201501 jan

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

email

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

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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