FEBRUARY 2016
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INSPIRED BY YOUR SUCCESS
EDITOR’S NOTE Heads of Departments Editor in Chief Daemon Sands daemonsands@littlegatepublishing.com Director General Don Campbell doncampbell@littlegatepublishing.com Editorial Research Manager Alex Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com
S
ustainability is a big word at the moment and one that is sure to draw attention from customers, clients and partners alike. There is a revolution occurring that will first encourage and then
demand that businesses large and small make sustainable products
Sales Director Tyler Harrison tylerharrison@littlegatepublishing.com
and sustainable working a priority and there aren’t any industries that
Sales Manager Emlyn Freeman emlynfreeman@littlegatepublishing.com
This month we were able to speak with Brian Hazard, the man behind
Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com
shaping the music industry today and how musicians are going to be
Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com
Further afield, we have sought out the businesses whose start
Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com
are the appropriate time for reinvestments into businesses, plans
will escape. the music of ColorTheory regarding the never-seen-before changes making their standout careers in the future. up stories demonstrate how periods of decline are inevitable and and goals. We show how a focus on sustainability is offering fresh ideas and opening new doors for companies across the globe, be it TGV Cinemas, one of the leading cinema chains in Malaysia, who
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are redeveloping how they are entertaining guests, or ENAP, who, with a market share exceeding 59% in crude oil-based products, are still looking to grow and develop in accordance with a goal for a sustainable and environmentally conscious future. We have taken a look at energy providers like E.ON who have invested millions not only in currency but also man-hours into developing sustainable opportunities and options for their gas storage and distribution in Germany and Edison Power, whose growth has seen the company move and ride the tide of political, economic, social and
Littlegate Publishing Ltd does not accept responsibility for
now sustainable hurdles that it has overcome and used as leverage to
omissions or errors. The points of view expressed in articles
improve upon itself.
by attributing writers and/or in advertisements included in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of the publisher.
2016 is set to be the year of sustainability where businesses realise
Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely
the possibilities and the benefits of thinking sustainably, focussing on
coincidental. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy
what should and what can be done on a day to day basis to help
of the information contained within this magazine, no legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising
change the world and usher in a sustainable future.
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 Š Littlegate Publishing Ltd 2016
Endeavour Magazine | 3
CONTENTS
83
E.ON Gas Storage
FEATURES
15
Build It
4 | Endeavour Magazine
11 17 23 29 39 45 55 61 73 81 89 95 101 107 113 119 125
Agrinet Moving Heaven And Earth Build It Can They Build It? Yes They Can! Al Jaber Engineering and Construction Al Jaber Shapes The Country Golf Data The Gap Between Business And Leisure Cleveland Mining Building Up And Digging Down COVER STORY ENAP Energising The Future Boskalis As Far As The Eye Can See COVER STORY BMW South Africa BMW Cars Are Crafted COVER STORY Lamprell A Company With Its Eyes On The Future TGV Cinemas The Face Of Malaysia’s Entertainment Edison Power Seizing Opportunities E.ON Gas Storage Keeping The Gas In Revive Electrical Transformers Family Business With Family Values Airtel People, Communities And Dreams Staatsolie Suriname Grassroots To Sky High Centriq Insurance Founding A Company Transformation SANBS The Easiest Way To Save A Life
43 Boskalis
ARTICLES 3 6 66 134 136 142 144
Editor’s Note Business Headlines Automotives The New Mini Clubman All4 Nissan’s Future Electric Batteries Gadgets Travel Geocaches And Hermit Caves Unparalleled Luxury On The Nile Book Reviews Spotlight Brian Hazard Hazarding A Guess At The Future Of Music
89
Revive Electrical Transformers Endeavour Magazine | 5
BUSINESS HEADLINES
DELIVERY WARS 2016: PARCELHERO SAYS THIS IS THE YEAR OF DRIVERLESS DELIVERIES, DRONE DROP-OFFS… AND THE RETURN OF PEDALLING POSTIES. International parcel broker ParcelHero says deliveries will be the new retail battle ground, with delivery choice as important as price for many consumers. Powering these delivery wars will be driverless vans, delivery drones… and the return of old-school pedal-power.
of driverless vans operating a predetermined route, moving parcels between either warehouses and shops or stores and homes.” Continues David: “The vehicles will be autonomous, and may serve a large distribution centre and the O2 Arena. However, whilst
Your doorstep parcel collections and deliveries will be transformed
control of the vans is entirely automatic, ParcelHero expects there
over the coming year, says leading parcel broker ParcelHero. The
will be a person in the van to ensure the operation runs smoothly
company says deliveries will become the new retail battlefront, with
and to take control in the case of an emergency.”
customer-friendly delivery options ranking as important as price for
As well as driverless vehicles, drones could appear in UK skies
many consumers. New technology will increase customer choice of
far sooner than has been previously predicted. Aviation regulations
when and where your items are delivered and you could even find
are now holding back their introduction just as much, if not more,
your packages delivered by drone or driverless truck!
than technology issues and the UK Government has been quick
ParcelHero’s Head of Customer Research, David Jinks MILT, says:
to support Amazon’s trials. Last year Amazon approached the UK
“This year will see a transformation in the way we send and receive
Government about developing drones in the UK to deliver items
parcels and deliveries. We believe seemingly ‘sci-fi’ delivery methods
here, as it felt America’s Federal Aviation Authority rules had hindered
are nearer than most people think. Driverless deliveries may sound
their development. Transport Minister Robert Goodwill confirmed:
like something out of I Robot, but in fact will be happening in
“We’re working with Amazon and the Government is working on the
London this year. Greenwich’s streets will soon see the eerie sight
whole issue of drones…we’re both keen to innovate”. Mr Goodwill
6 | Endeavour Magazine
WORLD’S BEST OBAMA IMPERSONATOR SHOCKS EUROPEAN DIGNITARIES Today, the world’s best impersonator of President Barack Obama surprised countless prominent politicians and business people in Belgium and Holland with a lightning visit.
van den Broek, and former
der Kant, managing director of
Dutch Minister Gerd Leers.
Assemblee
Chicago
native
Reggie
Speakers
Bureau
representing him for Europe.
At the New Year’s Lunch of Assemblee Speakers Bureau at Hotel
Brown has made a career out
There
La Butte aux Bois in Lanaken, American actor REGGIE BROWN
of playing the role of President
confusion
was
made an appearance as the 44th President of the United States,
Obama on stage, as well as in
renowned guests attending the
much to the astonishment of the group of luminaries gathered
film and television. He now
lunch when the leader of the
there, which included Honorary Consul-General of Japan (Belgium)
delivers his keynote speech
free world suddenly entered
Piet Steel, former Dutch Chief of Defence Peter van Uhm, Executive
all over the world. It was his
La Butte aux Bois restaurant
Commander of the Royal Dutch Army Lt. General Mart de Kruif,
first performance in Europe
under heavy protection during
former Dutch Prime Minister Dries van Agt, Minister of State Hans
on invitation of Maurice van
the yearly New Year’s speech
among
complete the
many
of Assemblee’s founder Leo van der Kant. “I have experienced a lot in my life,” says Leo van der Kant, who in the past has invited the presidential Clinton,
candidate
among
Hillary
others,
to
Europe to give a speech. “But there was incredible astonishment in the room when the personage of Barack Obama paid a call on them. My guests are used to many things, but this topped it all. A surprising start to the new year.”
added: “Amazon came to see me to ask about starting drone trials in
electric assistance without being
the UK because regulations in the US were too restrictive. So much
classified as motor vehicles.
for the land of the free.” In December 2015, Amazon boss Jeff Bezos
David
revealed: “One of the regulatory agencies that’s moving fastest on
“ParcelHero
concludes,
this is the UK, so it’s possible that drone deliveries will start first
delivery
in the UK.” Observes David: “Perhaps the sky really is the limit for
DHL, also plan to be involved
deliveries in 2016.”
in many other technological
and
partners
its
quality
UPS
and
Finally, alongside all these hi-tech innovations, we will also see the
developments such as increased
return of old fashioned pedal power for deliveries: Says David: “The
green urban deliveries using
Royal Mail controversially phased out postie’s bikes in 2014 and the
electric vehicle, and radical new
famous red Pashley Mailstar cycle found itself re‘cycle’d. Ironically,
approaches to click & collect.
this ‘modernisation’ comes at a time when the green delivery
This will be the year technology
movement is growing and cargo bikes will become increasingly
delivers for parcel senders and
popular with operators for last mile deliveries - particularly in cycle-
internet retailers.”
friendly towns and cities such as Cambridge.” The next-generation cargo bikes can carry parcels as well as mail and – thanks to a change in the law last year - heavier cargo bikes can now be fitted with
TRAVEL
Geocaches and Hermit Caves Endeavour Magazine | 7
HELLOFRESH DELIVERS JAMIE OLIVER TO YOUR DOORSTEP As of last month, HelloFresh
achieved already is amazing. It
and Jamie Oliver have teamed
has been a lot of fun working
up to create a new cooking
with
experience to make living a
the recipes for this wonderful
healthy lifestyle easier than
partnership. We have the same
ever before. Each week, one
mission, and that’s to better
of Jamie’s recipes will be in
connect
HelloFresh’s boxes, giving the
HelloFresh’s recipes are healthy
British public the best possible
and the recipes are broken down
set-up for easy, tasty home
really simply, so even novice
cooking. Jamie is thrilled that
cooks will be able to follow them
HelloFresh’s service gives more
and get a great result. They’ve
people the chance to prepare
made cooking really good food
his dishes: “For me, HelloFresh
from scratch, using top-quality
makes cooking from scratch
ingredients,
even easier. Their delivery of
for busy people. My recipes for
ingredients straight to people’s
HelloFresh are nutritious and
doors is a hugely convenient
broken down really simply, so
way for everyone to try my
everyone will be able to follow
recipes”, says the celebrity chef.
the, and get a great result.”
REALISE YOUR COOKING POTENTIAL WITH HELLOFRESH AND JAMIE! HelloFresh to
providing
is
have clear, easy to follow steps with no unnecessarily complex techniques; it’s the perfect way for kitchen newbies to get ahead.
HelloFresh
to
people
really
develop
with
food.
accessible
BE INSPIRED AND SURPRISE YOUR LOVED ONES
For experienced cooks, HelloFresh is an ideal way to expand their
HelloFresh is always looking
committed
recipe repertoire. Last, but not least, HelloFresh pride themselves
to improve the home cooking
timesaving,
on giving their customers new ingredients and flavours that they
experience for their customers,
wholesome and delicious meal
may never have tried otherwise. Now that they have Jamie Oliver’s
whether
kits, which is why they have
recipes too, there will be even more to enjoy.
sensational
that’s new
through recipes,
chosen these quick, healthy
Jamie is excited about sharing his recipes with HelloFresh
ingredients and partnerships, or
and fun to cook recipes from
customers around the world. “I’ve been admiring what HelloFresh
by offering cooking hints and
Jamie. HelloFresh recipe cards
has been doing from afar for a while now and what they have
tips in their magazine and blog.
TURN UP THE HEAT ON VALENTINE’S DAY WITH FOOD NOIR’S OPULENT DESIRE EXTRAVAGANZA Food Noir, the capital’s sauciest dining club, has big plans for Valentine’s Day 2016, with an extravagant pop-up going by the name of DESIRE. DESIRE is the second in the series of Food Noir’s dining clubs, following on from the sold out TEMPTATION events which beguiled diners throughout the autumn. After luring in legions of fans with an atmospheric, multi-sensory experience that combines food, music, live acts and a multitude of other tantalising elements, Food Noir is setting its sights on Valentine’s Day. DESIRE, which launches on the 14th February will tease and tantalise with an unforgettable experience for avant-garde couples that want to take a step outside the box. The new DESIRE
Qritikal Media are designed to stimulate every sense. Coming alive
by FOOD NOIR events will run once per month for three months.
in DESIRE, the signature FOOD NOIR ambience is set to a backdrop
With exquisite interiors in exclusive settings, immersive risqué
of world-class cuisine. Food Noir has built a reputation for decadent
theatre performances and atmospheric soundscapes purposely
multi-sensory, utterly unique dining experience like nothing else
created for FOOD NOIR by the award winning visual music creators,
available anywhere in the capital.
8 | Endeavour Magazine
The aim is for couples, friends
“Everything I do is about better connecting people with food,
and families to cook and eat
helping them to understand where it comes from, how to cook it and
delightful
what it does to our bodies”, the celebrity chef makes clear.
dinners
together.
Their partnership with Jamie
The Jamie Oliver Food Foundation was founded in 2002. The
Oliver gives people even more
Food Foundation is made up of three food education groups; the
opportunities to wow their loved
Kitchen Garden Project (empowering primary school teachers
ones by cooking up a storm!
to integrate growing food and cooking during the school day),
“It’s such an exciting prospect
the Ministry of Food (a practical and hands-on community-based
for us to be able to offer Jamie’s
cooking programme that teaches people of all ages how to cook
recipes
from scratch) and the Fifteen Apprentice Programme (using the
in
our boxes,” said
Patrick Drake, Head Chef and Co-Founder of HelloFresh. “Our customers love the fact that we send them everything they need to be able to cook delicious meals at home. And now, they’ll be able to recreate top quality dishes tailored to their needs by the nation’s most loved celebrity chef!”
magic of food to give young people a chance at a better future).
HOW WILL IT WORK? Jamie Oliver’s recipes will be available in all HelloFresh boxes; Classic, Vegetarian and Family. His recipes are every bit as delicious, nutritious and easy to cook in around (~30 mins.), as HelloFresh’s current recipe collections. The HelloFresh and Jamie Oliver Limited partnership extends across six countries in which HelloFresh is active – the UK, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, USA and Austria.
ABOUT HELLOFRESH DOING GOOD BY EATING WELL
HelloFresh currently operates in the UK, Germany, Austria, the
One of the core elements
Netherlands, Belgium, Australia and the USA. HelloFresh delivered
of their partnership is educating
13.2 million meals in the three months ended September 30, 2015,
people about food and cooking.
and 6.1m meals in November 2015. HelloFresh was founded in
So, for every box sold, HelloFresh
November 2011 and is based in Berlin. Further corporate offices
will donate to Jamie Oliver’s
are in New York, London, Amsterdam and Sydney. Current investors
Food Foundation. HelloFresh
include Baillie Gifford, Insight Venture Partners, Phenomen Ventures,
customers will be able to help
Rocket Internet and Vorwerk Direct Selling Ventures.
make a difference while eating well and reducing food waste.
Madame Noir of Nude Noir,
further on a journey of exploration, all studded with elements of
the elusive force behind Food
surprise. TEMPTATION was breath-taking and DESIRE builds the
Noir, says, “As someone who
suspense to a goose bump-tingling crescendo.”
is intimately familiar with the
She adds, “Bookings are now open for those who wish to
things that bring pleasure to my
surprise a lover with the ultimate Valentine’s treat – a dreamy,
audiences, I innately understand
seductive spectacular for those with no inhibitions and an
how important it is to tantalise
insatiable desire for the utterly unique. ”
each and every one of the
The events take place at the secret location in Kensington and
senses. Whether you’re sampling
Chelsea, starting at 8pm until late. The entry fee, which starts at
exquisite cuisine while wearing
£99 per person, includes a sumptuous four-course gourmet meal,
a blindfold, or watching our
a signature welcome cocktail and the immersive experience itself.
professional performers while
Guests must come suitably attired for this spectacle – ladies are
deeply inhaling musky incense,
encouraged to drape themselves in lace, silk, satin and leather,
my second in series exclusive
while the gentlemen in attendance should stick to a black tie dress
DESIRE dining club takes guests
code for the ultimate in sophistication.
BOOK REVIEWS
10 | Endeavour Magazine
AGRINET WWW.AGRINET.CO.ZA 0027 12 657 2000
MOVING HEAVEN AND EARTH WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL
Originating from a central buying co-operative for agricultural businesses way back in 1950, Agrinet started life called Vetsak. Through a number of smart acquisitions, strategic growth and a commitment to not lose sight of its roots, the company has gone from strength to strength, so we took a closer look at this key player in the agricultural trade sector. Endeavour Magazine | 11
AGRINET
To know how and why Agrinet is the force to be reckoned with that it is,
we need to go back, way back to 1950 and the first incarnation of what is now an industry giant.
V
etsak, which would go on to become Agrinet, is described as being; “…established by the primary co-operatives in the old
Transvaal and Free State as a central buying or secondary cooperative. The different primary co-operatives were established by farmers. All primary co-operatives were members of Vetsak.” The main objective of this organisation was to find suitable products that would be easily distributed to shareholding stores, which in turn would supply farmers in the locality with everything they needed to continue their operations. Far from only supplying the requisite tooling and irrigation systems, Vetsak was also singlehandedly responsible for introducing the fiat tractor brand to South Africa, which would go on to be known as New Holland Tractors. The company was doing and was heavy involved with numerous manufacturing initiatives, including; “…micro irrigation, assembling of tractors and trucks, tobacco curing, pipe, tanks, fencing material, farm chemicals and ground engagement parts. During the early nineties, the focus of the business moved away from manufacturing and all such activities were disposed of or closed. Emphasis was on trade, specifically mechanisation, general merchandise and irrigation. Product was sourced locally and abroad.”
12 | Endeavour Magazine
With this dramatic about turn came new opportunities and in 1996, the central buying co-operative of the Western Cape, Boeresake, was absorbed into the Vetsak family. As a result, many of the primary co-operatives in the area willingly became members of Vetsak as well. The acquisition would prove to be a turning point for the company as just two short years later, the organisation was re-named Agrinet and that’s when things really started to take off! Describing themselves as “…a wholesale distributor of industrial products, agricultural requisites and related products to retailers and industrial end-users in Sub-Saharan Africa”, it’s clear to see that success hasn’t gone to the company’s head and instead, a humble modesty has been maintained. This is often the case with organisations that have grown organically but never at the detriment of their clientele. For Agrinet, the end user always has and always will be a stern focus that keeps all other endeavours firmly in perspective. This is important when you consider the reach the company has; more than 500 agricultural retail developments located throughout South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. These numbers aren’t only impressive on paper either, as they translate to Agrinet being “a leading supplier of irrigation products and general industrial requisites on a wholesale level in the region.”
Endeavour Magazine | 13
AGRINET The question is, how does a grass roots company seek to stay
and reliable network of distribution to all towns and cities in
ahead of the competition and the answer is simple; by identifying
South Africa as well as to customers in neighbouring countries” is
‘core focus areas’ for the business and actively seeking to address
a main focus of the business and as such, has invested heavily in
them each and every day. We don’t think you’ll be surprised to
transportation infrastructure; “Agrinet operates from its head office
learn that Agrinet has a number of initiatives in place and despite
in Samrand, Gauteng with warehouses in Samrand and in Bellville
the relative simplicity of them; they are helping to keep the
in the Western Cape. Scheduled deliveries on the company’s own
organisation as a whole at the forefront of the industry.
fleet of trucks are done on a daily or weekly basis to almost every
Key amongst the ‘core focus areas’ is a determination to
town and city in the country.”
“maintain a well-defined and market driven product range”. Of
Thanks to a commitment to streamlining the online order
course, this makes sense in a competitive retail environment,
system, clients can rest assured that once they click ‘buy’, they will
but Agrinet makes this task look breathtakingly simple. With an
be receiving a high quality product within the shortest amount
impressive catalogue of more than 30,000 products, which are
of time possible. This directly leads us to the final focus point,
sourced both locally and from foreign markets, the company is
which is “to play a leading role in optimising the flow of business
able to offer clients access to a fantastically diverse e-commerce
and information in the chain of supply between the manufacturer
site. One thing that has never been overlooked, however, is the
and the retailer.” By looking to improve the integration of supply
importance of maintaining a balance between acceptable quality,
chain personnel, everybody can look forward to easy and profitable
diversity and price.
operations; something Agrinet has long enjoyed.
Naturally, it’s all very well offering over 18,000 products, but if
As we look to the future, there can be no doubting that
the availability is poor, customers will quickly look elsewhere for
Agrinet is set more even more greatness. With an eye firmly on
a reliable supply chain. Because of an inherent understanding of
diversification, which has seen the company widen their provision
the nature of the industry they support, Agrinet is able to boast of
net to include hardware, tools, electrical components, vehicle spares
an impressive 90%+ availability and has identified those products
and general agricultural supplies, not to mention both general and
that are most commonly demanded, so as to lower inventory levels
extremely specialist irrigation items, we don’t think there is any sign
and increase profitability. This is the kind of efficiency that many
of slowing down. In fact, we firmly believe that these are just the
organisations can only dream of, but it’s standard fare here!
first seeds being planted and that in a few short years, Agrinet will
Agrinet goes on to demonstrate that “providing an effective
14 | Endeavour Magazine
be reaping even more of what they sow; success.
Sales: (011) 825-1100 | Sales Fax: (011) 825-7428 Email: sales@lasher.co.za or exportsales@lasher.co.za or visit www.lasher.co.za or www.lasher.mobi or find us on facebook twitter pinterest
16 | Endeavour Magazine
BUILD IT WWW.BUILDIT.CO.ZA 0027 31 719 1759
CAN THEY BUILD IT? YES THEY CAN! WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL
A division of the SPAR Group Limited, Build it is a forward thinking organisation that has quickly propelled itself to the very forefront of the hardware and building materials industry. With that in mind, we took a closer look at the company’s unparalleled rise to prominence.
Endeavour Magazine | 17
BUILT IT BUILD
1984 was a good year for South Africa, as Build it launched
with a diminutive membership of just 20 rural retailers in Kwa-Zulu Natal. This was swiftly followed by a move inland in the 1990s and as growth and expansion continued to show promise, 2000 saw a monumental decision being made about the future of the company; it was taken national.
he decision to embrace the potential of the company proved
T
Build it focuses all of its activities around the building and
to be the turning point for Build it and in just five short years,
hardware industry, with a particular focus on the supply of
the number of independent retailers on board grew from a
provisions for basic urban house building, rural housing, township
steady 26 to an unbelievable 172. Though numbers speak volumes
houses and all levels of home improvement. With this in mind,
about success, so does geography and with going national came
there is broad scope for appealing to a wide variety of consumers
market coverage throughout the whole of South Africa, Lesotho,
including amateur DIY enthusiasts through to SMEs and professional
Namibia and Swaziland. The question is, what makes the franchise
contractors. Finally! A concrete and understandable reason for the
so popular that it is now in a position to be enjoying three decades
stratospheric rise to the top of the industry that Build it enjoys and
of success?
it’s the simplest one of all: appealing to everybody.
An untrained eye might assume that simply maintaining high
We’ve all heard the phrase ‘you can’t please all of the people all
quality standards and seeking to look after customers is enough,
of the time’, but we seem to have stumbled across a company that
but with a growth rate of 27% per year, there has to be more to
proves the adage totally wrong. With bottom to top comprehensive
the story. Looking at the target markets that the company seeks
building solutions on tap, Build it has cornered a market that will
to supply, we think the secret lies there, as a ‘bottom up’ approach
always be relevant. As long as there are people, they will need
is taken, with everything needed for building a house from
suitable housing and hence, the construction industry will need
foundations to roof being freely available.
supplies. This is a suitably shrewd business decision and one that
18 | Endeavour Magazine
BUILT IT BUILD
looks certain to ensure the continued success and growth of the
keeps customers loyal – great service and fantastic products. The
company.
only potential problem is market saturation. Whitmore addresses
Of course, such an organisation needs a commensurate staffing
this with a positive approach;
body to adequately handle the inevitable world takeover and
“The market’s very competitive and that’s increasing because of
thankfully, the one in situ is more than capable of shouldering the
the number of entrants coming into the market and those that have
responsibility of pleasing everyone all the time. With more than
come into the market recently. But it’s a big industry and there’s
8,000 staff split between 300 stores and managed by six regional
plenty of opportunity.”
offices, a central hub and an impressive distribution centre, Build it
What a refreshing attitude from the CEO of a hugely successful
is fantastically well positioned to continue striving for increasingly
operation. Instead of wanting to eliminate the competition, he
more impressive targets and accomplishments. An integral driving
acknowledges that there is enough room for everyone; so long as
force, however, is Ray Whitmore, CEO extraordinaire who has an
Build it remains the first choice, of course and this is going to be
impressive legacy with both SPAR and Build it.
guaranteed by the staff training and development that plays such
“I started in SPAR 30 years ago at SPAR Group. I’m a chartered
an important role in the company as a whole.
accountant and come from an auditing and accounting background.
A key player in an industry where product knowledge and
I moved to become Managing Director of one of the SPAR divisions
exemplar customer service is everything, Build it has taken its
in Cape Town and thereafter I’ve headed up Build it. I’ve been with
responsibility as an employee exceptionally seriously and makes
Built it for 15 years.”
sure to offer all staff access to a wealth of additional training,
Despite the impressive growth pattern that Build it has
including specialist leadership programmes, selling and product
demonstrated, the company is not one to simply sit back and hope
awareness courses and accredited first aid schemes. These training
that the good fortune continues. In fact, quite the opposite is true,
developments are not the only incentives on offer for employees
as the management team have a healthy grasp on what it is that
however, as yearly awards are given to those who have gone
Medal are passionate about adding value by supplying the highest quality, cost effective products through a comprehensive range of decorative and industrial paint, waterproofing, accessories and supporting products. Their inspiration comes from nature and results in an extensive range of colours for your next project.
20 | Endeavour Magazine
beyond and above the call of duty. Whitmore acknowledges just
enjoyed and average 27% growth every year. With that in mind,
how vital the staffing contingent is to the success of the company;
there can be little doubt that we will be revisiting the company in
“These past 13 years have seen our store numbers grow
the near future to report on astounding profits and developments.
significantly. The foundation of this growth has been the huge
“We’ll continue to grow our existing business at a steady pace
commitment and teamwork from our retailers, suppliers and Build
and in terms of new products, it’s a continuous process – we’re
it staff.”
always looking at potential new products. One of the key elements
From fantastically solid foundations, provided by the body off committed staff members on board, Build it has become a steadfast companion to the construction industry and DIY enthusiasts alike, making it a brand that can be trusted.
moving forward, in terms of our current builder’s merchant business, is going to be looking at sustainable products to build houses.” The key word in Whitmore’s declaration is sustainable. Far from a merely fashionable term, adopting a more eco approach is going
“As a team, with our retailers and suppliers, we have managed
to prove to be vital for any company hoping to maintain a good
to build a great brand. Our people, our retailers and suppliers; we’ve
foothold in the construction industry and it comes as no surprise
managed to grow and develop a fantastic brand from virtually
that an organisation as invested in helping local communities as it is
nothing in the last 30 years and for me, it’s been fantastic to be a
increasing its profit margins is already making headway.
part of it. It’s really a team effort.”
Looking to the future, we can’t wait to see what new initiatives
As South Africa continues to move towards a period of
and developments Build it embraces to stay ahead of the game
sustained economic growth, Build it is keen to take advantage of
and far beyond competitors, but we know one thing; they’ll be well
the good fortune, with even more development. “We were born in
considered, from foundation to finish.
a time of turmoil and we’ve created a strong brand with a platform for growth ahead of the market.” Commented Whitmore and it’s in light of such statements that we have to remember that Build it has
Endeavour Magazine | 21
22 | Endeavour Magazine
AL JABER ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION WWW.ALJABER.COM 00971 4 4290599
AL JABER SHAPES THE COUNTRY WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL
Many of the highest profile projects in the region have been completed through Al Jaber Group companies. For over 40 years, the famous red logo has been on site at landmark developments. The very foundations of the UAE and surrounding areas are proudly marked with the Al Jaber crest!
Endeavour Magazine | 23
AL JABER ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION
From the start, the group’s founder, His Excellency Obaid Khaleefa
Jaber Al Murri, who is now the chairman, has led the company with vision and purpose. Creating a legacy and a reputation for energetic expansion and creative diversification, the Al Jaber Group is a family of companies who are all recognised as experts in their particular fields and while they are all able to take advantage of the company’s size and resources, all of the included companies rely first and foremost on their standards of practice and levels of expertise.
A
s a company, Al Jaber has become synonymous with the
Precast, specialists in civil and architectural precast. These in-house
famed
projects
capabilities, coupled with a team of approximately 9,800 staff and
embarked upon as the nation goes through its own dramatic
the support of the wider businesses of Al Jaber Group, has allowed
large-scale
infrastructure
construction
development.
ALEC to evolve into the contractor of choice across the GCC.
Al Jaber and Partners, based in Qatar, have been responsible
Having enjoyed tremendous growth over more than ten years,
for some of the landmark projects for which the globe has come
another factor for their success has been their strong market
to associate with the region and, importantly, not only are they
knowledge and alignment with Qatari market growth as well as
proficient at creating the kind of architectural heralds that come
keeping a keen eye on the country’s “Qatar National Vision 2030.”
to shape the horizon line but also for being amongst the safest infrastructure contractors in the country.
According to Al Murri, the group’s focus on their staff has been a defining factor to the business, “The continued success of any
Part of their strength comes from the support of three
business is wholly reliant on the calibre of your staff, workers and
established sister companies in Qatar; Deutsche Babcock Al Jaber
partners,” he explains, “When it comes to building something, be it
WLL, which serves the mechanical and electrical industrial service
a tower, airport or an infrastructure project, it is all built in steps.
market, Al Jaber Heavy Lift and Tansport LLC, one of the leading
The final product can be a catastrophe if one step is not completed
names in industrial contracting, transportation and trading and
to above standard. To ensure this you have to make sure that
Hamad Equipment and Trading Est, who serve the equipment
everyone working for and with you is not only experienced and
market as well as Al Jaber Projects. Additional support comes from
schooled but genuinely talented at what they do.”
Al Jaber Shipping and Marine, which from it’s base in Abu Dhabi
A family of businesses is a great way of describing the Al
supports all of the group companies logistically with a fleet of RO-
Jaber Group, as there is an ongoing philosophy of partnership to
RO landing craft and flat top barges.
achieve greatness. The company sees its clients as partners and
In addition to operating as a main contractor, ALEC has
that the success for both is a process with flows between the two.
established related businesses which complement its core
This belief is firmly ingrained and has led them to meet the most
activities; ALEMCO, an electromechanical services business; ALEC
complex challenges of modern engineering projects and to achieve
FITOUT that specialise in fit out and refurbishments and ALEC
their ultimate target of a satisfied and loyal customer.
24 | Endeavour Magazine
AL JABER ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION
Standing as a testament to this, the company’s achievements
systems, water drainage and effluent treatment plants, as well as
and its solid stance towards its core values, are the many awards
the design and build of utility tunnels and associated utilities within
that Al Jaber Group have been recognised with the world over and
these tunnels.
not only by the construction and engineering industry but also the
From its main 25,000 sqm workshop in Doha, which contains
organisations put in place to limit the negative toll that construction
a pre-cast yard of 10,000 sqm the company runs a fleet of some
can have on the environment.
2000 construction machines and heavy vehicles. Operating four
“The long term vision of any construction project is to have
asphalt and nine screening crushing plants, also located in Doha.
a harmony between ecology and economy,” Al Murri explains,
The prowess of this in-house factory, combined with a strict
“Achieving this balance takes efficient and fastidious planning.
process of contract evaluation, control and management means
Our aggressive scheduling, competitive pricing and strong work
that the Al Jaber Group are able to ensure health, safety, security,
ethos have enabled the company to gain respect as a contractor
environmental and quality management under their IMS (Integrated
with exceptional resources and support and allowed us to meet the
Management System) which meets all the requirements of ISO
most complex demands.”
9001;2008, ISO 14001: 2004 and OHSAS 18001: 2007.
Some projects that have set them apart are the celebrated
Success is measured by team performance and client
reclamation work on Pearl Qatar and the engineering landfill and
responsiveness, Al Murri explains, “Our first priority is not, however,
earthworks on New Doha International Airport; the construction
to the client, but to our staff,”
of a labour camp for Qatar Shell Pearl GTI and the challenging
He goes on to explain that particular attention has been
execution of Doha Expressway package 12, which was a new
given to the comfort of their employees, “We provide facilities
primary 87 km 6-8 carriageway route.
which include entertainment areas, sports fields, swimming pools,
The scope of their expertise extends through high profile construction, earthworks, sewerage and utility networks, irrigation
gymnasiums, Internet cafés and a praying area. All of this leads to the creation of a healthy, interpersonal environment.”
Your Formwork Partner
Lusail Commercial Boulevard Road A3 Tunnel
College of Pharmacy
An open front to Qatar’s 2022 Football World Cup Stadium
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www.delmongroup.net 26 | Endeavour Magazine
Contractor: Shapporji Pallonji
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Delmon’s scope is to design and supply of formwork and falsework system for an optimum performance in time to the entire project, such as 05 levels of massive transfer beams, suspended slabs, cantilever slabs, lift cores, stair walls, columns. Some of our most innovative work and supply can be found on this.
Another example of Delmon’s expertise in meeting challenging construction goals was supplying formwork solution for the Lusail cooling plant. Scope is to supply the whole cooling plant’s retaining wall formwork to exceed the requirement of the design and withstand the fresh concrete pressure of 80.0kN/m2.
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The results of this internal employee focus has definitely paid
projects in this strategic market”.
off as this time last year Al Jaber Group announced that they had
One of these projects could be the recently won deal worth
been awarded the contract to develop the new airport in Abha,
Dhs2.57 billion to construct 40 residential buildings in the capital,
Saudi Arabia. A contract that was worth SAR1.8 billion ($490
which will include the construction of 1,920 residential units for the
million).
staff of state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company in Ruwais.
With work still underway, the project includes a new passenger
“In 1970, we started Al Jaber Group with a primary focus on
terminal covering an area of 86,000 square metres that was
the construction sector. This vision was to compliment the great
built to accommodate around five million passengers annually.
economic boom of Abu Dhabi during that period by creating a
Also included are 20 passenger boarding bridges, an apron for
professional company that would be capable of executing all sorts of
planes to park and parallel corridors to accommodate 26 planes
infrastructure and construction projects,” Al Murri explains, “Since
simultaneously. Scheduled to take 36 months to complete, the
the establishment of Al Jaber Group, we have always regarded the
airport will offer a car park capable of accommodating 2,800 cars.
safety of our people and diversity as the key success factors for
“Al Jaber Group KSA branch is witnessing substantial growth
sustainable growth. We have invested in the latest technologies,
since we started our operations in Riyadh last year,” said Al Murri
built a platform of industries, and launched shipping, transport and
at the time of the announcement, “We were able to compete and
heavy lifting entities to support our growing Construction Division.
win sizable projects mainly the Abha Airport development project.”
After 44 years of success and incredible achievements, we
With the airport development firmly under way the group
remain committed to our vision of being a leader in all our activities
have their eyes on a number of new projects in the Kingdom Al
and grateful to the Rulers and Government of Abu Dhabi for their
Murri revealed, “We are looking at winning more projects in the
confidence and support shown in Al Jaber Group.”
Saudi market in the near future. Al Jaber Group is well positioned to benefit from the increased momentum in the launch of new
Endeavour Magazine | 27
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GOLF DATA WWW.GOLFDATA.CO.ZA 0027 21 851 2193
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN BUSINESS AND LEISURE WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL
Bridging the gap between professional landscaping and leisure, The GD Group are responsible for keeping the golfing vistas and green belts on residential estates that businessmen, leisure seekers and professional golfers use, in the immaculate state that they are renowned for. Founded by passionate golfer Robbie Marshall in 1989, GD Group has since become a recognised and highly valued entity in the international world of golfing. Endeavour Magazine caught up with marketing director Sean Pienaar to discuss.
Endeavour Magazine | 29
GOLF DATA
“You can’t speak about GD Group without speaking about our founder and Chairman, Robbie Marshall,” Sean explains, “He made a career in green keeping and then left that career to focus on starting a landscaping company that he ultimately sold so that he could focus on Golf Data.”
S
ean explains that whilst their focus as a company, at the outset, was about golf courses, they have also never truly left their landscaping roots. The main difference between today
and 26 years ago is the scale and intricacy of their projects, “But the passion to push the bar in the industry has never changed.” He adds. Industry wise, GD Group is a golf and landscaping orientated company whose expertise also lends to civil construction and earthworks and while historically they have been predominantly focussed in South Africa, they have also engaged in work as far afield as Saudi Arabia. According to Sean, who speaks with great passion regarding the company, the easiest way to describe GD Group is to say there are two divisions; golf courses and landscaping. “There are a number of synergies between the two,” he says, “Both of these divisions focus on design, construction and maintenance contracts within their own spheres. Inherent but perhaps not obvious in those spheres is civil construction and earthmoving, which we do in-house as well.” GD Group also own a golf course called the Wedgewood Golf Club on the Wedgewood Golf & Country Estate in Port Elizabeth and this has aided them in growing into the golf course management sphere as well, this is a new service offering from golf data and has the potential to add significant value to certain clients.
30 | Endeavour Magazine
Club house
STARTING FROM
R995 000
Artist impression
18 Hole golf course features 9 magnificent dams
Wedgewood is so much more than a golf estate; it is a way of life. If you love the outdoors, you will love Wedgewood. The estate offers a number of adventure options. Grab your fishing gear and take an afternoon off to fish in one of the nine magnificent dams. Shop at the monthly food market, get on your mountain bike or go for a jog or stroll in the aweinspiring surrounds of the estate. The young at heart are catered for with tennis courts, swimming pools and entertainment centre whilst over 60’s immediately qualify for access to the exclusive community centre and nursing assistance.
WEDGEWOOD LIFESTYLE VILLAGE AND GOLF ESTATE IS WHERE YOU BUY YOUR FOREVER HOME
KOBIE POTGIETER 082 771 2578 www.remax.co.za
Wedgewood Golf Club Proudly Owned & Operated by Golf Data
GOLF DATA MANAGEMENT With a head office in Somerset West outside of Cape Town and satellite offices in Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth, GD Group employs approximately 650 people. As noted above, one of the major differences in the company in recent years is the scale of work that they have the capacity to deliver on; in 2015 they finalised a number of projects including a full course reconstruction at Randpark Golf Course in Johannesburg, an extensive greens renovation at The Country Club Johannesburg – Woodmead and completed the most extensive on course practice facility at any club in South Africa at Leopard Creek alongside the Kruger Park, “Additionally, we completed a vast amount of hard and soft landscaping at the Steyn City development where we also built the Nicklaus Design course.” In order to achieve the completion of these projects, Sean reveals that the company has built up a fair sized fleet of their own heavy plant machinery, as well as seeing a number of their employees, who have been with them for many years, take on management roles. Additionally they have also had to employ
services that GD Group does, but he feels that there is something that makes the business particularly unique and special: “I think the fact that we are a family run business and the ethos of the family is central to our business is unique,” he says, “The vast majority of our competition are part of large corporates who are mostly listed companies and whilst that gives those companies some advantages, it also means that we have the twofold advantage of being close to our key staff and being a bit more nimble as a business.” Unconstrained by policies, procedures, hierarchies and set business models they are able to make the decisions that need to be make quickly, without having unnecessary sit down meetings and time wasting discussions. Further to this, the senior staff at GD Group are encouraged to be entrepreneurial and creative in delivering real value to their clients. “Creativity and drive are characteristics that are sought out and fostered in our team,” he says.
THE GOLFING AND LEISURE INDUSTRY
specific skill sets from outside of their ranks in order to meet the
The most common sentiment about the golf industry is that it
demands they face to deliver detailed course and landscape design
is in decline, but Sean explains that what they have been seeing is
and horticultural expertise.
that there are a number of proactive courses, who, whilst facing
Sean admits that there are other companies that offer similar
32 | Endeavour Magazine
difficulties, have actually come out stronger and are re-investing
GOLF DATA in their courses, remaining current and are generating really good
the idea. The environmental issues surrounding golf are not going
revenues. “Perhaps it is safer to say that the industry, which is
to go away and we accept that we are responsible for mitigating
a notoriously conservative one, is in a state of flux and all the
potential environmental impacts from concept and design stages,
stakeholders in the industry are having to rethink long held beliefs,”
through to construction and maintenance. “
he tells us.
One positive that Sean is seeing coming out of this is that
From the perspective of both course and landscape
their clients, golfers and users of landscaped areas are not only
construction, the main driver of these services is the residential
accepting, but rather expecting there to be rehabilitated natural
property developments and there are certainly signs that in some
areas; sensitive patches that they can view but may not enter and
areas, this is starting to pick up again after a long dry spell post
strategic use of water resources (just as examples) and so it is
2008.
quite possible that the challenge of being more environmentally
Both golf and landscapes face very real sustainability challenges outside of the economic aspects of sustainability as well. Social and
pro-active may also prove to be one of the key opportunities to differentiate and excel in the industry.
environmental issues are very relevant, especially in a society such as South Africa with a history of a large gap between those who have and those who do not. Additionally, for historical reasons
THE STAFF AT GD GROUP
the game in South Africa has been predominantly white and male
Golf is all about the experience of the game and the highest
and the industry has to be creative in its attempt to attract a more
standards. Sean holds no illusions as to where their standard comes
diverse group of participants.
from and how to get the very best out of their contingent of some
“In our capacity as contractors, this is perhaps slightly less
650 staff.
relevant to us than the environmental issues and it is here that we
“We are very demanding about the standards we expect of
have had to work very hard,” he tells us, “We have been fortunate to
our staff,” he says, “There are few industry “standards” as such in
work with clients who are dedicated to finding solutions and doing
what we do, but we are very fortunate to have had incredibly low
the right thing environmentally and not just paying lip service to
staff turnover in all our 26 years and so our staff have learnt from
34 | Endeavour Magazine
GOLF DATA numerous world experts in niche areas such as design, course and
Some of these projects are dotted around Africa and to deliver
landscape shaping, agronomy and horticulture and drainage.”
our product to an African client outside of South Africa is a very
This knowledge is passed on to more and more staff in the
exciting prospect indeed.”
company as they involve themselves in ever more projects and it
Steyn City has been a prominent project, as Sean reveals, thanks
is in this way that the staff develop for the most part. To facilitate
to it re-establishing GD Group as a major player in the landscaping
greater learning and personal growth, we do offer very attractive
industry and not just the golf course industry. It has also proven
policies regarding formal studies to staff that show dedication
to to be enough of a challenge that their landscape design and
and promise, as well as ongoing training to all levels of staff in the
installation capabilities continue to grow, thereby affecting their
company.”
growth in the market. Whereas, The Leopard Creek practice facility
“Individual staff development is absolutely central to our business,” he emphasises, “We believe we produce the best people in the industry and that is what we strive to do. This also forms a key differentiator from our competition. We are people focussed.”
is just so exceptional that having it on their list of completed projects alone is a great accolade. “Long-term, the best thing about these projects is the ongoing opportunity to continue building relationships and proving our capabilities outside of our borders. This opens up a number of
CUSTOMERS AND GUESTS As a family run business, personal relationships are part and parcel of what GD Group does; every senior member of Golf Data is accountable to their clients and they have a policy of not directing blame to individual employees. Theirs is a team effort and Sean insists that they go the extra mile on every project to make sure that their clients are satisfied. “It’s a simple strategy,” he elaborates, “We consistently do what we have always done; develop top notch people, keep them and as a team, produce the best value and quality product.”
2016 This year is set to be such a busy one for GD Group; the Steyn City development has been a key project for the company for a number of years now. “We built their Nicklaus Design course, which is our 7th Nicklaus course to date and we did all of their landscaping,” Sean tells us. As it turns out this was an enormously ambitious development and looks set to become a landmark in SA. “Whilst we have delivered a great deal at this development already, there is still a vast amount of work to be done,” he says, “we look forward to furthering our relationship there and continuing to deliver world class landscaping services.” Then there was the Leopard Creek Practice Facility. GD Group were asked to provide a “world class” practice facility (if the accounts of the tour professionals who utilised the facility at the recent Dunhill event there are to be believed, they certainly delivered). “We have no doubt that this practice facility raises the bar for practice facilities for any course that we know of, bar none,” Sean states. “We have a number of projects that are on the cusp of giving us the green light,” he says, “Each and every one of these is very exciting for us and each one feels like a beautiful rough diamond that we cannot wait to polish for its owners to unlock its potential.
36 | Endeavour Magazine
opportunities for us and will allow us to take advantage of our world class project management capabilities.” He wraps up.
38 | Endeavour Magazine
CLEVELAND MINING WWW.CLEVELANDMINING.COM.AU 0061 8 6389 6000
BUILDING UP AND DIGGING DOWN WRITTEN BY DAEMON SANDS
With a reputation for building successful projects from the ground up, Cleveland Mining LTD is an Australian-managed, ASX-listed minerals company focussed squarely on developing projects into mines. They are also a result of a unique approach to project selection ensuring that they are always fit to weather the worst storms.
Endeavour Magazine | 39
CLEVELAND MINING
The trick to Cleveland Mining is that they select projects according
to their likelihood of generating returns at the bottom of the economic cycle. This has shaped the company into a stringent and fastidious force to be reckoned with, where quality overcomes quantity in every facet and as stated on their website, the company’s management have successfully led high profile projects across the world and this experience positions the company to acquire quality projects and develop them with speed, stability, sustainability and profitability.
C
leveland focuses on mining commodities, not mining the
smooth bureaucratic processes to enable swift examination,
share market and this means that activities are centred on
construction and mining coupled with low taxation rates, where
developing and mining robust resources at the lowest price.
repatriation of capital is allowed. Professional, skilled and semi-
In other words, these deposits must be cheap to mine and
skilled personnel are readily available, as is the source of necessary
should offer potential for profits at the bottom of the commodity
equipment. It is a country that is strongly regarded as the next
price cycle. This strategy maximises the certainty of return on
boom area in mining and its sovereign risk rating is excellent
investment and minimises the risks associated with commodity
with constitutional amendments in 1995 providing a landmark in
cycles.
Brazilian mining legislation by granting foreign companies the right
This requires a lot of research and assessment to be applied to every project before anything is entered into. This includes
to hold majority ownership in Brazilian projects and equality of fiscal and economic treatment.
local infrastructure, energy costs, legislative framework, royalties systems, sovereign risk and access to labour. Considered planning and forethought have become a consequential label of Cleveland Mining, who were established in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis when many investors were reducing their investments because of a contracting market and Cleveland seized the opportunities that arose. What their unique approach has enabled them to offer is access to first class projects, personnel and equipment, reduced construction time and costs and an ability to establish low operating cost bases. While accountancy may not be the most glamorous aspect of a business, a surefooted approach is always preferred when looking at the bottom line.
BRAZIL
CRIXAS GOLD HUB, CENTRAL BRAZIL A shining pot of potential, the Crixas Gold Hub is significant for a number of reasons. Not only was it a safe, mining-friendly area with a 20,000 person mining/farming town close by with cheap hydro-generated power available on site, but it also provided an under developed/high prospective greenstone belt that was able to achieve gold production in a very short time. The Company’s most advanced project in the Crixás Gold Hub is the Premier Gold Mine JV, where gold production has commenced. Here, a cluster of nearby exploration projects within the Hub may, in time, provide further tonnages to the Premier mill, with the O Capitão gold project planned for processing at Premier Mine. Access to infrastructure, mine services, contractors and labour in the project area is very good, with the ‘mining town’ of Crixás
Cleveland’s initial focus is on Brazil because it offers excellent
being walking distance from the Premier tenements and the
mineral potential with the added benefits of low labour and energy
national capital, Brasilia and the state capital, Goiania, are 260km
costs, attractive sounding mining legislation and comparatively
and 270km away respectively.
40 | Endeavour Magazine
CLEVELAND MINING
PREMIER OLD MINE JV Commercial production of gold at the Premier Gold Mine started in late 2012. Production of between 10,000 and 20,000 ounces per annum was anticipated for the Stage 1 plant and the
resources through further drilling and possible acquisition of other gold projects held in the immediate region
HOW IS THE PROJECT GOING?
addition of chemical processing, doubling the capacity of the plant
Work commenced at Cleveland’s 50:50 JV Premier Mine in
and higher-grade throughput from the O Capitão project was
late 2012, which was just over 3 years ago, after they acquired the
expected to double production.
project which was formerly known as Meia Petaca from the Goias
Today, frequent gold pours are being made after the original
state Government who had mined the location over 30 years. Over
targeted production was between 10koz and 20koz in first year of
the three years following this acquisition, Cleveland has conducted
full production. Estimated operating C1 costs stand at ≈$400 per
a small drilling programme that delineated a resource of 89,000oz
ounce after the introduction of chemical processing and the start of
and constructed a processing plant capable of producing between
mining at the Premier underground and the O Capitão project and
10 and 20 thousand ounces per annum. Luckily, the plant design
≈89koz Indicated Resource delineated through small drill program.
allows for rapid expansion to match any growth in the rate of
Excellent near-mine exploration potential exists and two gold
mining and the size of the resource.
bearing mineralised areas identified at the Company’s O Capitão
Premier is located approximately 800m from AngloGold
project. Applications are underway to mine at O Capitão and
Ashanti’s Serra Grande Mine, from where over 3 million ounces
process the material at Premier, less than 10km away.
have already been mined, a further 1.186 million ounces remain
Stage 2 commenced in 2014 and included the introduction of
and significant gold discoveries continue to be made. Cleveland
higher-grade material from Premier and O Capitão, such as the
believes that the Premier tenements also hold excellent potential for
addition of cyanide (February) and flotation circuits to increase
further multi-million ounce deposits. Cleveland intends to increase
recovery to from 60% to 90%. Stage 3 involves the expansion of
the resource through near-mine drilling as well as exploration of
42 | Endeavour Magazine
the O Capitão project, when two gold-bearing orebodies have been identified. Cleveland is targeting operating C1 costs of about $400 per ounce after the introduction of chemical processing of ore. The Company are mining higher-grade ore from the O Capitão project. According to reports released to the TSX by AngloGold Ashanti, the first 17 years of production at Serra Grande had costs of less than $200/oz. In 2001, 134,000oz of gold were mined from Serra Grande at a cash cost of US$767/oz. The most advanced project in the Crixás Hub, the Premier Project, is expected to produce between 10,000 and 20,000 ounces per year to begin. As significant exploration potential exists both at Premier and at Cleveland’s other projects, the plant at the Premier Gold Mine has been designed for expansion. Mining began in September of 2012, after eight months of construction and the mine was built without incurring debt. The Premier Mine is expected to provide Cleveland with a strong foundation for growth, providing the Company with both cash flow and an opportunity to build the teams, experience, systems, culture and track record of success that will lead to bigger projects.
Endeavour Magazine | 43
44 | Endeavour Magazine
ENAP WWW.ENAP.CL 0056 22280 3000
ENERGISING THE FUTURE WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL
With Chile importing almost three quarters of its energy supply, it was only a matter of time before something would have to change; that’s where ENAP comes in. We took an in depth look at the company that looks set to bring new opportunities and possibilities to Chile in 2016.
Endeavour Magazine | 45
ENAP
With 2016 already firmly underway, one thing is clear; ENAP is not
going to sit around and hope for good results, it’s going to guarantee them. Things have gotten off to a fantastic start, with the announcement of a new Director, Bernadita Piedrabuena.
aking over from Fidel Miranda Bravo, Bernadita is well
T
We see so many companies claiming to be deeply invested
positioned to offer fresh eyes and new experience to the role,
in not only their own profitability, but also the sustainability of
alongside her impressive pedigree, which includes a degree in
the environment and continued development of surrounding
Business Administration, majoring in Economics, as well as a PhD
communities, but it’s still refreshing to come across one that holds
in Economics. But what kind of company is she joining? ENAP
up their end of the bargain. But that’s what ENAP is all about;
describes itself as;
helping Chile to become better, more self-sufficient and a good
“An integrated energy Company, 100% owned by the State of Chile, leader in hydrocarbons, which provides products and services
deal more fiscally sound. Therein lies the benefit of companies staying true to their roots.
that meet the needs of customers and contribute to the sustainable
Following the discovery of the first Chilean oil well in
development of countries and communities in which it is inserted,
December 1945, the Government set up Empresa Nacional del
operating in a competitive and profitable way.”
Petróleo, which enjoyed official establishment in June 1950. With
So far so good and when you couple this modest overview
potential for commercial gain firmly proven, Eduardo Simian Gallet
with the underlying vision of what the company hopes to achieve,
recommended that ENAP, as we now know it, be created. The
you really have the makings of an impressive and forward thinking
company explained their fast rise to success;
giant. The vision states;
“One of the first targets of the newly born company was to
“To ensure a supply of energy competitive in both price and
create an oil refining plant in the country, achieved in 1954 with
quality; to have our customers’ preference; to position ourselves
the start-up of Concón Oil Refinery (today Aconcagua Refinery).
as leaders in commercial operations and logistics, working with
In 1959 the first logistic facilities for storage and distribution
the highest levels of efficiency and reliability in compliance with
of refined fuels were built in Maipú, and the following year the
the highest standards on safety and prevention of accidents and
Gregorio maritime terminal was built in Magallanes.
incidents, all of which is carried out by a competent, collaborative
Cullen Gasoline Plant (Magallanes) started operating in 1962,
and engaged team. To be recognised as a leading company in
and continued in 1966 with the opening of the second refining plant
sustainable development, respectful of the communities where it is
in the country in the Eighth Region, today Bío Bío Refinery, and the
inserted and valued by its concern for the environment.”
construction of a multiple purpose pipeline from this Refining Plant
46 | Endeavour Magazine
60 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
Nicolaides S.A. is a company dedicated to meeting the varied needs of its clients by providing the best technologies and products available worldwide, accompanied by exceptional technical assistance. Congratulations to ENAP for 70 years in contributions to energy development in Chile. We are committed to stand by their side, facing new challenges together.
Visit www.nicolaides.cl - Avda. El Cortijo No 2410, ConchalĂ - Santiago Email: ventas@nicolaides.cl Tel: 56-2-23520000
ENAP
to San Fernando, in the Sixth Region. From this city, this pipeline
the country, and provides oil and port logistic services to important
connects with another managed by Sonacol, which transfers fuels
customers operating in the energy sector. Also, during the last
to the Storage Plant located in Maipú, in the Metropolitan Region.”
two years it has started a strong exploratory campaign of new gas
You would be right to assume that such an auspicious start
reservoirs in Magallanes, and established new alliances with other
could only lead to great things and it’s true, as the 1980s brought
companies in order to diversify the energy sources in the country.”
about perfect diversification opportunities that would go on to
Now, think back to the original aim of the company. It was set
lead to even more commercial success;
up in order to prevent the reliance on imported energy sources
“In 1981 ENAP entered the logistic business, with storage
that saw three quarters of all resources entering from outside of
plants for liquid and gas fuels in Maipú, San Fernando and Linares.
Chile. This might seem like a relatively modest and humble aim, but
Currently, this activity is carried out through the Storage and Oil
thanks to a focus on that mission, so much more has been taken
Pipelines Department, which is a part of Enap Refinerías S.A.
on board. Exploration and production of hydrocarbons is just one
On January 1st, 2004, the refining plants merged into one company: Enap Refinerías S.A.
facet now, with refining, transportation, storage and marketing all having been taken on. Not only that, these activities are no longer
In 1990, ENAP established Sociedad Internacional Petrolera
limited to only Chile, as Argentina and Egypt are also operational
S.A., to explore and exploit hydrocarbon deposits abroad. This
locations. Never one to forget where it has come from and why,
subsidiary changed its name to Enap Sipetrol S.A. in 2005.”
however, the ENAP head office is still located in Santiago.
Such a fantastic rise to the top of their industry has not been
Looking ahead to 2016 and beyond, there are a number of
easy, but the struggles have been worth it and the company can
fantastic new energy projects in the metaphorical and literal
now state, with authority, that; “In the Magallanes area, ENAP
pipeline! From natural gas through to geothermal energy and
exploits the only hydrocarbon deposits with a commercial value in
biofuels, if it can provide reliable and efficient energy to the people
Our experience and track record have enabled us to grow to be the company we are today – a modern and visionary company that adapts to changing times, positioning ourselves as leaders in the industry. Congratulations to ENAP on its 70th anniversary! 48 | Endeavour Magazine
of Chile, ENAP is looking into and investing in it. This goes far beyond self-interest; this is making a promise to the people of Chile and resolutely keeping it by any means possible. Moving into 2016 with positivity and heritage behind them, ENAP is embracing the future fresh from celebrating the 70th anniversary of the discovery of oil in Magallanes. In a ceremony attended by the Mayor, Jorge Flies, as well as the ENAP CEO, Marcelo Tokman, those staff members celebrating 25,30, 35, 40 and even 45 years with the company were recognised for their efforts and encouraged, by Tokman, to continue to trust in the promising future ahead; “We have taken these great challenges properly, not only for the region of Magallanes, but for the whole country. We continue to work every day to strengthen ENAP, make it stronger, financially sustainable, competitive and efficient, aiming at a model of responsible relationship with our neighbouring communities. In short, we want to be a company projected into the future, with clear objectives and a long term vision, focusing on people, communities and the environment.� In addition to this, Ramiro Parra, manager of ENAP Magallanes
Endeavour Magazine | 49
HARD WORK, DEDICATION AND RESULTS... TO MEET OBJECTIVES AND GOALS. ING-COMP.COM is a high quality worldwide services and product supplier company within the Latin America market since 1995, and part of the Chilean based Omega Group Holding. The company goals are working on clients Industrial Services and Products neccesities and requirements Among the company-owned enterprises and other represented, are: L&J Techonologies, with their owned-enterprises specialized in high precision, engineering and automation; with monitoring, metering, management and manufacturing process control brands. To name a few:
Omega Group also has shares of Sensotec, a manufacturing company specialized in temperature sensors and transmitters, and also being representative of several industrial-leading companies.
In specific aplication products, ingenierĂa y computaciĂłn, counts with specialized valves such as the double bleed and purge valve; level, pressure, humidity and process automation metering, transmission and control equipment.
Providing a comprehensive service and engineering processes, ING-COMP.COM also is a distributor for the Latin American market of switches, power and control cable, electric supplies and accesories, engines and fuses of several prestigious electrical equipment brands. ING-COMP.COM are throughout Latin America, with headquarters in USA and Chile, where the distribution of Oil & Gas, Mining, Pulp, Cementing, Steel among other industrial sectors product. Now that you know Omega Group , we invite you to let us know your requirements and request through our website: www.ing-comp.com, and our nearest local office:
ENAP
commented; “It is exciting to participate in the celebration of
necessary, with each worker taking on board the importance of
ENAP’s 70thAnniversary just after I have joined the company,
self-care. In a bid to show support to the union, Jorge Figueroa
and it is important to be able to continue working together with
commented that;
the employees, with the society, protecting the environment and
“…in these 70 years, we should mention those pioneers who,
integrating everything. Our main challenges ahead are to make our
with great effort, perhaps even superhuman, began the journey to
company profitable and sustainable over time, and write the second
build the ENAP of today and tomorrow, which should be based on
part of the story, which is important to know, but also look into the
solid foundations such as the safety of both the people and the
future as the pioneers did: we must see how to build this future.”
facilities. The relationship with the communities today is not an
Despite jubilant celebrations, the people that directly
option, we must include our neighbours in the development of
contributed t his milestone were far from overlooked. Jorge Fierro,
our company, the environment, because today we cannot work in
voice of the union, stressed that;
this area as we did before and certainly, people are ENAP’s most
“The workers of ENAP are part of the culture and history of
important capital. “
this company, and we are who brought forward ENAP. To recognise
It’s one thing for workers to be able to stand up and appreciate
the trade union movement strengthens the development of this
the impact they have had on the success of the company they
company of all Chileans, where the will of the administration, the
have pledged allegiance to, but it is quite another for prominent
work of the federation and the drive of the Government, allows us
leadership figures to acknowledge it too. It is with little surprise
to conquer achievements as important as the expansion of the line
that we see important industry figures within ENAP making public
of business, opening a third business line and empowering ENAP in
declarations of thanks to their team, as what else could you expect
the electricity generation. When we recognise ourselves among all
from such a forward thinking and progressive operation?
the actors, we are able to do great things.” He went on to iterate that a focus on safety culture was
52 | Endeavour Magazine
At last, the future truly is bright and all because ENAP has switched on the light and promised to keep it shining.
Transportes y Servicios Eugenio Vilicic Peña y Cía., Ltda., desde 1971 aportando al desarrollo de la Región de Magallanes y Antártica Chilena. El trabajo ininterrumpido y la constante reinversión, nos llevan a crear la División de Cargas Especiales, participando en los principales proyectos que la industria de Minería e Hidrocarburos, ha ejecutado en la región. A la Fecha, hemos ejecutado un total de 502 servicios de DTM para las empresas ENAP, GEO-PARK, QUINTANA WELL PRO, PANAMERICAN ANGLO ENERGY, SOUTHERN CROSS, PETREX, PETRO MAGALLANES Y ENERCO. Participamos transversalmente y de manera mancomunada con nuestros clientes, a través de toda la Cadena de Valor de la Industria.
Sitio 2, Barrio Industrial. Punta Arenas, Chile. Mail: contacto@tev.cl
54 | Endeavour Magazine
BOSKALIS WWW.BOSKALIS.COM 0065 6733 5622
AS FAR AS THE EYE CAN SEE WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL
Considered to be one of the leading maritime services companies in the world, Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V has an industry-leading handle on a diverse range of sectors. We took a closer a look at this inspirational company, to see what drives their continued success.
Endeavour Magazine | 55
BOSKALIS
With diversification fast becoming one of the major buzzwords in the business world, it can’t come as too much of a surprise that an organisation as globally recognised and respected as Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V (Boskalis) has its fingers in many pies.
I
n fact, this giant of the maritime services industry lists operating
to identify their key clientele and gear their services towards not
in the dredging and inland infrastructure, as well as offshore
only them, but the standards they bring with them to any contract
energy sectors as just two of its main interests. The company
negotiation. It’s becoming crystal clear exactly why Boskalis enjoys
confirms that it is enormously active and represented in both the
the levels of success that it does.
energy and ports markets, but what does this really mean?
PORTS ENERGY
An undeniable increase in world trading has lead to a direct
With oil and gas companies increasing demand for services
need for increased port infrastructure and with years of experience
in order to keep up with an ever-increasing population, new
at the helm, there is nobody better placed or more competent to
infrastructure projects are guaranteed. Becoming a linchpin in the
undertake such projects than Boskalis. Their main activities within
sector, Boskalis offers a wealth of fully integrated services, which
the sector include construction and maintenance of infrastructure,
include engineering, land reclamation, construction, transportation,
encompassing reclaiming harbour islands and land, dredging and
rock fragmentation and trenching. Far from shying away form
erecting breakwaters. Similarly to the oil and gas sector, the clients
extra responsibility, the company also offers project management,
offering Boskalis contracts are of an impressive stature:
planning, maintenance, pilotage and even firefighting services. The company states that; “Our customers in the oil and gas market segment are national
“Our clients in the Ports market segment are port authorities, large private parties and shipping companies.” They go on to confirm;
and international oil and gas companies. They demand the highest
“We are also able to build quay walls, bridges, tunnels, container
performance standards from contractors, which is why we
terminals, berths, piers and jetties. Our port services include
work with state-of-the-art equipment, ensure stringent quality
assistance to incoming and outgoing vessels (harbour towage).”
monitoring and work to the highest safety standards. We achieve
With such a range of activities to tackle, it is only right that
excellent performance standards and have the ability to deliver
the company has a bank of expertly trained staff to rely on and
projects according to strict deadlines.”
that is most definitely the case, with an employee count in excess
It’s hard to argue with a team that has clearly taken the time 56 | Endeavour Magazine
of 8,500. Fulfilling clients’ needs in more than 75 countries, over
Endeavour Magazine | 57
BOSKALIS
six continents, it is obvious why so many employees are necessary.
the standard by which Boskalis aims to be measured, then we can’t
Add to that the impressive fleet that Boskalis commands and a
help but wonder how hard competitors have to work, just to stay
team of reliable staff quickly becomes the most important asset to
within the same arena.
an organisation.
Regardless of previous or current market victories, there comes a point that the future has to be considered and with this in mind,
FLEET
is the maritime services industry, if you’ll excuse the pun, buoyant?
Here comes that buzzword again; Boskalis has embraced
The simple answer is yes, as the forces driving demand show no
diversification when it comes to their fleet, meaning that they have,
sign of slowing down. Energy consumption, global trade, world
to hand, an impressive array of in the region of 1,000 vessels that
population and climate change are all major contributing factors to
can be deployed at a moments notice. They comment:
the increase in maritime services demand and as we all know, these
“Because cost leadership is essential to our competitive position, the optimisation and standardisation of our fleet is a continuous process whereby we not only invest in new builds, but also ensure that the fleet is kept technically shipshape.
are not issues that are going to dissipate in our lifetime, as they are all so intrinsically linked. As more people join the planet, so too will energy consumption rise. From here, climate change continues to be a very real and
Boskalis is certified under the International Safety Management
present danger and global trade will increase in a bid to meet new
(ISM) Code. A Plant Management System compliant with this code
consumer demand. Unless the cycle breaks, things will continue as
has been introduced to ensure optimum deployment of our ships.”
they are and the links between all the separate factors seem to be
Call us uninformed, but we don’t see anything ‘standard’ about
made of impenetrable materials, which is good news for Boskalis.
a company being able to boast of a veritable armada that consists
In terms of growing and moving into the future, Boskalis is not
of dredgers, offshore vessels, floating sheerlegs, pontoons and
simply resting on its laurels and is, instead, actively seeking out new
barges, tugs and a host of specialist equipment to boot! If this is
opportunities to secure its position as a global leader. To this end,
58 | Endeavour Magazine
GLOBAL HYDRAULICS PTE LTD 115 Neythal Road, Singapore 628 602 Tel: +65 6265 0126, Fax: +65 6265 6052 Email: globalhydraulics@globalhydraulics.com.sg Web: www.globalhydraulics.com.sg
it has recently acquired a market leader in the German dredging sector, to the tune of €70m. We look forward to seeing how this acquisition contributes to the success of the organisation. Boskalis is the perfect example of how when you think big, you
Our Services Troubleshooting, Repair and Servicing of Marine/Offshore Deck Hydraulic Equipment, Electro-Pneumatic Control Systems Industrial and Construction Hydraulic Equipments
get big results and it operates with a positive outlook; “At the presentation of our first half-year results we indicated that utilisation and operating margins would be lower in the second half of the year after an exceptionally busy first half of the year. The picture in the third quarter is in line with this expectation. The Board of Management expects that market developments in the rest of the year will remain challenging, barring unforeseen circumstances.” If the ambitions and plans of the management team at Boskalis is anything like the size of their felt, we shouldn’t be expecting big things from them in 2016, we can rely on colossal results coming to fruition.
Recovery/ Lifting Hydraulic Winches
Custom Built Marine & Offshore Cranes
Dealers Distributor for for Stanley Tungum Alloy Underwater Instrumentation Hydraulic Tubing Tools/ Rail Maintenance
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Endeavour Magazine | 59
60 | Endeavour Magazine
BMW SOUTH AFRICA WWW.BMW.CO.ZA 0027 12 522 3000
BMW CARS ARE CRAFTED WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER
While there is no denying the presence of BMW on the road, the people responsible for crafting these fine examples of automobile machinery are the real source of the magic. A BMW is definitely a combination of high quality parts and high quality workmanship and so the company had to be very deliberate in where it based itself when it moved beyond the borders of Germany.
Endeavour Magazine | 61
BMW SOUTH AFRICA
In 1973, South Africa was selected as the base for the first BMW
base of operations outside of Germany and nobody could have predicted the success that was primed to follow. Within three years the demand for vehicles has outstripped the supply and BMW was firmly recognised as the leading manufacturer of high-performance luxury passenger cars in the country. Since then the success has only continued with the Rosslyn plant producing over 80,000 BMWs every year.
S
outh African built cars are exported all around the world with 3-Series sedans that have been born in this country appearing on roads in USA, Canada, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong,
Singapore and Australia. Employing over 3,500 people with 2,400 of them situated in Rosslyn the legendary demand for these vehicles requires three shifts a day, seven days a week, just to keep up. One of the key factors for the success has been the company’s total immersion into the country and its communities. Tapping into the values of its people and looking after its employees has made BMW an employer of choice and one of the best to work for in the country. During the breakup of Apartheid, the BMW Group were one of the first pioneering companies to take measures against racial segregation, job discrimination and unjust compensation and have striven, through good and bad to provide jobs for the people. Today with the recent political issues found with the lacklustre Government, BMW’s approach to remedy the situation is to further invest in staff and to take things a step further and invest into the education of children and the support of schools. Bodo Donauer, BMW South Africa’s managing director believes strongly that the company has stood as a major investor into the country and its people, “Our company ensures through its first and second tier suppliers and its dealer network that thousands of South Africans are employed and can provide for their families.”
62 | Endeavour Magazine
A B C PILLARS TRUNK MAT
REAR SEAT BACK
REAR SEAT CUSHION CENTRE ARMREST
TRUNK LID TRIM
CONVENTIONAL & PIP HEADRESTS FRONT SEAT BACK FRONT SEAT CUSHION
WHEELHOUSE LINERS
PACKAGE TRAY EXTERIOR WHEELHOUSE LINERS SUN VISORS FLOOR INSULATORS
TUFTED & RANDOM VELOUR CARPET
INNER DASH INSULATOR
FIREWALL INSULATOR
LFT UNDERFLOOR SYSTEMS
BONNET INSULATOR
ALUMINIUM HEATSHIELDS
FLOOR MATS
FELTEX TRIM
FELTEX FEHRER
Textile-based automotive acoustic and trim components
Flexible foam, moulded seats, conventional and pour-in-place headrests, foam pads, armrests
CARAVELLE
IAC FELTEX
AUTONEUM FELTEX
FELTEX FOAM
Overlay carpets/ loose-lay vehicle mats
Acoustically engineered tufted automotive carpet and A, B and C pillars
Underfloor systems for thermal and impact protection and aluminium heatshields
Polyester and polyether thermoformable foams, PVC/Foam laminate, cutting and sewing of face fabrics
Feltex is one of South Africa’s largest automotive component manufacturers. The key success factors of Feltex are consistent quality, service and competitive pricing. Economies of scale assist Feltex Automotive in achieving competitive pricing in a relatively fragmented domestic market. International technology partners provide global competitiveness to the business through shared intellectual capital. Feltex Automotive’s information technology systems interlink with the OEM’s production planning systems. Close proximity to the major OEM assembly plants facilitates ‘just-in-time’ and ‘just-in-sequence’ supply, thereby enhancing service delivery.
There is a strong culture of interdependence and synergy among the six business units, yet each is managed as an individual profit centre with its own management team. Key business drivers are consistent quality, outstanding service, investment in modern technology, environmental responsibility and competitive pricing. The company is continually investing in expanding existing factories and developing new facilities. All business units have achieved a strong supply position in their product sectors and this has enabled the businesses to achieve competitive prices through economy of scale.
BMW SOUTH AFRICA
He adds, “Given the length of time that we have been engaged
Bodo insists that there is a difference between involvement and
in South Africa we have certainly employed entire generations of
charity and that BMW does not use a mere cheque book approach
families. Grandparents, parents and children of the same family.”
but is investing it’s time along with its money into these CSRs.
It is adamant that this sort of long term investment in people
He gives an example, “The BMW Maths Science and Technology
leads to real community uplifting in the process and that the
Excellence Project encourages learners to pursue careers in the
success of BMW in this regard has made the company an integral
field of science and technology, while at the same time addressing
part of the social fabric of the country, “You must be a committed
the skills gap that exists in the country in this critical field,”
and above all engaged corporate citizen,” he says.
Last year, the performance of schools within BMW’s umbrella
Understanding their role as an influencer, there are a variety
exceeded the expectations and have improved on the pass rate of
of corporate social responsibility programmes that have been
2012 by more that 13% with 25% coming from fields of science
deliberately focussed away from marketing and brand building and
and mathematics. Impressively, the physical science pass rate was
directed towards the sustainable development of communities
11% higher than the national average and mathematics pass rate
for the people of SA. He explains, “We believe in long term
was 19% higher than the national average.
development and the future of the South African economy and we
Speaking with Bodo he tells us that one of the most promising
support over one hundred corporate social investment projects
community projects is the multi-purpose community centre in
across the country,”
Soshanguve known as the Shoshanguve Health and Wellness
The company’s CSR projects are rooted within three main areas:
Centre, which is near the Rosslyn plan and opened in 2005.
HIV and Aids, Local Community Development and Education with a
Providing residents with medical and psychological assistance,
focus on maths, science, technology and environment.
as well as continuing the education programmes the centre also
64 | Endeavour Magazine
offers health services, computer and technology training and even
and supporting their staff and workers, confident in the knowledge
a community garden for growing vegetables.
that such loyalty is often rewarded.
Quite far flung from the mere manufacturing of cars, this centre
This being said, Bodo is very aware of the damage that such
has become a central part to the 700,000 residents of Shoshanguve
strikes can cause for both sides and that South Africa has a history
being the source of information on HIV and AIDS which is still an
of striking workers.
epidemic in the area.
“It is important that all businesses in our industry put concerted effort into settling disputes without disrupting output as the South African market is already struggling to compete with the
THE HANDS BEHIND THE CARS
productivity of Eastern Europe and China,� he says.
Fully BBBEE Level 4 accredited, which is the highest ratings of
This message is important and boils down largely to education
all OEMs in the local industry the company’s remuneration strategy
and support. Hence the investment into the ongoing employee and
competes well with the best remuneration practises on offer in the
staff development and the 2009 investment of R2.2 billion into the
international automotive market.
development of the Rosslyn Plant, which was in-keeping with their
However, like their cars, the company cannot be judged when
plans for development and growth.
it is driving along a smooth road and BMW South Africa has been tested several times such as the four week strike that brought the industry to a standstill in 2014. Despite the fact that the strike lost the company around 13,000 cars BMW did not fall to the panic that engulfed the rest of the industry and focussed on facilitating
Endeavour Magazine | 65
AUTOMOTIVES
THE NEW MINI CLUBMAN ALL4 WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER
MINI is launching the all new MINI Clubman ALL4 – the brand’s first all-wheel drive model in the C-segment. This launch marks the MINI brand’s further advancement into the premium compact segment and represents the first ALL4 model to be built at the MINI Plant in Oxford.
66 | Endeavour Magazine
M
INI’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system, which has previously
standard on all models. Furthermore, every MINI Clubman ALL4
only been offered on MINI Countryman models, has been
also benefits from the MINI Excitement Package as standard, which
specially redeveloped to ensure sportier handling and
features a projection of the brand logo onto the ground beneath
improved versatility to further enhance the everyday practicality of
the driver’s side door mirror when the car is opened and closed, as
the new MINI Clubman.
well as extended interior lighting.
MINI Clubman was launched in October 2015 and is notable as
Production of MINI Clubman ALL4 has started at MINI Plant
MINI’s first vehicle in the competitive C-segment. Now, the brand
Oxford, with first deliveries to MINI retailers nationwide expected
is offering something new to the market in the form of Clubman
in April.
ALL4. Available with two of the latest MINI engines, the MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4 and the MINI Cooper SD Clubman ALL4. The 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology is the latest example of MINI’s engine
Model
HP
Trans CO2
MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4
192
Man
159
£24,305
OTR
MINI Cooper SD Clubman ALL4 190
Auto
126
£27,410
technology. Offering 192 hp, the new MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4 is combined with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard
MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4: 4-cylinder petrol engine with
and optionally with an 8-speed Steptronic transmission. It achieves
MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology (turbo charging, direct injection,
fuel consumption of 40.9 mpg with the manual transmission
fully variable valve control, variable camshaft control), capacity:
(44.8mpg for automatic transmission) and has CO2 emissions of
1998 cc, output: 141 kW/192 hp at 5 000 rpm, torque: 280 Nm at
159g/km (146g/km).
1 250 rpm (300 Nm with overboost), acceleration (0–62mph): 7.0
The new MINI Cooper SD Clubman ALL4 features a 190 hp
seconds (automatic: 6.9 seconds), top speed: 142mph (142mph),
diesel engine with 400 NM of torque, which is paired with the
average fuel consumption*: 40.9mpg (44.8mpg), CO2 emissions*:
brand’s capable 8-speed Steptronic transmission as standard.
159 g/km (146 g/km), exhaust emission standard: EU6.
Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 58.9mpg with CO2 emissions of 126g/km.
MINI Cooper SD Clubman ALL4: 4-cylinder diesel engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology (turbocharger with variable
The new MINI Clubman ALL4 includes an exceptionally high
turbine geometry, common rail direct injection), capacity: 1 995 cc,
specification, with the brand’s highly acclaimed navigation system
output: 140 kW/190 hp at 4 000 rpm, max. torque: 400 Nm at 1 Endeavour Magazine | 67
750 – 2 500 rpm, acceleration (0–62mph): 7.2 seconds, top speed:
take-off bevel gear diverts the power and relays it to a propeller
138mph, average fuel consumption*: 58.9mpg, CO2 emissions*:
shaft leading to the rear axle. Power transmission to the rear axle
126 g/km, exhaust emission standard: EU6.
differential is continuously managed via a hang-on clutch.
Exterior dimensions:
wheels within a fraction of a second by means of an electrohydraulic
Length:
4 253 millimetres
pump. Fast and precise reactive changes to road conditions are
Width:
1 800 millimetres
possible because the all-wheel drive system is connected to the
Height:
1 441 millimetres
Driving Dynamics System (DSC) which continuously calculates the
If necessary, the hang-on clutch can relay torque to the rear
Wheelbase: 2 670 millimetres
ideal power distribution between the front and rear wheels. Not only are the wheel rotation speeds and the current
THE NEW ALL-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM ALL4: §FAST AND PRECISE, COMPACT AND EFFICIENT.
longitudinal and lateral acceleration figures taken into account, but so is the road speed, accelerator position, engine torque and steering angle as well as the Driving Dynamics System (DSC)
The electronically controlled all-wheel drive system distributes
settings and the optional MINI Driving Modes. Based on this
drive torque between the front and rear axles depending on
data, MINI Clubman ALL4 calculates the risk of wheel slip and can
specific road conditions. This enables faster acceleration and
then anticipate and counteract any loss of traction, oversteer or
increases agility when taking bends at speed. ALL4 also ensures
understeer of the vehicle.
utmost traction and optimised driving stability in all weather and road conditions.
Taking the form of an electronic locking function for the front axle differential, the standard Electronic Differential Lock Control
The latest version of the ALL4 all-wheel drive system has been
(EDLC) improves traction when accelerating out of bends by means
designed to be compact and light-weight, therefore increasing
of selective braking. In DSC Off mode, this prevents spinning of the
efficiency. This means there is only a slight increase in fuel
front wheel on the inside of the bend and transmits drive power to
consumption and exhaust emissions compared to the respective
the outer front wheel instead. The Performance Control function
front-wheel drive models.
is another standard feature that helps enhance agility in the MINI
The drive power delivered by the engine via the manual or Steptronic transmission in the form of engine speed and torque is fed to the front axle differential. An integrated single-stage power
Cooper S Clubman ALL4 and the MINI Cooper SD Clubman ALL4 and works regardless of the DSC mode selected. Other functions of the driving dynamics system DSC include the
* EU test cycle figures, fuel consumption dependent on the selected tyre format. 68 | Endeavour Magazine
anti-lock brake system (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution
wheel. Furthermore, in conjunction with the MINI navigation
(EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBD), the braking and drive-off
system the transmission is able to take account of the route profile
assistant, the brake dry function and Fading Brake Support. DTC
in automatically controlling gearshifts.
(Dynamic Traction Control) can also be activated when the vehicle is setting off in loose sand or deep snow.
A complete set of safety features, innovative driver assistance systems, intelligent connectivity.
Petrol and diesel engines with MINI TwinPower Turbo
In addition to the stiff, rigid and lightweight body structure,
Technology offer a lot of power efficiently distributed over four
a complete set of standard safety features also contributes to
wheels.
the outstanding occupant protection of the new MINI Clubman
The latest generation 4-cylinder engines featuring MINI
ALL4. This extensive protection comprises of six airbags, 3-point
TwinPower Turbo Technology are responsible for distributing the
automatic belts on all seats including belt tensioners and adaptive
power between the front and rear axle.
belt force limiters at the front, as well as ISOFIX child seat
Featuring a peak output of 192 hp, the 2.0-litre petrol engine in
mountings at the rear. A tyre pressure display for each individual
the new MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4 is the most powerful engine
wheel is also included as standard. Meanwhile, impact absorbers
in the range.
and precisely defined deformation zones ensure optimised
With the standard 6-speed manual transmission, the new MINI
pedestrian protection.
Cooper S Clubman ALL4 accelerates in 7.0 seconds from standing to
Optional driver assistance systems offered on the new MINI
62mph, while in conjunction with the optional 8-speed Steptronic
Clubman ALL4 serve to increase both safety and comfort. The
transmission the standard spurt takes just 6.9 seconds. The top
MINI head-up display, which extends from above the steering
speed is 142mph in each case. These figures are combined with an
column, enables the driver to focus their concentration on the road.
average fuel consumption of 40.9mpg (automatic: 44.8mpg) and
In addition to the cruise control with brake function, the Driving
CO2 emissions of 159 (146) grams per kilometre (EU test cycle
Assistant system is also available, featuring camera-based active
figures, dependent on tyre format selected).
cruise control and collision and pedestrian warning with brake
A turbocharging system with variable turbine geometry and
function, high beam headlight assistant and road sign detection.
common rail direct injection operates at a pressure of up to 2,000
Additional options include the Parking Assistant and rear view
bar inside the 2.0-litre diesel MINI Cooper SD Clubman ALL4
camera.
engine. The new MINI Cooper SD Clubman ALL4 combines the
Make Clubman Yours: High standard specification and options
most powerful diesel engine ever installed in a MINI with the
for every taste including atmospheric lighting, electrically adjustable
brand’s 8-speed Steptronic transmission as standard, achieving
seats and much more.
superb pulling power as well as exemplary fuel consumption figures and emissions.
With the MINI Yours interior styles option, the door trim design is highlighted via illuminated decorative strips. These can
This enables the MINI Cooper SD Clubman ALL4 to sprint from
combined with interior trim finishers of various types and colours
standing to 62mph in just 7.2 seconds. The top speed is 138mph.
of the customers choosing. The MINI Excitement Pack features
These figures are combined with an average fuel consumption of
LED interior and ambient lighting which illuminates the cabin with
58.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 126 grams per kilometre (EU test
a choice of selectable colours as well as an external light display
cycle figures, dependent on tyre format selected).
activated when unlocking and locking the car using the remote key.
INNOVATIVE TRANSMISSIONS FOR PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY
the Chili pack, which adds a host of additional extras to the car.
Over 50% of MINI Clubman customers are expected to choose
The standard 6-speed manual transmission is characterised by low effort and short shift distances. A ‘rev matching’ function built into the manual transmission ensures jerk-free clutch engagement, thereby enhancing comfort when shifting down a gear. The optional 6-speed Steptronic sport transmission combines
These features include cloth/leather upholstery with heated sports seats, MINI’s comfort access system, park distance control, automatic air conditioning, LED headlights and LED fog lights among other features. The Chili pack is priced at £2,785 across all models – a 30% customer saving on MINI Cooper Clubman compared with selecting the options individually.
excellent efficiency with smooth yet fast gear changes. In manual mode it’s possible to change gear using shift paddles at the steering
Endeavour Magazine | 69
70 | Endeavour Magazine
NISSAN ANNOUNCES FUTURE GENERATION ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERIES FOR UK PRODUCTION
N
issan has today announced its commitment to produce a
groundbreaking new £19.4m project that will team Nissan with
future generation of electric vehicle (EV) batteries at its
new academic and technology partners in the UK, supported with
flagship manufacturing base in Sunderland, UK.
a £9.7m grant from the UK’s Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC).
Representing a £26.5m investment in the UK, this commitment
The other consortium members are Hyperdrive Innovation,
will safeguard 300 highly-skilled jobs in manufacturing, maintenance
Warwick Manufacturing Group, University of Warwick, Newcastle
and engineering at Nissan’s advanced lithium-ion battery plant in
University and Zero Carbon Futures, who will work together on
Sunderland, the largest of its type in Europe.
key areas of battery development covering pilot projects, product
The announcement comes at the beginning of a landmark year
diversification and process improvement.
in which Nissan will celebrate the 30th anniversary year of its
UK Business Secretary Sajid Javid said: “This investment from
Sunderland factory – now the largest plant in the history of the UK
Nissan is a further vote of confidence in our thriving automotive
car industry.
sector.
Already the global leaders in electric vehicles and with a new
The UK is fast becoming a world leader in low carbon
155-mile (250km) range Nissan LEAF on sale across Europe this
automotive technology and the government is backing the industry.
month, this long-term commitment signals Nissan’s bold vision for
We committed an extra £225million funding to the Advanced
the future of zero-emission motoring.
Propulsion Centre in the Autumn Statement.
Paul Willcox, Chairman, Nissan Europe, said: “With 200,000 customers around the world already, the Nissan LEAF has transformed the performance and perception of EVs and made Nissan the undisputed leader in EV technology.
This Nissan project, which is benefiting from that funding, shows what can be achieved.” Willcox added: “I congratulate all my colleagues in the UK on securing this future technology, which is just reward for the
Today’s announcement reflects Nissan’s intention to remain
second-to-none quality levels they have achieved since launching
EV leaders for many years to come, with our UK operations at the
battery manufacturing in Sunderland, which remains the biggest
heart of our future innovations.”
UK car plant of all time.”
Since EV production began in Sunderland in 2013, as part of a
Nissan’s UK battery plant is one of three Nissan battery
£420m investment, the Battery Plant and Nissan LEAF production
production sites globally, also providing battery modules for
has supported more than 2,000 jobs at Nissan and in its UK supply
Nissan’s all-electric van, the e-NV200, which is manufactured in
chain. Paving the way for future generation batteries will be a
the company’s plant in Barcelona, Spain.
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72 | Endeavour Magazine
LAMPRELL WWW.LAMPRELL.COM 00971 6 528 5345
A COMPANY WITH ITS EYES ON THE FUTURE WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER
In order to ensure further steady growth, Lamprell, a market leader in the manufacturing and construction of rig platforms with 35 years experience and 10,000 employees, has launched a strategic plan aimed at diversification of its service offering to its particularly loyal band of clients and customers.
Endeavour Magazine | 73
LAMPRELL
A leading provider of fabrication, engineering and contracting
services to the offshore and onshore oil and gas and renewable energy industries and enjoying a well-established lead in the market positions in the fabrication of shallow-water drilling jackup rigs, liftboats, land rigs, and rig refurbishment projects, the company has an international reputation for building complex offshore and onshore process modules and fixed platforms. But even a company of this size can prove to be vulnerable.
A
ccording to CEO James Moffat, who was brought in
very successful, Lamprell went through a period where it grew
following the establishment of a new management team, the
significantl,y becoming a business with revenues over $1.1 billion
company, based in the Arab Emirates, has been undergoing
in 2011 and literally doubling in size between 2010 and 2011. In
an operational transformation; the result of a market dip in 2012
doing so a number of issues came to light,”
that cost the company in the region of $110 million. Changes have
He continues, “Lamprell was growing so quickly I don’t think
been ongoing since then and entering into 2016 saw a number of
control systems could keep up and while the underlying business
changes and possible developments.
was still sound and good, we suffered from growing pains.”
In the company newsletter he explained, “In October 2015, my
The profits warnings and the significant shortfall of $110 million
Executive Committee and I reviewed the organisation structure
led to the market’s loss of confidence in the chairman and the
with a view to establish a better alignment with our future business
management team and to the appointment of a new chairman Mr.
strategy and the market environment,”
John Kennedy in June 2012. In hindsight, the issues stemmed from
As part of this process, Nieall O’Connell was appointed as Chief Operating Officer. This change allowed the company to create an
a meltdown in organisation with too many projects bottlenecking in Lamprell’s process systems.
organisational structure that is often described as a three-legged
At the time the company had taken on two second generation
stool by which there is a function that is accountable for winning
wind turbine installation projects for Fred, Olsen Windcarrier AS in
new work, one that is accountable for executing that work and one
the North Sea, had won two jackups to be delivered in the Caspian
that ensures that they get paid for their work.
and had multiple rigs on order for NDC plus some major projects
It may seem obvious, but by Moffat’s own words in an interview
for the North Sea. “Lamprell had historically run projects on a
in January 2015 he attested that he believed the company grew too
standalone basis; now we had our yards full of all sorts of different
fast and over extended itself too quickly.
workloads so when the dominoes started to fall they started to hit
“After growing steadily for a number of years and being
74 | Endeavour Magazine
other work too,” adds Moffat.
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LAMPRELL
As a result, work was being pushed from 2012 to 2013, which caused further problems. “When you are running a billion dollar operation it is substantially different to a $250 million operation. You might think you are building the same sort of product, just more of it, but the truth of the matter is the complexity and interfaces between projects almost goes up exponentially.” However, according to Moffat today things are better organised and management has this reliable three-legged stool approach to lean back on. So far, it seems to be paying dividends. “In October 2015, we successfully completed the load out of the first pipe racks for the UZ750 project which is destined for installation in Abu Dhabi and we have also received further awards from Petrofac.” This project also achieved a major milestone by reaching two million man-hours without a day away from work case (DAFWC) with the Jebel Ali yard now having operated for more than three years without a single DAFWC. He continues, “There are currently seven jackup rigs being constructed in the Hamriyah yard, which is a record for the Group and was made possible following the recent completion of the yard optimisation measures.”
ENDING 2015 “Our results for 2015 were heavily weighted towards the second half of the year due to the phasing of construction,” he explains, “As a result, over the last few months we have increased our project workforce by approximately 1,500 people in line with our increased activity.” Upfront as always, Moffat did say that the rig refurbishment segment is experiencing subdued levels of activity compared to 2014 and that separately, their clients have been using Lamprell’s facilities to stack rigs with a total of eight rigs currently located across their yards. Lamprell has started the process of marketing its first land rig based on its own proprietary design and there has been considerable interest. It will be giving demonstrations of its capabilities to clients during the coming months. Lampell has maintained its strong big pipeline with high levels of enquiries for new work, although the number of projects actually proceeding to award has suffered from the current market challenges. “The Group continues to view its exposure to the Middle East region as an important factor in its current and near-term business performance,” he says, “And we are targeting a number of major
GATES ENGINEERING & SERVICES 76 | Endeavour Magazine
LAMPRELL
regional projects for conversation and backlog.” He reveals that
by Petrofac to date to 45, including 39 pre-assembled pipe racks,
they have recently agreed with their largest company the National
three pre-assembled units and three pre-assembled modules.
Drilling Company of Aby Dhabi (NDC) to extend the outstanding two options and a new additional one, which will be due to expire come the end of the first quarter 2016.
THE PETROFAC PROJECT One year after the start of construction, in late October,
EMPLOYEES It is one thing to have high figures on the books and clients returning with offers of more work, but Moffat is particularly proud of their awards for Employee Health and Wellness, which have been held for the second successive year.
Lamprell’s Jebel Ali team successfully completed the load out of the
“We were delighted to report that we were awarded the Daman
first pipe racks for the UZ750 Petrofac project. To date eight pre-
Award for Improved Corporate Health and Wellness performance
assembled pipe racks have sailed away to the North Zakum Island
for the second year,” he says.
in Abu Dhabi to undergo installation and commissioning.
The company beat 44 finalists, including companies like DHL,
“Following the 2 million man-hours without a DAFWC Petrofac
Unilever, Eithad Airways, ADCB and Nestle. The award was
and ZADCO who are Petrofac’s client have recognised Lamprell’s
presented by UK double Olympic gld medallist Dame Kelly Holmes.
ability to meet the high standards required or our clients,” Moffat
“Winning this award last year was a great achievement,” Moffat
attests, “Thanks to this we have been rewarded additional work
says, “But being able to win it for a second successive year was a
including, most recently an additional five racks and three modules
much harder task but demonstrated how we have improved over
which we have commenced construction on and will have read by
and above the work we did for our staff last year.”
the last quarter of 2016.” This brings the number of total modular structures awarded
CHANGES IN 2016 There are still a number of shake ups taking place in the current year, Namely, James Moffat has decided to retire effective June 30, 2016 and will stand down as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and as a Director on that date. He indicates that the company is searching for his successor. Until June 2016, Moffat will continue in his role as a Director and CEO. Thereafter, he has agreed to work with the company on an exclusive consultancy basis, providing advice and assistance to the Group for a period of up to one year. Furthermore, Lamprell said John Kennedy would take on the role of Executive Chairman for the Group until the next the company’s annual general meeting in 2016. John Kennedy, Chairman, Lamprell, said: “We are sorry to see Jim Moffat retire and will always be grateful for his significant contribution. Under his management, the company has delivered impressive financial and operational performance, including record profits in 2014, and is in a much stronger position as a result. We have already commenced the search process to find a replacement CEO. On behalf of the Board I sincerely thank Jim for his efforts and significant achievements since joining in early 2013.” Tony Wright who has been deputy CFO since October 2014 has been officially promoted into the role of Chief Financial Officer and appointed as an Executive Director of the Board with immediate effect. Kennedy commented, “I am also pleased that Mr Tony Wright has been promoted to the role of Chief Financial Officer for the
78 | Endeavour Magazine
Company. During his time working in the Group he has had a very positive impact on the way that the business operates and the Board is keen to promote from within, where possible.” Two new non-executive directors have been appointed, namely Mel Fitzgerald and Debra Valentine Fitzgerald who both joined the Board last year. Kennedy added, “I am delighted to announce that Mr Mel Fitzgerald and Ms Debra Valentine have agreed to join as Nonexecutive Directors as this will strengthen the Board significantly. They both bring many years of experience in the global energy industry and their respective skills will complement the current expertise on the Board, thereby creating a balanced and highperforming Board with a strong combination of industry specific, financial and operational experience.” Like any good machine, a company must be sternly shaken from time to time to ensure that all the parts are still secure and to highlight where changes need to occur. Lamprell has the foundation and the strength to continue and with these new changes the future is surely going to be a bright one for them.
Technical Access Services provide the Oil and Gas industry with unsurpassed levels of service for the provision of safe, quality access scaffolding for any application. We have strength in depth in our management team, manpower and material resource and safety ethos. TAS are proud to have been supporting market leading company’s such as Lamprell Energy for over a decade.
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80 | Endeavour Magazine
TGV CINEMAS WWW.TGV.COM.MY 603 2381 3535
THE FACE OF MALAYSIA’S ENTERTAINMENT WRITTEN BY DONNIE RUST
Going to the cinema is an event, an adventure and should be exciting, but after being such a large part of the film experience, the silver screen is having to undergo changes to keep pace with the changing time and tastes of cinema goers.
Endeavour Magazine | 81
TGV CINEMAS
This was definitely the case when Gerald Dibbayawan was brought in as CEO of TGV Cinemas to reinvigorate the brand.
“A
t that stage cinema had stagnated for some time,” he explains, “In 2008 the umbrella companies of TGV Cinema chain had a big shake up and had settled on an expansion
plan but lacked someone with the right industry experience to lead it. I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity.” An Australian, Gerald has been in the entertainment industry for 20 years, working in Thailand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong and now Malaysia, and has a very open and honest approach to his industry, “It’s better than selling used cars that’s for sure!” he exclaims, “There is always something changing, content is changing. We play an important role in the suspension of disbelief that a film conveys and the success of a film is often in its presentation. Each year my job is to make twenty million people happy.” And he has been doing a good job of it. Brought in with a mandate to fix what was already there and develop a path for
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further growth, TGV Cinemas has seen the number of screens increase from 124 to 250 and an increase of their market share from 24% to 34%. Attendance is up as well, which by itself is a sign of customer satisfaction. With no say in how a film is produced, the cinema industry is entirely focussed on how it is seen and Gerald reveals that the Malaysian film industry has reached a cross roads, “There have been changes to what customers want, combined with some unusual circumstances to do with economic and political uncertainties, this all has an impact.”
82 | Endeavour Magazine
Photo ©HMSK
TGV CINEMAS
“Additionally, the big budget films of the US, while very
“You have to invest time and effort into the staff training and
entertaining and popular, are drawing away from smaller local films
development,” he says, “For three years our focus has been to
and filmmakers that should be getting attention. As such the local
enhance the staff quality. Two and a half years ago we made the
film industry is going through a rough patch as far as quality and
decision to advance the remuneration of our staff which means
budgets,”
that our front line staff get paid more than our competitors, and not
However, the standard of the local film industry does not have a specifically adverse affect on the cinema industry and while Gerald
that far from the wage that bigger global brands such as Starbucks offers.”
does acknowledge that the local sector could benefit from more
And he also evaluated the levels of training and experience the
attention, it is up to them to improve on their quality and to bring
staff received, “You cannot ask your staff to achieve new targets if
it to a level where it can compete with the big budget films from
you don’t offer them training and development options,” he says,
overseas.
“So we instituted a certification programme wherein you get your
“Our attendance is going up,” he says, “So there is no argument
basic training, then you get certified at different stages of your
that we are on the right track and while we may have to work with
development and this ensures consistently high quality customer
the films available, we have instigated a number of improvements
experience.”
in other areas.”
Training has to be broken down, he describes, “If someone is
Any entertainment experience is only enhanced by good
tasked with handling cash on the front line then that person has
customer service from the staff and Gerald reveals that with 140
to be training in appropriate customer services and user handling.
staff at the head office and a further 2,000 frontline staffTGV
So training is broken down allowing everyone to gain mastery and
Cinemas’ staff play a vital role in the customer experience. This, he
develop. This way our newest recruits are trained by professionals
explains, is the key to the success he has been able to instigate over
who have come before them and able to show them the valuable
the past three years.
lessons to keep.”
If it’s cinema, it’s got to be Christie® Christie’s commitment to our global customers is demonstrated with our understanding of the cinema business spanning over 85 years. By offering total theatre solutions designed to enhance opportunities and support business, now and in the future, Christie continues to provide innovative products featuring xenon and laser illumination, as well as immersive audio that increase the value of your business. And Christie’s expertise in the cinema industry is something to count on. If it’s cinema, it’s got to be Christie.
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84 | Endeavour Magazine Christie Cinema Solutions half page ad.indd 1
21/1/16 4:11 PM
Furthermore there is great scope for internal promotion and growth and Gerald is very proud that some of their key positions are held by people who had worked the front line, “In fact, our head of film buying started off on the front line serving people, he worked his way up from the bottom to one of the most important roles in the company.” There is the risk of training people only to see them leave and head off to a competitor, but Gerald says this is a worth risk taking, “It is better to train up a person and watch them leave than not train a person and have them stay,” He also acknowledges that if everyone in the industry as a whole is trained to a similarly high level then it can only benefit the industry as a whole. “We take the point of view that you won’t be here forever, we’re realistic that you’ll move on, but it’s important you achieve personal growth and have a good time,”
MARKETING APPROACH Beyond the people who are the face of the business, one of the other areas that had to change was that of marketing. A decision
architecture
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Phone +603 2282 1308 Fax +603 2282 3621 hmsk.com.my Endeavour Magazine | 85
TGV CINEMAS
was made to move away from newspaper advertising, which was
“Standards have to be maintained,” he says “Nothing can be
proving to be redundant for obvious reasons and move towards a
left to chance and this is why we work with companies who have
healthier online, digital and on-ground media.
proven the worth of their relationships with us.”
“We are also moving towards data mining as well and implemented a membership platform last year, where paying members get 10% of their transaction value to points for future redemptions,” he says, “This is vitally useful as we’re able to collect transactional and behaviour data and return it back as targeted marketing, giving our loyal members timely information and promotions relevant to them.”
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PEOPLE
THE FUTURE OF TGV CINEMAS “Cinema is changing,” Gerald says, “We’re competing against not only obvious competitors but also the Internet, cable, Netflix and whilst they don’t show the same content, they do consume people’s time. The biggest shift is moving away from transactions and embracing relationships. Not impressions but relationships and this entails a lot of things. “A lot goes into this multifaceted relationships. What we do is
Suppliers, vendors and partners need to be very carefully
create relationships one to one, but with millions of people, which
selected, Gerald attests, “And those relationships have to be looked
still involves getting to know them better. Giving them what they
after.”
want and when they want it. We have a customer experience
Refurbishments, revamps, new expansions and growth is made that much harder if every time you grow you have to find new companies to work with and this is where being selective with the businesses chosen to supply them.
manager and she acts as the customer’s advocate, to understand what they want and to bring that learning to the organisation”. Anticipating what the customer wants is going to play a big part in the future, Gerald says because customer’s don’t just want films, “Great experiences is what they want and films are just one part of it. Who is to say our cinemas can’t be used for live events, concerts or sports? Recently we hosted a live screening of computer-based league of legends.” “This leads us to the question of how to make full use of our cinemas and not just be held to tradition; how do we give an experience…?” One of the answers came in the effort of reintroducing noncinema goers to the environment and to entice the families back.
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The statement that Gerald often hears is, “I haven’t been to cinema because I have young children.” So they created family-friendly sessions and marketed as Family Friendly in weekends in mornings and afternoon where the light levels in the hall are higher, sound is lower, change tables at back and kids are allowed to move around. A truly family friendly movie experience!
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Ultimately, Gerald’s approach to making cinema great is by making the experience great, “There is nothing like the big screen experience. TGV is where movies ‘live’, and memories are born!”.
Photo ©HMSK Photo ©HMSK
Endeavour Magazine | 87
88 | Endeavour Magazine
EDISON POWER WWW.EDISONPOWERGROUP.CO.ZA 0027 31 566 9500
SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER
Without a doubt, while Eskom may control 95% of the energy in South Africa, the frequent load shedding the giant company is forcing upon the country has created opportunities for independent companies to rise with the promise of a more reliable supply and a better service. Rising above the shambles of the industry sector is Edison Power Group who have, for the last three decades reliably grown and developed to be one of the better companies weighing into the monopoly that Eskom has held for so long.
Endeavour Magazine | 89
EDISON POWER
Despite the economic hardships felt by the company, South Africa
is a hot bed of development and the demand for reliable power is at an all time high. The dependency on coal is still high, but the use of renewables has started to catch up, thanks in part to businesses like EPG who have built their business around out of the box thinking and planning ahead.
F
ounded by entrepreneur and visionary Vivian Reddy during
Africa’s history but also a difficult time to run a business, Vivian
the late seventies, EPG is now the oldest electrical contracting
Reddy began his company under the name Reddy’s Electrical with
company in the country and specialises in electrical installations
R500 to his name and a bakkie (pickup). The difficulty it faced was
working in an array of sectors including commercial, township
anonymity and competition and it took a change of the company’s
reticulation, live line installations, wind and solar EPC, industrial, HV
name to Edison Power (named after Thomas Edison) to ignite the
and LV Reticulation and substation and transformer installations.
success and plant the seeds of a reputation for excellence that outlasted the Apartheid Regime and is still rising today.
WORKING SMART PAYS Vivian began his career with Hubert Davies, one of the largest electrical companies at the time and it was here that he served his apprenticeship and went on to obtain a Diploma in Electrical Contracting Management and several other qualifications in the electrical contracting Industry. While his success with Edison Power led to a much publicised and well-chronicled diversification into a number of fields of entrepreneurial success, today his business interests encompass property investments, gaming and leisure, wind energy, smart metering, technology and international trading. As is often the case, EPG was not an instant success. Being founded during the Apartheid Regime, which was not only a dark time for South
90 | Endeavour Magazine
One of the key aspects of any energy company is the ability to correctly monitor energy usage. Giving the ability to stay on top of energy usage in the household or business has proven to be a major tool in saving energy and thereby keeping costs down. Such projects are what is keeping Christo Nicholls, CEO of EPG’s Smart Utility Solution Division, excited about the future. As he explained during African Utility Week in Cape Town in 2015, “The achievements of the biggest smart meter roll-out project on the African continent at City Power, is undoubtedly a source of excitement for the group,” he said, “What excites explicitly is the ability to provide feedback to the industry on what was achieved, versus what is still to be achieved. Hence, spearheading a culture within the African smart metering space of talking in past versus
EDISON POWER
future tense with regards to actual achievements in this domain.�
and involvement of previously disadvantaged individuals, through
EPG is focussed on providing customised and tangible value-
innovations and a willingness to try new ways of encouraging this
adding services to utilities within the African space, while keeping
development. The company not only has the capacity and ability to
to a holistic approach that introduces an agile, product agnostic
deliver on its promise of involvement of previously disadvantaged
and resource and facility establishment culture.
people at a significant level and within its client’s requirements,
This culture has been key in contributing towards the major differentiation of the group, as well as their swift decision-making,
but also boasts a proven record of regularly exceeding these requirements.
mass rollout of operations- capacity-readiness and a myriad of business models fitting for the African market.
HURDLES
EMPLOYMENT EQUITY
the progressive infiltration of smart technologies and solutions,
Within the African space there are two major giants hampering
EPG is famously committed to the principles of employment
which is due to contribute significantly towards the broader
equity through a philosophy and climate that enables people at
infrastructure expansion and subsequent maintenance objectives
all levels, regardless of gender, race, colour or creed, to have the
with Africa. Firstly, a lack of localised skilled resources and properly
opportunity to develop and advance within the company. These
equipped facilities and secondly, there is a lack of innovative, yet
chances emphasise opportunities for all and seek to identify,
legislated funding options encouraging a long-term, partnership-
develop and reward each employee that demonstrates the qualities
based model.
of initiative, enterprise, hard work and loyalty in their job.
This being said, Christo is a man of keen focus and shares a
BLACK ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
vision for the energy industry within the African utility space
Furthermore, their commitment to BEE is illustrated by the
where EPG becomes an active partner alongside Africa to help
continuous endeavours in the employment of emerging businesses
establish a self-sustaining and profitable energy sector leveraging
92 | Endeavour Magazine
on the best technologies the world has to offer, however, deployed, managed and operated by Africa-based skilled resources within well-equipped facilities, guided by Africa-specific tailored business processes. “This, we believe, will form the cornerstone in the massive onslaught required against a few of the African-based hurdles that we face,” he continues to elaborate, “We face a growing generation of potential-filled, however, unskilled Youth and this is compounded by a worrying trend of well trained and sharp African minds leaving the country for jobs and better prospects elsewhere. We need to create opportunities that will be fruitful enough to keep those with the valuable skills here,” And the opportunities are already available. He explains that they believe where major issues exist there are fantastic opportunities to help address them. The main issue is that the Mexican stand off between a lack of funds and an urgently required infrastructure expansion and renewal versus an immediate need for sustainable and reliable electricity and water for the residential, commercial and industrial sectors to continue to grow. “We can’t have one without the other but both are waiting for
MAKING A STAND Here stands EPG with the message that they are putting out their hand to come alongside the utilities within Africa and through a pragmatic, transparent and symbiotic-in-nature partnership, is starting to solve the actual issues within the utility space, as opposed to punting the next best technology into the market only. This will be accomplished through ensuring accurately mapped out technology, creating the required skill base, erecting the needed facilities and assisting in getting the necessary policies and processes in place, all to deliver a sustainable, cost effective and most importantly, benefit-delivering solution for Africa and its utilities. Driven by the determination to be the leading culturally diverse company in the electrical industry, EPG is able to approach this mission through the provision of cost effective, efficient services and a commitment to increasing the shareholder value whilst improving the quality of life for all South Africans. In over 36 years of business they have repeatedly been able to achieve their targets and have become the best and brightest in their industry.
the other first,” he says.
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94 | Endeavour Magazine
E.ON GAS STORAGE WWW.EON-GAS-STORAGE.DE 0049 201 946 1400
KEEPING THE GAS IN WRITTEN BY DAEMON SANDS
Not only is Germany E.On’s largest asset position, accounting for around 16.4 GW of power generation, but it is also their home market and the base from which most of their global units manage operations. With their corporate headquarters in Dßsseldorf, Germany, their German regional unit operates the power and gas networks, supplies power and gas and provides distributed-energy solutions in Germany while also serving as an important partner in their global units, particularly the generation unit.
Endeavour Magazine | 95
E.ON GAS STORAGE
With over 22,000 employees and 6.3 million customers, they are considered to be one of the country’s biggest energy companies with their network operating over 383,000 kilometres of power lines and 57,000 kilometres of gas pipelines. Conversely, their renewables count for just under 7% of their owned generation in 2014.
While the goal is to keep energy sustainable and affordable,
help integrate renewable and low-carbon distributed generating
the history-making decision to phase out nuclear energy has
units, while ensuring the stability and reliability of Germany’s
caused significant challenges to the company. As the phase out has
energy supply system.
accelerated, so too has the growth of their share of renewables. Already they operate 32 wind farms in Germany with a total capacity of 213 MW and enjoy a significant offshore position. In a recent press release, the company revealed plans to commission three deep-water wind farms in the North and Baltic seas over the next few years that will deliver a capacity of over 1.2 GW of energy. The first of these will be the Amrumbank West, which was made fully operational by Autumn 2015 and provides 288MW of power. Since 2006 the E.ON Group has conducted an annual materiality analysis to identify and prioritise sustainability issues and in 2014 they began applying the materiality principle of the Global Reporting Initiative’s G4 guidelines. This requires the E.ON Group to identify those aspects that reflect their significant economic, environmental and social impacts or that substantively influences their stakeholders’ assessments and decisions. Environmentally-friendly products and services will help transform Germany’s energy system and therefore are very important for E.On. Distributing generating units, which promote consumer autonomy, system flexibility, efficiency and climate protection, will play a particularly significant role. More than onethird of all distributed generating capacity subsidised by Germany’s Renewable Energy Law is connected to the networks of E.ON network operators. Not only does the company exhibit expertise in integrating distributed generating units into the power system, but they also install and operate them nationwide. Beyond their normal portfolio, which includes micro CHP units for homes and apartment buildings, biomass-fired units for commercial applications and large CHP units for industrial enterprises, they are also working on new energy storage technologies, active energy management for customers and smart grids. The aim is that all of these efforts will 96 | Endeavour Magazine
ALL ABOUT THE GAS In 2005 the UK became a net importer of gas for the very first time and the country’s dependence on imported gas continues to increase, year on year. Recognising the important role gas storage will play in the future of UK energy, E.ON established a gas storage business in the UK in 2005; E.ON Gas Storage UK Ltd. (EGS UK). EGS UK is responsible for securing E.ON’s access to long-term gas storage projects and this includes identifying, developing, constructing and operating a portfolio of gas storage facilities to meet the needs of the E.ON business and the wider UK gas market.
NATURAL GAS STORAGE Currently, EGS UK is deep in the construction of one of the UK’s most flexible underground gas storage facilities at Holford in Cheshire. This facility is planned to have a working gas volume of some 60 million therms (approx. 160 million cubic metres) and will be the supplier to some three million UK homes. (Working gas is the gas volume that can be stored or withdrawn at any time in addition to the cushion gas.) There are also plans to develop another underground gas storage facility at Whitehill near Aldbrough in East Yorkshire, which will have a working gas volume of 150 million therms (400 million cubic metres) and will be the supplier of gas to some 7 million homes in Britain. This facility could also be potentially developed into a seasonal or highly flexible fast-churn storage facility, however this will depend on the most appropriate design that will be selected to suit the future UK gas market needs.
WHERE GERMANY HOLDS THE GAS
E.ON GAS STORAGE
Germany’s ability to hold it’s gas has grown significantly over the
when consumer demand is low, has to be stored in underground
last few years in terms of the volume of working gas, the number
gas storage facilities so it can be used to cover peaks in consumer
of storage facilities, storage users and the range of products and
demand, such as particularly cold days in winter when consumption
services on offer. It is seen as big business at the moment and so
is high. So, alongside their technical role as an instrument for
there is a push to plug the market.
matching supply and demand, underground gas storage facilities
With 25 storage operators, more than 40 natural gas storage facilities and a working gas capacity of some 21 bcm, Germany is
are likely to become increasingly important for supply security as a vital link between the gas deposits and the consumer.
now recognised as one of the world’s largest gas storage markets.
Basically there are two ways of storing gas underground: the
There is also a conveniently balanced mixture of porous rock
storage cavern and the storage reservoir. The two differ with regard
and cavern storage facilities. This well-structured and diversified
to the reservoir rock and the storage mechanism.
infrastructure provides for intense national and international competition.
E.ON’S TAKE ON THE GAS IN GERMANY Considering the above, E.ON is leading the field in Germany’s gas storage with some 8.6 bcm of working gas capacity in 15 underground storage facilities at 13 locations in Germany and Austria and for Europe as a whole, which includes its subsidiary in the UK, the figure is 8.8 bcm. E.ON Gas Storage operates the third largest storage reservoir in Germany, Bierwang, which is a former gas deposit located in sandstone strata at a depth of 1,500 metres. Its underground storage facilities at Epe and Etztel are by far the largest gas storage cavern sites in Europe. In Epe alone, E.ON Gas Storage stores about 2.1 bcm of working gas! Thanks to their footprint in this industry, E.ON have been in the position to develop their core areas of business to stay upwind of their nearest competition. These areas include expertise in the operation of gas storage facilities in Germany in accordance with European law and development of the gas storage business in the EU as well as all the technical and commercial development of storage projects and underground storage facilities. All this, while remaining flexible to the needs of the consumers and keeping their services and products as innovative and applicable as possible! They run a Gas Storage Competence Centre in the E.ON Group as well as an E.ON Innovation Centre for Energy Storage. Reliable gas supplies, in line with patterns of demand, have become something that we all take for granted. Underground gas storage facilities are an element in the infrastructure of the gas industry which makes it possible to create a balance between the virtually continuous supply of gas from the producing countries and deliveries to the customers where demand fluctuates sharply depending on the season. They are also useful to bridge temporary supply bottlenecks.
STORAGE CAVERNS Storage Caverns, where salt domes provide underground cavities. The petro-physical properties of salt guarantee the natural tightness of the rock salt caverns and make an additional lining, such as those required for storage caverns in disused mine workings, unnecessary. The use of salt caverns as underground gas storage facilities depends on the occurrence of huge underground salt deposits at accessible depths. The salt domes in northern and central Germany are particularly suitable for this. Large cavities for storing gas can be created in the rock salt, which is mainly located in so called salt stocks only a few hundred metres under the earth’s surface and can easily be tapped through borings. These boreholes are then used to inject water into the deeper rock salt layers and to pump the dissolved salt to the earth’s surface as brine. The cavern is, in most cases, cylindrical in shape. Depending on the size, the heights of such caverns vary between 100 and over 500 metres and the volumes of gas stored between 40 and 100 million m3 per cavern. The cavities formed resemble underground tanks and the borehole is the only way of injecting gas into or withdrawing gas from them. Compressors are used to inject the gas into the caverns and store it there under pressure. This way, it can be withdrawn quickly at any time. The gas held in a gas storage facility is always divided into cushion and working gas. The cushion gas is the volume of gas that is necessary to ensure the minimum storage pressure necessary for optimal gas injection and withdrawal. In storage caverns, the cushion gas is also necessary to ensure stability. The proportion of cushion gas is roughly one third to a half of the maximum storage volume and remains permanently in the storage facility.
STORAGE RESERVOIR
Underground storage facilities are also the link between gas
Storage reservoirs are underground gas storage facilities in
deposits and consumers. Gas procurement in Germany and Europe
depleted gas or oil deposits as well as in aquifer horizons. Since
is based, to a significant extent, on contracts with producers, which
gas and oil have previously been extracted from these deposits,
provide for the same volumes to be supplied on a regular basis
they have already been well examined before they are used for
over the year. Therefore, the gas that is not needed in summer,
gas storage and their storage behaviour is known. The caprock
98 | Endeavour Magazine
layers, which mostly consist of mudstone or rock salt, have been impervious to gas for millions of years and therefore ensure safe storage operations. Aquifers are porous, water-filled rock strata that are covered by impermeable caprock. The injection of storage gas displaces the resident water from the porous spaces and creates an artificial gas deposit. When the gas is withdrawn, the displaced water pushes the stored gas back into the borehole. Today, more than half the world’s population lives in cities and this proportion is increasing. Modern cities are becoming the stimulus for many global developments, but they face the challenge of having to reconcile a lot of different and often conflicting goals. Their inhabitants want a high quality of life and also a say
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100 | Endeavour Magazine
REVIVE ELECTRICAL TRANSFORMERS WWW.RET.CO.ZA 0027 87 135 0149
FAMILY BUSINESS WITH FAMILY VALUES WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER
Transformers make the transmission of power over long distances possible and so form an integral part of any national grid network. Through this, African Revive Electrical, a South African company, was the first company to manufacture dry-type transformers for medium voltage in SA and to this day stands as one of the largest Pole Mount distribution transformer manufacturers in the country. Lead by a visionary, we look at the company’s accomplishments and future with CEO Dharmalingum “Paddy” Padayachee.
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REVIVE ELECTRICAL TRANSFORMERS
Nobody would contest that RET has a strong position in its
marketplace. As manufacturers of oil-filled distribution transformers 5KVA-1.9KV-33KV, cast resin distribution transformers 100KVa5000KVA-6.6KV-33KV, mini-substation, NEC-NEC and Aux transformers, RET’s customer list comes from all of the southern African countries including Botswana, Mozambique, Swaziland, Namibia, Zambia, the DRC, Ghana, Malawi and Lesotho and there are plans to extend their reach further still. And with recommendations from a client list encompassing both the public and private sector and contracts spanning Southern Africa with an array of major players in the power production space such as Eskom, Siemens, Voltex and ARB, RET seems set to take on the world.
F
ounded as a family business and keeping those values close
the financial director and his second son, Sumeshan Padayachee,
to their hearts, RET possesses a firm dedication to tailoring its
working as the general manager for the business.
services to the specialist nature of its customers’ requirements.
These values, combined with punctuality, a high standard of quality and competitive pricing has propelled RET to the forefront of its industry, locally, and cemented its position in the electrical transformer market. The founder and CEO began his careers as an electrical engineer at Siemens South Africa where he worked for over 18 years in different positions, acquiring a vast amount of technical knowledge along the way. He became a manager at Eskom in 1991. The stint at South Africa’s seminal power producer not only allowed him to hone his technical ability further but also provided the opportunity to gain vital managerial experience. It was six years later that Padayachee decided to branch out on his own, recognising the need for a home-grown transformer manufacturer and service provider in South and Southern Africa. In a recent interview Padayachee explained, “Revive Electrical Transformers was established in 1997 and began producing oil immersed transformers and in 2011 stated manufacturing dry type transformers to match the gap in the market that it had identified,” As a well recognised specialist in the service, repair and manufacturer of transformers, Revive has gradually evolved into one of the largest suppliers to the market in Sub Saharan Africa. “Since its inception, the company has grown to be of the largest manufacturers of distribution transformers in South Africa, with an order book of over 20 million US dollars per annum,” he added, “It supplies transformers ranging from 16KVA to 5000 KVA to various customers which include power utilities, municipalities, electrical contractors and the industrial sector in general.” Nearing retirement age, Padayachee is still very much involved in the day-to-day running of his business and has shaped his company into a family operation with his wife, Priscilla, working as 102 | Endeavour Magazine
GREEN GROWTH It was the recent Government recognition of the rapid global transition towards renewable energy that lead to the first tentative steps in 2003 towards what is today a flourishing renewables sector in SA, where the country’s leaders have become noticeably determined to take full advantage of the high level of renewable energy potential in the country. The
Renewable
Energy
Independent
Power
Producer
Procurement programme REIPPP, established in 2011 as a competitive auction for SA renewable energy projects is the vehicle which the Government is using to reach its target of 3,725 MW electricity produced from renewable sources. The burgeoning industry in South Africa is bringing in an increase in foreign investment and stimulating local industry sectors in the process. RET is one of the companies to benefit from the South African renewables race with demand high and growing exponentially for its dry type transformers, specifically used in renewable energy projects. “The developments of the renewable energy industry in South Africa presented an opportunity for the local manufacture of environmentally friendly distribution transformers,” says Paddy, “The need for this special product in the renewable sector influenced RET to design, manufacture and supply dry type, cast resin and amorphous core transformers in 2011, making it the first and only company to locally manufacture and distribute these transformers. When directly comparing to commonly used oil filled transformers, dry type transformers are compact and safer and free from fire hazard perspectives as they are made from a selfextinguishing material. RET was awarded almost 200MW of CRT
REVIVE ELECTRICAL TRANSFORMERS
Transformers over the past 2 years and has just received another 100MW from Santerno for its two solar projects in South Africa.” Timing is everything and Paddy responded to the changing market and invested R40 million into diversifying into high quality,
Due to the large order book, over the past few years RET has expanded its operations in a new state of the art 17000 m factory, south of Johannesburg. Its existing factory in Steele dale continues to produce more than 1500 transformers per month.
dry type transformers with epoxy-resin insulation. Not only is RET
The new facility is divided into three areas of production; the
continuing to service the specialised needs of its clients, but it is
manufacture of oil filled distribution transformers from 16KVA to
also a pioneer in the industry, as the first company to manufacturer
5MVA, the manufacture of Mini Sub-stations and the new product
this product locally. When compared with oil type transformers,
line- the cast resin dry type transformers. The factory is equipped
dry type transformers offer a lot of advantages, such as energy
with a state of the art automated test bay, imported from Haefely
efficiency, eco-friendliness, ease of maintenance and operation
in Switzerland, which ensures the most accurate load and no-load
and reliability. These technical benefits, coupled with RET’s local
losses, as well as 3Dmodelling software for partial discharge and
knowledge and reputation have contributed to a steadily increasing
has the capacity to test from 16KVA up to 5 MVA.
up take for the product and over 300 MW worth of orders. The other side of RET’s business, the manufacture, installation and service of oil-filled transformers has continued to flourish over the last five years and as result of RET’s “unmatched technical know-how, in 2012 RET was awarded a contract with Eskom to manufacturer 500 50KVA amorphous core low transformers for its pilot project. This contract resulted in RET being the first company to fully type test the amorphous 3-phase transformer to Eskom specification.”
104 | Endeavour Magazine
THE PAST YEAR AT RET When dealing with a relatively new product there is bound to be a certain amount of trial and error as it is impossible to plan for every eventuality and making mistakes and learning from them is often how vital improvements can be identified and made. There have been a few bumps in the road for RET’s new dry type transformers, mostly clerical errors that have affected the manufacturing output, but nothing that could not be quickly
NON-FERROUS METAL WORKS
rectified. Then, not forgetting South Africa’s quick-to-strike
www.NFM.co.za
mentality that brought the industry to a standstill in 2014 when the NUMSA striked, an action that can still be felt today. Further to this was a taxi strike that meant a number of employees couldn’t get into work and the ongoing load shedding by Eskom, which has had a significant toll on businesses in the country. The main cause for concern, especially in the dry type transformers arena, comes in the form of the high cost of importing
Non Ferrous Metal Works wishes to congratulate Revive Electrical Transformers for favouring NFM as its preferred vendor of aluminium profiles plus foils.
raw materials compared to its Far Eastern counterparts. This is an industry dominated by Asian products, which is one of the reasons why RET stands for local manufacturing. RET does have a competitive edge compared to any international players offering the same service and products, namely their ability to offer products tailored for the African context. The grid in South Africa is a puzzle-work of technologies garnered over the last 60 years and transformers have to take into consideration the limitations and credits of all of it.
TRADE ENQUIRY: EB@NFM.CO.ZA Durban: Pretoria: Johannesburg: Cape Town: East London: Port Elizabeth:
031 480 7389 012 327 0016 011 626 3390 021 511 0286 043 722 1585 041 451 1354
Email: TraceyR@nfm.co.za Email: NateR@nfm.co.za Email: SundraM@nfm.co.za Email: CharlK@nfm.co.za Email: LauraR@nfm.co.za Email: ShaakiraP@nfm.co.za
The family values that have come to represent RET have become so important as they encourage a commitment, versatility and innovative approaches that will keep this company transforming the transformer’s industry for a long time.
Endeavour Magazine | 105
106 | Endeavour Magazine
AIRTEL WWW.AIRTEL.COM 00254 733 100100
CONNECTING PEOPLE, COMMUNITIES AND DREAMS WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER
Offering the widest geographical footprint in Zambia, Airtel Networks Zambia is the leading service provider and boasts the widest coverage of both developed and rural areas. A subsidiary of the giant Bharti, the company first began operating in 2010 and offers a total one-stop shop for their customers and their specialised needs.
Endeavour Magazine | 107
AIRTEL
Setting an example externally and internally, the company is a
steadfast equal opportunity employer and currently employing some 319 employees. Of this number, 201 are male and 118 female and of the total senior managers and executive committee 30 are female and 50 are male with 9 expatriate employees of whom five are of Indian origin.
A
irtel have firmly established themselves into the mentality of
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY STRATEGY
the modern working world of Zambia, indelibly fixed within the
There are a number of challenges that need to be tackled
country’s economic growth on all levels including individual,
for Zambia to continue to grow in the right direction and Airtel
organisational and national. Mobile phones are without doubt
have built themselves three pillars to help them engage the local
changing the way many people live and work in Zambia as they
communities in which they operative. This three point awareness
make business easier and more efficient and so transforming the
is known as the Airtel Education Initiative.
national economy. They keep families and communities in touch.
Affordability,
Innovation
and
Community
form
Airtel’s
Proudly associated with economic transformation within
philosophy for empowering people, which include their employees,
the country, the business is centred on developing the ability
customers and their communities, to help them achieve their goals,
for Zambians to communicate. This plays a major role in the
to liberate their dreams and give them the freedom to take control
development of any nation and has proved to be a fundamental
of their communication.
step up for the company to change lives for all Zambians, while making their country a better and brighter place to live.
As a business they strive to reach and uplift the underprivileged in the societies in which they operate, through education.
“We have customers right across the social spectrum, from
Alongside this vision, Airtel Africa focuses on the education of
civil servants, business executives and artisans to housewives
underprivileged children through adoption of schools across all our
and students,” they say, “And our aim is to offer services that truly
operations in Africa.
support this exciting mix of social and economic groups and to offer services that are of value to the customer.” 108 | Endeavour Magazine
There are a few principles that the above initiative falls in line with, which offer a wider perspective of what they seek to achieve.
AIRTEL
The Airtel Education Initiative contributes to the UN Millennium
support to needy schools through the ‘Airtel Our School Project’.
Development Goals of universal primary education; it helps
The role of education in eradicating poverty cannot be
support local communities by working with local Governments and
overstated. Receiving an education is perhaps a child’s biggest
it puts the company in a position to make a direct and sustainable
barrier to escaping poverty. The power of education continues to
contribution to African societies where they live, enabling focused
provide benefits to subsequent generations as educated adults tend
work in the corporate social responsibility arena through adopting
to marry later in life, have healthier children, be more productive
abandoned schools as a primary focus.
at work, receive better pay in the workplace and generally enjoy
Collaborating with the Zambian Ministries of Education, Airtel
greater health.
are able to offer refurbishments of the schools and the provision
In February last year, Airtel Networks Zambia signed a
of uniforms and scholastic materials such as books, pens and texts
partnership with British Council and unveiled the Matero School
books. They have stocked the schools with furniture and provided
Digital Hub. Airtel Networks Zambia, Zambia’s biggest and most
teaching aids as well as supplying them with broadband Internet
innovative Mobile Network provider has today announced its
connection.
partnership with British council to provide free Internet connectivity
THE AIRTEL APPROACH
to selected schools countrywide. More than 280 schools in Zambia have benefitted from the
At Airtel there is absolute belief in the quality of education being
free Internet connectivity provided by Airtel Networks Zambia
the most important tool for social and economic development in
Plc. under the British Council Connecting Classrooms programme.
the country. This is why they continue to demonstrate the true
Connecting Classrooms is a global initiative that establishes and
meaning of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through their
develops long-term, sustainable partnerships between education
WE BUILD TO LAST
www.hbc.mg
Fanantenana Raoilison Mobile: +261 330 732 522 Skype ID: fanantenana4 Email: fanantenana@hbc.mg 110 | Endeavour Magazine
authorities and schools in the UK and the rest of the world.
hubs that have been set up in various schools in Zambia since
Speaking at the launch of the partnership event, Airtel Networks
2011. Access to ICT in schools and its subsequent use in learning
Zambia Plc. Director of Corporate Communications, Government
and teaching enables international engagement, helping teachers
Relations and CSR said the high-speed broadband access provided
and students access a wide range of teaching resources through
by Airtel Network Zambia Plc. guarantees teachers and students
our interactive online platform-British Council Schools online.
limitless new educational opportunities.
“Connectivity is one of the major challenges that has been
“The Digital Hubs in schools will serve as ICT centres for
affecting the utilisation of the hubs. With this partnership in place,
teachers, students and wider communities. We would like to
Airtel Networks Zambia Plc. will provide 5GB free data per month
emphasise that Airtel Networks Zambia Plc is committed to
starting with Matero Girls Secondary school and subsequently
bridging the digital divide especially in schools where education is
scaling up to the remaining hubs. We anticipate an increase in the
key as a springboard for members of society to understand and
usage of the hubs.”
know what their basic human rights are,” Mr. Kafwariman added.
Deputy British High Commissioner Sean Melbourne said, “The
The aim is to fulfil the potential that access to wider broadband
launch demonstrates the UK’s commitment to partner not only
connectivity offers in achieving our goals. This continues Airtel’s
with countries in their economic development but with students in
CSR strategy on education and sustainable community development
their academic development. This Corporate Social Responsibility
initiatives added Mr Kafwariman.
partnership between the British Council and Airtel is an important
Speaking at the same event, British Council Zambia Country
one. These digital hubs will provide an over-arching framework for
Director, Wayne Harper, said, “The British Council is delighted to
effective use of ICT to support collaborative school partnerships
partner with Airtel in the provision of ICT connectivity in the digital
and skills development across the region and the UK. “
Endeavour Magazine | 111
112 | Endeavour Magazine
STAATSOLIE SURINAME WWW.STAATSOLIE.COM 00597 499 649
GRASSROOTS TO SKY HIGH WRITTEN BY TIMOTHY WYANS
Over the past 33 years, Staatsolie has developed from a grass-roots operation into an integrated oil company that continually contributes significantly to the Surinamese economy. In July this year they were awarded a contract from Well Services Petroleum Company Limited (WSPC) from Trinidad & Tobago, to drill nine exploration wells in near shore Block 4, off the coast of Saramacca. This advancement came about after 2D and 3D seismic surveys conducted in 2012 showed potentially recoverable oil reserves in the block. The contract was signed on Friday 18 July, in Paramaribo, so we contacted Staatsolie for an interview as we were seeking to highlight a company with a strong ethical and employeecentric approach to business in this sector and could think of no better company to approach. Endeavour Magazine | 113
STAATSOLIE SURINAME
We spoke with Mr. Rudolf Elias, current incoming Managing Director of Staatsolie, who has been a decisive influence in this industry for many years, “I have been with Staatsolie for six years now,” he says, “and before then I worked with BHP Billington, where I was Vice President of Development. When I came to Staatsolie it was as Business Development Director,”
H
e explains he was in charge of new projects, especially
search for which began in the early 1960s. It took a major leap
concerned with green energy and renewables such as
forward after 1980, with the setup of Staatsolie and contracts were
ethanol, hydro-projects and corporate planning. In 2010,
introduced for private companies to participate in the production
he was put in charge of the largest project they had the time; a
and refinement of the products. The country was no stranger to
refinery expansion programme, “It was a complete new refinery
this sort of attention, as they had already played host to mineral
upon an existing operating refinery,” he says, “A year later I became
miners since the early 1960s.
Director of Refinery and Marketing and was also responsible for downstream energy and power generation.” Then, in February 2013, shareholders appointed Mr. Elias as incoming Managing Director.
A staff contingent of 1042 directly employed professionals work at Staatsolie and are supported by a further 600 people who are engaged with the business as contractors. All staff are required to adhere to the Company Code of Conduct and the key company
Now, the Republic of Suriname, with its capital city Paramaribo,
standards, which are as strict as the ISO 9001 quality norm,
is located just north of the Amazon delta on the northeast coast of
safety standards and procedures as documented in their General
South America. Virtually un-explored, there are only 22-exploration
Field Instructions. Familiarisation with these and other standards,
wells drilled in this area that covers approximately 150,000 square
policies and procedures mainly takes place during the induction
kilometres. Bordered in the north by the Atlantic Ocean, in the
period, conducted soon after joining the organisation.
west by Guyana, in the east by French Guiana and in the south by
Mr. Elias says that when he joined, there were many efficient
Brazil, Suriname is covered by tropical rain forest and remains thinly
procedures in place that had been set by employees who had gained
inhabited.
experience with other industry giants, such as BPH Billington, which
Even three decades ago, Staatsolie set out to accomplish great
had been adapted to suit Staatsolie, but what really impressed him
things, commercially, while not disrupting the local population,
was the loyalty of the staff, “They love the company,” he says, “and
which comprises of a rich ethnic blend of approximately half a
are very dedicated, doing everything it takes in order to make the
million inhabitants. Although the official language is Dutch, English
company grow. You don’t get that sort of feeling unless a company
is widely understood and spoken. Suriname is a parliamentary
deserves it.”
democracy and has an elected President heading the Government.
Speaking with the management at Staatsolie, it becomes very
Although also involved in the retail, gold mining and energy
apparent that staff development is extremely important to them.
sectors, Staatsolie is keenly focused on petroleum, the systematic
With a sizeable training budget and a liberal approach to granting
114 | Endeavour Magazine
training requests, their team has become one of the most qualified
reflection of how well they treat their customers and their business
and expert in the field. Training takes place in the classroom, as well
model further enforces the importance of developing long-term
as in one-to-one sessions conducted both in-house and beyond
relationships based upon open communication and an appreciation
their premises. New training is always being developed and the
for all feedback. They make quarterly visits to local customers and
company is currently in the process of designing a management
conduct yearly customer surveys for their international affiliates.
development program.
“Regular and honest appraisals about how well we are doing, as
Staatsolie’s People Vision marks employees as key to their success and the company invests heavily into their development by giving them opportunities to enhance their potential and further play their part in reaching the company goals.
a company, is important to continue heading in the right direction. You need to know where you stand in the scheme of things.” Quality has always been the anvil upon which all the other elements of Staatsolie are hammered and implementing the
Although the worldwide scarcity of specialists, such as drillers
handling of clients and customers post-sales is just as important as
and engineers, does pose a problem to the industry in general,
initially securing their custom. A team of internal experts, working
Staatsolie looks at this as more of a remuneration hurdle. They claim
in technical, laboratory and inspection areas, are on hand, at short
to now find it too difficult to identify and contract skilled people
notice, to deal with any customer queries and complaints are merely
in most of their areas of business and as most of their workforce
queries that haven’t yet been dealt with effectively and quickly.
is predominantly composed of Suriname nationals, it is a credit to their training and the education system that is available.
Staatsolie have grown in last five years from a 400 million dollar company to a billion dollar organisation and with such
Staatsolie shows its social engagement by supporting projects
growth, Mr. Elias sees a need for change, to accommodate it, “I
for sport, culture, education, healthcare, senior citizens, people
see us growing more decentralised with assets,” he says, “Currently
with disabilities and youths. Additionally, sustainable community
we’re very centralised but are outgrowing that. In the downstream
projects are supported through the ‘Staatsolie Foundation for
and upstream, we have prominent assets and this continues to
Community Development’. In the past five years, Staatsolie
grow every year and it’s becoming harder and harder to run as a
donations to the community topped more than US$ 12 million.
centralised organisation.”
Staatsolie’s approach to their staff and community is a direct
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Endeavour Magazine | 115
STAATSOLIE SURINAME
to diversify in light of the oil price flux, that they invested a lot in
consortium aims to conduct research and development relating
downstream, but in the coming five years, he would like to focus on
to the optimisation of photosynthesis in plants, for use in biofuel
developing the upstream in order to boost production from sixteen
production and the productivity of (micro) algae for use as biofuels.
to eighteen and then through to twenty thousand barrels of oil per
The research is being conducted by the Wageningen University in
day.
the Netherlands and will be completed in June 2015. To date, the
The quality of service provided is totally dependent on the
most productive algae species and the most efficient bioreactors
quality of companies that Staatsolie choose to work with and with
for the intended purpose are identified and with the rights to all
this in mind, they are highly selective in their choice of suppliers.
information from this project, Staatsolie could consider conducting
Staatsolie explain that their scope of operations is quite diverse
a feasibility study, based on the local conditions, with partners.
and so the list of suppliers varies from project to project. What
Solar Energy has been identified as a promising renewable
remains static, however, is that every project above US$20,000
energy source for Suriname, however, little research data is available
requires a selection of at least three contractors who are chosen
on the potential. Staatsolie therefore initiated a solar pilot project,
in accordance with the specific requirements of said project.
with the objective of gaining insight into the collection of energy
There is a select group of contractors who are closely related to
production data of the PV System and experience with respective
production and exploration drilling processes, which they work
solar energy system design, construction, operation performance
with continuously.
and integration with existing power systems. They would then
A balance has been found between the pool of available local and international suppliers and the quality that Staatsolie have
collect data to validate the technical and economic feasibility for future application.
built their reputation around. As an example, they point out that
The first phase of the TapaJai Project entails the re-routing of
as the suppliers are contract-specific and the maximum contract
water from the upper-Tapanahoni River and the Jaikreek to the
duration is three years. That procurement will bring in new,
Brokopondo dam, resulting in the maximised utilisation of the
qualified and competitive suppliers to keep the pool of partners
Afobaka power plant. In following phases, also called the optimised
as fresh as possible. Contractors are rated against several criteria,
phase, more electric capacity will be installed, resulting in an
which supports sustainability. For example, they have to adhere
additional estimated firm capacity of 120 MW, available to the
to the Contractor Management Guidelines, which includes criteria
national electricity grid. To date, the solution study that identifies
for their financial situation, their HRM policy and HSE policy
the optimal project configuration from a technical, economic and
and procedures. Staatsolie supports small local contractors to
socio-environmental point was completed only partially, based on
understand the criteria and implement the necessary systems and
Government advice. The project however, remains in Staatsolie’s
procedures to win tenders.
project portfolio, awaiting further Government instructions
As a major player in their industry, Staatsolie have accepted the
With constant investment into their growth, 2014 to 2018 will
mantle of being a responsible company, investing a great deal of
see Staatsolie’s investments total nearly US$2 billion. The new year
time and money into a series of ‘green initiatives’, which have made
is going to prove to be a busy and productive time for Staatsolie,
them as much a player in this industry as they are in petroleum.
with the commencement of a new refinery, a further investment of
In December 2010, they commenced with an ethanol pilot project at Wageningen in the District of Nickerie. 13 selected
US$300 million into gold mining and the building of a new ethanol and sugar plant.
varieties of sugarcane from Brazil and Guyana were planted and
The new refinery will significantly decrease Suriname’s
tested for their suitability in local soil and weather conditions and
dependence of the import of fossil fuel. The new products,
the pilot results were above expectation. Based on the pilot study,
especially diesel and gasoline, will be produced according to high
the solution and definition study was carried out and an Invitation
international standards and Staatsolie will gain significant import
To Bid (ITB) was prepared for agriculture land development and
earnings as exports will expand beyond regional borders, with
EPCC of the processing plant. In line with their standards, an
French Guiana (France) being a highly lucrative export market.
environmental and social impact study was carried out and this
On October 7th 2014, Staatsolie agreed to take over a 25%
study indicated a minimal and negligible environmental impact.
share in the Merian gold project in West Suriname. This project
This was simultaneous to suggesting a significant positive social
was carried out simultaneously with Suriname Gold Company LLC
impact, leading to the project being executed in a more phased
(Surgold), a subsidiary of Newmont. The US$300 million ethanol
manner in the coming years.
and sugar plant produces around 40 million litres of ethanol and
In February 2011, Staatsolie became a member of the
42,500 tons of sugar annually. Additionally, it also produces 24
BiosolarCells Consortium, consisting of 35 world-class companies
MW of electricity from sugarcane waste, which is transferred to
in the food, energy, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. The
the local grid of EBS, the national electricity company of Suriname.
116 | Endeavour Magazine
What excites Mr. Elias however, is the monetary rewards awaiting Suriname’s economy when his company begins drilling in near-shore Suriname, “We will be drilling in front of existing oil fields, in near-shore areas with the hope of finding commercial oil there,” he says, “We will then bring it into our treatment plants and refinery. This is expected to boost our production to, in the region of, 8,000 barrels a day.” Last year Staatsolie partnered with a number of large companies to drill four holes in their offshore area, which is more than they have done in the last six years, “We are positive that at least one of these, if not all four will bear oil and if this happens it’ll be a complete change for Suriname.” Such discoveries boosted production to 80,000 barrels a day and helped the economy in a massive way, even if Suriname doesn’t actually see any of the oil, as one of the country’s primary revenue earners with Staatsolie generation in the region of 10% of the GDP! “Staatsolie is in a perfect place to take our country onto a different level. Any discoveries would take several years to properly impact, but next year could be a very big step for us, so naturally we are very excited about the new year.”
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Endeavour Magazine | 117
118 | Endeavour Magazine
CENTRIQ INSURANCE WWW.CENTRIQ.CO.ZA 0027 11 268 6490
FOUNDING A COMPANY TRANSFORMATION WRITTEN BY JOHANNES KING
In 2012, when Gareth Beaver became the skipper of Centriq Insurance Company as CEO, he was focussed on not merely just towing the line for the company. Uninterested in merely continuing marginal growth, he was seeking to find that special note that would instigate a transformation within the company. Today we investigate how successful he has been.
Endeavour Magazine | 119
CENTRIQ INSURANCE
A leader in the niche insurance field and benefiting from a strong
record for growth and the ability to provide specialised insurance solutions to a vast array of industries, while not sacrificing its position in the market as a major institution, the company now known as Centriq was created from the merging of two insurance giants in 2007. The merging of Nova Risk Partners and Santam Risk Finance created an opportunity for the company to fully strategise through the market and establish an even more secure footing, with Santam becoming 100% shareholder of the company.
T
he independent insurance provider focuses on three main
market place today. There are not many areas in insurance that
areas of business; customised risk financing and alternative
Centriq is unable to reach.
risk finance solutions, underwriting management agencies
Secondly, the company’s risk finance and alternative risk
and brand affinity solutions. Beaver explained in an interview
transfer solutions business segment is what provides a full range
that the company is represented in conventional insurance space,
of self-insurance financing solutions for the conventional and
but exclusively through the UMA (Underwriting Management
non-conventional type of risks that a company faces. Here, clients
Agencies) who is responsible for the marketing, underwriting
originate from a variety of large organisations such as corporates,
and administration of specific insurance policy portfolios. Then,
parastatals, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and mid-
Centriq, provides them with access to their insurance licence,
sized commercials and associations in the agricultural sector. Each
including all the governance and regulatory compliance tools, risk
one may use the Centriq licence in a different way to self-insure
sharing mechanisms via cell captive structure, reinsurance capacity
certain things that may be uninsurable by the conventional market,
and administration services they need to successfully operate in
or simply too expensive to insure. This truly reveals the benefit of
the marketplace.
having Centriq in your corner.
What this business model provides is the accessibility to offer
Thirdly, Centriq offers brand affinity insurance solutions,
the relevant insurance solutions to their score of industry sectors
whereby it partners with non-insurance entities who want to add
that range from aviation to marine and areas of personal indemnity
to a market and sell a sold-on insurance product with a product
and medical aid gap-cover; persons living with diabetes or HIV and
that they already offer. Targeting all sectors, including non-financial
the full spectrum of motor insurance cover that is available in the
services companies who wish to provide an insurance option
120 | Endeavour Magazine
CENTRIQ INSURANCE
alongside other products. An obvious example of this would be a
related accidents, has occurred meaning that insurance companies
cell phone brand wishing to link phone handset insurance to the
and reinsurers, nationally, have produced some poor results over
sale of an air-time package; motor warranty protection for new
the last two years. It has taken Centriq to form a strategy of de-
and used vehicles and retailers selling household goods like TVs
risking in selected market segments that were under priced but it’s
and washing machines, for which they need to protect either the
still clear that the insurance industry is under pressure.
asset purchased against accidental damages or the ability of the
Not satisfied with merely keeping afloat however, Centriq can
consumer to pay their instalments after retrenchment, disability or
take stock of a number of positive changes that this period has
death.
instigated within the company. Offering new prospects for growth
These have also evolved to include insurance policies of value
that have helped the company to amplify its position as a niche
to customers such as funeral benefits or education pay out policies
insurance leader in the market place as well as adding new skills
that are linked to death or disability.
to their specialist risk financing team from accounting and banking sectors.
ASSURANCE IN INSURANCE As of this year there seems to be a never ending supply
NEW PRODUCTS FOR THE FUTURE
of obstacles and hurdles for South African companies and the
A new venture recently fell into place whereby Centriq secured
insurance industry is no different. The short-term industry has
significant capacity in the mining rehabilitation guarantee space
experienced difficult conditions in recent years. This is due in
thanks to specialist skills via a new UMA where they will be
part to the industry being over supplied with risk capital, while
the majority shareholders. This has made them able to provide
premiums are under-priced relative to the risk insured. At the
guarantees for environmental impairment liabilities, as required by
same time, an increase in incidents of large losses, such as weather
mine owners in SAs mining industry.
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We are proud to be associated with Centriq. Centriq is driven by fair treatment of customers and high ethical standards. Contact: Denise, Chummy, Alistair or Iola 88 Monkor Road, Randpark Ridge, Johannesburg Tel: +27 (0) 861 00 0090 Fax: 27+ (0) 861 00 0030 email: info@keu.co.za
www.keu.co.za
UNDERWRITING MANAGERS (PTY) LTD
122 | Endeavour Magazine
60790
KEU Underwriting Managers (Pty) Ltd is an authorised financial services provider, FSP No. 5076. KEU products are underwritten by Centriq Insurance Company Ltd. We partner with registered short-term insurance brokers to ensure your risk is covered. KEU is a member of SAUMA.
Yet again this provides a niche funding solution that Centriq
To secure this particular avenue, it was necessary for Centriq
offers that not many others are able to and with these types of
to secure half a billion Rand capacity from international reinsurers
guarantees, the insurer effectively takes a credit risk on the client
to provide the mining guarantees. They also had to demonstrate
by offering it a funding mechanism that, in turn, enables it to meet
that they had the relevant expertise on board. At this stage there
the financial obligations associated with the environmental clean-
are only two other insurers in the field that are contributing in a
up requirements at the end of a mine’s lifetime.
meaningful way, meaning that there is not a lot of competition due
It goes without saying that the mining industry is one of the arenas in the world and one that transverses a number of
to the requirements of specific skills and expertise to secure the reinsurance capacity.
commodity classes. However, as mining occurs, damage the
With this in mind it means that not only does Centriq capture a
environment follows and companies are legally liable to clean up
share of this specialist product class, but they also provide a much
the site once the mining has been completed. To meet this liability
needed funding solution to a market that makes up a significant
they need to make financial provisions and that’s where Centriq is
chunk of South Africa’s gross domestic product (8.3% to be exact).
able to step in and lessen the burden of organising this.
It is this very diversity that has enable the company to grow,
There have commonly been two options available. One is to set
despite the difficult climate they find themselves in. Conventional
up a specialist trust into which contributions are made according to
insurance space is highly competitive because there are a lot of
the underlying environmental liability or, companies can try to get
players in the market, but they have founded themselves in the
an acceptable banking institution to provide a financial guarantee,
niche area and have been able to develop a sizeable head start in
for which the miner would typically need to cede certain assets to
the markets of alternative risk finance and brand affinity.
the bank. A third alternative is to turn to one of only a handful of DMR approved insurers, like Centriq, to provide such guarantees.
For the future, it would seem, the plan is to further widen this gap.
Endeavour Magazine | 123
124 | Endeavour Magazine
SANBS WWW.SANBS.ORG.ZA 0027 11 761 9000
THE EASIEST WAY TO SAVE A LIFE WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER
Having featured the South African National Blood Service several times in the past, Endeavour Magazine has witnessed its growth and establishment as a major force for the procurement, storage and delivery of blood in South Africa.
Endeavour Magazine | 125
SANBS
There can be no compromise when it comes to the quality of blood; nothing can be allowed to remain lax or unattended and if SANBS stands for one thing it is safety and quality. Providing the source material not only for the fight against blood diseases such as HIV, but also the life-saving gift for accident victims and new mothers, this organisation is responsible for saving lives.
R
ecently undergoing a change of leadership with a new CEO,
donors while the white donors decreased marginally from 48% to
Trevor Vroom, stepping up the plate to lead the business
47%.”
ahead into the new year and beyond with a fresh direction and
Founded in 2001, SANBS has grown impressively in the last
approach, SANBS is looking forward with praise and promise. Yes,
12 years and stayed at the very cutting edge of the technology
there is a fresh direction with changes to marketing and procedure
available to their industry. Utilising high-tech facilities and the most
but as a keystone company in a sector with many dependents,
stringent safety procedures to protect both donors and staff, they
there a number of things that will not change.
are seen world over as the leaders in their field. And as a not-for-
“The changing donor demographic if not managed correctly
profit organisation, which is free from shareholders, they are able
could see reductions in blood donations,” Trevor says, “Placing both
to re-invest any surplus made in profits back into the organisation
patients and the financial well being of SANBS at risk. This is why
to continue improving their service.
things need to evolve.”
It is a machine, which relies on donors and public campaigns
Considering that blood supply is the single most used resource
to keep the pulse moving, requiring a constant drive to keep
in every hospital worldwide it is easy to forget that it has to be
people aware of the need for blood that keeps every one of the
donated. With some South African cities sitting dubiously in the
2400 people working for SANBS very busy. The campaigns need
top five of the most violent cities in the world and with 16.6% of the
to deliver the message of the incredible need for donors, while at
country’s adults have HIV you can immediately see the challenge
the same time evoking a positive message that will attract them
that this organisation faces.
back. There is an aspect of segregation that some people feel about
However, a reliable supply of blood means that patients can
giving blood if they suffer from any number of blood ailments that
undergo surgery, women in labour can receive blood transfusions
can afflict people, but the science involved in treating blood is the
and victims of accidents or violence can get the emergency
very best available.
treatment they need. Tying together South Africa’s medical and
Donated blood does not go from one person directly into
emergency care system, the South Africa National Blood Service
another, because when somebody requires blood they often
(SANBS) acts as the guardian responsible for the collection,
require only one element of it. There is a lot more happening in
screening and distribution of the blood in South Africa.
your blood than you are aware of and the science used to separate
“SANBS has performed well during the reporting period,” Trevor
the individual parts means that a pint of blood can be used not only
explains, “Whole blood collections achieved 98% of target with
to save a life, but to conduct important research in a laboratory or
three provinces exceedinf their targets.”
stored and added to a different donor’s blood to help in medical
One of the key strategies has been to increase the black donor base from 35% by the end of the previous financial year. This target was exceeded by 3% and black donors now make up 38% of our 126 | Endeavour Magazine
and scientific endeavours. Everyone can be a donor and it is one of the easiest ways you can help save a life. Heading into their summer and Christmas Period, SANBS are
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SANBS
bracing themselves for one of their busiest times. On both sides,
about blood donation and in turn inspiring them to encourage their
campaigns to bring blood in are matched by the public need for
parents to donate blood. The winter season campaign encourages
blood coming out and Trevor Vroom has his work cut out for him.
blood donors and potential blood donors to make time to donate in
One of the most reliable campaigns, that is rolled out across
spite of the cold weather conditions, which may affect their health
30 branches nationwide, makes use of many mobile blood banks
and lifestyles. The youth campaign aims to educate youth from
stationed in shopping centres, holiday resorts and secondary
the age of 16 to understand the value and importance of donating
schools. By making it as convenient as possible for people to say
blood, so that they can continue with the culture of donating blood
yes. This is also supported by the Government, who supports these
later in their lives”
missions with backing for their campaigns. This has enabled them
South Africa is a diverse country and one of the most complex
to gain 20% more donors than they had in 2001 when they were
social structures in Africa. With 11 official languages and nine
first founded and this marked increase represents not only the
provinces, a vast landscape of cities and rural areas to contend
success of the campaigns but the increase in the education of the
with, the planning of campaigns has to be down to the smallest
donors themselves.
margin and yet remain flexible to handle any eventuality.
“The duration of the campaigns range from a few weeks to a
“Each campaign is planned on a targeted and segmented
year, depending on the focus and implementation period of the
basis, where the strategy, history, goals, plans, and targets of each
campaign,” explains Thapelo Mokoena the marketing director at
campaign are taken into consideration,” Thapelo explains, “We
SANBS, “The goals of the campaign also differ: For example, the
rely on a mixture of creativity and strategy, including information
festive season campaign is meant to remind and mobilise blood
gathered through customer surveys, research, and direct contact
donors to donate blood during the festive period, and not only
with blood donors.”
concentrate in their busy festive lives. The schools campaign is directed at educating school pupils
130 | Endeavour Magazine
Thapelo goes on to explain, “The best areas are the urban areas with good facilities and better living conditions, whilst the worst
areas are the rural and poor areas with minimum or no facilities, as
explains, “And the improvement and more focus on the management
it will be difficult for any individual to donate blood on an empty
and treatment of deferred blood donors, that is, blood donors who
stomach characterised by poor nutritional conditions.”
cannot donate due a condition at the time of donation such as low
As mentioned, the level of education also plays a role in
iron levels.”
influencing the donor profile, he goes on to say, as the people who
It’s also a matter of earning trust with the people of South Africa
understand the importance of blood donation would be more likely
and as we highlighted last year the two blood screening facilities in
to donate blood.
Johannesburg and Durban are some of the best in the world and
Ultimately, this is the main aim of the campaigns. With a
it is possible to screen every bag of donated blood for infection
population of 49 million inhabitants, in 2012 only 442,000 were
using state of the art testing technology. It is an expensive but vital
regular blood donors. The World Health Organisation estimates
component of the service that SANBS offers.
that only around 1% of the population give blood in most countries
Like a perpetual wheel, the need for blood supplies will never
and South Africa are not far from that. A combined approach of
stop and SANBS will hold this mantle for a long time. Ultimately it
education and availability is needed to bolster the blood supply.
is something that everyone should be involved with. If you don’t
Otherwise there could be a repeat of the 2011 crisis where a
give blood, you should.
shortage of blood had a knock-on effect for the entire medical
“Global readers can get involved through encouraging their
industry in SA. In the last article, we focussed on the importance of
friends and families to donate blood,” Thapelo informs us, “And
blood donors in SA and how different times of the year affected the
helping us to spread the education message regarding blood
supply of blood to those who need it, especially for women giving
donations.”
birth in hospitals. “Improvements that have taken place include developing mechanisms for minimising blood wastage at hospitals,” Thapelo
Ilex SANBS Ad Half Page Dec15 (2).indd 1
Endeavour Magazine | 131
2015/12/14 4:02 PM
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GADGETS
Spoke London
Sony Introduces Latest Action Cam with Enhanced Functionality and Design
No clothing intended to be worn out of the house has any
Sony Electronics, a worldwide leader in digital imaging, has
business being this comfortable. Spoke London have outdone
today introduced the latest addition to its acclaimed Action Cam
themselves this time by creating trousers that are both warm
POV camera line-up, the HDR-AS50 model.
enough to handle the downright Arctic conditions that Britain
The new camera brings the benefits of Sony’s latest and most
has been forced into over the Christmas period and comfortable
innovative video technologies to more customers than ever before,
enough to not be restrictive in the areas that matter during your
including SteadyShot™ image stabilisation, smooth zoom and field
indoor capoeira practises.
angle adjustability, high-bitrate XAVC S™ video recording 4 and 4K
Chinos are the gentleman’s tracksuit pants. They are a mark
Time-lapse capture. There is also a new, smaller, lighter Live-View
of a man who has reached the enlightenment that public comfort
Remote that acts as a perfect complement to the new Action Cam.
is its own reward and purchasing a pair of chinos is, in essence,
It is offered together with the camera in a kit, model HDR-AS50R.
no different than buying a Bentley instead of a Lamborghini, or a
The new action camera features an 11.1 megapixel back-
Chesterfield instead of a cotton cushion sofa. It is a statement of
illuminated CMOS sensor paired with a ZEISS® Tessar lens and
worth and practicality. It says, “Yes, they’re chinos, yes they are
utilises SteadyShot image stabilisation to keep footage steady and
comfortable and yes they do look amazing. See how they hug my
smooth when shooting everything from motocross stunts to aerial
bottom?”
landscapes. The stabilisation system is also specially tailored to
Indeed, Spoke have provided the perfect excuse to be comfortable with a wide array of trousers available through their
reduce low amplitude vibration typically caused by radio-controlled helicopters or drones.
website http://spoke-london.com/collections/original-spokes and
New to the HDR-AS50, users can now adjust the field angle of
with a spectrum of styles and colours to compliment every man’s
a shot with ‘wide’ 1 and ‘narrow’ options available to help ensure
wardrobe and every occasion.
the scene is captured properly based on the environment. The
As a six foot five rugby player, I find that no matter what jeans I wear, they’re all skinny jeans and I find them horribly restrictive
new camera also features an enhanced 3x smooth zoom, allowing shooters to get even closer to the action during movie recording.
in the step (right up until they inevitably split at the crotch), but
Based on extensive feedback from athletes, filmmakers and
the chinos are designed with comfort, movement and aesthetic
more casual users, the HDR-AS50 offers an enhanced interface
appeasement in mind.
with larger, more intuitive icon and button operability. Additionally,
This makes them suitable for work, smart enough for a date,
the new Live-View Remote 2 acts as an extension of the camera,
comfortable enough for a day playing video games and easy to
with the ability to fully control its capabilities including start/stop
care for and wash. Wear a pair for a day and if you have to wear
recording, power on/off and more. Thanks to its versatile design,
something else afterwards you’ll notice and lament the difference.
the remote can also be attached to various accessories such as
The main issue you’ll face is never wanting to take them off.
shooting grip (model VCT-STG1) and handlebar mount (model VCT-
134 | Endeavour Magazine
Clarks Introduces Trigenic; A New Innovation Build With The Same Principles Of Simplicity As Their Iconic Desert Boot Trigenic Flex is the latest design innovation from Clarks Originals: the culmination of over 190 years’ expertise in the craft of shoemaking. With a tradition of introducing innovative footwear to the marketplace, the brand’s unconventional and sometimes radical approach has resulted in the proliferation of globally HM2) using supplied mount adaptor, or worn as a wristband using
recognised icons such as The Desert Boot and Wallabee®.
supplied strap. As with select Action Cam models, users can also
Continuing this ‘free-thinking’ design philosophy, Clarks fuses
control the AS50 with their smartphones and tablets 3 through use
a shoemaker’s craft and traditions with advanced technology and
of the PlayMemories Mobile application. The new camera also has
innovation to deliver the Trigenic Flex; an icon in the making. The
adjustable beep sounds as well as three tally lights on the top, front
Trigenic Flex is a beautifully crafted and truly original everyday
and back to allow greater awareness of recording settings in bright
shoe with a design that is deconstructed to create a minimal and
or noisy environments.
fresh look.
The HDR-AS50 model is compatible with the high bitrate XAVC
The Trigenic Flex takes inspiration from an original 1883 Clarks
S format 4, allowing it to capture all scenes with impressive detail
Hygiene design; stylish shoes that were shaped to the natural
and resolution and has a time-lapse capture feature that shoots
contours of the foot, a great contrast to the seriously uncomfortable
still images in pre-set intervals. The images can then be turned into
and deforming fashions of the time. Prad Indrakumar, Senior
a stunning 4K time-lapse movie utilising the Action Cam Movie
Designer, Clarks Originals, states:
Creator software 5. The Action Cam App can also create time-lapse movies in Full HD 6. Additionally, Sony’s own in-built movie creator – Highlight Movie Maker – is available in the AS50 model. The innovative feature, which now utilises face detection technology, automatically
“We started by looking at the Clarks ‘Hygienic’ collection of 1883. This was a collection that allowed space for the toes of your foot to move as you walked - revolutionary for its time. We looked at how we could bring this into a modern context.” Advanced
knowledge
of
biomechanics,
materials
and
assembles a video highlight package that can be viewed, paired
contemporary construction methods have been brought together
with custom music.
to create a design-led shoe that flexes in sync with the natural
The HDR-AS50 comes with a large range of accessories
sequence of motion. An anatomical last shape has been slimmed
including a supplied underwater housing MPK-UWH1 that is
down and combined with a three-part decoupled sole unit, to
certified down to 197 ft. / 60m in depth. An optional cap clip
support each stage of impact, deconstructed uppers crafted from
accessory (AKA-CAP1) is a perfect fit to any casual uses from travel
premium leather panels, cut, angled and interlocked for optimum
to fishing.
comfort.
The new Sony HDR-AS50 Action Cam will be sold for about
Super-modern styling, a classic moccasin construction and a
$299 CAD ($299.99 CAD) and is packaged with the Underwater
pioneering attitude defines this modern take on the Clarks heritage.
Housing MPK-UWH1. The HDR-AS50R adds the new Live-View
Trigenic Flex is a game-changing new style that brings cutting edge
Remote and will cost about $449 CAD. ($449.99 CAD)
shoe engineering, traditional craftsmanship and modern design
Both products will be available next month at Sony authorised dealers nationwide.
together to create a totally unique shoe with both substance and style. Endeavour Magazine | 135
TRAVEL
GEOCACHES AND HERMIT CAVES BY WILL HATTON
136 | Endeavour Magazine
F
rozen air slipped through my many layers of clothing,
a cloud of chilled vapour. Snowflakes clung to my beard.
numbing my entire body with cold. The snow was falling
I looked up. The church loomed above us, with battered and
thick and heavy now; endless waves of wispy white flakes
chipped frescoes of saints decorating its walls like scenes from
danced around me as the icy winds scattered them in all
a nativity. Slowly we wandered through it, the echoes of our
directions. Below, in the small town of Goreme, the Muslim call
footsteps bouncing off the domed ceiling. This was not what
to prayer rose into the air hauntingly and then echoed across
we were looking for. We left and began to scramble higher still,
the land. Ahead, Cappadocia’s famous fairy chimneys poked
searching for shelter from the howling wind. We slid down a
upwards into the silvery sky like the prying fingers of giants.
gully. Beads of crystallised water sparkled atop crisp blades of
Doggedly, my brother and I stomped our way through the
hardy grass poking through the snow.
streets of melted slush. We trekked to the edge of town and beyond, then stopped a moment to look back.
Then I spotted it. A small doorway, only a foot and a half wide, carved into one of the tallest fairy chimneys. It did not look
But our pause was brief; we were on a mission. Slipping and
like it could lead to much. Many of the caves had magnificent
sliding, jeeving and jiving, we made our way up the icy road.
entrances smeared with runes and carvings but this one was
The soft rocks of Cappadocia have been inhabited for millennia,
lacked any such grandeur.
first by troglodytes and later by the Hittites who created vast
Trudging my way across to the entrance I squeezed through
underground cities that could shelter up to 20,000 people from
the narrow passageway. As it dwindled to an end I looked up
invading enemy forces. Later, Christians fleeing persecution
and saw a circular entrance directly above me. It seemed to
from the Roman Empire established a number of monastic
beckon me onwards. I heaved my way through it and found
communities in Cappadocia and set about carving churches and
myself rising through the floor of a small living space. A hermit’s
living quarters into the rocks. From the road, I spotted one such
cave.
Church nestled within the hills.
Alex emerged through the entrance behind me and for a
Pulling our jackets tight around us we set off towards it,
while we sat in silence, soaking in the quiet tranquillity of the
ploughing a fresh path through the snow. We followed a goat
place. The walls had been carefully sculpted - a graceful arch
trail, scrambling on hands and knees upon the slick ice. Boulders
dominated the room and in one blackened corner was a small
were strewn across the undulating path like ancient sentries,
window that offered a porthole glimpse of the outside world.
still and silent. If they could speak, I wondered what things
Across from it, a much larger opening in the walls offered a
they would say they had witnessed over the centuries. Any real
portrait like view of the rolling lands ahead. This window was
footpath, if there was one, was buried deep beneath the snow
the size and shape of a door but led out to a sheer drop. Nooks
and we quickly became lost among the labyrinth of rocks and
adorned the walls, for candles I was sure.
ice. We sheltered beneath a tree with icicles for leaves as we pondered our next move. Then we set off once more. Opting for the most direct route, rather than the easiest one, we began to climb a steep slope
I gazed around the room and pondered the life of the man who had lived here. Was he running from something? Or was he looking for something? Maybe both. Perhaps he was one of the world’s first backpackers…
of gravel, snow and treacherous frost. We slipped often and
We sat upon the main window ledge, our feet dangling over
soon became covered in dirt and ice. Finally, wrapping my hand
oblivion and soaked in the enchanting scenery. In seven years
around a decent sized tree root, I hauled myself up onto the lip
of travelling I had never seen anything quite like this. It was like
of the escarpment. I knelt, the cold seeping through my jeans as
something out of a fairy-tale. Endless jagged rocks twisted up
I watched my frozen breath disperse into the air before me like
into the golden amber sky for as far as the eye could see, a
Endeavour Magazine | 137
138 | Endeavour Magazine
thick layer of crystal white
geocaches to hunt for and, of course, Cappadocia’s famous
snow draped across them,
balloon rides, this is the ideal destination for explorers short
cape-like. Way below us, ant sized
on time…
horses jostled in a paddock. I could hear running water coming
How to find my Geocache in Cappadocia: Walk to the
from some place nearby. Once more, the Muslim call to prayer
bottom of town in Goreme where you will hit a roundabout.
summoned the devout, song like and beautiful.
With your back to town, turn right, walk about one hundred and
I said a prayer of my own, wrote it on a piece of paper and
fifty meters along the road and you will pass a potter’s workshop
then set it alight with my zippo. I watched it burn, turning into
then a quad bike rental place. From the road, look right, you are
glowing embers flowing from my hand. For a moment they
looking for a large doorway about three hundred meters off the
hovered before me spiralling on a current of air and then they
road. This is the church. Make your way towards it; the hike will
went scattering across the heavens in every direction. The
take roughly 20 minutes. When standing in front of the church,
clouds rolled across the sky like immense boulders as we sat for
turn right and walk 50 metres, you will have to go down a slope
hours and discussed religion, the meaning of life and our plans
and then back up the slope on the other side. You may be able
for the future. It seemed as though we were locked within a
to see the main window from the hermit’s cave but to get to the
time capsule, separated from the outside world. The town we
entrance; you have to go round the back. I explored hundreds
could see but it felt as distant as another realm. Up here there
of caves in Cappadocia, this is the best one.
was only rock and sky. There was no doubt in my mind that this was the perfect
If you find my geocache in Cappadocia, take something, leave something and sign the book.
place. This was where I would hide my geocache, a lunchbox from home filled with treasures. I glanced around and settled upon a small ledge above the window. It fit perfectly. Inside I placed mementos from my childhood. A star-wars action figure (one of Jabba’s less than competent skiff guards), fossils from Dorset, quartz from my stone-collecting days, a game of thrones playing card, Broke Backpacker wristbands, a poem, an electronic candle and finally, a notebook for adventure-seekers to sign their names upon. One day I shall go back to collect it. When I do, I hope it will
About Will Hatton: Writer and photographer. Adventurer
be filled with the stories and thoughts of adventurers from all
and vagabond. Master of the handstand pushup. Conqueror
over the world. Until then it is out there, waiting for you…
of mountains, survivor of deserts and crusader for cheap
Cappadocia offers truly amazing opportunities, with flights
escapades. Will is currently preparing to hitchhike from
via Istanbul available very cheaply, it is possible to go on a
England to Papua New Guinea, a journey which will take over
genuine adventure here even if you only have a couple of days
18 months. Will blogs over at The Broke Backpacker about his
to spare.
adventures in some of the world’s least visited countries, you
With hotels carved into the rock, world-renowned trekking,
can follow him on Facebook and on Twitter.
Endeavour Magazine | 139
THE OBEROI GROUP PROMISES UNPARALLELED LUXURY ON THE NILE ONBOARD THE OBEROI PHILAE The Oberoi Group announced that The Oberoi Philae, Luxury
“We are pleased to present The Oberoi Philae, Luxury Nile Cruiser,
Nile Cruiser, Egypt will sail between Aswan and Luxor, offering a
which offers the highest standards of luxury and hospitality. The
four and six-night itinerary. The Group already operates another
Oberoi Group has been consistently recognised as amongst the
luxury cruiser, The Oberoi Zahra and will be increasing its presence
best in the world and I am confident that The Oberoi Philae, Luxury
on the Nile with The Oberoi Philae.
Nile Cruiser will continue this tradition and offer travellers an
Adding to the luxury provided by The Oberoi Zahra, The Oberoi
unparalleled experience on the Nile”.
Philae will offer guests unrivalled views of the River Nile, as they
Mr. Mahmoud Nourelden, Boat Manager, The Oberoi Philae,
experience the legendary Oberoi service and explore 5,000 years
Luxury Nile Cruiser added, “The luxury Nile cruiser will offer the
of Egyptian culture.
discerning traveller an oasis of tranquillity with service which is
Mr. P.R.S. Oberoi, Executive Chairman, The Oberoi Group said, 140 | Endeavour Magazine
warm, intuitive and personalised. We are confident that the cruiser
will add tangible value to the hospitality sector in the Egypt.� The luxury cruiser will feature some of the most spacious accommodation on the Nile. The 22 luxuriously appointed cabins and suites feature large French windows that offer picturesque views of the River Nile. The cruiser also incorporates the latest technology including high speed WiFi. The restaurant offers extraordinary culinary options of Western, Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine with uninterrupted views of
the poolside restaurant. The cruiser is also home to a chic bar and cigar lounge that is furnished with intimate tables, a dance floor and a state-of-the-art movie theatre. The 24-hour gymnasium offers stunning views to accompany a workout, as does The Oberoi Spa. The Oberoi Philae, luxury Nile Cruiser gives travellers the added opportunity to experience the group’s award-winning hospitality, making it the preferred choice for discerning leisure travellers.
the Nile. At the Upper Deck, home to a temperature-controlled swimming pool, guests can enjoy lunch, light meals and snacks at Endeavour Magazine | 141
BOOK REVIEWS
The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro The extraordinary new novel from the author of Never Let Me Go and the Booker Prize winning The Remains of the Day. The Romans have long since departed and Britain is steadily declining into ruin, but at least the wars that once ravaged the country have ceased. The Buried Giant begins as a couple, Axl and Beatrice, set off across a troubled land of mist and rain in the hope of finding a son they have not seen for years. They expect to face many hazards some strange and other-worldly - but they cannot yet foresee how their journey will reveal to them dark and forgotten corners of their love for one another. Sometimes savage and often intensely moving, Kazuo Ishiguro’s first novel in a decade is about lost memories, love, revenge and war. ‘Kazuo Ishiguro is an original and remarkable genius.’ The New York Times ‘A master craftsman.’ Margaret Atwood, Slate ‘The best and most original writer of his generation.’ Susan Hill, Mail on Sunday
142 | Endeavour Magazine
Invisible Chains. A Book Tackling Domestic Abuse, Head On. by Dr. Lisa Aronson Fontes A new law has now come into effect in England and Wales making coercive control punishable by up to five years in prison. [1] This legislation is a bold move and strengthens the UK’s stance against domestic violence. Dr. Fontes is the premiere expert on coercive control. A professor, researcher and popular conference speaker, she has counselled domestic violence survivors for more than 25 years. Her new book, Invisible Chains: Overcoming Coercive Control in Your Intimate Relationship, is the first of its kind and sheds important light on this difficult subject. “The new domestic violence law in the UK appears to offer new ways to protect women against the control, manipulation, sexual
Attraction Explained by Suzie Hayman How much do you really know about attraction? “With precision and no small wit, I found myself frequently laughing out loud. The author explores the four key factors that shape the formation of most relationships: proximity, appearance, reciprocity and similarity. As he shows, studying attraction or relationships scientifically, far from destroying the magic and mystery of it all, can actually be helpful, whether you aspire to be lover or friend. He also satisfyingly nails my biggest bête noir that ‘treat ‘em mean’ is any sort of relationship advice.” – Suzie Hayman, agony aunt, relationship counsellor, accredited TripleP (Positive Parenting Programme) parenting educator, broadcaster and author. We’ve all done it at some point, read a self-help book, a glossy magazine or looked to a ‘pick-up artist’ for relationship advice, especially as Valentine’s Day approaches. Yet the modern-day myths of attraction we’ve grown accustomed to, such as ‘treat ‘em mean to keep ‘em keen’, often have no basis in fact and are often rooted in misogyny. In Attraction Explained, Viren Swami debunks these myths and draws on cutting-edge research to provide groundbreaking and evidence-based accounts of relationship formation. “There’s no real evidence that studying attraction scientifically makes it any less enthralling,” explains the author. “In fact, a scientific approach to attraction and relationships often raises new questions that need answering, uncovering mystery among everyday or mundane behaviour.” There is one simple idea at the core of this book, that there are coercion, and isolation that so often forms the everyday basis of couple violence and deprives women of their liberty.” Says Dr. Fontes. “The physical violence usually occurs much less frequently in a relationship of domination.” Many people are unclear on the definition of coercive control because it can be so hard to recognise, but it is generally defined as a pattern of emotional abuse that includes methods of degrading, isolating, micromanaging, manipulating and stalking. Dr Fontes says “coercive control is a special kind of torment because it often feels like love.”
no ‘laws of attraction’ and no fool proof methods or strategies for getting somebody to date you, let alone into bed with you. Instead, Attraction Explained looks at how factors such as geography, appearance, personality and similarity affect who we fall for and why. “The science of attraction and relationship formation can’t guarantee you a date tonight” jokes Viren, “but it can point the way towards forming mutually benefitting relationships with other people.” Engaging and easy to read, Attraction Explained shows how we form relationships and why we shouldn’t resort to nonsensical beliefs in our search for love.
Endeavour Magazine | 143
SPOTLIGHT
BRIAN HAZARD HAZARDING A GUESS AT THE FUTURE OF MUSIC BY DONNIE RUST
A
major influence on musicians around the world, the icon of
So many changes have affected music as an industry and with
countless fans, a powerful figure in his industry and a hell of a
audience tastes changing frequently, it’s become the responsibility
nice guy, I caught up with Brian Hazard to ask some questions
of artists to keep up to date and we were interested to find out
about the man behind Color Theory.
how Brian manages it.
Born in Toledo, Ohio, 46-year-old Brian Hazard is a singer,
“I can only speak for myself, but I know my tastes have changed
keyboardist and songwriter playing under the stage name (read
even more than most middle-aged guys,” he explains, “I know
alter ego) of Color Theory. Under this guise he has released eight
some of them still listen to the music they loved in high school
studio albums, nine EPs, three remix collections and a set of demos.
but I make it a rule to only listen to music less than two years old,
His latest EP, Adjustments Pt.3 was released on November 13th of
which provides fresh inspiration in the most ‘current’ areas while
last year and 2016 is going to be an incredibly busy year for this
remaining true to your sound.”
artist.
Highly creative and collected, Brian’s signature sound combines
Moving from Ohio to Huntington Beach, California at age
80’s synth-pop, modern EDM (Electronic Dance Music) and
seven, Brian began playing the piano at 13, and joined a high
classical piano. However, he does admit that as the owner and head
school drumline and jazz band. This “relatively late start” as he calls
engineer of his company, Resonance Mastering, that he spends
it, hardly held him back and he received a Bachelor of Music degree
most of his time producing music for others rather than himself.
in Piano Performance from California State University, Long Beach in 1992.
144 | Endeavour Magazine
It may mean more work at the moment than pleasure, but it has opened important doors allowing him to actively be involved
in things he feels are important,
for many other musicians, or production companies and business leaders their answers are usually
“Recently, I took part in a charity
lofty expansions of what they think they should say and not necessarily the truth. Brian’s answer was
effort through Groupees, where
simple, direct and all encompassing:
we delivered 1878 meals to the hungry via the United Nations
“My current focus is pleasing my ‘super fans’,” he explains, “The ones who have stuck with me over the years are more important to me than attracting new fans.”
World Food Programme,” he
In a world where the quantity of online presence is more important to some artists and business
says, “I am also in the position
people than quality, Brian is quite open about his take on things. It’s something that can be so easily
to be able to focus on my super
overlooked today, where one of the ways we judge a person’s worth is through their popularity online,
fans.”
but quantity does not equate to quality.
SUPERFANS
industry is the shift towards streaming subscription services like Spotify, which pay notoriously, yet
Quality of fans is especially important today, he explains, “The biggest change in the music During our interview I asked Brian about a summary of his activities. This is a question I always ask my interviewees and
146 | Endeavour Magazine
understandably, little to the artists that their platforms are built on. The demand for CD and vinyl is diminishing to the point where it’s tough for me to even break even on a physical release.” The bottom line, he says, “Is that I don’t expect to sell music for much longer. Fans only buy my releases to support me. It’s an act of patronage.”
SOCIAL MEDIA ENGAGEMENT Having seen the industry prior to the digital revolution and being so firmly entrenched in it now, Brian is still the first to confess that there is a lot of room for improvement on that front of engaging with his followers. “Replying to the public on social media takes hours of my time every week, when I really should spend more of that time engaging
game Just Dance Kids 2014. More recently, I worked with German trance producer Matt Mancid and a singer from Faded Paper Figures on a cover of the Pet Shop Boys classic “Rent”.” “Matt and I are still working together to produce more covers, which is a fantastic deal for me,” he adds, “I just have to sing!”
THE YEAR AND BEYOND
with those that are genuinely invested in what I’m doing,” he
“The top item of interest is the release of my 9th full-length
explains, “Right now I’ve got a mailing list and website that I’d like
album, Adjustments. It will feature 11 of the best original tracks
to be a lot more active with.”
from the three EPs I released over the past couple years. Right now
“It can be overwhelming,” he continues, “After-launch promotion and interaction is crucial, but as rude as it feels I should probably ignore a healthy percentage of the messages I receive.”
I’m leaning towards a signed, limited edition CD release. One last hurrah for physical media!” Brian says. Next is his ongoing collaboration with Matt Mancid, which he
He explains, “It’s sad but true; most people who engage with
explains will likely culminate in a release sometime this year, or
you on Twitter have little interest in what you’re doing but you have
maybe next, “I haven’t mentioned it to my fans at all, because Matt
to sift through them find the people who do. Those are the people
and I have no conditions or expectations. We’re just having fun
worth your time. The hard part is training yourself to know the
with it.”
difference and act on it.”
2016 will also bring an investigation into and potential move to
Speaking about pre and post launches Brian admits that he
a different model, both for record sales and fan engagement, “Time
has never really observed the typical album cycle and has never
spent coming up with snarky replies on Twitter would better be
promoted to the press a couple of months early the way that the
spent making new music or getting feedback from actual fans so
labels have to do, “When the album is done, I release it. My focus
right now I’m taking a hard look at Patreon, which would allow fans
has always been direct-to-fans.”
to buy my music on a per-song basis, and allow me to engage with
I asked if this was part of a strategy to keep him ahead of the
those fans, all on the same platform.”
competition and he explained, “The way I look at it, I don’t have any
This could constitute a complete shift and a new age of creativity
competition. Why should other artists or labels be competition?
for Brian as he explains, “Releasing the Adjustments album will give
It’s not a zero-sum game where we’re all competing for the same
me the flexibility and agility I’ve been looking forward to for the
limited resources and it is important that fans are allowed to
past couple of years. Instead of focusing on a massive multi-year
support multiple artists.”
project, I can test out new ideas on my fans, and build from there
Brian may feel that he could do more to engage with his fans,
on a song-by-song basis.”
but he involves his fans on so many different levels through his
CAUTION
website, mailing list and social media.
Exercising caution in some factors of this new era of fan
“For example, I recently created a survey for my ‘super fans’ to
patronage is important, however. Brian has spent a long time
select which tracks would be included on my next album. There was
developing a relationship with his fans and is always mindful of
a near-tie between two tracks, so I created a poll on Twitter, where
finding ways to develop this and avoiding ways that could hurt it.
579 people voted. On my previous album, I presented my fans with
“Expenses is an example,” he says, “My music making expenses
30 short production ideas, and they chose the ones I ultimately
are negligible. I already have the studio and gear. It’s basically a
developed into songs. That’s why it’s called social networking, fans
matter of upgrading and buying new software when the fancy
like being involved!”
strikes me. That’s why I’ve never attempted to put together a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for an album. It would seem a
WORKING TOGETHER Music is fun; something that Brian is quick to point out. When so many industries have to adjust or completely change traditional revenue services to keep businesses afloat, it’s important to remember why you started something in the first place, “Music is fun,” he says, “And most musicians would still do it even if they weren’t getting paid.”
little dishonest.” “Furthermore, promotion expenses are limited as well,” he adds, “Mostly just an occasional Facebook promoted post here and there, my mailing list service and that sort of thing. It would be fun and educational to hire a PR firm, but I don’t see myself doing it anytime soon. I never wanted to take over the world.” It might be too late for that Brian.
And it has been a busy and fun time for Brian he reveals, “I’ve had the chance to record and produce three tracks for the Ubisoft
Endeavour Magazine | 147
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