201502 feb

FEBRUARY 2015

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EDITOR’S NOTE Heads of Departments Editor in Chief Daemon Sands daemonsands@littlegatepublishing.com Director General Don Campbell doncampbell@littlegatepublishing.com Editorial Research Manager Alex Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Director James Martin jamesmartin@littlegatepublishing.com

S

o how was the start of the year for you?

For millions of people across the world January is a frugal month. Many people claim that this is where they chose to cut

out drinking, eating dietary treats and spending money. The attitude

Sales Manager Tyler Harrison tylerharrison@littlegatepublishing.com

suggests that they’ve chosen to start the year on a high note but

Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com

January pay when they were paid early for Christmas. The most

Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com

where they stop as well.

Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com

month of love. With the shops already becoming saturated with

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 343 City Road Suite 10, Thorpe House London 79 Thorpe Road EC1 V1LR Norwich, NR1 1UA 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

completely neglects the possible explanation that they spent their austere month of the year January is where diets start- and often February, conversely, is not only the month we all love, it’s also the Valentine flotsam such as cards, flowers, teddy bears and various other items of purchase that declare our love for someone.

For such a short month February has become the darling of the calendar, the shortest month that everyone enjoys and it is also the month where production speeds up across businesses in Europe, Africa and Americas.

For clear reasons, February brings along the first card-giving “holiday” in the form Valentines Day which is a boost for the card, teddy bear and toy industries as well as the restaurant and boutique salon business. Purchases driven by couple’s bending to social pressure to express their love in the most materialistic fashions this holiday signals the end of New Year. It is also a productive period due to that all important pay day rejuvenating the fighting spirits of staff and managers alike, revitalizing motivations and triggering renewed vigor.

In terms of pragmatism the entire month of January is the hangover from the previous year’s Christmas as the New Year really begins with February.

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 2015

Endeavour Magazine | 3

CONTENTS

31

GRU AIRPORT

FEATURES 15

19

25

31

37

43

59

65

71

77

83

89

95

71 VShips 4 | Endeavour Magazine

Levi’s South Africa Maybe It’s In The Jeans?

Fuchs Lubricants Smoothly Growing Anglo Asian Mining Plc Digging Deep For 2015 GRU Airport Flying High De Keyser Thornton Group How One Of The Oldest Companies Keeps Opening Doors DHI-DCW Heavy Industry Inland Offshore Contractors Ltd Keeping It Together New Britain Palm Oil Sustainability In The Palm Of Our Hand V.Ships Sailing Ahead With New Technology Bankers Insurance Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited Premium Protection Alupco Showing Their Metal Kemicals Worldwide Cleaning Up The Caribbean Roland Imperial Tobacco An Industry Going Up In Smoke

19

Fuchs Lubricants

ARTICLES 3 6 8 48

100

104

106 108

Editor’s Note Will It Be Oilright?

Business Headlines Automotives Mercedes-Benz F 015 Luxury In Motion Next Generation Acura Nsx Unveiled The Volkswagen Transporter Gadgets Be A Ninja For Less Than $150 At Amazon Small Redesigns Change Everyday Items Travel Inspire Yourself In Iceland Book Reviews Spotlight Bianca Miller Setting The Right Tone For Business

59

Inland Offshore Contractors Ltd Endeavour Magazine | 5

WILL IT BE OILRIGHT? WRITTEN BY JOHN, LORD TAYLOR OF WARWICK

G

overnment ministers are experts at saying dumb things. On

budgets depend on high prices. The rouble has been falling

20th January, in a House of Commons debate about the oil

alarmingly, as Russia’s economic prospects have worsened. Nigeria

industry, David Mundell MP stated boldly; “We can deal with

was forced to raise interest rates and devalue the naira and

the volatility of oil prices and continue to provide the stable regime

Venezuela’s economy has also been damaged.

that is so important to the industry”. Just 48 hours later, the death

It is Saudi Arabia that remains supreme as the world’s largest

of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia provoked an immediate rise in oil

oil exporter and OPEC’s most influential member. Although the

prices and sent the markets into turmoil and uncertainty. So, oil

Saudis need oil prices to be around $85 in the longer term, they

attempt to analyse the politics of this industry and prospects for

have deep pockets, with a reserve fund of some $700bn. So they

the future.

have been able to withstand lower prices. There has been tension

From 2010 until mid 2014, world oil prices had been fairly

within OPEC, especially from other oil producers like Iran and

stable, at about $110 per barrel. But since June, prices had more

Venezuela, to restrict oil supply to bolster the price. But the Saudis

than halved. Brent crude oil dropped below $50 a barrel for the first

view prevailed.

time since May 2009, while US crude dropped to below $48 per

It was British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan who remarked

barrel. There are two main reasons for the drop in oil prices. Firstly,

how “events, my dear boy, events” change things. On 22 January

there has been a lower demand in many countries due to decreased

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia died, aged 90. It could hardly have

economic growth. Secondly, there has been the surging American

been a shock given his age and poor health, but his death sparked

production of oil. US production is at its highest in almost 30 years,

an immediate increase in oil prices, despite a swift indication from

due to the relatively new procedure of fracking, whereby gas and

his successor, Crown Prince Salman, that there would be no change

oil is extracted from shale formations, using hydraulic fracturing.

in policy. Saudi state television announced that the county’s oil

Then OPEC (Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries)

minister Ali al-Naimi would remain in place, as if to emphasise the

decided not to cut production, as a way to prop up prices, but this

point.

worldwide glut of oil inevitably drove prices down.

But the King’s death created enough uncertainty about the

The declining prices created winners and losers. The winners

future direction of Saudi policy to push up the oil price, after

have been consumers. A $40 price cut shifts some $1.3 trillion from

several months of decline. The day after the King’s death, Brent

producers to customers. Big importing countries in Europe, India,

crude rose to a high of $49.80 per barrel, although there are signs

Japan and Turkey enjoyed these windfalls, leading to increased

that the price is now settling back down again to about $47. As

GDP. The falling oil price helped to keep interest rates down in

well as uncertainty in the market, Saudi Arabia is facing regional

Britain and America. This has been a key factor in keeping inflation

tensions. It shares a long frontier with Iraq, where terrorist group

relatively low in these two countries.

ISIS are creating havoc. It also borders Yemen and Egypt, where the

But the losers have been the oil producing countries, whose

6 | Endeavour Magazine

Arab Spring revolution had a profound impact.

King Abdullah had introduced some

investment could quickly translate into

modest reforms during his reign, such

falling production.

as improving educational opportunities

This episode in the politics of oil

for women, but there will be further

presents the world’s leaders with a

diplomatic pressure on the regime to

unique

improve its civil rights record. Last week

energy policy and it is the chance

I was speaking at events in the United

to get rid of billions of dollars of

Emirates, only 300 miles away. I could

distorting subsidies for ‘dirty’ fuels.

see, in Dubai, how Western culture

Instead, they could focus taxes more

has been embraced into everyday

on carbon use. Even though fracking

lifestyle. Not so for its neighbours in

has boosted America’s oil output

Saudi Arabia, where women are still

by two-thirds in just four years, the

not allowed, by religious custom, to

country still bans the export of oil and

drive or vote.

restricts exports of natural gas. This

Despite the uncertainty caused by King Abdullah’s death, experts believe that oil prices will continue to drop. This was the opinion expressed by business leaders attending the Davos economic forum in Switzerland last week.

A

key theme of the forum was energy conservation and the environment.

How fitting it was then that many of

“

opportunity

to

rationalise

is a legacy of the oil shortages of the

As far as oil prices are concerned, the Middle East no longer has us over a barrel. A cheaper, greener and more reliable energy future could be within reach, if we grasp it.

1970s. There is still a bewildering array of subsidies for American oil refineries and

petrochemical

companies.

Congress keeps giving money to ethanol producers and has still not reviewed its generous subsidies to the nuclear power industry. The most obvious reform would be to simply

the business leaders attending Davos

remove all the subsidies for producing

flew there by gas-guzzling private jets.

or consuming fossil fuels. As far as

There was a lot of discussion at

oil prices are concerned, the Middle

Davos about the success of shale gas

East no longer has us over a barrel. A

technology, but since shale-oil wells

cheaper, greener and more reliable

are short lived (output can fall by 60-

energy future could be within reach, if

70% in the first year), any slowdown in

we grasp it. Oil be watching.

Endeavour Magazine | 7

BUSINESS HEADLINES UK, CHINA TO PROBE BUILDING MATERIALS THAT COULD HELP SAVE THE WORLD

hinese and British scientists have joined forces to probe

C

While these are on the more futuristic side, other researchers

concrete that can sense itself and eat pollution and glass that

will be dusting off a rather old idea: magnesia-based cements.

might regulate a building’s temperature better, saving huge

Magnesium was used in concrete for centuries, before Portland

amounts of energy. Some of the research looks into the future, but

cement conquered the world, and such cement can be found in

some revisits techniques used in the past, to build the Great Wall of

the Great Wall of China and between the timbers of Medieval

China for instance.

European buildings.

In December, the UK announced it would give $4.5m (£3m)

Greater strength and water resistance are among its advantages,

to six research projects, each a collaboration between British and

so scientists from Cambridge, UCL, Nanjing Tech University and

Chinese academics.

Chongqing will investigate its use in large-scale dams, bases for

Among other things, they will explore intelligent coatings for

offshore wind turbines, nuclear power stations and very deep oil

windows to improve energy efficiency, concrete that can conduct

wells. UK contractor Laing O’Rourke is taking part in this research

electricity and absorb airborne pollutants, stronger magnesia-

as well.

based cements for big infrastructure and using industrial waste

When he announced the funding, UK Science and Universities

instead of natural raw materials for cement. Nine universities in

Minister, Greg Clark, said that the world needs this research and

China and nine in the UK are participating.

that science “knows no boundaries”.

For the windows, University College London (UCL) and Wuhan

“High quality science and innovation is central to addressing

University of Technology will experiment with vanadium dioxide

the challenge of meeting the demand for higher living standards

films and model their effect on energy savings in real buildings.

from an increasing global population, with limited natural resources

Researchers say this could be a big win, as heating and cooling

that we need to protect,” he said.

buildings can gobble up 30% or more of a country’s electricity.

Professor Philip Nelson, boss of the UK’s Engineering and

Concrete that can conduct electricity and eat pollutants (though

Physical Sciences Research Council, which offered the research

not necessarily at the same time) is the Holy Grail for researchers

grant, said: “Developing advanced materials and improving

from Aberdeen, Dundee, Wuhan and Chongqing universities. They

sustainability in infrastructure will help both the UK and China

will look into what additives can be thrown into the mix to create

address environmental, economic and resource challenges that

structures that can sense or heat themselves – good for icy roads –

face both countries and the rest of the world.”

and absorb pollution through photocatalysis.

8 | Endeavour Magazine

biz t

CHINA’S TWO NUCLEAR GIANTS COULD MERGE

B

eijing is mulling over proposals to merge its two biggest nuclear

Technology Corp, a firm entrusted with building and developing

power firms as it gears up to compete for nuclear new-build

‘third-generation’ nuclear technology, including the US-based

work around the world, three industry officials familiar with the

Westinghouse’s AP1000 reactor.

Officials with Sasac and CNNC told Reuters they were not

situation have told Reuters.

The two firms are preparing to take a stake in the UK’s new

aware of the merger. CGN was not available for comment.

nuclear power station at Hinkley Point, being developed by with French energy giant EDF.

CNNC was hived off from the now defunct nuclear ministry and has strong ties with the military and the government. CGN, formerly

“Plans have already been submitted to the State-Owned Assets

known as China Guangdong Nuclear, is the state-owned parent of

Supervision and Administration Commission (Sasac) to merge

CGN Power, which raised US$3.2 billion in an initial public offering

the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) with the China

in Hong Kong this week.

General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN)”, said Xu Lianyi, a former government official and industry consultant.

The first Hualong I reactor is expected to be approved for construction soon, with local media reports saying it would be built

The two were set up as rivals to compete for projects at

in the southeast province of Fujian.

home and abroad but, under government prompting, they have

Meanwhile, US engineering giant, Fluor Corporation, yesterday

cooperated on a new reactor type, the Hualong I (pictured), with

signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with CNNC to

the intention of marketing it internationally.“The merger between

cooperate on nuclear and renewable energy opportunities in Europe

CGN and CNNC is inevitable,” Mr Xu told Reuters, adding that

and China. The MoU was signed in Beijing by Dave Dunning, Fluor

the merger proposals had received strong backing from central

Executive Vice President of Business Development and Strategy,

government.

and Qian Zhimin, President of CNNC.

Mr Xu now serves as a senior expert at the State Nuclear Power

AEGEAN MARINE PETROLEUM TO LAUNCH PHYSICAL SUPPLY AND MARKETING OPERATIONS IN GERMANY

A

egean Marine Petroleum

established a marketing and

well positioned to capitalise

Network Inc. announced

business development office

on

that

it

will

several

risk-averse

launch

in Hamburg for the sale and

opportunities that will allow

physical supply and marketing

marketing of marine petroleum

Aegean to increase the scale

operations in Germany, during

products,

the

and efficiency of its global

January 2015. Operations will

Aegean

to

marine fuel logistics network,

include the physical supply of

customers on a worldwide

grow our customer base and

marine fuels and lubricants to

basis.

enhance shareholder value.”

all German ports and will be

E.

throughout network

Nikolas

and

Tavlarios,

based in Hamburg, the second

President of Aegean Marine

largest container terminal in

Petroleum

Europe. To support its local

commented,

German operations, Aegean

to execute our strategy to

has assumed the contracts

opportunistically enter new

for two modern, double-hull

markets,

bunkering barges previously

diversify our operating reach,

under charter to OW Bunker

all while enhancing our ability

and

to service our customers on

cubic

approximately metres

of

20,000 on-shore

storage capacity.

The Company has also

Network, “We

continue

strengthen

a worldwide basis.

and

As we

embark on a new year, we

INSPIRE YOURSELF IN ICELAND

remain confident that we are

Endeavour Magazine | 9

FIVE STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR FINANCIAL HEALTH IN 2015

‘T

is the season for New Year’s resolutions. As we ring in

Senior Vice President, Allstate Financial, and CFP® CERTIFIED

2015, many will vow to lose weight, get organised or learn

FINANCIAL PLANNER™. “Remaining diligent throughout the year,

something new and according to StatisticBrain.com, the third

not just immediately following the New Year, may mean you should

most popular resolution is to spend less and save more. This year,

seek advice from a financial professional who can help you develop

Allstate is encouraging its customers to stick to their resolutions and

a comprehensive annual game plan.”

Based on the conversations Allstate agency owners and staff

take the time to tone up their finances.

“In order to spend less and save more, people need to evaluate their priorities, set goals and stick to them,” said Bill Kavanaugh,

have with customers, Kavanaugh offered five tips to improve your financial future:

1. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. There is 2. SET GOALS. As with any New 4. TACKLE DEBT.

Few things in

5. FIND SAVINGS.

Identifying

a wealth of valuable, and free,

Year’s resolution, it’s helpful to

life are more stressful than a pile

small opportunities for money-

information

managing

set specific goals and a timetable

of credit card bills you can’t pay

saving in your normal habits

finances

to achieve them. Rather than

off. Danger signs include habitual

can be beneficial when trying

available on websites, in books,

trying to make progress on

late

trouble

to save cash for a financial

newspapers

your

about

personal and

seminars.

A financial

professional

assist you

in

payments

and

everything at once, prioritise

making the minimum payments.

emergency or find money to

can

your goals every year so you

Many

help

invest. Small changes, such as

resources

can

understanding

can focus on the two or three

you develop a plan to reduce

packing your lunch rather than

how this information relates

most important. For example,

or eliminate your expensive

eating out, skipping the coffee

to your personal situation and

make a date once a year for an

credit card debt. Government

shop and brewing your own,

suggest products and services

annual life insurance check-up

websites, such as the National

or cutting back on premium

you could consider to help you

to double check that the amount

Foundation of Credit Counseling

cable channels can add up to

achieve your goals. Referrals

and type of coverage is right for

(www.debtadvice.org),

substantial

from friends or family, and

your current situation.

information websites, such as

Stow your extra dollars into

DebtorsUnite.org, offer helpful

a savings or money market

information. Beware of “get out

account as an emergency nest

of debt quick” companies that

egg, or “dollar cost average” by

make promises that are too good

putting a set amount of money

to be true. Try to avoid over-

each month into a stock or bond

using your cards by storing them

fund. In addition, routinely save

far away from your wallet, phone

some or all of your financial

and computer so that you’re less

windfalls: tax refunds, birthday

likely to make impulsive credit

gifts and bonuses. The money,

card purchases. Better yet, carry

interest and dividends will add

cash instead of cards because

up over time.

organisations

such

as

the

National Association of Personal Financial Planners (www.napfa. org) or the Financial Planning Association

(www.fpanet.org),

can assist you in finding fee-only or commission-based financial advisors. For information about specific products, such as life insurance, ask for a referral from professionals you currently deal with and trust – such as your auto/home insurance agent.

3. THINK LONG TERM. Retirement may or may not seem far off, but a happy, well-funded retirement won’t happen without longterm

preparation and many

people today retire earlier than expected and without adequate savings.

If

your

retirement

savings efforts are falling short, consider

consulting

with

a

financial professional who can review with you your current financial and insurance needs and recommend actions you can consider to help you reach your goals.

“Preparing for your financial future can be a daunting task, but following these simple tips can make a big difference. The best way to improve your financial health and be prepared for the future is to start today,” Kavanaugh said.

10 | Endeavour Magazine

and

you’re less likely to overspend if you’re handing over cold, hard cash.

monthly

savings.

NEW RESEARCH EXPLORES EFFECTS OF MODERATE FAT DIETS THAT INCLUDE AVOCADOS Study Examines Avocado’s Effects on CVD Risk Factors

A

moderate fat diet that includes one fresh avocado daily showed

HDL-C). The low fat diet did not reduce these ratios, and the

greater improvement in certain blood lipid markers when

reduction with the avocado diet was significantly greater than with

compared to an energy matched moderate fat diet without

the moderate fat diet. Additionally, the avocado diet achieved the

avocado or a low fat diet, according to new research published in

greatest reduction in LDL-cholesterol compared to the low fat diet

the Journal of the American Heart Association.

and moderate fat diet without avocados.

Elevated cholesterol in the blood can increase risk factors

The study offers several possible explanations as to why the

for cardiovascular disease; the number one cause of death in the

moderate fat diet with avocado had a more beneficial effect on

United States and a heart healthy diet can play an important role in

certain biomarkers than the moderate fat diet without avocado,

keeping your cholesterol levels within a normal range. For example,

one of which may be the unique combination of vitamins, minerals,

the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting

fiber, phytosterols, and other dietary bioactives that avocados

saturated fat and replacing it with unsaturated fats and increasing

provide, that were not present in the other two diets. Furthermore,

your intake of fruits and vegetables.

these results are based on the consumption of one whole avocado

The research, “The Effect of a Moderate Fat Diet With and

each day. Additional research is needed to determine whether the

Without Avocados on Lipoprotein Particle Number, Size and

results could be replicated with consumption of the recommended

Subclasses in Overweight and Obese Adults – A Randomized,

serving size of 1/5 of an avocado per day.

Controlled Trial,” conducted at Pennsylvania State University,

“The results of this study suggest that the monounsaturated

evaluated whether incorporating one fresh avocado into the diet

fat and other dietary bioactives in avocados may provide greater

daily for five weeks could reduce bad cholesterol levels more than

benefits to cardiovascular disease risk factors compared to a

a diet that incorporated monounsaturated fat from vegetable oils

calorie matched low fat diet,” said Penny Kris-Etherton, Ph.D., RD,

high in oleic acid as a substitute for one fresh avocado. The diets

lead author of the study. “Furthermore, using novel advanced lipid

were matched for calories and macronutrients, but not for fiber,

testing methods, this study demonstrated that consumption of one

phytosterols, or other bioactives.

avocado a day may affect atherogenic lipoprotein particle numbers

The researchers found that only the avocado diet significantly

(APL).”

improved the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL, or “good” cholesterol

While the conclusions drawn are from a single study that

(TC-HDL/C) and the ratio of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, to HDL-

cannot be generalised to all populations, the study does provide

cholesterol (LDL-C/

further insights on the monounsaturated fat, fiber, phytosterols and other bioactives in avocados that may have a positive effect on CVD biomarkers such as LDL cholesterol in healthy overweight and obese adults. “Avocados, which contain naturally good fats, are a versatile, cholesterol-free and nutrient-dense fruit that can fit into a full range of healthy eating plans. Now we’re adding to the body of evidence suggesting a relationship between avocados and heart health,” said Emiliano Escobedo, executive director of the Hass Avocado Board, which underwrote the study.

LITTLEGATE RACING CLUB’S BARONESS DREAMS COMES 4TH IN DEBUT RACE

T

he horse was ridden by jockey Jimmy Martin, who was sporting silks of blue and white. Baroness Dreams was one of eight runners in the 1950m race at Prix de Saint-Palais on the

24th of January 2015.

She conceded third place near the post coming in fourth place.

Jockey Jimmy Martin felt she had a lot more to give and trainer Bruno de Montzey is really excited with her future.

LAUNCH OF NEW CHARITABLE FOUNDATION FOR THE MARINE INDUSTRY

G

ulfhead is a global leader in the supply and manufacture of

genuine/OEM brand spare parts. The company was founded

marine and industrial spare parts which has also set up a new

by Apostolos Sfakianakis when he identified a need to quickly,

charitable Foundation for the marine industry.

efficiently and cost-effectively meet the urgent requirements of

Since 1986 Gulfhead has been at the forefront of supply of

ship owning and management companies.

Today, Gulfhead’s expertise is in analysing a supply request and offering customers a range of technical solutions to suit their exact project needs. Where necessary they can also provide expert engineers on board ship to resolve any problem whether it is relating to refrigeration, hydraulics or automation. Their aim is to keep ships moving!

With extensive in-house technical resources, Gulfhead is able to supply a wide range of equipment and spare parts including Hydraulics, Refrigeration, Automation, as well as Main Engine Generators and Boilers.

Gulfhead has also recently launched their Educational Foundation Charity called ‘Odyssey’. Led by Michael Sfakianakis, the company’s Managing Director, he has said: ‘What sets Odyssey apart from other charitable organisations is our commitment to work with educational institutions and charities in countries where Gulfhead operates, to identify where money raised can be best spent to maximise educational opportunities for young people’.

Gulfhead will invest 1% of its turnover in educational courses and bursaries with universities in the UK. Additionally Odyssey will work with other key benefactors, partners and supporters to grow

Apostolos and Michael Sfakianakis

12 | Endeavour Magazine

the Odyssey fund for the benefit of the marine industry.

PET PARADISE

D

oes a holiday resort for cats and dogs sound a little whimsical? Perhaps it’s the sort of thing a five year old would dream up before realising just how evil cats are and how complex and deep a dog’s love can be for its family.

Animal healthcare and wellbeing is an industry that continues to see growth every year, as people

invest more money and effort into keeping their beloved pets healthy and happy. In the Western world alone this industry is worth billions in profits and continues to grow as nothing says “I love my pet,” like pampering them senseless.

Enter Pet Paradise’s new luxury pet resort that is set to open in Orlando this year.

Pet Paradise, a Jacksonville-based luxury pet resort company, has leased an 18,000 sq. ft. property at 5601 Butler National Drive in Orlando, about a half-mile from Orlando International Airport (MCO).

The plan is to build 125 suites for dogs and 20 condos for cats, before opening in April 2015 for guests.

The company plans to enhance the facility, adding an in-ground swimming pool, new artificial turf play areas and a covered drop-off portico, providing easy access for customers. The general contractor, Giles McIvor, has designed and built all of the Pet Paradise resorts and has been instrumental in turning scenes like this

into this

With the new Orlando facility, Pet Paradise Resort will have 10 luxury pet resorts in Florida, with a total of 21 resorts in six states and more than 400 employees.

Joy Ruggiero, Pet Paradise, Orlando, Manager, said, “The unique business model for Pet Paradise locates our pet resorts at or near major airports, providing convenient service for air travellers, as well as boarding and day camp services for local customers.”

To give you a scope of what Pet Paradise offers at the state of the art pet resorts, your cat or dog can expect upscale pet boarding and day camp services, a trained staff, 24/7 on-call veterinary services, professional groomers, special luxury suites with a TV, so owners can monitor their pets while travelling, and large swimming pools and play areas for the dogs.

It’s a dog’s life in America.

BOOK REVIEWS

14 | Endeavour Magazine

LEVI’S SOUTH AFRICA 0027 21 403 9400 WWW.LEVI’S.CO.ZA

MAYBE IT’S IN THE JEANS? WRITTEN BY JASON DUNLOP

If you own a pair of jeans you’ve heard of Levi Strauss. Considered by those who wear denim to be the very best in quality and style, this brand can be found in every country across the planet and is the most uniting piece of clothing you’re ever likely to find.

In South Africa, Levi Strauss aims to do more. Not merely satisfied with providing the best quality clothing to its customers, it has dedicated itself to several meaningful causes to create a culture that is suitable for the rainbow nation.

Endeavour Magazine | 15

LEVI’S SOUTH AFRICA

Created in 1873 by a German-American businessman in California, Levi’s are the original, authentic jeans. They are the most widely recognised and imitated clothing products in the history of apparel.

Responsible for capturing the attention and imagination of generation after generation, the style and quality have been unanimously loved.

fter the peaceful democratic elections in 1994 that officially

A

According to Nuholt, Africans are more brand conscious than

heralded the end of Apartheid in South Africa, Levi Strauss

Americans and for them, branding is a sign of a quality and Levi

& Co. was one of the first global companies to re-enter

Strauss has branding, quality and sturdiness all worked in together.

the South African market, where they committed themselves to

Jeans and denims are considered to be ‘rugged’ clothing, built to

empowerment from the very start. The majority of the first staff

last and look better with age. Nuholt went further to illustrate

they hired were previously unemployed or had no prior industry

that Levi Strauss is one of these expressions of status and that

experience. A tally of over 80% of the staff that were given the

the black middle class will play a key part of the company’s growth

opportunity to join a company with a global name and a presence

and that it will also pose interesting challenges to developing and

that was destined to become an ingrained part of South African

customising their product, “Shopping behaviours are different and

culture fell into this category.

branded companies like our own will have to learnt to communicate

Now employing over 400 people, with offices in Cape Town,

differently through our marketing campaigns,”

Johannesburg and Durban, the company continues to make its

Levi Strauss’ only South African manufacturing plant is in Epping,

presence felt. In addition to granting more than R5m to South

Cape Town where 35% of the company’s product is manufactured

African causes, 2015 also sees expansion plans for Levi’s to move

as well as the 40% of what is sold in other African countries. Fabric

further into Africa with an ever growing distribution network

is still imported from abroad, but this hub serves an irreplaceable

Having celebrated their twentieth anniversary of arriving in

role to the business as expansion beyond the borders of SA

South Africa late last year in Epping, where their first and only

began in 2008 and now there are operations in Nigeria, Angola,

factory in SA was built in Cape Town 1994, 2015 has arrived with

Mozambique, Botswana, Ghana, Tanzania and Kenya.

media frenzy and praise for the company. Nuholt Huisamen, South

The gross domestic product of many African nations is growing

African country manager for Levi Strauss & Co was keen to outline

and rising up is a very aspirational marketplace, coming through

how one of the company’s key focuses will be the expansion into

the black middle classes. Leveraging this is one of the reasons why

sub-Saharan Africa where. “It is a market hungry for expressions of

Levi Strauss enjoyed 5% growth in South Africa over the past year,

status with image and brands playing a big role,” he was quoted as

despite what’s been considered as a tough economic climate.

saying.

16 | Endeavour Magazine

African countries offer good growth prospects and excellent

market demographics, something that the company, which is now well over a hundred years old, has seen reflected in many countries who were, at one stage, in a similarly young phase. Despite this, there are still reasons for concerns, many of which come through the underground/unofficial shopping markets that occupy the prolific flea markets and street vendors within Africa. Counterfeit clothing has been recognised as a major problem for Levi’s as it removes more counterfeit clothing from circulation annually than the 2 million original products that it sells. In a recent interview, Nuholt cited a number of things behind this, including corruption, an unstable labour market and high import duties.

“This poses a challenge to all global firms interested in invested in SA,” he said.

Levi Strauss has combatted this through a sensible method of partnering with major outlet stores, like Edgars, as a licensed distributor of their goods and is looking for other methods of overcoming this sort of counterfeiting, to protect the quality that their customers have come to rely upon and the brand itself.

“Quality for our customers is something worth fighting for,” he concludes.

Congratulations to our partners at Levi Strauss & Co. for their 20 years involvement and their most charitable work in South Africa. Here’s to many more years together.

Interior Designer of PANTS & JEANS We are one of the largest suppliers of pocketing in the world.

Yarn Dyes • Prints • Dobbys • Jacquards • Special Finishes US office 37 West 39th Street, Suite 603, New York NY 10018.

Tel: (1 212)819 0008

UK office No.9 Barton Road, Worsley Manchester, M28-2PD, United Kingdom.

Tel: 0044 (0) 7767 790 584

HK office Unit 1611-1613, 16/F, One Midtown, No. 11, Hoi Shing Road, Tsuen Wan, N.T., Hong Kong.

Tel: (852) 27288108

Other branch offices in Tunisia, Bulgaria, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

www.copen-uni.com Endeavour Magazine | 17

18 | Endeavour Magazine

FUCHS LUBRICANTS 0027 11 565 9600 WWW.FUCHSOIL.CO.ZA

SMOOTHLY GROWING WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

The acquisition of two companies in 2014 and the expansion of their home base has seen Fuchs Lubricants double in size for 2015 and set the pace for the remainder of this year. One of the companies that I have had the pleasure of working with regularly over the years, it never fails to impress me how this company continues to surpass expectations despite some of the toughest economic times South Africa has ever faced.

Endeavour Magazine | 19

FUCHS LUBRICANTS

To remind you, Fuchs Lubricants is a company with a reputation for

delivering operational efficiency across the mining and manufacturing sectors and amongst Major league auto clients such as Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen. The lubricating oil that stops machinery from seizing and freezing into useless statues is what they represent. But the company has doubled since we last spoke and with it too has its reputation., but how? ”Customer focus, backed by strong technical expertise and a very wide range of OEM-accepted and approved products, gives our customers a fantastic peace of mind,” John Anderson, Fuchs SA’s Automotive OEM Manager said previously.

Little Gate Publishing Ad 2015.pdf

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2015/01/29

3:24 PM

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subsidiary of the Manheim, Germany, based parent, Fuchs SA is the ninth biggest of the company’s thirty-four global production plants and the largest non-fuel lubricant supplier

in South Africa with around 8% of market share.

In this sector the competition is fierce, where major fuel companies produce lubricants as a by-produce of their fuel blending plants, making them aggressive in their attempts to gain market share, especially within South Africa. While across the border the situation is less competitive, with many of the major companies moving out of Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and operating through agents, Fuchs is still pitched against giants like Shell, BP and Engen/Petronas but specialisation and customer orientation are defining features of the Fuchs business and this has always been an advantage for them, as is their focus, which until the recent merger, has been solely on the lubrication industry.

Preferring the title of master of the industry rather than a jackof-all-trades it has always stood them in good stead as they are recognised as the leaders in this market.

As John said in his last interview, “The major fuel competitors ahead of us sometimes make decisions that, from a lubricants perspective, don’t seem to make sense. But since they have massive fuel interests they don’t appear to suffer too much as a result.

We have to make the right decisions – and with our customers very much in mind to ensure they continue to buy the very best lubricants.”

20 | Endeavour Magazine

FUCHS LUBRICANTS

ONGOING GROWTH Fuchs is far more customer-focused than their bigger competitors, emphasising the importance of face-to-face selling and to support this they empower their staff to make their own decisions, “We don’t micro manage,” John explains.

Backing them is a strong, experienced and highly qualified technical team, which ensures that the customer stays happy from a technical, as well as lead-time and delivery perspective.

Unsurprisingly, customer retention is high with attrition miniscule, a Fuchs SA characteristic replicated among its staff where the average length of service in the sales and technical teams is eighteen years. “The fuel and lubricant sector tends to have a lot of personnel movement whereas we have a lot of expertise in-house and tend to keep it,” John explained, “This leads back to client retention, with the customer used to seeing the same dependable

and attests that the strong customer focus and lack of anonymity is refreshing and enjoyable. Being able to make a decision autonomously, for the good of the customer and have it backed internally is a benefit to the smooth running of a business. If it’s good for the customer it’s the right decision.

John’s biggest customers are Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and John Deere and Fuchs SA has returned ten per cent plus year-onyear growth over the last decade. “We see this continuing in South Africa with double digit volume and revenue growth. This will be backed heavily by the global focus put on us through the OEM business, with the South African organisation part of the team that’s on this journey of getting closer to OEMs. Fuchs puts up shop wherever the OEMs go.”

WHAT HAS DOUBLED THEIR SIZE?

faces again and again. At the same time, we take in a lot of new

No stranger to growth, Fuchs SA has expanded several times

blood such as young people who we train and mentor – another

in the past but never at this scale. Patience and precision have

key advantage for us.”

always been a credit to Fuchs and in their years of developing

Fuchs SA is a career magnet for senior personnel among the

specialty-based products solely within the lube industry they have

big players. John Anderson has been in the industry for seventeen

become the go-to-company for some of the biggest names in the

years and with Fuchs, coming on three, having arrived from Shell

mechanical vehicle world. However, this does not mean that they

22 | Endeavour Magazine

are adverse to growth and expansion into new areas, they are just

manufacturing and their involvement is increasing the number of

very selective of where and what they do.

grease kettles from one that was previously owned by Fuchs, to

Their mining products were niche and focused on underground mining but in September 2014, they purchased a specialised

eight. So the production capacity, as well as storage, has had to be increased.

manufacturer of open cast gear lube, Lubritene and an associated sub company Lubrasa who are a manufacturer of food graded lubricants.

2015 This year is setting up to be a very busy year. Consolidating

“We bought in two companies to help expand the portfolio,”

a merger and integrating staff together into a workable team is a

explains Mitch Launspach, Chief Commercial Sales Manager who I

challenge for any company, but John and Mitch are both positive

spoke with regarding the new developments, “We had no expertise

about the future and approaching it with the quiet confidence and

and no product range for open cast mining and while we did have

hard working approach that has always made Fuchs Oil a favourite.

our own food grade products, they were imported and tended to

“There is a lot of integration between open cast and underground

be expensive. So all in all this was a handy acquisition, allowing

mining divisions,” Mitch says, “Which gives us a lot of additional

us to have a local in-house manufacturer that can offer the same

potential customers.”

quality but greater expertise and skill.”

As their sales force has grown, they will have the capacity for

As Lubritene and Lubrasa would add approximately 100 new

further growth through sales, for automotive and run of the mill.

staff to Fuchs SA, bringing their overall employment number up to

As Fuchs will be incorporating the customer lists of Lubritene and

over 230, the decision was quickly made to enter into an expansion

Lubrasa into their own, they are opening up brand new marketing

period for the company’s offices, “We had to expand the office

and sales potential, “It’s a great opportunity not only to take on a

space, obviously, as well as the blending capacities of the company.”

very well respected company, but also to open new potential for

Lubritene, Mitch explains, is very focused on grease

current products.”

Endeavour Magazine | 23

24 | Endeavour Magazine

ANGLO ASIAN MINING PLC 00994 12 596 3350 WWW.ANGLOASIANMINING.COM

DIGGING DEEP FOR 2015 WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

With cash generation not being a problem, thanks to the profitable gold and copper mining operations across Azerbaijan, Anglo Asian Mining Plc is in an enviable position for 2015 and is setting the tone and standard for the industry. We spoke with Chief Financial Officer, Bill Morgan, regarding the company’s future and the developments in the past year that have set the pace for the company and its 500 staff.

Endeavour Magazine | 25

ANGLO ASIAN MINING PLC

“Our company started in the mid-1990’s,” Bill explains, “focussing

on precious metal and copper production. Initial production was by heap leach and was expanded by the building of an agitated leach plant.”

H

e goes on to explain that the company produces copper as a

“There are a number of key projects we are involved with,” Bill

by-product but plan to expand further into copper production,

reveals, “Gosha is being developed as a high grade, underground

by building a flotation plant in 2015.

gold mine with a target of 20,000 ounces over five years. We also

The company’s flagship Gedabek gold and copper mine, which

is located in western Azerbaijan, is an open pit, heap and agitation

have a third pipeline project, Ordubad which is an early stage goldcopper exploration play located in the Nakhchivan region.”

leach operation. Producing 52,068 ounces of gold, according to the

Then there is the construction of the flotation plant at the

statistics and analysis on their website. The mine also has a JORC

Gedabek mine. This will act as a pilot plant to assess the viability of

compliant resource of 1.12M oz Au in the measured and indicated

future full-scale copper production and will initially look to process

category and a JORC Reserve estimate of 744,038 oz Au both

379,000 tonnes of stockpiled high copper content sulphide ore

proven and probable.

to produce a copper and precious metal concentrate. Operating

Additionally, through processes of sulphidisation, acidification,

alongside Gedabek’s existing agitation and heap leaching operations,

recycling and thickening, Gedabek produces copper that is

which already produce gold and silver within the estimated costs,

recovered in the form of a precipitated copper sulphide concentrate

including capital works and ancillary equipment, is estimated to be

containing silver that has a commercial value.

around US$3.5 million of negotiation with Pasha Bank Azerbaijan,

With all of their operations focussed on Azerbaijan, Anglo Asian Mining have a second gold-copper mining project name Gosha, located 50 kilometers from Gedabek in the west of the region.

26 | Endeavour Magazine

who have agreed to finance the turnkey construction contract of US$2.7 million.

“It is expected that the financing will be repaid from sales of

ANGLO ASIAN MINING PLC

concentrate of copper and precious metal produced by the plant

plant would establish the feasibility of constructing a full-scale

processing existing stockpiles of high sulphide ore,” Bill indicates.

plant, with the potential to add significant copper production

Anglo Asian’s success is founded in partnering with the right

to their current levels, “At present we have 379,000 tonnes of

businesses, who are able to go beyond the call of duty. As is the

sulphide ore with a high copper content in stockpile at Gedabek

case with the construction company YPT who were appointed to

which is suitable for processing by flotation.”

construct the flotation plant after they worked with Anglo Asia

The flotation plant at Gedabek is an organic development for

previously for the construction of the agitation leaching plant at

the company and the answer to the difficulties that arise from

Gedabek, which was built for $7million under budget in 2013.

recovering gold from the Gedabek mine, due to the high copper

Scheduled to be operation in the third quarter of 2015, a new

content of the ore mined. What could have been considered a

detailed life of mine plan for Gedabek has been developed to

contamination by a less innovative company resulted in Anglo

assess both the copper and gold cut-off grades which is expected

Asian Mining reappraising its business plans for the mine with the

to be finalised in January 2015.

belief that they had uncovered an attractive opportunity to produce

CEO of Anglo Asia, Reza Vaziri is quoted as saying, “The

commercially viable amounts of copper using the flotation plant to

construction of this small-scale flotation plant is an exciting new

process the sulphide ore, “This will add a further production stream

development in the growth of Anglo Asian as we look to exploit

to enhance Anglo Asian’s production profile as a leading precious

the full potential of the copper resource at Gedabek,” he said, “In

metals and copper producer in Caucasia,” Bill related.

conjunction with increasing our precious metal production, we

The Company currently has a stockpile of sulphide ore with a

believe this will be an important first step in Anglo Asian’s transition

high copper content totalling 379,000 tonnes. A mixture of several

into becoming a major producer of copper which will be an addition

precious minerals, the ore possesses an estimated average metal

to producing precious metals.”

content of 2.12 grams per tonne of gold, 20.2 grams per tonne of

Vaziri added that the successful operation of this small-scale

28 | Endeavour Magazine

silver and 0.61 per cent of copper. Suitable for concentration, this

46

stockpile will be processed in the new flotation plant once it has been crushed at their crushing plant.

nsp g Tra

Once processed and prepared, the copper concentrate is destined for Industrial Minerals SA, a Swiss company who already have a contract with Anglo Asian to purchase the copper concentrate that is produced as a process by-product in the SART

ort

rade T d an

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plant and are prepared to purchase the future productions from the flotation plant.

Following a decline in the prices of precious metals, Anglo Asian has taken on a period of growth and investment, in preparation for the inevitable revival of the market. With this in mind, the company has invested in strengthening its foundation of location, machinery and techniques as well as adding significant layers to existing relationships with suppliers and buyers. Bill explains that as Azerbaijan is not a major mining country, Anglo Asian have limited competition and are free to set the bar at a level that is comfortable for them. They have, however, made decisions and designed strategies to ensure that their position is a strong and immutable one.

Shipping Liner Agency | Tramp and Port Agency

Freight Forwarding & Logistics

Ocean Freight Forwarding | Air Freight Forwarding | Land Freight Forwarding | Warehousing & Distribution | Supply Chain Management

Port Logistics and Chartering Port Logistics | Chartering & Brokerage

Catoni & Co. Georgia as agents of Hapag-Lloyd 7 Dz. Zubalashvilebi Str. Tbilisi, Georgia , 0108 Tel: +995 (32) 2922622/2989230 | Cell: +995 595 904670 | Fax: +995 (32) 2922264 E-mail: tzuriashvili@catoni.com.ge

www.catoni.com.tr | www.hapag-lloyd.com

Endeavour Magazine | 29

30 | Endeavour Magazine

GRU AIRPORT 0055 11 2445-2945 WWW.GRU.COM.BR

FLYING HIGH WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

Building, maintaining and developing an international airport capable of satisfying the needs and wants of Brazil is no mean feat, but GRU Airport, based in São Paulo has more than risen to the challenge.

Endeavour Magazine | 31

GRU AIRPORT

Initially founded in 1985, GRU Airport has just celebrated 30 years of

successful operation, with the last three years being under new, private administration. The concession contract that led to the private takeover has been primarily focused on increasing capacity, as Miguel Dau, Director of Operations at GRU Airport explains, “At the beginning of the concession the big challenge was to expand operational areas, increase the airport’s capacity and thus offer greater comfort to passengers. Within this context, in only 19 months, we were able to increase the airport’s capacity from 30 million to 42 million passengers a year. With the opening of Terminal 3, we doubled the terminal area from 191,000 square meters to 387,000 square meters.”

I

mpressive expansion, but this is not the sum total of expansion developments which have been undertaken, “We also built a garage building in only seven months, adding

another 2,644 parking spaces for cars. Since the beginning of our administration, in 2012, the number of parking spaces has leapt from 3,900 to 8,000. Two new aprons were also built, increasing the number of aircraft stands from 80 to 124 and our boarding bridges increased from 25 to 45, providing more comfort to passengers during arrival and departure.”

The implementation of a private administration appears to have entirely transformed the GRU Airport and what is clear is that customers, their safety and satisfaction, remain at the forefront of any new plans, “The main focus of the Concessionaire is to manage the airport, especially for the provision of adequate and safe infrastructures which serve as a platform for passenger air transportation.”

Naturally, however, in order to stay at the top of the industry, a certain element of diversification is necessary, something with the management team have not inly identified, but actively addressed, “The airport business is comprised of many areas which can be commercially explored. Airport revenue is divided into two sources: aeronautical (passenger boarding fees) and non-aeronautical revenue (commercial, cargo, real estate development, parking lots and advertising space). These are the main business areas of the Concessionaire.”

In order to fully understand exactly how far the GRU Airport has come, it is vital to understand that until 2012, just three short years

32 | Endeavour Magazine

ago, all airports located in Brazil came under the control of a state-

the best there is in airport infrastructure.”

owned company called Infraero. This naturally led to a homogenous

With dramatically improved facilities on offer, GRU has not

approach to airport management, resulting in stifled progress and

neglected other areas that were ripe for development. With a team

diminished development, but thanks to the private management

of 1750 dedicated employees, all of whom are trained in accordance

initiative, six locations, including GRU are now enjoying a far

with a specifically designed position matrix, GRU Airport is able to

more enthusiastic and business-forward administration. Miguel

make light work of living up to its primary objective,

expanding further,

“To be a reference in our industry, distinguishing ourselves

“In taking over the management of airports, the private initiative

for valuing people and guaranteeing their safety, for having our

also committed to a series of expansion and improvement projects,

customers’ preferences in mind and for our exemplary conduct and

as per the concession contracts, with very tight delivery deadlines.

superior business results.”

In Guarulhos, for example, the Concessionaire had to build a new

Even in this day and age, with large businesses striving to

12 million passenger terminal in less than 2 years, as well as take

maintain loyal client bases, it is astonishing to encounter an

on other construction projects to increase parking capacity and

organization that is so clearly and genuinely concerned with

aprons. This was no doubt a big challenge for the Concessionaire

customer satisfaction. Speaking with Miguel about the importance

and all the other airports that came under the private initiative.”

of client happiness, he was emphatic,

GRU appears to have leapt at the chance to improve its facilities, feeling enthused rather than intimidated by stringent deadlines,

“It is very important for us to receive feedback from our customers regarding service levels, be it from a passenger, a store owner or

“The end of the monopoly in the airport sector opened up an

an airline. It’s pointless to provide a service if we don’t receive

extremely competitive market, with very strong players all striving

assessment from those who use it. With passengers, for example,

for the same goal; to make their airports attractive for new airlines

we use a monthly satisfaction survey to identify improvement

and businesses. This means that from now on we will see great

areas, which allows us to flag up action areas to improve quality.

advances in the county’s aviation sector, driven, above all, by strong

In a similar manner, we are in constant communication with airlines

competition and the need to equip Brazil´s various terminals with

to identify infrastructure and operational deficiencies. But it is a

Endeavour Magazine | 33

GRU AIRPORT two-way-street and we also want store owners and airlines to offer

to obtain code “F” certification, so that the airport is capable of

quality services, because when all is said and done, we all have the

receiving the largest aircrafts in the world. Additionally, the airport’s

same customer, the passenger.”

master plan foresees a series of projects, especially in the area of

Despite the impressive strides forward already made by the new administration team at GRU, they harbor no illusions about

real estate development, with hotels, corporate towers, convention centers and other constructions.”

there still being much to be done, stating that it is impossible to

Unsurprisingly, these improvements are being implemented to

entirely overhaul a 30-year old airport in just a few short years.

raise the profile of GRU to such an extent that it will rival world

They remain confident, however, that when all improvement plans

leaders in the airport industry,

have been carried out, GRU will be recognized throughout the world as a state of the art, exemplar facility.

“Our goal is to place GRU among the main airports in the world, not only in regards to passenger and flight traffic, but also, most

In a bid to stay ahead of its competition, GRU is looking to

importantly, when it comes to service levels and infrastructure

emerging markets, such as Africa, the Caribbean and Asia, with

excellence. In a way, we accomplished this with the inauguration

a view to offering increased international flight destinations in

of terminal 3, but the project also requires the renovation of the

response to a tangible demand. As GRU states,

old terminals. Once TPS1 and TPS2 have been remodeled, we are

“Connectivity is a core element for economic and social development and GRU is the right place to fly into.”

certain that Guarulhos will feature among the best airports in the world.”

In addition to looking further afield, destination-wise, what

We have absolutely no doubt that these ambitions will be

other developments are on the horizon for the already significantly

realized as the team at GRU is clearly invested in more than mere

improved site? Miguel gladly opened up about current plans,

site renovation. Never losing sight of what is truly important and

“In October 2014, we began the modernization of terminals 1

who they are improving facilities and services for, the administration

and 2, to bring them to the same infrastructure level of the new

team at GRU has unquestionably crowned its customers as king

terminal, T3. The project should be completed by the second

and all that remains is to build a suitable throne.

semester of 2016. We also started renovating the runway system,

34 | Endeavour Magazine

36 | Endeavour Magazine

DE KEYSER THORNTON GROUP 0032 3205 3100 WWW.DKT.BE

HOW ONE OF THE OLDEST COMPANIES KEEPS OPENING DOORS WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

Although the official paperwork states they began operations in 1953, it was 1848 when the company that would become De Keyser Thornton Group began operations, making it one of the oldest and largest privately owned shipping agencies in Antwerp.

Endeavour Magazine | 37

DE KEYSER THORNTON GROUP

Originally responsible for shipping blocks of ice from glaciers in

Norway to Antwerp, where they were used in basements by restaurateurs and wealthy home owners to keep their meats and vegetables from spoiling, their start was a prodigious one and soon led to them becoming a shipping agent, which evolved into chartering and ship management to finally becoming the group of companies it is today, which currently represents seven different businesses covering logistics from shipping, brokering, forwarding and logistics.

C

hief Commercial Officer, Sven De Meester, was on hand to

project cargoes and chemicals.

discuss some of the particulars of the company, which has

“Our growth has continued,” Sven reveals, “With new businesses

played such an intricate part in the industry across of Europe.

being set up in other countries as we determinedly grow into new

“The industry is facing some trouble at the moment,” he says,

countries and open up new opportunities for ourselves.”

“But since we began, our company has overcome many hurdles,

Not leaving any opportunity unexplored, DKT Group are also

found opportunities in many new areas and our secret is investing

members of a number of worldwide organisations such as the

inwards, training and developing our staff and being receptive to

Multiport Independent Ship Agencies Network and the Aerocen

new opportunities and ideas.”

Network (AON). These affiliations provide a network of contacts

Liner agency duties are still the core business, but the De Keyser

around the world, all of whom have proven records of quality and

Thornton Group (DKT Group) has expanded over its long life and

reliability, “Having contacts and relationships with such a wide

today offers a range of transport related services. Sven explains

selection of prominent businesses means that when we see a new

that in addition to shipping agency services, they are active in a

opportunity we are in the position to explore it fully and invest time

number of logistics related fields including chartering, shipment

and resources into should we need to.”

management and tramp-agency, forward and warehousing,

It is also the strength of this network, combined with the

container logistics, trucking and intermodal transport, “Our range

incredibly strong financial backbone of the company, that has

of activities enables us to offer a completely integrated service to

helped it weather a number of storms that have come their way

our customers; a one stop shop for their needs,”

over recent years.

Much organic growth led the company’s expansion and diversity

Sven is candid about where logistics stands in the mind of

for over two centuries until the early part of the 21st century

business owners, “It is often their last thought,” he says, “The

which saw a sudden thrust of growth. This began in 2000 when

economic downturn for logistics has put Europe into a very slow

the DKT Group joined the ranks of Naxco, a leading French group

growth period and businesses have taken to cutting costs in

that also specialises in shipping and transport related activities,

production of their products and only think about who is shipping

which practically overnight opened up even more doors to them,

these products as an afterthought. Often the very last thought. “

“Thanks to this alliance, we are in a position to extend our services

This has created a price war between DKT Group and their

further afield than just Belgian ports, into ports in France and the

competition and added to this is shipping contracts into the middle

Netherlands,”

east and North Africa being hit by the Ebola outbreak, which led to

In 2002, the current CEO Philip Van Telburgh joined the

a number of ports and harbours being summarily closed to prevent

company and Sven says he has been instrumental in driving

outbreaks. While this may have helped in stopping the spread of

the business into new fields and sectors. In 2006 DKT Group

the virus, it also prevented trade from entering countries at a time

acquired two companies, Unamar and Trimar, both of which were

when it was most needed. Before Ebola, the Egyptian riots caused

Antwerp liner agencies known for their enviable reputation, which

a great deal of trouble as they couldn’t access the necessary ports

was another boost for their ultimate reach. This was followed in

and the on-going trouble in Syria and Libya has provided a number

2008 when DKT Group took over the activities and staff at SBTC

of hurdles for the company to scale.

Sotramar, a renowned Antwerp forwarder specialising mainly in 38 | Endeavour Magazine

While smaller businesses have been unable to cope with such

DE KEYSER THORNTON GROUP

issues that have an effect across the entire industry, DKT Group

technology is readily available, but only support what Sven explains

have a deeply ingrained philosophy of looking for the opportunity

is DKT Group’s most valuable asset; their staff.

in every obstacle. Thanks to this, they have found themselves in a

“Our staff are all experienced and highly skilled,” he says,

position to further develop their trade routes, create partnerships

“We recruit both professionals in the industry with a quantifiable

with new businesses and test their ability to excel. Of course one

background and newcomers who require training. The combination

of the clear benefits is the trial by fire that has seen a number of

of this, with the best tools available, allows us to face any challenges

smaller businesses close doors and hand over clients, while DKT

that the marketplace can throw at us today or tomorrow, while

Group has been able to rely on its foundations of reputation,

giving our clients the very best quality service that they have come

position and financial strength that have been hardened since the

to expect.”

19th century.

Like a vast network of roots, the relationships that DKT Group

“Some opportunities are clearer than others,” Sven tells us, “For

has established over its long life have given it massive clout when

example, our industry is known for being one of the worst polluters,

it comes to delivering on their promises. They know the value of a

thanks to heavy vessels using a lot of fuel. Many companies have

well protected and healthy relationship and as such, Sven points out

introduced a low sulphur surcharge which has seen older ships

that after-sales is crucial to their business, as much of what they do

being scrapped.”

relies on repeat custom. Of course there are certain key elements

He goes on to explain that while not all clients are aware of the

that he says are used to ensure the best result, “Competitiveness,

issues facing them, which include new vessels and fuel, there is a

personal face to face service and our ability to provide innovative,

difference between being aware of a problem and trying to solve

out of the box solutions,” he lists quickly, “Also, that we aren’t afraid

it, but this has placed DKT Group into the position where they are

to go the extra mile for our customers. A client that knows they can

having to change and develop for a good reason, “Inevitably putting

trust you to get the job done will always return.”

ourselves in a better position, for tomorrow.”

State of the art computer systems and cutting edge new

40 | Endeavour Magazine

Speaking of returns, what can we expect of DKT Group from the forthcoming years? Sven is very optimistic, “We have opened

a new company in the UK, something that we’ve built up from

warehousing | chemical storage stevedoring | transport

scratch DKT All Seas UK, based in Britain, that will play a significant role in helping us further develop our scope of business.”

He explains that as a business, they have to remain realistic and that doors can close as often as they open and while you have organic growth, you can also have organic loss, “This shedding is vital to keep things efficient,” he explains, “and we work hard to ensure that our growth compensates the loss.”

He mentions how working with Eurochem has given them access to 400 extra vessels and a number of as-yet unexplored ports in which they can ply their trade and build new relationships with new customers and reaffirm old relationships with current ones.

“In addition,” he adds, “We continually aim to build on our vast diversity of clients and principles and to create synergy between ourselves. This keeps us in the best position when it comes to new opportunities, to ensure that we continually have positive organic growth. When an opportunity arrives, you want to make sure you have sure footing to make the best leap possible.”

T +032 (0)3 303 12 30 Trancontinentaalweg 6 2030 Antwerpen, Belgium mn@mexiconatie.be www.mexiconatie.com

Endeavour Magazine | 41

42 | Endeavour Magazine

DHI-DCW 0086 411 8685 2187 WWW.DHIDCW.COM

HEAVY INDUSTRY WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

Endeavour speaks to DHI-DCW Projects Manager, Michael Qu, about setting the standard for the heavy metals industry and the upcoming contracts that will keep them at the forefront of a highly competitive arena.

Endeavour Magazine | 43

DHI-DCW

The result of a harmonious union between the Dalian Heavy Industry Group and DCW Group Co, DHI-DCW was formed in 2001, bringing together two impressive legacies of knowledge, experience and client satisfaction.

A

s a united organisation, the possibilities for existing client sectors, including energy production, mining, traffic and transport appeared endless, but DHI-DCW was keen to add

new specialties, as Michael Qu explained, “Though we, of course, still kept a strict focus on the areas we already supplied, recently we are also looking to focus on providing equipment for the area of ‘new energy’, such as wind turbines and polar cranes for nuclear power stations.“ He goes on to further explain, “In addition to regular equipment supply, DHI-DCW is trying to provide clients with an inclusive service, so not only equipment for material transfer. In the case of electric power stations or ports, for example, we could be engineering the whole wider system, not only transfer equipment but also the water, drainage, structure and lighting, to name just a few. We have the capability to contract turn key projects and provide clients with products and service that will leave them satisfied.”

Quite a mantle to live up to, but there is little doubt that the company can not only shoulder this new responsibility but also complete such tasks to an exemplar standard. The question has to be asked, however, where does this confidence come from? The answer is clear; years of delighted clients and a determination to never be left behind in this competitive industry. Though the core activities of DHI-DCW are currently the timely supply of reliable material-handling and port machinery, it is fast becoming clear that the organisation has the talent, drive and tenacity to begin manufacturing such equipment, rather than merely commissioning

44 | Endeavour Magazine

and supplying it. With clients throughout the world always looking to streamline processes and simplify buying protocols, this could be a much-needed solution and a lucrative development.

With new products and services being added to an already impressive repertoire, is the industry is remaining buoyant, despite recent economic turbulence? “In light of the world economic troubles, we have suffered a lot, as has everyone. Orders were obviously reduced, but with our advanced technology and quality as strong as they are, alongside our steadfast competitiveness, we have remained strong in the market. Now, we are looking to identify ways of improving our product, while waiting for economic stability to be reinstated throughout the world.�

It sounds as though the team it DHI-DCW is a united force in the face of recent market downturns, but how integral are they for the continued success of the company? “We have more than 6000 staff now and we teach them all the same basic principle; everybody for the company, the company for everybody. We want our staff to be united; in order to make the company better and at the same time, the company can then give them a fantastic return. We hope the members of staff feel at home in DHI-DCW and we recognise that the company is like a car;

Endeavour Magazine | 45

DHI-DCW

with one bolt broken, it cannot be driven normally. Every person, in

strategy, so our product will always be special and customised to

every position, is very important to us.”

them. Before any contract is signed, we will talk with tour client

With such an emotive declaration as to the crucial role that every member of staff plays in the continuation of DHI-DCW, it

to familiarise ourselves with their thoughts and give them some professional advice to optimise their chosen product.”

stands to reason that customer satisfaction will be held in equally

With such immense consideration and professionalism in place,

high regard. Naturally, any large corporation looking to remain at

clients must be lining up to work with DHI-DCW, surely? Well, the

the top of its chosen field will have a comprehensive customer

answer is a categorical yes. Qu is keen to tell us about the year

service charter in place, but there is a sense that going above and

ahead,

beyond is the norm at DHI-DCW.

“One of the most exciting things for us now, is our equipment

“We always believe that achieving exactly what the customer

supply for the Australian Roy Hill project. The equipment, which is

wants will help us to win future projects, so we can often be found

applauded by our client, has to conform to Australian standards,

communicating with clients, to ask their opinion about our products

which are the most stringent in the world of engineering and

and suggestions for our future innovations. Having this direct input

manufacture. We are using modular assembly and delivery, as a way

makes them feel amazingly valued and when we produce what they

to help the client reduce assembly and commissioning time when

have suggested, they are always delighted.”

the equipment is delivered. We have charged our finest engineers

Qu goes on to say,

to formulate the modular assembly and delivery plan, as well as

“Heavy machinery comprises of thousands of parts and small

expanding our manufacturing plant specifically for the task. This is

mistakes cannot always be totally avoided, so we have a special

the first time that DHI-DCW has done such a thing, but we wish

after-sales team in place, ready to handle these matters and we

to make the modular assembly method a regular feature to give

promise to solve customers’ problems efficiently and with high

customers more choice.”

quality solutions. Making customers’ wishes come true is our only

46 | Endeavour Magazine

Though the team at DHI-DCW may wish to be modest, they

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We produce a full range an assortment of Quick R top-quality, excellent pe

are also in the much-coveted position of also working with Vale SA. With plans already in motion to increase the fleet of gargantuan Valemax ships, Vale was keen to work with only the best, which, of

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course, includes DHI-DCW. With an exemplar company reputation

100 YEARS YOUNG!

in place, Vale extends its conformity to quality to its impressive

Congratulations from NEMAG Grabs to Dalian Huarui Heavy Industry with this outstanding achievement!

NEMAG Grabs of The Netherlands is proud to be supplier of grabs and related products to Dalian Huarui Heavy Industry International Co. LTD for VALE project in Malaysia, as well as the VALE Santos-Brazil project.

NEMAG Grabs (90 years young) specializes in large bulk handling grabs for high occupancy degree grab unloaders. Innovation, highest productivity and reliability are key words for us. Have a look at our website www.nemag.com We wish Dalian Huarui Heavy Industry a succesfull and bright future.

armada of mega ships, which is set to increase by a staggering sixteen more, making it the largest fleet in the world. DHI-DCW was a natural choice to be part of the expansion realisation team and will demonstrate exactly how and why they have risen to the top of heavy industry.

DHI-DCW has everything in place to remain not only buoyant, but also hugely successful. What really sets it apart, however, is the small-business approach to customer service, staff development and quality. Nothing is overlooked or swallowed up by the enormity of the organisation; every facet of every project is carefully considered and even more considerately carried out and it is this attention to detail that makes DHI-DCW the leaders of heavy industry.

Zierikzee | The Netherlands |

nemag congratulates

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Endeavour Magazine | 47

AUTOMOTIVES REINVENTING THE CAR SINCE 1886: MERCEDES-BENZ F 015 LUXURY IN MOTION We’ve waited decades, but the cars from Demolition Man and Timecop are finally here!

WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

T

he F 015 Luxury in Motion is a research vehicle and vision

considerations. Just as the 1886 Benz Patent Motor Car and its

of the future of autonomous driving that was unveiled at the

successors revolutionised personal mobility and, as a consequence,

Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, on the 6th

society as a whole, the first self-driving cars will also bring about

January 2015.

major changes.

“Anyone who focuses solely on the technology has not yet

FORERUNNER OF A MOBILITY REVOLUTION With the S 500 INTELLIGENT DRIVE and the Future Truck 2025, Mercedes-Benz has already made the vision of autonomous driving become reality. The new research vehicle, F 015 Luxury in Motion, had its world premiere at the Consumer Electronics Show and provides a concrete example of the visionary ideas the company is developing, with regards to the autonomous driving

grasped how autonomous driving will change our society. The car is growing beyond its role as a mere means of transport and will ultimately become a mobile living space,” explains Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

EXPRESSIVE FORERUNNER OF A MOBILITY REVOLUTION

of the future. With this self-driving luxury saloon, Mercedes-Benz

With the huge amount of space in its lounge-like interior, the

illustrates how the car is growing beyond its role as a mere means

Mercedes-Benz F 015 Luxury in Motion takes the concepts of

of transport and will, ultimately, become a private retreating space.

comfort and luxury to a new level. Every facet of the vehicle reflects

This new way of travelling gives passengers the freedom to use

perfectly the Mercedes way of interpreting the terms “modern

their valuable time on the road in manifold ways.

luxury”, emotion and intelligence. This innovative four-seater is a

Progressing from the self-propelled (“automotive”) to the selfreliant (“autonomous”) vehicle, Mercedes-Benz, as a pioneer, goes

forerunner of a mobility revolution and this is immediately apparent from its futuristic appearance.

far beyond the purely technical realisation of automated driving.

It is obvious that the F 015 represents the vision of a brand new

The company’s experts also have to anticipate different outlooks

vehicle concept just from its unusual proportions (length/width/

and social trends and people are always at the centre of such

height: 5220/2018/1524 millimetres), its seamless, monolithic

48 | Endeavour Magazine

exterior and its large LED light modules at the front and rear. A

ice-white nappa leather contrast with clearly-defined metal and

range of different lighting functions can be provided through these

glass surfaces, with a cool and technical feel.

LED fields, while at the same time, the vehicle communicates and

The pivotal feature of the innovative interior concept is the

interacts with the outside world by means of the LED fields. These

variable seating system, with four rotating lounge chairs that

LED fields show, for example, if the F 015 is driving autonomously

allow a face-to-face seat configuration. In order to make getting

(blue) or is controlled manually (white).

in and out of the car easier, the electrically powered seats also

The low-slung front end, smooth and streamlined roof line,

swing outwards by 30 degrees as soon as the doors are opened. If

flat front windscreen and road-hugging rear end give the F 015

necessary, the driver and front-seat passenger can also turn their

Luxury in Motion an extended and decidedly dynamic silhouette.

eyes and attention towards the front – a pre-requisite for manual

The F 015 Luxury in Motion’s unusually large wheelbase of 3610

driving. To this end, the steering wheel extends automatically from

millimetres in combination with its short overhangs clearly show

the dashboard. (Timecop/Demolition Man)

that the design focus was on providing the maximum possible space for the passengers.

The leather-covered cushions of the lounge chairs are set in curved mounts of highly-polished aluminium. Each seating mount has a contrasting light band of blue LED lights and can also be

A LOUNGE-LIKE INTERIOR WITH AN ATMOSPHERE OF WELL-BEING

manually swivelled.

One key aspect of the research car is the continuous exchange of information between vehicle, passengers and the outside world.

In the interior of the F 015 Luxury in Motion, the designers

This is facilitated by six display screens which are harmoniously

have created a lounge-like space with a feel good ambience

integrated into the instrument panel, as well as the rear and side

characterised by elegance, quality and light. Sensual, flowing

panels, which turn the interior of the F 015 Luxury in Motion into a

transitions and warm, organic materials, such as open-pore walnut

digital arena. Passengers can interact intuitively with the connected

wood shaped into a three-dimensional veneer and extremely soft

vehicle through gestures, eye-tracking or by touching the highEndeavour Magazine | 49

resolution screens. Sensors recognise the passengers’ hands and

fixing them firmly to the roof frame and side skirts. The resulting

offer them user interfaces, within convenient reach, that present

composite load path allows an extremely high amount of energy

appropriate operating options for each particular situation. Particle

to be absorbed in the event of frontal or side impact, with minimal

streams on the displays visualise the vehicle’s movement.

intrusion into the passenger compartment.

REVOLUTIONARY VEHICLE STRUCTURE

passive safety concept. The crash-responsive beltlines underneath

The doors themselves have a crucial role to play in the vehicle’s

The high-strength body of the F 015 Luxury in Motion ensures

the side windows are vital here. The PRE-SAFE® Structure,

optimum safety and supreme comfort for its passengers. At the

previously unveiled on the ESF 2009 Experimental Safety Vehicle

same time, the body shell structure provides the ideal basis for the

and now further enhanced, offers maximum safety while taking up

door concept, making getting in and out especially easy and for the

minimum space. In a side-on collision, these bodywork elements

communication-oriented seating featuring four lounge chairs in a

“inflate” in an instant, just like an airbag, allowing them to absorb as

face-to-face arrangement.

much impact energy as possible.

New materials and structures were used to develop the highly

The F 015 Luxury in Motion body shell was designed to allow

efficient “Smart Body Structure (SBS)” of the F 015. By cleverly

the impact-protected integration of an electric drive system with

combining carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), aluminium and

fuel cells. This is based on the pioneering F-CELL PLUG-IN HYBRID

high-strength steel, in a way that matches the varying requirements

system seen in the F 125! research vehicle from 2011 and combines

exactly, the lightweight engineering experts were able to make the

on-board generation of electricity with an exceptionally powerful

body shell 40 percent lighter, compared with today’s production

and compact high-voltage battery. The pressure tank, made from

vehicles.

CFRP, is designed to store the hydrogen.

Another key element of the body design concept is the innovative saloon-door style system, featuring rear-hinged rear doors. The front and rear doors can be opened and closed independently of one another. With an opening angle of 90 degrees for all doors, the spacious interior can be easily and comfortably accessed on both sides. B-pillars were not needed, due to the very sturdy interconnected system with mechanical locking elements ensuring exemplary safety standards. These elements securely interlock the front and rear doors when they are closed, at the same time as 50 | Endeavour Magazine

THE VISION: GREATER QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL CITY DWELLERS As a foundation for creating the F 015 Luxury in Motion, experts from all areas of Mercedes-Benz developed a future scenario entitled “City of the Future 2030+”, which considered many aspects of mobile living.

The greater the advance of urbanisation, the greater the desire of individuals to be able to retreat to a private sphere, meaning that autonomous driving will become a given. As drivers are relieved of

work and stress in situations in which driving is not enjoyable, the

traffic jam vehicle following function. Active Parking Assist with

time gained while in their car takes on a whole new quality. Time

PARKTRONIC allows automated parking with active steering and

and space will become the luxury of the future.

brake control in both parallel and end-on spaces.

New technologies and forms of communication open up

In August 2013, Mercedes-Benz demonstrated, to great effect,

numerous new possibilities for interaction, both between the

that autonomous driving is possible now. The close-to-production

vehicle and its passengers and between the vehicle and other road

Mercedes-Benz S 500 INTELLIGENT DRIVE completed the

users.

approximate 100-kilometre journey from Mannheim to Pforzheim

Autonomous cars also open up new possibilities for urban infrastructure design. Following the example of today’s low-

fully autonomously; following the route Bertha Benz took in 1888 on the first ever long-distance drive by car.

emission zones in city centres, special “safety zones” that are only

Mercedes-Benz is setting the pace of development in the area

accessible to autonomous vehicles could be created. Urban space

of trucks too, as the innovator and launcher of intelligent assistance

would be regained by autonomous vehicles parking themselves on

systems. With its Future Truck 2025, the brand presented the

the periphery.

world’s first truck to feature autonomous driving at the IAA

In the shared space of the future, humans and machines share

Commercial Vehicles in September 2014. In July 2014, this one-off

the roads. The “car-friendly city” is transformed increasingly into

vehicle, based on the Mercedes-Benz Actros 1845, drove at speeds

the “people-friendly city”, without any loss of individual freedom.

of up to 80 km/h in realistic traffic situations on a section of the

The divide between residential, recreational and traffic areas

A14 autobahn near Magdeburg.

therefore melts away and the result is a superior quality of life for all urban dwellers.

As a global company, Mercedes-Benz has its sights set on autonomous driving worldwide. In order to factor in the differences in traffic and infrastructure in other markets, the experts also carry

THE ROAD TO AUTONOMOUS DRIVING Even now, vehicles from Mercedes-Benz are capable of detecting many different hazardous situations out on the road and react as the situation demands, by means of autonomous braking, for instance. And from the C-Class through to the S-Class, there are already Mercedes-Benz models driving semi-autonomously on

out testing in the USA, for example. In mid-September 2014, Mercedes-Benz became one of the first automotive manufacturers to be issued with an official license by the US state of California for testing self-driving vehicles on public roads. In addition the company makes use of the USA’s largest test facility, the Concord Naval Weapons Station (CNWS).

public roads today, equipped with features such as DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and the Stop&Go Pilot semi-autonomous Endeavour Magazine | 51

REBIRTH OF AN ICON: NEXT GENERATION ACURA NSX UNVEILED

T

wenty-five years after the debut of the original, paradigm-shifting NSX supercar, Acura revealed the production version of its highly anticipated successor – the next-generation Acura NSX, developed and produced in the U.S.—to the world’s auto media at the 2015 North American

International Auto Show today. The production model, in a scintillating NSX Red finish, took the stage with a growl from its twin-turbocharged engine.

The next generation NSX showcases the production styling, design and specifications of Acura’s mid-engine sports hybrid supercar, and Acura announced key details of the all-new vehicle’s design and performance. The company will begin accepting custom orders for the new NSX starting in the summer, with customer deliveries expected later in the year.

Specifically created to bring a “new sports experience” to the supercar segment, the NSX challenges conventional beliefs about supercars — much as the first generation did a quarter century ago. The approach is realized through an all-new power unit—a twin-turbocharged 75-degree DOHC V6 engine

52 | Endeavour Magazine

with a 9-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) and three-electric

North American operations in envisioning and building the future

motor Sport Hybrid system—integrated with an ultra-rigid and

of Acura,” said Erik Berkman, executive vice president of the Acura

lightweight multi-material body with world’s-first material

Business Planning Office.

applications and manufacturing processes. Developed

“Our global team embraced the challenge to create a new sports

under the concept of a “human-centered supercar,” a car

car experience, leveraging new technology to deliver incredibly

that puts the driver first in every aspect of its design,

vivid performance in a vehicle that responds intuitively and

the next-generation NSX will leverage its state-

immediately to the will of the driver,” said Ted Klaus, chief engineer

of-the-art hybrid supercar power unit, body and

and global development leader of the new NSX. “The NSX delivers

chassis to deliver exceptionally intuitive and

pinnacle supercar performance, with zero-delay acceleration and

immediate response to driver inputs.

exhilarating, confidence-inspiring driving dynamics.”

“Our commitment was to create an all-

“The new NSX is a product of what we term ‘Interwoven

new NSX that is true to the heritage of

Dynamic’ design,” said Michelle Christensen, NSX exterior design

NSX—a supercar that delivers a new driving

project leader. “It represents the ideal blending of exotic sports car

experience, one where every part of the

form and supercar function.”

vehicle is respectful of the smartest part

The NSX body features classic low and wide proportions

of the car, the driver,” said Mike Accavitti,

married to modern and alluring surfacing, an aggressive front

senior vice president and general manager

design, and tail lights that pays homage to the original NSX. The

of the Acura division. “The soul of a car is the

signature side intake and floating C-pillar collects air to feed the

emotional connection it makes with the driver.

mid-mounted engine and directs airflow over the rear deck to

With the NSX, that connection will be intense and

increase downforce. To accommodate the new longitudinally

immediate.”

mounted twin-turbo V6 and 9-speed DCT, the production vehicle

As the pinnacle representation of Acura performance and

was lengthened (+3 inches) and widened (+1 inch) with a slightly

prestige, the NSX was introduced at the auto show under the

more cab-forward package, compared with the proportions of the

theme of “Precision Crafted Performance.” The theme was the

NSX Concept shown in 2012.

original tagline for the Acura brand, a guiding force behind the

Every element of the exterior body design has been carefully

development of the original NSX and a critical component of its

fashioned for total airflow management for both stability-enhancing

launch.

downforce and vehicle systems cooling. The NSX has undergone

The development of next-generation NSX, driven by precision

extensive testing at the company’s state-of-the-art wind tunnel in

crafted performance, has resulted in a clean-sheet design, which

Raymond, Ohio, leading to a number of significant changes from

involved nearly three years of intensive development effort by

concept to final body design, including modified hood vents, new

a global design and engineering team led by engineers at the

front fender vents, modified side air intakes, and an optimized deck

company’s development center in Raymond, Ohio.

spoiler.

“The NSX reflects Acura’s American roots and makes a

“Consistent with the ‘human-centered supercar’ development

powerful statement about the strong role being played by our

concept, the NSX was designed from the inside out with an

Endeavour Magazine | 53

uncompromising focus on the driver,” said Johnathan Norman, NSX

technologically advanced and intelligent powertrain in the supercar

interior design project leader. “Like the original NSX, we created a

universe.

‘Human Support Cockpit’ that provides exceptional driver control,

At the heart of the NSX’s performance capabilities is an

visibility and packaging, but further advanced to meet the extreme

all-new mid-mounted, 75-degree, DOHC V6 engine with twin

performance expectations of a modern supercar.”

turbochargers mated to an Acura-developed 9-speed DCT. The

The NSX interior boasts exceptional forward visibility, simple

V6 engine employs a race-inspired compact valve train and dry

and intuitive controls, and class-leading ergonomics—most notably

sump lubrication system to help lower the center of gravity. The

the seat, which features top-class holding performance with

all-new 9-speed DCT delivers synapse-quick gear changes and rev-

outstanding comfort and easy ingress/egress.

matching downshifts. The rear direct-drive electric motor, housed

The NSX’s instrument cluster features a dynamic TFT display

between the engine and transmission, supports acceleration,

that responds to changes in the driver-selectable Integrated

braking and transmission shifting performance. The NSX’s front

Dynamics System with pertinent graphics and information. The

wheels are driven by twin independent high-output electric motors

center console holds the Power button that readies the sport

which deliver instantaneous torque response and dynamic left-to-

hybrid powertrain, nested in the center of the new Integrated

right torque distribution.

Dynamics System dial control. Interwoven under the handcrafted

The NSX uses its front electric motors for dynamic torque

leather dash panel is the exposed midframe—a functioning chassis

vectoring in addition to enhancing acceleration and braking

structural member that reflects the design aesthetic of a naked

performance. The result is an instantaneous “zero delay” launch

sport bike. An ultra-thin, yet super strong A-pillar design and low-

performance and handling response that seems to anticipate the

mounted instrument panel minimize obstructions to the driver’s

driver’s desire. The NSX has undergone extensive testing at some

view of the road.

of the world’s most challenging race circuits, including the famed

In keeping with the foundational philosophy of the original NSX,

Nurburgring.

the next-generation NSX is designed to provide a new sports car

Also in keeping with the legacy of NSX—the world’s first all-

experience that maximizes the capabilities of the driver, delivering

aluminum supercar—the new NSX features an innovative new

exceptionally intuitive and confidence-inspiring response “at the

multi-material body design with world’s-first material applications

will of the driver.”

and construction processes.

Acura engineers leveraged the company’s expertise both with

The NSX body utilizes a space frame design—an internal frame

high-performance engine and hybrid electric-drive technologies,

constructed of aluminum, ultra-high strength steel and other

as well as its two decades of experience with industry-leading

advanced materials. Anchored by a carbon fiber floor, torsional and

dynamic torque-vectoring technologies, including Super-Handling

bending forces are taken up entirely by this ultra-rigid structure

All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), to create the most sophisticated,

which also utilizes advanced joining technologies.

54 | Endeavour Magazine

The NSX features world’s-first casting technology that

engine, motor, transmission and chassis response, as well as the

combines the design and manufacturing flexibility of a casting

engine sound level, based on the needs of the driver and driving

process with the strength and elongation properties of a forged

environment. Quiet mode enables electric-only driving at lower

material, enabling significant weight reduction. The body panels

speeds for short durations. Dynamic vehicle responses become

are composed of a combination of aluminum and sheet molding

increasingly sharp as the driver moves from Sport to Sport+ mode

composite (SMC).

and, finally, to Track mode, where the NSX reveals the full spectrum

The NSX features an “Advanced Sports Package” with placement

of its performance capabilities.

of key powertrain components –the mid-mounted engine, twin

The NSX also features a “launch” function to achieve the

front motors and Sport Hybrid battery pack and power control

ultimate in “zero delay” launch performance, aided by both the

unit – optimized to concentrate vehicle mass low and toward the

engine and three electric motors.

center of the vehicle, to further enhance dynamic response. The

The NSX will be manufactured exclusively at the Performance

combination of this packaging concept and the lightweight body

Manufacturing

give the NSX the lowest center of gravity in its class.

approximately 100 highly-skilled associates will conduct full body

The NSX utilizes a fully independent, all-aluminum front and rear suspension and puts its considerable power down through

Center

(PMC)

in

Marysville,

Ohio,

where

construction, paint, and final assembly using domestic and globallysourced parts.

ContiSportContact™ high-performance tires—245/35Z R19 front

The PMC and its processes have been developed to perfectly

and 295/30Z R20 rear—mounted on 19×8.5 inch front and 20×11

blend associate craftsmanship and technology in a new approach

inch rear aluminum alloy wheels. Powerful, natural and confident

to manufacturing. By in-housing the body construction, Acura

braking performance is provided by 6-piston front and 4-piston

maintains complete control over total body quality, including

rear monoblock calipers squeezing ultra-high performance carbon-

critical strength, suspension accuracy, and fit and finish—from

ceramic brake discs.

initial construction all the way to final assembly.

Handling is greatly enhanced by Sport Hybrid Super-Handling

Associates will utilize innovative techniques to deliver next-

All Wheel Drive (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD), enabling lightning-quick

generation craftsmanship and world-class quality in the realm of

response to all driver inputs—steering, braking and throttle—along

specialized, supercar vehicle production.

with the stability, control and launch performance of all-wheel drive. Agile Handling Assist (AHA) uses the subtle application of brake torque to further enhance yaw response and dynamic stability.

The NSX’s dial-operated Integrated Dynamic System features Quiet, Sport, Sport+ and Track modes. The system adjusts Endeavour Magazine | 55

THE VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER IS PRACTICAL, GOOD TO DRIVE AND HOLDS ON TO ITS PRICE WELL It has been in the German manufacturer’s commercial line-up since 2003 and remains one of the most popular options available in today’s competitive van segment.

56 | Endeavour Magazine

T

he fifth-generation Volkswagen Transporter, or T5, is an

Aiding practicality are two flip-out cupholders, four in-dash

excellent midweight van with a choice of two body lengths

cubby holes, a single overhead cut-out, a dash-top storage space

and three roof heights. There’s only one engine to pick

for sunglasses and business cards and large split-level door pockets

from, the 2.0-litre TDI common-rail diesel however it is offered

for both driver and passenger.

with five power outputs. Lower-powered 83bhp, 100bhp and

Comfortable and compliant riding from the Volkswagen

112bhp versions drive the front wheels through a five-speed

Transporter and it drives in a controlled fashion over undulations,

manual gearbox, while the 138bhp and 176bhp models get a six-

with acceptable and expected amounts of body roll for a commercial

speed manual box as standard and the excellent VW DSG twin-

van.

clutch automatic set-up as an option. 4MOTION all-wheel drive is also available on these higher-powered versions. Optional

Consistently light but responsive steering works and genuine handling is an enjoyable experience.

BlueMotion Technology delivers lower emissions and improved

The engine is also a gem. Happy to complete most tasks asked

fuel consumption on 83bhp and 112bhp versions, while there’s

of it below 2000rpm – including motorway stretches – the grunty

also a 112bhp Transporter BlueMotion promising nearly 45mpg

turbo diesel delivers sound cruising pace from as low as 1600rpm

economy and 166g/km emissions.

until things noticeably drop off around 4400rpm.

All coming standard with air conditioning, a two-speaker stereo, daytime running lights and 16-inch steel wheels.

Once you settle into the narrow and flat but still comfortable seats and gripping the soft-rimmed button-free steering wheel, the Transporter isn’t a bad place to be.

Providing excellent head clearance at 1305mm tall, the weighty 1486mm-wide tailgate creates a large aperture for loading items through, although some may find the six floor-mounted tie-down hooks more of a nuisance than convenient.

A driver and front passenger airbag, stability control and hill-

A durable type cabin with hard-wearing dash and door trims,

start assist are all standard fair, and the German van is also covered

manual climate controls and a basic audio unit, the durable centre

under Volkswagen’s three-year warranty with three years 24hr

console, air vents, grab handles and plastic floor liner are all offset

roadside assist.

by one-touch driver and passenger power windows (up and down), damped indicator and wipers stalks, and Volkswagen’s standard clear and simple instrument layout.

Endeavour Magazine | 57

58 | Endeavour Magazine

INLAND OFFSHORE CONTRACTORS LTD 001 868-677-2093 WWW.IOCLTT.COM

KEEPING IT TOGETHER WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

A family business, Inland & Offshore Contractors Ltd was established in 1996

by CEO and Founder Phillip Pollonais and his two sons, Scot and Jason. It’s become a true story of courage and family strength, where the patriarch of the family and business sold the shares he had in another business to set up on his own, with his boys. What began as an oilfield service company, with just a couple of trucks, transformed into a company comprised of a fleet of 40 boats and an expansive fleet of trucks for moving oilfield equipment around Trinidad & Tobago.

Endeavour Magazine | 59

INLAND OFFSHORE CONTRACTORS LTD

Divided into three main departments, IOCL focusses on marine

transport, inland transport and pumping and hydroblasting. The marine department supplies crew boats and platform supply vessels for transporting personnel, fuel, water and oilfield equipment to offshore platforms in the waters around Trinidad & Tobago, while the trucking department includes tractor trucks, trailers and hydraulic crane trucks which work with the companies that operate land rigs and move their oilfield equipment around.

“I

n our pumping and hydroblasting department we have

“Since our marine department is our largest business operation, the

high-volume pumps that provide pumping services and

majority of these staff are employed in this area,” he says. Apart

high-pressure water blasting, which work with offshore

from managerial and administrative staff, they also have their own

rigs, providing high-pressure water blasting from 10,000 to

mechanics, electricians and a vehicular body repair shop to support

40,000 psi.”

their trucking department.

THE STATE OF THE OIL INDUSTRY

He goes on to add that in assuring quality service to their clients, they also endeavour to ensure that their staff are sufficiently skilled

The price of oil has dropped dramatically and while this has

and experienced, “All our positions have minimum requirements

created a sluggish pace for the industry, it has become the time

for hiring that maintain a standard of quality even upon entry into

when businesses have focussed on development and internal

our team,” he says, “Subsequent to this we have ongoing training

growth. IOCL, who have always had a positive and strong-headed

especially in the area of HSE and Marine certification.”

approach to business, are taking things in their stride.

At IOCL, all applicants have to meet certain basic requirements,

“Our market comprises the local and foreign companies that

especially with regard to positions in their operational departments,

operate within our country’s oil and gas industry. Despite the

which help to ensure that they are capable of completing the tasks

price drop, the industry is still considerably active at the moment

assigned. This training is ongoing and with good reason, as with all

and we hope it will continue to be for the near future. We have

industries requiring a high level of experience and understanding

contracts for our vessels with most of the major players such as

for machinery being the best trained is never a hindrance.

Petrotrin — which is our national oil company —BHP Billiton, and

With this in mind, staff are encouraged to develop their skills

Baker Hughes. Our trucking department has an existing contract

and to gain new ones; Phillip explains that his company’s success is

with EOG Resources too.”

attributed to the two way road that is the commitment and skill of

Of course, the opportunities aren’t limited to Trinidad and

all of their employees and the company’s similar dedication to them.

Tobago and there’s so much going on in the area that the Inland &

With this in mind they give full support to each staff member’s

Offshore Contractors Ltd is looking at further expansion.

personal development, “We work with them to aid in their career

Phillip says, “There is a high level of activity occurring in the

advancement and we encourage employees to continue learning

Suriname/Guyana region, and we are seeing growth opportunities.”

because it increases the effectiveness of not only themselves but

With 300 employees, Phillip explains that, presently, the workforce is a mix of permanent and non-permanent professionals, 60 | Endeavour Magazine

the organisation as a whole.”

Even with growth and development, Inland & Offshore

Endeavour Magazine | 61

INLAND OFFSHORE CONTRACTORS LTD Contractors Ltd is very aware of the needs of each and every one

from clients helps them communicate better with their suppliers

of their clients and due to the nature of operations within the oil

in regard to their internal needs, “Today we have several major

industry in which they operate, these clients have come to expect

suppliers locally and internationally who are very familiar with our

a level of service that is reliable and essential, while also adhering

business operations and this helps in communicating clearly with

to HSE standards and guidelines, “We work very hard to develop

them,”

and maintain close and amicable relationships with our customers,” he says, “So we are always knowledgeable of their needs and expectations which enables us to better serve them. We believe that in the provision of quality service we will be able to maintain those business relationships and stay ahead in the transport industry.”

He adds with deep respect and gratitude, “Our major suppliers have also always been very supportive of us.”

2015 IOCL’s main focus for this year is to continue upgrading their fleet of equipment to include newer and more marketable

As one of the major players in this market, Inland & Offshore

equipment, as Phillip explains, “We believe that this objective will

Contractors Ltd has a number of strategies in place to ensure

help us to remain operational and marketable in the long term,” he

things continue that way. Of this, Phillip says, “This we can

adds that he would also like to add another newly built platform

attribute our success to the dedication of our management and

supply vessel to their fleet this year, although the downturn in the

staff in the provision of quality service and equipment. We believe

oil industry has forced them to take a more conservative approach

in continuous improvement so we are always upgrading our asset

to investments of this kind.

base and seeking ways to better ourselves.”

“We are also presently working to begin development of some

There are always three main pillars of business; customers

waterfront property that we own in Chaguaramas,” he says, “which

and employees are the pair that everyone is aware of but the

will enable us to have our own port and will allow loading and

third, and often time most vital, are the suppliers. For IOCL, the

offloading of vessel cargo and help with our crew changes. These

relationships with their suppliers is just as important as those with

plans are underway although actual work has not yet begun on the

their customers and Phillip highlights how the flow of information

site.”

TRINIDAD HOSE COMPANY CO. LTD. Trinidad Hose Company has been supplying Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean with Industrial and Hydraulic Hose, Fittings and Belts. In the early years, our primary focus was on the oilfield and agricultural sectors, however as our product mix increased over time, we developed into the market leader supplying all major industries both locally and regionally.

Trinidad Hose Company represents only the most reputable brands such as Continental Contitech, EATON, Aeroquip Hydraulic Hose and Fittings, Dixon Valve and Coupling, Penflex Flexible Metal Hose Products.

Trinidad Hose Company Ltd. 33-35 Cipero Road, Cross Crossing, San Fernando, Trinidad W.I. Phone: (868) 657-2766, (868) 657-2009, (868) 657-1275, Fax: (868) 657-5733 62 | Endeavour Magazine

64 | Endeavour Magazine

NEW BRITAIN PALM OIL 0065 6227 6247 WWW.NBPOL.COM.SG

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE PALM OF OUR HAND WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

New Britain Palm Oil is on a mission to benefit people, prosperity and more impressively, the planet, but how does one company plan to make a huge impact? Endeavour spoke to Dr. Simon lord, Group Sustainability Director, to find out.

Endeavour Magazine | 65

NEW BRITAIN PALM OIL

We are all aware that sustainability has become a global concern

for businesses from every industry, but for some, it is far more than just another buzzword. For a select few, actively striving for sustainability is at the very core of everyday company activities, permeating each new project and taking a central role in the development of new services and ideas.

N

ew Britain Palm Oil is one such company as Dr. Simon Lord,

mills and storage facilities. At the other end of our supply chain, in

the Group Sustainability Director, explains,

the UK, we have the world’s first palm oil refinery built to deal with

“For this generation, sustainability is a direction not a

100% sustainable palm oil.”

destination and only successive generations can determine whether

Despite focusing on a sustainable approach, profitability has

our actions were truly sustainable. For the present we continue to

not suffered, with 2011 reporting US$ 780 million in pre-tax profits

build the foundation as a legacy for the future.”

and thanks to being listed on both the London and Port Moresby

A company looking to the future of humanity, not just their

Stock Exchanges, locals are able to easily buy shares and partake in

own business endeavours? A rare thing indeed, but as we delve

the success. Interestingly, the West New Britain Government is the

deeper into the organisation as a whole, this approach becomes

second largest shareholder, which offers locals peace of mind that

less surprising and more applaudable.

they will benefit from the company prosperity. It seems incredible,

An ingredient in one in ten of all products in a supermarket, palm oil is a natural, cholesterol-free substance similar to vegetable oil that is commonly found in kitchen cupboards. Highly adaptable, it is often used in the production of everyday items such as margarine, ice cream and even beauty products and yet it has come under fire in recent years.

given recent worldwide financial difficulties, that the company is enjoying such success, but Dr. Simon Lord confirms that they are, “Despite a drop in oil prices and the turbulent global economic environment, we are still on the growth path,” So, far from merely riding out the storm, the company is actually able to predict growth. What is the secret to its success?

Concerns over palm oil production have been shown to be

The answer lies in the maintaining of its own plantations, spanning

fruitless and when compared with other, common oil crops, such as

an impressive 78,000 hectares and the 15,000 smallholders who

soy, has demonstrated impressive yield. For example, one hectare

work alongside the organisation. With 11 crude palm oil mills in full

of palm oil crops is equivalent to ten times that amount of soy,

operation and a workforce of more than 25,000, it soon becomes

making palm the clear choice for forest conservation concerns, not

clear that there is no secret to the success of New Britain Palm Oil,

to mention fiscal return.

it is all down to hard work and dedication, an unenviable tricky task

Keen

to

implement

ever-more

sustainable

production

when coupled with a desire for sustainability,

techniques, New Britain Palm Oil is diligent in its efforts to say

“Our main refinery, New Britain Oils, is based in Liverpool, in

abreast of any new developments. Dr. Simon Lord explained further

the UK, where the focus is on delivering segregated, traceable and

and talked about how the company exclusively operates from Asia

certified sustainable food ingredients to end customers based in

pacific,

the EU.”

“Our company headquarters are in the West New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea, where we have a refinery and the main bulking terminal and our plantation operations are in 5 other

Dr. Simon Lord goes on to explain that, “It wasn’t until 2007 that the concept of a sustainability standard for palm oil was officially achieved.”

provinces throughout Papua New Guinea and also in the Solomon

The Round Table of Sustainable Palm Oil oversee company

Islands. On each site, we have estates and smallholdings as well as

compliance with the stringent standards in place to ensure the

66 | Endeavour Magazine

NEW BRITAIN PALM OIL

continued sustainability of palm oil products and seeks to identify

all requisite standards is not enough, they have to be upheld for

those organisations that are consistently striving for improvements,

a minimum of one year and improved upon the next, to prevent

such as New Britain Palm Oil, which has been an active member

stagnation.

since the inception of the group in 2002. Discussing the standards being upheld, Dr. Simon Lord comments that,

Taking roughly two years to become fully compliant with all sustainability standards and practices means that organisations

“We identified 8 pillars which define sustainability and then

necessarily need to plan ahead if this is a route that they wish

strengthen these principles with a further 39 criteria, which gave

to take. Ahead of its time, New Britain Palm Oil was already

each Principle a context. Finally we added about 150 indicators to

making inroads into sustainability, prior to the Round Table being

the standard, which allowed performance to be measured”

brought into existence and even became one of the first plantation

Serious measures indeed, but are they fully necessary?

organisations to achieve ISO14001 status for environmental

“It is these key performance indicators which make the standard

management, as Dr. Simon Lord explains,

so robust and give it depth, whist the 8 rrinciples (transparency,

“Our early plantation managers were particularly forward

adherence to legislation, economic viability, good agricultural

thinking and inventive. Land was cleared, without the use of fire

practice,

consideration,

and to this day NBPOL still maintains this no burn policy. We have

sustainable development and continuous improvement) that give

gone on to avoid planting on peat and clear primary forests or any

the standard its breadth.”

other High Conservation Value land and it is these significant early

environmental

stewardship,

social

In short, yes. If a company wants to be producing truly sustainable products that will not impact negatively on the future, then these

moves that puts us well ahead of the game in terms of sustainability and to subsequently help reduce our carbon footprint.”

criteria need to be met, if not surpassed continuously, something

Taking responsibility for everyone that is taken under the

that New Britain Palm Oil appears to manage effortlessly, but there

company wing, the organisation seeks to educate all smallholders

is a lot going on under the façade of easy adherence. Even meeting

and workers about such practices, ensuring that its positive

68 | Endeavour Magazine

Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.

603 5161 4567 Mobile : +6016 219 6695 / +6019 277 8773 Fax : +603 5161 4345 practransturbines@yahoo.com

SDN BHD (479991-H)

Malaysia ans Sdn Bhd 2, TB 16172, 1 112 Storey Light Industrial Building, r Sri lndah, Phase 4A, Mile 10, Jalan Apas, Tawau, Sabah

influence and adaptability extends as far as possible. More than this, the company’s commitment to people is constantly demonstrated by the foundation specifically set up to offer community outreach and support.

The future looks exciting for New Britain Palm Oil, especially in terms of recognition within the industry, as Sime Darby, from Malaysia, has reportedly offered a premium price to buy the organisation. Recognised as a “low risk, well-managed business concern”, New Britain is considered as the perfect acquisition for Sime Darby and the board has been emphatic in recommending the merger to shareholders.

These days it can seem somewhat trite for large companies to claim that they care about people, the environment and providing a sustainable future, but few can truly back up these hollow commitments. In the case of New Britain Palm Oil however, every facet of the company is geared solely towards the sustainability and environmental stewardship that has become so vital to big business. By operating alongside stringent standards and protocols, as well as actively educating both staff and associates, this is one company that is not just providing for the world we live in now, but

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PRACTRANS SDN BHD (479991-H)

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Endeavour Magazine | 69

70 | Endeavour Magazine

V.SHIPS 00377 92 05 10 10 WWW.VOFFSHORE.COM

SAILING AHEAD WITH NEW TECHNOLOGY WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

Since inception in 2008, V.Ships Offshore, one of the pioneers of vessel management and new technologies, have continued to expand and grow not only in premises but also in new applications and procedures to make the industry cleaner, more efficient and secure, keeping everything ‘above water’. We spoke with Vice President Alessandro Ciocch regards to how his company is ensuring this happens.

Endeavour Magazine | 71

V.SHIPS

Entrenched in the realms of commercial shipping, cruise, energy and defense sectors, VGroup has become the world’s leader in maritime solutions. Offering their global clients a wide range of services, coupled with the highest levels of professionalism and customer relations, their reputation is one that has been created through the careful molding of their business to suit this highly technical industry, resulting in them becoming a one stop shop for the sum of their client’s shipping needs.

www.aderco.com

H

aving expertise in every field within an industry has proven to be an advantage as VGroup operates across all forms of shipping, including commercial, cruise, energy and defense,

offering outsourced technical management of high-value maritime assets, the provision of high-value technical support, workforce

Fuel treatments to measurably enhance performance, increase efficiency and reduce wear.

and commercial services. This means that clients come to them with projects needing to be completed from cradle to the grave, which opens up many opportunities for innovative thinking and growth as every project, inevitably, provides something new and interesting to handle.

When it comes to ship management, V.Ships, the shipping arm of the group, has encapsulated the entire realm of services and has proven to be stalwartly resilient to the current economic climate where owners continue to try to lower costs and balance their books. Due to this, there is a growing trend of handing over the management of crew and operations to companies such as V.Ships, who have the experience and expertise to keep things ‘above water’.

“The shipping industry has fallen on some hard times of late,” Alessandro tells us, “Particularly in the offshore sector. This is where quality ship managers like V.Ships come in, providing first class marine operations, all the while cutting costs with our unrivalled purchasing power, seafarer recruitment network and our wide range of complementary shipping services, to provide a one stop shop solution to ship owners.”

It may sound clichéd, but you have to respect the classic thinking of V.Ships with their motto-esque approach to their role, not only

72 | Endeavour Magazine

as an industry leader, but as a resource to their clients. With four

He goes on to explain that they encourage and fund their staff

pillars of conduct, SAFE, RELIABLE, EFFICIENT AND COMPLIANT,

to partake in courses and sessions that can help develop their

the company looks at ensuring goals and targets are met.

existing skills and diversify their expertise. There is something else

“Indeed, if V.Ships are anything, they are solution providers, bringing their clients the answers they need for vessel management requirements both today and tomorrow,” he says.

that they need from each employee however.

“We require our staff to be like us,” he says, “Which is to say open, honest and clear.”

In an industry renowned for its difficulties, the ‘know how’ that

Ship management services are delivered to a fleet of cargo-

V.Ships is able to offer its clients has been one of the many reasons

carrying vessels and the fleet itself is very impressive, including

why the company has such a strong foothold on the market. Every

tankers for crude fuel, chemical and LPG/LNG and a range of bulk

day it demonstrates the experience that has driven this company

carriers, including a large number of self-dischargers to VLOCs.

up to its current position, from small details like the best places

They also have a number of specialised vessels, such as seismic

to get staff, to the big solutions like how to lower cost operations

vessels, cable layers, FPSOs and diving support/subsea units. These

while spreading overheads across 1,100 ships.

mechanisms are highly suited to service the growing offshore

To achieve this kind of all-encompassing service V.Ships

market and the demands found within.

operates a ship management team that is comprised of a network

It isn’t enough to merely have the machines for the job,

of 18 ship management offices, supported by the main team based

however impressive they may be, so underpinning the expertise is

in Glasgow, Scotland and with 600 staff in total, they provide

proven procedures and a management cell structure that focuses

technical support, risk management, procurement, financial

on team work, robust client reporting and a bespoke information

expertise and experience to their customers.

management system ShipSure. This has been designed to ensure

“Over 30,000 skilled crew members and 300 superintendents

an integrated approach to the multi-discipline and varied tasks that

across V.Ships,” Alessandro says, “With approximately 200 total

need to be performed on a vessel around the clock. To support this,

onshore staff for V.Ships Offshore,”

230 superintendents are on standby to assist.

Endeavour Magazine | 73

V.SHIPS

Annually, or prior to a vessel entering dry dock for warrantee

Part of SeaTec’s commitment to continue as pioneers in the

claims, The PACT FOCUS service is offered. A condition monitoring

field, by continually enhancing their products, services and client

engineer sails with the vessels for almost a week and performs a

data access, this particular application is designed to meet real-

complete diagnostic of the ships. Each vessel is different and so

world requirements of the fuel and oil analysis end-users.

customised solutions are a given but the aim is to plan and prioritise

Basically, the ‘app’ can allow users to receive instant alerts

a ship’s repair work in the dry docks to ensure that its time spent

on any abnormalities detected in the fuel or oil, allowing them to

off-water is as short as possible. The onboard machinery, hardware

take immediate action instead of waiting for an inspection and

and software are fully checked and the tools used to do the

discovering that something had gone wrong and that the time to

checks are the latest monitoring equipment available and far more

remedy the situation has passed. Yet another incredible effort to

sophisticated and accurate than the human eye. At the end of the

increase efficiency in this industry.

week, when the ship is docked, the PACT Focus is able to provide

Some of the notable app features include up-to-date statuses

the maintenance foreman with a list of things, in prioritised order,

of the samples received, alerts on critical results, mobile access to

that need to be addressed, thus increasing efficiency and reducing

the reports such as lube oil, fuel oil and OWS and full details on

dry time.

orders placed. It can help you track bottles that remain on board

Being at the cutting edge of the latest technology is something

and make provisions for feedback and enquiries.

that V.Ships has become synonymous with and latest developments

SeaTec have said that future developments will also include a

and innovations are some of the things that they like to be known

data-mining feature that will allow the comparison of performance

for. The most recent example of this would be the new mobile ‘app’

statistics between different items of equipment, proving that it is

launched by SeaTec. SeaTec, who offer state-of-the-art inspection

best to use the right tool for the right job. What’s best is that this

services, have created this mobile application that allows the

app is available right now, for immediate download and is available

users to gain instant information regarding their fuel and used oil

on Android, iPhone, iPad and windows. To download it from the

analytics. The app will be free to download for all V.Ships clients.

V.Ships website, just visit the digital version of this article on the website.

Additionally, Alessandro reveals that they have rebranded as a group, “V.Ships Offshore have just taken delivery of the Ceona amazon, a state of the art, flagships vessel from Ceona,” he says, “ V.Ships Offshore are consolidating and reinforcing our position in Brazil and expanding our operations to Mexico.”

According to him the rebranding will help convey the idea that while their individual departments offer a diverse array of services and specialise in specific areas, that they are part of the same family. If all goes to plan this will also ensures consistency while reinforcing their “one-stop-shop solution” image which is one they are keen to impress on people.

“The awarding of the management of the Ceona Amazon highlights the capabilities that V.Ships have in the offshore market and our commitment to the safe operation of state of the art vessels, anywhere in the world,” he says, “And as a result of multiple successful operations in Brazil, V.Ships Offshore has decided to take advantage of our expertise and qualified personnel in the region to continue to provide services to more vessel owners in the region.”

In the same vein they identified Mexico as the ideal market to enter next, We feel that we have a lot to offer in that area, in a way that can be profitable for clients there as well as for ourselves.” He concludes.

74 | Endeavour Magazine

76 | Endeavour Magazine

BANKERS INSURANCE COMPANY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO LIMITED 001 868 299 0626 WWW.BANKERSTT.COM

PREMIUM PROTECTION WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

40 years of expecting the unexpected and protecting clients from costly consequences has led to Bankers Insurance Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited taking the wheel and driving the industry into a new era.

Endeavour Magazine | 77

BANKERS INSURANCE COMPANY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO LIMITED

When an organisation celebrates an anniversary as impressive

as 40 consecutive years at the forefront of their chosen field, it is an opportunity to address issues and invest in development and improvement strategies. But what happens when the organisation is question has been continuously successful, adaptive and progressive? This is the case with Bankers Insurance Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (BICTTL).

S

tarted in 1974 as Motor Owners Mutual Insurance Company, with headquarters in Jamaica, BICTTL came about due to a Government initiative to fully localise the insurance industry.

In 1981, the current incarnation of the organisation was founded, with a clear vision of, “Achieving global success, recognition and stability through the support of our community, business clients and international affiliates.”

Although having become localised at the wish of Government, BICTTL remained ambitious, with international aspirations and quality standards akin to enormous conglomerates. Moreover, a comprehensive and attainable mission supports this vision for the future of the company, “To combine aggressive, strategic marketing with quality products and services at competitive prices to provide the best insurance value for consumers.”

It is a rarity to see insurance organisations being concerned with providing truly viable value for customers, but this just one aspect that makes BICTTL so different to its competitors. This is demonstrated further in the company values, “We will strive to maintain positive relations with other insurance agencies in our community, competing with them on an honorable and fair basis. We will follow all insurance laws relative to

78 | Endeavour Magazine

the conduct of our business. We will work with other Independent Insurance Agents for the improvement of the Insurance business and endeavor to elevate the standards of our occupation by following this Code of Ethics and encourage other Independent Insurance Agents to do likewise.”

It is quickly becoming apparent that this is no ordinary insurance company and that any cliché images you may have in your mind need to be discarded. Fair competition, ethical operation and customer needs have replaced cynical, uncaring and uninformed brokers, all to offer customers a far more detailed understanding of their policies and to promote safety and loss prevention in the local community.

Stating that, “Protecting what you value most is our top priority” BICTTL has an impressive number of trade affiliations, not to mention high profile clients, but what exactly can they offer customers? The list is comprehensive but includes auto, commercial/contractor and building & contents cover. Having started as a motor specialist, BICTTL has a deep understanding of this sector, in particular, “According to the Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) Act Chapter 48:51 Act 39 of 1933, it is compulsory to have, in

Endeavour Magazine | 79

BANKERS INSURANCE COMPANY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO LIMITED

force, insurance for death, bodily injury & damage to third parties.

since insurance costs are related

Enjoying

success

In short, this piece of our nations’ legislation makes it mandatory

to the price of settling a claim.

individual

for all vehicle owners to have their respective vehicles covered by

Scooters are simple vehicles

also deals with registered and

motor vehicle insurance whether you are new to car insurance,

and as such, relatively cheap

audited brokers, agents and

want to switch to a different auto insurance company, or simply

to repair if damaged. They’re

sales reps, offering a multitude

looking for a low car insurance rate.”

also cheaper than motorcycles

of channels for enjoying their

Having equipped potential clients with all relevant legalities,

to buy and cheaper to run with

services

BICTTL goes on to reassure as to the comprehensive service they

better fuel economy. Perfect for

significant expansion of the

offer,

inner city commuting.”

company itself. January 16th,

clients,

and

with BICTTL

allowing

for

“If you need a policy for a vehicle other than personal auto,

When was the last time

2015, bore witness to the

we can provide first class coverage for this as well. Our motor

you encountered an insurance

opening of a second branch, in

vehicle policies are available to corporations and individuals alike.

company that actively promoted

St. James, demonstrating that

So whether you need coverage for your personal vehicle, business

a more financially frugal option?

ethical, client-centric business

transport vehicle or even special type vehicles (tractors, forklifts,

It is a rarity and gives a good

is not a recipe for stagnation,

etc.), we can take care of you.”

insight into how the company

but rather that this enlightened

In addition, marine and scooter insurance is also available,

has maintained relationships

approach offers growth and

demonstrating a definitive understanding of the most common

with customers, turning them

development with a far more

forms of transport being used throughout the community and

into long-term returners, but

humane twist.

addressing the requisite need. Regarding scooters, BICTTL

direct sales is only one facet of

In line with an open and

comments,

this adaptive and inspirational

honest line of communication

organisation.

with

“Scooters are generally cheaper to insure than motorcycles,

80 | Endeavour Magazine

customers,

BICTTL

is prolific in the introduction of its high-flying management structure, listing not only all individual team members, but also the qualifications and experience which have made them ideal leaders.

Lending itself to increased customer confidence, the importance of this approach cannot be over-exaggerated and nor can the personable blog posts that are included on the company website.

Offering an insight into people behind the policies, the regularly updated blog serves as confirmation that BICTTL is a truly community focused organisation, something further confirmed by the recent sponsorship of the Trinidad and Tobago Pro-League Club, Central FC. Looking to the future, it is clear that BICTTL is a company that will strive to draw new business, both locally and internationally, without any detriment to the exemplar services already being provided to existing clients. With demand necessitating expansion into a second office, further branches cannot be far behind, as clients old and new discover a refreshingly different insurance mentality and ethics which are reinventing the industry.

#86 Twelfth Street, Barataria 638-7882 297-4774 297-8561 391-4210 Email: info@graphichousett.com

www.graphichousett.com

Endeavour Magazine | 81

82 | Endeavour Magazine

ALUPCO 00966 13 847 1300 WWW.ALUPCO.COM

SHOWING THEIR METAL WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

Forty and still growing. Alupco is still the undisputed supplier of aluminium in the Middle East and the eighth biggest in the world. As the supplier of choice for the Middle East, Africa and Europe they are known for the most creative and advanced solutions at the highest quality and best value.

Building on its massive scale, priceless knowledge, experience, product diversity and efficient supply network, Alupco promises best value to all involved with them.

Endeavour Magazine | 83

ALUPCO

There is no denying their position as the market leader for Aluminium solutions in Africa, Europe and ALUPCO has carved out it’s reputation as a dominant figure in the industry and appears set to continue this trend onwards. Securing its position as an industry giant through the provision of creative and considered solutions, while retaining a high quality finish, they are now seeking to grow further by increasing their expertise through continued professional and industry-specific development, adoption of new technologies, increased product diversity and by maintaining an effective and financially viable, international supply chain network.

Enjoying a reputation for offering clients a wide variety of

to meet demand for coating services, ALUPCO has also made

surface treatment options, including electronic powder coating,

provision for 5 powder coating lines, two anodising lines, two

anodising, polishing and a specialist wood finish, ALUPCO has most

polishing lines, a wood finish line and a thermal break crimping

definitely earnt the title of largest supplier of aluminium products

production line within their facilities, allowing them to complete

in the Middle East. Maintaining this coveted position, while still

numerous projects simultaneously, preventing avoidable delays

evolving and moving forward as an organisation, is at the very

and a backlog of work building up. These time-saving initiatives are

top of the ALUPCO management team’s priorities. In line with

benefits that are passed directly to clients in the guise of reliability

the company’s mission statement that outlines how they wish to

and time efficiency.

‘provide superior aluminium solutions backed by excellent services’,

With a reputation for excellence, cost-effective solution

new clients are consistently being won, with existing relationships

creation and international quality standards compliance firmly under

being nurtured and maintained. ALUPCO recognises that a stand

their belt, the company has been privileged to supply a number

out product is not enough to retain customer loyalty; an exemplar

of internationally recognised and exceptionally high-end projects

level of after-sales support must also be extended.

in the GCC, including the Dubai International Financial Centre,

Through continued growth, ALUPCO is now the proud owner of twin facilities located in the Dammam and Jeddah industrial cities,

the Emirates Mall and particularly notably, the Palm Jumeirah, a location of choice for the extremely wealthy and/or famous.

boasting an impressive 130,000 square metres. The company has

The best, and most successful, companies in the world always

invested significantly in machinery and appropriate, future-proofed

recognise the value of a strong, unified and motivated workforce.

equipment and as such, has eight extrusion presses, allowing for a

ALUPCO is absolutely no exception to this rule, acknowledging that

total extrusion capacity in excess of 78,000 tonnes. Determined

their mission statement is only achieved through the commitment

84 | Endeavour Magazine

ALUPCO

of their 800-strong, highly trained, staff. Boasting exceptionally

ALUPCO plans to build on this

and Saudi (SASO) standards in

versatile and expert individuals across all areas of the business,

figure by two percent year on

all of its operations, ALUPCO

the team is well placed to recognise and surpass expectations.

year.

are fully deserving of their

Determined to never stop striving for improvements to both

Backed

by

numerous,

products and services, ALUPCO seeks to continually develop

recognised

the skills and performance of all team members, throughout the

ALUPCO’s exemplar reputation

Looking to the future, the

business as a whole. Offering all staff access to an impressive

for working in accordance with

company invests 50 percent

range of comprehensive training programs, the company is able

high standards is what really

more than it needs to in

to identify those individuals that show a natural predisposition for

makes it stand apart from it’s

capital

responsibility and leadership, which in turn allows it to promote

nearest rivals and competitors.

year. Abdel Monem Khaled,

from within, in accordance with a structured succession planning

The recipient of not just an ISO:

CEO of ALUPCO highlights

function. The development of such leaders and supervisors is of

9001 but also an ISO: 2000

that with regular investments

the utmost importance to ALUPCO as it directly impacts on the

certificate, ALUPCO is the sole

in

economy of the surrounding communities. Promoting from within

aluminium extrusion company

the company ensures that its

and encouraging new staff to join can help to achieve a far more

to achieve this impressive feat,

production

organic development of the staff body. Considering ways in which

thanks to it’s firm dedication to

the highest standards while

they could actively support surrounding areas, ALUPCO has a

an uncompromising approach of

simultaneously

clear strategy to, where possible, employ local people, calling

producing high quality products.

energy and remaining cost-

this initiative ‘Saudization’. Currently, the company employs

By working in accordance with

effective.

professionals encompassing 13 nationalities, with 33 percent of the

European (EN), German (DIN),

The company’s management

workforce being successful applicants to the Saudization process.

British (BS), American (ASTM)

team are fully engaged with

accreditations,

international

reputation

excellence.

investments,

automation

consistently

FasT Color ChangE powdEr booth with powder saving system sMarT MaTErial prE-TrEaTMEnT tunnel construction lower operational costs compared to horizontal lines and traditional vertical lines only 150 M2 of free space required

86 | Endeavour Magazine

hits

conserving

powder coating

“Bye Bye horizontal lines”

C U B E T r E v i s a n | v i a M E U C C i , 4 - 3 7 1 3 5 v E r o n a - i Ta ly | C U B E T r E v i s a n . C o M

every

technology,

the specialist For alUMiniUM

Up To 1.5 Ton/hoUr productivity

for

The vision to believe

The drive to achieve ‘focusing and validating’ its core business strategy and execution plans in the immediate future. Khaled, who won an award for the Best CEO in Saudi Arabia was quoted as saying, “In this increasingly competitive and challenging environment, it has become imperative to focus and validate core business strategy and execution plans to align processes with the right solutions and technology to enhance performance, expand market share and increase returns on investments.”

Khaled revealed that ALUPCO is now looking to further expand its production capacity in order to grow at an accelerated rate, which will be realised thanks to the company’s already impressive facilities and dedicated team of workers.

Integrity is key to all of their dealings with both clients and partners, all of whom are backed by a deep investment in the companiy’s success, “We are an innovative company, where new ideas and new methods of delivering practical, reliable solutions are highly valued. As are the people we work with.”

Backed by our dedicated work-force, committed to operational performance and passion to excel, we have consistently surpassed our production records. Poised to grow, we will continue to deliver the highest value to our employees, customers, suppliers and shareholders alike.

We are a plus-931,000 metric tonnes per year aluminium producer, and we aim higher.

Since 1971, making Bahrain proud. albasmelter.com

Endeavour Magazine | 87

88 | Endeavour Magazine

KEMICALS WORLDWIDE 001 868 672 7266 WWW.KEMWORLD.COM

CLEANING UP THE CARIBBEAN WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

Company mergers are always exciting and Kemworld is cleaning up. One of the largest cleaning chemical product distributors in the Caribbean, Kemicals Worldwide (Kemworld) are the local management company for the distribution of the KEM and Swift brands in Trinidad and Tobago and the Eastern Caribbean region. The recent merger with Nu Home Janitorial and Industrial Cleaning Limited has set it up as a leading one-stop shop, where the finest cleaning products are combined with the most innovative janitorial solutions and a twenty-four hour service.

Endeavour Magazine | 89

KEMICALS WORLDWIDE

November 1968 saw Kem International Corporation of Atlanta, Georgia

establish operations in Jamaica, as a manufacturer and distributor of Industrial and Institutional Chemicals. The Company, which was registered as CEK Jamaica Limited, grew steadily between 1969 and 1987, before it was sold to local management under a special re-organisation agreement.

F

ollowing this, and between 1989 and 1992, the Company

in Jamaica, where they are distributed by their sister company KS

experienced severe financial difficulties and eventually

Chemical Distributors LTD, they are utilised throughout North

went into receivership in May 1993 but by August 1993, a

America and Caricom countries and with over 200 products

conglomerate of financial institutions and trading companies,

available, they are used in a variety of areas such as industrial

headed by Mr. Elon E. Beckford, established the company now

cleaning, manufacturing cleaning and engineering while their

known as Kemicals Worldwide to acquire all the trademarks of

sanitising products have made housekeeping, food and beverage

KEM as well as the other assets of CEK Jamaica Limited.

(restaurants) and pool care far easier.

The KEM trademarks are internationally registered and

The strength of the product can be found in its universal

are marketed throughout North and Central America and the

usage. While the locations can be completely different, cleaning

Caribbean. KEMICALS WORLDWIDE owns the distribution rights

requirements usually fall within the same categories, which is

in all the CARICOM markets, including Jamaica, Trinidad, Guyana,

why their cleaning products have been used by companies such

Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, Belize and Cayman, with option to

as T & TEC, Petrotrin, Trinmar, Coosals Construction and even the

register in Cuba and Haiti, when this becomes possible.

Maximum Security Prison Services.

While the popular KEM and SWIFT brands are manufactured

90 | Endeavour Magazine

One of Kemworld’s primary goals has been to be a premier

KEMICALS WORLDWIDE

chemical company in the Eastern Caribbean, and the management

is often misunderstood - our

to clients, which is especially

team revealed that, “Our commitment is to meet and exceed all

products are aimed for specific

useful for businesses.

requirements in the sourcing and distribution of our products. We

uses and it takes training to fully

strive to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations

understand which one to use.”

through the continual improvement of our quality management system.”

To achieve this continuous improvement the company has committed itself to achieving certain objectives. Customer satisfaction, with services and products, timeliness and efficiency

Managing both sides of the cleaning spectrum allows

Although they do concede

Kemworld to increase their

with ready humor that the KEM

customer range and expand

Jumbo hand paper towels are

their catalogue of experience.

the exception.

When

merging

of

they

can

offer

the

the

cleaning of a person’s home or

have been effortlessly merged with the full training of all of their

operations between Kemworld

an office on one side and the

body of staff, “The better trained your staff the better your service

and Nu Home was a prestigious

full cleaning of the waste for a

will be.”

and timely one, providing an

company the size of Petrotrin,

And training for the staff is important, crucial in fact. One of

The

even better scope of service

then whatever falls in between

the things that the company emphasises is that these products are

that

will be easy to tackle.

chemical in nature and that they are the best cleaners on the market,

services for both businesses

Nu Home is indeed a shining

the use of which can be dangerous in the careless or unskilled

and homes. Some of these

example of the quality with

hands of a novice, “We have powerful acidic and alkaline cleaners

include daily janitorial jobs, one

which

that can be hazardous to the skin and to the lungs if breathed in,”

off jobs, deep carpet cleaning,

with. Nu Home, which started

Kemworld commented, “Alongside the most dangerous, we have

pressure washing and glass

operations in 2002, applies

a range of safe to use products that are best suited for a certain

cleaning. Nu Home is also able

best practice principles in its

task. Knowing which to use for the best result is something that

to offer procurement services

operations,

World-class manufacturer of plastic packaging products catering primarily to the needs of the Chemical, Food and Personal Care/Pharmaceutical Industry

Clients: à Langston Roach Industries à à Hand Arnold Industries à à National Petroleum of Trinidad and Tobago Ã

Providing Environmentally Responsible Plastic Packaging Solutions 69-72 Frederick Settlement Industrial Estate, Caroni, Trinidad, West Indies Phone: (868) 645 0235 Email: sales@resintt.com 92 | Endeavour Magazine

includes

full

janitorial

Kemworld

associates

therefore

their

customers, new and historic will be assured of the highest standards and the finest execution of services. This covers elements such as Health and Safety, which was a fully implemented programme by 2012 and mandated by their Health and Safety Consultant, Teelucksingh and Associates.

Human resource and training is equally as important to Nu Home who, at the time of the operational merger employed sixty employees and have a record for retaining over 85% of their staff in the operations departments. They are also a position to offer contacts to subcontractors when additional labour is required, “All prospective employees and subcontractors are subject to a stringent recruitment process which includes background checks of skills, training and various processes.� Furthermore, all training is done in-house.

Looking after their employee is a mandate that is very important and the companies are insured for public liability, workmen compensation and motor vehicles through their providers, Guardian

Managing both sides of the cleaning spectrum allows Kemworld to increase their customer range and expand their catalogue of experience.

When they can offer the cleaning of a person’s home or an office on one side and the full cleaning of the waste for a company the size of Petrotrin, then whatever falls in between will be easy to tackle.

General Insurance Company Limited.

Endeavour Magazine | 93

94 | Endeavour Magazine

ROLAND IMPERIAL TOBACCO 00260 211295657 WWW.ROLANDTOBACCO.COM

AN INDUSTRY GOING UP IN SMOKE WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

Zambia only has one cigarette manufacturing plant and Roland Imperial Tobacco Company (RITCO) is it. Feeding the nation’s favourite habit, this wholly Zambian-owned company, that is also fully indigenous, was incorporated in 2001 and owns, creates and distributes the much loved cigarette brands of Life Full Flavour and Life Menthol Brands. Managing director Dr. Ephraim Mwenda was on hand to discuss.

Endeavour Magazine | 95

ROLAND IMPERIAL TOBACCO

While outside Zambia smoking may be a habit that is losing popularity,

RITCO, through an extensive nationwide network of distributers, provides indirect employment to over 10,000 entrepreneurs. Including sub-distributors, wholesalers, retailers, kiosks, foot soldiers and table tops and with their sister business, Zambia Cigarette Company, they have an open door policy to partner with reputable international cigarette manufacturing companies.

D

r. Mwenda who has been in situ since the start reveals that since their inception, they have developed a distribution

The independent Zimbabwe based cigarette filter manufacturer, supplying filters for cigarette makers in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Malawi and Botswana

model that involves partnering with various international

tobacco manufacturers and having looked at new opportunities to grow and change, “In 2013, Roland Imperial Tobacco established our first and the only cigarette manufacturing plant in the country and commenced production of the Life brands of cigarettes which comes in two varieties, these being Life Full Flavour and Life Menthol, packed in soft packs.”

Since then the Company has gone through changes from only distributing cigarette products from partnerships with other tobacco companies to include its locally produced Life cigarettes resulting in exponential growth of market share.

“Last year (2014) we expanded our operations through our sister company Vapour Investments Limited to distribute electronic cigarettes, electronic shishas and electronic hookahs in partnership with Desonic” Dr Mwenda tells. Desonic is one of the largest electronic cigarette manufacturers in the world. Furthermore, Vapor Investments Limited is also in partnership with Ritchy who are one the largest E-liquid supplier s in the market.

Unit A, 17 Loreley Close Msasa, Harare, Zimbabwe Work: (263) 4 446278/9 Cell: +263 774 813 474 Email: nic@flextimazim.com

96 | Endeavour Magazine

“We are also exploring the prospects of the export market, especially considering the opportunity presented by Zambia’s geographical position of being surrounded by eight neighbouring countries,” says.

RITCO Mwenda explains that the core activities of the company are the manufacturing and distribution of cigarettes and tobacco related products. “RITCO owns a fully functional factory that has the capacity to produce over 2 billion cigarettes per annum,” he reveals, “However the Zambian market can only consume 1.5 billion cigarettes in a year which means we have room for immediate growth.”

The introduction of the technologically advanced cigarette factory has created a market for skilled labour, for both Zambian nationals and expatriates, with more jobs expected to be created, based on the growth projections of the company.

IS THE MARKET GOING UP IN SMOKE?

many more Cigarette Trading Companies, “Unlike the rest of the world, the opportunities for profitable business are numerous in the tobacco and cigarette business in Zambia.”

Of course there are some challenges to overcome, he highlights, “As an example, we suffer from an unstable foreign exchange rate, which makes it very expensive to run a business or plan business projections.”

Because the law limits cigarette advertising to below the line adverts, focus is more on one-to-one consumer advertisement and point of sale materials such as, posters and freebies such as t-shirts, capes, lighters, ash trays and designated sampling of cigarettes.

The level of excise duty, which at present is very high for manufacturer cigarettes stands at 145% or US$12.80 per thousand sticks, which is higher than neighbouring countries.

“Zambia has not differentiated on excise duty for locally

Regarding the current state of the industry Mwenda speaks

manufactured cigarettes and imported cigarettes,” Dr. Mwenda

quite candidly, “Zambia grows some of the best tobaccos in the

says, “Both have been pegged at 145% or US$ 12.80 per mile and

world and most of this is currently being exported without value

this does not provide a level playing field for a local manufacturer

addition.”

who has fixed overhead costs compared to the trading

The Zambian Cigarette Market has been growing at about 30% per year consecutively for the past 5 years and this has not only seen the establishment of their own plant but also the entrance of

organisations whose overheads are very minimal in comparison to a manufacturer.”

Another major issue is smuggling. Due to the high Zambian

Endeavour Magazine | 97

ROLAND IMPERIAL TOBACCO

excise duty structure, the influx of smuggled or duty not paid

parties where RITCO customers

competitor

presence.

cigarettes (DNP) into Zambia has been escalating, “The Zambian

have an opportunity to interact

system also helps RITCO to

market is attractive for the duty not paid cigarettes whose prices

with RITCO employees and

gather

are very low compared to products coming through legitimate

help strengthen and develop

Providing world class, quality

businesses,” he tells us, “This creates an uncompetitive environment

the relationship. Strengthening

products

because of the huge price disparities.” In addition, it also contributes

these relationships is one of the

pricing is essential for RITCO to

to revenue loss for the Government through non-payment of the

ways that RITCO keep ahead

stay ahead of its competition.

required taxes.

market and

This

intelligence. competitive

of their competition; another

This is also further enhanced by

Another issue, which could turn into a future opportunity, is the

is by differentiating strategies,

providing a product mix, which

lack of a primary processing plant, the absence of which dictates

which entail providing services

offers variety to customers and

that tobacco is exported in unprocessed form, resulting in missed

to the customer differently

is able to compete at various

foreign exchange earnings which would have come with value

from competition, in all areas

market segments.

addition to the tobacco. “Consequently this increases the product

of the business. Dr. Mwenda

cost for Zambian cigarette manufacturers as they are forced to

explains that a direct to store

send the tobacco to neighbouring countries for processing before

delivery (DSD) model is used

bringing it back as cut rag.”

to

service

the

customers.

This is a systematic approach

THE PEOPLE BEHIND RITCO RITCO boasts a multi-lingual, multi-racial workforce of over 100 employees and in order to ensure delivery of quality service to their customers, Dr. Mwenda explains that they have specified academic and professional requirements for employees entering the organisation. For the employees already in the company and intending to further their skills, support is rendered in the form of study grants.

“We place a lot of emphasis on training ‘on-the-job’ to enhance skills of staff in the technical and marketing fields,” he says, “and we have provision to take up interns from higher institutions of learning, with various skills additional to the above. Employees have been sent for training locally and abroad whenever the need for skills enhancement has been identified.”

All new employees are put through an induction program and the company places great importance on talent identification and staff development as a way of maintaining a competitive edge in the business.

KEEPING THE SMOKERS SATISFIED For RITCO there is nothing better than a satisfied smoker and Dr. Mwenda believes that customers are at the core of the business and are the most valuable stake holders, “We focus on building customer relations and offer customers good prices, a variety of products and an efficient and effective sales force team that meets their needs and requirements.”

RITCO Manufacturing Division houses state of the art machinery that has enabled RITCO to produce high quality products able to compete with world class brands. Dr. Mwenda describes that it is important for them to conduct after-sales support, as this provides an opportunity to fully understand customer challenges.

With this in mind, periodically, RITCO conducts trade recognition 98 | Endeavour Magazine

NEW DEVELOPEMENTS FOR 2015 AND BEYOND Roland

Imperial

Tobacco

that enables RITCO to fully

Company is entering a very

understand its market, with

exciting

regard to active customers,

developments earmarked for

opportunities for growth and

2015.

time,

with

new

FILTER MAKING The filters used in the process of cigarette making have, since 2013, been imported from neighbouring countries at a great cost

enhanced customer satisfaction. Obtaining ISO 9001: 2008 certifications is planned for the third quarter of 2015.

PRIMARY MANUFACTURING PLANT

but now, Roland Imperial Tobacco Company have acquired a filter

Despite Zambia being one of the major tobacco producers in

making machine which will be operational by the second quarter

Africa, the lack of a primary processing plant in the country has

of 2015, “Apart from manufacturing for our own needs, Roland

adversely affected the cigarette manufacturers and tobacco

Imperial Tobacco Company will also become a supplier of filters to

farmers. It is with this in mind that RITCO is actively exploring the

other cigarette manufacturers in the region,” Dr. Mwenda says.

setting up of a primary processing plant within the next 2 years.

EXPANSION OF BRAND PORFOLIO

Suppliers of primary processing plants have been engaged and

The company plans to expand the brand portfolio with the introduction of five new cigarette brands to bring the total number of RITCO brands to seven, in the Zambian market. The new brands will be packed in hinged lid hard packs, while LIFE is packed in a soft pack.

To facilitate the introduction of the new brands in 2015, the company has acquired a Focke Hinge Lid packing machine, which is

proposals have been received for evaluation. The investment in this area is expected to be in the range of $20 million.

VAPOR INVESTMENTS (SISTER COMPANY TO RITCO) The company is currently working on introducing its own brand of electronic cigarettes, which will be introduced on the market soon.

“E-cigarettes should not be regulated in the same manner as

expected to be in operation by the fourth quarter of the year

conventional Cigarettes,” Dr. Mwenda says, “Instead, regulation

ISO 9001: 2008 CERTIFICATION

should highlight the growing research that nicotine based products

The process of obtaining ISO 9001: 2008 certifications has commenced, in order to ensure quality service delivery and

such as e-cigarettes have a large capacity to improve public health by helping people quit or reduce smoking.”

Endeavour Magazine | 99

GADGETS BE A NINJA FOR LESS THAN $150 AT AMAZON Face facts: you want to be a ninja. Everyone wants to be a ninja. As a kid you probably dressed up in your pyjamas, pulled up your hoody, wrapped a scarf around your face and became instantly awesome.

I

n fact, if you never wanted to be a ninja, you have no business being here so please leave immediately. You can go do something boring like watching grass grow, cement dry or the X-Factor

finals. But if being a ninja is one of your lifelong ambitions and the thought of it makes you feel groovy, then worry not, Littlegate is here to help and has found the best places to purchase all the equipment you’ll need to be amazing…. and it’s all from Amazon (with one exception). Preparation is, after all, a ninja secret.

Suits Now, this is a serious-ish article, so we’re not going to be silly and offer you any sort of ninja suit that comes from the likes of Mortal Kombat. And while we are well aware that the ninjas everyone thinks of when they think of ninjas were not actually the assassins people feared in feudal Japan, we really don’t care. This is where you can pick it up: http://amzn.to/1Lho6hb

Boots Tabi boots, the traditional footwear of the legendary ninja were designed to be quiet while walking, for sneaking and the like. They also had a gap between the big toes so that the wearer could grip a rope, or depending on your level of dexterity, a weapon. They do take some getting used to and are useless when walking over Lego.

(Lego blocks, the ninja’s ultimate nemesis). http://amzn.to/15IvrWD

Tools Ah the tools of the ninja. Not known as weapons, as in Ninjutsu everything within the ninja’s grasp is a weapon. That sword, yes, that’s a weapon. That spork; lethal in the right hands. Of course you’re looking for the traditional look, so we’ve focused on the essential tools you’ll need to make your ninja look more authentic.

100 | Endeavour Magazine

Throwing Knives Shaped to be easily used

as

a

Grappling Hook

Night Vision

What kind of ninja

Modern

Shuriken ninjas

do

Ninja Sword

The

ultimate

hand-held would you be without a need modern gadgets and signature

weapon, as well as a grappling hook? Batman Amazon provides a range ninjas

weapon

What

of be

ninja

complete

would without

and

instantly a sword? Amazon has

projectile, you can also relied on this constantly of optic night goggles to recognisable,

the a catalogue of swords,

tie a rope to the end and and if you fall off a rooftop make sure you manage to Shuriken-ninja throwing ranging from traditional use them as a harpoon. because

someone

has avoid those Lego block stars

are

the

answer and boring to nuke-the-

Ninja Throwing Knives left Lego blocks around, security systems.

to the question “what fridge-levels of cool.

are a useful tool of the you want to know you

happens if someone has

initiated.

have options.

a gun?�

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Reading Material Ninja by Eric Van Lustbader. Definitely a good book to read that depicts the levels of mental, physical and emotional training required to be a ninja. http://amzn.to/1HcEeBe The Ninja and Their Secret Fighting Art, because nothing says ninja like a blue-eyed American in pyjamas http://amzn.to/1JGTvbb

Lessons According to the latest TMNT movie, Ninjutsu does not require years of practice, hard work and dedicated learning under a qualified and masterful instructor. Instead, you can master it within a quick movie montage after reading a book found in a sewer. Amazon kindly provides preparation DVDs, such as Combat Ninjutsu. I cannot see this going wrong at all. http://amzn.to/1HcGgkL

Lawyer Finding a solicitor will be a necessary addition to your ninja tools.

Depending on whether it is because you discovered that pulling out a grappling hook, arranging the ropes, throwing it accurately and actually grappling something takes longer than it does to fall off a roof, or because despite all sense you actually made use of your ninja tools and are now facing a murder/manslaughter charge.

Preparation is everything. http://bit.ly/1EPq2cu Endeavour Magazine | 101

SMALL REDESIGNS THAT CHANGE THE LOOK OF EVERYDAY ITEMS

UMBRELLA

BALLOONS AS PHONE COVERS

We all know the umbrella’s traditional look as it has an iconic shape, which, like that of a tent,

You never thought about

is actually very inefficient at doing its job. As long as the rain is coming straight down, and there is

using a balloon like this, admit

no wind, the umbrella shape works fine, but the moment there is wind, the umbrella can straight up

it. But if you need a phone

morph into a kite and if there is heavy rain it does a better job of pouring water onto you, than shielding

cover but don’t want to have

you from it. Hence, a small amendment to the original design could make all the difference.

to pay for a new one while are

As you can see, this new design allows the water to pour off the back and away from the user

looking for a variety of options,

and thanks to the longer struts at the back, this umbrella is less likely to turn inside out. Not massive

then this is an innovation just

advantages, but you’ll be grateful when you’re caught in a rainstorm and are the only one not holding

for you.

onto an inside-out umbrella.

102 | Endeavour Magazine

BEANBAG BED

A CAR JACK USING CAR EXHAUST FUMES

Limited space is a problem in dormitories and shared houses.

The car-jack is like the spare tyre, you don’t ever think about

When you have to fit your whole life into one room, it’s amazing

it until you need it and then you discover you don’t have one.

how much space a bed can actually take up; space that could be

Considering how car manufacturers today are so adverse to adding

used for a drinking cabinet, a game station or a pool table. The

extra weight to vehicles that they’ve stopped including spare

beanbag bed sorts that out. You get the chance to have a lounge

wheels in their vehicles, let alone the necessary tools to take one

around during the day, on a beanbag and when it comes to sleeping,

off, this clever invention could make all the difference.

just unzip, clear a bit of floor space and have a kip. Very practical for

Able to fold up and fit into the pouch behind the drivers seat or

a single guy, very impractical if you’re looking to impress the ladies

in the glove-box, it certainly promises to be cleaner and less hassle

so this will probably be used for sleepovers and camping trips.

than the traditional jack and takes less effort to use by combining a tube with an inflatable balloon. Whoever invented this deserves the money they made on it.

Endeavour Magazine | 103

TRAVEL

INSPIRE YOURSELF IN ICELAND

BY SHANNAH LAUREN

Inspiration in life is key to fulfilling your life and what you want it to be.

Sometimes it’s not always what direction you are going in, how much you are earning, but what you are investing yourself entirely into. Sometimes it’s about not being able to adjust the wind, but being able to adjust your sails.

I suggest you to aim your direction towards Iceland, and inspire that thirsty soul of yours.

I

celand is known for its pretty spectacular scenery, but it’s much

(You can find a suitable Iceland tour on www.icelandtours.is)

more than just that. It’s a “home” away from home for some

Now the money currency is called krona (plural kronur).

people; it’s people’s escape. It’s where people live in the moment

Depending on where you are from originally, it’s advised to

of pure admiration and appreciate the world that surrounds them. It

download a currency app to be able to determine your exact

fills your soul with creativity, which may be because of its incredibly

currency conversion. Majority of places do however take credit,

stylish bars, restaurants, cafes and shops. Whether you are a family

so you are available to bring your credit card with you, just keep

or just want to go with your mates, Iceland’s the place that will

in mind that some transactions may include additional foreign

meet your every desire. There are plenty of things you can’t miss in

transaction fees.

Iceland, and I’m only here to tell you a few of them.

When it gets down to lodging, you can be offered anything

The Blue Lagoon is one of tourist’s favorites, and you will see

from a dorm styled traveler hotel, or you can also stay in a cozy

why! It can be cold and rainy, however the lagoon keeps you at such

farm upon the hills. However you want to spend your trip is

a perfect temperature while also able to be served drinks. It’s truly

entirely up to you. If you are looking for the cozier styled trip, I

a once in a lifetime experience that I believe many people just must

would suggest you to look into Solheimahjaleiga, which is South

experience. The next destination is Porsmork National Park, which

of Iceland, near Vík, Volcano Katla and the Mýrdalsjökull glacier.

is one of the most scenic mountains that you could hike on.

(www.solheimahjaleiga.is).

One of the best advice a traveler would give to you about

While you are traveling around Iceland, it’s important to keep

going to Iceland would be to book an Iceland tour, and no I’m not

in mind that you are spending many parts of your day driving 2-4

talking about the tour buses. I’m talking about booking yourself a

hours. That being said, make sure you have got your entertainment

self-guided tour, which includes your lodging, rental car, breakfast,

to keep the mood set for your trip! Bring CD’s with you (encase

GPS and a sample itinerary. This gives you the guidance from

your rental car doesn’t have an AUX plug in), or possibly even a

professionals while also the freedom to be able to experience a

cassette aux adapter to play music off of your iPod. The radio has

true travelers dream.

quite the variety, offering you everything from 90’s hits to Taylor

104 | Endeavour Magazine

Swift. If you’ve got kids with you, think about bringing a portable

mountains and don’t want to be wearing your nicest clothes!

DVD player to keep them happy and content on the journeys. It’s

Also, depending on where you are from, the navigation may

also a good thing to keep in mind to bring a car charger as well for

be a complete shock to you as well. In Iceland, you drive on the

your phones!

right side of the road like in the United States, however their road

As for getting to Iceland in the first place, IcelandAir is highly

rules and signs are more similar to how they are in the United

recommended. Each seat has its own screen with headphone jack,

Kingdom. Reading the signs may be quite difficult as well unless

free movies and TV shows. The only negative for the airline is that

you speak Icelandic, so although you may have a GPS with you, I

the food is not free; therefore, you need to order a meal beforehand

would suggest printing out some directions as well to keep you less

or pick out food in the airport before you fly.

frustrated.

For you food lovers out there, Iceland is known to have the best

You will definitely want to bring some souvenirs with you back

hot dog stands in Europe; and it’s true. I would suggest for you to

home, but as you may have heard, Iceland can be expensive! If

go to Bæjarins beztu pylsur in Reykjavík, which is a small chain of

you want something that would really mean a lot, try out the flea

popular hot dog stands. Another great recommendation is Eldur &

market. You can find some of the greatest deals, and items that you

Is, a gelato shop at the end of a long street facing Hallgrímskirkja.

would absolutely love to bring home with you. If you are looking for

There are all your common fast food restaurants as well, including

clothes to shop for, try out Red Cross. You will also want to keep

Subway and KFC.

in mind to buy your souvenirs the last day, as you don’t want to be

The weather does fluctuate a lot in Iceland, so determining what to wear can be difficult. You could go and it could be barely any rain

bringing them with you all around your entire trip with the chance of losing them.

and beautiful skies, or you could go and get completely drenched

Iceland has a ton to offer you, and your soul. This is the time of

daily. Pack for cold and cool weather, jeans, hats, sweaters, boots,

your life to stop thinking about what you want to do, and rather

while also bringing some t-shirts and tanks with you. Pack traveling

decide what you are going to do. Open your horizons, set sail and

gear with you, encase you want to enjoy a nice hike through the

discover your way into Iceland.

Endeavour Magazine | 105

BOOK REVIEWS

I’ll be honest Inferno was an improvement for me on Da Vinci’s Code and Angels and Demons which are two books I believe that prove that just because a book is translatable into a successful book does not make the book well written or engaging. However, I found Inferno considerably faster paced and more enjoyable. I trust that this is a sign that he improves with each novel.

Inferno is a 2013 mystery thriller novel by renowned American author Dan Brown and the fourth book in his Robert Langdon series, following Angels & Demons, The Da Vinci Code and The Lost Symbol. The book was released on May 14, 2013 by Doubleday and was number

106 | Endeavour Magazine

Inferno

one on the New York Times Best Seller list for hardcover

By Dan Brown http://amzn.to/1zg14Rz

fiction and Combined Print & E-book fiction for the first ten weeks of its release, and also remained on the list of E-book fiction for the first thirteen weeks of its release.

The Porsche 924 Carrera – evolution to excellence

By Roy Smith http://amzn.to/1DbV6BA Award winning motoring writer and

Carrera, this brand new book was created with the full support

member of the Guild of Motoring Writers,

of Porsche AG’s archive centre in Stuttgart. A limited edition large

Roy Smith has personally signed a limited

square-format hardback, the book contains 408 images, many never

quantity of copies of his brand new book

published before, full racing statistics, and first hand interviews

The Porsche 924 Carrera – evolution

from those central to the 924 Carrera’s development & history,

to

including input from Derek Bell MBE, Jürgen Barth, Norbert Singer,

excellence

at

Veloce

Publishing’s

headquarters in Poundbury, Dorset this

Tony Dron & Walter Röhrl.

week.

Until now largely overlooked by history, the 924 Carrera

The end result of several years of Roy’s

was widely reported at the time as being one of the greatest of

own original research and world travels

the Porsche ‘specials’ and a true supercar, but has since been

to interview those involved with the 924

overshadowed by other models.

The Passage

By Justin Cronin http://amzn. to/15XG6gJ

The Passage begins in the near future and details an apocalyptic and, later, post-apocalyptic world that is overrun by vampire-like beings who are infected by a highly contagious virus. What begins as a project to develop a new immunity-boosting drug based on a virus carried by an unnamed species of bat in South America eventually becomes the virus that transforms the world. The novel begins in 2014 and spans more than ninety years, as colonies of humans attempt to live in a world filled with superhuman creatures who are continually on the hunt for fresh blood.

Endeavour Magazine | 107

SPOTLIGHT

BIANCA MILLER SETTING THE RIGHT TONE FOR BUSINESS

BY DONNIE RUST AND TYLER HARRISON

I

t is important to surround yourself with people who can inspire

Bianca Miller was thrust into the public eye when she narrowly

you to be better today than you were yesterday. Mentors who

missed winning the 2014 series of The Apprentice, one of the

can teach you the tricks of the trade, what works and what

most popular reality business shows in Britain. Having been one

doesn’t in the development of your own particular brand. After all,

of the favourites to win, it was revealed early on that her drive,

you are the very product that will determine your future successes

passion and motivation were matched only by her capability and

or disappointments. Any famous name in business can thank at least

determination.

one person for showing them the ropes, someone who encouraged

“I had been a fan of the show since I was a teenager and I

them when they needed it and gave them that advice that made all

remember sitting at home watching the TV and saying, ‘I could do

the difference in their life decisions. If you meet a businessperson

that’ but I never gave any thought, at the time, to participating,”

who denies this, who claims that they did it completely on their

she admits. In fact, before entering into the show the twenty five

own, they are lying to you.

year old had already been running her own business, the Be Group,

Understanding this importance, Bianca Miller, who recently

for two years but did have another idea for a business that she

appeared in the 2014 series of The Apprentice, has spent the last

thought would deserve the investment of £250k from Lord Alan

several years working hard to coach and train people on how to

Sugar, “My fiancé kept pushing for me to apply and even though

develop their own personal brand. We were delighted to catch up

I was reluctant, he persisted until I went through the auditioning

with her to discuss her business and how she sees it evolving in the

process and suddenly I was on the show!”

future, post-TV fame.

After years of running her own business, The Be Group, 108 | Endeavour Magazine

The Apprentice has undergone many changes throughout the years, working as it does each series with a group of entrepreneurs.

Originally entirely seen as an opportunity to win the chance to work under Lord Alan Sugar, one of Britain’s most successful

“It doesn’t show how hard it is,” she says levelly, “Or how hard we’re pushed,”

businessmen, this sense of high end recruitment has continued and

One of the aims of the show is to push the potential apprentices

in series ten, there was an opportunity for a successful business

to their absolute limits, to reveal the kind of characters they would

idea to benefit from a quarter of a million pound investment from

be when put under the inhuman levels of pressure and stress

Lord Alan Sugar himself.

found in the corporate world. This works not only to determine

One of the most asked questions for Apprentice stars is the

the strongest candidates but it’s one of the entertaining features

realism of the show which strongly highlights the pressure on

that has made this show so popular and attracted such an ardent

performance that is asked of everyone involved. Bianca reveals

audience.

what it’s really like behind the scenes, “It’s far more stressful than it

This being said Bianca looks very favourably upon her

looks on the television,” she says, “It’s edited to show more of the

experience, “The best place to test your product is in the hardest

entertainment side which producers feel the viewers want to see.

firing grounds with people who won’t hold back their punches.”

Unfortunately that means you don’t really get the chance to see the business aspects.”

Bianca’s product idea was a business based around the creation of ‘nude’ tights that matched a woman’s skin tone, allowing for a

As he has made clear in the past, Lord Alan Sugar is less

more natural look and a better feel. Believing that a wider range

interested in entertaining the public and more interested in

of choice would provide many women from Irish/English Rose

shaping the business leaders of the future, so everyone on the

to Sub Saharan African complexions, professional or not, with a

show is expected to step up to the plate when it comes to proving

bettersolution. sense of confidence and security.

themselves. Bianca explains that whilst they were working hard for

Seeing the niche for better quality skin-tone tights for the high

days on end creating, pitching and marketing their idea for their

end market, Bianca has indicated that she will be launching Bianca

product with all the stresses and rigours of a real business, it only

Miller London later this year and answering the demand for the

creates fifteen or twenty minutes of footage, which gives you some

product that has been created thanks to the show.

scope of what viewers aren’t seeing behind the scenes.

As it turns out, while the investment of capital, as well as the

Endeavour Magazine | 109

advice from Lord Alan Sugar, would have been immensely helpful, Bianca is less fazed about

not

Apprentice

winning and

more

The keen

to get the product out to the market. An already established business woman, she doesn’t believe in getting side tracked by frivolous things and has taken what she learnt from the show with gratitude and is using the experience for all it’s worth while pushing her own plans, “I got a lot of praise for my idea and approach to the tights from industry experts,” she elaborates, “The kind of attention

that

is

otherwise

difficult to get hold of. I was very lucky that I could get an insight into the industry from people who had been in it for a long time.”

Offering a range of luxury tights, Bianca Miller London will be launched this year in August or September with a mid-sized range following soon after, “There is a huge market for better tights that are of a better quality.”

THE BE GROUP 2015 is going to be a very

Business Management and Economics at the University of Sussex and worked as an HR advisor in the

busy time for Bianca Miller,

highly reputable management/technology consulting firm Accenture. While there, she worked with

who already has an established

hundreds of newly hired graduates. Due to her natural charisma, she was requested by management

business that is up and running

to develop an initiative to help the graduates develop desirable skills to aid their career advancement,

and has been doing very well.

this was called ‘Preparing for Promotion’ and gave her insight into what employers were looking for in

Founded in 2012, the business

candidates at the first stage.

focus is around engaging people

The second source was through a stint of working in recruitment, where she saw first-hand the

to build their own personal

plight of unemployed individuals during the toughest economic times. She soon realised that the reason

brand by allowing them access

why some people always got jobs, while others didn’t, was down to their own personal branding.

to services to help their personal

Whereas some failed consistently due to not knowing how to write a captivating CV that would

development, not only to make

warrant interest from an employer and an inability to effectively communicate or present themselves

them employable but to unlock

during an interview, should they even get that far.

The Be Group has successfully helped people overcome these hurdles by starting at the beginning,

their skills and talents.

The business sources.

inspiration comes Bianca

for

from

the

“Personal development is so important,” she explains, “Even though, mostly, we don’t credit the

two

ability to engage in conversation, effectively network, convey expertise, be presentable and deliver

studied

110 | Endeavour Magazine

consistently as something that can be taught, it is.”

The Be Group is divided into three key sections; Be Branded

Karen. She started out so young and excelled in a business that is

UK, Be Employed UK and Be Styled UK and seeks to help people

predominantly male lead. She’s assertive, has made a great name

redefine their complete image, “If you are working to promote a

for herself, is fearless when it comes to new opportunities and does

fantastic brand you would have to be able to present the product,

what she believes in.”

in this case yourself, to the market in the most professional and

Bianca has taken on a non-executive position for a start-up

impressive manner. You would need to make yourself highly

company; a directory for brides and grooms, acting as a one stop

employable and you would need to create a style illustrative of your

shop to find venues, caterers, make-up artists and everything that

brand.”

goes into planning a wedding.

To achieve this, the three groups aim to develop appearance,

“This is very close to my heart because I know how difficult it is

conduct, online presence and the best methods to network and

to plan a wedding. I am in charge of getting partners and sponsors

engage. Building confidence and resourcefulness to make the

who can contribute to that market,” she says.

individual and their brand essential to businesses, potential employers and clients, “Simply put,” Bianca says, “You have seven seconds upon meeting someone to make a good impression that will help them assess your value. You have to know how to do it well.”

One of the areas that Bianca wants her business to continue to expand in, is catering to young people, “I want to create a programme to help young adults entering the job market to help them network and communicate their brands.”

Incorporating this with the exposure she received from being in the show and directing this to actively help engage people into understanding the importance of selling themselves right is what she ultimately wants to achieve this year, “Right now the show has given me a spotlight,” she says, “I want to utilise this spotlight to create something of value, a lasting legacy.” Making use of the exposure is important, but so far for The Be Group most of her work comes through word of mouth from satisfied customers, such as Olswang LLP, Kingston University, Google, London School of Economics to name a few and this has always been the case since 2012.

TEAMWORK AND SUPPORT “I have a good team,” she tells us, “I like to surround myself with strong people who can inspire and motivate me. It’s important because I’m not the finished article,” Having always actively taken on interns and apprentices, Bianca makes it very clear to everyone who works with her that she is still learning, developing and growing and that a brand can and should never be the finished article. There are no absolutes in business and you have to stay flexible enough to keep up with changes, trends and styles.

Bianca herself also has a number of successful women who she aspires to be like. Citing Oprah Winfrey as a definite inspiration, as a woman who went from nothing to be being one of the most powerful people on the planet and whose greatest and most memorable contributions have been in the form of selfless

FIVE YEAR PLAN Asking where she believed her businesses, and herself, would be in five years, Bianca has said that she is very excited about the prospects. Bianca Miller London will launch with skin tone tights and move into shapewear, lingerie and loungewear so that it can cater to particular niches in the industry, “I want it to be a brand that resonates with solutions for women, by women.”

To do this, she says that you have to be able to listen to the end consumer, focus on them and cater for things that are lacking in the market. For The Be Group, she plans to roll out a programme for the unemployed and student demographics, to help develop their own personal brands, market and communication for employment or entrepreneurship.

START UP ADVICE? “If someone is planning to embark on a start-up business or a project, the top thing to keep in mind is research,” Bianca says, “Look at your market and your competitors, understand what you can offer and why it is different and better.”

She goes on, “Research your customers; where do they want to buy and importantly how, you have so many ways to shop today and you have to research what method suits your business and target consumer. Is it online or face to face? Do they want or need your product, how much do they want to pay and what size is the market you’re aiming for? Research is crucial and ongoing,” Furthermore, she adds that understanding your finances is a painful but just as important habit to get into, “You have to understand the running costs and build in a survival budget while you’re starting to create a business as it always takes longer and costs more than you plan for. You need a back up plan if something goes wrong or money in your pocket… ask yourself, what is your contingency?”

But most importantly, “Believe in yourself, ask for help and don’t give up,”

philanthropy.

Karen, who was in the Apprentice with her, is also someone that Bianca has deep admiration for, “I’ve always respected Endeavour Magazine | 111