of
and look forward to the Chief Secretary’s proposals being swiftly
the industry in terms of commodity prices and costs”. Mr Alexander
implemented.”
6 | Endeavour Magazine
JUMBO WINS WHEATSTONE INSTALLATION GIG IN AUSTRALIA
J
umbo has signed a contract with Technip Oceania for the Installation of 13 subsea structures for Chevron’s Wheatstone Project, offshore Australia.
The subsea structures comprise of Pipeline Termination
Structures (PTSs), SSIV structures, Tee Protection Structures (TPSs) and Drill Centre Manifolds (to be installed at a maximum water depth of 240m, weigh up to 564T). Installation will be completed by Jumbo’s ‘Fairplayer’, a DP2 Heavy Lift Vessel with 2 x 900T revolving deep-water cranes. Fairplayer is anticipated to start its activities, offshore Western Australia, in April/May 2015. Manager of Commerce Offshore, Roddy Lafontaine says: “This award allows us to continue our long standing relationship with Technip in providing unique subsea heavy lift solutions. I would like to sincerely thank Technip again for the confidence placed in Jumbo and we are very much looking forward to working together towards a successful project completion.”
WHEATSTONE PROJECT The Chevron operated Wheatstone Field Development is located in Western Australia. The water depth ranges from 73m to 240m. Wheatstone will be developed using a gas gathering system tied back to the recently installed Wheatstone Platform. Gas will be exported to the onshore LNG facility through a dedicated trunk line. The initial gas production/LNG start-up is expected in 2015.
PAYMENT COMPANY KLARNA ANNOUNCES $100 MILLION U.S. EXPANSION INVESTMENT
K
larna,
the
payments in
largest
ten years to solve mobile
desktop shoppers and 70 to
company
payments in Europe and we
80 percent for mobile users.
recently
are excited to soon offer the
In the midst of the holiday
announced its plan to invest
Europe,
same solution for consumers
shopping
at least $100 million into
in the U.S.”
investment news promises a
frenzy,
Klarna’s
its U.S. expansion and the
Klarna Checkout enables
much brighter new year for the
establishment of operations in
consumers to buy online by
U.S. online and mobile retail
Columbus, Ohio.
entering
market.
“We want to set a new
only
information
top-of-mind
like
an
Founded in Sweden in
standard for how people shop
address and zip code. From
2005,
with their mobile devices.
there,
all
a decade of expertise in
Columbus is at the heart of
the risk from the purchase
payments and will provide the
U.S. e-commerce activity and
transaction, pays the retailer
same back-end retail services
is the perfect launch pad for
immediately
collects
in the U.S. that it provides
our expansion,” said Brian
the amount due from the
across 15 markets in Europe,
Billingsley,
executive
consumer within 14 days.
where it currently supports
officer, Klarna North America.
Retailers who offer Klarna in
more than 25 million users and
“We have worked together,
Europe have reported a 30
45,000 retailers.
with
percent lift in conversions for
chief
retailers,
for
nearly
Klarna
assumes
and
Klarna
has
nearly
TRAVEL Kipi Suites Traditional Greek Hideaways Endeavour Magazine | 7
8 WAYS TOXIC PEOPLE POISON EVEN THE BEST WORKPLACES Oddly enough, the ‘obviously’ terrible employees don’t cause the 4. THEY LEAD THE MEETING real problems. Why? Whether clearly incompetent or unbelievably AFTER THE MEETING. stupid they’re easy to spot, so they’re easy to get rid of. The real problems are caused by employees who appear to be doing a reasonable job… but in fact are slowly destroying the performance, attitudes and morale of the people around them. So how do they do this? Saying, “I’ve paid my dues,” really
1. THEY FREQUENTLY SAY, “THAT’S NOT MY JOB.”
says, “I no longer need to work very hard.”
The smaller the company, the more important it is that employees think on their feet, adapt quickly to shifting priorities and
And suddenly, before you know it, other employees start to feel they’ve earned the right to coast too.
3. THEY FEEL EXPERIENCE IS ENOUGH. Experience is definitely important, but
Any task an employee is asked to do - as
experience that doesn’t translate into better skills and better performance.
is a task an employee should be willing to do.
Example: a colleague once said to us,
(Of course great employees notice problems
younger supervisors, “My main role is to be
and jump in without being asked.)
a resource for you.” Great - but then he sat in
In effect, saying, “It’s not my job,” really
his office all day waiting for someone to drop
says, “I only care about myself.” That attitude
by so he could share his pearls of wisdom.
quickly
performance
Of course none of us did. We were all busy
because it turns a cohesive team into a
thinking, “I respect your experience… but I
overall
dysfunctional collection of individuals.
wish your role was to do your job.”
2. THEY THINK THEY’VE ALREADY PAID THEIR DUES.
fully support those decisions. Things are going to happen. Then someone holds the “meeting after the meeting” to talk about issues he didn’t share with the group. Now, and only now, does he disagree with the
idea... but we’ve been told to do it so we
a machinist needs to clean up a solvent spill.
destroys
are made. Everyone in attendance says they
to his team, “Look, I think this is a terrible
position – to get things done. Even if that
long as it isn’t unethical, immoral, or illegal -
are raised, concerns are shared and decisions
decisions made and sometimes he even says
do whatever it takes – regardless of role or means a manager has to help load a truck, or
You have an awesome meeting. Issues
have to do it.” And what was supposed to happen, never will. Waiting until after a meeting to say, “I’m not going to support that,” is like saying, “I’ll agree to anything… but that doesn’t mean I’ll actually do it. Shoot, I might even work against it.” Those people need to work somewhere else.
5. THEY LOVE TO GOSSIP. Before a meeting we were talking about supervisors in another department when our
How many years you’ve served pales in
new boss looked up and said, “Stop. From
comparison with how many things you’ve
now on we will never say anything negative
actually accomplished. Saying, “I have more
about anyone unless they are actually in
You did great things last year, last month,
experience” is like saying, “I don’t need to
the room. Period.” ,Until then I had never
or even yesterday. We’re appreciative. We’re
justify my decisions or actions.” Experience
thought of gossip as a part of a company’s
grateful. But today is a new day. The measure
(or position) should never win an argument.
culture, it just existed and we all took part in
of any employee’s value is the contribution
Wisdom, logic and judgment should win - in
it. But if an employee has talked to someone
he or she makes each and every day.
whomever those qualities are found.
about something Martha is doing, wouldn’t
AEGEAN MARINE PETROLEUM AGREES TO ACQUIRE APPROXIMATELY $11 MILLION IN FUEL INVENTORY AND STORAGE CONTRACTS AT THE VOPAK LOS ANGELES TERMINAL
A
ccess to the busiest U.S. container
commented, “This transaction is aligned
so doing round out Aegean’s profile as a
port
with Aegean’s strategy to opportunistically
global marine fuel provider. Heading into
has
Aegean’s
significantly global
enhanced
enter new markets to service unmet and
2015, which we believe will be a landmark
capabilities and Aegean Marine Petroleum
marine
fuel
increasing
year for Aegean, we intend to continue
Network Inc. as a whole. The company
shareholder value. We have focused on
executing
has told Endeavour Magazine that it has
building a strong and flexible financial
strengthening our brand, widening our
agreed to acquire 28,567 metric tons of
position over the years and as a result
customer base and increasing the scale
marine fuel, while also assuming a storage
were able to act quickly on this unique
and efficiency of our logistics network.”
contract with Vopak Terminal Los Angeles
opportunity to further strengthen and
The Company expects to integrate
for a total purchase price of approximately
diversify our operating footprint. Having
much of the former OW Bunker operating
$11 million at an auction of OW Bunker’s
a presence at the Vopak Terminal in
infrastructure in Los Angeles into the
assets.
Los Angeles will substantially broaden
Aegean organisation and plan to begin
Aegean’s access to the marine fuel
operations at the Vopak Terminal in the
markets of the U.S. west coast, and in
first quarter of 2015.
E. Nikolas Tavlarios, President of Aegean
Marine
Petroleum
8 | Endeavour Magazine
Network,
demand,
while
enhancing
our
risk-averse
strategy;
everyone be better off if he stepped up and actually talked to Martha
That’s especially true for an
about what she’s doing? If it’s “not his place” to talk to Martha, it’s
employee
definitely not his place to talk about Martha.
position;
Saying, “Did you hear what he did?” is like saying, “I have nothing
in he
a
leadership
celebrates
accomplishments
of
the
others,
better to do than talk about other people.” Not only do employees
secure in the knowledge that
who create a culture of gossip waste time better spent on productive
their success reflects well on
conversations, they also cause other people to respect their co-
him as well.
workers a little less and anything that diminishes the dignity or respect of any employee should never be tolerated.
Saying, “I did all the work” or, “It was all my idea” is like saying, “The world revolves around me...
6. THEY USE PEER PRESSURE TO HOLD OTHER PEOPLE BACK. The new employee works hard, long and she’s hitting targets and exceeding expectations. She rocks and eventually hears, from a more “experienced” employee, “You’re working too hard and you’re making the rest of us look bad.” Where comparisons are concerned, a great employee doesn’t compare herself with others, she compares herself to herself. She wants to “win” that comparison by doing better today than she did yesterday. Poor employees don’t want to do more; they want others to do less. They don’t want to “win.” They just want others to make sure they don’t lose. Saying, “You’re working too hard” is like saying, “No one should work hard because I don’t want to work hard.” And pretty soon very few people do and the ones who keep trying, get shunned for a quality we need every employee to possess.
and I need everyone to know it.” And even if other people don’t adopt the same philosophy, they resent having to fight for recognition that is rightfully theirs.
8. THEY HURRY TO THROW OTHERS UNDER THE BUS. A
vendor
complains.
A
customer feels shortchanged. A co-worker gets mad. No matter what has happened, it’s someone else’s fault. Sometimes, whatever the issue and regardless of who is
7. THEY HURRY TO GRAB THE GLORY. OK, maybe he did do nearly all the work. Maybe he did overcome almost every obstacle. Maybe, without him, that high-performance team would have been anything but, but probably not. Nothing important is ever accomplished alone – even if some people love to act like it. A good employee and good team player shares the glory. He credits others, praises, appreciates and he lets other people shine.
actually at fault, some people step in and take the hit. They willingly accept the criticism or abuse because they know they can handle it (and they know that maybe the person actually at fault cannot). Few acts are more selfless than taking the undeserved hit and few acts better cement a relationship. In contrast, nothing is more selfish than saying, “It wasn’t me...” especially when, at least in part, it really was. Saying, “I had nothing to do with that so you’ll have to talk to Martha” is like saying, “We’re not all in this together.” At the best companies, everyone is in it together. Anyone who isn’t... needs to go.
WRITTEN BY JEFF HADEN INFLUENCER ON LINKEDIN
BOOK REVIEWS
HOW TO RELOCATE YOUR BUSINESS
E
very change means movement and it is nothing to be afraid
at the same time as setting it
of. By being flexible and having the ability to change fast and
up at your new location. This
to adapt to the new conditions, you are actually showing great
transition period is difficult and
survival skills. That is also the truth with your business. If you see a
it is best if you just transfer one
chance to relocate your business as the chance to make it better,
thing at the time, or one sector
you should take it. This will mean some extra work planning and
at the time, so that it goes as
organising, but if you are prepared, that is not too big of a problem.
smoothly as possible. While
Here is how to relocate your business in the safest and the most
you are doing that, make sure
efficient way.
that you have the marketing campaign running at both of
WRAPPING UP WITH THE PRESENT SITUATION You need to start a campaign about your relocation. Your customers, clients and other relevant institutions and people need to know that you are leaving, where you are going and when. This means that they need to have all the right information, in time, if you want to keep them in your business in any form. Don’t expect these people to remember the exact time and place of your relocation
those places, one informing people about your relocation and
one
advertising
your
services to a new demographic.
MAKING IT YOUR NEW PLACE The new place and the
right away and remember to mention it to them on several occasions
relocation
without being pushy or ‘spammy’.
time to hold on to the good
are
the
perfect
practices and things from your
THINKING ABOUT EMPLOYEES This is a factor that is a deal breaker. Some of your most valuable employees will not be able or willing to make a location change. Some of them, you will have to replace or let go, but if that is the majority of your most essential and most valuable people, you have to ask yourself if the moving is genuinely worth losing them. Also, if that needs to happen, you have to conduct the new job interviews as soon as possible and give yourself the time to start fresh with some new colleagues.
business and get rid of all the bad ones that you wanted to shed but didn’t have the chance. This goes all the way from the business processes to the more material things like the appearance of your offices and similar details. Change the logo or the company colors if you want, as now is the time. Go through the offices with some
CHECK THE RULES AND REGULATIONS IN THE NEW PLACE Although the market may be better in some other state or county, that doesn’t mean that the opportunities there are better. Perhaps there is a good reason why people don’t do your sort of business there as much. Some businesses have discovered, once they moved, that different states have different rules and regulations concerning their branch of industry that made it quite tricky to maintain the level of operation that they are used to. There needs to be thorough research about these things before you decide to move. If you have too much work on your hands, you can even hire a consulting agency and check and see if they can find the new ways for you to do your business at the new place and how to do it completely legally and in sync with the rules and regulations.
RUNNING AT TWO PLACES AT THE SAME TIME The transition period will be everything but easy. At least some of the time, you will have to run the business at your old location 10 | Endeavour Magazine
bags and make a big rubbish removal action in which you will throw away everything that you hate about the office.
The
new
space
allows it. While
relocating
is
difficult it brings some advantages
as
well.
Focus on them, embrace them and start over with a lot of experience in your chosen field.
HISTORIC PLANT VOGTLE EXPANSION MARKS 30 YEARS OF PROGRESS SPECIAL EVENT RECOGNISES 5,000+ WORKFORCE BUILDING FIRST NEW NUCLEAR UNITS IN 30 YEARS
V
ogtle
3
and
President,
4
Mark
Construction Vice Rauckhorst,
with building one of the most advanced and innovative new
thanks
nuclear facilities in the world. Our team’s achievements in 2014
more than 5,000 construction workers
illustrate progress and underscore our unwavering commitment to
for their achievements in 2014.
safe, high-quality, compliant construction, which will serve Georgia
On Thursday, Dec 11th, Georgia Power
for many future generations.”
and construction partners Westinghouse and
In addition to the near completion of the Unit 3 cooling tower,
CB&I joined community leaders and project
other key Unit 3 milestones achieved during 2014 and celebrated
workers at a special event to mark a year of
on Thursday included the placement of the CA20 Module and the
progress at the historic expansion of Plant
CA05 Structural Module. Progress marked for Unit 4 during 2014
Vogtle near Waynesboro, Ga. Against the
included the placement of the Containment Vessel Bottom Head
backdrop of the nearly complete 600 feet-
(CVBH) and the CR10 Module. Substantial progress as a result of
tall Unit 3 cooling tower, attendees came
thousands of hours of construction during 2014 is evident across
together to commemorate the efforts of
the site as well. Work throughout the year has resulted in significant
the more than 5,000 workers currently
progression in nuclear islands, module fabrication, annex building,
onsite building two of the country’s first
turbine islands, cooling towers, switchyard, and other permanent
new nuclear units in three decades.
facility buildings. the
The expansion at Plant Vogtle is part of Georgia Power’s
thousands of individuals from across
“The
collective
work
of
long-term, strategic vision for providing safe, clean, reliable and
the country, who are dedicated to
affordable energy for Georgians well into the future. In addition to
this project, is truly astounding,” said
its status as the largest job-producing project in the state during
Buzz Miller, executive vice president
construction, Vogtle units 3 and 4 are expected to create 800 new
of nuclear development for Georgia
jobs when the facility enters service. The project continues to
Power. “We continue to meet and
deliver the best energy value for Georgia and represents the most
overcome challenges associated
economic energy option for customers over the next 60 years.
BLUECOL RESPONDS TO CONCERN ABOUT EFFECTS OF ANTIFREEZE ON ANIMALS
B
luecol
welcomes
the
valuable work by Mark Spencer,
Member
antifreeze. The effect of said products on humans and animals alike is rigorously researched.
of
All Bluecol antifreeze products contain a bittering agent. The
Parliament for Sherwood, in
ingredient used in their formula is the bitterest substance ever
highlighting the widespread
discovered and therefore deters children and pets from consuming
concerns of many people
the products. Bittering agents in Bluecol antifreezes are employed
across the United Kingdom
to avoid the effects highlighted by Mr Spencer. The formula is safe
regarding
of
to use in accordance with highlighted dilution ratios stated on the
antifreeze when accidentally
the
effects
packaging. It is worth noting that further dilution beyond company
consumed
recommendations will weaken the bittering agent and increase the
by
animals,
particularly cats. Bluecol
has
keeping motorists roads,
risk of consumption. been
Mr Spencer says: “I welcome and support the lead that Bluecol
Britain’s
have taken, it demonstrates, again, that British companies lead the
the
world in products that protect animals and the environment. I hope
the
the Government will encourage others to keep pace with their lead.”
on through
winter months, since 1937 with a product range that includes
Endeavour Magazine | 11
12 | Endeavour Magazine
NATIONAL CARNIVAL COMMISSION 001 868 622 4569 WWW.NCCTT.ORG
GETTING THE PARTY STARTED WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL
Endeavour Magazine speaks to Michael Guyadeen, CEO of the National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago about the pivotal role his organisation plays within the local community and what the future holds.
Endeavour Magazine | 13
NATIONAL CARNIVAL COMMISSION
To understand just how crucial the National Carnival Commission (NCC) of Trinidad and Tobago is, it is vital to embrace an inherent comprehension of just what the annual carnival means to the local population.
C
elebrated ahead of the commencement of the Lenten
remaining respectful of the artisans involved, requires a skilled and
season, carnival is a time for celebration, relaxing and pure,
experienced guiding hand. With this in mind, a 50-strong team has
unadulterated enjoyment, but within appropriate safety
been put into place.
and organisational constraints. This is no mean feat, but the
Lead by Michael Guyadeen, in his role as CEO, the NCC is
implementation of an experienced and culturally sympathetic board
bolstered by a contingent of 49 high-level administrative and
of experts has made carnival planning a far smoother process. With
technical support staff, each with a designated area of specialty
festivities planning for 2015 in full swing, a recent world health
that ensures full compliance with the inordinately high standards
concern has added an extra level of intricacy to proceedings.
set in place by the management board. Guyadeen elaborated on
The National Security Minister has reassured carnival industry
the need for a multi-tiered team of experts;
stakeholders that Trinidad and Tobago has been classified as a ‘low
“The management of Carnival requires multi-pronged actions
risk environment’ for Ebola infection. Inspected by both the World
and diverse strategies to react to changing situations. Generally,
Health Organisation and Pan American Health Organisation, this
functions are grouped and allocated to committees of culture
rating has been welcomed by carnival organisers and offered a level
aficionados, who volunteer their skills and expertise annually,
of much-needed reassurance to both stakeholders and potential
to ensure that infrastructure, goods and services are provided
revelers. In accordance with stringent operational policies, the
effectively and efficiently.”
NCC will be staying abreast of any and all new developments, while continuing to plan for the 2015 celebrations.
It seems incredible to believe that an event that has carved itself a reputation for being so spectacular is in part organised
The impressive levels of health responsibility being adopted by
and managed by volunteers. By removing financial gain, many
the NCC are just one factor that makes the organisation so adept
organisations report a drop in efficiency and standards, but if
at planning a nationwide celebration. It is hardly surprising that any
anything, the opposite can be said for the NCC. Having taken
arising issues are dealt with quickly and with the utmost efficiency,
the time to identify and allocate various administrative tasks
considering that the objectives of the Commission are listed as
to designated committees, no aspect of carnival planning is
follows;
overlooked or under-planned. Committees are in place for tenders,
“To make Carnival a viable, national, cultural and commercial
finance, regional liaison, services, bands, accreditation, hospitality
enterprise, to provide the necessary managerial and organisational
and Dimanche Gras but this list is not exhaustive and should any
infrastructure for the efficient and effective presentation and
new issues arise, such as the recent Ebola crisis, a team is quickly
marketing of the cultural products of Carnival. And finally, to
put into place to take ownership and assume responsibility for its
establish arrangements for ongoing research, the preservation and
resolution.
permanent display of the annual accumulation of Carnival products
Talking about the committees, Guyadeen comments, “Over the
created each year by the craftsmen, musicians, composers and
years, these committees have traditionally assisted the Commission,
designers of Carnival.”
as a whole, to oversee construction of all temporary stands, stages,
This is no small-scale operation and to turn an annual
vendor’s booths, Health and Emergency Services, crowd control,
celebration into a commercially profitable endeavor, while still
signage, house management, band control and the ongoing review
14 | Endeavour Magazine
NATIONAL CARNIVAL COMMISSION
of competition rules and training or retraining of Carnival judges.” It is this attention to every small detail that makes the carnival
matters of identity loom increasingly large on the national agenda and culture is at the heart of this enquiry.”
such a resounding success every year, without fail. No task is
A very specific division of the NCC, the Carnival Institute seeks
overlooked, as no one person is responsible for more than they
to collate and maintain culturally significant data that can answer
can handle. Impressive stuff when you remember that this is a
questions regarding the cultural richness of the local area, in addition
nationwide event, held every year, in response to the expectations
to,
of all residents of Trinidad and Tobago.
“Retrieving, preserving and disseminating the Trinidad and
Of course, the nature of a large-scale celebration can make
Tobago Carnival so that its enormous potential for education,
it difficult to see past the fun and frivolity to the endless hours
economic growth and social cohesion can be realised. We also
of formal planning and legislation adherence that is necessary to
seek to build the country’s material cultural resource base, with
secure a safe and fun time being had by all. This is where the NCC
specific interest in design, music making and literature, marketing,
really shines. Speaking about the specific functions of the NCC,
promotion and theatrical presentations.”
Guyadeen is comprehensive;
In order to realise these ambitions, the NCC has implemented
“We are responsible for the regulation, co-ordination and
a strategic plan, designed to shape its activities through to 2017.
conduct of all Carnival activities, throughout the country, held
Guyadeen recounts the Commissions vision as being, “To be the
under the aegis of the Government. In addition, we oversee the
global leader of carnival with consistent growth, satisfying all
development, maintenance and review of rules, regulations and
stakeholders with quality products and services that exceed all
carnival festivities as well as the identification, evaluation and
expectations.” Supporting the vision of the organisation is the
promotion of all Carnival related industries with a view to the
culturally aware mission statement, which states that the NCC will
enhancing and marketing of their cultural products and services.
“preserve the traditional heritage of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival
Finally, we manage the development and implementation of a
whilst ensuring its sustainable development as a viable industry”.
marketing strategy for Carnival with a view to optimising the revenue earning potential of the festival and its contribution to the national economy.” That final point is of the utmost importance to the NCC and all of its employees and board members. Of course a national celebration, whereby everyone comes together to rejoice in shared tastes, beliefs and successes is vital for the continued cohesion of the population, but driving a revenue stream is vital. With this in mind, the NCC pays particular attention to the earning potential of the carnival by considering particular points, including any unexplored fiscal potential, marketing carnival products both domestically and internationally, private sector funding and forming an intrinsic connection between the carnival and the existing tourist industry. And this is where things get even more interesting. Carnival is not just for locals. Whereas many other traditional, international celebrations are considered to be only for residents of the area, carnival is for everyone and by forging a link with the tourist trade already in operation in Trinidad and Tobago, increasingly larger numbers of participants are guaranteed. This will, in turn, lead to an organic need to increase the size and improve the experience of the carnival every year, something that the NCC is well equipped to handle. Looking to the future, the Carnival Institute of Trinidad and Tobago first reflects on the past; “Carnival is a vital part of the shared heritage of Trinidad and Tobago. It reflects and predicts how the society sees itself and wishes to be perceived. In this post-colonial period of our history,
16 | Endeavour Magazine
With these ideals in mind, one thing is certain; the carnival will never become a diminutive occasion. In order to support, document and add to the rich cultural heritage of Trinidad and Tobago and to be a viable source of income for the region, the carnival will need to not only move with the times but also increase in size regularly. To accommodate the increasing tourist traffic that will surely travel to witness the large-scale celebration, entertainment will need to be increasingly lavish and spectacular, but with a designated committee in place to oversee such aspects, there can be little doubt that the carnival will soon be on the bucket list of keen travellers and revelers everywhere. Visiting the website of the National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago, it becomes evident just how important the event is for the socio-economic vitality of the region and how widely anticipated it is. With a ‘carnival countdown’ proudly displayed on each page, documenting how long there is to wait until the next celebration, the Commission is far from being merely fiscally motivated and adopts a pro-active approach to pleasing the local population and increasing the appeal of Trinidad and Tobago to a wider audience. With the future looking bright for the evolution of the carnival, we just hope that we get an invitation to the party.
Endeavour Magazine | 17
18 | Endeavour Magazine
LGO ENERGY 02074 400 645 WWW.LGO-ENERGY.COM
FOCUSED FIRMLY ON FIELD REACTIVATION WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL
Trinidad and Tobago are very well established areas for oil and gas activities. While culturally part of the West Indies, these islands find themselves geologically part of Venezuela and this fortuitous location is responsible for the wealth of oil that is to be found there. But while so much attention has been placed on offshore drilling in the last few years, there has been less focus on the onshore opportunities to be had, which has created a niche for the right kind of company. Endeavour Magazine | 19
LGO ENERGY
With a firmly established model and a reputation for productivity,
LGO Energy has positioned itself nicely within the niche of field reactivation and where other companies have not looked, they have found black gold. CEO, Neil Ritson, was kind enough to speak with us.
F
ounded by pioneer David Lenigas in 2007, the company’s focus
“We have 12 active wells on field and are continuing to look for
has always been firmly on field reactivation, “The business
ways to improve production,” Neil explains, “The long term strategy
model that we use has worked from day one,” Neil explains,
is to drill new wells, as side tracks from existing ones.”
“We locate oil fields that have a proven reserve of oil that, for some
He explains the reason for this is that the oil field is on a piece
reason, hasn’t been fully exploited, for economic, political or even
of land that was declared a national park some years ago, which
geographic reasons and we bring them back to life.”
restricts much of what can be done, “We still continue to operate
Often, onshore oil opportunities that were worked prior to the 60s and 70s ceased operation for the simple reason they lacked
where we are and we can sidetrack from the fifty four original wells and find some sweet spots.”
the equipment and technology to properly access the deposits
There is another hurdle since the fifty-year concession they had
of oil. Many decades later, LGO Energy are now approaching the
to work the land expires in 2017. They are expecting an extension
same fields with better equipment for not only locating the best
to be granted, however, until this happens investments in the
reserves, but also the better technology for production, “There’s
area are on hold as, given the nature of the oil and gas industry,
always considerable potential to develop further.”
it will take longer than two years for them to see any profit from
Spain was the location of their first asset, a country not
investments put down today.
particularly well known for its oil. The Ayoluengo field, in Spain,
So the company diversified it’s outlook by buying into the
is really the only one there but it possesses a long history of oil
Shallow Water gas project in the Gulf of Mexico in 2009, but in light
production that stretches back to the 1960s, “A total of 54 wells
ofincreasing regulations and low gas prices, that was sold in 2012
were drilled within the field boundary north of Burgos, targeting
and the company turned it’s attention to developing its business in
reserves in mostly Purbeck aged sandstone formations,” Neil
Trinidad. A move that, suffice to say, was a good one.
explains.
“Either Trinidad was made for us or we were made for Trinidad,”
These drill sites located oil at between 900 and 1400 metres
Neil says happily, and goes on to say that their model fitted
below surface and peak production of 5,900 barrels of oil per day
perfectly with the state of the onshore industry in Trinidad and the
(bopd) was achieved in 1969 however by the late 1980s, production
market that had not been fully tapped, “Trinidad and Tobago has a
had fallen to below 2,500 bopd. Since that time, a lack of further
very long history of onshore drilling,” he says, “Three billion barrels
investment has seen production levels decrease dramatically which
produced over a hundred years, but the last thirty years has had
gave LGO Energy, who at the time were still known as Leni Gas &
a major offshore focus for the big companies.” These include BP,
Oil, a good opportunity to step in and ply their trade.
PHP, Repsol, BG and Centrica, with the onshore beening neglected
20 | Endeavour Magazine
for three decades, but with the need for oil increasing it is now
crucified some of the smaller businesses but Neil explains that as a
entering into a resurgence.
low cost operation, Trinidad, where the lifting and operation costs
“We are at the front line,” Neil explains, “On the cutting edge of things. We got in there in a small way with the Icacos Field and once we learnt how to operate and what was available, we started to buy our way into larger fields.” The first major acquisition was the Goudron Field, where all the
per barrel is as little as $5 per barrel, is in a good position as far as a cash point of view. “Don’t get me wrong, when the price of oil drops we lose about $2 per barrel from our margins,” he says, “But that still leaves us in a good position.”
media attention has been focused recently. Where two years ago
A reputation for gradual and careful growth is also a notable
it was producing approximately 30 bopd and now, thanks solely to
component of the company’s success. LGO Energy is looking to buy
LGO, is producing a whopping 2000 bopd!
similar assets in the Trinity Innes field, a transaction that they are
“In truth we have outstripped our targets,” Neil admits, “We
expecting to close at the end of the year.
were expecting 100 barrels a day per well and we’re getting 200-
“We are also looking at Tabaquite, which is one of the oldest
1,000 barrels from the new wells. Eight new wells have been drilled
onshore fields in Trinidad, discovered in 1911,” he adds, “It’s been
and we’re completing the 7th for production at the moment.”
on production a number of times but we will come in with new
Now the eighth well is completed they have release the rig for
technologies, far advanced to what was used in the past, which
a short period, to build new drilling locations, the reason for this
will promise less formation damage, much better connection to
being that there is a best time to drill in Trinidad, “We’ve had a wet
reservoir and therefore far better results. We have good perforating
period in last three weeks and it’s caused a lot of problems,” Neil
and better logging so we can see where the oil pay is, allowing us
says, “We are in a rainforest area and during the wet season it gets
to be more selective and reflective. That’s why we’re getting such
very wet. Trees fall over, they destroy electricity lines and flooding
good results.”
causes havoc, so we drill in the wet season and build pads during
Long term, Trinidad has become the main focus. Neil says that
the dry season, putting up physical locations during January and
Spain may come back into focus but for now, the islands have
February. Our aim is to drill up 30 new wells and we’ve finished 8
too much potential to ignore. So in the meantime, the main focus
this year.”
remains building business there.
Remarkably, another plus for LGO Energy is that they seem
“We have quite a big footprint but we’ve been very careful
almost unaffected by oil prices which have dropped from $100 a
in building our business. With our production model, we only go
barrel in the summer to $60 a barrel now. This drop has all but
somewhere that we know there is oil, so there is no question of
LGO ENERGY
whether or not we will produce but we have to be careful not to
comprising of the company COO, Financial Director, Neil the
think this is an invitation to over expand,” Neil says. Instead, their
CEO himself and a geologist, but with a need for more technical
approach is to expand on a small scale to get cash flow moving to
individuals, hiring has begun in London, as Neil explained, “Trinidad
invest in larger scale operations. This philosophy means that they
does have a skilled workforce but accessing it is difficult, so we’ve
could now be one of the key onshore operations in Trinidad and in
increased to eight people in London. We like people who are
the coveted position to pick up other opportunities that fit their
focused and committed to business, and we don’t want to simply
strategy and portfolio.
grow a big back office.” With a host of technical studies being
Focusing on long-term growth, the staff body at LGO Energy
conducted by consultancies, such as LR Senergy, the next phase of
remains compact and exclusively made up of committed, expert
the Goudron development can be planned. When asked why this
individuals. With 25 employees in Spain and 25 in Trinidad, the
was not being done in house, Neil explained, “That’s a big study and
operation is small, but every new field adds in the region of 10-15
beyond our resources, so we put the work out to a recognised and
additional colleagues. Neil qualifies this by explaining, “You need
respected consultancy.”
staff, security and a field manager. We’re growing slow and cleverly.”
Onshore turbulence has been experienced by some of LGO
With a small number of skilled and committed team members, it is
Energy’s competitors, with some of the larger companies having
the intention to grow the company in line with a quality workforce.
completed unsuccessful exploration or better success elsewhere.
“We are careful how we grow, understanding the human resources
This has resulted in fewer competitors, as they have all become
needed to do this effectively. We have a very experienced senior
focused on offshore projects and has made it obvious that not many
management team; I have nearly 40 years experience on my own.
companies have been as continually successful as LGO Energy, but
I have been around oil for a long time and as a geologist by trade,
they will grow at their own pace, confident that their approach will
the technical side is what I’m most interested in.”
produce the desired results.
Head office used to boast a modest team of just four people,
22 | Endeavour Magazine
Expanding further on his own expertise, Neil told us, “My
background may not immediately suggest that I’m used to small
Looking to the future, what can we expect to see from LGO
growth companies as I had 25 years with BP and six at Burlington
Energy? Neil explained, “We will be going from one to perhaps three
Resources before becoming involved with a number of junior
fields in Trinidad, which is quite a step up for the company so we’re
companies. Gradually and deliberately I moved to smaller
staffing, financing and planning for it.” He continued, “We changed
companies, as I like the hands-on element and though it can be
the name of the company to LGO ENERGY to reflect the fact that
challenging and time consuming, staying in touch with the technical
we’ve matured and brought in more corporate governance. We’re
side of the business as well as the market facing end is important
growing up and it’s reflected in the fact that we are doubling the
to me.”
assets that we’ll be running; more drill rigs and more production.”
Discussing the company’s commitment to maintaining good
LGO Energy is a production company, and though that may not
client relations, it becomes clear that Governments and State oil
be as ‘sexy’ as exploration, it is far lower risk. “When we go into
companies make up the impressive customer base. “We sell directly
a field, we know there is oil there and can cost a drilling project
to State oil company at the field, straight into a pipeline, meaning
efficiently and safely, knowing that we’re going to get oil. In reality,
that we have no direct customer interface. They are our head
the oil, even at the present price, that we extract is ten times more
lease owners, so we have a close relationship with Petrotrin and
valuable than it was when people originally abandoned the fields
the Ministry of Energy, who are very focused on oil and gas. We
thirty years ago, so we come back in with better technology and
enjoy direct access to the decision makers and though this doesn’t
favourable oil prices and extract the product.”
mean that we always get the resolution that we are hoping for, we
Having outperformed the market by 300-400%, LGO Energy
know that they will always talk to us. We can meet, discuss and
see no reason why they can’t continue on the same path into
look at how we are impacting on each other as part of a valued,
2015 and neither can we. With responsible growth plans backed
transparent and open relationship. It’s much more difficult in Spain,
by numerous years of high-level management expertise, the future
due to the size of the country and language barriers.”
looks rosy.
Endeavour Magazine | 23
24 | Endeavour Magazine
OAS CONSTRUCTION 001 868 297 3925 WWW.OAS.COM
INNOVATIVE AND GLOBAL WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER
Acting throughout all areas of infrastructure, with a global presence, OAS Engenharia through its subsidiary, Construtora OAS, is known as the epitome of excellence in its services, both in the private and public sectors. The company provides innovative solutions for its customers in the realms of engineering and state-of-the-art technology, while at the same time complying to the necessary time frames of its projects.
Endeavour Magazine | 25
OAS CONSTRUCTION
Benchmark projects are what identify this company and it has a portfolio that spans 36 years of service and construction within Brazil, including numerous works in the oil and gas sector such as refineries, petrochemical companies, logistics terminals, LPG ducts and gas pipelines in the on-shore area and drillship production platforms in the off-shore arena.
I
n the power sector, OAS builds hydro and thermal power plants
public customers, concessions and private public partnerships
and infrastructure-wise, it builds highways, subways, dams,
(PPPs) simultaneously and they have quickly increased their
water mains, tunnels, bridges, ports, airports, sporting complexes
activities abroad, with major structuring works such as the Baba
and general buildings. The company is a major player and a crucial
Hydroelectric Power Plant in Ecuador and the Potosi-Uyuni
component to the future of development within the countries
highway in Bolivia, among others.
where they are based.
Due to this its presence, in Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago especially, is decisive due to its size and scope of expertise.
WHO ARE THEY Established originally in the State of Bahi in 1976, they operated in the engineering and infrastructure arena, but today, OAS is a privately owned, Brazilian, multinational conglomerate that includes companies from their national territory and more than 20 countries.
Because of this, they directly influence the development of these countries in important areas such as water resources, power and urban infrastructure, including airports and ports.
LOOKING AFTER STAFF With such a large company, decisions and actions can have
A benchmark of entrepreneurial spirit, the company employs
far reaching consequences for staff, customers and the people
over one hundred thousand employees and has set itself the task
associated with those customers, across twenty countries. To make
of being the standard by which employee-centric companies are
sure that everything is moving in the right direction, OAS adheres
measured, with health, safety and quality of employment for staff
to a strict QSMS policy.
being keenly focused upon.
The responsibility for QSMS is felt by every employee and is
Today, OAS has established itself in two supplementary
present in all of OAS’ activities, attitudes and values, making them
areas: OAS Engenharia S.A., responsible for carrying out heavy-
vitally result-orientated and focused, meeting the requirements of
duty civil construction works in the private and public sectors,
their clients and safeguarding the environment as they operate.
such as highways, airports, hydroelectric power plants, dams and
In addition, the company seeks to promote the development of
ports and OAS Investimentos S.A., which focuses on investments
individual staff members through the continuous quest to improve
in infrastructure, sanitation, multipurpose arenas, oil and gas,
the integration of the QSMS policy.
concessions of urban roads, highways, subways and airports. This company format allows OAS to serve both private and 26 | Endeavour Magazine
This commitment has been noticed and for the second year in a row, Construtora OAS has featured in the “Best Companies
OAS CONSTRUCTION
in Personnel Management” accolade, awarded by Valor Carreira
approach to overcoming challenges, OAS Construction is a leader
Magazine, taking the the third place ranking for two consecutive
in its market for a reason.
years.
Enseada Indústria Naval has assembled one of the highest
With this in mind, Dilson Paiva, Managing Director of the
Goliath cranes in the world at the Paraguaçu unit, in Maragogipe
company, said, “Not only were the development and qualification
(BA). The shipyard, that has Sete Brasil as a client, is responsible
of manpower actions maintained at the same level for years, but we
for manufacturing six drill-ships for oil exploration at the pre-salt
also made available new, online alternatives.”
layer. The magnitude of this challenging project, that includes the
This award was the result of a survey conducted by Valor
construction of rigs, has brought about the need for an investment
Carreira magazine with the OAS employees, in addition to an
to match the engineering expertise. With parts weighing up to
assessment of the human resources practices of the company and
500 tonnes, the Goliath counts on a diversely skilled team for its
was not in any way influenced by the management team. It is a
assembly. 64 professionals, from five different countries, carry out
spectacular credit to the company’s overall approach to employee
the assembling of the mega-crane, with the complexity of assembly
loyalty and development.
being bolstered by large volume components being manipulated at high altitudes.
PROJECTS
150m high, the equivalent of a 50-story building, and 143m
It would appear that nothing is beyond the reach of OAS
long, the size of one-and-a-half street blocks, the mega-crane is a
Construction, who have beeninstrumental in projects as diverse as
seven thousand tonnes gantry, with a capacity to hoist cargo of up
supermarket extensions and hotel recoveries, through to energy
to 1,800 tonnes. The equipment ensures greater productivity for
projects, infrastructure, road dredging and oil and gas ducts and
the shipyard, since it is capable of assembling megablocks, so the
networks.
Goliath will allow raising the derrick of drill ships in one go. Acquired
A leading example of the strength of diversification and a keen
Lighted Signs
Directional Signs
NonLighted Signs
Safety Signs Aluminium Signs
from globalcompany Konecranes Finland Corporate, the parts are
Vehic Wraple s
Flex F ac Signs e
Car hics p a r G
LED Signs
nel Chan ings Letter
Awnings
Proudly supporting OAS Construction TEL: 001 868-656-1995 28 | Endeavour Magazine
BIS being delivered in stages, via
The investment made by
different ships from Finland,
Enseada at Bahia is in the
China and South Korea with the
region of R$ 2.6 billion and
equipment scheduled to be fully
its contract portfolio includes
assembled in November.
Sete Brasil. Currently, around
Formed by the companies
five
thousand
workers
are
Odebrecht, OAS UTC and KHI
in situ and completing the
(Kawasaki
Industries
construction of this enterprise.
intended
When it is operating at full
Ltd.), for
Heavy
Enseada the
is
and
capacity, it will be able to
integration of offshore units,
construction
process 36,000 tonnes of steel
platforms, specialised vessels
per year, working in a single
and drilling units. Its head office
shift regimen, which allows
is located in the municipality of
a broad production margin,
Maragogipe (BA). With an area
building ships of the highest
of 1.6 million square metres, of
specification, which can be
which 400,000 are dedicated
manufactured simultaneously.
H CONSTRUCTION LTD.
#30 Dow Avenue, Dow Village, South Oropouche. Tele/Fax: 1 (868) 677-2294 Mobile: 1 (868) 771-4408/295-2868/795-4049/377-5958
Specializing In: Marine and Civil Construction
to environmental preservation, the Paraguaรงu Unit is already considered to be one of the largest shipyards in the country.
Endeavour Magazine | 29
30 | Endeavour Magazine
STAROIL 00216 71 45 67 79 WWW.STAROIL.NL
NOT ABOUT HAVING BIG PROMISES, IT’S ABOUT KEEPING THEM WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER
Staroil provides an incredibly important service to the people of Tunisia, with over 100 gas stations already set up and another four on the way, they are the company that Tunisians rely on to keep them moving. We spoke with the sales manager of Staroil Tunisia, Riadh Gaida, regarding his company’s approach to facilitating the essential task of providing fuel to his country.
Endeavour Magazine | 31
STAR OIL STAROIL
“We were founded in 2004,” Riadh explains, “and are the first private Tunisian oil distribution company trading to both the public market and business to business.”
W
ith headquarters in the Netherlands, Staroil is one of the largest trading companies for base oils and raw materials and is owned by the company Pristra Oil, whose field of
activity covers the production or motor and industrial oils, greases and speciality fluids. These activities are developed entirely by Prista Holdings and their international affiliates. “Prista Oil Holding is a leading Bulgarian company and operates in over twenty countries across Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Africa and North America,” Riadh explains. Furthermore, he continues, “They have installed within Staroil, a philosophy of evolving and developing according to the most modern and innovative technologies, which has been achieved through the combination of their own research and development studies and collaboration with the world leaders in the oil and chemical industry such as Chevron, Ergon Inc and Gulf Oil Marine.” This philosophy has ensured that Staroil, from their Netherland headquarters out to the Tunisian network, have made themselves pioneers in their approach to customer service and employee safety. However, to fully appreciate the scope of services that Staroil offers, you have to have a deeper look at Prista Oil. PRISTA OIL has its own factories in Bulgaria, Turkey, Hungary and Uzbekistan where it produces lubricants, greases and different types of vaseline that are targeted at the market of operating fluids for cars and car care. Supported by an excellent logistics structure, that includes 4 terminals for base oil storage with a total capacity exceeding 52 000 cubic metres, they also benefit from a keen vision of offering the highest quality products to their partners as
32 | Endeavour Magazine
well as the best business directorates and decisions. They are not a
“As such it is important that each of the 100 stations in our network
company to make lofty false promises but have based themselves
are the best ambassadors for the brand.”
on achieving targets in fundamental areas of their work, such as
Due to this, regular training is provided across the board to
the simple manufacturing of the highest quality products and the
ensure that all members of their network are fully up to date with
consistent achievement of high level service, which is achieved
what is expected of them and able to provide the best service to
through dedication and professional management.
their customers.
Logistical strength is also important as it works well with the
Earlier this year, the World Bank set aside a quarter of a
management of their many brands, which can get to the customer
billion ($250 million) for Tunisia to promote growth and improved
via their strategically located manufacturing facilities, terminals
economic governance, which has already seen a greater spread of
and networks, such as Staroil Tunisia.
spending in the country, “Things are getting better,” Riadh says,
Today, Prista Oil operates three base oil terminals in the Black
“and this has made the industry more buoyant than it has been in
Sea and in 2010 Staroil had a turnover of approx 190.000 mt of
a long time. Fortunately, we have been making sure to keep our
base oil.
standards at a suitably high level so that we’re able to take full
“In 2010 we opened our office in Singapore to support and
advantage of that.”
expand our growing business in the far east as this was in line with our ambition to become a global competitive base oil player,”
THIS YEAR, 2015
Riadh explains, “Also in 2010, we focussed on delivering base oil
Riadh tells us that this year, Staroil Tunisia will be opening up an
in containers fitted with flexi-bags to support the ulterior needs of
additional four gas stations across the country and that this sort of
our customers.”
growth is what can be expected of Staroil Tunisia for the foreseeable
With Prista Oil as major shareholder in Staroil they have the
future, as they focus on the expansion of their network. This will
advantage of having all of the knowledge from an end user, in-house
also include an increase in staff, which he finds very exciting and
and therefore they understand the lubricant and base oil-business
believes result in an investment of over a million dinar.
like no other trading company in the market. This is especially true in countries where the market share of Prista products is strongest such as Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Serbia. “Staroil Tunisia is one of the marketing arms that Staroil has set up to distribute Prista Oil products out to the customer,” he says,
AUTOMOTIVES NISSAN X-TRAIL YOU NEED TO DRIVE THEM TO LOVE THEM WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER
December in Norfolk is cold, wet and grey. Leading up to Christmas, any sense of goodwill to men and woman is lost on the roads as everyone queues for hours to park in the city centre. True, people would walk if it the air wasn’t so frigid and the sleet wasn’t coming in horizontally but this is not what we are faced with.
34 | Endeavour Magazine
As a driver, you’re in for a treat with the X-Trail. The interior is splendidly laid out and fit and finish are generally good.
L
ook down the roads leading into the city centre and you will
polished as it may look after a good clean, the X-Trail does look best
see endless lines of frowns and frustrated faces sitting in
with a good slinging of mud across the bonnet and roof.
stationary vehicles, but look at the roads leading out of the
city and you’ll see me whooping like a wild cat in the Nissan X-Trail. The Nissan X Trail, larger than its older brother the Qashqai, is a comfortable seven-seater with masses of interior space, which makes it perfect for wintertime family jaunts out of the city and into the Broads. Certainly, when faced with the muddied roads, black ice and what locals call “really wet rain,” you want to make sure you have something that isn’t going to get stuck!
STYLE Known as a city 4x4, it’s clear that the X-Trail is designed for the concrete jungle and city boys and girls wanting to own a 4x4 to
EXTERIOR In essence, this is a Qashqai that’s been made bigger to accommodate an extra row of seats right at the back and what used to be a boxy, utilitarian vehicle has been redesigned to suit the city crowd. With a bit of a backside, it is a pity that the rear end is a little bland and lacking in the character that so clearly defines the front, however, this is really a problem for the vehicles behind more than the driver.
INTERIOR
occasionally take out for a muddy ride around the fields. With this
As a driver, you’re in for a treat with the X-Trail. The interior is
in mind, it is a perfect combination of outdoor adventurer, family
splendidly laid out and fit and finish are generally good. Even the
car and city vehicle without being too much of each. As with most
basic Visia specification offers air-conditioning, heated seats and
Nissans, the styling of the X-Trail is aimed at functionality so the
Bluetooth phone connectivity as standard.
exterior lines are smooth and sleekly aerodynamic with a fairly
Road aware systems protect the car on all sides, with a
passive grill that doesn’t look so much like an aggressive predator
360-degree view of the vehicle when you’re reversing, on the 7inch
as much as a friendly and loyal dog.
dash screen, thanks to proximity sensors. Although, not technically
Larger than the Qashqai, the X-Trail handles quite well with
a problem, the proximity sensors are incredibly sensitive and fail
responsive acceleration and keen steering, which is handy,
to tell the difference between a signpost, concrete bollard and
especially considering the state of Norfolk roads during the deep
hedgerows. While this can destroy the X-Trails reputation as a
winter month of December. It’s worth mentioning that as sleek and
country-capable city car it is not a complaint, as I’d much prefer Endeavour Magazine | 35
having a nervous reverser than a damaged £28,000 vehicle. And let’s not forget that in rural Britain, hedgerows can hide brick walls, fence posts and chavs with screwdrivers!
DRIVE There have been many reviews regarding how the X-Trail drives, some of them favourable and some less so, but I found it to be superbly comfortable. The 1.6 litre engine is capable of delivering a powerful thrust of acceleration when needed and the wheeltraction on the wet, mud-slicked roads was without compare. Add all this to the heated seats and you have a far more comfortable ride than you should expect while travelling along snake bend roads. On the dash, surrounding the 7 inch touch pad screen, the buttons are not illuminated which means that unless you’ve memorised their positions during the daylight hours, at night you may end up relying on intuition and common sense to find how to turn on the air con or change the settings on the satnav. On the other hand, all versions above Visia have an electrically operated panoramic glass roof that floods the dark cabin with light so I really shouldn’t complain.
ECONOMY
NISSAN X-TRAIL MPG AND CO2 As it turns out, the cheapest X-Trail to run is the two-wheeldrive version, fitted with a manual gearbox. It returns 57.6mpg and emits 129g/km of CO2, so you can expect to pay £105 in road tax per year. Naturally, the most expensive to run will be the fourwheel-drive X-Trail which has a fuel consumption of 53.3mpg and emissions of 139g/km, giving a tax bill of £130 but in-between these two models sits the automatic, or Xtronic, version. The Xtronic returns 55.4mpg and emits 135g/km of CO2 for an annual road tax bill of £135. These figures are much better than those of older and larger-engined 4x4 rivals, such as the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe, but not as good as what the more powerful, though slightly smaller, Mazda CX-5 2.2-litre diesel can manage, which returns an impressive 61.4mpg and emits 119g/km of CO2, meaning there’s no road tax to pay in the first year and just £30 thereafter.
CONCLUSION The Nissan X-Trail is no doubt a fine vehicle. A good middle ground for the city goer wanting to enter into off-roading without looking out of their depth, this vehicle definitely leans towards
For such a large vehicle, the X-Trail’s small diesel engine does a
city drivers. Economic, clean and comfortable, this is a weekend
good job of achieving reasonable fuel economy and emissions. It
fun car, best suited to casting a formidable presence in city traffic
isn’t the most fuel-efficient SUV and with just one engine available,
or facilitating those important fun days to the beach or hills with
the only things that affect running costs would be your choice of
the kids and family. As a Nissan, it would make a superb family
gearbox an whether you opt for two or four-wheel drive. A look
adventure care.
into the insurance finds that it is reasonable, with the X-Trail sitting in groups only marginally higher than the Qashqai. 36 | Endeavour Magazine
BUILT FOR BOND: ASTON MARTIN DEBUTS UNIQUE CAR FOR SPECTRE
A
ston Martin, together with EON Productions, the producers of
Aston Martin models. Dr Andy Palmer, CEO of Aston Martin, said:
the James Bond film franchise, unveiled Bond’s stunning new
“In the same year that we celebrate our 50-year relationship with
car, the Aston Martin DB10, on the 007 stage at Pinewood
007, it seems doubly fitting that today we unveiled this wonderful
Studios. The luxury British sports car brand is delighted to confirm
new sports car created especially for James Bond.”
that James Bond will once again drive an Aston Martin in Spectre,
He adds that to be partnering once again with EON Productions
the newest addition to the franchise. On this occasion, it will be a
is great news for the company and for everyone around the world
model developed specifically for the film and built in-house by the
that loves to see Bond at the wheel of an Aston Martin, “I’m
brand’s design and engineering teams. Led by Aston Martin Chief
incredibly proud of everyone in the team at Gaydon who have
Creative Officer, Marek Reichman, the design team worked closely
brought this special project from concept to reality.”
with the film’s director, Sam Mendes, to create the ultimate car for the world’s most famous spy. Celebrating the renowned British brand’s half century with Bond, which started with the iconic DB5, the DB10 gives viewers
Production will be strictly limited to 10 of the bespoke sports cars, developed and built by the designers, engineers and highly skilled craftspeople at Aston Martin’s Gaydon headquarters. Spectre is due for general release on 6 November 2015.
a glimpse of the future design direction for the next generation of
Endeavour Magazine | 37
TRAVEL FIND THE NEW YOU THIS NEW YEAR IN ONE OF OUR FIVE TOP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS OF 2015 BY SHANNAH LAUREN
It’s almost the New Year, so it’s time to reflect on memories as well as new desires and resolutions. You could be considering more on physical desires, however, why don’t you take the leap in growing mentally. New experiences, adventures and culture are fantastic ways to grow within yourself, while learning even more. Doesn’t that sound like just what you need this New Year? This year let your resolution be to travel the globe, learning more about different cultures and embracing new scenery. We have the top five travel destinations for 2015 listed below, so why not pick one and start packing?
Nicaragua
South Africa
For the longest time, travellers thought that Costa Rica was
South Africa is looking forward to welcoming tourists from all
where it’s at. Well, we are here to tell you that there is another
over the world in 2015 and what could be better than seeing wild
destination that will blow your mind. Nicaragua is a perfect
animals in their natural habitat. It’s unlike any experience you’ve
travelling destination for short or long term travellers. It’s beautiful,
had at a zoo or safari park; you can actually see the wild animals
affordable and unlike anywhere else. Nicaragua is the most
living freely. Not many people in the world are brave enough, so
affordable and fulfilling holiday you could take in 2015. It is also
be courageous! You can see different cultures and lifestyles first
one of the best surf destinations in the world, so if you don’t know
hand, exactly what you may need to spice up your world. A few
how to already, then I would highly recommend that you give it a
different things that you can do in South Africa are taking a trip
try! If you are looking for a good hotel to stay in, I would suggest
to Cape Town, go see wild animals in the Kruger National Park, or
the four star Hotel Los Robles, which is a Spanish-colonial-style
experience the Winelands. It is highly suggested that you stay in
property.
Cape Town, in Pod Camps Bay, The Vineyard Hotel or The Villa Zest Boutique Hotel.
38 | Endeavour Magazine
Morocco
Ireland
Morocco is known for being one of the most intriguing
When you think of Ireland you get the idea of green pastures,
countries for travellers. In the past few years, it has become a
laughter and maybe even leprechauns. Although leprechauns aren’t
real hotspot. You may be asking yourself, “what’s so wonderful
real, your thoughts on Ireland are in fact true. Ireland is one of those
about Morocco?”,and the answer is, everything. It has everything
places that meet every one of your expectations. It also has some
you could want from an adventure; beautiful scenery, wonderful
of the friendliest people you’ve ever meet! You can enjoy a pint
people, intriguing culture and experiences like you’ve never had
with the locals and have a laugh, as well take in some of the most
before. You can enjoy the beach, adventure in the city of Fez or
beautiful green sceneries you’ve ever seen. If you enjoy history and
travel in the Sahara Desert. Some of the best places that you can
Ireland heritage, you could use this trip to experience it all first hand
stay in Morocco are El Minzah Hotel, Riad Fes and Dar El Manar,
by visiting the top historical sites such as St. Patricks Cathedral,
which overlooks the ocean. Whichever hotel you choose to stay at,
Newgrange, Rock of Cashel or Trim Castle. A few of the hotels you
always remember that you must adventure outside your room to
should look into are the Granville Hotel, Cashel Palace Hotel and
experience the full potential of any country.
The House Hotel. Ireland can also be a short-term vacation if you just need a little travel fix in your life. Although Dublin is one of the most expensive cities you can visit in Ireland, it’s a must see as well. Even just watching the street performers will make you feel as if you are at a concert, thanks to how musically talented these folks are.
The Philippines Do you need some sunny skies and a gorgeous ocean in your life? The Philippines have been included in the 2015 top travel destinations list, thanks to lots of experienced travellers saying it’s one of the most beautiful experiences they have ever had. Some of the best beaches in the Philippines include Southern Negros, El Nido, Boracay and Cebu. Another adventurous idea for you would be to do some island hopping while you are enjoying your trip; a true travellers dream. Some of the most popular islands are Malapascua Island, Siargao and Romblon Island. The Philippines have won travellers hearts the world over and we suspect that it will win yours as well.
The New Year is always about change and growth and travelling is one of the best ways to achieve both. When you are stuck in the same place for too long, you will see that your life becomes stagnant. After Christmas, you need something to keep you going and you want to envisage your future as full and exciting, rater than a continuation of the same monotonous existence. Change your life. You are the only one that is capable of doing so and travelling is not impossible. Everything is possible as long as you set your mind and heart to it.You have one life to live and you might as well see everything that it has to offer you. Pick one of the destinations above, book that flight and see your new self in 2015. Happy New Year to the new you! Endeavour Magazine | 39
KIPI SUITES IS THE LATEST IN ARIA HOTELS’ COLLECTION OF TRADITIONAL GREEK HIDEAWAYS
40 | Endeavour Magazine
ria Hotels’ latest property offers luxurious suites in Zagori, an
A
The hotel has been developed from two houses dating back to
area of outstanding natural beauty in North West Greece. A
1850, with a further three modern buildings that blend perfectly
small, privately owned boutique hotel and villas company that
with the original property. The traditional exterior facades have
has a reputation for offering guests authentic Greek hospitality
been carefully preserved while the interiors enjoy a contemporary
with simple, effortless charm, their latest property offers luxurious
feel. All materials used for the construction, renovation and
suites in Zagori for travellers looking for a new level of relaxation.
maintenance of the Kipi Suites are environmentally friendly
Aria Hotels has announced the addition of Kipi Suites to its collection of exclusive Greek hotels and holiday villas. The property
and special care has been taken to conserve energy and water throughout the hotel.
is in Kipi, part of a unique cluster of ancient villages in the heart of
Zagori is an ideal location for lovers of nature and outdoor living.
Zagori - an area famed for its landscape of mountains, valleys and
It offers numerous activities such as hiking, rafting, horse riding
rivers linked by winding roads and traditional arched stone bridges.
and paragliding. It is also a culinary paradise with truffle hunting,
The hotel is situated just half an hour away from the historic
autumn mushrooms, blackberries and Tsipouro production, a Greek
lakeside city of Ioannina.
apple brandy. The area is easily accessible with excellent transport
Kipi Suites comprises of eight luxurious suites, each offering panoramic views of the village and its surroundings. All suites
infrastructure - the hotel is 30 minutes by road from both Egnatia Odos and Ioannina International Airport.
feature open fireplaces and most include a Jacuzzi and terrace.
Commenting on the new addition to Aria Hotels group, Lefteris
The hotel features an informal restaurant, serving light dishes
Kariotis, Sales & Marketing Manager, said: “For many people, the
throughout the day including a signature breakfast with many
villages of Zagori and the surrounding mountain scenery are a
locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant terrace offers stunning
magical, undiscovered wonderland. Kipi Suites offers the perfect
views of the mountains, village and river below while the Kipi
base from which to explore this unique corner of Greece which has
Lounge Bar, with its comfortable armchairs, is perfect for relaxing.
something to offer in every season”.
Endeavour Magazine | 41
42 | Endeavour Magazine
SWISS DELUXE HOTELS 0041 43 243 71 40 WWW.SWISSDELUXEHOTEL.COM
IN THE LAP OF LUXURY WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL
Endeavour Magazine spoke to Stefan Mathys, Head of Media Relations for Swiss Deluxe Hotels, to discover how they have remained at the cutting edge of luxury accommodation for 80 years and what they have planned to remain there.
Endeavour Magazine | 43
SWISS DELUXE HOTELS
Despite a stereotype to the contrary, the Swiss are not always
neutral and if there is one thing they fight passionately for, it’s luxury of the highest order. With a long standing reputation for exporting the best watches, chocolate and utility knives, it stands to reason that any market targeted by this ambitious and talented nation would rise to new heights of excellence and this is precisely what the hotel industry has experienced for 80 years, thanks to the Swiss Deluxe Hotels Group.
F
ounded in 1934, Mathys is not unaware of what a turbulent
pass with a score of 79% or higher, there can be no doubt that
time it was to begin a new commercial venture, “It was a
any guest choosing to stay at a Swiss Deluxe Hotels venue will
difficult period in which to start a company, but the notion
experience incomparable levels of comfort and luxury. “We want
of luxury hotels as a business started in Switzerland. In fact, the
our hotels to look for, or create, opportunities to demonstrate
founder of the Ritz Hotel chain – besides many others – was Swiss
impressively personal touches, such as displaying guest initials on
and brought about the beginning of luxury hotels, as we know
the beds. Having a ‘nice’ experience is not enough, as nice, really is
them, in Switzerland.” The first Grand Hotels in Switzerland opened
just a common commodity these days. We do not seek to be nice,
in the early 19th century, and we saw a real hotel boom until World
or to provide luxury, as both of these have become cliche notions,
War I started in 1914.
instead we strive to be something a little bit extra. We strive to be
Essentially, Switzerland has become recognised as having a
exceptional.”
natural penchant for creating and providing luxury, something that
If there had previously been any doubt as to how the Swiss
the Swiss Deluxe Hotels Group took one step further by seeking
Deluxe Hotels Group have risen to the very highest echelons of
out the nation’s top hotels to accept into their extremely exclusive
the industry, Mathys’ impassioned explanation swiftly removes
and unabashedly elitist collection of high-class accommodation
it and simultaneously demonstrates how the Group has come to
hotspots. Collating these luxurious establishments allows for the
celebrate 80 fantastic years, as of 2014. By never resting on their
continuous, centralised supervision of standards compliance, but
much-deserved, exemplar reputation, the group continues to move
how does a location become accepted into the group? Mathys
onwards and upwards, striving to complete ever more impressive
explained; “Demonstrably shared values and a willingness to go
feats specifically geared towards guest satisfaction.
the extra mile to deliver exceptional standards, on top of what
In June of this year, the Group enjoyed an impressive
usual, is what we look for in our hotels. We want the staff to know
celebration of their anniversary, with a lavish 1930s style gala at
the names of guests as soon as they have checked in and that is
the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz. Attended by 180 hoteliers, as well as
something you can only find in premier venues.”
distinguished guests and honoured VIPs, the weekend proved to
Of course, only five-star hotels are eligible to become part of the
be a suitably opulent experience for all and provided the perfect
Group and must comply with the stringent qualitative requirements
celebratory platform for the group who have enjoyed yet more
of the selection criteria. The seriousness with which applications
successes this year, something Mathys expanded on, “We were
are regarded is impressive and with all potential locations being
pleased to accept a new member hotel this year, bringing our total
subjected to a ‘Service Excellence’ inspection, which they must
to 39. The Park Hotel Vitznau is a superbly picturesque castle, which
44 | Endeavour Magazine
Endeavour Magazine | 45
SWISS DELUXE HOTELS
is bordered on the lake of Lucerne, and was reopened in 2013, after
Though these locations are
requirements. We always have
extensive restoration. We are now representing our Group brand in
being kept tightly under wraps,
been and always will be guest
regions all over the world, including but not limited to Brazil, Asia,
until approximately June 2015,
and standard focused as appose
the US, China, India and the UK with VIP receptions. The purpose
their projected acceptance into
to blinded by commercial gain.”
of these gatherings is to spread the word about the exceptional
the elite is a demonstration of
luxury to be found within Swiss Deluxe Hotels, a message which
the continued drive and success
challenge in the hotel business
appears to be getting through.”
of the Group, but Mathys
is to entice guests to book and
Of
course,
the
biggest
With a potential influx of new and return guest, thanks to a
explained that physical growth
once they have checked in,
carefully planned and executed marketing strategy, the Swiss
is not of the utmost importance,
make sure that they are already
Deluxe hotels Group have naturally begun to turn their attention
“We have no real need to grow
mentally planning their return
to the future. We were particularly keen to discuss any anticipated
in terms of size, that is not our
visit. Mathys explained that
growth or new acquisitions and unsurprisingly, Mathys did not
goal at all. Initially, the Group
changing travel trends have
disappoint. Far from adopting a relaxed attitude in the wake of
actually started with 51 hotels
impacted on the industry, “The
a wonderful anniversary year, the Group is determined to keep
and now we have 39, which is
lack of regular customers and by
setting incredibly high standards, before not only reaching, but
a clear indicator that quality is
that I mean those who come for
surpassing them. Mathys explained; “As a group, we will be looking
king, not quantity. We continue
long stays during the summer
for continuous development and renovation within our member
to
hotels
and winter seasons has affected
hotels, as well as significant improvements in the shape of new
against stringent criteria, which
us. The tradition of revisiting a
restaurants. The reason for this is that we see product development
are focused on new standards
favourite location every year is
as vital and with this in mind, we expect to be welcoming further
of
technological
dying out and nowadays, people
new member hotels next year.”
advancement
and
are taking advantage of wider
46 | Endeavour Magazine
assess
luxury,
applicant
guest
travel opportunities and increased accommodation choice. Travel has changed dramatically, thanks to low cost flights and budget hotels, so we have to fight much harder for guests and clients. We are extremely fortunate however, and always view a challenge as an opportunity.� Far from being disheartened by the rise of budget holidays, Mathys explains that the Group is enjoying the influx of new guests, which previously may not have considered travelling to Switzerland, but with the dawn of low-cost flights, have decided to venture somewhere new and his confidence about being able to secure return visitors is not unfounded. By identifying unparalleled luxury and encouraging personal touches that prevent exceptionally high standards from feeling sterile, the Swiss Deluxe Hotels Group look set to celebrate another 80 years at the very top of their industry and it will be a pleasure to watch them evolve.
“
The tradition of revisiting a favourite location every year is dying out and nowadays, people are taking advantage of wider travel opportunities and increased accommodation choice. Travel has changed dramatically, thanks to low cost flights and budget hotels, so we have to fight much harder for guests and clients. We are extremely fortunate however, and always view a challenge as an opportunity.�
Endeavour Magazine | 47
48 | Endeavour Magazine
GUYANA GOLDFIELDS 001 416 628 5936 WWW.GUYGOLD.COM
ALL THAT GLITTERS WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL
Endeavour Magazine spoke to Guyana Goldfields about the Aurora Gold project, an exciting initiative set to change the local industry forever.
Endeavour Magazine | 49
GUYANA GOLDFIELDS
Having obtained land claims within the country, Patrick Sheridan Jr.
founded and firmly established Guyana Goldfield. Despite a number of artisanal miners, the region was largely unexplored when Sheridan Jr. had the foresight and business acumen to see an opportunity and act upon it.
D
espite having located a potentially high earning location, the initial stages of development were not straight forward, as Scott Caldwell, CEO at Guyana Gold, told us,
“In the beginning, in order to gain access to its properties, the
company would have to make use of the waterways by boat and sometimes portage due to the interior being very remote and the lack of existing roads because of the dense jungle rainforest. Any infrastructure we currently use has been specifically put in place over the years and the company has made a substantial investment into this. We currently use a 160km all-weather access road, which leads to our site from our Buckhall wharf facility located along the Essequibo River. The wharf facility is where all of our goods and equipment is barged to and thereafter transported down the access road to our site by trucks.” That sounds like a lot of trouble, but for a company as single minded, focused and specialised as Guyana Goldfield, there is no option. The installation of vital infrastructures is seen as a small price to pay for successful gold mining. Speaking to Caldwell about the core interests and activities of the company, he explained that, “Guyana Goldfields Inc. is focused on the construction and development of the Aurora Gold Project, which is scheduled to reach commercial production by mid-2015. The mine plan for the Aurora Gold Project is designed to produce 3.29 million ounces of gold, averaging 194,000 ounces per year, over an initial 17-year
Macorp continues to provide the solutions necessary for the infrastructural and economic growth of Guyana. We are fuelled by our customers’ expectations; helping them to do more by providing total integrated solutions for their operation. One such customer is the Aurora Gold Project. Our relationship started in 2006 and continues to provide opportunities for Aurora to do more, for their customers, employees and Guyana. Macorp supported by Caterpillar will continue to strengthen our most significant competitive advantage, the relationships we have with our customers, relationships which makes us proud to say that we are BUILT FOR IT. Angel Amaris, Mining Major Account Manager.
50 | Endeavour Magazine
GUYANA GOLDFIELDS
mine life with an average grade of 2.74 g/t gold. The construction
committed workforce supports Guyana Goldfields, but not at the
process is currently 40% complete (November 2014) with the
cost of the local economy, as Caldwell explained,
mill delivery and installation occurring before year-end. The total
“Guyana Goldfields has been dedicated to sourcing local
capital cost to complete the construction of the Project is US$249
personnel and achieving a workforce target rate of 90-95%
Million.”
Guyanese nationals. The Aurora Gold Project currently has over
The capital invested in the Aurora Project necessitates that it is
650 personnel employed at the site, with this rapidly increasing
as successful as forecast and that the initiative is completed at an
to 900 workers by the end of 2014. During the development and
agreeable pace.
construction stage, Guyana Goldfields will employ approximately
“Gold production will be staged, with initial open pit production
900 personnel dedicated to the build and construction of the Aurora
supplying ore to the mill at a rate of 5,000 tons per day, thereafter
Gold Project with this declining to approximately 450 personnel
increasing to 10,000 tons per day with the onset of underground
during mining operations, once production is achieved in mid-2015.
mining. The Company also continues to explore its large land
Indirect benefits of employment include training programs, medical
package within the Aurora and Aranka districts.”
benefits, managerial, and professional leadership development skills
Taking the pressure of a large-scale project naturally in their
training, as well as a stable and enjoyable working environment.”
stride, the team at Guyana Goldfields is already considering future
Interested in preserving the local communities and regions that
exploration opportunities. With a tenacious and ambitious team at
surround its operations, the company is actively exhibiting a level
the helm, it can come as no surprise that Guyana Gold is happily
of social responsibility rarely witnessed in the currently turbulent
weathering the storm that has hit the gold industry in recent years.
economic market. Far from choosing the cheapest, easiest or most
With the price of gold having dropped sharply, many companies are
convenient staffing solutions, Guyana Goldfields has made a pledge
now looking to scale back their own costs to increase margins and
to boost the local economy while simultaneously looking to meet
present appealing prospects to new investors.
its own targets. By offering training and skills development, those
With the Aurora Project in full swing, a highly efficient and
52 | Endeavour Magazine
fortunate enough to be selected by the company, can expect a
THE NAME YOU CAN TRUST
For Superior Customer Service, Superior Quality and Competitive Prices
Visit Us: www.gafsons.gy
GUYANA GOLDFIELDS
multitude of opportunities to progress their career, making for a
authorities and local communities. This is to ensure transparency
motivated, satisfied and determined workforce.
regarding the Company’s activities and ensures that maximum
Though not at the production stage yet, Guyana Gold is already
community benefits are achieved. Since the Company’s inception,
giving thought to its customer service charter and Caldwell explains
approximately US$192 Million has been spent on historical
the aims of the organisation,
exploration and development costs in order to bring the Aurora
“Guyana Goldfields’ mission is to create a sustainable mining
Gold Project to development stage. From this point, an additional
operation that delivers top quartile shareholder and stakeholder
US$249 Million will be spent on the Aurora Gold Project in order
returns, while achieving industry leading performance in health,
to achieve commercial gold production by mid-2015. The Aurora
safety, stewardship of the environment, and social responsibility.”
Gold Project will be Guyana’s largest foreign investment in the
It’s this attention to ALL the details that makes Guyana
country’s history and is projected to provide total revenues to the
Goldfields so different. Not content with producing impressive
Government of approximately US$960 Million through corporate
returns for investors, the company is also striving for eco and
taxes and royalty payments over the life of the project. In addition
socio-responsibility of the highest standards, not to mention the
to its large capital investment and direct financial revenues to
continued safety of its employees. If more companies took their
the Government, the company is committed to sourcing local
lead from Guyana, could the economic stability be just around the
services, goods and equipment purchases, in order to support local
corner?
businesses and communities.”
With the Aurora Project moving forward at an impressive rate
It takes a special type of company to breeze over the investments
and looking set to begin commercial production in mid-2015, what
that have brought a project to fruition, in order to focus more on
levels of investment have brought the company to this point?
the benefits to local communities and residents of said project, but
Caldwell explains,
Guyana Gold is up there with inspirational organisations. In this
“The Company has been operating in Guyana since 1996 on
case, all that glitters definitely IS gold.
a full-time basis and has been working closely with Government
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54 | Endeavour Magazine
Visit our showroom at 226 Camp Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, GUYANA SA Tel: (592) 225 7405, 225 7406 Fax: (592) 225 7166 Email: indsafety@networksgy.com
56 | Endeavour Magazine
PICK N PAY EXPRESS STORES 0027 118567721 WWW.PNP.CO.ZA
CONVENIENCE IS EVERYTHING WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER
Pick n Pay are one of South Africa’s largest and most trusted retailers and it is only fitting that they have teamed up with the country’s most reliable petrol brand, BP, to improve the quality and convenience of refuelling and shopping experiences. Following the trend in South Africa for clustering retail and services together, the unrolling of Pick n Pay Express Stores has been a primary focus for the man in charge, Sidney Butler, who has seen 34 express stores opened this year so far. I am expecting this number to grow to over fifty by February of 2015,” he says, “Additionally we have signed collaborations for another 120 BP Service stations across South Africa to open up stores.” Endeavour Magazine | 57
PICK N PAY EXPRESS STORES
The growth of South Africa’s economy relies fully on the development
and expansion of its leading businesses and so the collaboration between these two giants has proven to be a major step forward, not only in terms of convenience, but also in supplying jobs and opportunities for locals.
“P
ick n Pay works with hundreds of suppliers and partners
as family members. This is due, in part, to the philosophy with which
across the country,” Sidney relates, “Such developments
the company was initially founded, in 1967, by consumer champion
like Pick n Pay Express Stores provide more opportunities
Raymond Ackerman. Purchasing the first few stores, he wanted to
for them to grow and diversify their market offering, encouraging
create a brand that was quintessentially a family business, focused
them to adapt to the new possibilities.”
on providing not only the best quality retail products but also a
Sidney has worked with Pick n Pay for 15 years, having started
strong and lasting positive effect on the community.
within the trainee managerial program, so he has experienced the
The Ackerman family’s vision now encompasses stores in
company at every level. He is an example of the investment of time
South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique, Mauritius,
and energy that the business puts into each of their employees and
Swaziland and Lesotho. Additionally, Pick n Pay owns a 49% share
explains that this ethos of empowerment continues through to the
of Zimbabwean supermarket business, TM Supermarkets, so the
models supporting each of the stores.
security of their footprint as well as the future of their staff is
“The Express stores are built and leased on franchise agreements,” he says, “My role is to build the stores and get them operating smoothly before the franchise is then handed over.” As a leading retail business, Pick n Pay employs in excess of 50,000 individuals across the country, not including the vast league of franchise owners who are looked upon less as partners and more
58 | Endeavour Magazine
clearly defined. On offer to consumers, both in store and at the Express stores, includes groceries, clothing and general merchandise, but also additional value-added services designed to cater for their customers’ expectations and evolving needs. For the past five years, the Group’s core focus has been to
strengthen its strong South African retail businesses under the Pick n Pay and Boxer brands, while adopting a systematic approach to expanding into adjacent areas, including geographical growth through the African continent. As a major retailer in Africa, the Group strives to address socioeconomic challenges through the supply of high-quality, affordable food for all customers and Sidney relates that the growth and success of the company is attributable to three basic principles; Consumer sovereignty, Doing good for the community and staff and the ongoing task of maximising business efficiency. “Combining refueling with convenience purchasing was a major step for efficiency,” Sidney says, “Partnering with BP and expanding their forecourts cuts down the need for the customer to go to two different locations to shop and refuel and BP’s approach to business and community-centricity made it the most suitable match.” This means that Pick n Pay Express stores will compete with Engen’s partnership with Woolworths Food, which currently has 45 convenience stores. In April, Iain Conn, BP’s Chief Executive
“
Combining refueling with convenience purchasing was a major step for efficiency. Partnering with BP and expanding their forecourts cuts down the need for the customer to go to two different locations to shop and refuel and BP’s approach to business and community-centricity made it the most suitable match.”
of Refining and Marketing said, “We have reached a standard agreement with the National Empowerment Fund to help mainly black women franchisees to become successful BP franchise owners‚“ He said the expansion‚ part of a R5bn southern African investment program‚ would also see BP increase its own retail service network, with 50 new stations in South Africa and Mozambique. This would take their number to approximately 700 in the next five years. In total‚ BP is spending in the region of R2.7bn on its retail network in Mozambique and South Africa over the five-year period, Iain added, “This is BP’s clearest demonstration of its commitment to creating and preserving jobs in southern Africa‚“ Although smaller in size than giant superstores, Pick n Pay has come to be associated with, and more focused on, convenience purchases during refuelling, the Express stores are not a departure from the famous Four Leg principles that has been the foundation of Pick n Pay since its first opening with Raymond Ackerman. In the 1960s, Raymond Ackerman attended a seminar facilitated by Bernard Trujillo, a marketing genius who Ackerman considered to be one of the greatest influences of the century, there Trujillo described the “four legs of the retail table” as a method of implementing consumer sovereignty. This concept has since been made a core principle of the Pick n Pay business strategy. In essence, each leg needs to be equally strong in order to balance the ‘table’. The four legs are; Administration, Merchandise,
DATA AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT GENERATORS AND UPS INSTALLATION, SERVICING AND REPAIR
Advertising/Social Responsibility and People. “The Express Stores are a means to further enhance our ability to facilitate the four legs,” Sidney says, “By helping our customers make more of their shopping experience overall.”
+27 116 083 892 www.faradays.co.za Endeavour Magazine | 59
GADGETS OFFICE NAP CHAIR It’s a Chair, no, it’s a recliner, no, it’s a bed! It’s the office nap chair! Never feel exhausted at the office again. Bad night? Couldn’t sleep? Hung over? Nah, you have the Office Nap Chair and if you’re like us, you are super down to nap away the morning grogginess before boss man shows up.
EXPERIENCE VIRTUAL REALITY WITH ZEISS VR ONE Experience virtual reality any time and in any place - in December 2014, for just $99 dollars. ZEISS is launching a mobile Virtual Reality (VR) headset - the ZEISS VR ONE - that works with smartphones and features display sizes of between 4.7 and 5.2 inches. The attention of the young development team was sharply focused on user-friendliness, design and technology. To dive into virtual worlds, all the user needs to do is select an appropriate VR app and slide his or her smartphone into the headset using the tray provided. ZEISS VR ONE will be available worldwide, starting with a tray for the Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone and the iPhone 6. Other tray models are in the pipeline. The Computer Aided Design data for the rapid prototyping of the trays, with the aid of 3D printing, will be published for other smartphones in the near future. The transparent visor on the front allows the use of augmented reality apps with the smartphone
BRACELET PURSE A ‘clutch’ is popular for women who are going out, it’s a small bag that has no straps or means of keeping it secured to the body without actually holding it and yet it can carry money, credit cards
camera. Eyeglass wearers can also use ZEISS VR ONE without difficulty as the “eyebox” is large enough for most frames, therefore eliminating the need for complicated adjustments on the integrated ZEISS lenses.
and cell phones. This puzzling bit of fashion sense vs security has prompted the invention of the Bracelet Purse, a handy, fashionable accessory that clips onto the wrist and can hold money, cards and supposedly, phones. As found on HelgaRasha, the exclusive, stylish Bracelet Purse will be a great addition to any evening due to the original idea that our most valuable possessions will always be ‘at hand’. Money, small keys and credit cards fit in a hidden pocket, which closes with Velcro.
Besides the existing offering, two apps, developed by ZEISS itself, will be available for the product launch. With the ZEISS VR ONE Media Launcher App, users can select compatible VR apps and install them on their smartphones, such as the ZEISS VR ONE Cinema App, which is a virtual movie theater in which 3D films can be viewed. This potential will now be developed, together with the global VR community in an open contest. From now until 16 February 2015, innovative ideas and visions as well as finished apps can be submitted via an online contest platform. A jury of international experts will then select one winner in each of the two categories “Ideation” and “Apps”. 60 | Endeavour Magazine
EYE IN THE SKY DRONE WINS TOYOTA APP COMPETITION Imagine driving your car with a dedicated drone following and filming your progress from above. It’s an idea that has proved to be a winning innovation in Toyota’s Silicon Valley App Design Competition, earning the Eye in the Sky team a $10,000 prize. Toyota hosted the contest this month (6 and 7 December) to find the best new app for its CAN-Gateway ECU* platform, which uses data from vehicle sensors. The winning concept was created as part of the Onramp 2014 Challenge, a codefest which brought together a field of more than 20 teams of top-level developers from among Silicon Valley’s IT start-up communities. Each team had 24 hours to develop innovative apps, using a fleet of six Scion FR-S – the North American equivalent of the Toyota GT86 – on a driving course to gather data. The event provided the first public access to Toyota’s new Vehicle Data Visualiser, a vehicleto-app connectivity platform. More than 20 apps were produced, in three categories; Safety, Fun and Efficiency. Eye in the Sky is a close-follow vehicle companion drone that is equipped with video cameras to follow and film the vehicle independently. Eye in the Sky team member Nathan Schuett said: “We were excited about the unique opportunity to access this car data on a closed course. To combine that with a drone following the car was too great an opportunity to pass up.” Riki Inuzuka, Toyota Managing Officer, said: “We are seeing a new generation of automotive enthusiasts emerge, one that thrives on open innovation and connectivity. Our goal with this event was to communicate the joy of driving to this generation, so Silicon Valley, as a hub for cutting-edge IT, seemed like a natural fit.” * Abbreviation of Controller Area Network-Gateway Electronic Control Unit, which is a platform that enables app developers to make use of vehicle data. The platform receives CAN signals, which are used in on-board computers, and converts them to work with standardised protocols such as USB and Bluetooth.
HOP Hop is a suitcase that follows the user, like a well-trained dog and according to cargocollective.com, represents the next generation of luggage. Containing three receivers that are able to identify and triangulate different signals coming from the user/ owners’ cellphone, a micro-controller interprets the signals and calculates the phone’s position to the suitcase and the same microcontroller operates a caterpillar system,, based on compressed air which follows the user at a constant distance. If the user/owner loses signal with Hop, the luggage shuts down and locks up and the user’s phone vibrates to alert them of the situation immediately. The bags can be programmed to follow one person or can be controlled jointly by the staff that handles baggage at airports and stations. If a suitcase can move by itself, besides facilitating the lives of a large number of travellers, families and disabled people, it could also render baggage-handling technology (conveyor belts , carts, ...) unnecessary and revolutionise the industry. If you recognise the idea of your luggage following you around, you may be a Terry Pratchett fan as in his Discworld series, one of the characters, Rincewind, is followed relentlessly by a wooden chest with legs that is impervious to harm and occasionally eats people. Hop may not have the same appetite, but does like to follow. Endeavour Magazine | 61
BOOK REVIEWS
The Leopard Hunts in Darkness By Wilbur Smith
Craig Mellow, acclaimed author but unhappy exile, seizes the chance to return to Zimbabwe when he is given a spying mission for the World Bank. Accompanied by beautiful photographer Sally-Anne Jay, he is, at first, unaware of the dangerous
Fudebakudo, Or The Way of the Exploding Pen By David Whiteland
currents of tribal conflict that swirl below the surface of Zimbabwean politics. Then he stumbles upon a highly
organised
operation
which
ivory-poaching masks
the
treacherous plot to sell the country Every
martial
artist
should
have
this book, just to remember not to take themselves too seriously. I was given it as a gift several years ago and it still doesn’t fail to make me chuckle. A perfect present for any occasion, I can’t wait for the sequel. Fudebakudo,
or The Way of the
Exploding Pen, is the definitive martial arts cartoon. Already an underground phenomenon in the martial arts world, this catalogue of satire first appeared in book form in April 2003. Including such classics as the Hokikoki Kata, the Floral Styles of Kung-Fu and the fabled Fudebakudo StuntKick, the Fudebakudo book is an essential item in every serious martial artist’s library.
62 | Endeavour Magazine
he once fought for, into slavery.
The Last Summer of the Camperdowns By Elizabeth Kelly
THE BEST PLACES FOR BLOGGERS AND BUSINESSES TO GET TRAFFIC BY DONNIE RUST
TWITTER www.twitter.com Twitter opens up what you do to your little fan-hood of followers. You are allowed to promote your own work The Last Summer of the Camperdowns, from the bestselling author of Apologize, Apologize! introduces Riddle James Camperdown, the twelve-year-old daughter of the idealistic Camp and his manicured, razor-sharp wife, Greer. It’s 1972 and Riddle’s father is running for office from the family compound in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. Between Camp’s desire to toughen her up and
as long as you don’t go mental and you can direct it to various people and parties who would be interested in what you have to say. There are plenty “How to” videos and explanations online for using Twitter to promote your blog but the best way is still to set up an account and play with it until you figure it out.
Greer’s demand for glamour, Riddle has her hands full juggling her eccentric parents. When she accidentally witnesses a crime
STUMBLEUPON www.stumbleupon.com
close to home, her confusion and fear keep her silent and as the
Very simply, StumbleUpon is the internet piled into
summer unfolds, the consequences of her silence multiply. Another
a website and categorized amongst your interests. This
mysterious and powerful family, the Devlins, slowly emerges as the
means that someone on StumbleUpon is looking for the
keepers of astonishing secrets that could shatter the Camperdowns
exact subject of your blog. It makes it easy to view, people
and as an old love triangle, bitter war wounds, and the struggle for
can interact with it. In the end it’s literally just a case of
status spiral out of control, Riddle can only watch, hoping for the
making your blog as awesome and as interesting as it can
courage to reveal the truth. The Last Summer of the Camperdowns
be and putting it on. Be warned though, there is a seemingly
is poised to become one of the years most uproarious and dramatic
endless amount of very cool stuff on there so make sure you
must-reads.
don’t get too distracted.
LITTLEGATE PUBLISHING www.littleg8.com/link-sharing Not a social media platform but www.LittlegatePublishing. com is attached to a very popular magazine and millions of readers worldwide, including an extensive network of social media gurus, including a number of celebrities. They’ve developed a very simple but easy to use link sharing system that works on a principle of you share one of their links on your Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon etc and they will do the same.
LINKED IN www.linked.com LinkedIn is the most popular business based social media avenue on the internet for a reason, it’s huge. On there you can find groups dedicated to Bloggers and finding ways to help drive traffic to you. Like Twitter you have to be in it to understand but there is nowhere else you can find business leaders who are keen to read your work and get contacts who can find you paid work (if you’re looking for that).
Endeavour Magazine | 63
REALITY CHECK
Half A Dozen Teenagers Who Are Self Made Millionaires
BY DONNIE RUST
This is in no way conclusive proof that there are many millionaire teenagers out there who made enough money to retire before the age that most of us were properly getting into our careers. The list does not include any pop stars or film stars or people who inherited their fortunes, these are all people who made their money from scratch and under their own steam. You have people who have this kind of success and you have people who write about it. Bit of a reality check to realise which one I was.
Adam Hildreth
Ashley Qualls
Sean Belnick
Hildreth was only 14 years old when he
Featured on MTV and known as one of
At 14, Sean Belnick raised capital of
set up Dubit Limited, a social networking
the first batch of Google Adsense success
$500 through mowing lawns and selling
site for teens that at one time was one of
stories, when Ashley was 14 she began
Pokemon cards and invested this cash into
the biggest teenage social networking sites
teaching herself HTML and decided to
a business venture called Bizchair.com.
in the UK. Since then it has evolved and
launch a site called WhateverLife.com to
Following in his stepfather’s footprints, who
now advises companies on marketing their
showcase her design work for interested
ran a business of selling office furniture, and
products to young people. Following this
buyers.
with the Internet just starting to become
Hildreth developed a company devoted to
At first, the site didn’t get much at all
a household priority, the young Belnick
developing technology to protect children
in the way of traffic but the following
realised how much money people could
online, Crisp Thinking.
year, Ashley began offering her services to
save by cutting out the middle man and
At one point, Hildreth was one of the
classmates that wanted more personalised
how much money could be made by selling
20 richest teenagers in the UK reportedly
layouts for their MySpace and social
directly online.
worth £2 million in the 2004, now, ten
networking pages. As traffic grew from
From what started as a business run
years later he is worth over £24 million
word-of-mouth advertising, Ashley joined
out of his bedroom, Bizchair has grown so
and according to a study of British millions
Google Adsense and took a cut of the
large that it has a 70 acre headquarters
of the future, he is predicted to be worth
advertising revenue. As traffic began to
in Georgia and Belnick is estimated to be
$40 million by 2020. Named CBI’s Young
grow still, she started making deals directly
valued at somewhere over $42 million.
Entrepreneur of the Year at the end of
for people to advertise their products on
2006, the honour was presented to him by
her site. WhateverLife.com now sees about
Duncan Bannatyne and Peter Jones from
7 million users pass through a month, and
BBC’s Dragons’ Den programme.
earns Ashley millions in ad revenue.
64 | Endeavour Magazine
Chris Phillips
Robert Nay
Jon Koon
Not to be mistaken for the ice hockey
This fresh faced prodigy taught himself
Although Jon Koon had made his first
player. In 2002, when the Internet was
how to code, at the library, at the age of 14
billion by 30, (let that sink in for a while), It is
experiencing its first major growth spurt,
and in one month had already 4000 lines of
worth mentioning that he also made his first
Phillips saw that there would be a growing
code written for his game Bubble Ball. Yes,
million before he was 16. At a young age he
demand for web hosting and at 17, he
that Bubble Ball. Nay put the app online for
opened Extreme Performance Motorsports,
created dot5hosting and within two years
free with Apple.
an auto parts store which became a house-
he had already earned over a million dollars.
The game quickly had over a million
hold name after MTV’s Pimp My Ride used
The business has since developed and
downloads and Bubble Ball had dethroned
it as the exclusive parts provider. In college
grown with the Internet and now includes
the highly popular Angry Birds as the most
Koon expanded his business into overseas
other services that a business can make use
downloaded game in the free app store.
manufacturing, which now distributes to
of to gain an online presence in the modern
Over one two-week period, that’s fourteen
over 20 countries. Eventually, Koon moved
world.
days, the game made Nay nearly $2 million
on to dealing in garments, and runs 8732
in income.
Apparel with partner Young Jeezy.
Fraser Doherty
Nick D’Aloisio
Cameron Johnson Some people have a knack for business.
By selling his grandmother’s jam recipe
A self-taught programmer that learnt
At five he went door-to-door selling
at farmer markets and delis, Fraser laid
the ropes through Computers for Dummies
vegetables, at age 9 he had already started
the groundwork for what would become
and How-To Videos on the Internet, he
his own greeting card company called
the $1.2 million dollar SuperJam company.
launched his first app when he was only 12
Cheers and Tears. When he was 12, he
Later, he put his own tweaks on the recipes
years old. From this start he developed a
decided to start buying and selling Beanie
and even developed ways to make jam
new app every time that the school let out
Babies at the height of their popularity.
entirely from fruit.
for summer and eventually developed an
And when the Beanie Baby business
The story of his success grew around
app called Trmit, when he was 15, which
slowed down, Cameron took $50,000
Scotland and Fraser eventually struck a deal
could condense lengthy articles into short
he had earned and started My EZ Mail, a
with the Waitrose supermarket chain to
summaries ranging from 1000 to 140
confidential e-mail forwarding service.
sell his jam through 184 of their stores. The
characters.
Eventually, he founded an Internet
exposure eventually grew into a 2,000 store
A Hong Kong billionaire saw the potential
advertising venture called SurfingPrizes.
market, and spanned to other countries as
and gave Nick $300,000 in venture capital
com. At 15, Johnson was making nearly
well. The SuperJam name has even gained
to perfect the app and this re-working
$400K a month and by college, Johnson had
status from the National Museum of
would go on to be called Summly, an app
started another site called CertificateSwap.
Scotland as an “Iconic Scottish Brand”.
that Yahoo! paid $30 million for.
com, which he later sold in a six-figure deal.
biz tainment Endeavour Magazine | 65