201605 may

MAY 2016

www.endeavourmagazine.com

Murray Price The Man Behind Eqstra Fleet Management Petrogas Energising The Future Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Company Always Protect Your Staff

UK CAN USA EUR SA ZAR

£4.95 $7.95 $7.95 €5.95 69.00

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

T

o make money you only need a good idea. To build an empire you need to focus on something more and irrespective of whether your empire is involved in management of large company fleets of

Sales Director Alex Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com

vehicles or in tunnelling beneath cities to enable a commuter tram to

Sales Manager Andrew Williams andrew@littlegatepublishing.com

is people development.

Sales Manager Emlyn Freeman emlynfreeman@littlegatepublishing.com

do because providing employment is one of the noblest things you

Head of Editorial Research Paul Bradley paulbradley@littlegatepublishing.com

people and focusing only on the bottom line.

Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com

Management to become one of the greatest fleet management

Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com

development of his staff. Equally as focussed on their employees’

Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com

that you could almost say the focus of the company is employee

Any enquiries or subscriptions can be sent to info@littlegatepublishing.com ENDEAVOUR MAGAZINE is published by Littlegate Publishing LTD which is a Registered Company in the United Kingdom.

Company Registration: 07657236 VAT registration number: 116 776007 343 City Road London EC1 V1LR

Suite 10, Thorpe House 79 Thorpe Road Norwich, NR1 1UA

avoid additional hours of travel, there is only one real focus and that To create an empire is something all business owners should seek to can aspire to. Where some people fall short is by not investing in the In this issue, we feature Murray Price, who has lead Eqstra Fleet empires in South Africa and he has done so with the diligent and caring safety and development, STEC devotes so much time to their staff empowerment and not some of the greatest tunnelling projects ever seen.

Associations as wide as mining organisations, airline associations and facility management are all turning their attention inwards to look at the people responsible for creating their bottom line. Today, the most talked about business management strategy is a simple one, “Focus on your staff and their focus on your business”, which has the added benefit of not only a happier and more fulfilling workplace, but also more active and involved minds, which opens up doors to new opportunities and the possibility for growth.

Littlegate Publishing Ltd does not accept responsibility for

Management who believe themselves to be self-styled-yachts

omissions or errors. The points of view expressed in articles

floating upon an ocean of expendable employees are in for a shock

by attributing writers and/or in advertisements included in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of the publisher.

Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely

and thankfully, are becoming increasingly endangered every minute.

Have a good May.

coincidental. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this magazine, no legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising from use of information published. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrievable system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher.

Copyright © Littlegate Publishing Ltd 2016

Endeavour Magazine | 3

CONTENTS

21

ABB Maritime Link Project

FEATURES

57

African Airlines Association (AFRAA)

4 | Endeavour Magazine

11

19

21

29

37

45

57

63

69

77

83

87

COVER STORY Murray Price The Man Behind Eqstra Fleet Management Sumo Sushi & Bento The Recipe For Success ABB Maritime Link Project Growing Presence In Atlantic Canada Nexus Group Holdings Ltd Deliver And Exceed National Railways of Zimbabwe The Hub And Gateway Of The Region COVER STORY Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Always Protect Your Staff African Airlines Association (AFRAA) Providing The Right Stuff To Keep Planes Up COVER STORY Petrogas Gas Systems BV Energising The Future Chamber of Mines Namibia Digging Deep Laing Sandblasting & Painting Co Ltd The Best Of The Best Middle East Facility Management A People Orientated Company Guyana Goldfields Still Shining Bright

69

Chamber of Mines Namibia

ARTICLES 3 Editor’s Note 6 Business Headlines 42 Automotives

Citreon C4 – Running With The Big Boys 92 Gadgets 96 Travel

Introducing Wingtons

Capella Hotel Group Asia

Bid To Upgrade Your SAS Flight 102 Book Reviews

29

Nexus Group Holdings Ltd Endeavour Magazine | 5

BUSINESS HEADLINES

VDME INDUSTRIES UNVEIL PIONEERING NEW TECHNOLOGY TO CUT MANUFACTURING EMISSIONS BY 27% has

is desperately needed and we think we’ve created a viable way for

announced the launch of a ground-breaking new technology that

Highly regarded

research

firm, VDME

Industries,

factories to reduce their harmful emissions and become cleaner,

could dramatically cut power and manufacturing plant pollution by

and greener.”

more than a quarter.

Mr Torres adds, “A coalition of billionaires including Mark

The proprietary technology, based on the original Universal-

Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos and Chris Hohn have already

Core technology developed by VDME, has been tested

pledged more than 20bn to the efforts to clean up our atmosphere

independently and proven to reduce harmful emissions by 27% - a

and reduce pollution. We think our test results are certainly worthy

figure that could attract the attention of governments all over the

of their attention and we will continue to push our pioneering new

world as they fight to protect the environment.

technology to the forefront, presenting it as a genuine solution to

VDME Industries is committed to tackling pollution with

the global pollution crisis.”

innovative technology, which they hope will ‘propel humanity

The tests, which yielded reductions of 27%, were carried out on

forward’. With UK air pollution linked to more than 40,000 early

a prototype of the technology that hasn’t yet been finalised, which

deaths every year and deadly smog closing factories in Beijing, the

means the prospect of even greater reductions is a viable one. With

global demand for clean solutions is greater than ever before. The

further backing and investment, VDME could well enhance the

team at VDME believe this new technology could be the answer

solution even further and ensure that their pioneering tech appears

that world leaders are looking for.

on the global radar.

Omar Torres, CEO of VDME Industries, says, “We’ve already

There are more than 62,500 power plants in the world and

seen various examples of the risks and dangers of pollution this year,

many thousands more factories emitting harmful chemicals into

with Beijing’s entire manufacturing district closed down because of

the atmosphere every hour of every day. VDME has focused all of

the smog threat. The picture in the UK is not much better, with tens

its energies on developing technologies that will allow citizens of

of thousands of early deaths attributed to air pollution. A solution

the world to enjoy a healthier life, cleaner air and purer water.

6 | Endeavour Magazine

MERCK’S CRISPR EPIGENETIC ACTIVATOR NAMED TO THE SCIENTIST’S TOP 10 INNOVATION LIST Merck, a leading science and technology company, today

life – from biopharmaceutical

announced that The Scientist magazine has named the company’s

therapies to treat cancer or

CRISPR Epigenetic Activator one of its Top 10 Innovations of 2015.

multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge

The CRISPR Epigenetic Activator is a key product of Merck’s

systems for scientific research

life science business after the acquisition of Sigma-Aldrich Corp

and

last year. “The life science research community lacked an effective

crystals for smartphones and

method for the activation of endogenous gene expression,” said Udit

LCD televisions. In 2015, Merck

Batra, CEO of Merck’s life science business.

generated sales of € 12.85

“We are excited to bring the research community a highly specific, robust tool for both targeted epigenetic

manipulation

and

recognises

“the

liquid

Founded

in

1668,

Merck is the world’s oldest and

chemical

10

company. The founding family

competition

remains the majority owner of

newest

the publicly listed corporate

annual

Innovations

to

billion in 66 countries.

pharmaceutical

transcriptional regulation.”

The

production,

Top

life

science products making waves

group.

in labs and clinics”, according to

Germany

an article in the December 2015

rights to the Merck name and

issue of The Scientist, which

brand. The only exceptions are

ranks the CRISPR Epigenetic Activator number six in a list of 10 innovations that could have a major impact on science and

Merck, holds

Darmstadt, the

global

the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, EMD Millipore and EMD Performance Materials.

medicine.

The

award

recognises

the potential impact of the activator

on

human

health,

by enabling new platforms for drug screening, gene therapy and disease monitoring. The system will enable the life sciences community to explore advanced

regulatory

aspects

of gene expression by allowing the epigenetic modification of genetic loci at both close and distal locations to a gene of interest.

Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare,

life

science

and

performance materials. Around 40,000

employees

further develop that

improve

work

to

technologies and

TRAVEL

The Phillipines

enhance Endeavour Magazine | 7

HIGH TECH MANUFACTURING BREAKTHROUGH FOR AUSTRALIA Australia will become the first country in the world to use the new ‘super material’, graphene, in the large scale manufacture of an industrial product, the CEO of Imagine Intelligent Materials Pty Limited, Chris Gilbey said today.

Graphene,

whose

discoverers were awarded the Nobel Prize for physics in 2010, is a one atom thick layer of carbon extracted from graphite.

It is 100 times stronger than steel, is impervious to water and gases, can stretch like rubber and has extremely high electrical and thermal conductivity.

Mr Gilbey said that Sydneyheadquartered Imagine IM, the leading

Australian

developer

of graphene applications for entered

into

development of the graphene manufacturing solution. The ground-­ conservation and by the need

agreement

with

breaking agreement will see Geofabrics become the exclusive

for cost effective leak detection

Australia’s largest manufacturer

Australian licensee of Imagine IM’s graphene coating technology

in the mining industry. We

of

for applications in geotextiles. Geofabrics will use the technology to

estimate our technology will

He

offer Australian civil engineering companies significantly improved

save customers around 20 to 40

said that the insight gained

capacity to locate and remedy leaks with applications in landfill and

percent on their current solution

from working with Geofabrics,

mining construction.

costs,” Mr Gilbey said.

industry, a

had

licensing

geotextiles,

Australasia

Pty

Geofabrics Limited.

in

“Increased environmental regulations in Australia and around

Melbourne, was key to the

the world are driven by the need to address water safety and

which

is

headquartered

“Our

graphene

coating

technology has the potential

BUSINESS OWNERS FEAR NATIONAL LIVING WAGE WON’T INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY 70% of businesses are supportive of the new National Living Wage, but do not anticipate an improvement in productivity. The

estimates the rise will cost companies £804.4 million in extra overheads.

findings come from the latest Close Brothers Business Barometer,

A government survey revealed that 59% of those impacted,

a quarterly survey gauging sentiment from businesses owners and

“will feel more motivated at work as a result”. While the workers

managers across the UK and Ireland.

themselves feel positive, findings from the Close Brothers Business

From 1 April, workers over the age of 25 will see the minimum hourly rate of pay rise by 50p to £7.20 - the largest increase since 2009.

Barometer suggest that employers are less optimistic with 50% claiming they do not foresee a measurable increase in productivity.

When asked how they would offset the increase in staff costs,

The change will impact over one million workers and could

almost one in five (18%) were still unsure. The majority (51%)

result in some earning an additional £900 a year, according to the

planned to reduce costs in other areas. Only 6% had considered

Department for Business Innovation & Skills.

funding as a solution.

On the other side of the coin, the Regulatory Policy Committee

8 | Endeavour Magazine

Close Brothers offers alternative business finance solutions,

to become a key element of

The General Manager at Geofabrics, Brendan Swifte said:

the world’s geotextiles industry

“We are the leading geotextiles manufacturer in Australia and we

which is growing at around ten

entered into the agreement with Imagine IM because of our belief in

percent per annum and will be

graphene and our belief in Imagine IM’s ability to quality assure the

worth around $20 billion by

product and the supply chain. We believe that our bidim® geotextile

2018 ($16 billion US). We have

with graphene coating is a ‘game changer’ for the geotextile industry.

utilised

It will be a high tech solution at an extremely competitive price.”

graphene’s

conductivity to

electrical the

Mr Gilbey said Imagine IM’s licensing agreement with Geofabrics

means to detect pinhole-sized

follows his company’s announcement last month that it has

leaks

Leak

commenced development of Australia’s first graphene manufacturing

detection is important because

plant in North Geelong. The plant will commence production later

undetected leaks mean that

this year and will supply its graphene solutions to Geofabrics.

in

provide

geotextiles.

there is potential for toxins to

Imagine IM is in the process of developing additional products

escape from tailings dams and

and solutions for the global geotextiles industry and is planning to

landfills into ground water.

migrate its platform technologies into other textile product lines

“The

scientific

and

where solving problems associated with water are highly valued.

engineering team at Imagine

Mr Gilbey said that Imagine IM is currently discussing international

IM is proud that we have taken

licensing agreements for its graphene technologies in the United

graphene out of the research

States.

laboratory

and

transformed

“The race to commercialise graphene has seen the launch of

its potential into a genuine

numerous companies in the USA, Europe and Asia. The European

commercial application and in so

Commission has established the 1billion Euro Graphene Flagship

doing boosted Australia’s ‘clever

Fund to help drive the commercialisation of graphene in Europe.

country’ credentials.”

In the UK, British Government support has helped establish the

Geofabrics is scheduled to

National Graphene Institute at the University of Manchester.

provide the marketplace with

“However, up till now, no company has been able to develop a

the first of its graphene coated

product that delivers at industrial scale the potential that has been

geotextile products in August

indicated in research labs.”

this year. The products will be manufactured

at

Geofabrics’

facility in Albury, NSW.

including the release of funds

solutions, such as invoice finance for support.”

from unpaid invoices and asset

Invoice finance is used by over 44,000 businesses across the

based lending. Reflecting on

UK and offers firms up to 100% of the invoice value within a day

the latest Business Barometer

of it being raised. It provides vital support for companies that

results, David Thomson, CEO at

suffer from delays between monthly outgoings and payment from

Close Brothers Invoice Finance,

customers.

said:

Thomson continued, “The National Living Wage will have

“Rather than making cuts

a massive impact on SMEs. In order to be prepared, businesses

in other areas, or raising prices

should consider a range of options so as to remain competitive

to

and maintain a healthy cash flow.”

combat

an

increase

in

overheads, UK SMEs should look

to

alternative

funding

BOOK REVIEWS

10 | Endeavour Magazine

EQSTRA FLEET MANAGEMENT WWW.EFM.CO.ZA 27 (0)11 458 7555

MURRAY PRICE: THE HONESTY AND INTEGRITY OF THE MAN BEHIND EFM WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

The captain of one of South Africa’s most prominent fleet management companies, Murray Price has seen Eqstra Fleet Management grow over the years while surfing the sweeping tides of the country’s economic fortunes to rise up as one of the leading fleet management businesses in the country. But what of the man steering this business forward? What is going on behind those cool blue eyes and corporate exterior–?

Endeavour was very fortunate to get hold of Murray and ask him some pertinent questions, to see what we could find out.

Endeavour Magazine | 11

EQSTRA FLEET MANAGEMENT

Murray’s upbringing reads as fairly regular. Born in Harare,

Zimbabwe, he went to school and matriculated in South Africa, after which he demonstrated a strong pragmatism when it came to his future prospects.

“I entered into tertiary education but never completed my bachelors,” he reveals, “Instead I got a job and found myself in the film industry.”

far cry from what he ended up doing, here, working behind the

A

This was the name of the original fleet business and it only took

scenes as the Location Manager and dealing with production

two years for him to be promoted to Managing Director, a role he

side of things, it wasn’t until eight years later in 1996 that he

has held now for six years.

joined the Imperial Group. He has been with the same company

Asked if this was what he wanted to be when he was young and

ever since, although the business is no longer owned by the

he responded candidly, “Never really knew that and I am still trying

Imperial Group. Murray does hasten to add that his studies did not

to figure it out.”

end with that uncompleted Bachelors of Commerce, as he recently completed his MBA with Hensley Business School from the UK.

CLIMBING THE LADDER

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES Pertaining to his current role as Managing Director of Eqstra Fleet Management (which unbundled from Imperial in 2008),

One could definitely label Murray as a man who is able to manage

Murray explains that fleet is very complex and that it took a lot of

responsibility very well and you can see this in his demeanour. He

time for him to understand the business. Added to this were some

has a calm confidence about him and a direct but friendly approach

issues regarding how he had moved up the ladder very quickly. As

that everyone working with him warms to.

he explains, “That did come with a lot of politics that had to be

In 1996 he joined Imperial as a sales consultant for the accident

handled well if we were to keep a good team, which was important

management business and two years later he was promoted to

because the challenges of that first Government contract were

manager of accident management and of IT. A further year later

extreme.”

he was promoted to Director of RTG (Rentals to Government) and

Hurdles, obstacles and challenges are guaranteed in businesses

charged with running the first Government outsource contract

and Murray reveals that one of the major challenges has been to

for the company. He eventually moved from RTG to Business

get EFM to the level it is today, not only through the building of

Development Director for Imperial Fleet.

the business but also encouraging naysayers to think outside of the

“I then left the business, but not the Imperial Group, as I

conventional boxes.

was Managing Director for Imperial Auto body for just over two

“Challenges are good because the more challenges you hit

years before being approached to return to fleet to take over this

while growing a business means that less competition will be left

business as Director of Imperial Fleet Services.”

afterwards. What you need is tenacity,” he says, “In any one of these

12 | Endeavour Magazine

VEREENIGING TYRES SINCE 1952

Suspension & Steering repair

This goes hand in hand with wheel alignment. If your vehicles suspension or steering components are damaged or worn we need to fix the problem first before we can do proper wheel alignment. At Vereenigng tyres we do all that eg. Shocks, Tie Rods, Steering Racks, CV, Ball joints & more!

Brakes & Discs

Before you leave on your next journey, check in at Vereeniging Tyres so we can have a look at your brake disks and brake pads.

To keep you trouble free and safe on the road. We do disc skimming, new brakepads & new discs!

For brake pad replacement and studdering brakes Vereeniging Tyres is the place to be.

Auto services and diagnostic checks

We do auto services on most vehicles with diagnostic checks. If you have a problem on your vehicle let us at Vereeniging Tyres have a look and get you trouble free back on the road. We have the best and latest technology in diagnostic equipment.

4x4 accessories

for all typs of vehicles supplied and fitted! Anything from Suspension lift kits, Bumpers, LED Lights, Side Steps, win winches, Tonneau Covers, Dual Fuel Tanks Fenders, Snorkels, Raptor kits and other Body kits eg. Toyota Hilux

CONTACT : (016) 455 1604 ADDRESS : 5 LEWIS AVE, VEREENIGING

EQSTRA FLEET MANAGEMENT

jobs, you’ve got to have the passion that goes beyond the business.

company? What does Murray believe in, when it comes to people

You have to be prepared to take the ups with the downs and hang

management?

in there even when you feel you can’t hang in there anymore. I

“I think it’s really about the support of the people within our

suppose, more than anything, perseverance with climbing the

business,” he tells us, “For me it has always been about not taking

ladder, business cycles and changes in legislation.”

it too seriously and that’s always easier said than done but it’s still

Speaking with Murray, you get the impression of his famous

something I strive for.”

level-headedness. When they started, he says, they were a

He also reveals that he has his own personal mantra and

very small team and when a small team experiences the kind of

whereas some businessmen may look at words of poetry or

exponential growth that they experienced it is easy to start getting

something whimsical, his is very simply, “We are all going to die,”

inflated egos.

“How bad could anything be in that context?” he asks, “There

“Sure there are periods of doubts and even times where we got

are people in much worse positions and remembering that, at the

things wrong,” he admits, “This is South Africa and the market and

end of the day, it’s not about me. It’s about the people entrusting

the economy is always changing and keeping us on our toes.

me to be in the role that I am in. On a day-to-day basis you can’t,

There have been some tough times, but I think that we have

as a leader, say to them that you have lost interest now, so go and

always felt that what we do is very valuable for customers and that

sort yourselves out. The decisions I make impact lots of lives in our

if you deliver value, you will always have a model that works.”

business and I am as loyal to my team as I hope they are to me.”

FOSTERING THE FAMILY ETHOS

OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE

What about leadership, teamwork and the people behind the

Can Murray Price separate work and private life?

FREE TYRE DATA MANAGEMENT

T&Cs apply

P.O Box 1109, Potchefstroom 2520 Tel: 018 293 0432/3, Fax: 018 294 4037 50 Ross Str. Potchefstroom www.harrystyres.co.za 14 | Endeavour Magazine

“I think so yes,” he says, “But not always very successfully.”

from family and friends in order to be a successful person, let alone

The issue for him is that while he doesn’t carry his work with

a successful businessman, “To be content in life, life needs to be a

him, he is very passionate about it and so he does a lot outside of

balance. You have to work on being as successful at home as you

working hours, but it’s not all work for him; it’s fun.

are at work and not to end up sacrificing one for the other. “

“I think you will always have a lot of energy if your vision is

Leisure activities are a good way to ensure a balance and

compelling,” he says, “If you can see an end state for the business

Murray is a South African through and through with a deep love of

where it’s far better off than it is today you’ve always got energy to get there. If it is just to be same as you were yesterday it would lose its energy.”

He does admit, however, that he is divorced, “So I clearly wasn’t as good at splitting work from my private life as I thought, but I do think that I have a good balance now.”

“One thing that I do want to mention is that when I go away on leave, my team is so good that I do not receive or take one call.

rugby and cricket. He also likes to ride big off-road motorcycles and goes off on adventure bike rides with friends at least a couple times a year for a week or so.

“And the rest of the time is more socialising,” he says, “Spending time with my family and friends.”

PERSONAL BRANDING

People are amazed, but everyone is empowered to do what they

Recently there seems to be a trending topic on how CEOs,

need to do and I might come back and find that they have done

Managing Directors and great leaders of people brand themselves

some things that they shouldn’t have but rather that than them

with such topical things as wearing the same clothing or

relying on you for every decision that needs to be made. You can’t

speaking in a certain manner. Much of it seems to revolve around

micromanage people, it doesn’t work.”

superficial things such as whether to wear a tie during a meeting

He goes on to emphasise the importance of having support

but Murray doesn’t buy into this.

He believes however that

You can’t manage what you can’t measure says Harry’s Tyres Managing Director

Nick Herbst. We offer a free, additional service, to any of our customers that buy their tyres from us.

Free Tyre Data Management

Monthly survey • Projections • Brand Mix • Pressure Analysis • Scrap Analysis • Breakdowns Analysis • Comparative Data We are also able to provide specific reports on request. We also offer on-site fitters when required.

Fleets from 5-200 trucks. For more information on our Free Tyre Data Management service or comparative pricing of our Tyres, please contact us.

Sole Agents for BOTO and THREE A Imported Truck Tyres

www.harrystyres.co.za Endeavour Magazine | 15

EQSTRA FLEET MANAGEMENT

personal branding is important, fundamental even in certain areas.

South Africans we are not necessarily good enough to go and

“Consistency on appearance is important,” he agrees, “But the

compete with the best,” he says, “We firmly believe at EFM that we

personal branding I conform to is being trustworthy and being fair.

are not only the best, but that we have built a system that allows us

I ask myself if I am consistent and a man who acts appropriately to

to continue to be the best.”

his beliefs.

In this regard, he states that their vision for the business now

“I think people will respect you more for that than how

is very much a global approach, creating local employment, “We

you dress. You could look really good and behave in ways that

would really like to be the core centre for fleet support services in

don’t really tie up with the values of the company, so for me it’s

the UK and across Europe, obviously where language barriers don’t

more about leading by example. Walking the walk instead of talking

exist. That’s the long-term vision. To create a lot of jobs locally but

the talk.”

earn a lot of money from offshore so that we have a hard currency hedge against the rand.”

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BUILD? As a main driving force behind the company, I wanted to know if Eqstra Fleet Management was where Murray wanted it to be, or

This forward thinking has created a fantastic reputation for Murray, who candidly explains that this is not just a job for him, it is a passion to see people grow in the business and to offer more opportunities today than yesterday.

did he see it growing and developing further, perhaps even into

“It is about getting this business and all the people who would

something else? He explains that there was only one real vision for

benefit from it improving; all the stakeholders, the staff the,

him: global presence.

shareholders, everyone feels that this is a great business to be

“I have always been tired of us importing and feeling that as

involved with. That is what I want to create,” he concludes.

Unitrans Automotive is proud to offer a broad range of new and used cars for sale across our network of dealerships across the country. Our dealerships have knowledgeable team members in their sales and servicing divisions, ensuring that they are well-equipped in helping you find quality cars.

Our reputation is based on our unyielding commitment to offering our customers the best deals and service in the Industry. Thanks to our loyal customers, this is a reputation that we intend to uphold for many years to come.

To learn more about the products and services offered by Unitrans Automotive visit: www.um.co.za Unitrans Automotive a Division of JDG Trading (Pty) Ltd

16 | Endeavour Magazine

18 | Endeavour Magazine

SUMO SUSHI & BENTO WWW.SUMOSUSHIBENTO.COM 971 4 3607294

THE RECIPE FOR SUCCESS WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

Sumo Sushi & Bento is a stellar franchise that has been in full operation for more than a decade in the Middle East. With new outlets opening up constantly, Endeavour Magazine got up close and personal to find our what the secret ingredient is for unrivalled success.

Endeavour Magazine | 19

SUMO SUSHI & BENTO

It seems like only yesterday that sushi and other Japanese food

really took off on a global scale, and yet, Sumo Sushi & Bento (SUMO), has been enjoying incredible success for over a decade in the Middle East.

Out-growing many rivals, the development of this enlightened franchise operation is now embracing global opportunities and looks set to become a recognisable force to be reckoned with the whole world over, but what makes it so covetable?

“S

umo Sushi & Bento brings convenience and fun to

sustainable kitchen practices and ongoing marketing is created

Japanese dining by providing affordable and healthy

to support you long-term. Our focus in helping you to create a

options for Japanese food lovers. Our fast-casual dining

sustainable, successful, vibrant business is because we understand

experience for families, businesses and individuals makes modern Japanese cuisine available to all.”

that when you grow and succeed, we grow together.”

Add to this that SUMO aligns itself with the principles of

It seems so simple now that we see it from the company itself;

Integrity, simplicity, quality and creativity and you have a company

the secret to success is giving people what they want in a timely

that genuinely does want to offer an exemplar dining experience,

and effortless fashion and SUMO certainly does that, thanks,

while also supporting the people that have chosen a career within

in part, to the incredibly talented teams that are in place in all of

the family. You might think that every company seeks to be so

their outlets. It all starts with those at the top, however, so when

supportive and inclusive, but we know first hand that this is not the

you learn that top efficiency experts have been drafted in to help

case and that many operations simply pay lip service to the values

streamline every nuance of operation, you begin to get a feel for

that as humans, we all want to live by and therefore feel drawn to

exactly how seriously the company takes customer satisfaction.

in others.

Founded in 2000, SUMO will be enjoying 16 years of “bringing

Unlike many other franchise opportunities, taking on a new

happy” this year, which is a critical part of the brand. The mantra of

SUMO outlet is not where your connection to the company or

the operation is, “Bringing Happy to Japanese Dining: Good People,

support ends, in fact, it is just the beginning of a happy and family-

Good Food and Good fun!”, and while it would be all too easy to be

like relationship. Just look at how the management team addresses

cynical as to how much of this is marketing speak and how much is

its franchise owners,

genuine sentiment, the level of care, compassion and support that

“Sumo Sushi & Bento prides itself on franchise support. No one

is given to anybody interested in opening a SUMO franchise should

is more important than your guests. When you join the Sumo Sushi

dispel any concerns. In fact, the company states that,

& Bento franchise system, you’re joining a system that is constantly

“Our easy to work with franchise system will provide you with

being refined and improved. You will become part of a growing

the tools you’ll need to create and sustain a successful business

brand that has been the recipient of countless local and regional

based around Sumo’s authentic Japanese dining experience.

accolades. You’re also gaining access to a staff of experts with years

Everything from the design of your restaurant, employee training,

of collective experience in the exploding fast-casual industry…

20 | Endeavour Magazine

We also have corporate marketing experts, with years in the

website, social media channels and targeted campaigns, it seems

industry, working every day on how they can best optimise your

that regardless of location, any SUMO franchise is guaranteed to

exposure and increase your business and brand awareness in the

flourish, but don’t just take our word for it. Ahmed Al Merbati, a

marketplace.”

franchise owner, says,

How many other franchises do you know of that actively support,

“After running a Sumo Sushi & Bento franchise for one and a

promote and help individual outlets to such a degree? Very few we’ll

half years, we are eager to open another branch to expand. The

wager! Franchisee support is at the very centre of everything that

support, assistance and guidance from the franchisor has helped

SUMO seeks to do, as customer satisfaction will come as a direct

us to achieve the target revenue in the very first year of operation.

result. You look after the staff and you can rest easy that customers

From construction, manning, staff trainings, all the way up to

are being taken care of in the best possible way! Comprehensive

operations, we have obtained the support that we expected. Being

initial training, followed by on-site mentoring allows SUMO to

the master franchisee in Bahrain, we attest that Sumo International

really engrain the company policies and procedures, while allowing

provides the successful formula to run a successful Japanese

for a considered understanding of a new outlet. This is helpful

restaurant chain.”

when negotiating rental agreements and SUMO don’t leave their

With existing franchisees keen to open second outlets and

franchisees out in the cold to make arrangements by themselves.

customers falling over themselves to experience authentic

Any appropriate corporate discounts possible are offered to

Japanese cuisine in a fun and family-centric atmosphere, we think

franchise locations, while ‘The Dojo’, the company intranet, offers

one thing is certain; SUMO will be a big hitter in the food industry

24-hour support, information and inspiration.

for decades to come.

With a fantastic menu and experience that sees customers continuously coming back for more and a dedicated marketing team tirelessly promoting each and every outlet via the SUMO

Q: Who helped inspire Sumo Sushi & Bento to create a black rice sushi roll?

A: Singarea, who sourced the organic black riceberry from Thailand and brought it to the attention of Sumo’s amazing chefs!

At Singarea, we strive to be more than just a food supplier - we see ourselves as your partner in providing great Asian cuisine in the Middle East and beyond.

We have been traders of Asian foodstuffs since 1980 and are uniquely positioned with offices in South Korea, Kuwait, and UAE and agents in Bahrain and Qatar. We source items from Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, China, North America and Europe, with many of our supplier partnerships going back over 30 years.

Singarea is honored to be Sumo’s partner and we’d love the chance to be yours as well.

Contact us at info@singarea.biz.

Endeavour Magazine | 21

22 | Endeavour Magazine

ABB MARITIME LINK PROJECT WWW.ABB.COM 1-855-722-3373

THE GROWING PRESENCE OF ABB IN ATLANTIC CANADA WRITTEN BY DAEMON SANDS

ABB, a global leader in power and automation technologies, is expanding its activities in Atlantic Canada with the opening of a new office in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

A leader in power and automation technologies that allow public services, as well as industry, transport and infrastructure clients to improve their performance while reducing their impact on the environment, the ABB Group of companies is already operating in roughly 100 countries and employs in the region of 140,000 people.

Endeavour Magazine | 23

ABB MARITIME LINK PROJECT

The growth in the region is expected as ABB Canada is present in 60

locations across the most northern American country, working from its headquarters in Montreal, Quebec where approximately 4,500 employees, all experts in their field of technology, contribute to ABB’s industry leadership in key energy and industrial sectors across the country. The growth is also historically consistent, as the company has been serving Canadian customers for nearly a century with reliable, energy efficient solutions for utilities, industry, infrastructure and transport.

“A

BB is proud to be part of the economic growth of

of the project includes the construction of a high-voltage direct

Atlantic Canada,” said Nathalie Pilon, President and

current (HVDC) solution for the new electrical transmission system.

Chief Executive Officer. “With offices in Saint John,

ABB is currently focusing on preparing the sites for the

New Brunswick; Dartmouth and Lunenburg, Nova Scotia; and St.

installation of the converter station equipment in Woodbine,

John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, we are continuing to grow

NS, and Bottom Brook, NL. The converter station equipment

our presence in the region and look forward to contributing to

installation is scheduled to start in mid-2016. In addition to the two

providing growth and employment opportunities here.”

converter stations, ABB’s project scope includes work at two 230

ABB’s activities in Atlantic Canada consist mainly of providing

kV alternating current (AC) substations in Newfoundland (Bottom

power, automation and turbocharging solutions to customers in

Brook and Granite Canal), one 345 kV AC substation in Nova Scotia

a number of industry sectors such as utilities, oil and gas, pulp

(Woodbine), and two cable transition stations (Point Aconi, NS and

and paper, marine, power and food and beverages. It currently

Cape Ray, NL).

has a diversified team of professionals in the region, supporting customers in the areas of engineering, sales and services.

“The ABB team is proud to be a part the Maritime Link Project, which will help provide benefits for the Atlantic region for many

The new Halifax office is dedicated to providing engineering

generations to come,” said Pilon. “We will be fully supporting

and project management services for ABB’s strategic participation

Emera’s commitment to provide economic benefits to the people

in Emera’s Maritime Link Project, which will, for the first time,

of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia. During the

allow clean, renewable electricity generated in Newfoundland and

construction phase of the Maritime Link Project, for example, we

Labrador (NL) to be transmitted to Nova Scotia (NS). ABB’s portion

will be working with unions and our subcontractors to maximize

24 | Endeavour Magazine

Manufacturer of Concrete Septic Tanks, 1000 gal. 4540 L Concrete distribution boxes 24 hour emergency services Septic System installations Septic System Design Septic System Inspections Septic Tank Pumping Grease trap pumping

Gale’s Septic Cleaning South Branch, NL Canada, A0N2B0

Sewer line opening and televising

Tel: 1-709-955-2642 Fax: 1-709-955-3403 Email: info@galesseptic.com galesseptic@gmail.com

Tank & line locating

Web: www.galesseptic.com

Water delivery services

Sewage & Grinder pump service Riser installation Maintenance contracts Bio-Clean, Enviro-friendly Bacteria, to keep drains flowing freely Financing available

ABB MARITIME LINK PROJECT

employment opportunities within traditionally underrepresented

The Maritime Link Project is a 500 MW high voltage direct current

groups, such as women, Aboriginal Peoples, individuals with

(HVDC) connection that will enable clean, renewable electricity

disabilities and visible minorities.”

generated in Newfoundland and Labrador to be transmitted to

ABB has awarded contracts to supplier companies from Nova

the North American grid in Nova Scotia. The stabilising features

Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, related to its portion

of ABB’s latest HVDC Light solution will also allow Nova Scotia

of work on the Maritime Link Project through an open and fair

to integrate additional renewables and contribute to Canada’s

procurement process. ABB has launched a Maritime Link Project

emission-reduction efforts.

microsite to provide valuable information regarding ABB’s

“ABB pioneered HVDC and is a global leader in this key

procurement, subcontracting and employment opportunities for

transmission technology which is being increasingly deployed

the project. For 2016 and 2017, ABB and its subcontractors will

across a range of applications” said ABB Chief Executive Officer

be looking for workers specialised in civil foundations, building

Ulrich Spiesshofer. “Our innovative solution for this project will

construction, building systems, high-voltage electrical systems,

help integrate clean renewable energy, facilitate the efficient

mechanical installation of equipment, health and safety and other

transmission of electricity, improve grid stability and enable power

project services.

sharing.”

In 2014 ABB, who are, incidentally, considered to be the

In addition to the two converter stations for the ±200 kilovolt

leading power and automation technology group, won an order

(kV) HVDC link, the project scope also includes two 230 kV

worth approximately $400 million from NSP Maritime Link Inc., a

alternating current (AC) substations in Newfoundland, one 345

subsidiary of Emera Inc. (TSX: EMA), to supply a high-voltage direct

kV AC substation in Nova Scotia and two cable transition stations.

current (HVDC) power transmission solution creating the first

According to press releases on the subject, the project is scheduled

electricity link between the island of Newfoundland and the North

for commissioning in 2017.

American power grid.

26 | Endeavour Magazine

ABB’s HVDC Light solution leads the way in VSC technology

and the company has delivered 13 of the 14 commissioned VSC links in the world. HVDC Light continues to be a preferred solution for long-distance underground and underwater power links and interconnections like the Maritime Link Project.

This technology is increasingly being deployed across a range of applications that include integration of renewable energies from land-based and offshore wind farms, mainland power supply to islands and offshore oil and gas platforms, city centre in-feeds where space is a major constraint and cross-border interconnections that often connect across the seas. Its ability to meet grid code compliance ensures robust network connections, regardless of application.

ABB pioneered HVDC technology 60 years ago and has been awarded approximately 90 HVDC projects representing a total installed capacity of more than 95,000 MW, accounting for about half of the global installed base.

Today you can hardly switch on a light without it somehow being linked back to an ABB innovation.

Endeavour Magazine | 27

28 | Endeavour Magazine

NEXUS GROUP HOLDINGS LTD WWW.NEXUSGROUP.COM.NA 264 67 313 770

DELIVER AND EXCEED WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

Nexus Group is Namibia’s leading building and civil construction group with an annual turnover in excess of N$500 million and with over 700 employees. With a proven capability to deliver a range of projects across an entirety of scales and formats to a multitude of clients in a diverse selection of markets, there is little doubt why they are such big news.

Endeavour Magazine | 29

NEXUS GROUP HOLDINGS LTD

Operating in sectors that include infrastructure, road and

earthworks, property and concessions, mining services, interior fit out and the construction and building sector, there are few areas that Nexus Group doesn’t feature in. Clients include governmental parastatals and local authorities, major mining houses, leaders of industry, large corporate groups, financial institutions and property developers.

O

ne of the reasons for the company’s success and diverse offering is their strength when it comes to tendering, which is definitely enhanced by their membership within the Namibian

Construction Industry Federation, who act as the national voice of Namibia’s construction industry and who have been playing a major role in contributing to the economic prosperity of the nation for over 60 years. All countries rely heavily on their construction entities as it’s these businesses that lay the roads everyone drives on, build the homes that people live in and the buildings they work in.

Vibrant interior design & efficient manufacturing joinery 6 Mc Hugh Street Industrial Area P. O. Box 673 Swakopmund Namibia service@dgfritze.com Tel.: +264 64461143 Fax: +264 64461974

www.golden-design.com

As a member of CIF, Nexus is in very good company. Included in the group are multi-national building and civil contractors, though the bulk consists of smaller contractors and SME’s. Members also include the retail and wholesale building material trade, along with many other manufacturers and suppliers of construction materials and equipment that serve the sector. It also represents specialist trades such as electricians, joiners, plumbers, painters and steelworkers, among others. Furthermore, as CIF is an autonomous, non-governmental and apolitical organisation, an Executive Committee comprised of volunteer members elected at the Federation’s annual general meeting governs the group and the committee is elected from a variety of construction-related sectors, thereby enabling the Federation to speak authoritatively on behalf of all its members.

BACK TO NEXUS While their membership with several over-seeing organisations 30 | Endeavour Magazine

JALU Construction

The aluminium manufacturing company where quality still counts Jalu Construction have over 10 years experience in the manufacturing and installation of windows, doors, shopfronts, sliding doors, both domestic and industrial.

Supplying and installing: The complete Trellidor range to the North of Namibia Automated Overhead Sectional garage doors in various sizes and colours by Superdoors The complete range from Rollup Seranda Industrial roller shutters (doors in various colours, motorized with remote control, hand operated or chain operated) There is literally no opening that we can’t close or secure.

JALU Construction

Your local aluminium manufacturer

PO Box 1505 Tel: 067 – 304672 No 13 River Street Fax: 067 - 304673 Otjiwarongo Cell: 081 129 0767 Email: jalucon@gmail.com Endeavour Magazine | 31

NEXUS GROUP HOLDINGS LTD

may be fortuitous, Nexus has developed quite the footing of their

airports, retail and development of parking lots, residential, office

own. Already strongly active in all 14 regions of Namibia, they also

accommodation, educational institutions, stadia, hotels and leisure

have a strategic intention to cross the border into sub-Sahara Africa

and industrial facilities. They also undertake select residential

including South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique,

developments for major institutions and industrial clients as well as

Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

low cost and affordable housing for the public sector.

Plant and Equipment is continually invested in to maintain the high level of service and support to their stakeholders and keep

THE NEXUS GROUP The Nexus Group comprises of three business units that operate across their geographical areas of operation. Although they are registered as individual operating companies geared for further expansion, these business units currently function as divisions in Namibia.

Their Civil Division has capabilities spanning the spectrum of national infrastructure including municipal infrastructure such as environmental rehabilitation, servicing of infrastructure, water storage reservoirs, municipal roads and stormwater drainage.

Transport infrastructure initiatives including roads, bridges, gravel roads, airport terminals, aprons and runways, labour based projects and railways are also a speciality.

The Building Division covers the full range of conventional construction,

providing

infrastructure

including

hospitals,

up with the continuous demand for excellence. Either by regularly maintaining or upgrading their fleet, they are able to ensure that they are always in the best position to deliver.

Organic growth has played a significant part in the expansion of Nexus. In Namibia, they operate in all construction related industries including roads and earthworks, property and concessions, mining services as well as the construction and building sectors. They even carry out operations that cover shop fittings, refurbishments and construction. Having dominated the Namibian market in such a sterling and all-encompassing fashion, they now seek to expand further into Africa to not only offer services already established but also to put themselves in a position to learn new things and develop new products and ranges of expertise. This falls in line with their overall vision, which is to become a flagship in the

DEMS ALUMINIUM HIGH QUALITY ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL BUILDING DEVELOPMENTS Windows • Doors • Shop Fronts • Sliding & Folding Doors Balustrades • Enclosures • Revolving Doors

+26461309848 demsalu@iway.na

32 | Endeavour Magazine

construction industry in Namibia, while penetrating and creating a niche in international markets.

Nexus Group is a dedicated leader in providing excellent, value added construction services to their customers with the aim of exceeding customer expectations, while establishing a genuine, lasting and superb customer experience. To achieve this, the company has in place a number of objectives that govern their actions and decisions on a day-to-day basis. They are all equally important and include; focussing on continuous and sustainable top and bottom line growth, creating a desirable place to work, being a natural home for creativity and enthusiasm and offering a safe working environment to strengthen human capital through training and development for the growth of the organisation so as to benefit shareholders and other stakeholders.

For Nexus, their 700 employees are the driving force behind the business and the source of all their capabilities and achievements.

Their country-wide presence and expansion beyond their borders would be impossible if not for these highly skilled individuals and so the company has the strategy of focusing on each staff member as an individual. Instead of marginalising all the employees to merely a number on a spreadsheet, the company addresses each staff

Geotechnical Surveys for structures and solid waste management • Soils and borrow pit investigations for all civil works • All control testing during construction of civil works soils, concrete and bituminous • Mix designs for concrete works and chemical stabilization • Testing of bituminous products • Visual AFFORDABLE AND RELIABLE Assessment of road pavements (Surfaced CIVIL ENGINEERING MATERIALS TESTING LABORA BASED IN NAMIBIA and Gravel Roads) • Traffic Counting • Assessment of foundation and other structural failures • Training programmes in materials testing for staff members of our clients • Job attachment for civil engineering students

AFFORDABLE AND RELIABLE CIVIL ENGINEERING MATERIALS TESTING LABORATORY BASED IN NAMIBIA Endeavour Magazine | 33

NEXUS GROUP HOLDINGS LTD

member’s needs and personal ambitions within the company and

administration staff varying from finance, purchasing, human

look to make these things a reality. The general consensus within

resources, payroll as well as quantity surveying and tendering. The

Nexus is that you cannot expect fantastic work from people who

head office employees 20 staff members altogether.

don’t believe they have fantastic opportunities ahead.

Each of the two construction divisions are led by a General Manager, ie. Jan Hendrick Engelbrecht (Building) and Johan Smit (Civil) who operate from the company’s satellite office in Ongwediva,

BEE PARTICIPATION As a company they are motivated by the potential to be harnessed through

celebrating diversity and incorporating

empowerment into our business culture. They have surpassed the implementation of the Black Economic Empowerment policy in Namibia and in empowering the previously disadvantaged groups and communities. This policy presents an effective solution to addressing historic economic and social inequities, and to this end they support the BEE Policy and practically participate in its implementation. A BEE group has 30% shareholding in the company and are active members of the management cadre of the group.

MANAGEMENT The company employs a flat and hands-on management

while the plant hire division is operating from he Oluno workshop is managed by paul Schoonbee. The remainder of the team consists of highly skilled technicians, site agents, foremen and artisans who are operating from various sites across the country.

In conclusion, Nexus Group is not a business purely focussed on the bottom line, but one dedicated to the improvement of the lives of everyone associated with them. Their values represent the finest understanding of what it takes to be a brilliant company and their focus on teamwork to achieve common objectives, despite contrasting opinions, values or lifestyles is exemplar. Their integrity is directly linked to the inherent expected honesty and truthfulness of everyone’s action and let’s not forget excellence. This is a company that seeks to deliver and exceed what they promise.

structure, which is led by a managing director together with his management. Both are based at the head office Outjo with the

P.O. Box 23775, Windhoek, Namibia Cell: +264 81 1245261, Tel: +264 61 222551, Fax: +264 61 236868 E-mail: ceilcent@iafrica.com.na

34 | Endeavour Magazine

36 | Endeavour Magazine

NATIONAL RAILWAYS OF ZIMBABWE WWW.NRZ.CO.ZW 263 9 363230

THE HUB AND GATEWAY OF THE REGION WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

Constructed during the time of British colonial rule and known as Rhodesia Railways until 1980, The National Railways of Zimbabwe have had to meet the growing demand for railway logistics head on. Riding the rails of their former self, the national parastatal of Zimbabwe operates some 3,400 km of railway lines with both passenger and freight services and plays an important transit function in the southern part of Africa.

Endeavour Magazine | 37

NATIONAL RAILWAYS OF ZIMBABWE

We spoke with General Manager, Lewis Mukwada, regarding the

various services that the National Railways of Zimbabwe offer, “Our mission is to promote the transformation of the economy and the lives of the people of Zimbabwe through the provision of a seamless, efficient, reliable, cost-effective and safe bulk transportation service of goods and passengers in the country,” he says.

T

he transit function that the company provides stems from the

problems is the solution, instead, he believes that the only way to

strong linkage that they enjoy with neighbouring countries.

combat this crisis is with a forward thinking attitude and by utilising

Towards the north, at Victoria Falls, the system links to the

the resources available to them.

Zambia Railways, crossing at the Victoria Falls Bridge. Toward the

While the transport of various goods from the agricultural,

Indian Ocean, the system links to the Beira Railroad Corporation in

mining and manufacturing sectors of the country is something that

Mozambique. A second line towards Mozambique reaches Maputo.

will always make use of the rail network Mukwada highlights how

To the west, a connecting line link ups to Botswana Railways to

it is the use of their Rail Leisure brand that he feels will help bolster

reach South Africa, eventually arriving in Durban and Cape Town. A

the current state of the company.

direct line to South Africa from Bulawayo was opened in 1999 by the Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway.

“The tourism business has undergone dynamic expansion of unrivalled nature over the last several decades,” he explains,

“We operate about 3,400 km (2,100 miles) of railway lines, all

“This has mainly been due to the dawn of a ‘borderless’ world and

of 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) providing passenger and freight services,”

improved quality of information regarding the most beautiful places

Mukwada tells us, “The gauge is standard for all of southern Africa

to travel around the world and Southern Africa in particular. It is

and we use a combination of electric, diesel and steam locomotives,”

from this realisation that we introduced the Rail Leisure portfolio.”

The steam locomotives are still used in Zimbabwe and have

Specialising in a portfolio of tourist and leisure services, the

proven so popular with tourists that there are plans to refurbish

major selling points include steam safari excursions, premier class

several more steam locomotives, “However, funding is constrained,”

services, museum and heritage centres and train charter services.

he laments, “And diesel-hauled freight transport is a higher priority.”

RAILS OF THE ECONOMY According to sources, the NRZ has also suffered during the general decline of the country’s economy. The company is seriously indebted, making it impossible to solve this situation without external help. Goods transport has declined, from 18 million tonnes in 1998 to 2 million tonnes in 2010 and coupled with neglected maintenance, a lack of spare parts and overdue replacement of equipment, this has led to a situation where only part of the railroad network is in good condition and equipment problems have led to reduced service. Steam locomotives were reintroduced in 2004, as coal is in relatively good supply, while diesel must be imported and electricity shortages are common. There have also

STEAM SAFARI EXCURSIONS Described as short distance, these are one day tours designed to give families a day out for fun and recreation. The tours are traditionally run on days like valentine’s, mother’s and father’s day and occasionally during the festive season. Characterised by steam locomotives, breakfast on board, bush style barbecue lunch and gifts to suit the occasion these have enjoyed growing popularity and National Rail has risen to the challenge of corporate social responsibility by donating part of the taken proceeds to charity.

PREMIER CLASS SERVICES

been a number of major accidents and deaths, which have further

Mukward explains that this is a differential service offered on

hurt the situation. Mukwada does not believe that ignoring these

their passenger trains, aimed at giving travellers a hotel experience

38 | Endeavour Magazine

NATIONAL RAILWAYS OF ZIMBABWE

on board. It is designed for convenience and adventure. Travellers

special charter train with their own specific itinerary going to any

just unpack once on the train, for days of adventure with no need

destination on The National Railway of Zimbabwe’s railway system.

for hotel accommodation. This service features on board shower

This service is designed to serve the needs of those that might

facilities and carpeted compartments with lockable doors and safes

want a personalised passenger train service, which could include

for valuables. Buffet breakfasts and dinners, an on board cash bar

popular charters such as photographic tours, premier class charters

and a lounge area with stereo equipment is also offered.

and joy rides.

MUSEUM AND HERITAGE CENTRES

BEYOND TOURISM

One of Mukwada’s personal favourites! The history of Zimbabwe is intricately linked to the history of the railways and the development of cities and various towns, including the world famous Victoria Falls. This excursion follows the railway line and stems from Cecil John Rhodes’ dream of a railway line from Cape to Cairo, “It has been preserved in the National Railways museum,” Mukwada says, “The most valuable piece of history is Cecil John Rhodes’ private saloon, which is stabled in its original condition in the Railway Museum.”

However, tourism is not the primary focus of NRZ and their responsibilities extend beyond merely showing tourists a once in a lifetime experience. Their main areas of operations include freight services, where they are the country’s leading bulk transporter for inputs and finished products for productive sectors of the economy. Such sectors include agricultural, industrial, mining and energy sectors, which require rail services for the bulk movement of their inputs and outputs, locally as well as across the borders.

The organisation is also responsible for the movement of all classes of transit traffic predominantly to and from the seaports from and

CHARTER TRAIN SERVICES Individuals, groups, churches and organisations can get a

Strauss Logistics is the market leader in fuel distribution for both road and rail throughout the Central and Southern African Regions.

Strauss has access to over 90 dedicated fuel rail tankers covering Zimbabwe and cross border deliveries.

We see rail connections as a vital backbone of any efficient delivery network and consider NRZ a true partner.

www.strausslogistics.com

40 | Endeavour Magazine

to the landlocked countries to the north of Zimbabwe.

Day to day, NRZ provides passenger train services for the bulk

movement of travellers between cities and intra-major cities. The

service offered to clients, “We strongly believe that our people,

inter-city passenger service is strategically designed to link major

employees and customers, and their safety and satisfaction is the

cities and towns in Zimbabwe in order to offer an affordable and

most important resource we could have,” he says.

convenient mode of travel mainly to the medium to lower income

He goes on to explain that customer focus starts with employee

groups of society, while intra-city commuter services provides a

focus, “We pay close attention to the training and development of

cheaper means of ferrying workers to and from work as well as

our employees, aiming to ensure their satisfaction and happiness

alleviating transport problems faced by commuters, especially

so that they can exude these qualities to our customers.”

during peak hours in the major cities of Harare and Bulawayo.

Along with the above, Mukwada highlights some other important

NRZ’s real estate assets, which incorporate land, office

qualities that he continuously presses to encourage, such things as

accommodation, residential houses (employees and private

innovative thinking when it comes to all aspects of the business,

tenants), warehouses and commercial developments at stations

especially with environmentally sustainable operations, something

and sidings together with joint venture developments on railway

which is a major focal point for a Southern Africa, “And integrity

reserves are always being focussed on, simultaneously to the

and transparency,” he adds, “There is enough corruption in Africa

smooth railways services.

at the moment and we believe that as a parastatal and government entity that it is our responsibility to act as an example of the highest

THE DRIVING FORCE Mukwada believes that the strength of the business is not it’s railways. This is just one small part of a much larger whole and he strongly advocates that the important things lie elsewhere in

calibre of business operations. As such our conduct is, at all times, governed by the highest degree of integrity and transparency. We believe we owe it to our stakeholders to always be morally and ethically correct and justified.”

notions such as human capital, innovation and the standard of

Endeavour Magazine | 41

AUTOMOTIVES CITREON C4 – RUNNING WITH THE BIG BOYS WRITTEN BY STEVE WARMAN

A big weekend was approaching and I wanted to test a vehicle that could comfortably accommodate six adults and their luggage and cover 600 miles to the south of England and back up to sunny Norfolk. We had a team of runners competing in the Brighton Marathon and their 10k event, so comfort during the journey was compulsory.

42 | Endeavour Magazine

T

he Citroen Grand C4 Picasso arrived on a wet Friday morning

at me. I found that I soon adapted though. Citroens do everything

and the weather didn’t bode well. I hoped that the car would

well, however, I found that as everything was controlled through

fare better. Truthfully, I was unsure of the initial look of the car,

a touchscreen it was often confusing. Gone are the buttons and

however, a fellow runner said he loved it, as it was different to all

knobs to turn the heater up and down; now you go through the

the usual blow molds on the road. I must admit that the looks did

computer to control everything. We mastered most of the controls

grow on me too. The C4 has been cleverly designed and the looks

quickly but we simply couldn’t find out how many miles we had

are not all about standing out from the crowd; Citroen have spent

left in the tank. We spend hours scrolling through trying to find

a lot of energy making this big bus enjoy better fuel efficiency and

this out and once we finally cracked it, it was obvious. I could have

aerodynamics, greater space inside and generally, just a better car

referred to the manual, but I’m a man, so enough said!

than their previous models.

Every Grand C4 Picasso comes with alloy wheels, Bluetooth

The inside of the C4 is vast and very light. Gone are the thick

and a six-speaker stereo with a USB socket. Parking sensors, active

pillars that would restrict visibility and they have been replaced

cruise control, rear camera and parking assist are all great features

with glass everywhere, including the biggest windscreen I have

that are also available. I only dared use the parking assist once and

ever seen and an enormous glass roof. All the seats adjust so there

it worked well but being an old school driver, I would rather park

is plenty of legroom and headroom and the three middle seats

it myself. It is a very nice and capable car to drive and while it’s

individually recline, slide and fold. The rear seats are a bit tight on

never going to set speed records with six adults on board, it happily

leg room, however, with the middle seat forward a little all seats

responded to everything I asked of it and handles securely and

were fit for purpose. There is adjustable ventilation for both the

predictably.

second and third rows, which is brilliant, as it can get stuffy towards the rear of a big vehicle.

Would I buy the C4? Most definitely. It has a quirky look that I grew to love and it is just so flexible that it is difficult to raise

If you don’t need the third row of seats, they store away in the

arguments against it. I guess it doesn’t have the quality feel of

floor offering a large boot with a 632-litre capacity, a low load lip

some other makes, but for the price it is very close to being the

and a nice flat floor. Dropping the middle row of seats keeps the

perfect MPV. Further proof as to the C4’s comfort is that we

floor, again, completely flat and increases capacity to a cavernous

arrived, unruffled and uncramped, to set four personal bests over

2181 litres. The C4 is an amazingly versatile vehicle.

the Marathon and 10k distance. A very nice and easy 600 miles

I found the off centre speedo a bit concerning, as I currently have 9 penalty points on my licence, so I need a speedo to scream

in a lovely car that returned 57mpg in real life driving, while very heavily loaded.

Endeavour Magazine | 43

44 | Endeavour Magazine

SHANGHAI TUNNEL ENGINEERING COMPANY WWW.STEC.NET +65 6391 9150

ALWAYS PROTECT YOUR STAFF WRITTEN BY DAEMON SANDS

STEC’s core business is public infrastructure works and in particular, transit projects involving both tunnelling and civil & structure works; their parent company is Shanghai Design and Build Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), which provides them with an edge over other civil contractors.

Though STEC’s business focus has always been public infrastructure and tunnelling work, there are plans to venture into other fields when the market situation is conducive.

Endeavour Magazine | 45

SHANGHAI TUNNEL ENGINEERING COMPANY

We spoke with Khor Eng Leong regarding his involvement within the company and the projects that have put them on the map.

“I

was trained in Civil Engineering and has been working on

the current Masterplan to discourage driving and invest heavily in

tunnelling and underground projects for the past 29 years,

the public transportation infrastructure including vehicles on road

having been involved in the Hong Kong Tai Lam Tunnel;

and rail. This vast plan is all-encompassing and will directly affect

Taiwan Kao Hsiung City Metro Line; Singapore Land Transport

the lives of the millions of people living in Shanghai, transforming

Authority (LTA) East-West Line; North-East Line; Circle Line;

the city by improving the ability of residents to get around the city.

Downtown Line and currently the Thomson-East Coast Line,” he

Aimed to be completed by 2030, do not be fooled by the amount of

says.

time between now and then as the undertaking is not only vast but

In his current capacity as the Project Director of LTA Thomson-

comes with a need for an almost surgical approach to engineering

East Coast Line T225 Project, the company has granted Khor a

and tunnelling. Led by the LTA for transit projects, there was really

relatively free rein to manage the project in terms of cost control,

only one company that they could turn to.

manpower recruitment, procurement and administrative matters.

To achieve this goal is going to take the cogent efforts of

Being a civil engineering company and in particular specialising

everyone involved and every member of the 1,300 staff contingent

in tunnelling works, is a niche industry in Singapore. The parent

is going to have to focus hard and pull together to complete this

company produces Earth Pressure Balance (EPB), TBM and Slurry

city-changing project. To ensure the team spirit is as strong as it

TBM, which are commonly used to cater for the different types of

can be, STEC have set a good stage for the employees and invested

ground conditions locally, “STEC organises annual activity which we promote Corporate Social Responsibility. Volunteers from HQ and Project Staffs are involved in social works which recently included visiting Old Folks Home and Cleaning up of Sembawang beach and we also carry out fund raising for victims of natural disasters such as the 2008 Sichuan earthquake.”

a great deal of time and money into their individual development.

“STEC views each of our staff as pillars to the company and we have placed a great deal of emphasis on their maintenance and development,” Khor explains, “All staff are therefore provided with everything they need to not only complete their task and duties but also to develop and enhance their careers.”

For too many companies today, employees are merely a number

ENGINEERING. THE INDUSTRY. THE PEOPLE. According to Khor, the industry looks buoyant thanks largely to 46 | Endeavour Magazine

and a figure on a spreadsheet, but for STEC they see each and every staff member as a means for the company to grow and develop.

SHANGHAI TUNNEL ENGINEERING COMPANY

Each one of them represents a part of the machine as a whole and

teamwork ensures that there is a pool of ideas and fresh thinking

so every staff member must not only be developed to the fullness

to draw from on future projects,”

of their potential but allowed the avenues to develop and grow to

PAST TRIUMPHS

offer even more back into the company. This kind of loyalty will only be shown however, after the company exhibits it first.

MAIN CLIENTS

STEC have found a strong strategy in applying what they call the Three R’s; Remind, Reward and Remove to help achieve workplace safety and health excellence. Khor reveals that this was first really noticed in 2012 during their work on the LTA Downtown

STEC business is project based and their primary client is LTA.

Line Stage 2, which not only involved a huge work area but also

All LTA projects place great emphasis on workplace safety, health

posed a host of new challenges including having to bore a tunnel

& environment, engagement with stakeholders, quality and time.

for an MRT truck at a depth of 29m, running below an existing

STEC has invested significantly in resources and time to promote

infrastructure including flyovers, roads and buildings as well as

and incubate a safety mindset in all staff and workers. Their

working precariously close to other MRT tracks that were already in

hard work and commitment has won STEC numerous workplace

operation. They were given the added challenge of accomplishing

safety and health awards from LTA (including the land transport

all of this while causing minimal interruption to the everyday

excellence award) and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), as well

activities of road users, residents and businesses.

as the Building & Construction Authority (BCA) Green & Gracious Star Award Certification.

Importantly, STEC needs to and has always maintained a strong relevance in their industry, so staff from the branch companies

Khor explains that STEC overcame these challenges and even chalked up more than four million accident free hours by making the workplace safety and health culture a main priority and establishing the 3 R’s as staff mainstays.

come together each year to share the good practices that could be

“Safety is something that we take very seriously and this is

implemented in other parts of the world, “This collaboration and

embodied in our corporate slogan - safety is the measure of our success,” he says.

He goes on to add that workplace safety is suitable for lip service but that it has to be given hands on attention and so during the period of this project they had three tool box meetings every day, which all site personnel had to attend to discuss incidents at other worksites and draw lessons from the appropriate safety or preventative measures put in place. During these meetings, personnel protective equipment was checked and the whole meeting ended with a chant of “safety first”, which cements that manta into the minds of everyone working on site.

“It is important to have a constant reminder of how important safety is,” Khor says, “We take the time to remind them that their purpose here is to make a living and give their families back home a better life. And that they shouldn’t put themselves or their fellow workers in harm’s way.”

STEC often goes beyond the minimum standards when it comes to safety checks. It was one of the first companies to conduct maintenance checks of the crane boom weekly when the industry standard was monthly and they also take the time to acknowledge and reward those involved in their projects.

As many of the project managers, engineers and supervisors have worked on several STEC projects, they too play an important role in upholding the company’s culture of workplace health and safety. Workers who are recruited on a project attend a behaviourbased safety programme. A written survey, conducted in the worker’s language of competency is completed anonymously to determine the workers knowledge of and their attitude to safety.

The responses provide feedback on the additional training workers

48 | Endeavour Magazine

18 Tuas Street, Singapore 638455 Tel: 6265 0550 / Fax: 6262 0550 / 6264 0550 sales@chinyuanmetal.com / www.chinyuanmetal.com

STRUCTURALLY SOUND, CONTINUOUSLY COMMITTED

TUNNELLING AND RAIL ACCESSORIES

18 Tuas Street, Singapore 638455 Tel: 6265 0550 / Fax: 6262 0550 / 6264 0550 sales@chinyuanmetal.com / www.chinyuanmetal.com

FABRICATION

STRUCTURALLY SOUND, CONTINUOUSLY COMMITED

Our philosophy of continuous improvement and customer satisfaction Chin Yuan Metal Pte Ltd is a leading has enabled us to grow from a small hardware outfit to a reputable manufacturer of Fasteners with an enterprise today. As we pursue our commitment for excellence, we have In-House Coating Facility and Civil extended our services from sales to resolving on-site challenges.

Structural Works for regional construction We believe our success lies in the three core values that we embrace requirements.

WeMetal are approved by the withinand the company: Customer Focus (Excellence, Quality and Chin Yuan is a leading manufacturer distributor of Bolts & Nuts worldwide.

Reliability), People Focus (Integrity, Passion and Compassion), and Land Transport Authority of Singapore Solution Focus (Collaborative, Resourceful and Agile).

These values have We manufacture and distribute our bolts and nuts to the companies in the oil, gas and in providing our services to the brought us to where we are now, your one stop solution provider that is chemical industry, the construction industry, as well as other large scale public projects.

Mass Rapid Transit systems. always CONNECTED TO YOU.

SHANGHAI TUNNEL ENGINEERING COMPANY

Often, it’s not even because of negligence but a desire to

may require. This is in addition to the compulsory one-hour theory induction course on safety that all have to go through.

get the job done as expediently as possible. Workers may “risk”

Khor reflects that receiving the Safety and Health Award

unsafe procedures because they are given a task to do and want

Recognition for Projects in 2012 was not only important as it

to complete it as fast as possible so that the project can continue,

increased the project team’s morale, but also because it sets a high

so they take unnecessary risks that at the time seem trivial. As

standard that keeps everyone on their toes and wanting to enhance

an example, they may not wear proper safety equipment such

themselves for future years, “Ultimately, it increases productivity

as hard hats or foot protection because it is uncomfortable and

and promotes our company image as a work and health and safety

because they’ve “never had an accident before”. It is a sad reality

champion,” he says.

that experience can swing in the way of common sense on a work

This led since, to the opening of STEC’s corporate WSHE

site. Any kind of engineering or construction, be it tunnelling or

Workplace Safety Health and Environment training centre. With a

building a sky scraper, is an orchestra of parts; a thousand little jobs

dedicated training centre, Khor explains that it has made it easier

that have to be completed in a timely fashion with the best quality

to illustrate the importance of workplace safety as well as the

and at the end of a shift when a worker’s mind is on something

consequences of unsafe practises.

else, sometimes they will cut corners to get the job completed. It is

In 2015, Henry Ho, STEC’s workplace health and safety manager, explained that mishaps at construction work sites

unfortunately human nature. The words, “It’ll only take a minute,” often end in tragedy.

essentially boil down to one word; complacency. Human error -

This is why it is up to STEC to install within their crews a sense

such as working from a height on scaffolds without a harness to

of responsibility that is rewarded when the right steps are taken.

unsafe lifting operations by cranes - is the weakest link in efforts to

When a worker says, “No, I have to follow proper procedure” there

ensure that everyone goes home safe.

needs to be in place systems of reward and recognition and this is

Proud to Support Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Company

ana07@singnet.com.sg 2030 Bukit Batok St 23 #01-292 (S) 659535 Tel: 6267 9768 Fax: 6267 9769 50 | Endeavour Magazine

DC CONTRACTORS PTE LTD DAVY INTERNATIONAL PTE LTD

DAVY OMEGA (SEA) PTE LTD

Your Reliable Partners for Construction and Recruitment Needs MEMBER OF DAVY GROUP OF COMPANIES DAVY GROUP of companies is a leading recruitment and service provider in the construction industry established in Singapore since year 1994 to cater the needs in the Oil and gas, Petrochemical,Pharmace utical,Construction includes tunnel projects,R&D & Manufacturing Industries.

Provide experience and skilled labours of all disciplines, professionals for construction needs Source and shortlist candidates according to client’s specific requirement Arrange for interviews via Phone or face-to-face Eligibility/ Quota Assessment for Employers as per local regulations.

Full work pass documentation, application and medical screening Work pass cancellation and renewal, Industrial courses arrangement Security bond, Medical insurance, Workmen Injury insurance Consultation and counselling of workers/employees.

8 Jurong Town Hall, #30-04, The JTC Summit, Singapore 609434 Tel: (+65) 6779 4511 / email: saran@davyomega.com

SHANGHAI TUNNEL ENGINEERING COMPANY

what has been implemented to encourage everyone involved to

team morale, sets a high standard and keeps everyone on their toes

take their safety seriously and not to put themselves at risk.

to enhance the WSH excellence in the workplace.

As a winner of three SHARP (Safety and Health Award Recognition) Awards, STEC has become the benchmark standard

CURRENT PROJECTS

for worker health and safety. Last year a batch of three SHARP

The construction of Shenton Way station (T225) and its

awards were won for the company’s work on the Newton station

associated tunnels was awarded to Shanghai Tunnel Engineering

along the Downtown Line Stage 2; Gull Circle station and the

Co., Ltd in 2014 at a contract sum of approximately S$368 million

viaducts for the Tuas West extension; and the tunnels between

and the company was recognised as being one with extensive

Woodlands station and the Mandai depot for the Thomson East

experience in transit projects, within Singapore. Shenton Way MRT

Coast Line.

Station (TE19) is an upcoming underground Mass Rapid Transit

The company organises annual WSH campaigns, monthly “accident free” lunches and weekly competitions and quizzes on safety with prizes to be won, as incentives for good work and safety behaviour.

station on the Thomson-East Coast Line in Singapore. It will be located around Asia Square and Shenton House.

The Mass Rapid Transit, or MRT, is a rapid transit system forming the major component of the railway system in Singapore, spanning

Annual awards are also given for safety-compliant behaviour.

the entire city-state. The initial section of the MRT, between Yio

STEC is looking even further into rewarding workers with good

Chu Kang and Toa Payoh, opened on 7 November 1987, making it

WSH knowledge by given them free air tickets to visit their home

the second-oldest metro system in Southeast Asia, after Manila’s

country for a week. The company has been an active participant

LRT System. The network has since grown rapidly in accordance

and year-on-year awardee in the WSHC awards since 2012. Mr.

with Singapore’s aim of developing a comprehensive rail network

Ho explained that winning the WSH awards increased the project

as the backbone of the public transport system in Singapore, with

52 | Endeavour Magazine

an average daily ridership of 3.031 million in 2015 (including the Light Rail Transit (LRT)), approximately 78% of the bus network’s 3.891 million in the same period.

The MRT network encompasses 170.7 kilometres (106.1 mi) of route, with 101 stations in operation, on standard gauge.

The lines are built by the Land Transport Authority, a statutory board of the Government of Singapore, which allocates operating concessions to the profit-based corporations, SMRT Corporation and SBS Transit. These operators also run bus and taxi services, thus facilitating full integration of public transport services. The MRT is complemented by a small number of local LRT networks in Bukit Panjang, Sengkang and Punggol that link MRT stations with HDB public housing estates.

The Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) will be the sixth Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and the fourth fully automated and driverless system line in Singapore. The line was announced on 15 August 2014 by the Land Transport Authority as the merger of the Thomson Line (TSL) and the Eastern Region Line (ERL). The line is fully underground.

The stretch from Woodlands North to Gardens by the Bay costs S$18 billion. The line will open in five stages from 2019 onwards

NatSteel traces its lineage to 1961, when it was incorporated as National Iron and Steel Mills. A pioneer and key partner in Singapore’s nation building efforts, our products are used in most construction projects island-wide, from the iconic Changi International Airport to the public housing projects that form the backbone of Singapore’s landscape.

Productivity, safety and space constraints on site are issues which the construction industry grapples with every day. NatSteel’s downstream reinforcement steel solutions offer an answer to customers’ needs.

The Leading Pan-Asian Company that Delivers Premium Reinforcement Steel Products and Solutions for the Construction Industry

NatSteel reinforcement steel solutions create value for customers by reducing material wastage, significantly shortening project construction time, improving manpower productivity and site safety.

Downstream Products Brochures Bored Pile Cages / Pre-cages

Mesh

Cut-And-Bend Rebar

www.natsteel.com.sg/prefabricated_cages

www.natsteel.com.sg/welded_wire_mesh

www.natsteel.com.sg/cut_and_bend

Steel Couplers

Carpet Reinforcement

Diaphragm Wall Cages

www.natsteel.com.sg/steel_couplers

www.natsteel.com.sg/carpet_reinforcement

www.natsteel.com.sg/prefabricated_cages

Endeavour Magazine | 53

SHANGHAI TUNNEL ENGINEERING COMPANY

and interchanges with all existing lines. When the first three stages

Line 3 and the construction of Gul Circle station and viaducts for

are opened, it is expected to serve about 500,000 commuters daily.

Tuas West Extension.

The line, which is 43 km (27 mi) long and consists of 31 stations,

STEC (Singapore) is currently the Regional Headquarters for the

will run through the north-south corridor, starting in the northern

branch offices and having being appointed as Managing Director,

Woodlands area, passing through the estate of Sin Ming Avenue,

Khor will be spearheading the team to venture into new grounds,

down to the residential Thomson area and the shopping districts

“We are actively looking into possible business opportunities in

of Orchard and Marina Bay, then running eastwards along the

Malaysia; Thailand, Myanmar and Indonesia,” he says.

east coast through Siglap, Marine Parade and Bedok South, before

He continues, “By further expanding the operations into other

ending at Sungei Bedok. Residents in the heartlands of Sembawang,

parts of Southeast Asia, it would raise the stature of the company

Yishun, Ang Mo Kio, Bishan-Toa Payoh, Moulmein-Kallang, Tanjong

and may even create overseas job opportunities for the locals here

Rhu and Bedok South will benefit from faster and more direct

as the plan is to gradually increase the team strength and resources

connections to the city. Its depots are located at Mandai, south

as required in the process of this expansion plan.”

of Woodlands, and near the south-eastern terminus of the line at Tanah Merah.[4] If built, the planned Singapore-Johor Bahru Rapid Transit System is also likely to offer interchange to the line’s Woodlands North terminus.

The scope of work that they are involved in with LTA includes the design and construction of Newton station and associated tunnels for Downtown Line 2, the construction of tunnels between Tampines East station and Upper Changi station for Downtown

DOO REE ENGINEERING & TRADING PTE LTD Blk 4009 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10 #03-31, Techplace 1, Singapore 569738 Tel: 65522527 Fax: 65528586 Email: general@dooree1995.com

Pioneer Sub-Contractor for Reinforced Concrete Works especially for MRT Structures Over 20 Years Experience Track Record of Projects Finished On Time

54 | Endeavour Magazine

ZUBLIN PRECAST INDUSTRIES SDN. BHD. MALAYSIA FACTORY – KOTA TINGGI

Zublin is one of the pioneers in the production of precast elements, since 1923.

Zublin’s own design department has the capacity to design all kind of precast concrete products according to all international standards.

Due to the nearly 100 years of experience Zublin has been able to develop and establish new production processes.

TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCTION All the beneficial properties of precast concrete, including strength, durability and water tightness are enhanced through proper curing techniques. In some instances, the curing of precast concrete products is one of the last an perhaps most neglected steps in the manufacturing process, especially in a rapid production environment • • • •

Production Range: Infrastructure & Building Precast Elements, Tunnel Segmental Rings, Jacking Pipes, Manhole Chamber Rings and Customized Precast Elements 3 Production Lines Concrete Mix Design from our TPA – Central Business Unit State of the Art Automatic Steam Curing Technology

LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORTATION Zublin’s expertise in understanding the challenges of logistics and providing efficient and economical solutions at each stage of the supply chain including: • • • • •

Road Transport (Malaysia & Singapore) Sea Freight Quarantine requirements Loading and off-loading Stevedoring and packaging

47 Scotts Road #17-02 Goldbell Towers Singapore 228233 Phone: +65 6339 0436 Fax: +65 6339 0460 branch@zublin.com.sg www.zublin.com.sg

56 | Endeavour Magazine

AFRICAN AIRLINES ASSOCIATION (AFRAA) WWW.AFRAA.ORG 254-20-2320144

PROVIDING THE RIGHT STUFF TO KEEP THE PLANES UP WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

No matter what political or economic problems that the continent may havem Africa’s airline industry is a thriving one thanks to the global demand for all things African. Whether it be resources exported out of the country or tourists brought in, air travel is not only effective and fast, but also still one of the safest means of travel. To ensure that there is sufficient growth in the industry to keep the planes in the air, the African Airline Association was created as a trade organisation to open new doors of opportunity and keep the skies clear for future growth.

Endeavour Magazine | 57

AFRICAN AIRLINES ASSOCIATION (AFRAA)

Established in 1968 in Accra, Ghana, AFRAA has 40 members from

African Union member states and follows a simple but effective creed, “To be the leader and catalyst for the growth of a globally competitive and integrated African airline industry”

C

T

he creation of the association was not something that merely

It has been a catalyst for all the major policy decisions on the

M

transpired on a whim. Brought about as a result of historic

continent.

Y

developments and economic imperatives at the time, its

Last year, at the 47th Annual General Assembly in Congo

CM

aim was specifically to serve African airlines, thus promoting and

Brazzaville, African aviation industry leaders called for intensified

MY

protecting their common interests.

cooperation among African airlines and the engagement of

CY

CMY

To explain, in the early 1960s a great number of African States

all stakeholders to support the liberalisation of African skies.

acceded to independence and created their own national airlines.

The call for the engagement of all specialised institutions in the

Most of these airlines became members of the International Air

aviation sector to support African States in order to expedite

Transport Association (IATA). AFRAA had its conceptual beginning

the implementation of fully liberalised African skies towards the

in 1963, when a number of African airlines, taking the opportunity

establishment of a single African air transport market by 2017 was

provided by the IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) began holding

accompanied by a call for intensified cooperation among African

consultation meetings prior to the IATA AGMs to discuss matters

airlines in order to stimulate the development of inter-African air

of interest to African airlines and to adopt common positions. This

transport.

was the first step towards the creation of AFRAA.

The three-day conference, which was convened under the high

From that first step, in Rome in 1963, the establishment in

patronage of His Excellency Denis Sassou Nguesso, the President

1968 in Accra, of a regional organisation for the articulation of

of the Republic of Congo, was held under the theme “Open skies:

regional views and promotion of co-operation was undertaken

Growth through competition and collaboration” and was attended

by 14 founding members. The first Annual General Assembly was

by over 500 high profile delegates from 46 countries across the

held in Cairo, Egypt, in February 1969 and approved the Articles of

world.

Association, among other decisions taken.

Looking back at the last four and a half decades shows that

SECURITY

AFRAA can modestly claim a couple of factors. Firstly, that it has

Security is a particularly trending topic today when it comes

stood in the forefront of major initiatives in the air transport field

to discussing anything to do with air flight. Understanding this,

in Africa in sensitising African airlines to take concrete actions for

AFRAA, in accordance with its mandate of open discussions and

co-operation in operational, commercial, technical and training

informative solutions, keeps all of its members up to date with

fields. Secondly, that they were instrumental in sensitising African

the latest developments affecting them. For example, when the

Governments through the African Civil Aviation Commission and

European Council adopted EU passenger name record directives

other regional and sub-regional organisations, as to the actions to

to curb terrorism, many of the members heard it first from AFRAA.

be taken for the development of an efficient air transport system.

In April 2016, The European Council adopted a directive on

58 | Endeavour Magazine

K

NEW YORK Ethiopian Airlines 1946-2016

FLYING TO THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS 3 TIMES WEEKLY FROM JULY 2016 www.ethiopianairlines.com

AFRICAN AIRLINES ASSOCIATION (AFRAA) the use of passenger name record (PNR) data for the prevention,

Accordingly, the new rules create an EU standard for the use of

detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and

such data and include provisions on the purposes for which PNR

serious crime, according to a press statement made available to

data can be processed in the context of law enforcement (pre-arrival

PANA in Dar es Salaam. It said the directive aims to regulate the

assessment of passengers against pre-determined risk criteria or in

transfer from the airlines to the member states of PNR data of

order to identify specific persons; the use in specific investigations/

passengers of international flights, as well as the processing of the

prosecutions; input in the development of risk assessment criteria),

data by competent authorities.

as well as the exchange of such data between the member states

“The directive establishes that PNR data collected may only

and between member states and third countries.

be processed for the prevention, detection, investigation and

It will also affect common protocols and data formats for

prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime,” said the EC,

transferring the PNR data from the air carriers to the Passenger

elaborating that under the new directive, air carriers would be

Information Units and strong safeguards as regards to the

obliged to provide member states’ authorities with the PNR data

protection of privacy and personal data, including the role of

for flights entering or departing from the EU.

national supervisory authorities and the mandatory appointment

“It will also allow, but not oblige, member states to collect PNR data concerning selected intra-EU flights.

“However, considering the current security situation in Europe,

of a data protection officer in each Passenger Information Unit.

AFRAA 2016 TO BE HELD IN VICTORIA FALLS

all member states declared that by the date of transposition of the

Air Zimbabwe is to host the next African Airline Association

directive they will make full use of the possibility provided for by

(AFRAA) Annual General Assembly, which will take place on 20-22

Article 2 to include also selected intra-EU flights.

November 2016.

“Each member state will also be required to set up a so-called

Victoria Falls was selected as the 2016 venue, following the

Passenger Information Unit, which will receive the PNR data from

appointment of Air Zimbabwe acting CEO Edmund Makona as

the air carriers,” the EC added statement said.

AFRAA’s latest president, succeeding ECAir director general Fatima

60 | Endeavour Magazine

Beyina-Moussa in the one-year revolving position. The 2015 event, held in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, was the largest in AFRAA’s history, attracting over 500 delegates.

Makona accepted the handover by breaking into song about “beautiful Zimbabwe” on stage during the closing ceremony, drawing a round of applause from the conference room. “We are more than excited to be hosting in the magnificent city of Victoria Falls,” Makona said.

The incoming AFRAA president went on to stress the importance of AFRAA’s vision for a globally competitive African aviation industry.

“A vision [for liberalisation] is now being ignited; we are entering a new era and a new phase for AFRAA where everything has to be done yesterday. This is about the ‘now-ness’ of AFRAA. We promise nothing less than the best,” he said.

The meeting will take place between 20-22 November at the Elephant Hills Hotel, Victoria Falls and the city’s airport is currently being upgraded so it can handle wide body aircraft.

In conclusion, it is safe to say that the future direction of Africa’s airline industry will surely be decided here.

Endeavour Magazine | 61

62 | Endeavour Magazine

PETROGAS GAS SYSTEMS BV WWW.PETROGAS.NL 0031 182 565 395

ENERGISING THE FUTURE WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

With an impressive legacy in its field, Petrogas Gas-systems B.V. from the Netherlands has risen to the top the old fashioned way – through hard work and determination. Traditional notions of service standards and commitment continue to permeate this inspiring organisation, so Endeavour got in touch to find out more.

Endeavour Magazine | 63

PETROGAS GAS SYSTEMS BV

The 9th of April 1949 was a good day for business, as on this day

Petrogas was founded by Mr. Popovice. Petrogas started as an engineering company of small scale installations like LPG systems, town gas stations and coal gasification stations. The focus on the gas sector and the related experience and knowledge gained proved to be an ideal starting point for further expansion, accelerated by the discovery of the Slochteren Gas Fields in the Netherlands in 1955.

W

ith the discovery of these fields, The Netherlands suddenly had access to a huge supply of natural gas, but lacked the infrastructure to bring this gas to the end-user. As one of

the few local companies at that time, who possessed the knowledge and experience to engineer gas processing equipment, Petrogas became intimately involved with the development of the Dutch gas infrastructure and business was booming. Petrogas wrote many of the specifications still used by N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie today.

The experience and knowledge Petrogas’ engineers gained in those early years provided the first ingredients required for the next step. Innovation. One of the earliest examples is the development of the Petrovari Mixer in the early ‘50s, of which hundreds were eventually installed worldwide. This device efficiently mixed gas and air for a burner without the need to compress the air. Another example is that Petrogas was the first party to successfully upgrade biogas to natural gas quality for injection in a gas grid in the ‘80s.

The drive to develop innovative solutions is nowadays engraved in the company culture and is what sets Petrogas apart from competitors. Everyone is passionate about technology.

“The heart and brains of Petrogas are a team of committed process specialists. Using our extensive experience and driven by our passion for technology, we design and deliver tailor-made processing systems that provide maximum value for our customers in the gas and energy industries. We consider our customers’ challenges as our own and we don’t step out until everything works as it should. “ That’s the key here; always be innovating, because you want to provide the best solutions to your clients.

64 | Endeavour Magazine

Thermeta burners are the most reliable industrial burners. Suitable for every type of boiler, because the modern day industrial solution deserves only the best!

Thermeta is With specialised in producing gas burners, oil burners, bio-fuel burners, boilers, condensers, steam heaters, CO2 sets and CO2 collectors.

All of these products are manufactured in the .

Netherlands and come with Visit

or call

.

“Our clients value our reliability and say that we are great to

In the decades it will take to transition to a fully renewable

work with. That’s because we treat the people we engage with

energy system, we will provide the technology that makes it

as we would want to be treated ourselves. To do what we do, we

possible to use the planet’s reserves and natural resources with

must stay at the forefront of technology. Petrogas invests heavily

maximum efficiency.”

in R&D, with the long-term focus of our innovation squarely on renewable energy production.”

This brings us to more recent developments, as expected Petrogas is involved in Biogas processing and biomass-to-gas

These investments in R&D are visible when you look at the

technologies as this is most closely related to their current fields

current wide range of products and services Petrogas provides.

of work. But what is more surprising is their involvement and

Mr. Popovice would have been proud to see the development the

assistance to the development of a completely different technology.

company has undergone since the founding of the company.

Recently, we have been involved with the development of

“Petrogas nowadays maintains a leading market position for

a plastic-to-oil processing system together with BlueAlp™. The

the supply of fuel gas- and fuel oil- conditioning systems for the

BlueAlp™ Technology is developed with the aim of efficiently

power market. Our systems are installed at hundreds of gas power

transforming plastic waste, which cannot technically or economically

plants worldwide and prepare the gas for use in the turbine. Next

be recycled or re-used, into valuable oil. This oil can be used as fuel

to our traditional market segments, the refinery and natural gas

or as a feedstock for chemical processes. Plastic waste is a huge

sectors, Petrogas has successfully completed several projects in

problem and giving these current ‘end of life plastics’ an economic

the upstream market with Natural Gas dehydration and sour gas

value by turning them into oil, will ultimately help to rid the world

sweetening systems.”

of plastic waste pollution.”

Talking about investments and new markets, Petrogas invests

What did we say? Always be innovating! It’s this focus on

heavily in renewable and is making big steps in bringing new

not only core values of the company itself but the ability to stay

technology to the market.

modern, fresh and at the cutting edge of a relatively saturated

“We have the world on loan from the generations that will follow us and must care for it in good stewardship.

Ultimately, responsible global energy production will become completely based on renewable sources of energy.

Petrogas has a key role in that future vision and is continually applying its expertise in new, innovative ways.

marketplace that keeps Petrogas not only ticking over, but paving the way. Add to this the fact that employees are clearly considered to be a commodity of the highest value, that commands the utmost respect and you’ll soon see that the success being enjoyed by the team as a whole is no accident. While so many companies pay lip service to the notions of ‘customer first’ or the ‘client is king’, it is Endeavour Magazine | 65

PETROGAS GAS SYSTEMS BV the smaller, quieter operations that are actually aligning with them

to embark on a voyage of new technologies and products, each

and acting accordingly.

designed to contribute to the ultimate goal of global energy

With the global energy market coming under regular scrutiny

production becoming completely reliant on renewable energy

these days, it’s more important than ever to fulfill promises and up

sources. Though the company acknowledges that it will take

service standards, but what is the state of the industry right now?

decades for this goal to be fully realized, they see this as an

“The global energy market is currently undergoing a transformation, from the use of fossil fuels to more sustainable

opportunity to keep developing and testing, to make sure the future really is a lot greener and brighter for everyone.

resources. Currently, natural gas plays an important role in

“We constantly cooperate with universities, research bodies

facilitating the transformation of the world’s energy market and

and most importantly our suppliers and clients to further develop

reducing CO2 output. Gas is an attractive alternative to coal as a

new ideas and improve our current systems, from initial brainstorm

feedstock for power plants. The trend is on-going; for example, in

sessions to proof of concept, from initial design to the first

2015, for the first time in history, natural gas overtook coal as the

successful implementation on a client site.”

top feedstock for electricity generation in the USA.” With change on the horizon, it’s going to be those companies that can quickly adapt and that have the right team in place that

Taking a look at some of the exciting new projects to come out of the Petrogas camp, they really aren’t kidding that they want to always be improving their systems,

will thrive and survive. Petrogas, having nurtured recognized talent,

“A good example of our approach to R&D is the development of

have an incredible resource, in the form of the staffing body. Each

a black powder solution, employing magnet technology to separate

individual is compassionate to the plight of future world energy and

black powder from natural gas streams. During this project we

wants to play a key part in the safeguarding of the industry. In order

worked closely together with our suppliers in the Netherlands and

to keep this passion alive, Petrogas is heavily invested in developing

our customer in Saudi Arabia to address a problem that is plaguing

each and every staff member, citing that the “capabilities of our

the plant of client. Black powder is a hard contaminant with magnetic

employees are at the centre of our capability as a company.”

properties in gas streams, resulting from corrosion of the pipeline

Looking to the future, as we already are, Petrogas is ready

and causes a lot of damage to on-stream equipment and pipelines.

CAM Valves are designed to exacting specifications, and manufactured to the highest standards, resulting in an extensive range of flow controls that are built for dependability, and years of use. CAM’s products are found around the globe.

Via Torre, 52 Trescore Balneario (BG) 24069, Italy enquiry@cam-spa.it • cam-spa.it 66 | Endeavour Magazine

Due to its magnetic properties the small parts can slip through many filter applications, yet group back together further downstream and damage the downstream equipment such as the blades of the turbine. Petrogas developed a black powder separation system that

www.vanleeuwe

will enable clients to remove large quantities of black powder from

more than tubes.

the gas stream, protecting the turbine and minimizing downtime

Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube

for maintenance. We have started with the first commercial scale project, where we will install the black powder separation system

Petrogas is a valued customer of plant. There are many plants across the globe that are experiencing Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube.

We International Network Distribution Expertise Worldwide Stocks Customized Services Global Sourcing Proje similar contaminations. Solving the black powder problem at plants supply a wide range of products: will increase the plants efficiency, but also reduce the total cost of pipes, fittings, flanges and forgings ownership of processing equipment by reducing maintenance and in carbon steel, stainless steel, spare parts requirements. We are very excited to bring the new (super) duplex and alloyed steels. system to the market in the upcoming year and help our clients increase the efficiency of their plants.”

Our strong relationship is based on With a host of other troubleshooting, innovative and future mutual interest and have trust, with close Van Leeuwen wherever needed.

Our employees The Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group friendly ideas being developed, Petrogas is a huge company being Pipe and Tube Gro specialist knowledge of sourcing, project is a globally operati ng trading company contact on specifications, delivery Lindtsedijk 120 specialized in carbon stainless run with a family operation ethos and that can only and mean one steel pipes, management, logistics and stock planning 3336 LE Zwijndrec and work closely together with our customers and pipe and tube applications. We are active statuses and innovations. thing; successful projects and cherished working relationships that on site to protect the downstream equipment at a large power

Worldwide presence as your local partner in virtually all industrial sectors. With fifty

will see clients returning exponentially. branches spread throughout Europe, the

Middle East, Asia, Australia, and North and South America, we ensure that materials are available anywhere in the world, customized

www.vanleeuwen.com

more than tubes.

International Network

Distribution Expertise

The Netherlands T +31 78 625 25 25 www.vanleeuwen

in the Industry and Energy markets.

The combination of global logistics and knowledge of products and customer applications makes Van Leeuwen a leading company in its markets.

Worldwide Stocks

Customized Services

Global Sourcing

Project Management

Worldwide presence as your local partner The Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group is a globally operating trading company specialized in carbon and stainless steel pipes, and pipe and tube applications. We are active in virtually all industrial sectors. With fifty branches spread throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and North and South America, we ensure that materials are available anywhere in the world, customized

wherever needed. Our employees have specialist knowledge of sourcing, project management, logistics and stock planning and work closely together with our customers in the Industry and Energy markets.

The combination of global logistics and knowledge of products and customer applications makes Van Leeuwen a leading company in its markets.

Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group B.V. Lindtsedijk 120 3336 LE Zwijndrecht The Netherlands T +31 78 625 25 25 www.vanleeuwen.com

Endeavour Magazine | 67

68 | Endeavour Magazine

CHAMBER OF MINES NAMIBIA WWW.CHAMBEROFMINES.ORG.NA 264 61 237925

DIGGING DEEP WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

Committed to safeguarding and developing a burgeoning industry, The Chamber of Mines of Namibia, is consistently going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure prosperity and safety for mining professionals in the region. Endeavour took a closer looks at this longstanding institution.

Endeavour Magazine | 69

CHAMBER OF MINES NAMIBIA

History was made in 1969, when on May 9th, 19 mining and

exploration organisations came together in one room to discuss how the industry as a whole could be improved and what safety measures and rules needed to be put in place for safe, fair competition.

T

he end result of the conflab was a secret ballot, whereby six

operations, plus a category for exploration and prospecting

people were elected to preside as a council for what was to be

companies and an associate membership class. In addition to the

an early format of the Chamber that we recognise today. The

Council of the Chamber, which acts as its Board of Directors, the

Constitution and Rules for the Association of Mining Companies of

Chamber has identified a number of fields of special interest and

South West Africa would prove to be a valuable jumping off point

has, accordingly, formed Committees to deal with relevant issues.

for the regulation of the mining industry in Namibia, but it would

The mining industry recognises the importance of its employees

not last forever,

and their safety and thus operates both a Labour Committee and

“At a special meeting of the Association in March, 1979, a

Safety Committee.”

revised Constitution was adopted which, inter alia, transformed

We may not believe in magic, but one thing is clear here and

the Association into The Chamber of Mines of South West Africa/

that’s that the mining industry in Namibia has a forum of guardian

Namibia. The final transformation was effected at a Council meeting

angels looking after it, with each individual offering relevant

in January 1990, when the name was changed to the present title,

professional insight and experience.

The Chamber of Mines of Namibia.”

Understanding what the CMN does, the real question is why is

While the notion of a protective force that seeks top maintain

there a need for it and put simply, the answer is that without it, the

and encourage safe practices is entirely understandable, what

industry would suffer. Given how many people are employed within

exactly does The Chamber of Mines of Namibia (CMN) do?

the mining sector in Namibia, in a variety of guises, any safety

“The Chamber of Mines of Namibia adheres to the original

breaches that force closures, for example, would leave countless

purposes of its formation, being those of promoting, encouraging,

homes without a stable income, the economy suffering and local

protecting and fostering the mining industry of Namibia. The

communities feeling the pinch. Add to this the fact that health and

Chamber thus acts as a forum for discussion of matters of mutual

safety protocols have been irrefutably tightened, worldwide, in

interest between members, the collation and dissemination of

recent years and it becomes clear that there has to be a governing

mining-related information and liaison between various Ministries

body ready and willing to take responsibility for the safe and legal

of the Government of Namibia and the individual Chamber

practice of everyone that it represents.

members. Of particular importance is the Chamber’s role in advising

With safety firmly in the forefront of the CMN’s mind,

relevant Government Ministries as to pertinent legislation affecting

sustainability is also a serious concern and not, as is the case with

the mining industry.

so many companies these days, simply a buzzword,

Currently the Chamber has some 62 members, ranging from

“During the last two years the Chamber has actively contributed

the major mining houses through to smaller individual mining

to an objective assessment of the mining industry and its activities

70 | Endeavour Magazine

A NICHE PRODUCER OF THE PUREST MAGNETITE AND HEMATITE FOR INDUSTRIAL CONSUMERS Lodestone, a proud member of The Chamber of Mines, is Namibia’s sole operating Iron Ore mine.

Lodestone produces a variety of exceptionally pure hematite and magnetite products for industrial applications.

Lodestone was awarded Mining License #182 in 2014 and production at its Dordabis mine began in July 2015.

Lodestone completed a PFS and BFS, establishing the viability of the Dordabis mine. 4 JORC drilling campaigns totaling 12,000 meters proved Lodestone’s 88 million tons of hematite and magnetite reserves.

Connecting key logistical hubs, Lodestone was chosen as one of Namibia’s top 5 projects in the SDI program of the Walvis Bay Corridor Group.

Contacts: Alex Mayrick, COO / Country Manager

Office Namibia, Judy Louis

David Hinsley, CFO / Executive Director

Carsten Mosch, CEO / Executive Director

a.mayrick@lodestonepty.com +264 811 447 868 in Namibia +44 7900 162425 in the UK

j.louis@lodestonepty.com +264 61218079

d.hinsley@lodestonepty.com +44 7900 162425 in the UK +264 811 489 631 in Namibia

c.mosch@lodestonepty.com +49 172 6776 862 in Germany +264 811 444 255 in Namibia

www.lodestonepty.com

CHAMBER OF MINES NAMIBIA

and future role regarding sustainable development. This massive

known as the Mining Industry Associations of Southern Africa

exercise was carried out on a worldwide basis at the behest of a

(MIASA), currently has eight individual Chamber members from

number of private sector mining houses, known as the “Global

SADC member states and has been recognised by the Council of

Mining Initiative”. The resultant report, entitled “Mining, Metals

Mining Ministers as the representative of the private sector mining

and Sustainable Development” was presented at an international

industry. MIASA is now developing its case for similar recognition

minerals conference ‘Resourcing the Future’ in Toronto in May 2002.

to the African Mining Partnership, established in February 2003

The International Council on Mining and Metals, representing the

by some fifteen Mining Ministers prior to the Investing in Africa

global minerals industry was able to utilise the recommendations

Mining Indaba. The Chamber, through its MIASA membership, is

(embracing self-regulation) of this report to successfully pre-

also a member of the International Council on Mining and Metals.”

empt negative perceptions at the World Summit on Sustainable Development, held in Johannesburg.”

With a clear-cut vision to be acknowledged as the regional champion for the exploration and mining industry in Namibia and

While it could be assumed that simply focussing on the mining

a desire to “effectively promote, encourage, protect, foster and

interests of one region is, at best, insular, CMN is already looking

contribute to the growth of responsible exploration and mining in

to the future and identifying potential collaborations that will offer

Namibia to the benefit of the country and all stakeholders”, CMN

additional industry support to operations throughout South Africa,

are on the right path to not only achieve their goals, but also do so

“Whilst the Chamber’s activities are of necessity concentrated

with their heads held high. Integrity, transparency, accountability

within Namibia, the Namibian mining industry is aware of moves

and compliance are more than simply the core values of the

towards regional development. Accordingly, the Chamber became

Chamber, they are words to live by and that’s exactly what each of

a founder member of the SADC Chambers of Mines initiative for

the 62 members are doing.

regional discussion of common interest issues. The organisation,

72 | Endeavour Magazine

3 600 people.

26 months turnaround time.

8 million man-hours worked. The biggest platinum plant in the world.

Impossible?

Not for DRA. With an output of 600 000 tpm, Anglo Platinum’s Mogalakwena Platinum Mine remains the biggest producer of platinum in the world. From project management to detailed design work, construction and associated infrastructure, it marks one of the biggest project undertakings for DRA to date.

A first in terms of its size but not experience, DRA has delivered 80% of the world’s platinum plants over the past 20 years, Mogalakwena not only required us to work around an extremely tight time frame, its scope demanded our utmost attention to detail, uncompromising quality control and dedicated, passionate team work. From 2 817 drawings to 27 000 m³ of poured concrete, it’s our desire to pioneer uncharted challenges that continue to ensure we deliver every time, even when it’s the first time.

DRAglobal.com

74 | Endeavour Magazine

Extraordinary Possibilities Endeavour Magazine | 75

LAING SANDBLASTING & PAINTING CO LTD WWW.LAINGGROUP.COM 1 (868) 657-6279

www.littlegatepublishing.com

THE BEST OF THE BEST WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

Laing Sandblasting & Painting Co Ltd has been showing the rest of its industry how things are done since 1982. 34 years of top level experience have lead to an exciting, progressive and fascinating company evolution and Endeavour Magazine took a closer look to find out more.

LAING SANDBLASTING & PAINTING CO LTD

Integrated solutions is something that a lot of companies talk

about, but very few seem to actually understand the magnitude of the phrase, let alone offer genuinely innovative turnkey solution packages.

Laing Sandblasting & Painting Co Ltd (LAING) is not one such organisation, in fact, it has made light work of becoming an industry leader, thanks to its no nonsense approach to honest business and integrity driven operations.

O

ffering top-level integration solutions to Trinidad’s blossoming

are seemingly limitless, but LAING prides itself on a number of key

energy sector, LAING identified the need for onshore and

factors,

offshore capabilities and adapted accordingly, while also

“We guarantee all our equipment and services and can help with

branching out into other arenas, most notably, equipment sales

the control of expenses. Renting provides significant savings over

and rentals, corrosion control and transportation, all throughout

buying. It allows you to simplify your bidding and billing, so that you

the Trinidad region. This is clearly not a set up that is content to just

have just one accountable cost - the rental, so as to improve your

let circumstances happen to it, but instead, seeks to be the reason

bottom line. LAING also offers inventory control, providing extra

for change and development, hence it has managed to retain its

equipment you need, when you need it, so you that you can keep

prominent industry position, along with high profile and repeat

your equipment inventory at a minimum.”

clients.

Continuing to discuss the benefits of renting equipment, it

“In order to preserve the reputation that LAING was built on,

becomes clear that this is a company that has really served its

we continually train our employees and work closely with our

time in the field. The services offered are not simply assumed to

customers to assure complete satisfaction. Our aim is to build an

be necessary, they are known to be and as such, LAING can be a

organisation that meets the highest standards of customer service,

one-stop shop for integrated solutions, because it has experienced

corporate integrity and financial strength within the energy sector.

the relevant needs itself. Only through expensive repair bills can

We shall achieve our aim by focusing on providing quality service

a company truly understand the value of renting and by opting

to our customers; rewarding careers to our staff and by building

to hire just one organisation for all equipment sourcing, extra

deeply rooted partnerships in the community we serve.”

capital is easily freed up for other projects. A company that hasn’t

These are in no way small claims, but knowing that this is a

experienced this firsthand would have no way of offering the right

company that truly understands the value of speaking the truth

levels of expertise, but LAING makes it look easy. This is not what

and not seeking to bamboozle clients with unintelligible business

the company prides itself on the most, however,

jargon, we feel sure that these promises will not go unfulfilled.

“LAING is 100% local and operations are manned by local staff.

The benefits of partnering or working with such an organisation

Day or night, you can reach LAING’s dedicated customer care

LAING SANDBLASTING & PAINTING CO LTD

representatives and they’ll be able to access your account and

centred on reputation, performance and people. Can you imagine

resolve any problem quickly. There are also no issues locating staff

what a global revolution the business world would experience

or a director of the company, if the need arises. If your equipment

if every organisation sought to make such humanist notions the

breaks down, LAING handles the repairs efficiently so that your

centre of their operations? What a world that would be, with

crew can continue working.”

contracts enough for everyone that had the requisite skills and

Did you spot the key phrase there that really sets LAING apart

people skills to fulfil them. As it is, we will have to make do with a

from every other competitor? Day or night you will be assisted and

small number of companies looking to operate with such integrity

you can always speak to a company director if you want to. How

and dedication and hope that they become the standard by which

many large operations can actually guarantee that? It’s essentially

all other operations measure themselves.

unprecedented, but that’s how much faith LAING has in its qualified

LAING has built itself an enviable reputation, not through

team to be able to handle any and all issues effectively. Let’s be

good fortune or luck of the draw, but by consistently seeking

honest, you couldn’t make that kind of promise if you didn’t, could

out new, innovative and forward thinking ways of approaching

you?

integrated solution provision. It’s never lost sight of who the most

The vision of LAING is simple, but effective and demonstrates

important people are; the customers, and has always strived to

a desire to really hone in on and focus attention and skills on the

improve operations directly for them. By following the letter of the

most lucrative and specialist areas of the company’s operations,

law, fulfilling every contracted promise and looking to provide a

“Our vision is to be the preferred regional support company

sustainable, stable source of employment for local people, there

to the oil, energy and construction sectors, most admired for its

can be little doubt as to why LAING has become the integrated

people, partnership and performance.”

solutions partner of choice for Trinidad’s energy sector and we look

What’s interesting to note here is that there is no mention of

forward to seeing just how bright its future really is.

money or capital gain, but instead, the vision for the company is all

RichaRdBlanc&coltd 53 Eleventh Street, Barataria, Trinidad & Tobago (868) 222-7708, www.rbcoltd.com Authorised Distributor for Industrial and Portable air Compressors and Construction Air Tools for Barbados, St Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana Recently awarded Sullair Distributor of the Year 2015 Portable Air Power for Caribbean and Latin America

Also Authorised Distributors for

82 | Endeavour Magazine

MIDDLE EAST FACILITY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION WWW.MEFMA.ORG 971 4 454 9844

A PEOPLE ORIENTATED COMPANY WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

Tasked with unifying the facility management industry in the Middle East, MEFMA has written the book on this field and set the standard for what has become an important resource for the facility management industry.

Endeavour Magazine | 83

MEFMA - MIDDLE EAST FACILITY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION

We spoke with Board Member and Director, Ali Al Suwaidi, regarding the importance of being a people orientated company.

In a nutshell, the association conducts research, provides

& Guilds from the UK to further blend the course and according

educational programmes and assists corporate and organisational

to Bridget, this means that MEFMA had to rework some of the

firms in developing sustainable facility management strategies. Mr.

modules to be relevant to the regional industry and related laws.

Al Suwaidi adds, “MEFMA provides a standardised framework for

The training course was also made available to other areas of

professionals in the Facility Management industry which include a

the industry to help bring up the overall standard in the field. This

construction industry stakeholders, building owners and occupiers

was not, however, a reinvention of the wheel, but rather an exercise

across the Middle East.”

in ticking all the necessary boxes needed for open development

“Our aim is to build a sustainable Middle East and you have

and future growth.

to do this by affecting the people who you plan to work with,” he

The course was designed on ideas by IFMA, where the student

adds, “Including education, knowledge sharing, thought leadership,

can pay for their course content and then MEFMA gives them a

legislative governance and face-to-face networking events. All of

password and they can download training material like PDFs and

these are significant components of strategic FM to be promoted,

video clips. Prior to the exam there is a three-day course, allowing

supported and implemented by MEFMA and its members.”

questions to be asked and certain areas to be clarified. The online

To ensure that the industry is as bountiful as possible, MEFMA implemented a training programme that received quite a bit of

progress of students is monitored by trainers who have been put in place specifically to help them succeed.

media attention for its innovation when it was launched in 2013.

The following year, in a bid to bring about transparency and

The Muhtarif course (which means ‘professional’ in Arabic) was

standardisation to the facilities management industry in the MENA

a follow up development of its existing foundation programme

region, MEFMA created the MEFMA Star Rating System (SRS) that

entitled Ta’aseesy.

sought to benchmark buildings and facilities, as well as encourage

Mr. Al Suwaidi explains, that this course was and is meant for

the use of best practice for integrated FM across the region.

students who have already completed the Ta’aseesy foundation

These kinds of developments set an important precedent for

in FM course, “It consists of five modules, including management

the industry and they were announced at the Annual Confex in

accounting,

March, which was held at the Address Hotel in Dubai. Inspired by

operations

management,

project

management,

sustainability, and leadership,” he says.

the recent launch of a star rating system for all government services

When the course was first implemented, Sinead Bridgett,

by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President

director at MEFMA, said the foundation course was put into place

and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai the new system

in the region as the industry had been in its “incubation stage” and

was very well received and seen as a massive leap in a prosperous

that this was the appropriate time to input some fresh idea and

direction.

philosophies, “The foundation course wouldn’t predominantly be

Speaking of the importance of best practice, Jamal Lootah,

seen in the other associations worldwide because the industries

president, MEFMA, and CEO, Imdaad said: “Benchmarking our

there are at a much more mature stage. The Muhtarif is just a

industry and facilities against globally recognised parameters

natural progression from the foundation course,” she explained.

is essential to driving up the standards across our industry as a

Bridgett added that this graded certification will be in line with

whole. MEFMA’s SRS programme will instil a culture of continuous

what the International Facility Management Association (IFMA)

improvement which will lead to a higher level of customer

offers.

satisfaction and return on investment for building owners and

To enhance the courses aptitudes, MEFMA teamed up with City 84 | Endeavour Magazine

investors alike.”

Outlining some of the details of MEFMA’s SRS programme, Mr. Al Suwaidi said at the time, “Once approved by the board, the SRS Programme will be applicable to any facility across the Middle East with the aim of ensuring safety, productivity, longevity and ROI. The SRS system will also benchmark the sustainable integration of the four core components of our industry: People, Process, Technology and Real Estate.”

In 2015 the health and safety training programme was extended. At the annual FM Expo today, MEFMA announced a new partnership with learning and development specialist International Workplace that aimed to see MEFMA expand its range of courses in the GCC region and beyond.

The new MEFMA course programme provides a wide range of courses in health, safety and environmental management, leading to internationally recognised qualifications accredited by IOSH, NEBOSH and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA). Courses available via eLearning and classroom study modes.

The MEFMA Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) course programme also provides a suite of short courses via eLearning that provide an ideal induction for FM services providers and public sector clients looking to train large numbers of staff in essential skills such as health and safety and sustainability. MEFMA eLearning courses are available direct to employers, delivered via a cloud-based learning management system that provides real-time reporting for an unlimited number of students.

MEFMA’s new HSE course programme will be delivered in partnership with training and consultancy provider International Workplace, led by its Dubai-based Chairman Lionel Prodgers. A former Chairman of the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) and the European Facility Management Network (EuroFM), a former board member of IFMA and an active supporter of MEFMA, Prodgers provides valuable insight into compliance in international markets.

On this, Sinead Smith, MEFMA Director, commented, “We’re delighted to be working with International Workplace to expand our training course programme into areas such as health and safety and environmental management, which we know are important to MEFMA members. We can now provide a one-stop shop for IOSH, NEBOSH and IEMA accredited courses, in addition to the IPAF and PASMA courses that are proving so popular.”

And Lionel Prodgers, Chairman of International Workplace, added, “We’re looking forward to working with MEFMA on this important initiative. We know that eLearning is becoming increasingly important to employers in the region as a component of a blended learning format and our suite of award-winning health, safety and environmental courses provides a flexible, low-cost alternative to classroom training.”

To unify any industry, Mr. Al Suwaidi explains, requires a focus on the people and the staff. To best create cooperation and growth, you need to affect and develop the people involved.

Endeavour Magazine | 85

86 | Endeavour Magazine

GUYANA GOLDFIELDS WWW.GUYGOLD.COM 001 416 628 5936

STILL SHINING BRIGHT WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

Endeavour Magazine has spoken to the talented team at Guyana Goldfields before, but we wanted to return to see if everything we expected of them has been realised. With excellent year-end results for 12015 now published, we were pleased to see that we weren’t wrong and that all that glitters really is gold for this extraordinary organisation.

Endeavour Magazine | 87

GUYANA GOLDFIELDS

If you don’t remember Guyana Goldfields (GG) from our previous

article then shame on you, as this Canadian-based mineral exploration company is head and shoulders above its nearest competitors. Focusing their attentions of Guyana, in South America, the main directives of the company if to source, explore and develop countless gold deposits and they have been busy!

S

till considered to be an emerging producer, GG have enjoyed fantastic success with their flagship gold mine, called Aurora, which announced significant first gold production in August

2015. Don’t let the ‘emerging’ tag fool you into thinking that this is a fledgling operation though, as GG have been operating continuously, responsibly and sustainably in Guyana since 1996.

You hear the words gold production and automatically, outdated images of the gold rush and clambering greed enter your mind, but you have to dispel these stereotypical notions, as not all operations are built and run equally. In fact, some have a far better grasp on social responsibility and caring for surrounding communities than you might expect. GG is exceptionally proud of how much they seek to reach out, “The Company’s CSR Strategy, Community and National Initiatives target areas locally within our communities and also on a national level that promote sustainable development in Guyana. Some of the activities that we developed are; National Library Support, erection of Monument of Hope in Bartica, Amerindian Heritage Month Support, Indian Arrival Day and

88 | Endeavour Magazine

Endeavour Magazine | 89

GUYANA GOLDFIELDS

African Emancipation Day support. We’ve also been involved

While it’s become increasingly common for large organisations

with the Fire Prevention Week Fund, Guyana Relief Council

to understand how valuable a sense of community is, it is still

Support, Community Company Information Sessions, Community

relatively rare for this to translate into anything other than nice

Development Initiatives and $20 Million Children Needs and

speeches and website manifestos. The fact that GG are proactive

Development Initiatives.”

in their desire to consistently minimise the impact they have on

It’s really not just a case of grab the money and run for GG, as there is a sense of stewardship that naturally pours out of every facet of this forward thinking and progressive company.

established communities really sets them apart from many others in their industry.

While being the ‘nice guy’ would, in an ideal world, automatically

“Proactive, healthy interaction with the communities impacted

grant organisations all the success that they desire, it is still so

by the Company’s exploration and development programmes is an

often the case that the more ruthless and uncaring conglomerates

important part of the long-term investment strategy for Guyana.

still enjoy the lion share of profits, in every industry, but we are

Though early stages of airborne exploration have a minimal impact

delighted to announce that GG has not suffered at all for its innate

on communities, this changes once targets are identified and

desire to take care of surrounding communities, alongside its own

evaluation and development programmes are implemented. The

interests. The year-end 2015 figures are proof of this and really

Company recognises that from the inception of the programme,

demonstrate the special nature of this company, given that,

and as the project progresses, it will be important to communicate

“Prior to implementing any drilling, evaluation and other such

and interact proactively with any community and role player that

programs, the Company will endeavor to identify the impact of

may be affected by its programmes and inform and obtain buy-

the proposed activities and determine how to best manage them

in with any stakeholders that may be impacted by exploration,

to minimise negative impacts and maximise potential benefits at

evaluation and development.”

affected communities.”

90 | Endeavour Magazine

Are we finally seeing a new era of business? Can responsible, thoughtful operations still enjoy good profit margins and longevity?

ready to make investments into improved machinery to allow for maximum productivity and uninterrupted operation,

It would appear so! Having produced a staggering 35,901oz of gold,

“The Company’s focus remains on optimising gold recovery,

28,850oz were sold, generating the company $31m in revenue,

reducing reagent consumption rates, reducing freight and

equating to $0.13 of earnings, per share. While this might sound

equipment rental costs and other continuous improvement

terrifically impressive, GG is keen to explain that 2016 is expected

initiatives designed to further improve operating efficiencies and

to yield much better results,

reduce costs.”

“The Company does not believe that the 2015 financial

With the Aurora mine boasting a total gold resource of 6.54

information is representative of expected results to be achieved

million ounces, in the measured and indicated categories, plus a

in 2016, as optimal operating performance has not been achieved.

further 1.82 million ounces in the inferred category, there can be

Operating costs are higher in the four-month ramp up period as

no doubting that GG is prepared to ramp up their exploration and

GGI transitioned from development to commercial production.

production efforts, with informed investments forming a major

As such, the processing facility had not yet consistently attained

part of the plan. What we think is fantastic, however, is that all of

its design capacity of milling 5,000 tpd, and the Company expects

this will be achieved without causing any harm or concern to the

improvements to mining, processing and G&A costs to be realised in

surrounding communities. How’s that for the nice guys not finishing

2016. In addition, gold sales were made substantially in November

last anymore? GG is one of the most compassionate organisations

and December 2015. Extensive costs were incurred in September

in operation and they are very much coming out on top.

and October for commissioning and start-up operations.”

Far from making excuses, it seems as though the management team at GG has a firm and experienced hand on the tiller that is

MACORP is pleased to announce that it has signed an equipment deal with AGM, a subsidiary of Guyana Goldfields Inc. (GGI), located within Cuyuni-Mazaruni Essequibo County.

The deal was finalized in the first quarter of 2016; the resultant factor was the procurement total of 11 units of Caterpillar mining equipment namely: (6) 745C articulated trucks. (2) 390F Hydraulic Excavators (2) 326D2 L Hydraulic Excavators (1) 336D2 L XE Hydraulic Excavator.

Which makes us proud to say that we are BUILT FOR IT. Endeavour Magazine | 91

GADGETS

World Premiere: Volocopter is Flying Manned! – Dawn of a Revolution in Urban Mobility The premiere of manned flights with the world’s first certified Multicopter, e-volo’s Volocopter VC200, marks the beginning of a new era in urban mobility. The Volocopter is a personal aerial vehicle that is so easy and safe to fly, literally anyone can command it. Due to its electric propulsion, it has no tailpipe emissions and is impressively quiet. For the first time, humans’ dream of personal flight as a daily routine becomes attainable. As such, it not only

The ‘Cronuz’ Is The Next-Gen Smartwatch That Leverages AI To Help Users Achieve Their Life Goals

offers more widespread use in conventional aircraft domains, but also brings us another step closer to air taxi services and entire transportation systems in the third dimension.

This brand new wearable innovation promises to adapt to the

The Volocopter VC200 received the ‘permit-to-fly’ as an

needs of each individual user, designing personalised programmes

ultralight aircraft from German aviation authorities in February

to help them meet their goals, while managing their lifestyle to

2016. In the context of the commenced test programme, e-volo has

promote and encourage success across the board. Put simply, the

started to conduct manned flights. The historic world premiere of

Cronuz is redefining wearables for good. It’s also geared up so that

a flight with a certified multicopter was made by e-volo Managing

wearers can play games and listen to music - taking convenience to

Director, Alexander Zosel, on March 30th, 2016 on an airfield in

the next level.

Southern Germany.

With a front camera and a cutting-edge eye-shaped design,

Thanks to its innovative flight control, the vertical take-off and

the Cronuz is set to take on the big boys of the smartwatch arena,

landing aircraft (VTOL) is extremely easy to fly. The Volocopter

offering a totally personalised experience for every single wearer.

is piloted one-handedly with a single joystick and significantly

Add to this the incredible battery life, which lasts for up to seven

reduces the number one reason for fatal accidents in conventional

days without a single charge, and you see it is ideal for those who

helicopters: human error. To demonstrate this feature, Zosel

often find their other gadgets running out of juice. The watch

releases his hand from the joystick to applaud his team during

is compatible with the Internet of Things and also has immense

the premiere flight, while the Volocopter automatically holds its

artificial intelligence capabilities, making it one of the most

position. A comprehensive redundancy concept compensates any

advanced smartwatches to hit the market.

failure by critical components including the loss of several motors.

The gMate operating system sits at the heart of the Cronuz

This was demonstrated exhaustively during the certification

smartwatch, endowing it with impressive capabilities that stand

process.

head and shoulders above their rivals in the smartwatch arena.

92 | Endeavour Magazine

3D Printing Expansion Unveils Growth Opportunities for Superior Materials As 3D printing, or additive manufacturing (AM), moves from prototyping to end-part manufacturing, the companies supplying printing materials will be looking to develop products that are application-based rather than adopting a one-material-fits all strategy. The suppliers are keenly aware that better performing materials are required to accommodate customer specifications and help 3D printing achieve its potential in the direct manufacturing of finished parts.

System suppliers and chemical companies have already introduced superior materials such as polyetherimide (PEI), polyaryletherketone (PAEKs), carbon-fibre reinforced grades and a wide range of performance metal powders. Product innovation and differentiation will go a long way in enhancing the use of 3D printing for functional part manufacturing or mass customisation.

Recent analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Emergence of 3D Printing Materials, finds that the additive manufacturing formulations market earned revenues of $428.1 billion in 2014 and estimates this to reach $920.4 billion in 2020.

AM has taken off in North America and Europe, as they are the hubs of key industries such as aerospace, medical/dental and electronics that have embraced the 3D printing revolution.

Similarly, China and South Korea are expected to become 3D printing hotspots for materials and equipment manufacturing. In response, global chemical companies need to formulate a viable, long-term strategy that involves establishing manufacturing facilities in Asia as well.

“While opportunities are expanding, the chemicals market is held back to some extent because most chemical manufacturers supplying raw materials and formulations do not have a dedicated The unique set of hardware syncs with artificial intelligence

supply strategy in place for the 3D printing market,” said Frost &

and the Internet of Things, as well as utilising a system called

Sullivan’s Visionary Science Industry Manager Deepak Karthikeyan.

Surround Detectosensor. This sensor allows the watch to become

“This can be attributed to the low volumes in the market and the

contextually aware – it can detect and send recommendations or

relatively huge investments the suppliers need to make.”

reminders, as well as sending alerts, depending on your location.

Furthermore, 3D printing material suppliers, notably those

Darin Philips, CEO and Co-Founder of Cronuz, says, “The

that provide formulation services, observed that even though

Cronuz is not just a flashy gadget that displays your text messages

the current volumes are low, there is high demand for technical

and tells you the weather – it’s far more than that. With an

support from system manufacturers and users. This in turn compels

advanced operating system and artificial intelligence capabilities,

suppliers to place a heavy price tag on their materials. To mitigate

the Cronuz is your new personal assistant – but also a pal, too.

the price and raw material challenges, solution suppliers have to

We’ve configured the watch to help users modify their lifestyle and

scout for possible acquisition opportunities based on the product

behaviour, all in the pursuit of their own goals and missions. This

portfolio and market expertise.

watch gives wearers access to thousands of recipes for example

Increasing adoption of fused filament fabrication and laser

but also guides them in cooking those recipes with timers, alerts

sintering technologies in the industrial and the consumer space are

and how to do and what to do instructions.”

driving the demand for plastic filaments and powders respectively.

With prices starting at just $89, the Cronuz is also one of the

Simultaneously, even though the market for metal powders is small,

most affordable smartwatches on the market and regular updates

they are finding uptake in industries such as aerospace, automotive

from the team behind this innovation will ensure it remains at the

and medical, which are increasingly using direct metal laser sintering

cutting-edge of the competitive smartwatch industry.

(DMLS) and electron beams.

Endeavour Magazine | 93

PIONEERING WIRELESS ‘SMARTHUB’ AIMS TO BECOME THE MUST-HAVE ROUTER FOR SMART HOMES OF THE FUTURE A pioneering wireless router is making waves on Indiegogo as a

the SmartHub the nerve-centre of every home. With access

crowdfunding campaign gains momentum in its attempt to give the

to lightning-fast Wi-Fi, the ability to store household files and

humble home router a much-needed facelift.

documents, and control all wireless-enabled home appliances, the

SmartHub is exactly what the name suggests – an intelligent

SmartHub is the must-have router for the 21st century home.”

home hub designed to meet the needs of tech-heavy 21st century

As with all crowdfunding campaigns, a range of rewards are

homes. As our usage of internet-enabled gadgets increases by the

up for grabs for those who choose to back the SmartHub project.

year, and the Internet of Things (IoT) becomes a viable prospect

Backers can pledge as little as £1 and as much as £900 to put the

for family homes and not just sci-fi movies, the team behind the

SmartHub into production, with rewards including a thank you

SmartHub have engineered a brand new wireless router with a

postcard, access to the partner development programmes and

multitude of features built for the ‘smart homes’ of the future.

a bulk selection of ten SmartHubs for the backers’ families and

The SmartHub is loaded with features that modern homes are

friends.

craving. Lightning-fast Wi-Fi is obviously a must for many homes

Alex Sutherland adds, “We’re confident that there is a high

using multiple gadgets and the SmartHub delivers in spades – but

level of demand for an item such as this. The market research our

there’s much more. A flash storage bay allows households to turn

team undertook found that 85% of respondents would choose the

the SmartHub into their very own secure cloud storage service,

SmartHub over any traditional router on the market, which shows

creating an accessible storage solution for movies, music, photos

us that we’ve produced an intelligent product that meets the

and documents that households want to share. The router has

connectivity needs of many households. We have very high hopes

also been stripped of trailing power cables. Instead, the unit plugs

for the Indiegogo campaign, and we look forward to potentially

directly into the wall and a built-in lithium-ion battery allows the

putting the SmartHub into full production with the help of our

router to function for long periods of time without drawing energy

backers!”

from the mains – great for households keeping an eye on their energy bills.

The router also acts as a master console for all wireless-enabled devices in the home. Using Cortex, the SmartHub’s open source cloud operating system, the SmartHub gives users the ability to control locks, lights, thermostats, fire alarms and heating devices – all from a single app that syncs perfectly with the SmartHub. Alex Sutherland, director and creator of the SmartHub says, “We’re thrilled to have launched our Indiegogo campaign to make 94 | Endeavour Magazine

Endeavour Magazine | 95

TRAVEL

96 | Endeavour Magazine

INTRODUCING WINGTONS – THE STUNNING NEW GLAMPING SITE AT CLARENCE POINT, TASMANIA

T

he unique new glamping location features a cluster of five

from the tents – now that’s entertainment! Clarence Point is

metre bell tents, fully equipped with queen-sized beds and

a perfect location for fishing and water sports, ensuring that

Egyptian cotton 1000 thread-count sheets for the most

guests will never be without an exciting activity or two.

luxurious night’s sleep.

The site is just 45 minutes north of Launceston, offering

A European eco-friendly wood heater keeps each tent toasty,

easy access to the local airport for interstate and international

while BOSE speakers and a Weber barbecue help to ensure that

travellers. Or perhaps guests can cruise in on the Spirit of

glampers are still in touch with their urban conveniences. Each

Tasmania into Devonport only 50 minutes away.

bell tent also comes with its own private 4m tipi tent, with a

Nathaniel Wicks, Co-Owner of Wingtons, says, “We’re

fully-functioning bathroom comprising of a flushing toilet and a

thrilled to be launching our brand new glamping site this year

gas-powered shower.

and look forward to giving our visitors an original glamping

The beautiful location could not be more picturesque and

experience the way it used to be done. We’ve made every

there’s a multitude of things for guests to do. A major wine

effort to recreate an authentic slice of luxury into the Tasmanian

route with more than thirty vineyards is sure to draw serious

countryside, creating that ‘boutique hotel’ feel, with the

wine connoisseurs to the area, while those who prefer to be

additional bonus of abundant nature and wildlife right on your

at one with nature can go bushwalking through local national

doorstep. This is camping at its very finest, with no expense

parks and meander along miles of white sandy beaches only 10

spared in ensuring that our guests have a truly memorable

minutes away, not to mention the abundance of wildlife on the

break here at Wingtons.”

site.

Graham Kington adds, “Whether you’re coming to us for

The entire area is also criss-crossed with a myriad of cycling

a romantic retreat, a family break or even a solo expedition,

routes, perfect for those who love to explore the world on two

you’ll enjoy fantastic hospitality, wonderful views and premium

wheels instead of four! Those who love their sports can find

comfort out here in Tasmania. We look forward to welcoming

plenty to do here. There are regular yacht races held by the

our first guests very soon!”

yacht club at Beauty Point, all of which can be seen perfectly

Endeavour Magazine | 97

CAPELLA HOTEL GROUP ASIA TO MANAGE HERITAGE “SHIKUMEN” LANDMARK IN SHANGHAI

L

ocated within Hengfu’s historical and cultural preservation

first appeared in the 1860s. Due to Shanghai’s rapid development,

zone of the Xuhui District, Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li will be

original “shikumen” houses are a rarity against the glistening

the city’s only all-villa urban resort in the last remaining cluster

skyscrapers and modern architecture. The Jian Ye Li estate will be

of historical “shikumen” (stone warehouse gate) estate, which was

a showcase of Shanghai’s residential heritage featuring Chinese

the landmark of 1930s Shanghai. Capella Residences Shanghai,

courtyard houses with Parisian flair.

located within the same estate, will open in early 2017.

Mr. Zhu Jingsong, General Manager of Shanghai Hengfu

Originally built in the 1930s by French real estate company

Investment & Development Co., Ltd. said, “For a decade, Capella

Fonciere et Immobiliere de Chine, the Jian Ye Li estate is comprised

Hotel Group Asia has been devoted to the development of

of the ultra-luxury Capella Shanghai, Capella Residences and The

the world’s hospitality landmarks and preservation of historic

Gallery, a retail destination for lifestyle brands. Sensitively restored

architecture with cultural value. This cooperation between Xufang

for the affluent clientele, these “shikumen” buildings are a marriage

Group and Capella Hotel Group Asia is an alliance between like-

of traditional Shanghainese and Western architectural styles which

minded partners. Both parties shall play to each other’s strengths

98 | Endeavour Magazine

and build upon the profound historical and cultural heritage of

Horst Schulze, Chairman and CEO of Capella Hotel Group.

Jian Ye Li’s unique architectural structures. It is our common goal

Capella Shanghai, is located within the Jian Ye Li heritage

to transform Jian Ye Li into a vibrant and charming landmark

conservation estate. It will be Shanghai’s only all-villa urban resort

that symbolises the protective utilization of Shanghai’s beautiful

with 55 villas complemented by the legendary Capella Library, the

historical architecture.”

award-winning Auriga Spa, a French brasserie and intimate event

“Capella Hotel Group is deeply honoured to be appointed as

venues. In 2017, Capella Residences will be fully functional with

the custodian of Shanghai’s last remaining “shikumen” estate and

40 apartments for the discerning clientele in search of ultra-luxury

an important part of Shanghai’s cultural heritage. The juxtaposition

accommodation. The Gallery, which forms the facade of the Jian Ye

of a contemporary gateway city with the alluring heritage of a past

Li estate, is a collection of niche retail lifestyle brands.

era makes Capella Shanghai truly unique. We will instil our Capella service philosophy and leverage on our expertise in the ultra-luxury segment to create a new hospitality icon for Shanghai,” said Mr. Endeavour Magazine | 99

100 | Endeavour Magazine

BID TO UPGRADE YOUR SAS FLIGHT

F

rom April 25, it will be easy for SAS customers to bid for

to SAS Plus within the Nordic region and Europe and to SAS

an upgrade to Plus or Business class. This will give more

Plus or SAS Business on long-haul journeys to the USA and Asia.

customers a greater opportunity to enjoy SAS’s best

Bids for an upgrade can be made immediately after booking

products.

and up to 48 hours before departure. Customers will receive

SAS is launching a simple and flexible way to bid on an

notification by email of whether their bid has been accepted

upgrade, whether you are flying to the USA, Asia, Europe,

36 hours before departure. Payment for an upgrade is only

or within the Nordic region. The new product is called SAS

made once a bid has been accepted. Bids can be amended or

Upgrade and it lets you decide how much you want to bid for

retracted up to 48 hours before departure.

an upgrade to SAS Plus or SAS Business classes. You can even

Upgrading to SAS Plus provides a range of benefits,

pay with EuroBonus points. In other words, SAS customers just

including Fast Track (faster through security), lounge access

have to decide how much they are willing to pay in order to

(with Wi-Fi, computer workstations, attractive environment,

enjoy the benefits of, for example, Lounge access, Fast Track

food, beverages, newspapers, etc.), food and beverages on

or a Sleeper Seat on their next trip. The highest bids win the

board, as well as more EuroBonus points. An upgrade to SAS

upgrade.

Business provides additional benefits such as a sleeper seat, a

“We are always striving to develop new and innovative offers for our customers,” says Stephanie Smitt Lindberg, VP

comfort kit, a restaurant experience on board and even more EuroBonus points.

Customer Journey at SAS. “We are now giving our customers

The new upgrade page can be found at www.flysas.com/

the opportunity to bid on an upgrade and get a good deal. This

upgrade from April 25 and is a brand new page that is both

will give more of our customers a much greater opportunity to

simpler and more technologically advanced.

enjoy SAS’s best products.”

The new upgrade option is supplied by Plusgrade. SAS

It will be possible to pay for the upgrade with both EuroBonus

Upgrade replaces upgrading via Optiontown. It will still be

points and payment cards. Another new addition is that bonus

possible to buy upgrades at the airport, from 22 hours before

points are also earned on the upgrade. Flights can be upgraded

departure.

Endeavour Magazine | 101

BOOK REVIEWS

Author S.K. Holder Launches Second Book in YA Bestselling “The Other Worlds” Series It has been three weeks since Connor arrived home from Narrigh and he’s seeking the answers to what took him there. He believes that his brother – Luke − is hiding something from him.

His fears are confirmed when he follows him to the company that created the Quest of Narrigh game: Tridan Entertainment. While there, he meets Ted Carthy, a games developer. Ted introduces him to Tridan Entertainment’s latest release, an online sci-fi roleplaying game, The Plague of Pyridian. Connor accesses the game

The Belief Gene

by Danny Roberts

and is transported onto an alien planet where he discovers the terrible truth about his family heritage. Ted Carthy’s inquiries into the mysterious disappearance of a number of company employees’ leads him down a treacherous path. Meanwhile, Skelos Dorm continues his trek through Narrigh’s perilous terrain in search of a way out. In doing so, he stumbles across an unlikely ally... “ I found it riveting. Something totally different and a really good story. SK Holder has managed to cross the line between fantasy and reality in a very clever and enthralling manner. The characters are very well written, as is the plot and the whole story line. It’s a highly entertaining novel.” “ The Quest of Narrigh by S.K. Holder is a really nice read. The background of the various different worlds is quite fascinating and holds the potential for a few follow up books (and the title actually suggests that there will indeed be more). I could also imagine this as a fantasy TV series.”

“This story is filled with magic, suspense and strong characters in a well developed plot. The author ensures that readers get to know these unique characters, especially the main ones, by giving each a section of their own. I was drawn into the adventure because of this and enjoyed it very much. It is original and a book I recommend.”

102 | Endeavour Magazine

In Kentish author Danny Roberts’ exhilarating thriller, Inspector Tom Zalucki struggles against a sinister conspiracy from deep inside the European Union…

In his debut novel, Danny Roberts dives fearlessly into the most controversial topics affecting Europe today to create a fast-paced crime thriller spiced with a wickedly satirical portrayal of the powerful cabal who really control the EU. At a European Union summit in Brussels, a shadowy conspiracy forms to steal secret technology from the Catholic Church; in a hotel bedroom in Krakow, Poland, a woman steals semen from a rich footballer; in Bautzen, Germany, a butcher takes delivery of human meat from a Polish murderer of prostitutes and in Rome and Krakow, a scientist and a priest plot to use a drug which can manipulate the beliefs of millions of people.

‘The EU will be the dominant government entity from the Urals to the Atlantic, and from Lapland to Malta...let joy be unconfined!’

Everything changes for Inspector Tom Zalucki when he is called to the scene of a suspicious homicide in Krakow airport, where the murder of an Italian priest raises many questions. Zalucki quickly realises that not all is what it seems and when the Italian’s body

An Unlikely Heroine Must Overcome The Wrath Of The Gods To Save The People Of Mendacia...

In her exhilarating debut novel, Eden: The Eighth Day, Sally Mitchell reimagines the story of creation, expertly weaving in fantastical elements to create a frightening dystopian world where chaos reigns and the human race suffers at the hands of vengeful gods.

‘So you think that if we live by some ancient rules, the gods will honour their promise to return the lands to us?

I’m not so sure they’re even watching over us anymore.’

In the wake of a devastating divine apocalypse, only the empire of Mendacia remains as the last bastion of mankind. Trapped beneath a fire-lit sky and surrounded by a molten river, the city finds itself under siege and at the mercy of the gods. Worse still, the tyrant emperor, Malum Dolus, reigns over the people of Mendacia is stolen from the City Morgue and then found butchered in the

with an army of demons, whose brutality is used to maintain the

Krakow forests, he knows he’s up against something very nasty

order and total subjugation of his people.

indeed. With the help of the beautiful forensic coroner, Dr. Ewa

The only salvation for Mendacia’s citizens lies within a most

Kwiatowska, Zalucki begins pulling at the threads of this difficult

unlikely hero: Vita Dulcus, the town outcast and suspected witch.

investigation. A connection is made to a series of cannibal murders

She is the last person anyone would look to for aid, but fate works

during the Nazi Occupation of Poland and Zalucki finds things

in mysterious ways and when Vita discovers the truth about her

spiralling out-of-control when Ewa is kidnapped by a copycat

ancestors, she discovers that she holds an old and powerful magic

killer…

within herself. Her inner strength and burgeoning love for the

Zalucki clashes with a powerful order of the Catholic Church and,

emperor’s son, Kayin, allows Vita to persevere through the evil

terrifyingly, with a malevolent secret conspiracy of the most senior

surrounding her and overcome her tragic past, but will she be able

players in the hierarchy of the European Union. Unbeknownst to

to release Mendacia from the cruel hands of the gods?

Zalucki, these two groups are fighting for ownership of the ultimate drug to control us all…by the manipulation of the ‘Belief Gene’.

Author Sally Mitchell was raised surrounded by the magic of the Yorkshire dales; a setting which helped to nurture her natural

Matador is the UK’s most widely recommended self-publishing

creative talent and interest in astrology. After leaving a career in

services company, recommended by writers’ organisations, PR

nursing, she began to study psychology, even winning an award

agencies and many successfully self-published authors. Publishing

for her undergraduate degree. However, after becoming a single

up to and over 500 books every year, their commercial list spans

parent, Mitchell’s ambition took her in yet another creative direction

all genres – from biographies, sports and history books to crime

and her blossoming writing career began. Sally is now available to

thrillers, historical novels and romance reads.

interview about Eden: The Eighth Day, and copies of her eBook are available for review – either as PDF/epub, or via NetGalley.

Endeavour Magazine | 103

BE THE 1 Right now, near you, someone needs blood.

Not just any blood, a perfect match. That’s why Cristiano Ronaldo donates blood. Join him and Abbott to donate now. You could save a life. BE THE 1TM.

Sign up to donate at BeThe1Donor.com

ADD-00056592

BE THE 1 and related brand marks are marks of Abbott Laboratories in various jurisdictions.

TM