MARCH 2015
www.endeavourmagazine.com
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EDITOR’S NOTE Heads of Departments Editor in Chief Daemon Sands daemonsands@littlegatepublishing.com
I
f oil could crash any further right now it would be sucking itself back into the ground and pulling the dirt in after it to plug the hole. In turn, gold is being pulled down as well as silver. People aren’t
spending their money at the moment, as they are waiting to see how
Director General Don Campbell doncampbell@littlegatepublishing.com
low prices can get before they buy. Trying to calculate the waves of
Editorial Research Manager Alex Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com
guesswork until you’re trying to stabilise.
Sales Director James Martin jamesmartin@littlegatepublishing.com
wells, businesses in the car sector are growing, social enterprises and
Sales Manager Tyler Harrison tylerharrison@littlegatepublishing.com
if your business is predominantly online then you should be sprinting
Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com
in the dust.
Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com
giants that have danced the jig at the top of the world have suddenly
Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com
for decades, was one of the most powerful businesses in the world
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 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
the economy is like trying to predict turbulence and wind shear, it’s all Yet while commodities are blowing out the bottoms of their own crowd funding is rising as a popular method of funding startups and like never before because if you aren’t, you’re going to be left choking Like Bob Dylan said, “The times they are a changin’,”. The corporate felt the world turn. A fine example of this is British Petroleum, which, but has now been KO’d by the courts over the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. While it acknowledged the damage caused, there had been the assumption that the company would simply roll with the punches and stay on top, but few punches pack as much stopping power as the ones that cost $13.7 billion. At the same time, countries that the western world deemed second class, such as the ‘wild lands’ of Africa and South America, are funding major projects for infrastructure and capitalising on growing gains in businesses that have been successful, despite incompetent and at times, intrusive Government regimes. The realm of science fiction is becoming science reality with debates of artificial intelligence, man-made thinking computers and their effect on our world being serious topics of conversation between scientists just moments before one of them flips the on-switch. With all of this change and the promise and opportunity for growth and advancement in technology, medicine, science and business, how soon will we lose interest in redundant and wasteful debates? Where will the place for arguments of sexism, racism and xenophobia be in a world where everyone is made equal by the responsibility of their freedom? Maybe that is a debate to have on its own.
Endeavour Magazine | 3
CONTENTS
45
SNA Civil And Structural Engineers
FEATURES
21 Masterbulk 4 | Endeavour Magazine
15 Stena Bulk The Power Of Culture 21 Masterbulk Masters Of Industry 35 Viraj Profiles Standing For More Than Just A Business 45 SNA Civil and Structural Engineers Sixty And Going Strong 51 G4S Guam & CNMI Preparation Is Good Security 63 Trimetals Trimetals Takes The Lead 67 Gold Fields Ghana Mining For The Future 73 Sol Petroleum Fuelled For Success 79 ECOPETROL S.A. Never Too Old To Grow 83 Allied Caterers An Army Marches On Its Stomach 89 Wilmar The Giant Behind It All
79
ECOPETROL S.A.
ARTICLES 3 Editor’s Note 6 Winning The Race 8 Business Headlines 56 Automotives The Mercedes Gl 350 A Symphony Of Style Tesla’s Free Supercharger Network UK To Lead Driverless Car Technology 94 Gadgets 98 Travel March To The Beat In Lanzarote 100 Book Reviews Three Books Under 100 Pages Dodge Dynamite! 102 Spotlight Terracycle: What’s Next 106 15 Secrets Of Really Persuasive People 108 My Jaunt On A Californian Jury Duty
89 Wilmar Endeavour Magazine | 5
WINNING THE RACE WRITTEN BY JOHN, LORD TAYLOR OF WARWICK, WWW.LORDTAYLOR.ORG @LORDJOHNTAYLOR
t was sure great to meet you and maybe we can catch up
“I
In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Cameron announced
in London. Have a nice day”, said the slim young man. We
“a series of proposals to curb immigration,” noting that the overall
were walking into an international leaders’ breakfast in
inflow of foreigners had significantly increased since 2004. The UK
the Hilton Hotel, Washington DC. We didn’t know each other, but
Independence Party (UKIP) initially campaigned on an anti-Europe
shook hands and exchanged a short greeting. I did not think much
stance, but this appears to have broadened into anti-immigrant
more of it. A few years later, that slim young man became the First
rhetoric, to the extent that some critics have accused them of
Black President of the United States of America.
racism.
The fact that President Barack Obama is black had a huge
For the USA and UK, immigration policies will have an
impact worldwide. So how important is race to politics in the USA,
increasingly important effect on the general political landscape.
now and in the future? Are there any comparisons with the political
This is due to the changing demographic makeup of both nations.
situation in the United Kingdom? My book called Winning The
The reality is that the USA and UK, both great nations, are each
Race is published in April and examines these issues.
the result of immigration. This should be the starting point for the
It is inevitable that whenever Race is discussed, the emotive subject of immigration is also mentioned. Illegal immigration
discussion, but it is where immigration and skin colour become entwined that the issues become more sensitive.
is a controversial issue in America. Those in favour of tougher
The non-partisan Pew Research Centre, based in Washington
immigration enforcement say that illegal immigrants tarnish the
DC, has produced some compelling data. When Obama was re-
public image of all immigrants, cost the taxpayer over $300 billion
elected as President in November 2012, non- whites made up
and put the safety of law enforcement officers and citizens at risk,
28% of the American electorate, compared with 20 % in 2000. This
especially along the Mexican border. In his 20 November 2014
trend has worked in favour of President Obama and the Democrats
speech, President Obama claimed that “our immigration system
for two elections in a row. He captured a commanding 80% of
is broken and everyone knows it”. He announced a programme
the growing non-white voters in 2012, just as he did in 2008. His
of “Deferred Action,” which would allow about 45% of illegal
opponent, Republican Mitt Romney, dominated among white men,
immigrants to legally stay and work in America.
but that is a shrinking slice of the electorate in America. White men
Up to 3.7 million undocumented parents of US citizens or
made up 34% of the electorate in November 2012, down from 46%
legal permanent residents of at least 5 years and about 3 million
in 1972. Hispanics are currently the largest minority group at 17%
immigrants who arrived as children before January 2010 are eligible
of the US population, but will make up roughly 30% of the USA
for the new deferrals. Some critics say this was an unconstitutional
by 2050. Overall minorities are about 34% of the total population,
act by Obama, usurping the legislative power of Congress, but the
but by 2050 minorities will be about 50%. I have no doubt that
President claims to have been “acting where Congress has failed”.
minorities will vote. The question is, which party will relate better
There have been legal challenges to these immigration proposals
to their hopes and aspirations?
and so far 26 states have taken legal action in the federal court. 6 | Endeavour Magazine
In the UK, the General Election is on 7 May this year. Although
the election lead up is not as long as
their current fierce anti-immigrant
in the USA, our political parties are
rhetoric, attempting to win back UKIP
already campaigning. It will be the
voters, will have a lasting impact on the
closest and least predictable election
political loyalties of the new migrant
in living memory. With concerns
electorate. First impressions count
about the economy slowly receding,
and the ones being shown to migrant
immigration has returned to the top of
voters are not welcoming.
the political agenda. This is confirmed
Nearly 4 million foreign voters will
by the respected Opinion pollsters
be eligible to vote in May 2015. They
MORI (Market and Opinion Research
could have an influence in a range of
International).
focused
marginal parliamentary seats across the
heavily on concerns about immigration,
UK. Migrants will constitute over one
resulting in electoral success in the
third of the electorate in about 25 seats
Euro elections, Council elections and
and at least a quarter of the electorate
UKIP
have
even two parliamentary bi-elections last year. This has resulted in the Conservative and Labour Parties trying to outdo each other in sounding tough on immigration, to win back disaffected voters who offered their support to UKIP. There has been a discernible move to the right in British politics, but this may not be a wise tactic in the long term. One voter in ten, in 2015, will be a migrant. Many more will be the children of migrants. That share will rise as the migrants who have settled in the UK over the past decade gain British citizenship and participate in political
“
in over 50 seats. The Conservatives
One voter in ten, in 2015, will be a migrant. The risk facing the parties is that their current fierce anti-immigrant rhetoric, attempting to win back UKIP voters, will have a lasting impact on the political loyalties of the new migrant electorate. First impressions count and the ones being shown to migrant voters are not welcoming.
made a big mistake by not carrying through boundary reviews a couple of years ago, when they had the chance, so they face an uphill task if they are to win overall control. About 8 years ago I warned a group of Republican leaders not to ignore the ethnic minority vote. They listened politely, did nothing and lost. The Conservatives should learn from the Republicans’ mistake. The Tory leader, Cameron, says he does not want to talk about immigration during the election, but that will not stop immigrants talking about him.
life. The risk facing the parties is that Endeavour Magazine | 7
BUSINESS HEADLINES IBM SURVEY REVEALS REAL STORY BEHIND EMPLOYING MILLENNIALS
I
BM (NYSE:IBM ) announced that pretty much
shows that Millennials share many of the same
everything you thought you knew about
attitudes as Gen X and Baby Boomer employees.
Millennials could well be wrong. A new IBM
By 2020, Millennials will be approximately 50
study reveals much of the hype about Millennial
percent of the U.S. workforce (1). So within the
employees simply isn’t true. They aren’t the “lazy,
next five years, Millennials will wield increasing
entitled, selfish and shallow” workers that many
influence over organisations’ decisions, move in
believe them to be.
to leadership roles and basically take over the
#Millennials have gotten a bad rap. New @IBMIBV
study
disproves
#millennialmyths
#TheWayWeWork
workforce. Today’s business leaders need to begin planning for this shift by creating a workplace
The results of the global, multigenerational
environment that will maximise the Millennial
study “Myths, Exaggerations and Uncomfortable
generation’s unique strengths. To do so, they
Truths” found that the fundamental distinction
first need to separate fact from fiction on what
between Millennials and older employees is their
Millennial employees are really all about. Helpfully,
digital proficiency, which comes from growing up
the IBM Institute for Business Value examined
immersed in a digital world. But, for things like
five commonly held beliefs about Millennials and
career goals, employee engagement, preferred
busted them like the myths they are.
leadership styles and recognition, the study
8 | Endeavour Magazine
Myth 1: Millennials’ career goals and expectations are different from their elders (i.e. unrealistic). As it turns out, Millennials want financial security and a diverse workplace just as much as their older colleagues.
Myth 2: Millennials need endless praise and think everyone should get a trophy.
Myth 3: Millennials are digital addicts with no boundaries between work and play
Myth 4: Millennials can’t make a decision without crowdsourcing.
Millennials’ idea of a perfect
Millennials are less likely
boss isn’t someone who pats
than older generations to use
input, but are no more likely to
for the same reasons other
them on the back. They’re
their personal social media
seek advice when making work
generations do and they are
looking for an ethical and fair
accounts for business purposes.
decisions than Gen X. And,
no
boss who shares information.
Twenty-seven
of
even though they think gaining
colleagues to leave a job to
Thirty-five percent of Boomers
Millennials
-
consensus is important, more
follow their passion. In fact,
and Millennials listed this as
compared to only 7 percent of
than fifty percent of Millennials
Millennials, Gen Xers and Baby
the top quality they seek in a
Boomers. Millennials enter the
believe that their leaders are
Boomers are all two times more
boss. Last on the priority list for
workforce with a strong social
most qualified to make business
likely to leave a job to enter the
Millennials? A boss who asks for
presence and personal social
decisions.
fast lane - i.e. to make more
their input.
media strategy. They know what
money and work in a more
Funny enough, it’s Gen X
percent
never
do
so
Millennials
value
Myth 5: Millennials are more likely to jump ship if a job doesn’t fulfill their passions.
others’
Millennials
more
change
likely than
jobs
older
they want to communicate,
innovative environment - than
Millennials,
where they want to share it and
any other reason, including
who are more likely to think
how it best suits their audience.
saving the world.
everyone on a successful team
Like Taylor Swift.
employees,
not
should be rewarded. 64 percent of Gen Xers agreed with this statement compared to 55 percent of Millennials. Project much Gen X?
So what’s an employer to do? Employers can’t rely on generational stereotypes when
For the multigenerational study, the IBV surveyed nearly 1,800
planning and serving their workforce. They need robust, nuanced
employees from organisations of all sizes, across 12 countries.
talent strategies and analytics to better understand employees as
Additionally, research was conducted though a Tweetchat, group
individuals to make the most of their skills.
discussions and one-on-one interviews.
According to the IBV, applying workforce analytics can help
Now it’s your turn. Let’s compare notes on what we all have in
executives uncover previously hidden patterns of employee
common at work. Show us the way you work... share your thoughts
actions, enabling HR and business leaders to make smarter, more
through social networks like Twitter, Instagram, Vine or Facebook.
effective decisions and ultimately improve business results (2).
Please use the hashtag #TheWayWeWork and share a photo/video
IBM works with companies around the world and across industries
of yourself that explains how you get work done and what you love
to help implement best practices for millennial engagement and
the most about your work.
workforce analytics. Endeavour Magazine | 9
JACK UP RIGS MARKET WILL BE RELYING ON CHINESE YARDS ACCORDING TO CLARKSONS
I
n February this year, the orderbook for
Singaporean builders who averaged 52% of
deliveries in the sector. The increased
the global jack-up drilling rig for 2015
deliveries a year. There was a subsequent
appetite for larger units has been supported
had 67 rigs for delivery. So far, according
peak in delivery during the period in 2009
by speculative ordering as owners have
to Clarksons a provider of data and market
at 28 until that fell to 14 in 2012 and it was
been enticed by generous payment terms
intelligence for global shipping and offshore
the Singaporean yards that bore the brunt
offered by yards, reported to be as low as
oil and gas industries, three jack-up rigs
of the decline.
5% up front with the remainder to be paid
have been delivered.
However,
there
was
a
significant
on delivery.
This represents a higher total than
increase in output in 2013 with 44 deliveries,
has ever been delivered in one year and
28 of which were from Singaporean yards.
delivery track record of these Chinese yards
Chinese yards are responsible for 60% of
During this period deliveries from Chinese
is uncertain with several yards potentially
the aggregate. Whilst not all units are going
yards remained limited with an average of
delivering for the first time. Nevertheless,
to meet schedule, Chinese builders are still
4 a year.
Chinese builders are projected to account
projected to increase their market share, according to Clarksons.
Clarksons
further writes
that
the
It was during this latter period that the
for the majority of global jack-up output
Chinese builders entered the jack-up market
for the first time in 2015 and will possibly
Between period 2006-2013 the delivery
and while the output was noticeably limited
maintain a leading share in 2016.2015-02-
of jack-up averaged at about 19 units a year
it was stable, whilst their share of global
25_upload_5102124_OYM_2015_02 (1)
and these were predominantly produced by
jack-up deliveries fluctuated annually due to the variation in global deliveries. Their
proportion
of
Speculative ordering and the payment terms offered by yards for jack-ups have
total
aided this strong growth in projected
deliveries declined to 18% in 2013
output share; however, they also are its
as Singaporean yards increased their
biggest risk. Recent movements in the price
output. However, by this point a few
of oil may put off speculative owners that
yards had developed a track record
had hoped to benefit from oil companies’
within the jack-up sector.
expenditure and can cancel contracts with
The early entrants into the
minimal risk due to the payment structure.
space focused on smaller designs,
So, the orderbook suggests that 2015
which accounted for 60% of the
is going to be a bumper year for Jack-Ups.
units produced by Chinese builders
Chinese builders are expected to drive
between 2006 and 2013. Since then,
the increase in output and are currently
Chinese builders have produced
projected to deliver the majority of units.
greater numbers of large jack-ups.
However, there are clear risks. It will be
In 2013 and 2014, jack-ups >300ft
a test for Chinese yards who will need to
accounted for 74% of Chinese
prove they can deliver this majority share.
OBAMA REQUESTS BUDGET BOOST FOR BSEE
I
n America,
has
years and provides critically needed
energy resources must be conducted in
requested a budget of $204.7 million for
President
Obama
resources to further strengthen BSEE’s
a safe and environmentally responsible
the Bureau of Safety and Environmental
regulatory and oversight capabilities for
manner.
Enforcement (BSEE) as part of next years
OCS oil and gas development, as the
fiscal year budget. The BSEE explains
Administration
that this is to help them keep pace with
expand
the industry activity and the important technological
energy strategy.
oversight and compliance on the Outer
developments
that
are
encouraging the growth of oil and gas on the US Outer Continental Shelf.
works
“Funds will be used to recruit expert
to
responsibly
engineers, scientists, inspectors and oil
energy
production
spill prevention specialists to support the
through the President’s all-of-the-above
development of risk-based approaches to
domestic
BSEE Director Brian Salerno, was
Continental Shelf.”
quoted as saying that the President’s 2016
At the start of 2014 there were 40
The BSEE said, in a press release, that
request fully reflects the Administration’s
deepwater rigs and non-rig units working
the Administration’s proposal sustains
continued commitment and that the
in the Gulf of Mexico and 69 by the end of
funding increases received in previous
development of the Nation’s offshore
the same year. Projections, by the Energy
10 | Endeavour Magazine
MISTER SPEX INCREASES SALES IN 2014 TO 65 MILLION EUROS AND IS IN THE BLACK
BOOK REVIEWS
THE MISTER SPEX MANAGEMENT TEAM OF DIRK GRABER AND MIRKO CASPAR (RIGHT) ARE STILL ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS. COPYRIGHT: MISTER SPEX
E
urope’s leading online optician strengthens market
leadership
and
expands
“We are pleased that we continued our course
with
for growth in 2014 and could expand our position
acquisition in Norway. In 2014, Mister Spex
as the European leader in online optics, now
was once again able to grow further, increasing
with 1.5 million customers,” said Mister Spex-
on a 47 million revenue in 2013 to 65 million
founder and CEO Dirk Graber. “By achieving the
euros this year. This represents an increase of
profitability and stabilisation of our position in
38 percent. In addition, the online glasses shop
Scandinavia with the purchase of Lensit, we are
finished up last year in the black for the first time.
prepared to expand in existing and new European
For further European expansion, Mister Spex
markets.” By mid-2013 Mister Spex had already
has a total investment of 32 million euros. The
acquired the Swedish online eyewear stores
money largely comes from the US investment
Lensstore and Loveyewear. Together with the
bank Goldman Sachs, which invested earlier in the
newly acquired contact lens distributor, Lensit, in
year in Mister Spex. A portion of these funds has
Norway, Mister Spex becomes the second largest
now been used for expansion into Scandinavia
online optician in Scandinavia.
with Norway’s contact lens online shop, Lensit. no, now belonging to the Mister Spex group.
Information Administration, say that this level
to further enhance their ability to reduce
of production will continue to grow through to
on-site risk.
2040. This is due to the pace of development
Included in the 2016 budget is a request
activity and the production of larger projects
for $1.7 million to establish the Engineering
that will focus mainly on deepwater and ultra
Technology
deepwater areas of the Gulf of Mexico.
evaluation of new emerging technologies and
Assessment
Center
for
the
According to BSEE, safety and risk reduction
the development of associated safety and
is a major factor that the 2016 budget plans
oversight protocols. It is crucial that the BSEE be
to bolster. They have increased their capacity
able to keep pace with industry developments
for data analysis of incident reports, near-miss
of this nature and the centre will create a focal
reporting and real-time monitoring and will
point regarding what must be done.
continue to work with specialists in the industry to further understand the safety procedures
MARK ZUCKERBERG AND PRISCILLA CHAN GIVE $75 MILLION TO SUPPORT SAN FRANCISCO GENERAL HOSPITAL AND TRAUMA CENTRE
S
an
Francisco
Foundation
General
(the
Hospital
Foundation)
December 2015. The grant builds on the
investment for state of the art technology
will
earlier investment made by San Franciscans
to treat some of the most critically injured
receive an historic grant of $75 million
in 2008 when voters overwhelmingly
patients and deliver innovative high quality,
from Facebook founder and CEO Mr.
approved an $887.4 million bond to begin
compassionate patient care. San Francisco’s
Mark Zuckerberg and Dr. Priscilla Chan’s
the process of building a new facility.
residents and visitors will benefit from this
donor advised fund at the Silicon Valley
Additionally, the grant will enable the
grant for generations because thousands of
Community Foundation for San Francisco
Foundation to provide ongoing support
first responders and health care providers
General Hospital and Trauma Centre, also
to The General and to the more than
will have the 21st Century hospital they
known as The General, the City’s largest
100,000 patients it serves each year. It
need to save lives around the clock. I know
safety net provider and only trauma
will also support the Foundation’s efforts
this gift will inspire others to support our
centre. This grant is the largest single gift
to increase awareness for the key role The
General.”
the Foundation has received since it was
General plays in public health throughout
established in 1994 and is believed to be the
the community.
largest single private gift from individuals to
Dr. Priscilla Chan, who received training at The General, knows firsthand the vital
“As someone who has seen firsthand
health care and trauma services this hospital
the quality of emergency care at San
provides to anyone who lives, works or
This grant is the vital piece necessary
Francisco General, I can say that I am
travels through San Francisco said, “Day
to complete The General’s new acute care
personally grateful for this $75 million grant
in and day out, I witness the compassion
and trauma centre. The grant will fund
from Mark and Priscilla – the largest gift to
and dedication of my colleagues as they
critical state-of-the-art equipment and
our City’s hospital ever,” said San Francisco
work tirelessly to deliver the best available
technology for the new building and will
Mayor Ed Lee.
“This grant illustrates
care to all of our patients. Mark and I are
help convert the existing hospital building
my call for 21st Century philanthropy
proud to support such an important public
into an ambulatory care facility. The new
and is a game changer for the rebuild of
hospital.”
acute care and trauma centre will open in
San Francisco General, leveraging more
a public hospital in the United States.
12 | Endeavour Magazine
Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO
of the online social media giant Facebook
important
County of San Francisco and northern San
said, “Priscilla and I believe that everyone
institutions that serves San Franciscans of
Mateo County for 140 years, from the Gold
deserves access to high quality health care.
every community, regardless of income The
Rush to the 1906 earthquake to the HIV/
The General serves anyone who lives, works
General’s role in the community cannot be
AIDS epidemic to the 2013 Asiana Airlines
in or visits San Francisco. We can think of
ignored and the grant is being heralded as a
crash at San Francisco International Airport.
no better place to focus our philanthropy in
historic contribution.
As the City’s public hospital, The General
San Francisco than The General.”
As
one
of
the
most
The new hospital will include two
is a member of the San Francisco Health
He added, “The Bay Area is our home,
additional trauma rooms and three more
Network, an integrated delivery system
we work here, we live here and we want to
operating rooms. The new Emergency
operated by the Department of Public
invest in efforts that can make a difference
Department will double in size from the
Health that provides all levels of care to San
in people’s lives here.”
existing one and has the capacity to more
Franciscans.
According to the CEO of the Foundation,
than quadruple the number of beds in
Today, The General remains at the
Amanda Heier, private philanthropy is
the event of a major emergency. Other
forefront of health care. It became the first
increasingly important for public hospitals
enhancements for patients include 90
hospital in the country to be certified for
and public health and there is the hope that
percent private patient rooms, 28 more
a Traumatic Brain Injury program in 2011
Mark and Priscilla’s example will inspire
intensive care beds, two additional palliative
and is the only Baby-Friendly certified
additional private support from the San
care rooms, four pediatric exam rooms and
hospital in San Francisco. The General
Francisco community. Sue Currin, RN, MSN
one dedicated pediatric waiting room in the
houses nationally recognised Centres of
and CEO of The General agrees with this
Emergency Department. The General will
Excellence, including those in neurotrauma,
and said, “As the only trauma centre in the
be the only hospital in the City with a base-
stroke and orthopaedics and it provides
City, The General saves lives every day, no
isolated foundation, the most advanced
groundbreaking programs that improve
matter who you are. Grants such as this will
seismic resistant design known today.
access and quality of care to the most
help transform The General into a state-
It will be a ‘green’ building for reduced
vulnerable populations.
of-the-art hospital and trauma centre and
water and energy use and is seeking LEED
with University of California, San Francisco,
enable us to better serve our patients.”
In partnership
Gold Certification. In recognition of this
School of Medicine, The General provides
Located in the Mission, The General
transformative gift, the City has begun
valuable training for future leaders in health
also serves as a community hospital and a
the process of adding their names to the
care.
safety net to more than 100,000 patients
hospital which will be named Priscilla and
December 2015, The General’s capabilities
annually, providing high quality care with
Mark Zuckerberg San Francisco General
will continue to grow, serving diverse
compassion and respect to all regardless of
Hospital and Trauma Centre.
patients with some of the City’s most
their ability to pay.
The General has served the City and
With the new hospital opening in
complex and chronic problems.
TRAVEL
MARCH TO THE BEAT IN LANZAROTE Endeavour Magazine | 13
14 | Endeavour Magazine
STENA BULK 00 46 31 85 50 02 WWW.STENABULK.COM
THE POWER OF CULTURE WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL
The strength of personal relationships cannot be underestimated and Swedish company Stena Bulk have proven, with their solid presence in the shipping industry, that irrespective of technology and development you cannot beat the personal touch. Endeavour Magazine spoke with Managing Director, Erik Hanell.
Endeavour Magazine | 15
STENA BULK
Stena was founded in 1939. The tanker section of the company, known
as Stena Bulk was founded in 1982 and Erik has been with the company for the last fifteen years and reveals the scope of diversification that Stena Bulk offers to the market, “We started with a mixed portfolio of vessels with presence in several different segments,” he says, adding that these segments developed into mainly lagers crude oil carriers (ULCC and VLCC) and that these remained the focus for ten years, “The last fifteen years the focus has been on a combination of large crude and product tankers in the Suezmax and Panamax segment, product tankers in the Medium Range(MR) segment and specialised tankers for niche markets.”
T
oday, the main focus is on MR Tankers in the Stena Weco system, Suezmaxes in the Stena Sonangol Suezmax pool and intermediate tankers within Golden Stena Weco, “Our biggest
investment is, however, three LNG vessels that fill a niche within Stena Bulk System.” Stena Bulk also has a presence in shuttle tankers and panamaxes, Erik tells us, while further highlighting some of the niche markets that the company has grown into. These include food stuffs like vegetable and palm oils and easy chemicals on one side and the logistical niche of dealing with trading routes that come with specific requirements and regulations, “These could include restricted drafts,” he says, “Or perhaps they’re remote, ice areas or locations that come with sensitive environmental concerns.” But the primary functions of the company orbit the Suezmax, MR and intermediate size tankers. The company’s fleet includes 20-30 Suezmax tankers 158,000 dwt each, enabling it to trade in crude and fuel oil on a global basis. These vessels are traded by the JV company Stena Sonangol Suezmax Pool which has offices in Copenhagen, Houston and Singapore. 50-60 Medium Range (MR) tankers at 50,000 dwt each are used to trade clean petroleum products as well as food stuffs and easy chemicals. This group of vessels is traded by Stena Weco. They also have 15-20 intermediate tankers, 10,000-20,000 dwt each, which trade palm oils mainly within the Far East. These are traded by another JV company named Golden Stena Weco, which is located in Singapore. When asked about what is unique about his company, Erik was 16 | Endeavour Magazine
quick to point out that although Stena Bulk is a business involving
Gothenburg, Copenhagen, Houston and Singapore, all adhere
large investments and transactions, it is still very much dependent
to the owner’s principles, convictions and basic values that are
on personal relationships, “We prioritise personal meetings to build
communicated through a variety of workshops, “These mandates
long relations, based on mutual respect and understanding for
are also communicated on a daily basis as it represents the culture
different cultures. I believe these are key in order to be successful.”
of how we do business.”
Stena Bulk also have a very keen environmental focus
For a long time they have worked with a delegated business
where energy efficiency is key as sea transportation is the most
responsibility, “By delegated business responsibility what I mean
environmental friendly way of moving goods, he says, adding that
is that each manager, together with his employees, is responsible
Stena Bulk is part of the World Ocean Council, a global organisation
for his task and delivers profit and result according to established
that converges a diverse range of maritime operations to promote
objectives,” Erik explains, “As target driven employees we have the
the sustainable use of the world’s oceans.
authority to do almost anything to reach our objectives, as long as we stick to set values and we believe that the ones who are closest
WEATHERING THE SEAS Tanker shipping is, and has always been, very volatile where
to the client and the task are best suited to influence and renew our business in a positive way.”
the balance between supply and demand has a huge impact on
To this end, individual training is prioritised and an area of keen
business and you have to be a strong and long-term player in order
investment, “There is a constant rotation of personnel between
to successful. The main hurdle is to predict the demand, which is
departments and offices around the world, in order to communicate
dependent on how the current oil price will balance production and
and practice the same business culture with high quality and
consumption worldwide, both short and long term. The capacity to
customer focus,” he says.
build ships has historically always been greater than the demand.
Being the focal point, the customers are always listened to, kept
To turn this volatile situation into a worthwhile opportunity,
updated and informed and offered open channels of communication
Stena Bulk ensure that their 93 staff, who are spread across
to ensure that the service provided to them will be of the highest
Endeavour Magazine | 17
STENA BULK
quality. Erik says that repetitive business is important to them and a customer will only return if they have previously been satisfied.
Leading into the new year and beyond, Stena Bulk is also entering into the chemical market, which is a fairly new segment for
“To keep the customer satisfied is quite simple,” Erik reveals,
them and this comes with a host of challenges to be faced, “Some
“Strong relations, communication and punctuality. We always meet
of the segments have less than favourable market outlooks, which
our clients face to face, are available all hours of the day, seven
is always exciting when you really have to walk the extra mile and
days a week so communication is never a problem and we offer
turn every single stone to make a difference, because you know it’s
fast and precise delivery. This is irrespective of first time or repeat
an investment for the future.”
customers.”
KEEPING AHEAD Competition in this particular field is intense but Erik shows
Of course, this new development will require closer cooperation and communication between the different departments and offices, which will. In turn, make the team stronger and better prepared for new challenges
us that Stena Bulk’s strategies and tactics all evolve from the
The future is about investment, but not just financially. Stena
same vector, which is simply put as, “Exceeding the customer’s
Bulk places its culture and its people above all things, “A lot is
expectations,”
invested in the people and communication. We always rotate
And it has worked. Repeat business is what has kept the
employees for shorter and longer periods around the world in
company afloat for decades, helped create a reputation for
order to communicate the company culture and decrease cultural
excellence and transparency that is valued by customer and supplier
difference, to fully understand the local markets. Every third year
alike and enabled them to grow their fleet and organisation. But
we gather all the employees employed worldwide in Sweden,
whilst growth is important, it is not going to be at the cost of the
where the company is from, just to increase the cooperation,
simplest methodology, “We want to maintain the company culture
communication and understanding needed to build a stronger
and secure quality while maintaining high flexibility,” he says.
team.” He concludes.
18 | Endeavour Magazine
20 | Endeavour Magazine
MASTERBULK 0065 6229 6121 WWW.MASTERBULK.COM.SG
MASTERS OF INDUSTRY WRITTEN BY F. HARDY
Masterbulk has navigated uncertain waters to propel itself to the top of its industry and Endeavour spoke to CEO Nicholas Fisher to discover how he has steered the company to this coveted position.
Endeavour Magazine | 21
MASTERBULK
Masterbulk, far from only just dipping its toe into the waters of
integrated shipping solutions, has a legacy in the industry, dating back to 1995, when it was first founded, in Singapore.
C
ompany CEO, Nicholas Fisher, looked back at that seminal moment: “The company was originally started as the ship-owning entity for the dry bulk fleet of the Westfal-
Larsen Group of Companies from Bergen, Norway. At that time Masterbulk Private Limited (“Masterbulk”) was one of the first, Norwegian-owned, shipping companies to establish themselves in Singapore under initiatives created by the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to attract shipping investment to the Island State. 2015 marks 20 years of company’s operations in Singapore, so it’s an exciting time.” It is a fair assumption that having started with such impressive parent company credentials, the focuses of the business have remained adaptable and market-appropriate. Nicholas explained just how far the group has come, “In 1962, Westfal-Larsen entered into business with Per Waaler’s Star Shipping, and in July 1964, Star Bulk Shipping Co. was established. In 1995, Westfal-Larsen’s holdings in the then named Star Shipping were transferred to the newly established Masterbulk in Singapore. Today, Masterbulk owns 20 Supramax Open Hatch
22 | Endeavour Magazine
MASTERBULK
Gantry Crane/Jib Crane vessels, with an average fleet age of 15 years, specialising in the forestry product trades, in addition to normal dry bulk and unitised cargo or project cargo.”
vessels and cargo handling equipment.” So it is the commitment to using only the very best vessels that make Masterbulk such an incredible success? For those of us not
But what would Nicholas class as the specialism of Masterbulk?
in the know about the industry re-defining features of the ships,
“Our vessels are ideal for high-care cargoes, especially when
Nicholas expanded,
keeping items dry is important. As a result, our ships and are sought
“The Open Hatch Gantry Crane vessel offers many advantages
after in the forest products sector. The forestry product markets
for transporting goods by sea. Its many holds make cargo segregation
have evolved over time and the principal trades for wood pulp
easier; the gantry cranes ensure faster and more efficient loading
today are from South America to Europe, USA and China.”
and discharging operations compared to Jib crane operations and
So far from limiting activities to standard ‘dry bulk’, Masterbulk
the box shaped holds and open hatch concept permit unobstructed
has sought out highly specialised areas in which to exploit a need
access to cargo. These features offer our customers not only
for a higher class of service and more evolved, integrated services.
financial advantages but also virtually damage-free transportation
We asked Nicholas what it is about the company that makes it so
of goods.
unique within a competitive industry,
To improve cargo care and flexibility further, most of the vessels
“The combined fleets of Masterbulk and Saga Ship Holding
are fitted with tween decks in some holds allowing multiple cargo
are under the commercial management of the Pool Manager Saga
types/commodities to be stowed in the same hold. Specially
Welco AS, which was established in October 2014. These vessels
designed pneumatic wood pulp frames are designed to lift up to
now represent the world’s largest fleet of Open Hatch Gantry Crane
64 mt of wood pulp bales at a time, with the 70 mt rated gantry
vessels, accounting for 50 ships out of a world fleet of around 130
cranes. Similarly, vacuum clamp frames are used for rolled paper/
similar vessels. The value proposition for the business is the port-
pulp products, but also for pipes, slabs, steel plates and sheets. The
to-port transportation of cargo, particularly forestry products and
cranes are fitted with roofing and side curtains to protect the cargo
in particular, wood pulp, on a Liner basis, using purpose designed
when it rains during load/discharge operations and the holds are
24 | Endeavour Magazine
Dolphin Marine
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International air & sea freight forwarding Consolidation & break-bulk Transhipment (air & sea) Customs clearance & documentation Ship spares onboard delivery to vessel Warehousing Pickup & door-to-door delivery Insurance & packing Member of RCAR No 9 Airline Road, #02-02 Cargo Agents’ Building ‘D’, Singapore 819827 Ph : +65 6546 7762 Fax : +65 6546 4993 email: ops@networkcargo.com.sg
Endeavour Magazine | 25
MASTERBULK fitted with de-humidification systems to extract moisture from the
to 2015, for global pulp are around 13%, paper grade around 11%
air to prevent damage to susceptible cargoes.”
and dissolving pulp around 31%. Of the global pulp capacity, the
A far cry from what now appears to be an out-dated stereotype
largest producers are South America (31%), Canada (16%), United
of cargo transporters simply loading and unloading with little or
States and the Nordic countries (13% each). There will be around
no concern for the integrity of clients’ precious items, Masterbulk
11% increase in pulp capacity between 2014 and 2016, after
appears to have been designed with the customer firmly in mind.
accounting for planned mill closures.”
Making a firm commitment to the continued development of
It seems almost inconceivable, but having identified a niche
increasingly ‘damage-free’ procedures, the popularity of Masterbulk
market, Masterbulk will deftly sidestep any of the financial woes
is suddenly brought into sharp focus.
felt by some of its competitors. Good news indeed, but an empty
Having invested in ground-breaking technology and equipment, is the industry remaining buoyant enough to justify the investment?
victory if there are not adequate numbers of staff in place to handle the surge in productivity. Nicholas set inquiring minds at ease,
With the vast majority of markets, worldwide, still recovering from
“Masterbulk and Masterbulk Ship Management employ 31
the fallout from dramatic financial turbulence in recent years, has
staff in Singapore, of which 58% are Singaporean Nationals or
Masterbulk been one of the fortunate few who have not only
Permanent Residents and average seniority is around five years.
survived, but also actually thrived?
Gender diversity is important for Masterbulk and 32% of the staff
“Global Wood pulp demand is expected to remain firm in the
are women, with 22% of staff in management positions and 25%
medium term. For instance, Eucalyptus demand has seen over 4%
of staff in Vice President Positions being women. At Sea, starting
global growth in 2014, 22% growth alone in the China market, 3%
in 2014, 13% of our Cadets are now women from a previously all-
growth in the Europe market offset with a 3% reduction in the
male crew composition.”
North American market. The major growth market continues to be
Did we hear that right? Not only an industry leader, is
China, where five year compound annual growth rates (CAGR), up
Masterbulk also a keen equality within the workplace advocate?
26 | Endeavour Magazine
Made in Japan Deck Crane/ Gantry Crane/ Unloaders/ Hatch Cover
Standard Jib Crane
Heavy Duty 4-rope Electric Crane
Wood Chip Unloader
Gantry & Boom Unloader
Hatch Cover
Gantry Crane
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Congratulations to
Masterbulk on its 20th Anniversary!
Alw
Endeavour Magazine | 27
28 | Endeavour Magazine
Endeavour Magazine | 29
MASTERBULK
The more we learn about this progressive organisation, the more
comprehensive
customer
changing situations. Improving
we understand exactly how it has come to enjoy the stratospheric
charter
success that it does.“Staff development is an important part of
place.
the performance of the supply
Masterbulk does not disappoint.
chain is important, from cargo
continually improving and up-skilling our colleagues for both their
“Much of the business is
handling productivity (reducing
current jobs and the next level. In 2014, the average number
signed up in long term Contracts
port stay and cost); to all-
of training days per full time equivalent staff member was 15
of Affreightment (COAs) which,
weather operations and cargo
days, ranging from fundamental software skills, compliance and
in turn, contain performance
care and striving to do exactly
specialist technical training to leadership development. Another
metrics.
this is what keeps our customers
important development was the company’s ‘values’ programme
managers maintain day-to-day
where the principles that have guided the Group’s Owners for the
dialogue, as well as face-to-
last 110 years were translated into tangible meanings and expected
face communication with our
of
behaviours. Performance management was also introduced
customers, listening to their
supported
to the company for the first time in 2014, in order to promote
needs
possible,
body of staff in situ and the best
continuous improvement and stretch targets, whilst at the same
taking corrective actions to
equipment that money can buy
time introducing pay-for-performance incentives based on tangible
meet and exceed expectations.
all already in place, can there
outcomes.”
Customer satisfaction is about
be anything left for Masterbulk
firmly
Our
and,
in
commercial
where
so happy.” With
a
vast
delighted
number
customers,
and
a
enthusiastic
It seems almost redundant to discuss if there are any procedures
delivering what was sold: from
to tackle in the future? With
and protocols in place to guarantee customer satisfaction, as
the routine expectations of “on
phenomenal success already
clearly there will be. Any organisation that opts to never take the
time delivery” and damage free
in its grasp, wouldn’t new
simpler route, preferring instead to place quality and performance
cargo outturn. It is also about
developments
at the forefront of all operations, will, without a doubt, have a
being flexible to customers’
pointless waste of energy? No,
PMC
PALL MARC
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O
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P
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30 | Endeavour Magazine
almost
be
a
World class products and services to customers in the Marine and Industrial sectors
PMC
PALL MARC
C
O
M
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A
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84 Tagore Lane, Singapore 787526 Tel: +65 6733 3111 COLOR PANTONE RED 032C COLOR PANTONEPROCESS BLACK C 70% Fax: +65 6733 2701 pallmarc@singnet.com.sg Century Gothic http://pallmarc.com
Berlin Sans FB Demi Bold
Tahoma
MASTERBULK
not for the management team, who will never merely coast along
and Masterbulk, together with DNV GL, has developed a vessel
when more can be done,
performance monitoring program that is now in the market named
“The establishment of Saga Welco AS is by far the most exciting
as Eco-Insight.”
new development for the company. Combining the excellence
Celebrating 20 years of successful operation this year,
of the former Saga Forest Carriers and Westfal-Larsen Shipping
Masterbulk is the epitome of a prodigal child, in this case, one
organisations into a larger, more geographically diverse operation,
that belongs to a parent company that can boast 110 years of
the new constellation has the ability to serve our existing customers
progressive thinking, integrated solutions and phenomenal business
with increased trade routes and frequency, with the largest fleet
diversification. There seems to have been no stone left unturned by
of Open Hatch Gantry Crane tonnage in the market. This places
Masterbulk, with environmental considerations, staffing solutions
demands on maintaining and even expanding the fleet size in the
and customer retention all being taken in one easy stride. There
years to come.”
is no doubt that the future will offer nothing but calm waters and
Aware of the necessary legislation compliance that will be
smooth sailing for this captain of industry.
instigated in the coming years, Nicholas assures us that everything is in hand already and then throws in a development curveball. Not content with what appears to be a very amiable take on world domination, the company also has a green heart, “Masterbulk has invested in Green Technology as part of its social responsibility towards the environment and has pledged to participate in ‘green shipping’, implementing Eco-Assistant software for vessels operating on optimised trim. Two vessels’ bows have been modified for better speed and fuel consumption
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www.turbosolutions247.com 32 | Endeavour Magazine
Our company’s long-lasting partnership with Masterbulk, who’s known for its operational excellence strongly demonstrate confidence in our expertise in providing steadfast service and contribution in marine industry. We pride ourselves on being reliable, dedicated and competitive one-stop supplier for all shipping needs with our high level of quality services to attain our valued client’s total satisfaction.”
No. 48 Toh Guan Road East, #02-137, Enterprise Hub, Singapore 608 586 Tel: (65)6515 6188, Fax: (65)6515 6030, Email: info@wss.com.sg, Web: www.wss.com.sg
Congratulations to Masterbulk on their 20th Anniversary!
A One-Stop Supplier For Your Shipping Needs Provisions | Deck & Engine Stores | Bonded Store | Galley Endeavour Magazine | 33
34 | Endeavour Magazine
VIRAJ PROFILES 0091 90499 91021 WWW.VIRAJ.COM
STANDING FOR MORE THAN JUST A BUSINESS WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL
From a modest start 15 years ago in 1990, Viraj Profiles Ltd has grown year on year to become one of the largest producers of stainless steel products in the world. Forward thinking and diversification, as well as investment into areas of growth and expansion have all been prominent features in one of the most impressive success stories in India today. We spoke with Managing Director, Mrs. Renu Kochar regarding this remarkable journey.
Endeavour Magazine | 35
VIRAJ PROFILES
With a modest strength of 150 employees, Viraj Profiles Ltd was
incorporated in 1990 and started its first melting shop in 1991. While they are best known for it now, it wasn’t until 1995 when they started manufacturing stainless steel products. Mrs. Kochar explains, “In the same year we commissioned our Flanges division and Bright Bar division and started exports of Bright Bars. Then after around 5 years, in the year 2000, we established our Profiles division.”
T
he profiles division predominantly catered to overseas clients
different shapes and sizes and Viraj have entire divisions dedicated
as 99% of their total profiles products were already being
to the creation of these very important components.
exported. Mrs. Kochar reveals that one of their biggest
A wire and rod division manufactures a range of different wire
achievements came in 2008 when Viraj was ranked 3rd largest
types, from welding wire to conveyor belt wire, while a wholly
producer of Stainless Steel Long products in the world, “And from
separate division produces austenitic grade fasteners, nuts, bolts
then on there was no looking back.”
and screws. Architectural tee bars, taper and no taper channels and
The company has come a long way from manufacturing utensil
equal and unequal angles and a range of flanges.
grade steel to being the go-to-business for the manufacturing
“We are continuously working on technological upgrading, new
of specialised engineering products for various hardware-
product development and the quality improvement of our research
reliant industries such as petrochemicals, ship building, defence,
and development departments products so that we can serve our
automotive, architecture and construction.
customers ever better and produce new products to satisfy them,”
Furthermore, they
support these industries across 90 countries and five continents, with 9000 staff.
Mrs. Kochar explains. Today, the company is one of the largest manufacturers of
“We manufacture a wide range of products using austenitic,
flanges in the world and one of the largest suppliers of flanges
ferritic, martensitic and duplex stainless steel grades,” Mrs. Kochar
for marine applications. Predominantly involved with export, they
explains, “Whether we’re producing rods, wires or flanges and
provide patented protective covers with each and every flange and
fittings, all of our product categories are equally important to us
in September 2010, Viraj Profiles was the winner of the SEEPZ –
and have equal demand across different countries.”
SEZ Highest Exporter Award amongst EOUs.
However, some of the products have specific application in
“We are the second largest manufacturer of long products in
a particular industry, whereas others have a universal demand
the world with 90% of our products exported to different countries
such as the 50,000 SKUs manufactured in austenitic, ferritic,
across Europe, America, Australia, Africa and other Asian countries,
martensitic, austenitic-ferritic (Duplex) and special stainless steel
with plans to further increase our footprint in other parts of America
grades. Irrespective of the grade, Viraj’s steel melting shop is well
and Middle Eastern countries.” Mrs. Kochar says.
equipped. Hosting five induction furnaces, two AOD converters and two continuous billet casters, they have a melting capacity of 5,00,000 tons per annum, Mrs. Kochar reveals that they recently installed three high powered induction furnaces from ABP (Germany) and are equipped with a number of mechanised systems for scrap charging, slag skimming and dismantling of AOD and ladle lining. The smallest bits of machinery are the most important; just ask any engineer who has been left with a handful of nuts and bolts after putting a machine back together. An engineer’s workshop is filled with tools of their trade that come in a range and host of 36 | Endeavour Magazine
9000 VIRAJIANS With such a large workforce functioning at different levels, at Viraj every individual is responsible for their duties and are empowered to do the right thing, “Passion, ownership and transparency are the backbone of our work culture. From the moment of their Induction, all Virajians are introduced to our way of business and everyone plays a vital role in making us a great place to work.” Ongoing training and mentoring programmes are conducted at Viraj and have made them one of the most preferred employers
VIRAJ PROFILES
in their industry. This is largely due to the vision of the human
critical importance to us today. Similarly, our lean management
resources department, which uses a three pronged approach to
structure has streamlined and simplified the operation and co-
gather a workforce of multi-skilled, multi-cultural individuals that
ordination of a business of this scale – which also facilitates rapid
are organised into teams that nurture a constant drive for learning
decision-making. Our strong global presence is combined with an
and development.
extremely large product portfolio that encompasses a broad range
“For a company to prosper, you need to continually hone the
of industrial applications, so agility in our corporate dealings is of
skills of your workforce,” Mrs. Kochar points out. She goes on to
great importance to us.” In many instances, Viraj operates as the
explain that investment into staff, both pre and post joining, is
sole provider in Asia for many of the products that it manufactures
important to get an edge over others in the prevailing competitive
today, which lends a further competitive edge to an already
world, “Viraj strives to keep its employees aligned with recurring
dynamic business.
issues, changes and on-going developments in the organisation by giving them continuous training in behavioural aspects, technical knowledge enhancements, and leadership qualities.”
FOCUS ON CUSTOMERS
STRENGTH IN FOCUS, QUALITY AND STANDARDS In order to keep their customers satisfied, Viraj follow very stringent quality control measures to ensure production and delivery of flawless products. Quality Control is “a system for
It is a strong combination of traits and strategies that has led
programming and co-ordinating the efforts of various groups
to the prominent position that Viraj enjoys, internationally, today.
to maintain or improve the quality level which allows customer
Mrs Kochhar enthuses, “Our key strength is our customers. Our
satisfaction.”
success has been made possible by the loyalty demonstrated
Quality is actually about continuously meeting and improving
by our clients worldwide, so retaining close relationships with
upon the agreed customer requirements and they strive to do so
them and emphasising a strong customer focus remains of
by following strict adherence to the quality analysis tools. Adhering
38 | Endeavour Magazine
to the policy of TQM for improving overall performance and quality of their products, the quality control department inspects all the products at every stage of production to ensure zero-defect products. Then, by employing the most advanced, sophisticated and state of the art machines for production and stringent quality control measures, they can ensure impeccable quality products to meet and exceed their customer requirements. All of Viraj’s plants are ISO 9001 certified and are well equipped with in-house lab and quality testing facilities. They use testing spectrometers for PMI (Positive Material Identification) tests, Ultrasonic Tester sand Eddy Current Testers for assessing both the surface as well as internal defects. SPC Analysis is used as a tool to supervise the ongoing production process and precise inspections, while sorting machines ensure best quality products.
EXPANSIONS, ACQUISITIONS AND COMMISSIONS As per their expansion plan, Viraj have commissioned a Fully Automatic Section Rolling Mill in Tarapur India. Completely automated, the plant is the first of its kind in the country, on an
“
Our key strength is our customers. Our success has been made possible by the loyalty demonstrated by our clients worldwide, so retaining close relationships with them and emphasising a strong customer focus remains of critical importance to us today. Similarly, our lean management structure has streamlined and simplified the operation and co-ordination of a business of this scale – which also facilitates rapid decisionmaking.”
industrial scale, and is quite unique in terms of facilities, integrating
Endeavour Magazine | 39
VIRAJ PROFILES
an Automatic Picking Line and Automatic Labelling Packaging line.
production site and the nearest Port is around 170 kilometres
This new facility will be able to manufacture more than 700
away. Viraj Profiles has its own in-house Inland Container Depot
different shapes and designs of angle flats and bars and the commissioning of this new plant is a bright example of the Group’s commitment to its strategy of facility modernisation.
(ICD) to ensure smooth logistical support to its clients. The combination of the specific design and fully automated process, coupled with a smooth logistics arrangement allows for
“Upgrading technology is the need of the hour today,” Mrs.
a reliable and consistent production and supply of high quality
Kochar says, “The market has become so competitive that we need
products at optimum operational economy. The new facility will
to offer products to our customers ever faster, with ever increasing
help Viraj to serve current and future markets in a more efficient
quality,”
manner.
The new plant has an automatic labelling and packaging facility which enables quick dispatch processes and its annual capacity will grow to up to 180,000 Tons as the use of fully automated processes will not only help in increasing production capacity, it will also ensure the accuracy in the measurements and dimensions of each product coming out of the plant. “This is for the first time that an automation process of this magnitude has been carried out in the ‘Stainless Steel Long Products’ sector and the plant complies with the high environmental standards of modern Stainless Steel manufacturing and has Level 2 Automation processes,” This new facility has several locational advantages as well. The nearest railway track is a mere eight kilometres from the
40 | Endeavour Magazine
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY “At Viraj, we believe that society is one of our key stakeholders,” Mrs. Kochar tell us, “And we value Corporate Social Responsibility as doing business in such a way that it provides social, economic and environmental benefits to the communities and geographies in which we operate.” To encourage a positive impact on the environment, consumers, employees and community, their corporate social responsibility projects focus on key areas such as health, education, environment and social causes. Their CSR activities aim at reaching out to the poor and under-privileged sections of society and helping them to
shape a better and more sustainable society. “We strongly believe that these activities benefit society as well as enhancing corporate value.�
VIRAJ SHRI RAM CENTENNIAL SCHOOL Viraj Profiles Limited is committed to the welfare of the people within its vicinity as it believes in the policy that emanates from the conviction that human beings are at centre of all developmental activities. Being a corporate house, the company understands its responsibilities towards the society and actively contributes to the same. Mrs. Renu Kochhar, a compassionate woman herself, always cherished the idea of starting an educational institute that could provide the best quality education to the local people of Boisar. In realising her dream project, Viraj Management initiated the construction of a school providing education matching international standards, at their premises at Kurgaon, namely Viraj Shri Ram Centennial School. This CBSE (later ICSE / IGCSE) school is affiliated with a prestigious educational group in New Delhi, Shri Ram New Horizons Ltd. (SRNH), a joint venture between the Shri Ram Group & New Horizons Worldwide, Inc. SRNH brings forth international standards of training and education to India.
Endeavour Magazine | 41
VIRAJ PROFILES
Female Empowerment
EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES Society’s biggest asset is not the large infrastructure or lavish
Female empowerment in India is still an issue, with women
lifestyle of the people. All this can disappear after certain periods
still being treated as the weaker section of society and Viraj
of time if the population is uneducated, so the biggest investment
recognises this as an outmoded and archaic manner of thinking.
for a society lies in refining its human resources by providing them
Today, a society cannot develop completely unless the women are
with a good education. It is with this motto that Viraj undertakes
empowered. Supporting the notion of women being empowered
several education enhancement activities. At Viraj, Corporate
in today’s society, Viraj Profiles places special attention on local
Social Responsibility is not regarded as merely a brand Image
girls and women. By organising self help groups in nearby villages,
building tool, rather, CSR at Viraj is a sincere devotion that stems
where women are provided with free vocational training by Viraj to
from genuine concern and the drive to provide a better future
help them find financial independence, progress is being made. The
for the next generation. Viraj has supported a number of schools
ultimate aim is to empower women to be self-sufficient and self-
by providing scholarships and distributing reading and writing
reliant, by providing them with a viable entry to the market with an
materials to the students at Zilla Parishad School, Maan. Existing
assurance of running a business.
School infrastructure and an Anganwadi at Baripada have been renovated for providing a better learning environment for the students.
Viraj is going eco-friendly by focusing on energy efficiency in their factories and production processes, with the use of eco-
Adult Literacy Programme A Polytechnic College is being proposed to bring technical advancement to rural areas, to bridge the gap between industrial requirements
CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
and
professional,
while
enhancing
technical
knowledge of local people, which will help to accelerate employment among local youths. Through this initiative, Viraj aims to aid the rural youths of society to break away from the vicious circle of poverty, ignorance, deprivation and exclusion by providing
friendly recyclable materials. Recognising that the use of recycled scrap supports waste management, conserves natural resources and reduces energy usage, this has become a primary concern for the organisation. All the while, without compromising on quality, they utilise waste exchange extensively, where the waste product of one process becomes the raw material for another. “The main area
them with a good education and training.
where we contribute, with recycled material, is in our melt shop,
Infrastructure Development
various countries, in order to produce quality Stainless Steel
Amongst various CSR activities which are undertaken by Viraj, one focus is the provision of Infrastructural support to the local schools. As part of this initiative, several developmental activities have been initiated by Viraj Profiles in its peripheral area by renovating village properties. These projects are undertaken on a need basis.
Health Improvement
wherein we import Industrial and domestic recycled scrap, from material,” Mrs. Kochar tell us, “And this is all in line with the latest emission norms put in place to ensure zero discharge of fumes.” To ensure this further they have imported and installed new induction furnaces, in their melt shop, which have ash collectors to collect the dust, while for processes such as induction melting, AOD refining and continuous casting, it is ensured that the induction furnaces are utilised on a rotational basis. This ensures
We understand that society can only develop when it is
that they are maintained to perform at optimum levels, providing
developed in terms of better education, improved health and
better output of material quality, while minimising the consumption
better economic sustainability. Following these principles, Viraj
of energy and offering overall efficiency through reduced wastage.
has undertaken several initiatives for ensuring good health of the
Water is conserved in the annealing and pickling processes
people in the nearby villages. Such initiatives, on the part of the
as well, “We installed a scrubber and absorber system that treats
company, go a long way towards gaining acceptance from local
water with acid or base as required for neutralisation, so that the
communities and encourages engagement from local people.
water can be recycled,” she tells us, “After filtration, we remove the
An ambulance has been in operation, in association with Lions’ club of Tarapur, for subsidised access to emergency medical cases
solid impurities. Thus we use the same water again, saving costs and natural resources at the same time.”
which need to be shifted to Mumbai for further treatment. This
As one of the most important companies, not only in India but
facility has proven to be a boom for the people of nearby villages
in the world, Viraj have nobly taken on the responsibility of being
who otherwise had to struggle for an ambulance in the case of any
an example of how companies need to take the lead, not only in
emergensies. Viraj is planning to establish a world class medical
innovative thinking and technology upgrading, but in social and
facility at Tarapur, while aslo organising free health camps regularly
economic developments as well, as Mrs. Kochar concludes, “We
for the people residing in the nearby villages.
need to stand for more than just business.”
42 | Endeavour Magazine
44 | Endeavour Magazine
SNA CIVIL AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS 0027 128420000 WWW.SNA.CO.ZA
SIXTY AND GOING STRONG WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER
Based in Pretoria, a city in South Africa that despite holding parliament has for many years been stuck under the shadow of Johannesburg, SNA Civil & Structural Engineers have been working tirelessly to establish themselves as one of the most prominent and trusted consulting engineering firms in the country. As South Africa’s infrastructure is about to receive a major boost from governmental funds, SNA finds itself in the enviable position of already having everything in place to capitalise on this influx of much-needed cash. Endeavour Magazine correspondent Jack Slater speaks with Managing Director Johan Stoltz about how.
Endeavour Magazine | 45
SNA CIVIL AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS
Celebrating its 60th birthday this year, SNA has undergone some
changes since it was first founded by Mr. F.W Strydom, in 1955, as a single person enterprise. From this humble start, the one man band operation was developed into a partnership known as Strydom and Newmark. Years later it became Strydom, Newmark and Anthony and from here it eventually became SNA Civil and Structural Engineers (Pty) Ltd.
“I
t’s all in the name,” Johan says as he explains the key areas
infrastructure in all its guises, including Toll roads, railways and
that his company focusses on, “We began as a civil and
other projects with Public Private Partnerships . Examples of these
structural engineering company focussing on rural road
would include the N4 (Pretoria to Maputo and N3 (Heidlberg to
design and supervision and this developed into a series of full
Hilton Toll Roads) and the Gautrain, “SNA is currently working on
services,”
several Mega Projects and many upgrade of roads for SANRAL,”
For a company as old as theirs, SNA Civils and Structural Engineers have had to diversify their services over the years to help
THE SPECIAL TOUCH OF SNA
ride the tide of political and social changes that have shaped South
In Johan’s own words, “Although SNA is seen as a large
Africa. Few countries can boast of businesses that offer clients a
organisation, the company culture is very much that of a family
one-stop-shop and while SNA may be best known as Transportation
business and each and every employee is valued,” he says, “SNA’s
Infrastructure Specialists, they offer a full range of solutions.
level 2 BEE status is a true reflection of the transformation that
Including within their list of specialties are roads, freeway and bridge
has taken place to ensure that all employees are stakeholders in
engineering, structural engineering, railway engineering, township
the company.”
civil engineering services, traffic and transportation engineering,
SNA also believes in supporting the community and demonstrate
geotechnical engineering and material testing, pavement design
this through their Socio-economic development programme where
and management and project management.
the focus is mainly on the education of underprivileged youths by
Johan says, “In addition to Transportation Infrastructures, SNA
paying school fees and building class rooms and administration
is involved in all types of structures, mainly bridges, commercial
blocks to assist schools with better facilities. SNA is involved in
and industrial structures and railway lines. We have also developed
various projects, such as Bhukwana High School (class room and
a strong materials division with our own materials laboratories.”
administration block), Oliver’s House (school stationery etc) and
With SNA offices spread across South Africa, project
Pure Hope School (donations to equip class rooms) to name a few.
management skills are available throughout the country from Pretoria, Cape Town, Bloemfontein and Pietermaritzburg through to
THE STATE OF THINGS
Richards Bay, Nelspruit and Polokwane, “We also have operations
The transportation infrastructure industry has a bright future
in Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe
in a developing country like South Africa as aforementioned. SNA
and Kenya and are increasing our presence in the SADEC region,”
is also winning tenders in South African and Sub Saharan Africa,
he adds.
places such as
Johan explains that they are involved in transportation 46 | Endeavour Magazine
Kenya, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique and
Zambia in particular.
SNA CIVIL AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS
THE HANDS ON STAFF As there are approximately 300 staff members working for SNA, the company must comply with a Quality Management system that is ISO 9001:2008 accredited and the requirements of the industry regulating bodies. To this end, skills development is a very important part of the employer-employee culture, not only to ensure that the professional registration requirements are complied with but also to ensure that employees skills are in line with the changes in the global market, technology and maintain an understanding of the industry. “Employees receive yearly formal training from outside institutions, as well as in-house training. This is especially true of the candidate engineers/technologists/technicians as part of SNA’s registered mentorship programme,” Johan says, “SNA believes that employee development emphasises lifelong learning to ensure that
the
political
“Our project
management
the demographics of South
approach
been
Africa.
that
successful in providing clients
this is why clients recognise
with projects that are fit for
SNA as their first choice when
purpose after handover.”
Johan
landscape explains
and
has
very
deciding on what civil and
The approach to ensure this
structural solution provider to
is a simple but effective one and
use, “By adding value through
it starts with everyone involved
the
in
employees,
associates
the
company’s
future
and business partners we can
believing in the basic values of
ensure that the product and
excellence, integrity and quality
service the client receives is of
delivery of projects on time and
the finest possible quality,”
within budget, to all clients.
According
to
him
their
reputation depends on the
NEW DEVELOPMENTS FOR 2015 AND BEYOND
SNA can compete with national and international organisations.”
delivery of a superb product
CUSTOMERS
at the completion of a project,
Expansion is the word for
“SNA considers that the client,
2015 as SNA are spreading
The mission of SNA is to provide clients with engineering
consultant and contractor are
their
excellence in all of their projects using state-of-the-art technology,
a team to deliver infrastructure
and have been awarded two
teamwork and professionalism to grow and develop in terms of
projects to the public,” he says,
contracts in Kenya and two in
Aon Risk Solutions
We believe in the commitments that empower results Aon would like to congratulate SNA Civil and Structural Engineers as they celebrate their 60th Year Anniversary. Aon has been providing Professional Indemnity solutions to SNA for the past 20 years and wish them every success going forward. Speak to your Aon Professional Risk Broker today!
Call 0860 453 672 or visit aon.co.za Aon South Africa (Pty) Ltd is an Authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP #20555).
Risk. Reinsurance. Human Resources.
48 | Endeavour Magazine
footprint
into
Africa
Zambia. Continued expansion into South Africa has seen them busy in the Eastern Cape where they are currently contending with several large contracts. “One of our focusses is on the Integrated Rapid Public Transport Networks or IRPTN, which will be for all the metro areas in South Africa,” Johan explains, “And this is coinciding with new opportunities for growth in staff, recruitment and experience.” “All in all,” Johan says, “At sixty, we’re still going strong,”
“STRONG LEGACY – POWERFUL FUTURE” CONGRATULATIONS
SNA CIVIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS ON YOUR 60TH ANNIVERSARY
Endeavour Magazine | 49
50 | Endeavour Magazine
G4S GUAM & CNMI +1 671 646 2307 WWW.GU.G4S.COM
PREPARATION IS GOOD SECURITY WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER
Security is big business and there is a reason why organisations place such a high value on experience; because when you’re dealing with the protection of people’s property, possessions and wellbeing, experience counts for a bundle.
Endeavour Magazine | 51
G4S GUAM & CNMI
Chris Garde, G4S Guam country manager, has been involved with
the company since 2004, enjoying regular promotions and success. Starting out as general manager in the Philippines, he was promoted to Vice President for ESS & IT in 2008. In 2010, after completing the G4S Global leadership training program in the UK, he was assigned as the G4S Security Systems (Guam) Inc. General Manager for Systems Marianas, while concurrently holding the position as Vice President for ESS & IT, Philippines.
B
orn in Bacolod City, Philippines, he is a graduate of the
require monitoring by the judiciary system but not to the extent
University of St. La Salle and has a degree in Business
of incarceration. He said, “Electronic monitoring will be an option,
Management. Now with 20 years of executive management
especially now that there’s been a lot of discussion regarding the
expertise under his belt, in finance & administration, marketing,
prison itself. It has always been a sensitive issue. A lot of Government
engineering & project management, business development and
resources are reserved for rehabilitation and incarceration,”
sales & marketing management, he was kind enough to speak with Endeavour Magazine regarding his involvement in G4S Guam.
Basically, the system includes a bracelet with a SIM card that is GPS traceable and the tracker is linked to software that can allow
G4S has a mission to establish itself in Guam as a major over-
on-line, real time monitoring, “The system is virtual,” Chris explains,
all security component and in 2004, established its presence in
“So you can monitor it on the web and see, in real-time, where it is.
the Marianas through the acquisition of three of Guam’s largest
It can also send an SMD to a mobile phone and emails and other
security providers; Securewest, International and Armored
notifications.”
Express Services and Pacific Security Alarm. In 2008 the company
Should the offender enter a restricted area, alarms can be set
Document Solutions was established, which provides the
to alert officials. Having this kind of monitoring capability is vital in
document management, shredding, imaging and storage needs of
cases such as restraining orders for violent offenders.
the business community and in early 2010, G4S established Care
Already in use elsewhere in the world, including the United
and Justice Solutions which primarily provides Government justice
Kingdom and Australia, the system is hardly anything new but its
and community safety solutions and, “Comprises of over 800
use in Guam is cutting edge and could be a legitimate and worthy
employees from Guam and Saipan G4S stands as the first choice in
means of decongesting the prisons and cutting expenditure. G4S
business and government support security,”
Guam is leading the way in proving that this works.
Christopher’s role in the growth of G4S Guam cannot be
Christopher reveals that he tested the product himself and
overlooked. As country manager for Marianas he has been driving
wore one of the bracelets on a trip to Saipan and the results were
the company’s motto of “Securing your world,” and this year has
alarming, the team was able to tell exactly where he was and what
launched a pilot programme for electronic offender monitoring.
he was doing, even when he went for a swim.
In a recent interview, Christopher revealed how he had been
The whole programme, once active, will form part of the Care
working for a year testing hardware and software for equipment to
and Justice pillar of services that were created two years ago by
track citizens who are facing trial, on probation or who otherwise
G4S Secure Solutions (Guam) and, considering the results that will
52 | Endeavour Magazine
G4S GUAM & CNMI
soon follow, having already been witnessed in the UK and Australia,
which extends the range of
people protecting them are
G4S will remain synonymous with revolutionising and upgrading
clear
the most motivated, reliable
security.
awareness from guard, through
and
to G4S Guam central to client.
available. G4S wants to grow
G4S Guam have also been implemental in the Visitor Safety
communications
and
resourceful
personnel
Officers programme that was formatted in conjunction with
Chris emphasises how they
and Christopher is determined
the Guam Visitor’s Bureau, making the beaches a safer place by
are constantly improving this
to see this happen and so, in
reducing crimes, from petty to fatal accidents.
system year in and year out,
January this year, the company
Communication is one of the prevalent tools that Christopher
training staff and upgrading
launched a training academy in
believes makes G4S so effective in what they do. Most of their
management and always taking
Saipan that offers instruction
staff are guards who can immediately be contacted by the National
a serious look at Guam and how
related
Control Centre, as can the Guam Police Department and other
they can develop their business
industry, “The G4S Marianas
emergency responders, should the need arise.
there.
Training Academy is located in
“It is our swift and efficient response that sets us apart,” Christopher reveals, “We have our own software that tracks and monitors activities digitally and we’re always online, on radio and contactable through cell phones. It basically allows us to be on site faster and to coordinate with Government authorities. These are things that allow us to move fast and get communications out there, track, monitor and record an activity as it is happening.” The data, which is continuously garnered, is put into reports and these records are used to provide clients with information,
to
the
hospitality
the TSL Building,” he explains,
INNOVATION AND CHANGE G4S is in such a position that the only way they can extend their reach or services is by training and developing their staff to continue to offer the
best
security
possible.
Clients want to know that the
“But this is more than just security training.” The training academy will help develop a local skill set for this sector, which will cut the reliance on hiring foreign workers from other countries. Christopher explains that in
Complete Fire Safety Solutions Hochiki America Corporation 7051 Village Drive, Suite 100 Buena Park, CA 90621-2268 USA 54 | Endeavour Magazine
Tel: (714) 522-2246 Fax: (714) 522-2268 www.hochiki.com
2014 the American Government announced that the CNMI-Only Transitional Worker or the CW visa programme would be extended until December 31st 2019, however, a further extension of this beyond 2019 will not be approved. “This leaves the Northern Mariana Islands with the dilemma of filling the gaps left by these workers. Training locals has always proved to be a good move.” G4S have developed a programme to slowly phase out foreign workers opening up opportunities to hire local workers, allotting resources and training to ensure new employees understand the job scope, “We saw that there was going to be a gap in the hospitality industry,” Christopher says, “Front desk, housekeeping and all other jobs available in hotels.” And it’s not small numbers either, the hospitality industry is looking at a potential 14,000 positions becoming available. That is a big deal and a big opportunity, especially considering that the Mariana Islands are becoming a hot spot for tourism and leisure, meaning that there could be an even greater demand for staff. “Preparation is how you ensure good security,” Chris says.
“
It is our swift and efficient response that sets us apart,” Christopher reveals, “We have our own software that tracks and monitors activities digitally and we’re always online, on radio and contactable through cell phones. It basically allows us to be on site faster and to coordinate with Government authorities. These are things that allow us to move fast and get communications out there, track, monitor and record an activity as it is happening.”
Endeavour Magazine | 55
AUTOMOTIVES THE MERCEDES GL 350 A SYMPHONY OF STYLE WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER
The general consensus for the GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC AMG SPORT is that this is a car that has everything. For Mercedes Benz lovers especially, this will be the epitome of the it-has-itall class of car and for those who are not lovers of Mercedes, you’ll be very pleasantly surprised and frankly, quite intimidated.
56 | Endeavour Magazine
THE MERCEDES GL 350 IS A SYMPHONY OF VERY CLEVER PARTS AND STRONG ELEMENTS COMING TOGETHER IN BEAUTIFUL HARMONY.
I
n a parking lot, the GL 350 stands out for a number of reasons.
on the wing mirrors keep you notified when another vehicle may
It’s long, high backed profile has it looking down on any van or
be overtaking or if there is a lot of traffic on the road. You just can’t
people carrier sat next to it and the impressive, domineering grill
help but be alert in one of these.
may as well snarl like the biggest dog in the park. The silver trim along its flanks, that highlights the three banks of windows, gives it an altogether different look, almost accentuating the blunt yet chiseled shape that the designers have given this beast. In short, it stands out as proudly as Dwayne Johnson in a crowd. The interior is as spacious as you would expect; not quite big enough to swing a cat but definitely sizable enough to lose one in. It boasts perforated artico artificial black leather upholstery, silver trims on the interior and multi-function four-spoke sports steering wheel, trimmed in nappa leather with perforated grip areas. Television screens in the back of the front head rests, heated seats and all controls for the vehicle at easy reach from the driver’s hands are a given while the wide windows and sky light encourage a lot of natural light, destroying any feelings of claustrophobia.
SAFETY
SPEED AND AGILITY Despite its hulking size, the GL 350, weighing in at 2,455kg, is surprisingly nimble. The roads in Norfolk and Suffolk, where we test our vehicles, offer an array of road types; long dual carriageways that loop around the city, connected A roads regularly knotted with roundabouts, narrow one way systems that meander and twist around the inner regions of Norwich and the most insane snake-bend roads cutting through potato, cabbage and rape-seed farmlands. So we have the chance to test our cars across a variety of conditions. Boy does it have some kick: A 3.0 litre turbocharged V6 diesel engine provides the pulling power for the 4x4 Mercedes-Benz GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC AMG SPORT at 258HP and a huge 620Nm of torque means that the GL never feels underpowered, which is specifically important when drifting in start-go traffic during a
Mercedes is pushing the safety factor and is especially wary of
Monday rush hour. Additionally, with the eco-stop-start function,
drivers not being distracted while driving. A warning sign to this
fuel consumption is carefully monitored, while encouraging
effect pops up whenever you adjust something on the display
economic driving techniques, where possible. There is a smugness
screen whilst driving, while lane-assist alerts you with a vibrating
in knowing that while you’re in a gargantuan titan, glowering beside
steering wheel should you drift over a line (which is inevitable in
a hatchback in the next lane, that not only are you looking down
Norfolk where some of the roads are too narrow) and passing alerts
on them, you’re also cleaner and if you happen to get alongside a Endeavour Magazine | 57
Range Rover, you can increase the ride height of the GL 350 with a
peaceful and smooth ride that transforms any dual carriageway
simple push of the button. Which is a childish use of a very serious
into a ribbon of silk. At no point in any journey will you feel that the
and useful addition to the car’s capabilities, but why purchase a car
GL 350 could let you down.
like this if you don’t plan to have some fun?
A birds-eye-view reversing camera, colour-coded predicted
Step on the throttle and the bonnet rises with the surge of
tracking on the dash, proximity alerts, adjustable heights, hill decent
acceleration. Even with its two and half tonnes of weight, the
control and various terrain settings all ensure that this vehicle is
engine it is still capable of 0-62MPH in 7.9 seconds and can go
designed to be used in any circumstances, however, it is a big car
onto 137MPH with so little effort you have to keep an eye on the
and this reveals its Kryptonite. While not as wide as a VW Amorak,
speedometer.
it will fill any reasonable parking space very snugly, with little room
Interestingly, one of the first things that will strike you whilst
to manoeuvre on any side. This won’t pose too much of a problem
driving this large 4×4 is not its straight-line performance, but how
for you getting into the space, thanks to the proximity sensors and
manageable the car is to manoeuvre. The steering is light, with
the reversing view screen on the dashboard, but you can’t trust
every input met with a swift response and visibility is unobstructed
other drivers nowadays and when I did have to alley dock it into
all round. Added to this is how the changing of the seats can be
a Sainsbury’s parking space, that really was the part I was most
controlled from the panel on the dash without the need to climb
worried about.
into the back and haul at levers and hidden handles. It’s as if Mercedes wanted you to be able to sit in the drivers and say to
WHO WOULD IT SUIT?
your friends, “Watch this”, as you completely change the interior of
In conclusion the Mercedes GL 350 is a symphony of very
the vehicle from a family wagon to a flat out bed with more space
clever parts and strong elements coming together in beautiful
than many pickups. Even with the seats up, the boot has 295 litres
harmony. It’s fast but never feels like it’s panting, it’s powerful but
of space.
not ungainly, rugged but sleek, versatile but uncomplicated and the
On the B-roads in Norfolk, the driving experience is quiet
two reasons that would prevent me from purchasing this £60,750
and comfortiable whilst the supple suspension soaks up road
car are both to do more with me than the car itself. I live in the
imperfections like butter. If you fancy cutting down the body roll in
middle of the city and have nowhere to park it at my apartment and
faster corners you can put her into the sportiest mode but at the
secondly, even if I piled every one of my worldly possessions into
cost of the ride, which does become very slightly sharper.
the back, I wouldn’t make adequate use of the interior space! But I
I became all too comfortable with the 7-speed dual clutch
know many people who would.
gearbox, which was swift and smooth with almost no lag at all.
Here is the crux about the GL 350 Mercedes. If you own one,
Switch it to manual and you can use the paddle shifter but they’re
make sure that you make use of it because if you don’t, friends and
not as fast as you’d like and it’s easier to just leave it as an automatic
family certainly will - it is that good.
and put your faith in the engineers. This makes for an incredibly 58 | Endeavour Magazine
TESLA’S FREE SUPERCHARGER NETWORK KEEPS GROWING
T
wo new stations in St. Moritz and Martigny allow convenient
Supercharger in Europe, just three months after Tesla installed
long distance travel to ski resorts in Switzerland and Italy - for
its 50th Supercharging site on the continent. Superchargers
free. With the opening of two new Supercharger locations,
now connect major cities and the most popular highways from
Tesla Motors has expanded its Supercharger network in Switzerland
Scandinavia to continental Europe through Germany, into the Alps
to six locations in total.
and the Mediterranean, linking Amsterdam to London, Paris, Berlin,
The first new Supercharger is located on Route 27 in St.
Zurich, and Geneva.
Moritz, allowing Model S drivers easy access to the world-class ski
Tesla’s Superchargers, which replenish half a Model S charge in
resort. The second Supercharger is located on the A9 motorway
as little as 20 minutes, now connect more than 70 percent of the
in Martigny, energising the important route from Geneva to skiing
population in western Europe, encompassing routes from the north
destinations in Verbier and one of the world’s fashion capitals:
of Norway through to the south of France, into Spain and Italy and
Milan, Italy.
the United Kingdom.
The new Supercharger locations allow Model S drivers in the
Superchargers are free to use for Model S owners, for life, and
Netherlands, Belgium and Germany to travel to their favorite holiday
are strategically placed near amenities such as cafés and shopping
destinations in Switzerland. for free. Last week, Tesla marked the
centres so travellers can get a quick meal or drink while charging.
rapid expansion of its fast-charging network by opening its 100th
Endeavour Magazine | 59
UK TO LEAD DEVELOPMENT OF DRIVERLESS CAR TECHNOLOGY
A
ccording to a major review, confirmation has been given that the UK is uniquely positioned to develop driverless car technology, which is brilliant news because up until now the
scope for testing driverless cars has been limited, but today (11 February 2015) the industry has been given the green light for testing on public roads. The UK’s regulatory environment now sets it apart as a premium location for developing new technology, technology which in this situation comes with tremendous potential for reducing accidents and making traffic flow more smoothly by stopping incompetent drivers from gumming up the works. It’s a sentiment that is shared by Transport Minister Claire
And it’s about time! The United Kingdom is under siege by terrible drivers. Not merely poor drivers, but terrible, straight up awful drivers who forget everything they learnt to earn a driver’s license the moment they are given one. But now, thankfully, this could now change as testing for driverless cars on public roads has been given the green light.
Perry who said in the review, “Driverless cars are the future. I want Britain to be at the forefront of this exciting new development, to embrace a technology that could transform our roads and open up a brand new route for global investment.” He continued, “These are still early days, but today is an important step. The trials present a fantastic opportunity for this country to take a lead, internationally, in the development of this new technology.” Business Secretary Vince Cable also added that the UK is at the cutting edge of automotive technology - from the all-electric cars built in Sunderland, to the formula 1 expertise in the Midlands, “It’s important for jobs, growth and society that we keep at the forefront
60 | Endeavour Magazine
of innovation,” he said, “That’s why I launched a competition to
For those who embrace driverless technology, today’s
research and develop driverless cars. The projects we are now
announcement shows the UK’s strong intent to take this technology
funding in Greenwich, Bristol, Milton Keynes and Coventry will
to the next level and investigate how vehicles that can take greater
help to ensure we are world-leaders in this field and able to benefit
control could improve our driving experience and increase safety,
from what is expected to be a £900 billion industry by 2025.”
negating noticeably untrustworthy drivers.
The Government’s industrial strategy is backing the automotive
The Department for Transport review, carried out over the past
sector as it goes from strength to strength and this is giving
6 months, considered the best and safest ways to trial automated
businesses the confidence to invest over the long term and develop
vehicles where an individual is ready to take control of the car,
cutting-edge technology that will create highly skilled jobs.
if necessary. It also looked further ahead to the implications of
To mark the launch of the review, Vince Cable will join Claire
testing fully automated vehicles.
Perry in Greenwich, home to one of the projects benefiting from
The review provides legal clarity to encourage both the UK and
£19 million Government funding for driverless cars trials. Along
international industry to invest in this technology and it encourages
with Bristol, Milton Keynes and Coventry, the Greenwich project
the largest global businesses to come to the UK to develop and test
is building on the pioneering work begun last year by Oxford
new models. So, the next step is for the Government to introduce a
University in partnership with Nissan.
code of practice, which will provide an industry framework needed
The ministers will witness the first official trials of the fully autonomous Meridian shuttle in Greenwich and unveil a prototype
to trial cars in real-life scenarios and to create more sophisticated versions of the models that already exist.
of a driverless pod that will be tested in public areas within Milton
This code of practice is scheduled for publication in spring
Keynes. They will also be shown other autonomous vehicles
2015, with the first driverless cars supported by the prize fund
involved in the trials, including a BAE wildcat vehicle that is the
expected to be tested on roads by the summer.
result of years of advanced research and development by BAE systems and will be tested in Bristol. Already, advanced driver assistance systems are breaking into the market, improving car safety and leading to lower insurance premiums. Endeavour Magazine | 61
62 | Endeavour Magazine
TRIMETALS 001 3035840606 WWW.TRIMETALSMINING.COM
TRIMETALS TAKES THE LEAD WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL
TriMetals Mining Inc. is setting the standard for the mineral exploration industry thanks to a winning combination of expert management team members, identification of new potential and an insatiable thirst for success. Endeavour spoke to Ralph Fitch, President and CEO, about how this trifecta was realised.
Endeavour Magazine | 63
TRIMETALS
At present, TriMetals Mining Inc. is focused on two lucrative
projects: exploration of the Gold Springs in Nevada and Utah in the US and investigation of the Escalones in central Chile. Utilising a range of techniques and investigative techniques, the TriMetals team will be focused on near surface development in Nevada, while taking a more large scale approach to the Chilean mine advancement, but who is the guiding hand for these specialist projects?
R
alph Fitch, President and CEO of TriMetals Mining Inc. is
completed in 2013. The program was focused on the recovery of
perfectly placed to oversee the development of this already
the copper, gold, silver and molybdenum by conventional flotation
fast-progressing company. With in excess of 50 years
and conventional sulphuric acid leaching.”
experience as an exploration geologist, few people could be
Having conducted viability investigations, the most recent
better qualified to preside over mining operations, but it is not just
update on the Escalones project is that TriMetals has received an
‘book smarts’ that he brings to the table. As one of the founding
environmental permit, which allows them to move forward with
members of South American Silver Corp., as well as General
their proposed next drilling program.
Minerals, his business credentials are second to none and thanks to his appointment as Chief Geologist and Manager for the Chevron Minerals Group, his experience within the industry is well rounded and even better documented. TriMetals commented that,
Running concurrently is the premier project for the company, the exploration of the Gold Springs region of Nevada and Utah, “The Gold Springs project is held by TriMetals Mining Inc. through its wholly owned subsidiary High Desert Gold Corporation
“Ralph Fitch’s extensive exploration experience includes work
(HDG). All work completed on the property by the company
in South America, Australia, West Africa, South Africa and the
has been done by High Desert Gold who continued to conduct
United States. Mr. Fitch is credited with being a team member for
resource definition drilling programs in 2013 and has completed
a number of major international discoveries and was awarded the
rock chip sampling, preliminary mapping, soil sampling, stream
Chevron Chairman’s Award for his part in the discovery of the Ujina
sediment sampling and a property-wide aero-magnetic and ZTEM
deposit at the Collahuasi copper porphyry project in Chile. Earlier in
geophysical survey and metallurgical testing. The combination
his career he was involved in the discovery of the Henkries uranium
of the geological and geophysical work has identified 18 target
deposit in South Africa, the Coppins Gap copper deposit in West
areas for gold mineralisation located within the project area. Each
Australia, and the Pah-My-Yah diamond field in Liberia.”
of these targets exhibits strong gold and silver signatures and
With such gravitas at the centre of all TriMetals interests,
represents areas that justify drill testing.”
it comes as no surprise that the ongoing projects are yielding
If we cut through the complex industry talk, essentially,
impressive success. Though the lesser focus, the Escalones are
TriMetals has hit the jackpot, having identified 18 areas within
proving to be a feasible and exciting development, having been
the Gold Springs location that exhibit signs of a high likelihood of
discovered in 1996 by the current management team at TriMetals.
impressive gold and silver yields. When we look at the history of
Ralph Fitch commented that,
the site, this is a little less surprising,
“A program of metallurgical testing on Escalones material was 64 | Endeavour Magazine
“The Gold Springs project area has a long history of gold
exploration and production dating back to the 1870’s. Early mining
positive PEA, there is a significant opportunity to expand the area
efforts between 1897 and 1942 focused on the high-grade veins
containing mineralisation, through drilling, and further enhance
mined by underground methods and did not pursue the substantial
both the project and company’s common share-valuation.”
widths of lower grade gold mineralisation hosted in the breccia and
Though, of course, large organisations strive to operate with
stockwork zones that are the current targets for exploration on the
transparency and integrity, in industries such as mining and mineral
property.”
exploration, there can never be the certainty of success, so this
Not a company to simply go where others have before, TriMetals
open and informative approach is just one element that truly sets
has identified a new approach and is reaping the rewards. As such,
TriMetals apart from their competitors, but as Ralph explains, there
Ralph was confident in his address to interested parties,
are many other factors at work,
“As I alluded to in my recent Letter to Shareholders, a strongly
“The company’s approach to business combines the team’s
positive preliminary economic analysis (PEA), such as the one
track record of discovery and advancement of large projects, key
announced, moves the company from the realm of exploration
operational and process expertise and a focus on community
speculation to a company with an asset with an estimated value that
relations and sustainable development. The management team has
can be moved towards production by completion of engineering
extensive experience in the global exploration and mining industry.”
studies.” Good news indeed for shareholders, as well as the company as a whole. Ralph continued to say,
Perhaps not usually considered to be amongst the most environmentally conscious industries, mining is being given a new lease of life with the positive and responsibility-driven reputation
“The major advantage the company has is that less than 10%
of TriMetals, which is in no small part thanks to the indefinable
of the prospective areas at Gold Springs have been drilled, so even
genius of Ralph Fitch and his highly qualified and deeply committed
though the present resource estimate provides the ounces for a
team of executives.
406-542-1010 | 406-542-5065 fax 3650 Grant Creek Road | Missoula, Montana 59808 www.diversifieddrilling.com
406-542-1010 | 406-542-5065 fax 406-542-1010 | 406-542-5065 fax 3650 Grant Creek Road | Missoula, Montana 59808 3650 Grantwww.diversifieddrilling.com Creek Road | Missoula, Montana 598
www.diversifieddrilling.com
Endeavour Magazine | 65
66 | Endeavour Magazine
GOLD FIELDS GHANA 233 (0)302 770189 WWW.GOLDFIELDS.CO.ZA
MINING FOR THE FUTURE WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER
Gold Fields is an unhedged, globally diversified producer of gold with eight operating mines in Australia, Ghana, Peru and South Africa, all with attributable annual gold production of approximately 2.22 million ounces. At the end of December 2013, Gold Fields’ attributable Mineral Reserves totalled 49 million ounces and Mineral Resources equated to 113 million ounces. We spoke with Managing Director, Alfred Baku, regarding this.
Endeavour Magazine | 67
GOLD FIELDS GHANA
Gold Fields has a primary listing on the Johannesburg Stock
Exchange, with secondary listings on the New York Stock Exchange (‘NYSE’), NASDAQ Dubai Limited, Euronext in Brussels (‘NYX’) and the Swiss Exchange (‘SWX’).
I
n Ghana, Gold Fields has two subsidiary companies, which each operate a producing mine (Tarkwa Gold Mine and Damang Gold Mine respectively) and in 1996, GFG and the Government of
Ghana signed a management contract to take over what was then the State Gold Mining Company (SGMC) in Tarkwa. “In 2001, Gold Fields signed an agreement to purchase an interest in the Damang Gold Mine, operated by Abosso Goldfields Limited,” Baku explains, “The Government of Ghana owns a 10% interest in each of Gold Fields Ghana Limited, Tarkwa Gold Mine and Abosso Goldfields Limited, Damang Gold Mine.” GFG operations focuses on 4 key pillars, which are financial, business optimisation, people and social license. Financial aims at keeping operations sustainable to generate free cash for investors and not just producing ounces at any cost. Business optimisation looks to ensure efficiency from existing assets; brownfields/near mine exploration. Relates to a commitment to invest into training and development of every member of staff and social license is the desire to operate and create a shared value. “We mine and process gold,” Baku explains, “Gold Fields Ghana carries out open pit mining at both our Tarkwa and Damang Gold Mines.” According to Baku, both Mines employ a Carbon-In-Leach (CIL) recovery process, producing over 730,000 ounces of gold. The CIL plant at the Tarkwa Gold Mine has a current throughput capacity of approximately 13.3 million tons per annum, whilst at the Damang Gold Mine; the current capacity is approximately 4 million tons per annum.
68 | Endeavour Magazine
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Endeavour Magazine | 69
GOLDFIELDS GOLD FIELDSGHANA GHANA
As of December 2013, the total mineral resource of both mines
mining companies to accurately assess the potential life of mine
was 16.9 million ounces with total mineral reserves of 8.3 million
for each project,” he says, “The Government of Ghana is currently
ounces. The 2 producing mines in the West Africa Region account
in the process of streamlining investor stability agreements for the
for 16% of Gold Fields Group’s Mineral Resource and 16% of the
industry but in the meantime we suffer these problems,”
Mineral Reserve base, excluding growth projects.
HANDS ON APPROACH KEEPING MINING SAFE
Between the two mines, Gold Fields Ghana provides
Gold Fields has a strong focus on safety and social development,
employment to almost 6,000 employees, directly and through
“Safety is the backbone of the company’s DNA,” Baku says, “Gold
contracting and have adopted global best practise training
Fields has publicly pledged that if we cannot mine safely that we
standards, employing specific management and technical training
will not mine, which demonstrates the company’s commitment to
programmes, which are run regularly depending on the needs and
the safety of its employees, communities and the environment.”
competency of each staff member.
GFG was the first mining company in Ghana to set up a
“Gold Fields strongly believes that the success of the company
Foundation for the development of its host communities. Called
is intimately tied to the growth and development of its employees,”
the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, it is made up of independent
Baku says, “Employee development is one of the key strategic focus
persons from the majority of people sitting on the Board of Trustees
areas of the company.”
of the Foundation. “Both operating mines donate US$1 per ounce of gold produced, plus an additional 0.5% of pre-tax profit to the Foundation,” he explains, “And to date, the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation has spent over US$26Million on community development, in the key areas of education, health, water and sanitation, agriculture and agribusiness and infrastructure.” Additionally, GFG has spent close to US$15Million on sports development in Ghana, mainly on soccer and the development of golf and they were also the main sponsor of Ghana’s national team, the Black Stars, in the run up to the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cup.
LOAD SHEDDINGS AND DROPS “The industry is currently facing the effects of unstable power
MINING FOR THE FUTURE Within the next three years Gold Fields Ghana aims to reach sustainable operations that can produce at least 1,000,000 ounces per annum at an all-in cost (AIC) of US$1,000 per ounce with zero lost time injuries. This will be achieved through business process re-engineering and complementary strategies. Embedding a sustainable power strategy for the Tarkwa and Damang mines, will come primarily through a Power Purchase Agreement with an Independent Power Provider, as well as through efficient reserve power plant capacities. Focussing on growth through a combination of near mine and brownfields exploration at the same mines, so as to increase mineable resources and processing capacity at existing plants will enhance production whilst reducing overall associated costs.
supply, high energy costs and increased cost of other inputs, which
Baku highlights that this will help generate dividends for their
includes labour,” Baku reflects, “This is compounded by the low
investors and stakeholders, which will result in growing the margin
price of gold and a strict fiscal environment.”
and not just gaining ounces. The aim is to generate a 15% free
To illustrate, in Q4 2014, the mines were affected by
cash flow margin @ US$1300/oz gold price, “In so doing we have
load shedding of up to 25% and these disruptions have been
committed to ensure that there is no marginal mining, instead
accommodated through the use of standby generators which
we focus on quality mining,” he says, “This also requires a strong
ultimately increases the overall costs of production.
focus on protecting the sustainability of ore bodies by investing in
“As the mining industry is long term in nature, it is heavily reliant on a stable fiscal situation and other fundamentals, which allow 70 | Endeavour Magazine
development and stripping.”
72 | Endeavour Magazine
SOL PETROLEUM 001 784 458 4138 WWW.SOLPETROLEUM.COM
FUELLED FOR SUCCESS WRITTEN BY F. HARDY
The stand out provider of petroleum products to the Caribbean region, Sol Petroleum makes managing a complex network of operations seem effortless, so we spoke with General Manager, Steve Francis, to find out how.
Endeavour Magazine | 73
SOL PETROLEUM
Founded in 2005, Sol Petroleum is looking forward to celebrating it’s
first decade in the industry and with an unprecedented level of growth and success. Far from taking it easy in those initial years, the company has been ‘gassed up’ and hitting the accelerator pedal since day one.
“B
uilding customer relationships and improving our
managing to weather the storm? It could be a fair assumption,
infrastructure is an ongoing and never-ending process.
to those not in the know, that the industry will have suffered
These issues are necessarily continuous as we want to
dramatically, but the answer may surprise you,
stay at the very forefront of our industry, not coast on the fantastic reputation we have built in the past.”
“We are fortunate as our chosen industry is fairly stable. Gasoline and diesel products are price controlled in our region,
From this, it is evident that the management team, led by General
as this prevents us from offering different grades of products to
Manager Steve Francis, has a keen eye for opportunities to develop,
retail sites. With this in mind, worldwide fluctuations have little to
grow and retain customer satisfaction. Staying so amenable to
no impact on us. Had we experienced difficulties however, I am
industry change and evolving customer needs is, without a doubt,
confident that the Sol Petroleum team would have risen to the
just one of the contributing factors to the incredible success that
challenge and emerged victorious.”
Sol Petroleum has been enjoying for 10 years.
Pondering where this confidence comes from, the answer is
Steve divulged just how impressive the company’s network is,
obvious; a team of highly competent, committed staff must be at the
“We have a wide reach, incorporating operations in the
centre of all company activities. Sure enough, Steve confirms that
Eastern Caribbean, Barbados, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Belize, Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica.”
his team comprises of industry experts and progressive thinkers, “We have a modest team of 16 in place, but don’t let that relatively small number deceive you. When selecting employees,
But there seems little doubt that there will always be capacity
we use international petroleum industry standards. Our staff
for adding new regions into the fold, after all, can the world ever
members are all trained in every aspect of receiving tankers and
really be enough for an ambitious fuel distribution giant such as
distributing products safely and in line with all industry regulations.
Sol Petroleum?
These include ship-to-shore, confined space, oil spill management,
Steve spoke of the day-to-day activities of the company, “We facilitate the distribution of a wide range of petroleum
and all safety legislation.” He went on to explain further,
products, to an equally diverse client base. The products include
“We market highly flammable products and it is very important
gasoline, diesel, LPG, lubricants, and aviation fuel. In addition, we
that our staff are trained and re-certified when necessary, not just
also handle our own transportation through a high-performance
for our productivity, but most importantly, their safety. As well as
fleet of oil tankers, which supply our markets reliably and
taking our staff and their needs seriously, we like to inject a little bit
effortlessly.”
of fun too and enjoy ‘casual Fridays’. It is a small gesture, but makes
Considering the worldwide financial instability of recent years, how has the petroleum industry faired and is Sol Petroleum 74 | Endeavour Magazine
a big difference to the morale of everyone in the team.” With a motivated, happy team in place, all working towards the
SOL PETROLEUM
same goals and company ambitions, there can be little doubt that
“We are looking forward to the rebranding of our service stations
customer satisfaction is a top priority, with systems and protocols
from Shell to SOL as this will bolster our recognition. We also have
in place to ensure repeat custom. Steve expanded on this,
our 10th anniversary celebrations to look forward to and will be
“We seek to provide timely responses to customer needs
planning something spectacular. Finally, we will be completing our
and queries through our extensive retail network. We actively
recent acquisition of the Esso business in the Western Caribbean
promoted a Shell programme called ‘People Make the Difference
and Martinique and Guadeloupe.”
Real’ (PMtDR), which focuses on ensuring that customers are well served and always with a smile.”
The anniversary celebrations will provide a two-part benefit to the company; increased media coverage and client awareness,
He continued,
as well as the bolstering of staff motivation and appreciation. Far
“Every business looks for repeat-purchases and Sol Petroleum
from a frivolous use of resources, the commemoration of a decade
is no exception. This is key to developing and strengthening our
of success demonstrates the personable team behind the industry
business, so staying close to our customers is therefore of the
leader, an important facet of modern business operations. As for
utmost importance to us. In order to set ourselves apart from our
the acquisition of Esso interests, this will provide Sol Petroleum
competitors, we differentiate our products by offering only those
with access to new, previously unexplored markets, increased sales
that are superior in quality, for example our ‘Sol Go Further’, which
and vastly increased recognition throughout the region.
will soon be replacing Shell V-Power, another quality fuel.”
Having driven itself to the very forefront of the petroleum
An impressive client base, supported by a committed, highly
distribution industry, Sol Petroleum shows no sign of slowing
trained and motivated team surely means that the future is
down. Rather, the company seems certain to move forward at an
guaranteed to be a nice easy ride for Sol Petroleum and yet this
exponential rate, fuelled by the support of an enviably dedicated
ambitious organisation will not be taking the simpler road. Steve
team and a plethora of satisfied customers.
talks about the innovations coming up,
76 | Endeavour Magazine
DAMUS CARIBBEAN LIMITED
DCL values our excellent relationship with SOL Petroleum. We are committed to supporting SOL’s continued growth and success in the region.
Storage Tank and Terminal Services
Fabrication Services
Field Erection Services
• EPC Storage tanks to API 650, API 620, UL-142, UL-58 • Tank repairs and maintenance per API 653 • EPC Terminal Facilities • EPC Submarine Pipelines • EPC Fire Protection Systems to NFPA 20 • Calibration and Inspection
• Pipe spool fabrication • Structural fabrication • Pressure vessels (ASME Code) • Flue ducts and flue stacks • Process Modules and Skids • Production Decks • Platform Modules (Bridge & Flare boom) • Header Modules
• Straight run piping installation • Installation of process pipe spools • Installation of Structural Steel • Installation of static and rotating equipment • Civil works and foundations • Electrical and Instrumentation • Blasting and Painting Services • Process Plant MaintenanceOffshore/ Onshore • Plant Turnaround Services
We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Contact us so that we can add value to your business by delivering the highest level of product quality, customer service and technical and managerial expertise. P.O. Box 42, San Fernando, Trinidad, W.I Tel: 1 (868) 657-7351 / 9142 Fax No.: 868-657-0556
South Trunk Rd, La Romaine, Trinidad, W.I E-mail: damuscorporate@damusgroup.com www.damusgroup.com
78 | Endeavour Magazine
ECOPETROL S.A. 0057 12344000 WWW.ECOPETROL.COM.CO
NEVER TOO OLD TO GROW WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER
Amongst the top fifty oil and gas companies in the world, ECOPETROL is also the fourth largest in Latin America. In terms of raw revenue, including profile, EBITDA, assets and equality, ECOPETROL S.A ranks first in Colombia and has a presence in Brazil, Peru and the US.
Endeavour Magazine | 79
ECOPETROL S.A.
While the company does enjoy a strong footprint and a diverse
offering, with an established presence in exploration and production, transportation and logistics, refining, petrochemicals and biofuels, they also have stakes in other companies, some of which are owned outright and others that are part-owned. Similar ‘power’ names in the petrol industry these businesses, like ECOPETROL itself, are standard and trend setters in their market places. Involved partly with E&P, Hocol, Savia, Equin, ECOPETROL America, ECOPETROL Brasil and ECOPETROL Germany GMBH, they also own Cenit outright, a major player in the transportation industry. In refining and petrochemicals they have shares in Reficar and Proplico and in biofuels, they own half of Ecodiesel and 91% of company Bioenergy.
L
isted on the Colombian Stock Exchange and with ADRs listed
Additionally, they say that they have at the disposal of their
on the New York and Toronto Stock Exchange, the Republic
associates, the Colombian Petroleum Institute (ICP), which is
of Colombia is a major shareholder of ECOPETROL with an
considered to be the most complete scientific research and
interest of 88.5%.
development laboratory facility in the country, holding more than a hundred years of geological data in the Colombian petroleum
AN INTRODUCTION TO ECOPETROL As the largest company and the principle petroleum company in Colombia, ECOPETROL S.A belongs to a group of the 40 largest petroleum companies in the world and is one of the four principal petroleum companies in Latin America. “We are the absolute owners, or we have the largest share of the transportation and refining infrastructure in the country,” they say on their website, “With the most geological knowledge of the different basins, a renowned policy of good neighbours among the communities where we perform our exploration and production activities for hydrocarbons.” “We are well-known for environmental management and also in upstream and downstream, we have established business with the largest and most important petroleum companies in the world,” they add. Having successfully discovered and established oil-producing
history. Indeed since 1997 they have set a record for obtaining the highest profits of any Colombian company ever and in 2003 became a publicly held entity and set out to complete a transformation that would guarantee better and more competitive financial autonomy within the new organisation of the Colombian hydrocarbon sector, with the possibility of establishing commercial alliances outside the country. In order to guarantee the transparency of their operations, as well as the flow and integrity of their information, ECOPETROL has adopted a Governance Code. All these things, their composite strengths and competencies have made them the leading company in Colombia and the optimum partner for hydrocarbon exploration and production.
DISCOVERY
fields in the areas central, south, west and north of Colombia,
Discoveries of new gas are always key to setting an industry alight
ECOPETROL makes use of two main refineries and a series of ports
and as the oil price has been dropping, it is a welcome development,
on both coasts for fuel exports and imports. Underlying all of this is
one that has instigated a busy period for ECOPETROL. Last year ,
a transportation network of some 8124km worth of pipelines and
in December, they announced the first hydrocarbon discovery in
polyducts throughout the Colombian territory, which in turn link
the deep waters of the Colombian Caribbean. The Orca-1 well,
production systems with the large consumption centres and the
located in the Tayrona block, is a joint effort of three main partners;
maritime terminals of ECOPETROL.
Petrobas, ECOPETROL and Repsol.
80 | Endeavour Magazine
The drilling reached a depth of 4,243 metres in water depth of
Board, with the assistance of an international executive search firm.
674 metres and was completed in September 2014. The confirmed
The hope is that the result of the transition and handover
accumulation of natural gas is 3,657 metres. The Tayrona block was
between the current president and his successor can be finalised
the first contract granted in 2004, by the National Hydrocarbons
and reported on at the next ordinary meeting of the Shareholder
Agency (Agencia Nacional de Hidrocarburos), for exploration in the
General Assembly. The company will remain under the leadership
Colombian Caribbean.
of Javier Gutierrez until the presidential succession is completed.
Orca-1’s results confirm the hydrocarbon potential of this
The Board of Directors would like to specifically acknowledge
Colombian frontier basin and demonstrate the capacity of the
the outstanding human and professional qualities of Mr. Gutierrez,
petroleum system in the deep part of the offshore basin. Following
as well as his achievements during his term as president. He led
completion of this phase of exploration and initial tests, in-depth
ECOPETROL’s transformation into the Colombian company with
technical studies will begin to determine gas potential of the
the highest number of shareholders, with a global presence and
discovery. ECOPETROL is currently a participating partner in 13
industry recognition. Under his direction, the company doubled
offshore blocks in the Colombian Caribbean and a drilling campaign
hydrocarbon production, helping Colombia to become one of
is planned for this basin that will include two wells in 2015 and two
the top 20 oil producers in the world and significantly increased
or three additional wells in 2016,with its partners.
revenues transferred to the state, allowing for more effective social investment programs in the country.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS ABOUND On December 11th,2014, ECOPETROL’s Board of Directors announced a succession plan for the company’s presidency, which has been held by Javier Gutierrez since 2007. The process of selecting the next president of ECOPETROL will be led by the
Endeavour Magazine | 81
82 | Endeavour Magazine
ALLIED CATERERS 001 868 669 0329 WWW.ALLIEDCATERERSTT.COM
AN ARMY MARCHES ON ITS STOMACH WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL
Understanding that, especially in the offshore industry, the physical and indeed psychological wellbeing of any staff member begins with a suitably well balanced diet there is one company in Trinidad and Tobago that has garnered this niche industry and provided a peerless level of quality and service. Jack Slater of Endeavour Magazine had the chance to speak with General Manager of Allied Caterers Trinidad, Gillian Huggins.
Endeavour Magazine | 83
ALLIED CATERERS
With over 35 years in business, Allied Caterers Ltd, Trinidad’s premier industrial and events caterer, has grown with their industry working at a pace to keep ahead of the competition and make full use of their experienced and well trained staff. Services on offer range from supplying airlines, as well as the offshore industry.
“O
ur company is well known for high quality and full service catering,” Gillian tells us, “We pride ourselves on providing, to our clients, a culinary experience that is
second to none.” Gillian Huggins, General Manager of Trinidad comes with 23 years of experience in progressively challenging positions from administration through to organisational and business development and finance and accounting in commercial, industrial and state enterprises. Her specific areas of expertise include operations review and analysis, review and analysis of work flows and procedures and development of business and strategic plans. Approaching her work with a keen strategic mindset, she has experience in three main areas of the food industry; flavour manufacturing, snack manufacturing and catering services. “I have a passion for catering and event management,” she reveals, “Over the years I’ve been blessed to be able to work in varied and diverse scenarios and have learned a great deal.” Holding a BSC (Hons) in Industrial Management from the university of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Gillian, who is also a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a woman with a great deal of determination and set to lead by example. In India she underwent intensive training at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute, both on a macro and micro scale, before joining Allied Caterers TT in 2008 as Financial Controller. Promoted to General manager in 2011, she is recognised as a valuable asset 84 | Endeavour Magazine
Vasha’s Foods Limited is primarily involved in the manufacture of burger patties as well as a major food service distributor. Other product lines of the food service distribution center include Beef, Chicken, Turkey, Fish, Yogurt and numerous other frozen food items. Vasha’s Foods Limited has its warehouse complex located at John Persad Road in Freeport. The warehouse facility comprises of 30,000 Sq feet which sits on 5 Acres of Freehold land
’ s n a e b i r r a C e Th s e i t t a P r e g r u BEST B
Vasha Foods Limited #640 John Persad Trace, Freeport www.vashafoods.com Tel: 673-6868 / 7083, Fax: 673-1550
ALLIED CATERERS with a reputation for getting results that not only meet the high
so we consistently provide them with a menu, submitted a month
standards of the company, but surpasses them.
in advance to be approved by the offshore installation managers.”
“I have a passion for giving back,” Gillian reveals, “If you’re going to succeed you have to exceed the expectations.”
Allied Caterers also offer hospitality services to the offshore industry. Keeping the rooms, bed sheets and furnishings clean for those living there. Offshore work has a reputation for involving long grueling hours in, often, unsavoury conditions, so a price cannot be
THE STATE OF THE INDUSTRY
put on the psychological impact of coming back to a clean room
“The industry is competitive at the moment,” Gillian tells us,
with fresh bed linen.
“But we do have the edge. It takes a great deal of coordination,
The continuous push to establish footholds in applicable areas
planning and logistical activity. We ensure a high quality of service
of their industry, ie. catering, hospitality and event management
by adhering to our strict policies and standards that permeate all
has benefitted Allied Caterers greatly. They have an established
sectors of our business, including the airlines and the offshore
monopoly on the flights coming in to Trinidad and are the preferred
business.”
service provider for offshore oil production platforms in their region.
“Two primary examples, if we were to look at the airline industry is how the menu is cycled every three months, with food needing
With clients including BPTT, Repsol YPF, BHP Billiton, British Gas Trinidad and the National Gas Company.
to be of a high standard, while still falling within the load (weight/ specification) required for the aircraft. United Airlines audits us every month to ensure strict adherence to every step of the food preparation, through to delivery on board the aircraft.” “Offshore is a completely different scenario, as we’re not catering for passengers but for people who live there. Their needs are completely different. They need healthy, well-balanced meals,
Excellent fresh and frozen seafood for the United States of America, Canada and the Caribbean from our HACCP certified processing plant
www.seafoodstt.com 86 | Endeavour Magazine
STAFF The impressive and flawless reputation of Allied Caterers, and the strength of their name, would not be possible if not for their staff. Of the 400 plus employees who work with Gillian, either at their plant in Trinidad or in the kitchens on the offshore rigs, each one is provided with all the tools they need to develop themselves professionally.
“We see employees as our most valuable asset,” Gillian explains, “I work with people. I’ve seen how so many people, be they
improved and if accidents have happened how best to safeguard against them.”
entrepreneurs or our staff, possess the diligence, the drive and ambition to succeed but lack the guidance. I wanted to ensure we provided them that.” A training matrix has been put in place to keep the staff up to scratch and as Allied Caterers is part of the Goddard Catering Group and, by extension, Goddard Enterprises Ltd., employees benefit from promotion, career development and mobility not only within Allied Caterers LTD but also within the group. “We place a high value on experience,” Gillian Huggins.
ACCOUNTABILITY. Everything that Allied Caterers Ltd does is audited and thoroughly checked over and unlike many companies, they are
NEW DEVELOPMENTS 2013 Customers demand high quality at the best rates and Allied Caterers plans to further meet this conundrum through business expansion and strategic alliances that will increase not only their footprint in the market but also their service abilities. “Business expansion is priority for 2015,” Gillian affirms, “We have a good position in the offshore oil production industry but we are aiming to get into drilling because it would be a plug and play scenario. We believe we can offer a farther reach for this industry and would like to have a solid hold on it, as we have on the airlines.” Innovations within the food business are also a focus for Gillian this year, as one of the mechanisms for expansion.
entirely focused on the quality and standard of their products,
“Whenever there is a shutdown at a platform, for maintenance,
preferring to have a reputation for that than one of market
we fly food in on a daily basis,” she explains, “This is refrigerated
dominance.
to keep it fresh and we have a particular brand of oven that we
“Nothing is perfect,” Gillian reminds us, “But if even little
utilise to reheat the food on the platform. This is all in aid of serving
accidents are allowed then they can quickly accumulate into
safe meals. Development in this area will be a major factor in the
major issues if you’re not accountable enough to fix it at the
upcoming year.”
start. Our quality and safety managers work closely not only with our customers but also with our staff, to see how things can be
“At the core of everything are our quality and standards,” Gillian concludes.
Endeavour Magazine | 87
88 | Endeavour Magazine
WILMAR 0065 6216 0244 WWW.WILMAR-INTERNATIONAL.COM
THE GIANT BEHIND IT ALL WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER
Ranked amongst the largest of the listed companies by market capitalization on the Singapore Stock Exchange, with its quarters in Singapore, Wilmar International has been the leading agribusiness group in Asia since its inception in 1991.
Endeavour Magazine | 89
WILMAR
Part of their success has been their speedy expansion; for example
in 2010 they took their first steps into the sugar industry by acquiring Sucrogen Limited, the largest raw sugar producer and refiner in Australia, and PT Jawamanis Rafinasi, a leading sugar refinery in Indonesia. Immediately expanding their presence globally this led to another acquisition in 2011 of PT Duta Sugar International in Indonesia, Proserpine Mill in Australia and Natural Oleo chemicals, a leading oleo chemicals producer with significant market share in Europe and Asia and a growing presence in the USA.
D
iversification, not only of industry but also of location has ensured a solid global presence which is very much the model of corporate giants today.
“Currently we’re investing $250 million into the construction of
a petrochemical refinery in Gresik East Java,” Jeremy Goon explains, “And $300 million to construct a flour mill and bio-refinery plant in Gresik.“ It appears that a substantial part of Wilmar is setting up shop and laying down the groundwork for future development and growth. Their business activities include palm oil cultivation, biodiesel and fertiliser manufacturing and grain processing At the core of Wilmar’s strategy is a resilient integrated agribusiness model that encompasses the entire value chain of the agricultural commodity processing business, from origination and processing to branding, merchandising and distribution of a wide range of agricultural products. With over 400 manufacturing plants and an extensive distribution network covering China, India, Indonesia and some 50 other countries the Group employs a staggering multinational workforce of 90,000 people. Considering the tidal impact of their presence upon nature and being the axis around which much of the food industry supply chain revolves it is surprising how so few of the consumers at the end even know of their existence. With this in mind, Wilmar’s portfolio of high quality processed agricultural products is the preferred choice of the food manufacturing industry, as well as the industrial and consumer food catering businesses. Its consumer-packed products occupy 90 | Endeavour Magazine
a leading share in its targeted markets. Through scale, integration and the logistical advantages of its business model, Wilmar is able to extract margins at every step of the value chain, thereby reaping operational synergies and cost efficiencies. “As our spread is so varied with cultures, people and locations it is important for us to maintain a structured mandate of approach,” Jeremy specifies, “To ensure this we have a structured set of values that are known throughout our workforce and up through the entire corporate structure.” Integrity, excellence, passion, innovation, teamwork, safety and simplicity are the key to managing people. The expectations for every employee are easily communicable and easily understood and it’s this simple but strong approach which can be directly attributed to the vast expanse of this country. “While Wilmar’s net income dropped 53 percent to $378 million in the first half of this year,” Jeremy explains, “Our revenue climbed 7 percent to $21.5 billion.” As a member of the RSPO (Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil) who share a vision to make sustainable palm oil the norm, Wilma comes with the hefty task of conducting themselves in a manner befitting their status as one of the global leaders in this industry.
Endeavour Magazine | 91
WILMAR
Their approach to this end has included all the major areas of their business.
The milling of these fresh fruit bunches takes place within twenty four hours of harvesting, where they are first transferred to
“As one of the largest oil palm plantation owners in Indonesia
the palm oil mills for sterilisation by applying high-pressure steam,
and Malaysia,” Jeremy tells us, in explaining the lengths of their
whereupon the palm fruits are enzyme-deactivated and separated
corporate approach, “Our oil palm plantations are strategically
from the palm bunches.
located in the various regions of Malaysia and Indonesia where the climatic conditions are suitable for planting oil palms.”
After steaming, the palm fruitlets are crushed in a pressing machine to obtain crude palm oil and palm kernel. Waste and
To best make use of the weather conditions, in Indonesia their
water is then cleared and separated by means of a centrifuge. The
plantations are located in Sumatra, West Kalimantan and Central
cleared crude palm oil emerging from the centrifuge is then sent for
Kalimantan with is in the southern region while in Malaysia, they
refining while the palm kernel nut is sent for crushing and the liquid
are located in the states of Sabah and Sarawak.
waste material arising from the process is recycled as fertiliser in
“The Group, through joint ventures also owns oil palm
the plantations.
plantations in Ghana, Uganda and West Africa,” he tells us,
As part of Wilmar’s integrated business model, they own a fleet
“Approximately 247,081 a hectare (ha) of planted area of which
of vessels which caters primarily to their in-house needs, improving
about 74% is located in Indonesia, 24% in East Malaysia and 2%
the flexibility and efficiency of their logistics operations. The
in Africa.”
shipping operation is managed by Raffles Shipping Corporation Pte
Under the Plasma Scheme, Wilmar manage approximately
Ltd a subsidiary of Wilmar.
38,021 ha of oil palm plantations in Indonesia. The Plasma
A driving force to every industry leader is research and
Programme is an initiative designed for the development of oil
development and the lengths that this company goes to ensure
palm plantations for smallholders by a developer of plantations.
that they are ahead of the curve in all new movements and changes
“We are committed to purchasing all the fruits produced by the
are remarkable.
small landholders’ plantations,” he states, “And intend to grow our
“Wilmar’s research and development takes place in China,
plantation business through greenfield projects and acquisitions to
Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Russia and Germany,”
better tap into the ever growing demand for palm oil.”
Jeremy outlines, “Aiming to improve current processing technology
Wilmar is committed to the use of best management practices, which include good field and harvesting standards and timely
and products and develop green and white biotechnology, creating new product concepts that support healthy living.”
application of fertilisers to optimise crop yields. With stringent
In China, the R&D focus is primarily on edible oils, specialty
corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies and procedures
fats; food technology, oleo chemicals, flavour chemistry, food
ensuring their plantations are developed in an environmentally and
ingredients and cereal processing while in Indonesia activities
socially responsible manner everything from the cultivation of the
include research into agronomic traits of palm oil. The cloning of key
seeds to the harvesting of the final product over a palm-oil lifespan
oil palm genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis, environmentally
of twenty five years.
friendly approaches to controlling or preventing oil palm diseases,
“A scientific approach to the cultivation and production is pivotal
bio fertilisers and the use of microbes to improve plant growth
to reaching maximum yield,” Jeremy points out, “For example once
and for waste treatment are just some of the areas that are being
a seedling has spent a year in the nursery it is put into the field and
looked at right now.
the young palms are planted about nine metres apart resulting in 128 to 140 trees per hectare. “Generally oil palms begin to produce fruits 30 months after being field planted with commercial harvesting commencing six
Besides supporting Wilmar’s business and brands, their research and development efforts also focus on providing sustainable solutions to optimise resources, reduce energy consumption and minimise environmental impact.
months later. Although low at first the fruit yield increases as the
“One such example is the rice milling operations in China where
palm matures,” it is clearly a long-term commitment, “Fully mature
paddy husks, a major by-product of the milling process, are used to
oil palms produce 18 to 30 metric tonnes of fresh fruit bunches per
generate electricity,” Jeremy concludes, “It is through these sort of
hectare.”
developments and this innovative thinking that keeps us ahead.”
92 | Endeavour Magazine
GADGETS
Everyone Hates ‘The Day Of Travelling’ The leading mobile software provider for the travel industry,
of concern. Half of our survey respondents said that finding out
MTT has conducted a thorough study into ‘day of travel’ frustrations
what to do if bags are lost is either “difficult” or “fairly difficult”.
that reveals the pain points travellers experience prior to flying and
Over 60% find it difficult to find the right information when making
in airports.
flight connections.
Aimed at increasing understanding of what causes the most
When survey respondents were asked (without prompting)
aggravation for travellers, their observations concluded that
what are the most important mobile services the airlines could
logistics and navigation causes the most stress. During their
provide on their ‘day of travel’, to improve the travel experience,
research, over 25% of travellers needlessly queued at the check-in
responses included traffic updates en route to the airport, live
desk when they had already checked-in online, many unknowingly
flight status, information on check-in and gate location, length of
stood in the wrong queue only to be directed to another queue in
security queues, accurate flight disruption information, where bags
the same terminal and almost 50% of questions to ground staff
are and flight connection details.
were for airport directions.
When asked if they thought they would take more trips if the
During one-to-one interviews between MTT and travellers, they
airport and air travel experience was to be improved, 67% said
said that lack of information and guidance in times of disruption
yes and almost all travellers (93%) said they want mobile updates
and when making flight connections were the most vexing and
regarding important ‘day of travel’ information during their trips.
in an online survey, 67% said they would make more trips if the airport and pre-flight experiences were improved.
Commenting on their research findings, Gerry Samuels, CEO of MTT said, “Today’s travellers are not getting the level of service
To answer this need, MTT’s new product, Concierge Live,
they need and deserve on their day of travel. In times of disruption,
enables airlines to transform customer service on the ‘day of
for example, a lack of information causes more distress than bad
travel’ by precisely guiding travellers at every step in their journey
news. Once travellers know exactly what is going on, they are more
with real-time, contextual mobile updates and directions via their
accepting of the delay and can plan around it.” He continues, “MTT’s
airline’s app.
new product, Concierge Live, has been designed to transform how
The ‘day of travel’ is what causes the most stress for travellers
airlines service customers on their day of travel. This product has
as they prepare for their flight, get to the airport, go through airport
been built to ensure a smooth and efficient traveller experience at
procedures and navigate airport terminals. The output of this
every stage of the journey.”
research has led MTT to build a mobile product to help to improve
MTT Concierge Live combines live data sources including live
travellers’ experiences. The MTT study included an online survey,
flight status, baggage tracking and queue wait times with the
one-to-one interviews with travellers and airport observation.
traveller’s itinerary and leverages airport indoor mapping and geo-
Worries about getting to the airport on time, getting through
location technology to deliver contextual, timely mobile guidance via
check-in, bag drop, passing through security and reaching their gate
an airline’s existing app. MTT Concierge Live ensures a contextual,
on time are constants for travellers. This is worsened by any delays
guided experience from the moment the traveller begins to prepare
and cancellations and the lack of clear, up-to-date information.
for their flight to when they land at their destination, collect their
Lost baggage and making flight connections are also major areas
bags and look for transport options at their destination.
94 | Endeavour Magazine
New Smartphone designed for offshore sector An Aberdeen-based hardware and software specialist, who has a particular focus and interest in the oil and gas sector, has introduced a hazardous-area smartphone for the offshore market. Designed to be hardier than your average electronic store phone, the new Smart-E 01, is designed to work in the challenging environments that the offshore industry can provide. It has a touch screen that can be used in direct sunlight, a hard casing to avoid damage from dropping and you can still download a number of applications for it. Managing Director of Motion Software, Stephen Burt, said that the Smart-E 01 has already proven to be a popular piece of kit with demand outstripping supply,
“The key is ease of use in demanding environments whereby the flow of operations is enhanced, rather than using cumbersome pen-and-paper or traditional handheld PDA processes.” Working in hardware and software, Motion Software’s main focus is in the oil and gas sector and in the latter part of last year, it announced a design for a tablet that would be similarly useful in the extremely hazardous offshore oil and gas industry and that this would be available early 2015. This is far more than just a niche industry, as engineers and specialists working in the offshore industry are often at a disadvantage with the fragility of some of their monitoring equipment. Certainly, products like the Smart-E 01, will prove to soon be a market norm.
Endeavour Magazine | 95
Next generation of XO re-sealable beverage can end technology for 2016 Following the successful global market introduction of its re-
technologies are incorporated to increase heat resistance during
sealable beverage can end two years ago, XOLUTION GmbH,
the filling process to support high-temperature pasteurization and
headquartered in Munich, Germany, announces the next generation
hot-fill. Shelf life of filled beverage cans with XO ends is expected
can end and a major increase of its production capacity for 2016 to
to be between 12 to 18 months. Furthermore, the next generation
meet the growing global demand for XO technology.
of XO ends will support new-generation shell profiles for the
The XO system is a revolutionary solution for beverage cans
diameter 202 such as CDL®, SuperEnd® and OLOF®. Production
that allows people to reseal a can multiple times and enjoy it at their
capacity for diameter 200, 204, 206 and 209 is also in preparation
leisure. Unlike familiar beverage cans, which can only be opened
for 2017. In addition, the new XO ends will have an increased
once, XO equipped beverage cans have lids with an integrated
flow/pour rate and a new flexible two-step opening & locking
plastic opening mechanism that allows the can to be re-closed
mechanism to increase product safety and guarantee easy handling
and portioned for later consumption. When driving a car, playing
by the consumer. XO ends are available not only in standard black,
sports, shopping - beverages stay perfectly fresh and carbonated
but also in any custom colour according to a customer’s preference.
– without spilling, dripping or allowing dirt and insects to go in the
To meet the growing demand for XO ends, both globally and
can!
regionally, XOLUTION is increasing its production capacity to
The XO closure system is an innovative new product development
400 million units annually, scheduled to start in January 2016.
for cans ranging from 200ml to 1.0 litre. Its user-friendly opening
XOLUTION is committed to further increasing production capacity
mechanism works by simply pulling up an integrated open / closure
based on global demand, either by its own efforts or through its
strap, then sliding it backward for drinking and forward for closing.
global production-licensing partners.
Resealed cans are pressure stable and entirely gas, as well as liquid,
Nigel Garrard, Managing Director and Chief Executive of
tight. A tamper-proof seal, that covers and secures the opening
ORORA Limited, and XOLUTION’s exclusive distribution partner
strap, breaks when initially opened, guaranteeing consumers that
in Australia and New Zealand states, “The XO re-sealable can end
the can has never been previously opened. XO’s high flow rate adds
offers our customers significant benefits and opportunities. XO is
to a full new drinking experience. Re-sealable XO ends are suitable
compatible with most existing filling lines currently on the market,
for a variety of products and can be processed on existing filling
requires little to no line changes or capital investments and its slim
lines without modification of same or capital investment.
line design means no change to the amount of liquid in the can.
Marc von Rettberg, CEO of XOLUTION, comments, “It took
With its drop-in concept, the XO ends can be used side-by-side
us more than four years of intense R&D to develop and finish the
and in conjunction with existing SOT/LOE lines and require no
current XO re-sealable end design to withstand even the toughest
reduction in filling speeds”.
demands on a beverage can. We are confident that the current XO
XOLUTION GmbH was founded in 2003. The company is
end has all the credentials to be a game changer for brands and
majority funded by Inventages (one of the world’s largest life-
the beverage can industry. Consumers are just waiting to take their
sciences, nutrition and wellness focused venture capital firms)
favorite canned beverage anywhere they want to go.”
and now has sales/representative offices in the U.S.A., People’s
New features of the next generation include less and even thinner plastic parts to achieve a reduction of the total weight, as well as of the stacking height of the XO ends. State-of-the-art plastic 96 | Endeavour Magazine
Republic of China and in Russia/Baltics to drive the company’s aggressive expansion plans.
TASER Now Offering Body Worn Video Solution in UK For Purchase on G-Cloud and EMSCU Frameworks TASER International, the global leader in body-worn cameras
Evidence.com helps police capture, manage, and share their
and evidence management for law enforcement, today announced
digital evidence without the complexity or cost of installing in-
the availability of its digital evidence management platform,
house servers. It enables greater transparency through seamless
Evidence.com for use in the United Kingdom. To better serve and
integration with the industry-leading AXON body-worn video
support police forces wanting to use body-worn cameras in the
cameras. Evidence.com is the most secure, scalable and cost-
field, evidence.com in the UK
effective solution for managing all
will run on the Skyscape Cloud
types of digital evidence. The end-
Services assured cloud platform. Skyscape’s full range of services are Pan Government Accredited (PGA), up to Impact Level 3 (IL3), hence suitable for all data at Official including “Official Sensitive”. The evidence.com solution is the most cost-effective method to deploy body-worn video, while meeting or exceeding all appropriate UK security standards. Police forces can now procure this
comprehensive
end-to-
“Evidence.com is the number one body-worn video solution used by large police forces in Australia, Brazil, New Zealand and the United States. We’re excited to bring it to more customers here in the United Kingdom,” says Rick Smith, founder and CEO of TASER International. “This is an opportunity for a turn-key solution for police forces in the UK, wanting to use their innovation funds to build a premier body-worn video program for their department.”
to-end solution automates the upload process to ensure security and integrity while keeping officers in the field, rather than sitting at computers. “Evidence.com is the number one body-worn video solution used by large police forces in Australia, Brazil, New Zealand and the United States. We’re excited to bring it to more customers here in the United Kingdom,” says Rick Smith, founder and CEO of
end solution through G-Cloud
TASER International. “This is an
6 and EMSCU body-worn video
opportunity for a turn-key solution
procurement
for police forces in the UK, wanting
frameworks.
The
Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire has confirmed
to use their innovation funds to build a premier body-worn video
that TASER has been accepted onto all four lots of the EMSCU (East
program for their department.”
Midlands Strategic Commercial Unit) framework for Body Worn
TASER’s AXON cameras are small, yet highly visible and can
Video. In addition, the Crown Commercial Service has confirmed
be attached securely to uniforms/shirts, sunglasses, a cap, a shirt
that TASER has also been awarded a place on two lots of G-Cloud
collar, or a head mount. They are powered by a pocket size battery
6, the latest iteration of the G-Cloud framework.
pack, which ensures recording capability during an entire shift.
The Evidence.com platform helps police forces to capture,
When recording, the cameras capture a wide-angle, full-colour
manage and share the digital evidence from their body-worn
view of what an officer is facing. The video automatically uploads
video cameras and other devices. Together, with the G-Cloud and
via a docking station to Evidence.com, a cloud-based storage and
EMSCU framework, police forces can efficiently procure an end-to-
management system, where it can be easily accessed for review.
end body-worn video programme for their department in a timely
The video files stored online or on the AXON video camera are
and cost-efficient manner.
secure and include a chain of custody with audit trails. Endeavour Magazine | 97
TRAVEL
MARCH TO THE BEAT IN LANZAROTE TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNAH LAUREN
Is it just me or does this time of year put you in hibernation mode? I think it’s because after the holiday season you just feel like you’re waiting for summer to come around. I know you must be feeling like you just want to sleep for a few months and wake up when the sun is shining and the temperatures aren’t completely freezing, however, I may have the solution that you need. Rip those winter coats off and get over to Lanzarote now!
L
anzarote is a gorgeous Spanish island in the Canaries that is
hotel resides in Playa Blanca, another tourist favourite in Lanzarote.
only a four-hour plane journey from the United Kingdom, with
An additional family vacation benefit of travelling to Lanzarote is
all year round temperatures you just cannot beat. If that hasn’t
that it shares the same time zone as England, so if you are travelling
sold you yet, the euro has fallen weaker in the last few months, so
with young children, it’s easier for them to adapt with no time
the currency difference makes everything much cheaper!
differences.
To start booking your trip, I would advise looking into all-
If you are into surfing or windsurfing, you may not know that
inclusive deals and while you may be thinking that it could be
Lanzarote is known to be the Hawaii of Europe. There is a beach
expensive, think again! Thomas Cook offers amazing all-inclusive
called La Santa, known to be the Pipeline (one of the best surf
options that allow you to take relaxing to a whole new level.
destinations in the world) of Europe but please take my advice
I would personally recommend that you to look into the
and do not surf at this beach unless you are experienced. Another
Ficus Apartments in Costa Teguise, which have brilliant food for
great beach to surf at is Caleta de Famara, which is also next to a
breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as snacks on offer all day. A
surf-inspired town. There are surf shops, rentals and bars down the
pool bar during the day and an entertainment area at night make
strip, which make you feel as if you never want to leave. If you want
it perfect for parents needing a break. The rooms at Ficus are very
to just give surfing a try, or are lightly experienced, I would suggest
spacious and finished in a modern European style, which enhances
making your way over to En Centro, which is a bit of an easier break
your feel on the trip. The town around Costa Teguise is gorgeous,
for anyone who would simply have a good time learning!
with wonderful beaches and ocean views to enjoy. There are
There are always events happening at night and the best part?
plenty of shops where you can get great deals on souvenirs and
The alcohol is cheap, so you can drink without shredding your wallet
restaurants with menus to die for.
and have an amazing time doing so. I would suggest wandering
Another resort to look into would be the Princesa Yaiza hotel,
through the towns and seeing what’s going on as it’s more of local
which has tons of activities for kids and spas for the adults. The
events that you want to be able to enjoy. Take an adventure out to
98 | Endeavour Magazine
Puerto del Carmen one night and check out Charlie’s Bar, which
in your hotel room and when carrying anything with you, keep it
has been known to have spectacular live music.
light and secure. If you are a young female, be careful when you are
A reminder for you: rent a car if you are able to drive! One
enjoying the nightlife with your girl friends, as it has been known
journey in a taxi will cost you as much as it would to rent a car for
for women to have been drugged and then robbed. Also make sure
the whole trip. There is so much to see around the island and it’s
you are always holding your drink. Another thing to watch out for
all relatively close (most journeys are a maximum of an hour away).
is the strong current in the ocean; make sure that if you aren’t a
The roads are very easy to figure out so it’s not difficult to grasp.
great swimmer, to be at a beach with a lifeguard. There are plenty
This year,Lanzarote had claimed to have had the coldest winter
of tourist beaches that block the currents from coming in.
in twenty years, however, this March is the perfect time to go as
Lanzarote is basically the best place that you could possibly
the heat is back and with little to no rain, you are destined to get a
travel to right now, whether you are looking for a family holiday or
dreamy tan. Even if you have a few days of overcast weather, the
to take that needed break with your friends. It has everything you
sun will make an appearance for a few hours throughout the day.
are looking for, as well as friendly locals to make it that much better.
The best thing about Lanzarote is the volcanic view that
It’s cheap, which allows you to enjoy a holiday like a king (or queen)
surrounds the island and completely captivates you. It’s not an
and the hot weather is the perfect cherry on top! Don’t believe us
island full of expensive surroundings, however it is very chic and
yet? Well, see for yourself and you can say gracias later. Enjoy your
picturesque. You will find that a lot of the people residing are
travels in Lanzarote this March!
originally from the United Kingdom, which makes it a bit easier to communicate with the locals, who are quite friendly and welcoming to tourists. Just like everywhere else, you must be cautious when you are travelling. It’s always best to keep your items in a safe place back Endeavour Magazine | 99
BOOK REVIEWS THREE BOOKS UNDER 100 PAGES THAT’LL GET YOU THINKING ABOUT YOURSELF All too often we associate the worth of a book by its length, but it is often the shorter books that punch with the greatest impact, by saying only what they need to. These three books not only pack serious punches, they’re also all under 100 pages, meaning you could get through them in a day.
F
irst published in 1886, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is the original title of a novella written by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson. Commonly known today as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, it is about a London
lawyer named Gabriel John Utterson who investigates strange occurrences binvolving his old friend Dr. Henry Jekyll and the evil Edward Hyde. Considering how popular the twinned characters Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are in popular culture today, reading the original work is an example of how different times were and how much has changed over the last 130 years. The work is commonly associated with the rare mental condition often referred to as having a ‘split personality’. Regarded in psychiatry as dissociative identity disorder, within the same body there exists more than one distinct personality. In this case, there are two personalities within Dr Jekyll, one apparently good and the other evil. The novella’s impact is such that it has become a part of everyday colloquial language, with the very phrase “Jekyll and Hyde” coming to mean a person who is vastly different in moral character from one situation to the next. Stevenson’s stepson wrote: “I don’t believe that there was ever such a literary feat before, as the writing of Dr Jekyll. I remember the first disease of the world though it were yesterday. Louis came downstairs in a fever; read nearly half the book aloud; and then, while we were still gasping, he was away again, and busy writing. I doubt if the first draft took so long as three days.”
O
riginally entitled A Solitary Soul, The Awakening, is a novel by Kate Chopin, first published in 1899. Set in New Orleans and the Southern Louisiana coast at the end of the nineteenth century, the plot centres on Edna Pontellier
and her struggle to reconcile her increasingly unorthodox views on femininity and motherhood with the prevailing social attitudes of the turn-of-the-century American South. It is one of the earliest American novels that focuses on women’s issues, without condescension. It is also widely seen as a landmark work of early feminism, generating mixed reactions from contemporary readers as well as criticism. The novel’s blend of realistic narrative, incisive social commentary and psychological complexity makes The Awakening a precursor of American modernist literature; it predates the works of American novelists such as William Faulkner and Ernest Hemingway and echoes the works of contemporaries such as Edith Wharton and Henry James. It can also be considered among the first Southern works in a tradition that would culminate with the modern masterpieces of Faulkner, Flannery O’Connor, Eudora Welty, Katherine Anne Porter and Tennessee Williams. 100 | Endeavour Magazine
DODGE DYNAMITE! 50 YEARS OF DODGE MUSCLE CARS Since the 1950s, Dodge has produced a series of charismatic performance cars that have given the company a unique reputation among American car makers. The original Charger and Challenger and the later Viper and Caliber SRT are all outstanding examples of the company’s commitment to cars of high performance and aggressive styling. Peter Grist’s pictorial history of these typically American machines gives a fascinating insight into their ancestry and evolution and celebrates the huge impact they have made, both on the road and on the track. His account is an exciting
A
introduction that will appeal to everyone who is interested in
companion to the modern drive for success and financial gain,
American automotive history.
Bartleby the Scrivener: A story of Wall Street was written
When the first Dodge performance cars were conceived,
and published in 1853. In this novella, the narrator, an elderly,
in the early 1950s, they were a brave step for a company that
unnamed Manhattan lawyer with a comfortable business, relates
was well known for its dependable saloons and pickups. Peter
the story of the strangest man he has known: Bartleby. At the
Grist describes this change of direction and the radical new
beginning of his story the lawyer already employs two scriveners to
thinking that resulted in the creation of the innovative Dodge
copy legal documents by hand: Nippers and Turkey.
Hemi V8 of 1953. This remarkable engine provided the
An increase in business leads him to advertise for a third and he
power for the first sporting Dodges and led to the race-bred
hires the forlorn-looking Bartleby, in the hope that his calmness will
D-500 series of 1956, the first Dodge Muscle Car. Dodge’s
soothe the temperaments of the other two.
reputation for creating big, potent, sporting cars was really
At first, Bartleby produces a large volume of high-quality work,
consolidated in the 1960s and early 1970s, the muscle-car
but one day, when asked to help proofread a document, Bartleby
era, when the Dart, Charger and Challenger were incredibly
answers with what soon becomes his perpetual response to every
successful on the road, the race track and drag strip.
request - “I would prefer not to.” To the dismay of the lawyer and
The book features these historic cars and the drivers who
the irritation of the other employees, Bartleby performs fewer and
have raised Dodge to a pre-eminent position over the last 50
fewer tasks and eventually none. The narrator makes several futile
years. Featuring illustrations of Dodge’s styling experiments
attempts to reason with him and to learn something about him
and concept cars, which had a strong effect on their
and when he stops by the office unexpectedly, he discovers that
production models, from the first Dodge concept, the 1954
Bartleby has started living there.
Firearrow, up to the Challenger and Hornet. The book brings
Tension builds as business associates wonder why Bartleby is
together an evocative collection of over 200 photographs
always there. Sensing the threat to his reputation, but emotionally
and adverts that offer a unique look at ALL of Dodge’s fast
unable to evict Bartleby, the narrator moves his business to new
cars in one book. This is an entertaining and informative
premises. Soon the new tenants come to ask for help: Bartleby still
guide to the Dodge tradition, which will be essential reading
will not leave - he now sits on the stairs all day and sleeps in the
for Dodge enthusiasts and for everyone who enjoys their cars
building’s doorway. The narrator visits him and attempts to reason
at full speed.
with him and surprises even himself by inviting Bartleby to come live with him, but Bartleby “would prefer not to.” Later, the narrator returns to find that Bartleby has been forcibly removed and imprisoned in The Tombs. The narrator visits him. Finding Bartleby glummer than usual, he bribes a turnkey (one of the guards) to make sure Bartleby gets enough food, but when he returns a few days later Bartleby has died of starvation, having preferred not to eat. Sometime afterwards, the narrator hears a rumor that Bartleby had worked in a dead letter office and reflects that dead letters would have made anyone of Bartleby’s temperament sink into an even darker gloom. The story closes with the narrator’s resigned and pained sigh, “Ah Bartleby! Ah humanity!”
Endeavour Magazine | 101
SPOTLIGHT
TERRACYCLE: WHAT’S NEXT BY DONNIE RUST
My mother once said that we are defined by what we ask of ourselves. Many successful business people ask the question, “Where is the profit?” or “How can we monetise this?” Tom Szaky’s ground-breakingly innovative business, TerraCycle, which has successfully ploughed a trail into a brand new industry, is based around a simple question, “What’s next?”
B
orn in Budapest in 1982, during the reign of the Iron Curtain, Tom’s family left the country in 1986 when the disaster at Chenobyl occurred and the family found themselves in
Canada, via Germany and then Holland. As such, Tom went to university in the USA and it is his education in this country, that he calls the “centre” of capitalism, that he believes was his inspiration to run a business. “America opened my eyes to entrepreneurialship and the value of owning your own company,” he explains, “While Canada stirred up inside me a deep concern for the environment. TerraCycle was different at the time because it was a social enterprise, a model which I chose to use because it was the best way to unite American capitalism and Canadian environmentalism in a profitable and meaningful business.” At its essence, today, TerraCycle is focussed around recycling material waste that has previously been considered to be nonrecyclable. Working with businesses (the likes of McVitie’s, Febreze and Kenco in the UK and Colgate, Garnier and Capri Sun in the US
102 | Endeavour Magazine
for example), factories and communities, they are present in over
Australia, New Zealand and Canada. But Tom credits a decision that
21 countries around the world and have revenue of $20 million a
was taken in 2008, five years into the business.
year.
“When we first began, we wanted to make consumer products
“Eleven years ago the idea came to me,” Tom says, “If you think
out of garbage,” he explains, “We would look at what product we
about the concept of waste, every object will inevitably become
wanted to make and find the waste to do so with it. Like this the
waste but only some can be recycled. You have to consider the
product was the hero,”
economics of waste.”
He admits that it wasn’t a bad model, considering the company
In explaining the economics of waste, Tom reveals that 70% of
made $1 million in its first year, however, he believed that they
objects in the world will be eventually turned into rubbish and only
could do more and proceeded to change their position in their
30% of that can be readily recycled. An aluminium can, for example,
winning waste –-to – product formula.
has enough value to cover the costs of processing and collecting
“In 2008, we decided to change our position and ask ourselves
while still making money, hence why recycling companies exist
instead ‘What product can we make out of this?’,” he says, “This
to recycle aluminium cans. Whereas, tooth brushes cost more to
changed our process fundamentally and offered a great opportunity
collect and process than their value and are destined for the dump.
for innovation and creativity.”
“That there is the thesis of TerraCycle,” he says, “Finding solutions to recycle non-recyclable waste.” Food sachets and packaging, Tupperware, coffee pods and cigarette butts are only some of the things that go through this
Since making the switch, TerraCycle began focussing on the popular waste streams people were collecting, “The businesses we work with collect various forms of waste,” he says, “Food packaging and cigarette waste is very high in a lot of the countries,”
process and come out on the other side as something new. It’s a
Not all the waste is the same and some people care more about
model that is working well and getting TerraCycle a great deal of
it than others and often the strength of recyclability comes down to
international attention, thanks to successful global expansion and
a cultural thing. But this does not mean that some countries waste
recent projects taking them into Japan, which adds to their already
more than others. He emphasises that, as an example, Europe and
vast footprint alongside most of mainland Europe, the UK, the USA,
America have the same amount of waste but the waste is properly
Endeavour Magazine | 103
managed,
“Sometimes
it’s
incinerated or taken to landfills and because of this it doesn’t get out of hand,” Whereas
in
developing
countries, he continues, there is less disposable waste, however
good laws, where they can bring the right pressures to the right people to affect the correct handling
it is poorly managed and this
of waste, like Europe’s Extended Product Legislation regarding packaging. The second way is through
creates an issue not only with
a company such as TerraCycle, who actively take the waste and find a method of not only reusing but
collection but also, ultimately,
reintroducing it to the cycle, keeping it out of the waste sites.”
with processing and disposal. As
This being said TerraCycle does not have any direct competitors. The closest thing, Tom explains,
an example, a few countries in
are companies trying to manage their own waste trains, “We run Nespresso platforms in the US,
Africa have periodically banned
Canada, Australia and New Zealand but Nespresso manages its own similar platforms in Europe where
the use of shopping packets to
the company itself have decided to voluntarily handle their own material.”
discourage the litter situation
However, Tom says, while they handle their own Nespresso waste, they’re not going to start
that was not only damaging
collecting shoes or tennis balls so they’re not competitors as such, “Theoretically large waste
the aesthetics of a city but also
management companies getting into the business could be a threat,” he concedes, “However we
becoming hazardous to the
manage this by partnering with companies rather than working against them.”
environment. “There are two ways to solve waste,” Tom explains, “One is through legislation and 104 | Endeavour Magazine
Progressive Waste, a large waste management company in Canada bought 20% of TeraCycle’s Canadian business and working together, they have been able to achieve greater results than if they were working against each other for the same goals. Tom emphasises how diverse his business is by simply pointing out that his business is found across
21 different countries, 21 potential cultures and that final products that are popular in one country simply may not work in others.
For 2015, Tom is looking at expanding further into Asian markets after successful projects in Japan and with that growth,
“On the job training is important as it helps keep everyone
they will be seeking new methods of engaging stakeholders and
on the same page,” he says, “As is transparency in the business
developing new business models, “In 2011, we were focussed on
operations.”
big consumer companies,” Tom says, “We worked with the likes of
He describes how, as the CEO of the company, he receives
Kraft Foods, Tassimo and Bic and developed a ZERO Waste Box
around 30 reports every month. Highlighting the business activities
that could be put into offices and collect particular kinds of waste
and that every employee is able to see the same reports. Feedback
such as office waste. It worked and we made $1 million in a year.
is freely given and everything is shared, “No matter where you are,
Then we asked ourselves ‘What next?’”
everything is as clear as glass, even in my office I’m in the middle
What followed were investigations into factories and scientists
of everything. You can’t work as a team when you’re separated by
were hired to undertake research into the best ways to help
walls.”
remove waste from factories and they developed a division aimed
As the leader, Tom believes that management needs to change
specifically at factories. Then they asked, ‘What’s next?’.
and you can’t ever stop growing and changing, “At 33 I’m a young
Waste changes fast, Tom says, “You have to stay ahead of
manager,” he says, “And when I first started I didn’t think of
things. You can’t rest on your laurels and you have to constantly be
transparency as being important, but as things have developed I
focussed on what’s next.”
have learnt its value and more importantly, the value of being able to change and learn.” It is this ability to change and learn that has shaped his business, which is, at its very core, a continuous mechanism of innovation and creative problem solving that has to constantly be evolving and changing to keep ahead of new developments.
To find your local TerraCycle website see www.terracycle.eu and click on the relevant country. Endeavour Magazine | 105
15 SECRETS OF REALLY PERSUASIVE PEOPLE BY DR. TRAVIS BRADBERRY, INFLUENCER
Whether you’re convincing your boss to fund your project or your preschooler to wipe his own backside after using the bathroom, persuasion is a skill that’s instrumental to your success in life. Persuasive people have an uncanny ability to get you leaning toward their way of thinking. Their secret weapon is likeability. They get you to like more than their ideas; they get you to like them. Here are the 15 tricks of the trade that exceptionally persuasive people use to their advantage.
They Know their Audience
They Connect
They Aren’t Pushy
They Aren’t Mousey
They Use Positive Body Language
Persuasive people
People are much more
Persuasive people
On the other hand,
Becoming cognizant
know their audience
likely to accept what you
establish their ideas
presenting your ideas
of your gestures,
inside and out and they
have to say once they
assertively and
as questions or as
expressions and tone
use this knowledge to
have a sense of what
confidently, without
though they need
of voice (and making
speak their audience’s
kind of person you are.
being aggressive or
approval makes them
certain they’re positive)
language. Whether
In a negotiation study,
pushy. Pushy people
seem flawed and
will engage people
it’s toning down your
students were asked
are a huge turn off.
unconvincing. If you
and open them up to
assertiveness when
to reach agreement
The in-your-face
tend to be shy, focus
your arguments. Using
talking to someone who
in class. Without
approach starts the
on presenting your
an enthusiastic tone,
is shy or cranking it up
instruction of any kind,
recipient backpedaling.
ideas as statements and
uncrossing your arms,
for the aggressive, high-
55% of the students
Persuasive people don’t
interesting facts for the
maintaining eye contact
energy types, everyone
successfully reached
ask for much because
other party to mull over.
and leaning towards the
is different and catching
agreement. However,
they know that subtlety
Also, remove qualifiers
person who’s speaking
on to these subtleties
when students were
is what wins people over
from your speech. When
are all forms of positive
goes a long way toward
instructed to introduce
in the long run. Know
you are trying to be
body language that
getting them to hear
themselves and share
that if your idea is really
persuasive, there is no
draw others in. Positive
your point of view.
their background first,
a good one, people will
room for “I think” or “It
body language will and
90% of the students did
catch on in time. If you
is possible that.”
convince your audience
so successfully.
don’t, they won’t catch
that what you’re saying
on at all.
is valid.
106 | Endeavour Magazine
They Are Clear and Concise
They Are Genuine
They Acknowledge Your Point of View
They Ask Good Questions
They Paint a Picture
Persuasive people are
Being genuine and
An extremely powerful
The biggest mistake
Research shows that
able to communicate
honest is essential
tactic of persuasion
people make when it
people are far more
their ideas quickly and
to being persuasive.
is to concede the
comes to listening is
likely to be persuaded
clearly. When you have
No one likes a fake.
point. Admit that your
failing to hear what’s
by something that has
a firm grasp on what
People gravitate toward
argument is not perfect.
being said because they
visuals that bring it to
you’re talking about,
those who are genuine
This shows that you are
are focusing on what
life. Persuasive people
it’s fun and easy to
because they know
open minded and willing
they’re going to say next
capitalise on this by
explain it to those who
they can trust them.
to make adjustments,
or how what the other
using powerful visual
don’t understand. A
It’s difficult to believe
instead of stubbornly
person is saying is going
imagery. When actual
good strategy here is
someone when you
sticking to your cause.
to affect them. The
images aren’t available
to know your subject
don’t know who they
You want your audience
words come through
or appropriate, these
so well that you could
really are and how they
to know that you have
loud and clear, but the
people tell vivid stories
explain it to a child. If
really feel.
their best interests at
meaning is lost. A simple
that breathe life into
you can explain yourself
By concentrating on
heart. Persuasive people
way to avoid this is to
their ideas. Good stories
effectively to someone
what drives you as an
treat others’ opinions
ask a lot of questions.
create images in the
who has no background
individual, you become
as valid. This makes the
Something a simple
mind of the recipients
on the subject, you
a much more interesting
other person more likely
clarification question
that are easy to relate to
can certainly make a
and persuasive person
to consider their point
shows not only that
and hard to forget.
persuasive case with
than if you attempt
of view.
you are listening but
someone who does.
to win people over by
also that you care about
trying to be the person
what they’re saying.
they want you to be.
They Leave a Strong First Impression
They Know When to Step Back
They Greet People by Name
They Are Pleasers
They Smile
Research shows that
Urgency is a direct
Your name is an
Persuasive people never
People naturally (and
most people decide
threat to persuasion, so
essential part of your
win the battle only
unconsciously) mirror
whether or not they
tread lightly. When you
identity and it feels
to lose the war. They
the body language
like you within the
try to force people to
terrific when people use
know how and when to
of the person they’re
first seven seconds
agree instantly, studies
it. Persuasive people
stand their ground and
talking to. If you want
of meeting you. They
show that they are
make certain they use
yet they are constantly
people to like you
then spend the rest
actually more likely to
others’ names every
making sacrifices that
and believe in you,
of the conversation
stand by their original
time they see them. You
help their cause. They
smile at them during
internally justifying their
opinion. Your impatience
shouldn’t use someone’s
are always giving in,
a conversation and
initial reaction. First
causes them to counter
name only when you
giving ground and doing
they will unconsciously
impressions are tied to
your arguments in favor
greet him or her.
things for other people
return the favour and
positive body language.
of their own. If your
Research shows that
that make them happy.
feel good as a result.
Strong posture, a firm
position is strong, you
people feel validated
Persuasive people do
Persuasive people smile
handshake, a smile, and
shouldn’t be afraid to
when the person they’re
this because they know
a lot because they have
opening your shoulders
back off and give it time
speaking with refers to
in the long run this
genuine enthusiasm
to the person you are
to sink in. Good ideas
them by name.
wins people over. They
for their ideas. This
talking to will help
are often difficult to
know it’s better to be
has a contagious effect
ensure that your first
process instantly and a
successful than it is to
on everyone they
impression is a good
bit of time can go a long
be “right.”
encounter.
one.
way.
Endeavour Magazine | 107
MY JAUNT ON A CALIFORNIAN JURY DUTY BY STEPHANIE PAUL
When you get that little invitation in the mail, the last thing you want to do is put on your party pants for Jury Duty. Most people respond “Oh no! Not me? How am I going to get out of this?” I recently got that letter (after 15 years of avoiding it because I wasn’t a citizen of USA). Well now, I am a Kiwerican (Kiwi/American for the globally challenged) and I honestly didn’t fit the “excuse category” they gave me to get out. So I decided I should probably do my civic duty and see what this Jury Duty was all about. After all, life is about experience and my Jury Duty was extraordinarily exactly that.
U
nfortunately, the first day I reported at the courthouse I had
out of the box) but it became quickly apparent that I was not going
a business meeting afterwards and I was all suited up. Upon
anywhere and this experience would offer the perfect fodder for a
arriving I thought the way I was dressed, was either going to
sketch comedy or reality TV show.
work for or against me getting picked because quite frankly, given
It was explained to us (Jurors), in what at first felt like a laborious
the state of the way some of the public were wandering around
elucidation, that this process might take two hours or even four
the courthouse I could have worn my pajamas and fit right in! As
hours (possibly longer as the attorneys had the right of refusal with
I entered, the man in front of me going through security (like at
jurors 10 times each). We needed 12 Jurors and 3 alternatives for
the airport only with smaller trays and Sheriffs) had pantyhose
the trial. An extra 3 just in case something serious enough happened
on his head tied in a small knot at the top. I thought to myself he
during the course of proceedings to affect a chosen Juror to be
was probably up for burglary and his wife shrunk his pantyhose in
unable to return to their civil duty. Now that seems fair enough it is
the laundry for his court appearance. I mean seriously who wears
a process after all. I get it! However some of the potential Jurors it
pantyhose on their head? That is so 70s! Even in Point Break they
appeared didn’t get “it” and saw “it” as an opportunity to seek crowd
wore masks!
therapy or air out historical unrelated grievances with a soliloquy of
After arriving, checking in and acquiring my Jury number, I
ailments that had absolutely nothing to do with the questions being
found a seat and sat down in the waiting room. Feeling dressed
asked. Here I give you a very abbreviated, simple example because
like a Christmas Turkey at a funeral, with what seemed about 500
it got quite ridiculous. The Judge would say something like, “Do you
other mourners, I waited to be called. Great news the courthouse
feel that you can be open-minded and not affected by the “Assault
supplies free wireless! No sooner had I flipped open my laptop and
Charge” before you today and sit on the jury objectively?”. People
got on line that I felt my calling, heard my name and I was picked
questioned would respond with stuff like “Well when I was 12 I had
in the first batch of 55 potential jurors. Off we went like a herd of
my bicycle stolen…”. The Judge then replied something like, “And
turtles to the Honorable Judge Gary S. Paer’s courtroom number
this affects you how?” Response: “I just feel I can’t be objective
C37 for the process of Jury selection. I was picked as number 12
about it because my sister cried about the loss for a week”. Why
straight away and stayed put for the duration of my Jury duty.
didn’t they just answer the question by saying “Peanut butter and
Some Jurors got to play musical chairs (as potentials were voted
jelly tastes good?” It’s about as relevant!
108 | Endeavour Magazine
Thus causing the Judge and the attorneys to come up with
The Assistant District Attorney was like the Asian version of
detailed elaborate explanations not far short of sign language and
Pewee Herman (with a touch of Mighty Mouse) with his slicked
a puppet show for their questions and still getting incredulous
back, perfect hair. All his skinny suits were two inches too small and
responses. Looking at this cross section of the public coming in
he had various states of power poses. (Let’s call him APHMMADA
and out of the Jury box like a conveyor belt, I became increasingly
for short).
terrified. Needless to say, these members of the public were relieved
The Defense Attorney was one bottle of bleach away from
of their duty (thank God), which restored my rapidly faltering faith
her hair breaking off and if her suits got any shorter or tighter, we
in the justice system! Forget two hours! All in all selection took
were going to get way more of a show than we bargained for. On
two days and I was praying (I’m sure along with everyone else) that
one particular day, I could see her knickers/panties (whatever you
we had finally had a good selection or deliberation was going to
want to call them) through her white skirt. The court reporter was
be a nightmare and I was going to have to learn sign language and
stunningly beautiful! She should have been on a soap opera and I
puppeteering rather quickly!
wondered how she had managed to pay for all that plastic surgery
The honorable Judge Paer I must say did a fine job of explaining
on her wage? Watch out if you spoke at the same time, over lapping
things. At times it may have felt long-winded but he was clear and,
a conversation while she was recording, she pounced like a panther
in my opinion, thorough throughout the entire experience, well
on a pig poised for slaughter. She was scary and pretty all at the
balanced and extremely patient with everything. (NB. Hope you
same time. Cliff-hanging stuff and the whole courtroom held its
get him if you ever have a trial, the man was nothing short of a
breath during those tense moments that happened a few times a
saint). During the beginning stages, the Judge and the attorneys
day.
kept saying, “This is not like TV, this is nothing like you see on TV!”
Honestly, three people cried. I thought witnesses lied. three
They wanted to make that loud and clear… and no it wasn’t! It was
people fell asleep (one of them daily in the Jurors box). Some of
100 times better!! Only the acting was 100 times worse. The drama
the tactics deployed could have been used on that show Are You
was greater than what you see on TV, because it was actually REAL.
Smarter Than A 5th Grader? Seriously! There was more theatrical
Real-ly ludicrous unfolding before my very eyes. I almost handed
ridiculousness than I have seen from clowns in a three-ring circus.
one of the attorney’s my business card to offer acting lessons.
I mostly felt sorry for the Bailiff and the Judge; they seemed to be
the only two sane people in the courtroom. But you never know!
working out, climbing the stairs for exercise during the waiting
Normal people are the ones you just don’t know very well and
times and before and after our mandatory 90-minute lunch, a
neither of them said much until the very end (except what they
far cry from the corporate world. No one was paying for it and it
had to tell us, legally). There were moments when it took all my
certainly wasn’t liquid. At one point, the Hispanic Bailiff, named
strength not to laugh out loud though that did actually happen on
Robert, came outside the courthouse looking for the APHMMADA
two occasions when the Judge looked up at the APHMMADA with
and mistook another Asian man in a suit for him; I caught his eye
a ‘WTF’ expression on his face. Opps. That happened about three
and said, “You know, that is racial profiling don’t you?” Thank God
times a day and eventually I just had to look down at my hands and
he laughed! Sometimes my inside voice just slips out.
repeat, “Don’t laugh out loud” inside my head. Court, to me, was hilarious! I loved it!
Finally, after all the charades, we were locked into the deliberation room with an amazing view of Orange County. 12
It seemed the lawyers spent more time going up approaching
strangers (who had spent the last two weeks gambling and listening
the bench than they did delivering arguments. Surely we were
to facts, long drawn out facts, possible fibs and unfortunately no
dealing with some new attorneys here, just cutting their teeth and
forensics) were there to do their civil duty and decide if ‘he’ did
getting their training wheels off, or maybe I am just a novice as to
it. We agreed on everything, but became hung on one simple
what goes on in the courtroom and being a tad harsh because I
law, making it seven Jurors to five. So at the end of it all, we were
have watched too much Law and Order. but I don’t think so, in fact
hung on one of 5 original accounts. He was guilty on 3 counts of
I know so. I shared this article with four people before I published
vandalism (which he pleaded guilty to), the charge of battery got
it, all of who spend a lot of time in courtrooms (including my sister
dropped during the case (this was good in my opinion, given the
who lives in New Zealand) and they ALL said laughingly: “That’s
evidence it was as weak as trying to stick gum on a drain pipe
exactly what it’s like”!
during a torrential rain storm, to stop a flow). The assault charge
On a lighter note, the Jury, socially, was delightful! We slowly,
got lowered by the jury to a lesser count, but we couldn’t decide
over the two weeks we spent together seemed to gel quite well
who was the bigger bully - the victim who got cut by a floor standing
apart from one member, who I had a sneaking suspicion may have
air fan or the defendant who got beaten to a pulp and knocked out
had a little Anthropopphobia, the fear of people, possibly making
by the said victim (who looked and sounded like he would smash
his marriage difficult. Not only did he keep his distance outside
you up if you looked at him sideways). After being beaten to a pulp
the courtroom, but also when we had to deliberate. He wouldn’t
and knocked out, the defendant then vandalised three cars to say
sit at the table with us in the deliberation room. It was like having a
“Thank you for the beating” possibly? All this apparently costs the
serious board meeting with someone off in the corner interjecting.
taxpayer about $10,000 a day.
But he certainly had opinions and didn’t hold back on those.
In the end, when everything was said and done the Bailiff finally
The Jury foreperson was a wonderful, bubbly lady who brought
came out and thanked us for being sensible because he thought
Christmas and Hanukkah decorations, shared chocolate treats with
the whole case was a bit of a waste of time and we had truly done
everyone and started wagers for entertainment. I think she started
our civil duty and in his mind, done the right thing. Because even
canvassing for the foreperson position the moment she arrived
though we were hung on that little thing, it seemed that the assault
in the box. As it turned out, she was the prefect person for the
would possibly get thrown out as, like I said, we shouldn’t have
job. Yes I said it! We gambled outside the courtroom when we got
been in court for that. I truly hope the APHMMADA learned a
kicked out for “Important Stuff” we were not allowed to hear. We
few things and was better prepared for his next case. I made some
gambled about what times we would get let back in for 25 cents
friends and truly enjoyed my experience, although I’m in no rush
a bet. On average, the winner of each wager made about $5.50, a
to go back! Thank you Lady Justice, The moral of the story is: just
third of the $15 we were getting paid a day.
be good!
The courtroom was on the 10th floor and a group of us started
110 | Endeavour Magazine
Endeavour Magazine | 111