AUGUST 2018
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I
t has been a full year since taking over as
the unsettling world of possession via fungal
Head Editor here at Endeavour Magazine,
parasites (in insects, not humans – fear
and what a year it turned out to be. We
not!), and another explored a phenomena
speak with so many inspirational companies
that is just as strange and destructive, yet
and figures every month that it has been a
far less documented…at least by Western
constantly educational and eye-opening
academia. If you thought that humans were
experience: I hope it has been as interesting
the only animals to harness the use of fire
for you as it has for me! Whilst we speak
as a tool, then think again.
with many companies, we remember them
Last but not least, we had the pleasure of
all, and I am happy to see some of our returning favourites featured again in this August issue.
working with Tesla not just once, but twice this month. Our reviewers had far too much fun test driving the Tesla Model S, whilst
Continuing our journey of discovery, in
making the rest of the office extremely
this month’s business features, we had a
jealous, and we also spoke to the Electric
fascinating conversation with APL Logistics
Vehicle company about their latest rollout
For enquiries or subscriptions contact info@littlegatepublishing.com +44 1603 296 100
about the future of logistics and the
of Supercharger points across Europe.
massive impact that online shopping has
This rollout is making the reality of clean
had on the shipping industry. We theorized
driving that bit more effortless and viable
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about how the industry might look in five to
with every new station: as the deployment
ten years, as well as investigated the ways
of these Supercharge points continues to
in which APLL is responding to its evolving
grow, the reasons not to drive electric are
customer needs in the present day. We
shrinking.
also spoke to SirajPower, who are helping
We hope you enjoy all of this content
Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com
Littlegate Publishing Ltd does not accept
businesses in the UEA to adopt greener ways to operate, and SGS Ghana, who not only help companies throughout West
responsibility for omissions or errors. The points
Africa to go green and work efficiently, but
of view expressed in articles by attributing
also offer testing and accuracy-checking
writers and/or in advertisements included in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of
across the board of industrial sector needs.
the publisher. Any resemblance to real persons,
These two companies are working to raise
living or dead is purely coincidental. Whilst
the bar of excellence for others, and to
every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this magazine,
require to make the best business choices.
publishers for loss arising from use of information
In our Amazing World series, we looked at
publication may be reproduced or stored in a
another year!
ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
two spectacular achievements of nature:
retrievable system or transmitted in any form or
spectacularly clever,
by any means without the prior written consent of
threatening! One of our writers delved into
the publisher.
hope to see you all coming back to us for
give companies the data and guidance they
no legal responsibility will be accepted by the published. All rights reserved. No part of this
and much more in our August issue, and I
and
spectacularly
Copyright © Littlegate Publishing Ltd 2018
Endeavour Magazine | 3
CONTENTS
60 BROLL GHANA FEATURES
20 SGS GHANA LTD 4 | Endeavour Magazine
14 APL Logistics On The Move 20 SGS Ghana Ltd Measuring Up 30 SOL Guyana Ready For New Opportunities 36 Viraj Profiles One Vision, Many Worlds 44 Creative Eateries A Taste Of Everything 54 Siraj Power Going For Green 60 Broll Ghana Maximising Africa’s Potential 66 Liebherr Africa (Pty) Ltd Made Of Stronger Stuff 72 ANSA Automotive Ltd A Driving Force 78 EOH Africa A Developing World 84 Laeveld AgroChem Healthy Growth 94 GCC Interconnection Authority Keeping Interconnected 100 Harlequin International (Ghana) Ltd First-World Support 106 Eqstra Fleet Management More Than A Fleeting Victory 112 Island Site Development (ISD) What A Site 116 Botswana Chamber of Mines What’s Mine Is Botswana’s 122 MovieTowne Movie Magic
14 APL LOGISTICS ARTICLES 6 7 8 10 11
Business Headlines Africa Middle East Asia Europe Americas
12
Focus Tesla Inc.: Supercharging The Future
Amazing World 28 Psychedelic Zombie Snails 52 Karrkanj 90
Automotives Tesla Model S 100D
36 VIRAJ PROFILES Endeavour Magazine | 5
BUSINESS HEADLINES AFRICA TOP ETHIOPIAN ENGINEER SHOT AND KILLED Simegnew Bekele, the top Ethiopian
SOUTH AFRICAN COURT ANNULS GRACE MUGABE’S DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY The
High
Court
in
entitled to automatic diplomatic immunity because she was the spouse of a head of state.
Johannesburg
The International Relations Department
engineer who was found dead in a car in the
has set aside the International Relations
claimed
capital, Addis Ababa, was killed as a result
Department’s decision to grant Grace
immunity, but rather recognised it under
of a bullet wound, the police have said. A
Mugabe diplomatic immunity.
international law.
handgun was found in the car. At a press
The former Zimbabwean first lady
conference, Police Commissioner Zeynu
allegedly assaulted Gabriella Engels at a
Jemal did not say whether police thought the
hotel in August last year but was allowed to
wound was self inflicted or if Mr Simegnew
leave the country without being prosecuted.
that
it
did
not
grant
the
SOMALIA AND ERITREA RE-ESTABLISH DIPLOMATIC TIES
was killed by someone else.
The presidents of Somalia and Eritrea
The death of the engineer, who was
have signed an agreement to establish
in charge of Ethiopia’s high profile Grand
diplomatic
Renaissance Dam project, has shocked many
of
in the country. As news of his death spread,
rapprochement in the Horn of Africa.
there was a spontaneous demonstration
ties
animosity, “The
two
after in
the
over latest
countries
relations
will and
a
decade fast-track establish
outside the state broadcaster’s offices in
diplomatic
exchange
Addis Ababa, with people calling for “justice
ambassadors,” said a “joint declaration on
for the engineer”.
brotherly relations” signed in Asmara by Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Somali
COULD RANCHES SOLVE NIGERIAN HERDERS VS FARMERS CONFLICTS?
counterpart Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed. Somalia and Eritrea fell out over a decade ago as Asmara stood accused of
Farmers and herders have been clashing
backing Islamist militants on Somali soil in a
over land and grazing rights in Nigeria.
proxy war with Ethiopia.
200 people were killed in central
Eritrea long denied this, but was given
Plateau state after three days of violence in
UN sanctions over its alleged backing of Al-
July, adding to hundreds of lives lost already
Shabaab in 2009.
this year.
“Eritrea strongly supports the political
Security services are already stretched
independence, sovereignty and territorial
by the Boko Haram insurgency in the north-
integrity of Somalia as well as the efforts
east, and are struggling to provide protection
of the people and government of Somalia
and to deter revenge attacks.
to restore the country’s rightful stature and
This conflict is decades long, and yet
achieve the lofty aspirations of its people,”
these recent attacks have been more
read the declaration.
deadly and sophisticated than ever before – especially as the herders are now armed with guns.
The document, posted on Eritrea’s The ruling has now paved the way for Mugabe to be extradited to face charges.
information ministry website, also said the two nations “will endeavour to forge
The authorities are proposing to set up
High Court judge Bashier Vally found
intimate political, economic, social, cultural
ranches, to remove territory conflicts. The
the decision to grant Mugabe diplomatic
as well as defence and security cooperation.”
plan is to confine herders into controlled
immunity
grazing areas to dissuade them from entering
Constitution.
private farms to look for water and pasture as the seasons change. However, planners estimate that it would take 10 years to put the ranches in place, at a cost of USA$500m. 6 | Endeavour Magazine
was
inconsistent
with
the
The decision was made by former International
They will in addition “work in unison to foster regional peace, stability and economic
Relations
Minister
Maite
Nkoane-Mashabane. The Democratic Alliance (DA) and AfriForum had argued that Mugabe was not
integration.”
MIDDLE EAST MIDWIFE TRAINING CENTRE ATTACKED IN AFGHANISTAN
charges, said the party had yet to decide whether or not to boycott parliament. Sitting
alongside
him
at
a
In January, pictures emerged showing mounds of rubbish dumped on the beaches
news
north of the capital Beirut.
Militants attacked a midwife training
conference, Maulana Fazalur Rehman, leader
But this is not just an environmental
centre in Afghanistan, killing two guards
of the MMA party and spokesman for the
project. The group have also purposefully
and a driver and injuring at least eight other
group of rival parties, said: “We will run a
pointed the tanks towards their southern
people.
movement for holding of elections again.
neighbour, Israel.
The attackers set off explosives and fired gunshots at the centre in Jalalabad, Nangarhar province.
There will be protests.” Leaders of more than a dozen parties had called the conference to form a joint
Afghan security forces regained control
strategy after the election.
after a gunfight lasting six hours. No group has yet said it was behind the
According to Mr Kozbar, it was done “out of solidarity for the Palestinian people”.
EGYPT COURT SENTENCES 75 TO DEATH OVER 2013 PRO-MORSI PROTESTS
attack, although Islamic State militants have
An Egyptian court has sentenced 75
claimed several recent attacks in the eastern
people to death for their role in the violence
province.
that erupted after President Mohammed
The Taliban have denied any involvement.
Morsi’s removal in 2013.
The attack began at around 11:30 local
The group, including leaders of the
time and ended around 18:00. Attaullah
Khogyani,
banned Muslim Brotherhood, are part of a Nangarhar
mass trial of more than 700 people.
spokesman for the provincial governor, said
Rights group Amnesty International has
that one of the assailants died when he
called the trial “grossly unfair” and a violation
detonated an explosive vest, while the other
of Egypt’s constitution.
was killed by security forces.
Their cases will now be referred to
In total, 61 midwives and two children
the Grand Mufti, who must be consulted
were rescue from the compound. Two guards and one driver were killed in the attack, while three members of the security forces, three civilians and two centre employees were hurt.
RIVAL PARTIES REJECT RESULT IN PAKISTAN ELECTION
whenever the death sentence is applied.
LEBANON USES TANKS TO MAKE NEW MEDITERRANEAN REEF
Islamic legal authority, that opinion is nonbinding - although rarely ignored. The August 2013 clashes took place
army tanks 3km off the coast of Sidon,
a month after the democratically-elected
Lebanon, in an attempt to tackle a rubbish
Mr Morsi was ousted, with hundreds of
issue.
demonstrators and dozens of security
A group of Pakistani political parties has
It is the hope that this action will not only attract tourists to the region, but will
election after the victory for ex-cricketer
also create a new haven for wildlife in the
Imran Khan.
Mediterranean Sea.
rival parties allege vote rigging.
of the Grand Mufti, the country’s highest
Environmentalists are sinking ten old
rejected the results of the recent general
Mr Khan’s PTI party declared victory, but
While Egyptian law requires the opinion
personnel killed after the latter moved in to break up two sit-in protests. In the months that followed the clashes, there was a crackdown on the former
“This will be a paradise for divers and
president’s supporters, and on the Muslim
a place where we can develop underwater
Brotherhood group to which he belongs,
After joint talks in Islamabad, one party
life,” said Kamel Kozbar, of Friends of the
which Egypt later declared a “terrorist
leader said they would launch protests to
Coast of Sidon, the group spearheading the
organisation”.
demand fresh elections.
project.
In a statement, Amnesty International
The rival parties include the former
He hopes seaweed will soon cover
pointed out that, while many thousands of
governing PML-N, which had earlier said it
the tanks, creating the group’s vision of an
people have been arrested since, “Egyptian
was ready to go into opposition.
“underwater park” - a world away from the
authorities
beaches which have not escaped Lebanon’s
prosecuted any of the security force
overflowing rubbish crisis.
personnel” who were involved in the clashes.
Leader Shahbaz Sharif, brother of former PM Nawaz Sharif who is in jail on corruption
have
never
questioned
or
Endeavour Magazine | 7
ASIA EARTHQUAKE HITS INDONESIA’S LOMBOK – AT LEAST 12 KILLED
Images
have
shown
huge
waves
crashing on to rocks off the coast south-
summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un.
west of Tokyo, and ferry services have been
It is hoped more will follow.
A powerful magnitude-6.4 earthquake
suspended. The rough seas also smashed
The Singapore summit, where Mr Trump
struck the popular tourist island of Lombok
through the window of a hotel restaurant in
and Mr Kim agreed to work towards the
in Indonesia on July 29, killing at least 12
the tourist town of Atami, injuring five.
“complete denuclearisation of the Korean
people and injuring at least 40.
Hundreds of flights were cancelled over
Peninsula”, has been criticised for a lack of
Around 43 quakes were recorded after
the weekend as the storm neared the coast.
detail on when or how Pyongyang would
the initial 6.4 magnitude tremor, with the
Japan is still reeling from one of its
largest aftershock recorded at 5.7 magnitude,
worst flooding disasters in decades earlier
However, the return of US remains
said the disaster mitigation agency.
this month, which saw more than eight
was one of four points listed in the June
Locals
escaped
collapsing
renounce nuclear weapons.
buildings
million people ordered to leave their homes.
declaration, and comes on the 65th
during the night, many running out into
More than 4,000 survivors are still living in
anniversary of the signing of the armistice
open fields.
temporary shelters.
that ended the 1950-1953 Korean War.
The quake struck 50km northeast of
The floods were swiftly followed by
It is believed that 55 soldiers have been
Lombok’s main city Mataram, far from the
an unprecedented heatwave which was
returned this time, but their remains will
main tourist spots on the south and west of
declared a natural disaster. At least 80
need to be forensically tested to ensure they
the island.
people have been killed by the temperature,
are indeed slain US troops - and it’s possible
and more than 22,000 hospitalised with
the identification process could take years.
The major quake was felt on the neighbouring island of Bali.
heat stroke.
Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, the disaster mitigation agency spokesman, posted on Twitter: “The main focus now is evacuation and rescue. Some of the injured are still being treated at clinics.” Island
authorities
VANUATU ISLAND EVACUATED FOR A SECOND TIME AGAIN AFTER VOLCANO ERUPTION The Manaro Voui volcano began spewing
have
temporarily
ash in late July, prompting officials to order
closed the hiking trails on Mount Rinjani
thousands of residents on Ambae island to
amid fears of landslides after the quake,
leave immediately.
Nugroho said.
The
volcano
began
rumbling
in
September last year, which led to the island’s
TYPHOON JONGDARI CUTS POWER TO THOUSANDS IN JAPAN
first full evacuation. Now officials in the South Pacific nation say it once again presents a danger to life.
A powerful storm has hit central and
The
evacuation
was
declared
as
western Japan, injuring at least 21 people
compulsory, and residents were moved to
and cutting power to tens of thousands of
neighbouring islands.
homes. Typhoon Jongdari brought torrential rain and winds of up to 180km/h (110mph). Weather officials have since downgraded it to a tropical storm, but warn that heavy rain could trigger landslides. Japan’s public broadcaster NHK reports that 150,000 homes are without power.
PYONGYANG RETURNS US TROOPS SLAIN IN KOREAN WAR
Pictures taken from Ambae have shown grey skies with little visibility. In September, the volcano had been seen emitting clouds of smoke, with signs of
North Korea has returned remains
hot lava emerging to the surface in its crater.
believed to be of 55 US troops killed during
More than 11,000 people fled their homes
the Korean War
at the time.
The return of the remains, brought
Another evacuation was conducted in
Tens of thousands were urged to leave
to a US base in South Korea, is the latest
May, but this was not compulsory and many
their homes. Evacuation orders were issued
in the current acts of diplomacy between
islanders said they wanted to stay.
to 36,400 people in the western city of
Washington and Pyongyang.
Shobara, and 6,300 in the city of Kure. 8 | Endeavour Magazine
The repatriation was agreed at the June
In a 2005 eruption, Manaro Voui displaced around 5,000 people.
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B r I S T O w g r O u P. C O m
EUROPE THOUSANDS RALLY IN RUSSIA OVER PLAN TO RAISED PENSION AGE
He was facing three indictments relating
They chose these locations because
to atrocities carried out in Kosovo, another
they all had digitised records dating back
for crimes in Croatia, and the third alleging
to the early 1900s.The team also used
Thousands of people have taken part in
genocide in Bosnia between 1992 and
computer models to assess the scale of
protests in cities across Russia to express
1995. In a statement, the head of the Bar
human-influenced climate change.
their anger at government proposals to raise
Association in Belgrade said the shooting of
The researchers found that in the
the pension age.
Mr Ognjanovic was an attack on all lawyers.
weather stations in the Netherlands, Ireland
carried
A number of prominent members of
and Denmark, climate change has generally
banners reading: “We want to live on our
Serbian and Montenegrin organised crime
increased the odds of the current heatwave
pensions, not die at work.”
networks have been killed in Belgrade in
by more than two-fold.
Demonstrators
in
Moscow
The government says it wants to raise the pension age from 60 to 65 for men, and
recent years. Police say the killings are part of a gang war over the illegal drugs market.
Scientists are reluctant to say a specific event was “caused” by climate change -
from 55 to 63 for women, to help cope with
however they believe that this new study
a shrinking workforce.
joins a growing list of solid links between
But unions warn many people will not
rising temperatures and extreme events.
live long enough to claim a pension.
SPAIN’S PRIME MINISTER FACES FIRST CRISIS AS ALLIES REJECT BUDGET PLAN
Russian men have a life expectancy of just 66, while for women it is 77, the World Health Organization says. Some 12,000 people took to the streets of Moscow to protest at the controversial
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez
plans.
faced his first crisis in late July when political
Permitted rallies have also been taking
allies pulled support for his government’s
place in dozens of towns and cities in far
budget in a move that cast new doubt over
eastern Russia and Siberia. The national protests were organised by the Russian Communist Party (CPRF), but trade unionists and nationalists also participated in the demonstrations.
EX-SERBIA LEADER’S WAR CRIMES LAWYER SHOT DEAD A
prominent
lawyer
who
helped
defend the former Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic at his war crimes trial has been shot dead. Dragoslav Ognjanovic, 57, was killed outside his apartment building in the
HUMAN-CAUSED CLIMATE CHANGE LINKED TO EUROPEAN HEATWAVE
the country’s political stability. Only 88 members of parliament voted in favour of the minority Socialist government’s
Climate change resulting from human
proposal to soften the deficit-cutting path,
activities made the current Europe-wide
while 173 voted against and 86 abstained.
heatwave more than twice as likely to occur,
Three deputies did not take part to the vote.
researchers have said.
Sanchez’s government, which controls
The researchers compared the current
only 84 seats in the 350-seat parliament,
high temperatures with historical records
cannot pass the full budget without the
from seven weather stations in different
parties which brought him to power in June,
parts of Europe.
when they backed a no-confidence motion
Their preliminary report found that this
against his conservative predecessor.
summer’s heat was an unambiguous sign of
If he fails to do so, the future of his two-
climate change, and that the heatwave in
month-old administration could come into
Arctic is unprecedented.
question. The government met with some of
capital, Belgrade. His 26-year-old son was
The scale and the wide spread of the
the seven parties that backs it in parliament
also wounded in the shooting, the interior
current heat being experienced across
at the prime minister’s office before the
ministry said in a statement.
Europe has prompted many questions
vote, but the positions were too far away for
Mr Ognjanovic served on the legal team
about the influence of global warming on
a deal to be reached, sources briefed on the
for Mr Milosevic during his trial at The Hague
extreme events. To try and see if there is
talks said.
in the early 2000s. The former president of
a connection, researchers looked at data
Sanchez acknowledged at the time he
Serbia was arrested in 2001 and held at the
from seven weather stations, in Finland,
could lose the vote, but said he would stick
UN war crimes tribunal for genocide and
Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway
to his position of not bringing forward the
other war crimes.
and Sweden.
next national election due mid-2020.
10 | Endeavour Magazine
AMERICAS OVER 700 CHILD MIGRANTS IN USA NOT REUNITED WITH FAMILIES BY DEADLINE 711 migrant children taken from their parents at the US-Mexico border have not
Trump administration to release all children
chance that as many as four of those could
aged between five and 17.
be Category 3, 4, or 5 hurricanes, according
San Diego federal judge Dana Sabraw
to the association.
ruled in June that all the detained minors
To prepare for this likelihood, the Federal
separated under the policy should be
Emergency Management Agency has left
brought back to their families by 26 July.
some 600 generators on the island – more
yet been returned to them, despite a court-
than six times the number stationed there
ordered deadline.
before Maria hit. The agency has also
US government lawyers said the children
stockpiled 5.4m liters of water and more
were not eligible to be reunited with their
than 80,000 tarps in preparation for the
parents. The reasons given included a lack
next storm. Officials have told residents to
of confirmed family ties, or a parent having a
stockpile enough emergency supplies to live
criminal record or a communicable disease.
as long as 10 days without help.
In 431 cases, the parents were no longer
Meanwhile, government agencies are
in the US, a court filing said.
pouring billions of dollars into fixing the
US officials separated more than 2,500
existing power structure and creating a
children from undocumented adults at
new, more efficient one. Walter Higgins, the
the border with Mexico earlier this year,
new CEO of Puerto Rico’s Electric Power
in a “zero tolerance” crackdown on illegal
Authority, said the agency just awarded a
immigration.
$500m contract to MasTec to help with
The action was suspended by President
power restoration and the construction of
Donald Trump last month after a fierce
a new grid. Cobra Energy received another
backlash. The Trump administration says
$900m contract, and a third was being
it has reunited more than 1,800 migrant
finalised.
children with family members. Its lawyers argue that it met the legal deadline, as the 711 remaining children are not “eligible” to be given back. Whilst separated, the children were kept in cages with little to no explanation or
11,000 PUERTO RICANS ARE STILL WITHOUT POWER
EUROPEAN UNION AND UNITED STATES MAKE TRADE TRUCE The United States and the European Union seem to have paused the growing
resources. The parents, in some cases, were
Some 11,000 people remain without
trade war. Mr. Trump said the Europeans
lied to about where their children were going.
power in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria
agreed to work toward lower trade barriers
The majority of the children were reunified
storm hit the island nearly eight months ago.
and to buy billions of dollars of American
with their parents in US Immigration and
Officials said it could take another two
Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, and
months to fully restore power to Puerto
A day earlier, the Trump administration
378 others were released in “appropriate
Rico’s 3.3m residents, extending what is
announced that it would provide up to
circumstances”. This covers those reunited
already the longest blackout in US history.
$12 billion in emergency relief for farmers
with parents who were already out of
Still others warned that the repairs to the
negatively affected by the trade war.
government custody, those sent to another
power grid completed after the Category
Though Mr. Trump is declaring victory
relative or family friend, and those who are
4 storm would not hold through another
in the solution between the two sides, the
now over the age of 18.
hurricane.
general outlines of his plan were similar to
Of the 711 deemed ineligible, 120
The latest report from the National
children’s parents had “waived reunification”,
Oceanic
accordinf to the US government.
(NOAA) said there was a 75 per cent
Dozens more remain separated because
likelihood
and of
Atmospheric five
to
nine
Association hurricanes
soybeans and natural gas.
earlier negotiations started under President Barack Obama. Mr. Trump also took credit for the acceleration of economic growth in the
of “adult red flag”, referring to situations in
occurring in the 2018 Atlantic hurricane
second
which the child might be at risk.
season, which stretches from 1 June to the
scepticism over whether the growth can
end of November. There is a 70 per cent
sustain itself.
A court order imposed a deadline on the
quarter,
despite
economists’
Endeavour Magazine | 11
FOCUS TESLA INC.: SUPERCHARGING THE FUTURE
T
esla, Inc., headed by visionary CEO Elon Musk, is an increasingly major household name. Whether or not
you own a Tesla product, you are almost guaranteed to be aware of the company’s work in clean solar energy, lithium-ion batteries for green energy storage, and of course, electric vehicles (EVs). One of Musk’s other ambitious companies, Space X, recently tested a Falcon Heavy space rocket by infamously launching one of Tesla’s EVs into space, yet these incredible vehicles themselves are driving an exciting conversation. Whilst the notion of electric cars has been knocked around and largely overlooked for decades, Tesla has brought the technology into the limelight. Although many other automotive companies produce EVs (especially lately), their popularity and their reputation as a viable and relevant alternative to the petrol or diesel cars is thanks to the work of Tesla Inc. With their
The average charge time for Teslas on
On average last year, Tesla added eight new
slick, luxurious and yet practical designs,
long distance journeys in Europe is only
locations in Europe a month, opening an
Tesla has turned the EV into something
30 minutes, with each charge adding up to
average of 20 new Superchargers a week -
that is both green, exciting and desirably
170 miles of range. According to Tesla, most
and they’re still going!
fashionable – something that would have
owners of EV cars charge their vehicles at
Whilst Supercharger stations are still
seemed far-fetched when EVs were in the
home or whilst they’re at work, but that isn’t
less common as petrol stations, they are
overlooked minority.
guaranteed to be enough for those longer
increasingly easy to find, and are made
Even so, it is still tempting, when thinking
journeys – especially long drives through
even more convenient through Tesla’s
about EVs, to assume that long distance
Europe that cross country borders. To enjoy
Supercharger
travel would be problematic or impractical
taking your Tesla on a luxurious trip and really
Trip Planner. EV cars also have several
due to the need for charge points. This issue
revel in that superior driving experience and
advantages. Firstly, as they can charge at
of charging has long been a stopping point
guilt-free zero emissions, one also needs
home and at work, there’s no need to worry
for consumers – whilst a green alternative
to be confident that your battery won’t
about refuelling whilst you’re trying to crack
is desirable, no one wants to commit to a
be caught short. Ever-innovative Tesla
on with your daily commutes.
car they can’t drive with peace of mind.
have their customers covered; continued
Tesla’s vehicles are able to charge at non-
Tesla agrees! In fact, it agrees so much that
investment in driver convenience has seen
Tesla charge stations, thus greatly expanding
it has next to eradicated the problem, with
the company’s network of Supercharger
their customers’ support network. However,
the introduction and rising numbers of its
stations pass the 400 mark across Europe
this hasn’t slowed their commitment to
Supercharger stations.
– that’s over 3,200 Superchargers in total.
growing their own locations; they are placed
12 | Endeavour Magazine
map
and
Go
Anywhere
Secondly,
and the latest in Norway holds 34. Existing
into account, and this figure would be
locations have also had their capacity
even higher.
increased.
All of these electric miles equal miles
These 400 European locations would
that would otherwise have been driven
allow Tesla owners to drive anywhere across
in petrol or diesel cars. The increase in
the continent with ease if they so wished –
Superchargers allows EVs to finally become
and they are! The company’s data shows that
a staple of life that pose a real alternative to
the network enabled almost 70,000 cross-
unsustainable fuel options. In fact, in Europe
border trips last year, and a high proportions
alone, Supercharging miles have saved 92
of charger use in many European countries
million litres of fuel and off-set over 200,000
on major roads along all well-travelled routes
has been to fuel vehicles from abroad. For
tonnes of CO2. All directly acquired energy
throughout Europe to enable convenient,
example, in France and Italy, 2/5 of charges
for
easy to plan travel.
come from outside of the country, and in
provided by clean energy sources such as
to
Germany and Sweden this figure is 1/3. To
solar and wind, and despite the majority of
Europe five years ago, the first location
look at the data from the other direction,
charging taking place at home, last month
appearing in Norway in 2013. That year, the
around 3/4 of Belgian and Austrian Tesla
a new charging session was started at a
European network of Superchargers covered
owners Supercharged abroad last year.
Supercharger in Europe every ten seconds.
five countries; today, the stations appear
This level of interconnectivity reflects the
If owners combined this with green power
in 23. The full network now extends from
European way of life, the European way to
sources for their electricity at home, this is
Norway, Sweden, Finland and Scotland in
travel, and, now, the Tesla way.
a huge opportunity to cut down on their
Superchargers
were
introduced
the UK to Spain, Portugal, Italy and Croatia in the South.
In fact, whilst talking about just how much
Europe’s
Supercharger
network
is
carbon footprint.
clean travel Tesla is involved in, it’s worth
With every new Supercharger, the EV
Thanks to increasing ownership of Tesla
mentioning that in total, their Supercharges
revolution takes a stronger hold, and it’s
cars throughout Europe, the size of their
have facilitated 528 million electric miles
only going to keep taking firmer root. Future
Supercharger locations has also been on the
across Europe alone. That’s the equivalent
plans show Superchargers expanding into
rise. The latest stations to be built have been
of over 1,100 trips to the moon and back,
new countries, allowing Tesla owners to
significantly larger to meet this growing
15 trips from Earth to Mars or 21,000
travel even further afield. You can use Tesla’s
demand – for example, the new station in
times around the world! Take customers
Supercharger map and Go Anywhere Trip
the Netherlands holds 28 Superchargers,
from the US and the rest of the world
Planner to see where you could go! Endeavour Magazine | 13
APL LOGISTICS WWW.APLLOGISTICS.COM // 0049 2131 7154 0
ON THE MOVE In the modern age of fast-paced online shopping and advanced connectivity, what should logistics offer its customers and where is the industry headed? We spoke with Jens Sode, APL Logistics’ new Regional Vice President for EMEA & MD Germany, as he shared his thoughts on how APLL are adapting for the future, and what logistics companies should expect in the years to come. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
ONE ONE STOP STOP
APL LOGISTICS
SOLUTION SOLUTION FOR FOR YOUR YOUR SHIPPING SHIPPING After 24 years with a rival company, Jens Sode accepted AND AND LOGISTICS LOGISTICS
a Vice President position with competitor APL Logistics (APLL). Shifting his attention to the new REQUIREMENTS REQUIREMENTS horizons of the EMEA after an already widely travelled career, including India, Hong Kong, Denmark, USA, Belgium and Holland, Jens feels ready to take on new challenges and apply some well-earned lessons to a company that is excited to embrace the future.
W
e asked Jens what inspired him to make the move after 24
wider range of products, making sure that APLL are well represented
years: “APL Logistics is a very interesting entrepreneurial
in the big locations like London, Hamburg, Istanbul and Dubai, as
company; it’s so very focused on customer solutions, and
well as a push in the African market. However, it is this focus on
tailor-making them to fit customer needs. I was obviously seeing APL Logistics from the other side for many years, and it was always a very strong competitor.”
customers that is most important both to APLL. Engagement with customers is something that Jens learnt the value of in his old company: APLL’s existing flexibility in this
Founded in 1977 off the back of APL Liner (dealing in ocean liner
area, and its interest in growing this side of its operations, was
shipping), APL Logistics is a US$1.8 billion supply chain services
what most appealed to the new VP: “It’s the customer centricity.
provider with operations around the globe. As the company
You really have to listen to and work with your customers. That’s
describes itself, “APL Logistics designs and operates smart, globally
one thing that I definitely take with me into the new job. Another,
integrated supply chains. We combine origin and destination
which is along the same lines, is the importance of listening to your
logistics solutions with transportation services across all modes
customer and taking that into product innovation and product
and regions of the world.” Whilst it does deal in automotive and
evolution.”
technology products, APLL mostly focuses on consumer products,
Whilst innovation across the board is occurring in logistics, as
orchestrating and synchronizing the supply chain by flowing
it is with any industry, the most exciting area of development is
products based on real-time or close to real-time demand. “We
of course within IT. Whether online interfacing with customers,
provide end2end supply chain planning with an optimized product
managing their databases or using apps to calculate fleet
flow, which we deliver through effective IT solutions with the
efficiency, IT is making logistics faster and more efficient wherever
right business partners,” explained Jens. “We offer a strong global
it is applied, and whichever company best utilises this tool
footprint to support sourcing and new markets entry, together
is king:
with an industry-leading Key Account Management program to
“In the past, there have been two types of logistics providers
ensure continued growth and optimization for our customers.
– those with the infrastructure but not the software, and those
Furthermore, together with KWE, APLL offers ocean, rail and air
with the software but not the boots on the ground. Companies
freight services globally.”
who are trying to combine the two will have the very best chance
Jens was brought in to APLL primarily as a fresh pair of eyes to
at competing, and that includes APLL. First of all, our software
take a look at the company’s operations in the EMEA region and to
improves the experience for our customers and our suppliers, but
make them more customer-facing. Jens’ strategies for developing
it also lowers costs across the entire Supply Chain. Logistics is
APLL EMEA include staying close to key customers, dealing with a
a low margin business - so if you don’t constantly take cost out
16 | Endeavour Magazine
ONE STOP
SOLUTION FO
YOUR SHIPPIN ONEAND STOPLOGISTI
W HW OHAOR E A RW EEWAEN A DN D W HW AH T AW TEWDEOD O
SOLUTION FOR REQUIREMEN YOUR SHIPPING ONE STOP ONE STOP
SOLUTION FOR AND LOGISTICS SOLUTION FOR YOUR SHIPPING Al Rashed Al Rashed International International Shipping Shipping Co. , aCo. , a division division of Al-Rashed of Al-Rashed GroupGroup and agent and agent of of REQUIREMENTS AND LOGISTICS YOUR SHIPPING ONE Kanoo Kanoo Shipping Shipping is theisleading the leading playerplayer in inSTOP
shipping shipping in Kuwait. in Kuwait. With With over 5over decades 5 decades of experience, of experience, Al-Rashed Al-Rashed offersoffers a 360a 360 degree degree solution solution for any forshipping any shipping requirement. requirement. We are Wecommitted are committed to provide to provide nothing nothing less less than exceptional than exceptional service service in every in every aspect aspect of ourofbusiness, our business, guided guided by thebyhigh the ethical high ethical by thebyfounder the founder of of standards standards established established the Al-Rashed the Al-Rashed GroupGroup almost almost moremore than 10 than 10 decades decades ago ago
Al-Rashed Al-Rashed International International Shipping Shipping Co. Co. REQUIREMENTS
AND LOGISTICS (as agents (as agents of Kanoo of Kanoo Shipping Shipping LLC)LLC) SOLUTION FOR
Address: Address: Al Rashed Al Rashed Complex, Complex, 9th Floor, 9th Floor, FahadFahad Al Salam Al Salam Street,Street,
Kuwait Kuwait City, City, PO Box: PO 20241, Box: 20241, Safat Safat 13063, 13063, Kuwait Kuwait REQUIREMENTS YOUR SHIPPING Phone: Phone: +965 +965 2291 2291 2800/2801 2800/2801
Website: Website: www.al-rashedgroup.com www.al-rashedgroup.com AND LOGISTICS Email: Email: kuwait@al-rashedgroup.com kuwait@al-rashedgroup.com
REQUIREMENTS ONE STOP SOLUTION FOR YOUR SHIPPING AND LOGISTICS REQUIREMENTS
WHO AR WHAT
APL LOGISTICS and become more efficient, then you wake up with a big headache
The physical shopping experience is still happening there, but it is a
sooner rather than later.”
completely dying trend in European and US cities as such.”
The software that APLL trusts to give it this competitive edge
The frequency of such deliveries raises concerning questions
includes Oracle Transportation Management software (OTM).
about the environmental impact of this growing trend. Fortunately,
Whilst the company does not run many of its own assets in terms
Jens had some reassuring answers: “If you have a normal car, and
of fleets, instead outsourcing to their trucking partners, OTM is
you go shopping on a Saturday and drive more than 25 kilometres
valuable for APLL in its ability to support efficient route planning
(15.5 miles) to buy some sneakers, you have actually left a higher
for said partners and thus save on fuel, worker hours etc. Tableau
carbon footprint than if those shoes had travelled around the world
is another IT staple for the company, which they use for customer
in an ocean container. Companies are doing a lot to reduce impact:
presentations, analytics and other instances of clearly presenting
most delivery vans are hybrids at least, and we encourage our
and handling their company data. However, valuable though these
customers to be smart in terms of packaging materials and delivery
pieces of software are, for other areas of their operations, APLL’s
methods.” Of course, APLL can mainly advise, but they can also
needs are more bespoke:
pack and plan in order to reduce the impact of their customers’
“Where we really put our intellectual property is in our back-
choices as much as possible: for example, if a customer wishes to
office operation systems, and how we interface with our customers.
airdrop a delivery, “we make sure it is full, and we ensure not to use
Customers often interface in different ways depending on their
excess packaging.”
particular needs. So, we mix our understanding of the global supply
Jens highlights that many couriers are also working together
change with our recognised standard software, but we also tailor-
to share deliveries and bring separate packages together in
make and adapt the interfaces to work for our customers, whether
one vehicle, and of course, companies such as Amazon are also
that is apps, web browsers or EDI interfaces.”
experimenting in new initiatives such as drones. However, given
IT innovation is ongoing, and Jens has also begun to implement
the speed with which our reliance on convenience and digital living
other changes in the EMEA region in cooperation with APLL
increases, the shifting trend towards ecommerce doesn’t seem
global strategy. The company is shifting its focus on to its key accounts, which it plans to closely develop products around and in conjunction with. In particular, the company plans to focus on its end2end services: “We’ve had a lot of our customers for many years, and you have to constantly evolve. Obviously, logistics is a global network, so it’s not like we can do whatever we like in EMEA and it will automatically fit APLL across the rest of the world nor its customers for that matter. Much as IT is the fasted-developing tool in logistics, the demands upon the industry from its customers are changing swiftly, and have transformed drastically since the birth of the internet. We can’t talk about changes in logistics without talking about the changing trends in the way we shop, and therefore in the way companies ship and deliver. In this evolving post-internet landscape, we asked Jens how logistics had adapted to the shifting trends: “You and I have decided to start shopping via the internet: we buy three things and return two. That has had a big impact on the international supply chain. It used to be more predictable: companies used to order big bulk shipments, and these would then flood the market. Now, it’s all about last minute demand fulfilment; it’s much more IT integrated, and it’s about picking up those consumer shopping signals to trigger transportation. All the orders are becoming smaller and much more frequent, not just in Europe and America, but in also Africa and the Middle East. The only exception is Dubai, which has overtaken London as one of the biggest store shopping centres of the world thanks to its supermalls.
18 | Endeavour Magazine
like it will slow down any time soon. We asked Jens to describe
supply chain,” suggests Jens. “Then, there is 3D printing. Instead
his predictions for the world of logistics in five to ten years, as it
of holding finished goods, warehouses would hold raw materials
continues to adapt to these demands
and massive 3D printers, which will cater for a lot of personalized
“I think there will be more consolidation within the ocean liner
design and production of goods.”
industry. There’s already been a lot of consolidation there, but the
3D printer warehouses and facilities would not only answer
industry needs more. The whole concept around integrating and
the need for near-sourcing and therefore reduce in shipping, but
digitising the international supply chain will also have taken full
it would also cut down on storage and waste. Perhaps 3D printers
effect, which will save customs officials time that they currently
will even become a household norm someday, but for a transitional
spend checking endless documents coming in and out of the
period at least, Jens feels that the number of raw materials needed
border.”
will limit this trend to people focused on crafting specific items.
“Then, I think we will see that quite a lot of the freight forwarders or logistics companies are gone; there will be a big
Instead, this vision of 3D printer warehouses or facilities might be the answer to a faster yet more sustainable logistics world.
consolidation in the market, because a lot of companies today live
Whatever the future holds, APLL are paying close attention,
by being the local hero. This need will diminish as the supply chain
poised and ready with a combination of software, infrastructure,
becomes more reliable, predictable and fast. Business to consumer
strong global partnerships and, mostly importantly, their priorities
(b2c) will still thrive, and the international supply chains will trend
focused on their customers. With that, APLL also put a lot of
more towards one to one: you say ‘I would like to buy these jeans’,
emphasis on hiring and educating the best logistics professionals
they are produced and sent.”
and teams globally. As the world shifts, APLL are prepared to move
This level of increased small shipments sounds like a logistical
with it, following their customers; changing expectations and ever
nightmare, or at the very least, costly and hard to sustain, unless the
adapting, to make sure that they are a leading logistics company
industry changes to rise to this increasing challenge. “More near-
not only today, but for tomorrow and the day after as well.
sourcing and near-production would speed up the international
APL LOGISTICS’ DEMAND SENSING SOLUTION • Reduce your demand forecast error by up to 50% • Increase your inventory performance by 20% • Optimize your supply chain: the right product in the right geography locations, and in the right quantities.
APLLOGISTICS.COM
Endeavour Magazine | 19
SGS GHANA LTD WWW.SGS-GHANA.COM // 233 302 77 39 94
MEASURING UP On the 140th Anniversary of SGS, we spoke with Thelma Botes, Laboratory Manager of SGS Minerals services in Tarkwa, Ghana, to get a glimpse of how this large company is keeping an educated eye on the minute details. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
SGS GHANA LTD
In industry, you can never be too careful. Employee and
customer safety, environmental fallout, heavy or volatile machines and materials, partner investment and profit margins; one is taking a gamble with materials, money and health whenever one embarks on an industrial venture. Of course, the word “gamble” is too haphazard – because of the inherent risks and variables, companies do all they can from the planning stages onwards to ensure efficiency, integrity and safety at every step of their operations.
2
018 marks the 140-year anniversary of the SGS Group. This means 140 years of providing trust, safety and best practises for our clients. The SGS Group is the world’s leading
organisation for inspection, verification, testing and certification and has become a household name, in the fields of Agriculture & Food, Construction, Consumer Goods and Retail, Energy, Industrial Manufacturing, Life Sciences, Mining, Oil & Gas, as well as in the Public Sector and Transportation. To celebrate the anniversary, we hooked up with Thelma Botes, Laboratory Manager of Tarkwa, Minerals Division, which focuses on our Geochem services.
Afrique Atlantic Services (Gh) Ltd P. O. Box TD 1182 Takoradi - Ghana Location: Chemical House Apowa - Takoradi Mob: +233 24 485 9784 Tel: +233 50 126 4796 +233 31 229 2126 / 7 afriqueatlanticservices.com 22 | Endeavour Magazine
Afrique Atlantic Services (Gh) Limited is a mining supporting company located at Apowa, Takoardi and our main business are: •
To import chemicals
•
To warehouse them
•
To supply the Mines/ Labs within and outside Ghana
•
To offer Warehousing Services
We learned from her that SGS began operations in Ghana as SGS Ghana Limited in August 1960, and since then has grown by 3 additional companies, namely SGS Laboratory Services Ghana Limited, SGS Inspection & Testing Services Ghana Limited and SGS Soluserv Limited, the JV Company who supports the local content requirement of our Oil, Gas & Chemical Sector. Like their global operations, SGS’s presence in Ghana is equipped to tackle diverse services across a wide range of industries. “Our reputation is built on integrity and trust,” explains Thelma. “As an independent third party, we are able to provide our services with complete impartiality.”
Endeavour Magazine | 23
SGS GHANA LTD “With regards to its Mineral activities in Ghana, SGS delivers
Thelma told us that on the whole, we provide “Exploration grade
quality analytical services to meet each individual client’s need as a
analyses (a large-scale exploration program, generating rock or soil
technical advisor and strategic partner.” Thelma explained that SGS
samples with low metal contents), ore grade analyses (producing
Minerals Services in Ghana manage three on-site mine laboratories
rock or core samples with which to analyse medium to high grade
for Ahafo Newmont, Akyem Newmont and Damang Goldfields.
minerals) and control grade analyses (a large-scale exploration
They also run a commercial facility located in Tarkwa, which was
program, generating rock or soil samples with low metal contents).”
established in 1993 and was ISO17025 accredited in September 2015.
She also explained that SGS Minerals services not only delivers analytical services to local clients, but also extends its expertise
To break their operations down even further, Thelma took us
to clients from the West Africa region, specifically, Nigeria, Liberia,
through the different tests offered at the Tarkwa commercial facility
Sierra Leone, Cote d’ Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso and Cameroon. This
such as the determination of gold by fire assay, screen fire assay,
is made possible by drawing expertise and experience from its
aqua-regia and various bottle roll techniques including; total sulphur
global network when needed, giving clients the benefit of a local
and carbon by LECO; gold in solution and in carbon; base metals
company with a global reach. With more than 95,000 employees,
by aqua-regia digest; specific gravity and bulk density; determining
SGS operates a network of over 2,400 offices and laboratories
the percentage of gold in bullion; carbon activity; moisture content,
around the world.
and other special test work as requested by clients. That’s a long list
The company’s presence in Ghana is also heavy on the ground,
to take in! To non- metal-heads, the important lesson to take away
allowing detailed operations and support on a local level: they
is that these tests are thorough, clinical, and expertly carried out –
have offices and laboratories throughout the country, including
and this is just one niche of the industry-spanning range of services
Accra, Tema, Takoradi, Tarkwa, Damang, Ahafo, Akyem and Obuasi,
that SGS carry out.
making us easily accessible.
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CONTACTS AT AMIS Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or want to discuss our services in more detail. Alternatively, have a look at our website, www.amis.co.za if you would like more information on purchasing or custom making CRMs, or if you want your laboratory to participate in the free AMIS PT scheme.
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24 | Endeavour Magazine
Endeavour Magazine | 25
SGS GHANA LTD According to Thelma, “we are constantly faced with the
These developments within the SGS Minerals sector in Ghana,
challenges that are inherent to maintaining our reputation; to
are just some of the many expansions for this truly global company.
reliably test the operations of others, we must test ourselves
As they work to grow and improve across the board, they expand
against those same standards. Challenges will always be part of
their ability to help others to do so as well: be it through accurate
our business. Sustainability and running a commercial facility is
data, proper adherence to safety or expert consultation on
about managing a long-term profitable business whilst taking into
environmental preservation, SGS is here to raise and protect the
account the positive and negative effects we have on society, the
standard.
economy and environment.” The objectives and goals of SGS Minerals in Ghana for the coming year are to continue to grow the business and maintain improvement strategies “with passion, integrity and innovative spirit.” They have recently won an on-site contract with Newmont Ahafo, and their Tarkwa facility has secured an analytical services contract from Nzema Mine. Work continues to expand the services available at this facility, and “we are also awaiting delivery of a MP- AES (Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy) instrument, which will be a new addition to the market and the first in West Africa.”
TRUSTED GEOCHEMISTRY EXPERTISE IN AFRICA At SGS, we deliver trusted geochemistry expertise that provides quality data for your project. Our experts have access to an extensive global network and leading-edge technology to help you meet your technical milestones and effectively achieve your goals. With over 60 commercial and dedicated on-site mine laboratories across Africa, SGS’s strong footprint has the ability and presence to provide you with a broad spectrum of independent quality and quantification services. Whether you are at the exploration stage, developing project resources, or heading into operation, trust SGS to help you manage the risks, enhance the value and get to market faster. SGS IS THE WORLD’S LEADING INSPECTION, VERIFICATION, TESTING AND CERTIFICATION COMPANY
CONTACT US
T: + 233 (0) 31 232 0212 MINERALS@SGS.COM WWW.SGS.COM/MINING 26Trusted | Endeavour Magazine Geochemistry Expertise in Africa.indd
1
31/07/2018 4:04:11 PM
AMAZING WORLD BY WILL GIRLING
PSYCHEDELIC ZOMBIE SNAILS
A
s the holiday season is well underway,
the Leucochloridium paradoxum (also known
there, the larva metamorphoses into a
many of us will have already booked
as the ‘green-banded broodsac’, if your Latin
‘sporocyst’ – look them up online; they are
our
whichever
is a little rusty). This tricky customer, often
truly sinister in appearance – and begins
country, city or town we have chosen to
found in the forests of Europe and North
to assume control of the snail’s body. After
visit. There are a lot of options these days,
America, should not be welcomed into
effectively turning the snail into a mindless
and they all cater to a wide variety of visitors,
any salubrious establishment it happens to
zombie at the parasite’s command, L.
who will have different tastes, requirements
wander into. Why? Because this particular
paradoxum begins turning the unfortunate
and budgets. A hotel, motel, villa, hostel, or
worm is a parasite and it doesn’t treat its
snail’s body into a fantastic, pulsating display
AirBnB – no matter where you’re staying,
hosts hospitably.
of rippling colours. Slithering to the high
accommodation
in
the rules are always the same: take care of
Hiding in the vegetation most often
surface of a plant, resembling the floor of
the furnishings, don’t steal the towels, and
frequented by their favourite slithering
a ‘70’s discotheque, the snail now perfectly
treat the premises with the same respect as
abode, snails, L. paradoxum eggs await the
resembles a large caterpillar or grub; the
you would your own house.
approach of their unsuspecting prey. Having
very meal of choice for any birds in the area.
Bearing these sacred rules in mind, I draw
been consumed by the snail, the parasitic
These, it turns out, are the parasite’s real
your attention to a certain flatworm called
larva travels to its digestive system. Once
target.
28 | Endeavour Magazine
This is the parasite’s game-plan: the
aspects of nature. The mind-control and
title like ‘zombie snails’ has surely got to be
snail, turned into a psychedelic puppet,
colourful pyrotechnics that it displays in
worth investigating?).
displays itself proudly to the avian threats
its hosts are called ‘aggressive mimicry’ by
In ancient Greece, hospitality – ξενία
surrounding it and sooner or later is
biologists – the parasite effectively takes on
(xenia) - was one of the highest virtues and
consumed. Once inside the stomach of a bird,
the character of its desired host’s favourite
Zeus, the king of the gods, was its patron.
the parasite’s journey it almost complete: it
food in order to infiltrate it. This is quite
The Greeks believed that anyone they met
lays its eggs, which are promptly delivered
different to similar tricks in the animal world,
could be a god disguised as a mortal, so they
vertically downward by the bird and then lay
where it is far more common for a predator
endeavoured to treat strangers with respect
in waiting for the next unfortunate snail to
to assume the form of its prey’s food and
and generosity on all occasions. Evidently
innocently cross its path.
then eat the prey directly.
the L. paradoxum never got the memo, but
A far cry from the harmonious natural phenomenon
you
might
hear
The whole life-cycle of the L. paradoxum
at least we in the human world have learned
about
is a highly fascinating one, and there exist
to treat our surroundings, our dwellings
narrated by Morgan Freeman over footage
many videos online which allow us to
and the people we meet with a little
of marching penguins, L. paradoxum is
glimpse the surreal effect that the parasite
more respect.
a striking example of the more cunning
can produce in its targets (any video with a Endeavour Magazine | 29
SOL GUYANA WWW.SOLPETROLEUM.COM/ABOUT-US/OUR-NETWORK/GUYANA/ // 00592 233 0582
READY FOR NEW OPPORTUNITIES Last year began with an economychanging discovery for Guyana when the small coastal country was suddenly confirmed as sitting on vast oil deposits. We spoke with Liz Wyatt, General Manager of Sol Guyana Inc., about the impact that this discovery is set to have on country, and the ways that companies like Sol are already responding. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
SOL GUYANA
Founded in 2005, The Sol Group of companies was
formed through the acquisition of Shell’s business in the Eastern Caribbean, Guyana, Suriname and Belize. After expanding into Puerto Rico through further acquisitions in 2006, the energy group strengthened its presence in Guyana the following year through the acquisition of assets belonging to Exxon in the country, as well as similar purchases in Suriname and Haiti.
T
he Caribbean-based group describe their mission today as
includes tight working bonds with some of Sol Guyana’s affiliated
the same one that inspired them then: to power the region
companies, including the group’s supply and logistics company with
reliably and safely. Named after the Spanish word for “sun”,
a fleet of dedicated marine vessels, which works closely with Sol
the group says of itself, “Our name and our sunburst logo are direct
Guyana in providing reliable, quality products to meet the needs of
representations of our team’s energy and commitment to being a
its customers and partners.
central element of all aspects of life in the Caribbean. The Sol visual brand reflects the vibrancy of the Caribbean.”
COMMITTED TO HEALTH & SAFETY
Ten years after Sol solidified its involvement in Guyana, the
However, one of Sol Guyana’s key attributes is its reputation for
country that was long predicted rich oil deposits finally made a
health & safety and a sturdy environment management system. “I
discovery that should change the course of its fortunes: in January
can’t stress enough how much emphasis we place on safe practices,
2017, both Exxon Mobil and Hess announced that explorative
training and protocols. We are acutely aware of the importance of
deep-water drilling had discovered one of the richest oil and gas
health, safety, security and the environment in our industry.” Sol’s
deposits to be found in decades, just off of the country’s coast.
track record for safety allows them to stand out in this sector: “We
As a small nation with low power requirements, Guyana would be
are very proud of our safety record and we are confident that this
able to export most of the oil and gas it retrieved from its deposits,
will help present and future partners to look favorably upon us.”
which could mean a revolution for the country economically.
Sol Guyana is aware that these safety measures do not just
As major oil industry players start to take an interest in the
protect oil interests, but protect Guyana’s environment and thus,
country in the wake of this discovery, Sol Guyana is in a strong
both its residents and its other industries. “It’s not just all about oil
position to catch their eye and form a partnership on the project:
– we must not forget about the mining, the agriculture, the fishing
“We’re fortunate as we have a lot of experience in the oil industry
- these are very important industries.” Through its safe practices,
which strategically positions Sol in the market.” Liz explains with
Sol Guyana supports these essential industries, and in turn, the
confidence. “We are ideally situated alongside the shoreline here in
country’s future as the oil industry expands.
Guyana, and we have excellent relationships with a lot of the new
“Sol’s dedication to safe practices is being demonstrated through
companies coming in because of our existing associations.” This
upgrades of retail sites with state-of-the-art technology to ensure
32 | Endeavour Magazine
we continue to meet industry standards and prevent environmental impact. We have an active programme of replacing all single wall steel underground storage tanks and pipelines with double walled tanks and pipelines. These replacements are coupled with installation of electronic monitoring for the fuel system. Our pier at the depot in Rome is also being upgraded to improve its capacity and capabilities. The new pier will be outfitted with state-of-the-art technology, pumping systems and pipelines to adequately meet the future demands of the market. We continuously invest in human resources through training, an example of this is the recently held Oil Spill Emergency Response Training with Exxon Mobil. In addition, we continuously monitor our bulk storage tanks conducting tank inspections every 10 years as per industry standard ensuring to make the necessary upgrades. These are just some of the ways that we live our commitment to safety and the environment in every single community in which we operate.” It must be noted that Sol Guyana has strategically located depots to sufficiently supply the entire country. This definitely adds to the company’s competitive advantage.
SOL IN THE COMMUNITY
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As well as being careful with its own practices and infrastructure, Sol Guyana also acts on its commitment to environmental safety
Endeavour Magazine | 33
SOL GUYANA through a variety of social initiatives, to encourage the country’s
ensure that Guyana implements global standards as it adapts to its
population to join their efforts in protecting its natural resources.
exciting future.
For example, on World Oceans Day this year, the company led a beach cleanup – an event close to the heart of ocean-loving Liz.
READY FOR THE FUTURE
They also use this opportunity to promote awareness on ocean
“I think Guyana is going to go through a massive transformation.
conservation: “This country of course is a land of many waters, and
That’s a given. I concur with the country’s vision in regards to
we’re trying to get people thinking about not throwing their plastic
the green economy relying on technology. The country has an
bottles into the water. Basically, we have lubricants that go into the
opportunity now to catch up on a digital-technology based
boat engine, and people would just chuck the bottle over the side,
platform. The initiatives that are being built now, which oil revenue
so we started an initiative at our jetties that collects the bottles and
will allow, will revolutionize how people interact with banking
dispose of them properly.”
systems and multiple other transactions that would influence the
The Guyanese population is not the only group that Sol Guyana
individual, corporate and government daily interactions. Ultimately,
has been appealing to and sharing ideas with: to truly make a
I think Guyana is now getting and extraordinary opportunity
difference on environmental safety in the wake of the oil revolution,
to implement the best and most innovative technology-
the company has also been speaking with the government and
based platforms.
overseas entities. “Following the launch of the American Chamber
Although Guyana is celebrating its oil as a game-changing
of Commerce, we’re going to be actively working with governments
breakthrough, Sol is conscious about the need to pursue alternative
and the US Embassy here to promote safety, and to exchange ideas
fuels and renewable energy solutions. We are aware of the
and share expertise on matters like the petroleum legislation or the
country’s growing focus for some time now on renewable energy.
sovereign wealth fund.” The company is becoming deeply involved
Sol Guyana is far from short sighted: “Industries are dynamic and,
in conversations with both government channels and NGOs to
while we foresee significant growth in our sector for years to come,
36 Sussex Street, Georgetown, Guyana, South America +592 223 8233, +592 225 1896 info@georgeunion.com, www.georgeunion.com
Over 40 Years in Business Piping and Tank Fabrication and Installation Repairs & Testing (thickness and pressure) for Pipes and Tanks Cleaning and Maintenance for Pipes and Tanks 34 | Endeavour Magazine
we are also aware other players might take roles on this business such as: natural gas, solar, and hydroelectric power. The dynamics of the business are not new to Sol, therefore, we’ve already actively tendered on the natural gas plant and would continue to assess any reasonable opportunity that would support to our objective of providing energy solutions. Sol Guyana is aware of the promising years ahead; those are likely to be crucial and profitable for the country. “The next couple of years are a stimulating time for Sol Guyana, as they respond to this historical time and try to anticipate its ever-changing factors. Our Sol Team is no exception, every Monday morning, the team discusses topics that they might have read over the weekend – we drill down to get a deeper understanding in many cases. It’s very exciting. As the exact plans for action settle across the country, the run up to 2020 and beyond is sure to only get more exciting still: we look forward to seeing what the future holds, both for The Sol Group and for Guyana as an economy.”
Endeavour Magazine | 35
VIRAJ PROFILES WWW.VIRAJ.COM // 0091 22 3006 4000
ONE VISION, MANY WORLDS Based in India, Viraj Profiles Ltd. Is ranked second in the world in stainless steel long products, and is one of the highest exporters in India. Now, as industry booms in India, they are looking at expanding their domestic market, at the same time as continuing their growth overseas. We spoke with Mrs Pooja Mehra, Executive Director of Viraj Profiles, and Mrs Renu Kochhar, the company’s Managing Director, to find out why their product is one to look out for. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
VIRAJ PROFILES
Viraj Profiles was founded in 1990 with a small team of
150. A year later, they opened their first melting shop; two decades later, its team is 9000 strong, supporting a flourishing stainless steel export business that sells to 90 countries around the globe.
M
rs Mehra, Executive Director at Viraj, told us a little of their
transportations etc.” With this demand rising, Viraj are taking a
history: “In 1995, we started manufacturing stainless steel.
second look at their domestic operations with the plan to expand
In the same year we commissioned our flanges division and
– especially as this new demand shows no sign of dropping off any
bright bar division and started exporting bright bars. Amongst our
time soon. “What is very encouraging is the fact that government
products were what is known as “profiles”. Profiles are complex
institutions have realised the long-term benefits of using stainless
structural steel, which are designed in various shapes such as
steel.” Stainless steel has faced difficulties in India due to a
I-beams, equal and un-equal angles, flat, tapered channels and
reluctance to pay the high initial cost for the material, but with
non-tapered channels. 99% of the total profiles products that we
the government’s acknowledgement of its long-term benefits, the
manufactured were being exported. As demand grew, in 2000, we
material is now being used in bus shelters, railways and building
established our Profiles division that would predominantly cater to
construction. Most excitingly, the recent announcement that the
overseas clients.”
country intends to build 20 smart cities will greatly boost the need
Profiles are used because of their durability, strength, non-
for the materials’ production.
corrosive properties, longevity, strength and stainless property.
Protectionist measures from the Indian government have also
It was through these that Viraj Profiles first found their success:
recently imposed countervailing duty (CVD) on certain stainless
today, the company has a diverse range of products, including
steel products from China, which has also helped to boost the
stainless steel wire, wire rods, fasteners, flanges, and, of course,
local market. On top of this, India is now globally ranked the
bright bars and profiles in various sizes and grades.
second-highest produced of stainless steel after China. “The
From its foundation onwards, Viraj has focused primarily on
potential growth of stainless steel in India is huge,” predicts Mehra,
the export market, with around 90% of their products exported
“Considering that per capita consumption at 1.9 kg is much lower
to more than 90 countries. However, according to recent reports,
than the global average of 4.85 kg”.
it seems that the consumption of stainless steel in India has
Despite growing demand, many factors still pose challenges
impressively grown almost ten times in last 20 years! In particular,
to India’s domestic steel industry. For example, the price of
India’s economy has grown significantly in recent years, and with
nickel remains highly volatile. However, thanks to the country’s
this growth has come a greater demand on the domestic market:
recent diversification into more complex projects and sectors, it
“Domestic consumption of stainless steel has grown manifold
is predicted by the Harvard University’s Center for International
over the past couple of years. Important growth sectors in India
Development that India will be the fastest growing economy in the
include infrastructural and architectural applications such as
coming decade, with an annual GDP growth rate of 7.9%.
the modernization of airports, metro railways, modernized bus
On a broader scale, global demand for stainless steel is on the
shelters, stainless steel wall cladding, household applications,
rise both because of ambitious industrial projects, and also a rising
38 | Endeavour Magazine
VIRAJ PROFILES focus on environmental issues. As a 100% recyclable material that
First of all, the company’s manufacturing facilities utilise a high
is long lasting, stainless steel not only allows companies to uphold
level of automation, with this technology regularly upgraded to
their commitments to greener practises, but is also cost effective
make sure that the standard of their production and their time and
in the long-term. As Viraj told us, “Even developing countries are
power efficiency are all up to date. A Material Tracking System in all
becoming aware of this fact and have started adopting this wonder
of their plants also eases the process of tracking the status of order
material in big way.”
delivery on a real time basis, and the upgrades they are making
Ready to meet this growing need, Viraj have developed a reputation for the high quality of their products. “We do not mind taking an extra step in order to provide an unmatchable quality product.
to their SAP system (SAP S4 HANA) will give them flexibility and reduce the time of several internal operations. Logistics management – In order to smoothen the process of delivering the goods on time, Viraj has recently set up its own
“All our manufacturing facilities have a well-equipped quality
Container Freight Station (CFS) and Inland Container Depot. CFS
team for doing various checks on the products before they
spread over around 10 acres of land and with handling capacity
are shipped to the customers. It is with this ethos that we have
of 5000 TEUs per month is strategically located very close to the
obtained more than 90 product certifications and approvals from
JNPT port. Having in-house logistics facility enables the company
different national and international bodies. All our products undergo
to deliver the products at assured delivery time to its client base
several stages of quality checks before getting delivered to the
which is spread across the globe.
clients or partners.”
International presence through sales offices – In order to further set up sales offices in different countries and have also appointed
areas include technological upgrades and automation, logistics
its representatives in several regions. Having our own team there
management, an international presence through sales offices, and
helps in resolving the concern of the clients and in addressing the
participation in leading trade shows.
concerns in timely and in an efficient manner.
40 | Endeavour Magazine
Mrs Renu Kochhar
bolster our effort of gaining more of international market, Viraj has
Mrs Pooja Mehra, Executive Director
This reputation for quality products is one of the key elements that Viraj feels makes up the “DNA” of its work culture. Other key
Participation in leading trade shows – Viraj has been actively participating in all the leading trade shows and exhibitions which are held overseas. These exhibitions serve as a perfect platform to not meet up with your existing clients rather also provide an opportunity to meet up new prospects and understand their requirements. All of these areas are seeing Viraj grow not only locally, but are the reasons for their success on the global market. As well as expanding in India, their eyes are always on global regions where they could take their products further. For example, the Middle East is a current area of focus that holds great potential for the company. Mrs Renu Kochhar, Managing Director, Viraj Profiles Ltd, told us more: “On the international front, the Middle East market holds much potential for us, due to the inherent applications for our products in the oil & gas industry. Similarly, the construction industry is extremely active in that region. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are highly promising considering the fast rate of architectural and construction activities happening in that region. Together with tremendously large-scale oil & gas projects that are being realised in the area, we feel confident that we are fully equipped for offering a product portfolio as per the requirements of Middle Eastern
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customers.”
Endeavour Magazine | 41
VIRAJ PROFILES With this sort of growth on the horizon, it is essential for Viraj to
This came true in the Viraj Shri Ram Centennial School; the school
be confident in their staff. The company currently employs around
was awarded ‘One of The Top Emerging Schools’ in Mumbai from
9000 people, with a variety of skills and ethnic backgrounds, to
the Times of India newspaper for the year 2015 and 2016, an in its
produce a strong and vibrant team who are able to combine their
short four-year life it has already carved out a niche for itself.
talents for the tasks ahead. “Passion, ownership and transparency
As well as running CSR initiatives such as this, the company is
are the backbone of our work culture,” the company states.
also dedicated to its responsibility to operate in as eco-friendly a
Continuous on-the-job training and mentoring is an essential
way as possible. As Mrs Mehra told us; “We recognize that use of
element of keeping this work culture alive, and in empowering
recycled scrap of supports waste management, conserves natural
staff to grow their careers within the company. “We believe in
resources and reduces energy usage. Without compromising
empowering every individual, no matter at what level, which is why
on quality, we use waste exchange extensively where the waste
we value innovation, integrity and initiative. We therefore hold
product of one process becomes the raw material for another
regular workshops and training sessions to ensure our employees
process. The main area where we contribute with recycled material
are equipped to add value to their own careers, as well as to the
is in our melt shop, wherein we import industrial and domestic
progress of the organization as a whole.”
recycled scrap from various countries in order to produce quality
As well as looking out for their many staff, Viraj are also
stainless steel material.”
conscious to look out for the country around them. They have
Green in its production and green in its end result, stainless
invested money in CSR initiatives across an array of causes, both
steel is undoubtedly an essential resource, and the way forwards
social, economic and environmental. Perhaps their proudest
for the an industrially exploding India. If Viraj can achieve even a
achievement is the founding of Viraj Shri Ram Centennial School
fraction of their overseas success in their domestic market, the
- a project that had been a personal dream for Mrs. Kochhar. As
future will be an exciting time for the stainless steel company.
well as serving as Viraj’s MD, Kochhar heads the company’s CSR
Seizing the opportunity ahead of them, only time will tell how far
wing, and she was keen to provide world-class education in Boisar.
this expansion could go in the years ahead.
42 | Endeavour Magazine
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Endeavour Magazine | 43
CREATIVE EATERIES WWW.CREATIVEEATERIES.COM.SG // 0065 6411 4990
A TASTE OF EVERYTHING Creative Eateries brings the world of dining to Singapore. Famously an island that imports all of its ingredients, with no agricultural industry of its own to speak of, Singapore is (excuse the pun) a hungry market for good food. We spoke with Bonnie Wong, COO of Creative Eateries, to see how this company has managed to bring so many nations’ styles and flavours to one island. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
CREATIVE EATERIES
Founded by Mr Anthony Wong in 1992, Creative Eateries
began with just one premises – the Hot Stones Steak and Seafood Restaurant. The 1990s saw a popular trend for hotel restaurant dining in Singapore, and Wong’s restaurant stood as an alternative choice. This desire to stand apart from the crowd lives on in the spirit of Creative Eateries, which seeks to fill any and all gaps in the market with its wide array of cuisine options.
W
e spoke with Bonnie Wong, COO of Creative Eateries,
seeks to deliver the best experience possible to all of its restaurant
who along with her sister Bernadette is passionately
guests and clients.” However, despite the variation between each
continuing the family business. She explained that the
location, there is also a continuity in their quality, as each one is
company is defined by its “multi-brand strategy”, which allows it to
connected under the ideals and overall guidance of the Creative
provide restaurants that specialise in Western, Thai, Japanese and
Eateries umbrella.
Chinese cuisine, separately, with appropriate branding for each.
In total, Creative Eateries represents 47 outlets. Of these 47,
“Our mission is to spread joy and delight to everyone’s taste buds
34 are based in Singapore, ten in Malaysia, two in Taiwan and
through creative concepts and fulfilling customer experiences,”
one is opening in Cambodia next month. “By using the multi-
Bonnie explained.
brand strategy,” Bonnie explains, “The Group saturates the food
To better cater to everyone, these restaurant divisions are also
and beverages (F&B) market by filling price and quality gaps,
split into tiers (such as premium or mass market), thus allowing
increasing the visibility of the Group as a whole, and providing
Creative Eateries to reach customers at every consumer level. With
more alternatives to consumers. As a result, the Group is better
so many levels and divisions, the list of restaurants represented
positioned in capturing greater market share and providing
by Creative Eateries is unsurprisingly long, including Hot Stones,
opportunity for growth in the highly competitive and saturated
Fremantle Seafood Market, Vineyard, Barossa, TongKong Riverboat
F&B industry, which would otherwise be limited if we only had
Dining, Patara Fine Thai Cuisine, Talay Thai, Siam Kitchen, Bangkok
one or two brands.”
Jam, Tajimaya Yakiniku, Shabuya, ROCKU Yakiniku, KURO Izakaya,
Expansion plans for the company are currently focused on
Eat at Taipei and the newly established brands Flaming Don and
opening more outlets in Cambodia and Malaysia, in order to
Typhoon Café. That’s a mouth full! Every one of these restaurants
strengthen Creative Eateries’ presence in those markets. However,
is designed with care, combining their menus with skilled interior
they also plan to venture further into franchising by branching out
design to create a fitting atmosphere and deliver an immersive
to countries in South East Asia such as the Philippines and Vietnam.
experience: “These concepts identify and fill gaps in the markets.
On top of all of this, the company hasn’t forgotten where they
With variety, dedication and expertise as its hallmarks, the Group
come from or where the backbone of their company lies; they are
46 | Endeavour Magazine
CREATIVE EATERIES also planning to open new outlets in Singapore, as well as to re-visit
is halal certified and operates out of a 12,000 square feet central
and refresh those already in place.
kitchen, which “gives the Group a competitive advantage, as our
This may all sound busy enough, but for Creative Eateries, it is
ability to cater to the halal community in large-scale quantity allows
only half the story. Alongside its restaurants, the Group’s catering
us to support international events like the Singapore Airshow
division has established itself as one of Singapore’s premier caterers.
2018.”
“With a variety of cuisines on demand, end-to-end capabilities
Given its unique approach to both sides of the business, we
such as décor, equipment, rental and staffing, and a knack for
asked Bonnie what truly set Creative Eateries apart from its rivals.
customization, Creative Eateries Catering prides itself on its ability
She felt that it was in using these two halves in combination that
to create unforgettable events centred on outstanding food.” If you
the company best showed its strength: “Being a multi-concept and
want proof that this division is as good as it claims, it’s got it: firstly,
cuisine Group, we can’t peg competitors on a macro level. We rival
it is the official caterer of Singapore staples such as The Esplanade,
on a brand level. However, as a Group we have the capability to
Singapore Expo, The Star Theatre, CHIJMES, and even the Arts
offer different services and menus for a different occasion to the
House and National Art Gallery. Secondly, it has also catered
exact same customer– e.g. for corporate catering we can do events
many prestigious events, such as Food Hotel Asia, the Singapore
at our restaurants or one of the many venues we’re official caterers
Grand Prix, Singapore Dance Theatre Gala, People Association and
of. Therefore, we keep regular customers excited with our new
countless others, including events attended by Prime Minister Lee
products, and challenge ourselves to improve and innovate.”
Hsien Loong and President Halimah Yacob.
This constant innovation is crucial in a market as fast-moving
On top of successfully running a catering division worthy
and demanding and Singapore’s, where trends are variable and
of these accolades, the company even manages to run a second
competitors are many. “While food cost is largely well maintained,
catering wing, called Shiok! Kitchen Catering. This second wing
the same cannot be said for customers’ preferences. These ever-
48 | Endeavour Magazine
changing demands and needs are why we constantly come up with new brands - to meet consumer needs and fill gaps in the market.” Another challenge that the vast, many-facetted company faces is
FRANCHISE AWARD-WINNING BRANDS TODAY
employee numbers – a significant challenge when you run as many restaurants as they do. “Manpower remains a constant challenge for the F&B industry, hampered by changing foreign worker
Our Track Record
employment policies. We are now actively getting involved with
• Established in 1992
hospitality schools to groom young local Singaporeans through
• 2017 Enterprise 50 Award Winner
vocational training and restaurant excursions that give students a
• Influential Brands 2016 & Outstanding Brand
glimpse of what a career in F&B looks like. We feel that fuelling their passion for F&B will help the industry in the long run.” Creative Eateries currently employs 320 members of staff full
• Leading F&B establishment in Singapore
time, with around 600 employed part-time. Given that finding
Our Commitment and Support
staff is currently a challenge, the company makes sure to make the most of the talent that they find: “We make it a point to recognise
• Intensive initial and opening training
and incentivise staff for their excellent service through the STAR Award (internal service awards), and we also believe in promoting
• Constant support and review after opening
from within.”
• On-going sharing of new products and business system
Moving forwards, with their popular concepts, strong business model and well-cared-for team, the future looks positive for CE_Endeavour Magazine July Edition (Half Page) FA.pdf
1
• Marketing and PR support
12/7/18
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CREATIVE EATERIES the ever-ambitious Creative Eateries. One development on
promising in the Southeast Asian region, so we plan to continue
the company’s horizon is a transition over to a new Business
our growth there, using Singapore as a showcase for our concepts.”
Intelligence tool, which will enable the company to be more data-
Whatever style and flavour of dining you prefer, Creative
driven and to gain better customer insight – a useful ability when
Eateries seems to have your needs covered! With an array of
keeping up with such fast-changing trends! This transition should
international menus, a range of service tiers and even event
be complete by 2019. Another programme that the company
catering, the Wong family company seeks to share their passion
relies on is cloud-based procurement platform EzyProcure: as the
for food with everyone, whatever they are looking for. If you visit
business expands, managing a larger orders and inventory becomes
or live in Singapore, the chances are that you might walk in to one
inevitably complex, and the use of technology such as EzyProcure
of these many restaurants – give them a try, and experience what
becomes key to increasing efficiency and, indirectly, reducing costs.
makes Creative Eateries so successful for yourself!
In terms of expansion and physical development, Creative Eaters opens its first franchise in Cambodia next month and is also planning to re-design and rejuvenate some of its existing restaurant brands. It also has several new outlets planned for Singapore that should open in Q3/Q4, including Eat at Taipei and Suki-Ya in the SAFRA Toa Payoh. “We plan to penetrate the region with winning concepts through franchising and like-minded partners, to meet the growing demands of the middle market. We believe that growth is necessary to ensure the longevity of the Group; growth rates seem more
www.grittnco.com A 51 Ubi Avenue 1 #05-23 Singapore 408933 M +65 9146 0879 E info@grittnco.com 50 | Endeavour Magazine
AMAZING WORLD BY JAMES LAPPING
KARRKANJ
O
nce again, it has been a very hot month across the globe. Heat waves have spread throughout Europe, Asia, Africa
and the Americas. The weather may have meant that you were able to get a lovely tan, but these extreme weather fronts haven’t been without consequence - wildfires have been widespread across the globe, especially in areas where they are less common, such as the U.K., Sweden and Greece. These freak fires are usually caused by humans or lightning and are mostly found in the more hostile areas of the world to live in, such as Australia. However, it has come to our attention that there is another twisted fire starter in the land down under, and it is one that you would not have expected… Firehawks. You may not be familiar with this term, but these birds are a group of raptors that supposedly possess the ability to spread wildfires. The firehawks are more well known as the Black Kite, Whistling Kite, and Brown Falcon. They are all natives of the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia, where this behaviour has been documented. These birds of prey, according to eye witnesses, are able to take burning sticks or debris from wildfires that are already ablaze, transport these with the talons or beaks then drop them into an untainted area of bush or woodland,
therefore
starting
another
blaze. This is either done individually or as a group, and is repeated until a successful blaze
has
started.
Bob
Gosford,
an
Ornithologist, states in a 2016 interview
it in a fresh patch of dry grass half a mile
on the land. In the NT, the people known
that, “It’s a feeding frenzy, because out of
away, then wait with its mates for the mad
as the Dalabon, the Rembarrnga and the
these grasslands come small birds, lizards,
exodus of scorched and frightened rodents
Mayili still populate the region today. They
insects, everything fleeing the front of the
and reptiles.” From this observation, we can
have been more than familiar with firehawks
fire.” In his 1964 autobiography compiled
ascertain that this isn’t a recent behaviour
throughout their history and have their own
by Douglas Lockwood, Waipuldanya Phillip
attributed to the firehawks.
name for the birds of prey: “Karrkanj’, which
Roberts, a member of the Alawa people
Thousands
of
Caucasian
before settlers
the
in their language means “Troublemaker”.
from the NT said, “I have seen a hawk pick
introduction
to
The Indigenous people have been aware
up a smoldering stick in its claws and drop
Australia, Aboriginal communities thrived
of the birds’ behaviour for a long time.
52 | Endeavour Magazine
of
years
of a bird spreading fire from one place to
sources for historical and scientific accuracy,
another. This are known as the ‘Dreaming
as they tend to use the oral tradition to pass
Fire Ceremony’. The Karrkanj is so important
information through their communities. This
to the people of the region that the Mimal
‘discovery’ will affirm that the people of the
Land Management company, that looks
NT have been right about the Karrkanj’s
after the land and assists with putting out
ingenuity this whole time, and that they are
wildfires within the Arnhem region of the
entitled to the relevant credit and respect.
NT, have incorporated a raptor carrying a
Awareness of firehawks could obviously also
fire stick into their logo.
help tell us to better understand and deal
There is much significance to the
with the spread of wildfires within Australia
discovery of firehawk activity for Western
- with knowledge that the birds of prey may
academia. This is the first known example
be spreading the fires further, firefighters
of fire usage by non-human animals:
will be able to manage this easier in the
although they are not starting a fire from
future. The findings within the NT even have
scratch, the birds successful utilise the
some academics questioning humanity’s
natural resource for their own benefit and
early interactions with fire, suggesting that
survival. Intelligence in animals is famously
these raptors could have been utilising it
underestimated
long before us.
throughout
humanity’s
From interviews conducted with these
history, and if video evidence of firehawks
Hopefully we will be able to see video
communities, documented sightings, and
in action can be gathered, then this will truly
evidence of the Karrkanj in action in the near
rituals practised by the people of the NT,
be revolutionary and completely change the
future - a thrilling yet chilling sight of the
it is strongly suggested that the firehawks
world of Ornithology. It is also a momentous
cunning of birds smoking out their prey from
have been displaying their fire handling
time for Indigenous communities across
the woodlands and bush lands. Humans
skills for well over a century. Gosford has
the globe; after centuries of Colonialism,
have underestimated their fellow inhabitants
observed rituals in the territory by the
Indigenous groups still strive for recognition
of the Earth for too long now. Next time you
Lorrkon and Yabuduruwa people (also from
on a local and a global level. Many Western
call someone a bird brain, think twice - you
the NT) that consist of the reenactment
academics are reluctant to rely on Indigenous
may be paying them a compliment! Endeavour Magazine | 53
SIRAJ POWER
WWW.SIRAJPOWER.COM // 00971 4 883 1972
SirajPower: O&M engineer cleaning a Solar Roof Top System
GOING FOR GREEN It’s no secret that businesses are coming under increasing pressure to embrace green initiatives, but those in the UAE can breathe a sigh of relief, as SirajPower offers easy access to environmentally friendly technologies that will bring them in line with eco mandates. WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON
SIRAJ POWER
It’s starting to seem as though it’s impossible to do anything without coming under environmental scrutiny, and businesses have it worse than most. Thanks to industrialisation being widely blamed for the current state of the planet, there has been a serious surge in the number of companies looking to branch out into more ecologically considerate methodologies, so as to right the wrongs of years past. Deciding where to start can be a difficult task, but operations in the UAE have it a little simpler than most, thanks to SirajPower (SP).
U
nderstanding the grave importance of making renewable
fact, the two arms of the partnership have such an impressive level
energy solutions more mainstream, SirajPower has taken a
of combined knowledge and experience that the growth of the
unique tack:
company has been incredibly significant;
“SirajPower is a company offering fully financed solar rooftop
“Whilst the partners have been operating in the field for a
solutions to commercial and industrial clients, under a leasing
number of years and across multiple geographies, SirajPower
model. No upfront investment is required from the clients, who can
officially launched its operations in Dubai in January 2016. Since
then enjoy cleaner and cheaper electricity produced within their
then, it has secured a number of large and prestigious projects, all
own premises.”
with blue chip names in the region.”
If there’s one thing that almost guarantees client uptake,
Having become the clear solar rooftop market leader in just two
it’s a necessity that requires little or no upfront investment.
short years is nothing to be sniffed at, and given how fast-moving
Green initiatives are essential, but have the reputation for being
the renewable energy sector is, it’s worth noting that it must be
exceptionally expensive to integrate into existing operations, so by
exceptionally tricky to maintain such an advantageous position.
taking the fiscal sting out of eco stewardship, SirajPower is paving the way for a better world.
With increasing political pressure to ‘go green’, not to mention a continuous need to drive down operational costs, businesses in the
Though SirajPower currently only operates in the UAE,
UAE are turning to SirajPower for help, meaning that the energy
regulatory frameworks are being put in place to allow for expansion,
sector is more than just buoyant. While a demand for products is
and there is plenty of behind-the-scenes support in place to ensure
exciting, a stable industry attracts the attention of potential new
that consistent growth is guaranteed:
operations looking to cash in on a trend, but SirajPower isn’t worried,
“SirajPower was born out of a partnership between Corys Environment, the environmental investment arm of Green Coast
as there are numerous identifiable factors that help it to maintain a competitive edge:
Enterprises and Akuo Energy, a leading French independent
“Over the last 18 months, we have set up a company and got
renewable energy power producer. The Dubai-based joint venture
licensed to be a DEWA certified contractor and to enter into leasing
is devoted to net metering and provides comprehensive turnkey
activities, defined an attractive value proposition for the commercial
net metering solutions on solar rooftops in the UAE.”
and industrial sectors in the Dubai and the UAE and signed the first
Rest assured that this is no attempt to hop on the green
solar lease agreements, built and put into operation several solar
bandwagon before proving commercial viability or expertise. In
rooftop systems in Dubai. We have built a very significant pipeline
56 | Endeavour Magazine
SirajPower O&M engineer monitoring the performance of a Solar Roof Top System
SIRAJ POWER of projects and made significant steps in securing the financing of
It’s not often that such passion is injected into a discussion
our pipeline through a dedicated Private Equity Fund incorporated
about the people on the ground floor, but that’s exactly what makes
in the DIFC. We have built an organisation of experienced and
SP different. Far from only being concerned with the stewardship of
highly qualified people.”
the planet and offering businesses a simple way to lower operational
Here at Endeavour Magazine, we’ve spoken to a plethora of businesses, large and small, but it’s always those that value their
costs and increase eco credentials, the two directors actually care about each and every person that works with them.
team members that seem to be able to weather any storm and
David Auriau and Laurent Longuet have co-managed SirajPower
enjoy long-term success. Working to promote greener alternatives,
for two years, both bringing extensive infrastructure and energy
it came as no surprise that SP has an intrinsic admiration for
experience with them in order to help the company grow. Speaking
every member of staff, as well as a heartfelt commitment
about his leadership philosophy, David revealed:
to diversity,
“Effective leadership needs to have a vision and the conviction
“The staff are key to the success of our company. In a fast-moving
to see it through. This requires usual leadership qualities such as
industry, we value the entrepreneurial spirit of each and every
creating positive and collaborative working environments, removing
one of our team, to create a fast-growing company. We currently
organizational obstacles, providing the tools that employees need
have 35 staff members, of multiple nationalities and backgrounds,
to perform their jobs, and effectively building trust among your
forming a fully-fledged organisation. To date, our capabilities range
peers, team members and clients. The growth of our business and
from engineering, procurement, project management, operation &
organisation is the only visible sign that we have succeeded in
maintenance and business development, through to financing.
finding the right ingredients.”
individuals and shareholders. This makes SirajPower a vibrant
been well and truly found, and will be further tweaked as new
learning environment and a great place to work.”
projects get underway. With contracts in place to supply solar
58 | Endeavour Magazine
Laurent Longuet
Going by this, it seems clear that the recipe for success has
David Auriau
Our staff are heavily supported by highly experienced
rooftop solutions to a number of laudable companies in the UAE, most notably the Landmark Group, Al Abbar Aluminium and RSA Logistics, the future is looking as bright as the sun SP relies on. Looking ahead, there is no indication that David and Laurent will allow things to slow down. Quite the opposite, in fact: “SirajPower has the primary objective to become the regional leader in distributed generation. Firstly, through the deployment of a large portfolio of rooftop solar systems on commercial and industrial buildings but, in addition, by proposing and implementing innovative hybrid solutions combining solar and storage. To achieve this objective, SirajPower will continue to build on its strong local the region where decentralised electricity production by solar can bring significant value to customers. SirajPower, alongside its shareholders, will continue investing in the development of solar rooftop and solar and storage solutions.” In terms of observing these fantastic developments, our sunglasses are at the ready, as we don’t want to miss a thing.
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BROLL GHANA WWW.BROLLGHANA.COM // 00233 302 672 888
MAXIMISING AFRICA’S POTENTIAL Broll Ghana is a leading light in terms of African commercial property services, thanks to a unique approach and a steely determination to never let standards slip. Endeavour Magazine was delighted to find out more. WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON
BROLL GHANA
Though the Broll Property Group has been in existence
since 1975, Broll Ghana is a little greener, founded in 2006. Brought into being with a vision of utilising a far more formalised style of property management, it has developed significantly in just 12 years.
oday, we offer services which include: commercial and
“T
Broll is clearly a company that doesn’t simply seek put the
residential broking, corporate real estate services,
easiest option, but instead, looks for innovative ways to actually
facilities management, property and project management,
make a difference. This approach is mirrored in the customer
retail leasing and consulting, residential estate management,
service charter that unequivocally demonstrates why Broll Ghana
shopping centre management and valuation and advisory services.”
is the only reasonable choice for property management:
This is no small portfolio of services, yet Broll Ghana maintains
“We always put the client’s needs first, seek out collaboration
consistent standards and is always looking for opportunities to
across markets and service lines and encourage focussed teamwork,
build on existing knowledge. This is managed, in part, thanks to an
innovative thinking and acting practically. We have created a
affiliation with CBRE, a globally respected real estate organisation
research-led environment to ensure a competitive advantage,
that is always cognisant as to best practices and cutting edge
employ ‘hands-on’ senior management and executives and we do
developments within the sector. Joseph Amo-Mensah, a key figure
not accept any assignment that we do not feel comfortable about
at Broll Ghana, explained more,
delivering.”
“CBRE is the largest property services company in the world,
Add to this an ISO rating for both property management and
with over 300 offices spread across all continents. Through their
facilities management services and you can start to get a real
network they are able to source and refer various investment and
picture of the levels of professionalism being offered by Broll
business opportunities to Ghana from prospective investors. CBRE
Ghana. In turn, there can be little question as to why so many
is a world known brand that operates with international standard
clients choose to take advantage of the expertise and boldness that
and our affiliation with CBRE helps to build the brand image of
the team resonates.
Broll as a company which also operates with international best practices.” Ranked 120 out of 190 on the ‘ease of doing business’ scale,
Offering far more than just client satisfaction, team members at Broll Ghana are able to develop their skills and grow alongside the company that they love, thanks to the progressive Broll Academy.
which is calculated in accordance with economic rankings, Ghana
Founded in 2002 with a mandate to offer in-house training for all
might not seem like a natural choice for a new office location, but it
employees, the Broll Academy empowers staff through knowledge
made perfect sense to Jospeh:
and allows them to take control of their own productivity, which in
“Ghana had been a politically stable country over the past 20
turn, creates an intrinsic long-term relationship with their employer.
years. In an economy with many natural resources like gold, timber,
Rewards and opportunities beget loyalty in today’s commercial
bauxite and cocoa, it had a lot of potential for growth and to attract
world and Broll Ghana certainly hasn’t overlooked the value of
many foreign investors. The property related services industry as
happy and productive staff,
at mid-2000s was not well developed; nonetheless there were
“Our goal continues to be lifelong learning for our employees.
commercial, residential and industrial properties springing up
Broll Academy is associated with accredited education training
rapidly. Broll Property Group therefore took advantage, to provide
providers who offer long and short courses. These include,
these services in Ghana.”
Introduction to Property Principles, Property Management
62 | Endeavour Magazine
RIGHT CONSULT & GENERAL SUPPLIERS LIMITED
Perfect Solution Providers
Post: E-mail:
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BROLL GHANA Programme, Certificate in Shopping Centre Management, Advanced
Naturally, the CSR endeavours will continue to benefit local
Certificate in Shopping Centre Management and soft-skills courses
communities, through the work of the Broll Foundation and
including time management and report writing for example. As part
of course, young graduates will be able to enjoy the benefits of
of our efforts to improve the skills of our employees and develop
comprehensive training and development, through the Broll
candidates within the property industry, we’ve introduced two new
Academy, but what else is on the horizon? With such a diverse
training programmes – internships and learnerships.”
portfolio of services on offer, new innovations, plans and even
Internships are no mystery, as promising university graduates
regulations must be springing up almost daily, so what is the Broll
are chosen to take up exciting positions within the company, to fast
Ghana team most focused on, in the coming year? Joseph revealed
track their potential, but what exactly are learnerships?
some details:
“Broll Ghana Limited is a professional oriented company with
“What excites us are the numerous enquiries and market
learnerships in Valuation, Facilities Management, Marketing,
research requests by investors, both local and overseas,
Engineering, Accounting and Human Resources. These learnership
who are prospecting in the real estate industry in Ghana. It
practices have up-skilled staff and broadened their horizons.
gives an indication of possible investment in the sector in
It has enabled the company to be able to meet the basic profile
the year 2018 and beyond. Broll is already negotiating new
requirement of investors that seek the services of Broll in country.”
management contracts with some new entrants in the real
With the security of a successful affiliation in place and a
estate industry.”
seemingly never ending resource of hungry new employees
Having identified a gap in the market for formalised property
to choose from, Broll Ghana is all but guaranteed to continue
management services, Broll Ghana has flourished under its own
enjoying significant levels of success, but this is not time to rest
steam and it’s certainly going to be worth watching the company
up and bank on a phenomenal reputation to do all the hard work
closely, as it seeks out new ways to further maximise Africa’s
from here on out.
potential.
64 | Endeavour Magazine
SOUND IMAGE ENGINEERING SERVICES LTD
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LIEBHERR AFRICA (PTY) LTD WWW.LIEBHERR.COM // 27 11 365 2000
MADE OF STRONGER STUFF Before progress can be made, infrastructure needs to be improved, which heralds a necessity for reliable machinery and equipment. This is where Liebherr-Africa comes into its own. 60 years after they were founded, we stopped by to celebrate the company’s anniversary. WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON
LIEBHERR AFRICA (PTY) LTD
Part of the Liebherr International Group, the Africa-
specific arm has long been supported by a seriously impressive parent company reputation, not to mention industry expertise. Celebrating 60 years of faultless operations, Liebherr always has and always will represent a higher standard of engineering understanding, alongside the provision of high quality machinery and transportation systems.
T
he Liebherr International Group has a fascinating history
Perhaps most exciting is the way that the product portfolio has
that offers a little insight into how the company has grown
diversified. Back in the beginning, the company was focussed on
and developed, which will bring us to the Africa-specific
the manufacture and provision of tower cranes, concrete mixers
branch shortly:
and speciality cranes, but nothing more. This changed as soon as
“In post-war Germany, many parts of the country needed to be
more evolved commercial needs became apparent and today, the
rebuilt. Hans Liebherr managed his parents’ building firm in South
offerings are varied, to say the least. For construction operations
Germany and recognised the need for tools and machinery for the
that need to buy new machines or have their existing ones
building industry and domestic construction. Together with design
maintained, Liebherr-Africa is the number one choice. In addition,
engineers and tradesmen, he developed the first mobile tower
thanks to a progressive attitude towards diversification, the mining
crane in 1949. As successor models followed, crane production
and material handling industries are lining up to work with the team
at Liebherr picked up pace and the construction company instead
as well.
turned into a manufacturer of construction machines.”
A central location is, as any successful company will tell you, key
You might think that expansion for Liebherr would be relatively
to be being able to offer a reliable and easy-to-access contingent
slow, or at least localised, but in fact, the Liebherr-Africa interest
of needed services, and Liebherr-Africa has more than simply
was founded just nine short years later, in 1958. This set a real
addressed this issue. In line with fantastic rates of growth, multiple
precedent, as it was one of the first interests opened by the
operational offices have been opened:
company outside of the native Germany. Of course, there was method behind the bold move:
“The head office of Liebherr-Africa (Pty) Ltd is located in Springs, Gauteng. Five more branches are operating in Cape
“In the 1960s, the new location had the purpose of bridging
Town, Durban, Richards Bay, Brits and Middelburg as well
the very expensive transport routes between Europe and Africa.
as various agencies, depots and mine sites in other regions
In addition to South Africa itself, the neighbouring countries were
of the country and the neighbouring states. Liebherr-Africa
also to be supplied.”
(Pty) Ltd has been serving the needs of the local construction,
This ability to spot a niche or a gap in the market is what
civil engineering and mining industries since 1958. The South
has allowed Liebher-Africa to grow at such an impressive rate.
African branches are fully equipped to provide local back-up
68 | Endeavour Magazine
LIEBHERR AFRICA (PTY) LTD service and spare parts for Liebherr machines and equipment,
This brings us neatly to the ways in which Liebherr-Africa seeks
with extended support immediately available from the Springs
to offer not only good value at the point of purchase, but also peace
head office.”
of mind into the future:
There’s the crux of the matter: far from simply offering
“Liebherr is an acknowledged supplier of products and services
machinery for sale and then leaving customers to fend for
in numerous fields that are technologically innovative and user-
themselves, Liebherr-Africa has sought out opportunities to be on-
orientated. Liebherr-Africa’s direct links with various operations
hand and available for immediate help and support. This business-
overseas offer the benefit of accessing Europe’s leading technical
critical response is just one of the things that has helped to set the
experts for customising equipment, specific applications and
company above and beyond its nearest competitors – that, and an
solving technical problems. The company offers service and support
intuitive catalogue of products and services.
for mining and earthmoving equipment, mobile and crawler cranes,
Imagine for a moment that you need heavy-duty machinery
construction cranes, mixing technology and port equipment. Our
that can withstand any amount of use. Now add into the equation
service workshops are structured to respond quickly and effectively,
a desire for industry-leading after-sales care. For operations in
and our fully qualified staff are trained technical specialists who
South Africa that identify with these specific parameters, Liebherr-
received factory and field-based training.”
Africa is a reliable and well-known provider, and the Liebherr team know it too:
By always being vigilant to identifying potential ways to improve the experience for any and all customers, the service schedule
“For more than 60 years, Liebherr’s range of products and
and repair offerings by Liebherr-Africa really are second to none.
services has been broad and sophisticated. Its design and
Aiming to not only maximise client satisfaction but also machinery
technology are orientated around practical deployment scenarios
lifespan, there is a level of after-sales support suitable for everyone:
throughout the world, continually growing innovative strength and an uncompromising commitment to quality.”
70 | Endeavour Magazine
“Liebherr service means experience, reliability, maximum availability of machines, higher production and reduced operation
and maintenance costs. Our services range between immediate spare parts supply, on-site repairs or major overhauls in our workshops, to remanufacturing of parts as well as a painting plant.” Having attained the ultimate commercial trifecta of providing a needed service, for competitive rates and with amazing aftersales support included, Liebherr-Africa is as strong as the cranes that it has built its name on. It therefore stands to reason that the construction and mining sectors in South Africa can look forward to reliable growth, alongside a partner that can be trusted to always shoulder the load.
Field Service Toolbox Canopies for the following sectors: Mining Sector • Transport Companies • Second hand truck and bus dealers • Auto electrical contractors • Truck and bus manufacturers • Earth-moving industry • Installation Companies • Construction Industry • Security Industry • SAPS and Metro
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+27 (0)10 592 7307 +27 (0)11 422 6577 info@marven.co.za Endeavour Magazine | 71
ANSA AUTOMOTIVE LTD WWW.ANSAMOTORSTT.COM // 001 868 625 2277
A DRIVING FORCE Enjoying a premier reputation in the automotive industry, ANSA McAL offers the perfect combination of quality vehicle provision, expert advice and after sales care to a multitude of customers. Endeavour Magazine spoke with sector head, Jerome Borde, to find out more. WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON
ANSA AUTOMOTIVE LTD
Operating throughout Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados and
Guyana, ANSA McAL has risen through the ranks to become not only a well-known but also highly respected automotive provider.
U
nderstanding that purchasing a new vehicle can be fraught
Of course, not all misfortunes can be sidestepped, as industry
with personal concerns, the team continuously strives to offer
buoyancy has a huge role to play and it’s no secret that the
peace of mind and customer satisfaction, as Jerome Borde,
automotive sector has struggled globally for some time now. While
sector head of the automotive division, explained: “We are viewed as automotive providers, but we do not build
a stable period from 2012-2015 showed promise, things have taken a turn since, as Jerome elaborated:
vehicles. Therefore, we are essentially in the service providing
“The market has declined significantly since then. We are now
business. We believe that our products are not vehicles but
in our third year of decline. All the main global competitors are
products of convenience. Therefore, everything we focus on is
robustly represented in our market, fighting for a shrinking market
geared towards creating a place where consumers feel comfortable
share while being constrained by very limited access to foreign
transacting business for their mobility.”
exchange currency to purchase vehicles.”
Offering a unique insight into the mindset of the team as a
ANSA McAL, despite the troubling turbulence, has weathered
whole, the notion of vehicle provision being intrinsically linked
the storm with admirable ease and aplomb, but never complacency.
to life-critical mobility really amplifies why ANSA takes its role so
Understanding that a satisfied customer base is a loyal one, Jerome
seriously. In addition, Jerome brings a steadfast understanding of
credits returning and large clients for the continued growth that
the sector to his management position:
ANSA McAL is enjoying;
“After school, I began my career in McEnearney Business
“Some of our largest and more loyal customers have remained
Machines (MBM) in the ANSA McAL group as a Sales Representative.
with and supported us for decades, which provided the basis for
I have remained within the group since and worked my way through
our growth. To mention a few; Amalgamated Security, Central
the ranks to Sector Head of Automotive. Although I did short stints
Equipment Limited, Furness Rentals and Dumore Enterprises.”
within other Group companies, I have been in the automotive sector for the majority of my time at the Group.”
So what exactly is it about ANSA McAL that encourages such customer loyalty? For starters, an impressive selection of vehicles
Bringing personal passion and interest to the role, Jerome has
to choose from. We all know that one car most certainly does not
been able to instil a sense of personal responsibility and ownership
fit all, which is why the fleet comprises of Jaguar, Land Rover, BMW,
in each of his team members, and seeks to embellish these traits
MINI, Honda, Mitsubishi, Ford, FUSO, Freightliner, JINBEI, Golden
through engagement, enrolment and, most importantly, trust:
Dragon, New Holland, Hyster, UTILEV and Bush Hog. Mazda, Kia,
“My philosophy for success is focussed around ownership.
Volkswagen, Hino and Daihatsu are also on offer. By demonstrating
When things do not go right, own the mistake and conversely, I
an inherent understanding of the importance of choice, ANSA McAL
celebrate team members’ successes.”
is able to appeal to not just niche interests, but everyone who is in
74 | Endeavour Magazine
ANSA AUTOMOTIVE LTD the market for a new vehicle. The provider-customer relationship
“In the last three years, we’ve opened new facilities in central
does not end when the keys are handed over, either - in fact, that’s
Trinidad and Guyana. We also upgraded our south operation,
really where it begins in earnest:
Honda Business in north Trinidad and the Barbados operation.
“Top brand international performance records, exceptional
While we don’t want to divulge too much about our upcoming
after sales service, employment of the latest vehicle maintenance
plans, so as to maintain our competitive edge, we can confirm that
technologies and a formidable reputation backed by the ANSA
we are expanding regionally and looking internationally as well.”
McAL name ensure a competitive advantage in our markets of
There can be no question that ANSA McAL looks set to continue
operation. All the dealerships under ANSA Motors are covered
on an upward trajectory, while never compromising on customer
with a convenient and affordable three-year warranty on parts
satisfaction, but Jerome added an extra piece of information that
or 100,000 kilometres, service and insurance once financed by
hints at the future direction of the automotive sector:
ANSA Merchant Bank. This gives the customer a full service value
“As a Pioneer in CNG conversions, we are leading the way in
upon purchase, making the cost of vehicle ownership with this
transforming a greener environment for the citizens of Trinidad
group the lowest and best possible decision for new vehicle
& Tobago by making available nearly 4000 CNG ready vehicles
purchases nationwide.”
in 2018.”
With a vast bank of satisfied customers in place, Jerome’s
High quality vehicle provisions with industry leading after sales
attention is naturally turning to the future, and that means only
and a proactive approach to greener technology are all indicative
one thing: growth. It would be easy to simply rest on a fantastic
of a forward thinking company with the drive and experience to
reputation, but the key to continued success is the ability to identify
succeed, regardless of any unexpected bumps in the road.
and explore new opportunities; two things that ANSA McAL excels at. Significant inroads have already been made to allow for new developments, as Jerome explained:
76 | Endeavour Magazine
Corner Evans & Harris Streets, St Augustine 645-CARE (2273) ultimatecarcare2009@hotmail.com Ultimate Car Care Centre
Endeavour Magazine | 77
EOH AFRICA WWW.EOH.CO.ZA // 27 11 607 8100
A DEVELOPING WORLD We live in an online age of instant connectivity and extreme convenience. The expectations placed upon businesses to deliver seamless services is higher than it has ever been. To keep up with competitors and to meet customers’ demands, businesses need a technological helping hand: in Africa, they can speak to EOH. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
EOH AFRICA
With 134 locations in South Africa and over 50 more
within Africa & internationally, EOH Africa is the continent’s largest technology service provider. They have not only the software, but the skills and experience to provide high value, end-to-end technology solutions to customers across the industrial sectors, allowing them to utilise all that IT now has to offer in an organised, efficiency-boosting way.
S
o much is possible today that knowing where to begin to bring
the business. This system also helps to keep track of customer,
your business up to speed can be overwhelming. Fortunately,
supplier and partner information.
the expert consultants at EOH Africa are there to help. Using the
A key tool in this connectivity and smart data sharing is, of
Internet of Things, EOH will transform how your company operates,
course, cloud technology. EOH offer cloud frameworks that not
both in its interactions with customers and in its behind-the-scenes
only integrate every system that a company uses, but supply all
processes and organisation. Analytics for data processing, cloud
of the information required from this data in an easy and intuitive
systems for connectivity – EOH can create an across-the-board
way. For example, their SAP HANA Cloud Platform is a fully scalable
change that operates smoothly and intuitively, without their clients
and secure private cloud system that provides a managed cloud
going through the headache of making a successful, fully integrated
environment. The EOH SMART Platform, another system, offers a
switch themselves. As their website explains, “to keep up with the
similar system in a more customisable format, to meet the specific
pace of change, individual technology improvements have been
and changing needs of their customers.
replaced with transformational improvements.” These overall,
Real-time analytics reduce on needless mistakes caused by
system-changing initiatives allow the full extent of what could be
human error or an overlooked piece of information, providing all
possible for your company to become possible.
of the relevant data, and important conclusions, at employees’
One of the clearest ways in which EOH can speed up your
fingertips. This massively cuts out the risks of interdepartmental
operations and efficiency is through their comprehensive data
miscommunication, lost files and similar mistakes that have no
and analytics software, which they describe as offering “easy to
place in our modern world.
understand, intelligent data”. As they say of the service, “Today’s
This fast and accurate system allows a better customer
connected world is generating information at a rapid pace,
experience through a smooth service delivery that remembers all
producing astronomical amounts of data. Your organisation will be
of the details of a customer’s account, and makes your customer
able to garner truly valuable insights to ensure that your decision-
feel remembered, valued and in good hands. It also allows market
making processes are not just informed, but also successful.” These
trends, preferences and needs to be recorded and studied, thus
services can help your company keep a track of customer trends
allowing companies to offer what they customers actually want.
and feedback, and will also allow a more up to speed and in-depth
With over 5000 clients and 12,500 members of staff, EOH is no
management of sales, operations and finances, not only recording
small software company, and their offerings don’t stop at company
this data but using it in smart analysis when assessing options for
solutions. Impressively, the technology, services and initiatives
80 | Endeavour Magazine
that they offer can also be applied to the tools that run a city’s infrastructure. As they describe, “Cities are becoming smarter and more responsive to connected citizens than ever before, making cities the engine room for economic prosperity. The infrastructure supporting our countries and cities is constantly challenged to deliver smarter, more efficient services. The Internet of Things, augmented reality and cloud, to only name a few, provide new and exciting opportunities.” Speeding up efficiency, reducing risks and cutting costs are all benefits offered by the right use of these abilities. Another innovation, this one securing the company the 2018 SAP Innovation Award, is the EOH International EnerClever Smart Waste Management Solution. This software is a creative and crucial addition to the company’s work with city infrastructures. Like EOH’s other offerings, the system is an end-to-end Internet of Things business solution, this time designed to allow a city to efficiently plan and carry out proper waste management. It achieves this through real-time monitoring of waste as it builds up, including an intuitive dashboard that allows the coordination of collections in order to avoid partial collection, overspill or inefficient route planning. This cuts down on waste of employee time, fuel use and the city’s carbon footprint. Other urban infrastructure solutions
EOH AFRICA allow the coordination of resources such as street lighting, again to
imbalances, to create a work environment that promotes equal
cut costs and pollution.
opportunities for all, and to ensure that the future environment
Whilst EOH is based in Africa, it is constantly expanding its global presence to better assist African companies that work on an
within which we work reflects the demographics of South African society.”
international scale. In particular, they focus on emerging markets,
Their CSR efforts take this further, with the creation of
following these trends to make sure that new or rising businesses
initiatives such as the EOH Youth Job Creation Initiative and the
are able to access their support. Describing themselves as a
CSI Maths Centre, both created to add to the opportunities and the
company “for a developing world”, they currently deliver services to
education available to South Africa’s young people. “At EOH, we
customers in over 30 countries, with a plan to increase that number.
want to share our learning about work experience and job creation,
“With organisations increasingly operating in multiple territories...
and to talk about the importance of being responsible citizens of
we remain entrepreneurial, complementing our existing services
South Africa. We embrace our role in creating opportunities within
with strategic acquisitions in emerging markets whilst continuing
our workplaces for those that need it most. We also realise that
to develop new solutions, enhancing our industry-specific focus
we cannot do it alone and therefore, we continue to challenge
and expanding our service offerings into new territories. We’re
corporate South Africa to get involved.”
increasingly becoming a multi-national company as we continue to expand our international footprint.”
Overall, EOH Africa and EOH International are putting the systems and structures forward to make a better Africa, and from
Another ongoing focus for EOH is the empowerment of its
there, to contribute to a better world. If cities and businesses can
workforce. Through both CSR and their employment practises, the
cut their costs, time waste, physical waste and carbon emissions,
company seeks to empower those who have been economically
as well as delivering smoother experiences and more accurate
marginalised, as well as to fight discrimination. As a part of this
services, then the application of EOH’s services is a win-win
commitment, the company has achieved the BBBEE status of a
situation for their clients, their clients’ clients and the planet at
Large Enterprise Level 1 contributor, with 156% BEE procurement
large. You can’t ask for better than that!
recognition. “We aim to eradicate all forms of discrimination and
In association with Oracle
BUILDING A PARTNERSHIP WITH EOH YOUR TOMORROW TODAY IN AFRICA “In the era of the digital intelligent economy, Africa has a unique window of opportunity to become the next economic leader of the 21st Century. The massive opportunity offered by new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT) and more, all powered with the speed of the Cloud, provide unprecedented competitive advantage whether you’re just starting, growing, or an established enterprise. Oracle has been committed for many years to help African enterprises, private and public, across industries with differentiating business innovations. Partnering with EOH has provided Oracle with the intellectual platform to drive forward business innovation across the continent and beyond. EOH’s partnership has been critical as it offers the knowledge, skills and critical support to enterprises that have chosen the path to success with Cloud solutions. Let us partner together to create your tomorrow today.
82 | Endeavour Magazine
Modern ERP Cloud Complete Financials, Procurement, Projects, EPM & Value Chain Global 23 Languages, Localized for 50+ Countries Real-Time Analytics & Social Collaboration Enterprise Performance & Security Ready
oracle.com/za/erp or call 0027 011 319 4550 Copyright Š 2018, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Oracle and Java are registered trademarks of Oracle and/or its affiliates.
LAEVELD AGROCHEM WWW.LAEVELD.CO.ZA // 0027 12 940 4398
HEALTHY GROWTH From weather to soil conditions to disease, agriculture is an industry fraught with risks and narrow profit margins. Any and all help is an essential game-changer: in South Africa, Laeveld Agrochem are more than rising to this challenge, removing challenges with a combination of reliable, traditional methods and creative new innovations. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
LAEVELD AGROCHEM
Laeveld Agrochem is a South Africa based company in the
business of bettering and protecting crops. They have been in operation since 1991, expanding from simple products outward to combine biological, chemical and even technological products that give farmers the very best chance at a healthy and profitable yield come harvest time – year on year.
s the company declares, “The modern businessman
A
“Laeveld Agrochem is committed to the care that we provide
understands the importance of profit, but he also understands
through our large range of top quality crop protection products,”
the value of sustainability.” Laeveld Agrochem are a responsible
states the company. “Our extensive network traders and branches
and sustainable provider of crop protection, knowing that this year’s
are maintained by a team of highly qualified crop protection
crops are not worth the risk to next year’s fields; their solutions
experts.”
achieve results, but not at the expense of the environment or the farmer’s long-term crops. Under these parameters, Laeveld Agrochem offer a wide range of top quality crop
Describing themselves as a “partner who walks with you every step of the way” and “who stands by you with every challenge and triumph”, Laeveld Agrochem truly are dedicated to the longterm success of their clients. They claim that they measure their
protection products in a variety of categories, striving to make
own success by their clients’ success, and given the nature of
sure that they have the perfect solution for every customer. With
their products, this is both sensible and extremely reassuring.
over 1,500 satisfied customers, 77 loyal suppliers and 12 associated
Not stopping at products and set services alone, the company
companies, they must be doing something right!
is also open with its advice on the preventatives it sells, offering
To give an overview, the company offers several categories
consultations over the various types of products available to make
of products and services: first and foremost, they offer weed
sure that their clients the one that is right for them. Again, given the
and insecticides designed to protect crops whilst avoiding harm
nature of their products, this is essential. For example, in choosing
to the fields, consumers and wider environment. In fact, they
a pesticide, one faces many options: some products are created
produce integrated crop solutions for both crop protection and
to be safe outside, whilst others are suitable for the home; some
crop optimization, so that farmers can get the very best from
have long-term effects, whilst others are short-term solutions.
their harvest. At the same time, they work with farmers who
Products must be bought carefully to ensure that they are right for
are struggling with fungicides or diseases affecting their fields,
the task at hand and the environment it is in. Pests are a rising issue
offering advice, products and hands-on assistance to tackle
threatening South African crops and homes, making this an even
and prevent these crises. They also deal in biological products
more crucial area to understand and receive the correct advice for.
such as fertiliser, and are a leading South African company in
“Laeveld Agrochem is a leading pesticide supplier in South
developing ever-better ways to prevent and cure health issues
Africa, and we have a team of experts that can guide you in finding
in livestock.
the perfect product for your unique needs. We can give you helpful
86 | Endeavour Magazine
LAEVELD AGROCHEM tips and advice on safety and proper usage, which will help you to effectively manage your pest challenges.”
How exactly does it do this? Already in existence in the grain industry is a piece of technology called “poaching cards”. These
So far, we have looked at Laeveld Agrochem’s more traditional
cards collect data from different spots within a farmers’ field,
products, but there is another branch of the business that
connected to GPS points, and this is then used to create spatial
approaches farming and crop protection from a completely
analysis charts of the land.
different direction: software. Agri Technovation is a branch of
MyFarmWeb ™ allows farmers to interact with this data in a
Laeveld Agrochem that focuses on IT solutions to biological
more intuitive and useful way, and does a lot more besides. The
and environmental situations. The latest and perhaps greatest
platform allows easy access of all such spatial analysis data, past
development from Agri Technovation is the recently launched
and present, allowing farmers to see trends over time and to
cloud-based platform, MyFarmWeb ™.
analyse this vast amount of data without effort. The software
As Willem Eigenhuis, Chief Agricultural Officer of Agri
therefore allows farmers to see information such as areas on their
Technovation, writes in his press release for MyFarmWeb ™,
land where crops have grown consistently poorly, which empowers
“Farmers constantly need new and better technology to maintain
them to identify, resolve and avoid these risks in the future and
sustainable production, and South Africa’s agricultural industry
greatly protect their profitability. Genetic testing also allows this
is dependent on good research to stay competitive on an
software to search between mapped out results from these genetic
international level.”
tests vs the results for ground fertility, allowing farmers to search
MyFarmWeb ™ takes this need for data delivery to new heights.
between the two for correlations.
Implementing cloud technology and the Internet of Things, the
This easy visualisation and navigation of otherwise extremely
software has been designed to allow farmers to make intelligent
dense information places Agri Technovation is at the forefront
decisions based on detailed results from previous years’ crops, thus
of processing ‘big data’. The software also allows farmers to
enabling them to avoid waste and maximise their crops’ potential.
experiment with hypotheticals, entering fictional input costs and
Agri Technovation believes technology and innovation is the formula for the future.
As both a manufacturer of tailored agricultural products and a provider of specialised services, our passion for precision farming guides everything we do. With extensive experience in agronomy, horticulture, soil science, microbiology, geographic information systems, chemistry, process and production engineering, our specialists bring profitable, sustainable solutions to producers.
Agri Business Park, 5 Louw Street, Wellington Industrial Area, 7654 +27 21 300 0543 | info@agritechnovation.co.za www.agritechnovation.co.za
Page Advert.indd 1 88AT_Endevour_Halp | Endeavour Magazine
2018/07/16 2:33:04 PM
grain prices etc to predict their potential spend and profit for the season. By highlighting issues such as recurring poor areas to plant in, and identifying which genetics correlate with which patches of terrain, this software makes smart farming easier than it has ever been before, giving farmer the edge they need to stay viable. As Willem Eigenhuis writes, “With Agri Technovation’s new data analysis methodology, producers no longer have to rely on outdated guidelines established years ago. New opportunities can now be identified without guessing and wondering who to believe. Ultimately, for the first time in agricultural history, it is possible to give real insight into potential risk hedging and future profitability.” The application of this sort of software in the risk-filled agricultural industry will make more differences to farmers’ lives than any weed killer. However, this combined with Laeveld Agrochem’s full range of products marks them out as true paladins of farming, protecting crops from every threat and allowing farmers to be several steps ahead, instead of keeping up.
Endeavour Magazine | 89
AUTOMOTIVES BY ANTHONY LETCHUMANAN
TESLA MODEL S 100D
T
esla’s attempt to present an electrical vehicle (EV) that could offer a genuine alternative to the reigning twin supremo
of diesel and petrol vehicles appears to have (surprisingly) actually become an actuality. I was very sceptical when I picked up this month’s test car, a Tesla Model 100D, simply because I am and always have been a petrol-head! As a current owner of a Range Rover Vogue and a Ferrari 360 F1 Modena, I fancied myself to be in a unique position to judge both high end luxury quality and sport performance. My initial expectations from the Model S were of a dull and unexciting vehicle that was not going to light any fires different modes of charging, the use of the
the road speed limit) and looking at the
How wrong I was!
deceleration to brake the car and the surreal
amazed looks on Porsche and BMW drivers
From the time I got behind the wheel
sense of extremely quick acceleration within
when they eventually caught up with me:
of the Model S 100D, there was a subtle
a cocoon of relative silence. Comparing
unless you are aware of the performance of
sense of refinement, power and willingness
this to the Ferrari 360 Modena, which is
a Tesla, it comes as a complete surprise.
to obey any command given without fuss.
always a screaming song and dance when
(There is a faster version of this car, called
The initial orientation from the sales staff at
accelerating, I (surprisingly) got used to this
the Model S P100D, which gets from 0 to
the Tesla Chiswick was very informative and
silent ‘ninja’ style acceleration and found that
60 in under three seconds. The “D” means
straightforward, so it was easy for me to get
it brings its own kind of adrenalin buzz. The
that there are two electric motors, front and
going and enjoy what this car has to offer.
0-60 speed is more or less the same between
rear, giving the “all wheel” drive capability).
of passion.
The main points of difference from a
the Ferrari 360 and the particular Model S
I do not want to talk about the technical
petrol/diesel car (I am reluctant to use the
100D, which is around four seconds, but the
specification of the Model S in this review.
term “normal car” to describe petrol/diesel
way both these cars archive this appears to
The full tech-spec can be viewed if you
cars, as based on the current empirical
be different. The acceleration in the Tesla
click on the link at the bottom of the article.
evidence and direction, the EV is soon
feels more confident. I got repeated kicks
Instead, I am excited to talk about the car
going to be the “normal” choice) are the four
from accelerating off at traffic lights (within
from the everyday driving prospective,
90 | Endeavour Magazine
which includes the impressive performance, and a host of technological assistance. From a luxury point of view, I will go as far as to say that the Model S will easily compare to any top end marque currently on the market. Due to features such as air suspension and intelligent road mapping (which enables the car to remember all of the bumps and dips on a road that you have previously driven over, and adjust the suspension to accommodate it), the overall driving experience is uniquely satisfying. These refinements become obvious in the feel and the drive of the car. Even small details like the car recognising the proximity of the
key owner,
and
automatically Endeavour Magazine | 91
unlocking the door and extending the door handle out, makes a driver feel like there is a dialog with his/her vehicle. This same luxury/expensive feel is prevalent in almost all aspects of the vehicle. I drove the car from London to Suffolk, where I live - a distance of 125 miles. I found that the controls for all the driving functions identical to any other luxury car and very ergonomically laid out. When I got out at my home, I was as refreshed as I would have been in my Range Rover Vogue. I found that I got used to driving style of the Model S very quickly. My teenage children also thought that it was a perfect car to be seen in by their contemporaries, which I found refreshingly surprising (again)! One of the bugbears of all EV vehicles is the charging. On one end, you can charge the Tesla using a normal three pin plug at home. On the other end, there is a network of Tesla Supercharges around the country. In between, you can either have a dedicated “home charger” (which costs about £1500) or the commercial Tesla chargers that you can find at a number of public places such as hotels, restaurants etc. My personal experience of charging the Model S was interesting. At the end of my drive to Suffolk, the battery showed a reading of 15%. I charged it overnight using a threepin plug for about ten hours. This increased the battery capacity to 28%. I then drove to a hotel about ten miles away. When I got there the battery reading was down to 16%. I hooked the car to the charger at the hotel (not a supercharger) for 1 hour 10 minutes.
car. On a full 100% charge, I managed to get
The cost of the Tesla Model S differs,
In the one hour the battery capacity
299 miles. The issue of sufficient charging
depending on the options that you choose,
increased to 32%. I then drove another 12
points is a problem that is faced not just by
from the paint, wheel size, battery capacity
miles to another hotel near Thetford, where
Tesla, but all EV manufacturers. However,
and internal fit etc. This cost varies from
I hooked the car to a Tesla SuperCharger for
Tesla appears to be committed to increasing
round £70,000 to £150,000 or more.
1 hour 20 minutes. At the end of that time,
the number of charging points for their cars.
Over all, I was extremely pleasantly
the battery was reading 93%. On a full 100%
Furthermore, it will become increasingly
surprised by my experience with the Tesla
charge, the expected range is circa 350
possible to charge all EV vehicles using other
Model S 100D, and I might even be a
miles. In reality (as with any petrol/diesel
manufacturer’s charging points - in fact,
convert. I personally will consider buying
cars) the actual available mileage will be
Tesla already has the capability of charging
a Model S when it is time to change my
lower, depending on the way you drive the
using other non-Tesla charge points.
Range Rover!
92 | Endeavour Magazine
GCC INTERCONNECTION AUTHORITY WWW.GCCIA.COM.SA // 00966 13 815 0022
KEEPING INTERCONNECTED Formed in 1981, the Gulf Cooperation Council is an attempt to form unbreakable bonds between six nations. Such endeavours are never without their challenges, and yet from them can arise bountiful developments on both an industrial and social level. As the world waits to see whether the division between Qatar and the rest of the GCC can be resolved, we spoke with one of the companies that seek to hold this arrangement of nations together. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
GCC INTERCONNECTION AUTHORITY
The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf,
originally and still known as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a regional, intergovernmental political and economic union made up of most of the Arab states of the Persian Gulf. In total, its members are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
T
he Council as a whole has existed since its charter was signed in
that supports high levels of coordination and institutional
May 1981, and whilst inter-relationships haven’t always been
involvement in all aspects of operations and planning of grid and
harmonious, their principles and goals remain inspirational.
market operations between member states. Within this, we focus
In fact, the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority
on innovative and creative approaches to finding solutions and
(GCCIA)’s principles are directly inspired by this agreement and the
sharing knowledge between the member countries, while at the
ideals behind it: to encourage more cooperation and to foster links
same time maintaining optimal and efficient operations.”
between the nations, to allow better travel and trade. With both come tighter bonds, and a harmonious GCC for the future.
It’s a challenging and involved task, and to pull it off, GCCIA needs a talented task force. There are about 90 staff members
One notable symbolic industrial undertaking between the
working for the group, ranging from direct full-time employees to
GCC member nations is the vast railway system that they are
part-time outsourced staff. This number is small, but in keeping it
collectively developing. Known simply as the Gulf Railway or GCC
this way, the company keeps their operations elite: “The number
Railway, this development aims to link trade and travel between
of staff is relatively low due to the fact that GCCIA is adopting
the countries in a very real and practical sense; already partially
the ‘Informed Client’ model,” explains Ahmed, “Outsourcing all of
built, the total project will cost an estimated US$ 250 billion and
its maintenance and services to highly qualified service providers,
is scheduled to be completed by 2021. The GCC Interconnection
while maintaining core operations through its own staff.” This
Authority oversees a similarly vast and defining entity; the group
outsourcing again plays in to the aim to create more communication
is the owner and transmission operator of a 400kV Super Power
and trade between the GCC nations, and also allows the GCCIA to
Grid that links the power systems of the six GCC member states.
focus on keeping their own staff highly trained and well cared for.
As such, it is their responsibility to deliver emergency support
“As one of its strategic objectives, GCCIA puts much emphasis on
service to the energy sectors of these nations, as well as being able
attracting, retaining and developing highly talented and experienced
to offer commercial opportunities through exchange and trade of
professionals. We provide employees with ‘above the market level’
electricity on the Interconnector, serving the six GCC countries’
benefits, whilst running elaborate annual training programs and
electricity authorities and power procurement companies.
career development plans for staff, to support internal growth and
We spoke with Ahmed Ali Al-Ebrahim , GCCIA’s CEO, about
promotions.”
what makes the group’s set-up so special: “GCCIA has a unique
Ahmed himself rose through GCCIA’s senior ranks: joining
model of interconnection between countries, with a framework
the company in April 2007 as Director of System Operations, he
96 | Endeavour Magazine
GCC INTERCONNECTION AUTHORITY became the Chief Operating Officer in 2011, and in December
A profitable part of this secondary business is the company’s
2014 he become the Chief Executive Officer. However, he cut his
telecommunications. As Ahmed told us; “GCCIA is commercializing
teeth in the industry elsewhere: “I worked my way up through the
spare links of its extensive fibre optic telecommunications network
ranks, starting my work as an operation engineer in the control
to avail reliable Carrier-Carrier telecom services to all GCC licenced
centre of Bahrain Power grid, then as Senior Engineer, then Head
telecom operators.” Having this additional feather in its cap only
of Operations and finally the Manager of Operations and Control
furthers how deeply ingrained GCCIA is in the industrial needs of
of Bahrain Power grid. Later, I moved to the private sector as the
the nations it works with. It is from this strong grounding that the
Technical Director for Sintegro International in charge of developing
group is now looking to expand, both of its grid and its operations,
large scale infrastructure.” It was from here that he finally joined
to beyond the GCC region.
GCCIA, where he has been able to apply his knowledge to both the company’s day to day, and its ambitions for growth.
However, operation within the GCC is not without its challenges. “With growing populations and rapid expansion in economies, the
The very nature of GCCIA also means that the organization
demand for electricity has been increasing annually at an average
has developed various essential links and partnerships, both
of 6-8% per annum. With concerns regarding the adequacy of
within and outside of the GCC nations. For example, in its early
fossil fuel resources to support future energy needs, there is a
days, before entering its operational phase, GCCIA worked closely
drive for diversified energy resources and energy efficiencies
with a consortium of European Grid operators and consultants
strategies. Accordingly, GCC countries have set aggressive plans
- namely RTE (France), Elia (Belgium) and Tractebel (Belgium).
for development of renewable energy sources, especially solar,
This collaboration allowed GCCIA to build up the operational
wind and nuclear power.“
procedures and processes needed to ensure a safe and reliable
Partly in response to these challenges, GCCIA began its study
start of operations. Since then, the organisation has continued to
into the possible expansion of the interconnection beyond the GCC
forge partnerships and collaboration frameworks for various parts
region. This includes neighbouring countries such as Jordan, Yemen,
of both its core and secondary business.
Ethiopia, Egypt, India, Iraq and even Europe. The most immediate
Telephone Fax Email Website 98 | Endeavour Magazine
+966 13 663 6000 +966 13 882 6678 nccho@ncc.com.sa www.nccprojects.com
of these plans would see the expansion of the interconnection to Iraq via Kuwait, the expansion of GCCIA’s fibre optic network to Oman, and also involvement in an off-shore energy storage project in Dubai. However, even this isn’t the full extent of GCCIA’s ambition and plans for the future. On top of these studies and finalising details for a grid expansion, they also plan to launch the ‘GCC Power Exchange’ between now and 2019. According to Ahmed, they also plan to “review and revise the GCCIA commercial model to ensure sustainability, as well as reviewing the telecom business model and expanding the service offering.” As the future of the GCC hangs in the balance in hearings over the Qatar blockade, this product of the GCC is at least thriving. With influence over two essential industries between six major nations, the GCCIA has a great deal of responsibility, but with that, a great deal of opportunity to play with. We look forward to seeing where they take it, in what we hope will be a GCC that is more connected than ever.
Founded in 2010, CENTRAL POWER & PROCESS SYSTEMS CO. W.L.L. (CPPS) was formed to address the pressing needs of organizations to enhance productivity and achieve new levels of performance. CPPS have provided organizations, such as GCCIA, EWA, ALBA, and others, with innovative solutions that generate savings to Power, Process and Utility Monitoring, Automation, Protection, and Quality.
Generating savings to Power, Process and Utility Monitoring, Automation, Protection, and Quality
Central Power + Process Systems Co. W.L.L. 5th Floor, Bldg. 2304, Road 2830, Block 428, Seef Area, PO Box 2259 Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. T: +973 17552292 | F: +973 17910395 Email: info@centralpps.com Web Site: www.centralpps.com
Endeavour Magazine | 99
HARLEQUIN INTERNATIONAL (GHANA) LTD WWW.HIT-GH.COM // 00233 303 307 293
FIRST-WORLD SUPPORT Based in Ghana and serving the wider West African region, the HARLEQUIN Group deals in fabrication and mechanical & hydraulic engineering. This market-leading group prides itself on its incredible track record from 20 years of business, which it continues to uphold with unwavering commitment. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
HARLEQUIN INTERNATIONAL (GHANA) LTD
As the Group proudly announces, “HARLEQUIN’s
guarantee and reputation of superior workmanship, quality and support translates to getting what you pay for. We pride ourselves on going the extra mile and doing a job right, the first time.”
H
ARLEQUIN describes its services as ‘first-world support’,
Breaking it down even further, we looked closer at some of
which it provides throughout West Africa to bring the very
the specific areas of expertise that HARLEQUIN offers. Firstly, we
smoothest experience to its customers and clients. Their
started at its Engineering Center, which covers its manufacture and
vision is to “be the preferred engineering service provider in the
repair operations using end-to-end capabilities such as mechanical
region.” According to the Group, “this vision directs our business
engineering, CAD services, reverse and precision engineering.
activities and is the catalyst for our unwavering commitment to
Then, its Hydraulics Repair Centre focuses specifically on its
expand our scope of expertise, and maintain a course of continuous
signature item: pumps, motors, cylinders, pneumatic equipment –
growth and improvement.”
the facilities are able to strip, assess, repair, assemble and test any
The Group’s ‘first world support’ is provided through a range of
and all things hydraulic.
services, including subsea operations, hydraulic repairs, engineering,
On top of these two centres, HARLEQUIN also run a welding
fabrication, brush plating, sandblasting, mobile services and NDT
and fabrication workshop. Besides welding and fabricating, the
testing, as well as the sales, maintenance and rentals of Linde
workshop also offers shot blasting (including painting) and on-
material handling equipment. It also offers industrial tooling and
site line boring with the latest Sir Meccanica equipment. This
equipment, including high pressure hydraulics systems. All in all, it
workshop is ready to take on projects of all sizes, and employs a
has West Africa’s industrial needs covered.
range of welding procedures developed specially by HARLEQUIN,
To better investigate how HARLEQUIN is making a difference in
for both high and low carbon steel. These processes are used for
West Africa’s construction and business worlds, it is best to break
both general and structural fabrication; the workshop also covers
down some of the companies that its umbrella covers. HARLEQUIN
procedures for welding pressure containing pipe work and pipe
INTERNATIONAL GHANA LTD (HIT), established in 1998, is the
spools, Inconel and stainless steel.
country’s market leader for general, mechanical and hydraulic
Under another branch, Harlequin Riser Services offers
engineering services. Supporting mining, ports and harbours
inspection, transportation, maintenance and repair services to
and the agricultural sector, its hydraulic products and committed
HARLEQUIN’S clients, as well as storage facilities for marine drilling
maintenance solutions help companies to reduce long term costs
risers and equipment. Riser Services’ site is top-quality, offering
whilst increasing their productivity. Meanwhile, HARLEQUIN OIL
servicing, inspection and repair services for risers in-country and
& GAS LTD focuses, as the name implies, on the oil and gas sector,
thus removing the need to look abroad for the same services. This
taking on both subsea and topside jobs.
greatly reduces its clients’ costs. Combined with excellent ongoing
102 | Endeavour Magazine
HARLEQUIN INTERNATIONAL (GHANA) LTD aftermarket support, this allows the company to keep helping its
that they can be, and in part, it is through responsibly communicating
clients no matter what their environment or situation.
with its clients, and not taking on a job that the team cannot fulfil.
Apart from engineering and turn-key solutions, HARLEQUIN
“No project will be undertaken unless we are 100% confident that
holds numerous prestigious distribution and agency agreements.
we can complete the project in-house, to first world standards of
HARLEQUIN promotes these groups by using their products
quality, excellence, zero defect and on-time delivery.” That said, this
themselves; some such agreements are held with Linde Material
company tackles jobs of every size, and there is little that seems to
Handling Equipment, Lincoln Electric welding machines and
be slowing it down. In fact, HARLEQUIN is not only excelling at the
consumables, Parker hydraulic and pneumatic technologies,
jobs it takes on; it is continuing to actively expand its capabilities:
Enerpac high pressure hydraulic tools, Gedore and Ridgid quality
“Focused attention to detail, pride in the work that we
tools, Kalmar cargo handling solutions, Hyva hydraulic components
deliver and a relentless drive to remain the preferred provider
and Krost racking and shelving solutions.
of engineering excellence compels HARLEQUIN to continue
“Suppliers are critical to our success,” explains HARLEQUIN,
on a course of extensive investment into the expansion of our
“And every HARLEQUIN vendor is meticulously selected and vetted
capabilities. We achieve this through the acquisition of machinery
to comply with our high demands on quality. Our contribution to
and equipment, as well as the training and development of our
local content is a high priority and HARLEQUIN is committed to
dedicated personnel.”
support Ghanaian suppliers and service providers that share our values on quality, standards and business ethics.”
As HARLEQUIN continues to grow, the Group’s reach will spread further across West Africa, allowing a rising number of
“We pride ourselves on relentless efforts to deliver projects that
projects to benefit from these superior services and this stable
conform to the highest international industry standards of quality
support. As this support spreads, it should have a positive impact
and workmanship.” In part, HARLEQUIN upholds this high standard
on not only the HARLEQUIN team, but all of those fortunate to
of results by making sure its equipment and personal are the best
work with these experts in action.
1st Floor Dennis House, Plot 15 Harbour Rd. P.O. Box CO 2673, Tema Ghana
Tel: +233 303 200 749 Fax: +233 303 203 619 info@bajfreight.com www.bajfreight.com
Fast, Safe, Simple… The BAJ Way!
Customs Brokerage 104 | Endeavour Magazine
Ship Agency
Logistics
Freight Forwarding
EQSTRA FLEET MANAGEMENT WWW.EFM.CO.ZA // 27 11 458 7555
MORE THAN A FLEETING VICTORY Sometimes, to move forwards, you have to take a step back again. Sometimes, that can mean cutting right back to the bones; it’s a risky move, and one that can seem too daunting to undertake, but when it’s needed, it can mean the difference between your business and soaring success. Eqstra Fleet’s Murray Price took this step - it led to a long road of hard work that took eight years to bear fruit, but now that fruit is flourishing. We took a look back at our conversation with Murray and what we can expect from Eqstra Fleet in the future. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
EQSTRA FLEET MANAGEMENT
The 2008 financial crisis hit the whole world hard. In fact, as most
of us know all too well, it was the greatest economic suckerpunch since the Great Depression of 1929. Strong and fragile economies alike were shaken, and South Africa was no exception. 2008 was also the year that Eqstra Fleet unbundled from their original owners, the Imperial Group, one of the largest list groups in SA The collision of these two events put Eqstra in a precarious position, and one where they faced a choice: scale down, keep operating as they always have and try to live out the storm, or change.
“I
f you were to take a view on our company originally,” explains
competitor, or you’ll never be able to compete effectively, and in
Murray Price, Managing Director of Eqstra Fleet, “we were
order to do that, we needed to automate.
pretty much a leasing business, focused predominantly on
This software was new territory, and whilst Eqstra planned
vehicle leasing with a bit of maintenance and accident management
the endeavour, they didn’t fully know what they were letting
on the side, at best. With the events of 2008, we realised very
themselves in for – an eight-year process that is still ongoing, even
quickly that we weren’t going to be able to compete on price going
as they seem to be clearing the woods. “There were many times
forward, and made the decision to diversify.”
we questioned it. We’d get feedback from some fleet managers
Adaptation, it’s often said, is the key to survival: Eqstra
we know in the UK and they’d say ‘Oh, you’re insane.’ We were
Fleet decided that in order to compete and keep their business
agreeing with them at one point! What kept me going was that the
sustainable, they needed to transform into a full fleet management
requirement had not disappeared and that achieving our objective
company. Not only this – they needed to be a management
would deliver measurable value to our wide base of customers.
company with a difference, bringing something new to the table
“We have always believed that what we’re selling to our
that would out-do their competitors. The road to creating this new,
customers is the system. We don’t really make the car, we’ve never
cutting-edge element was an organic part of their service growth,
towed, maintained or repaired one – we arrange for it to happen,
but ‘organic’ by no means implies easy.
and that all comes down to the system.”
In diversifying, Eqstra introduced numerous new services: fuel
So what exactly does Quest offer that has makes it unique to
cards, integrated tracking services, in-house roadside assistance,
fleet management (and has made it so difficult to produce)? Price
service and maintenance plans, and the administrative selling of
breaks the services down for us:
not only their packages, but those of other groups as well. In total,
“The system was built on Microsoft AX 2012, but we did a lot
they now offer over 60 services. Arranging and providing such
of dev on top of it. I think for me, the main differentiator is that you
a range of products created new problems for Eqstra to solve,
have a single point of access to the full range of fleet solutions.”
the main one being organization. To manage their operations
Quest offers fully comprehensive fleet management data, analysed
effectively, they needed to streamline their data – this need
and easily accessible from one reference point. As well as recording
prompted the birth of what would eventually become Quest, a new
the entire fleet lifecycle, from procurement to licencing to fines,
software system that monitors, organizes and reports on every
short term rentals and complete maintenance information, the
layer of fleet management and activity through one interface. It
system also allows access to data on vehicle insurance, vehicle
has been a daunting undertaking to produce, but the result is like
tracking and fuel consumption. However, the true difference comes
no other fleet management service out there: “The view for us was,
in its stream-lined organization:
if you want to play in this market, you’ve got to be the lowest cost 108 | Endeavour Magazine
“For everything we do, we can create a case, and a case can
EQSTRA FLEET MANAGEMENT have multiple services linked to it. For example, on an accident
you expect to do something great and not take a lot of pain, you’re
case, I might have 15 services: I may tow it, I may assess it,
missing the truth of it.”
whatever I need to do. This allows me to run a mini project, with
Whilst changes are constantly being made, and Price feels it
all the services against one case, so that when we’ve finished it, we
will be a couple of months before they can truly sit back and let
can produce the customer one invoice for all of the repairs for one
the profit of their efforts roll in, Quest is already receiving keen
incident, not in pieces.”
feedback: “Global fleet directors have said they haven’t seen
More than invoicing, this system allows both Eqstra Fleet and
anything like it – not in the States, not in Europe.” Even competitors
their client to keep track of exactly what is happening during a
have started admitting that Quest represents the way forward,
case. “What this system’s also doing is giving a detailed history, so
and some are looking to start adding similar services to their own
we can see exactly who’s done what. It keeps careful notes, and
models.
we track all conversations, outbound and inbound, so we and the
“I would say 90% of fleet management companies are facing a
customer have a common clear view of what’s really going on.”
legacy problem in terms of system. Everyone’s going to have to do
This level of record keeping avoids many of the bumps that occur
it at a point, and in fact the more mature markets have got more
between customers and support services: it removes issues caused
legacy problems than the emerging markets, whose technologies
by departments not talking to each other, customers having to re-
have jumped over the older stuff.
state their case to new personnel, and protects both parties from
“2008 felt like the worst thing that could happen to us, but it
false claims about what has been said or taken place. All in all, the
forced us to get moving, and thank goodness we moved, because
system allows transparency, efficiency and certainty.
the world around us is changing so quickly now.”
This all-inclusive system also allows Eqstra Fleet to manage
With data and automated software more important and
personalised services for their clients without unnecessary
advanced than ever before, Eqstra Fleet are well positioned to play
administration. Eqstra alter their 60+ products depending on their
with the big boys, whilst their competitors are going to have to start
clients’ individual needs, and this creates a headache of data – or
the arduous journey they’ve just emerged from. Now that the battle
it would, without Quest’s Product Masters keeping track. Finally, Quest reduces both human error and carbon footprints by operating on a paperless system. The system has 350 in-built outbound documents that are generated automatically by the system, whilst optical character recognition allows it to automatically process incoming documents. “We’ve processed about 300,000 or 400,000 documents since we’ve gone live, coming and going through without human hands.” Automation indeed – every element of Quest sets Eqstra Fleet up to operate in the future fast-lane of industry, where data is king and hands-on-paper is kept to a slick minimum. Like any new venture, there have been many hurdles along the way; Eqstra’s main challenge was converting reams of data over from a less organized system into another, highly organized one in an entirely different format. Price confesses that they underestimate the sheer effort and time this would take: “The system took us eight years to build. It’s been live in Africa for three, and nearly a year in South Africa. Of the three years it has been live in Africa, it took us two to convert all the 175, 000 vehicles on our system from one platform to the other.” With doubts being cast by customers and other fleet companies, and the work ever more challenging and time consuming than they expected, some companies would have backed out of the project, but Price kept looking at the long-term. Adaptation needed to happen, and once it did, he was convinced, it would put Eqstra ahead of the crowd: “The thing that kept us going in was ‘We don’t have to convert again’. We needed to do this because it was about sustainability for our business. Whoever did it, it was going to be a challenge. If 110 | Endeavour Magazine
is over, like any ambitious business, they are already looking at new horizons by considering Quest’s potential on a global market:
no matter what your business, you can KeeP on trucKinG.
“If you look at fleet anywhere in the world, the intricacies change, but the principles don’t. The core flow of what happens is pretty standard, so we think there might also be a global
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opportunity for the system.” To start, they are looking at testing
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Quest in the UK, because of the countries’ shared language and
close time zones. “It’ll be interesting. We’ve got the right person to take the lead in the UK. Obviously, it’s about who you put in and whether they know the market. We can’t pre-suppose the market from here.” From there, Price is looking to enable local parties across Africa to use and distribute the software – a more cost-effective solution than boots on ground, and one which will allow Quest to take off at its own speed. After a slow birth, this could be the beginning of a rapid global adventure for Eqstra, and a game-changer for those looking to keep up. Either way, Eqstra’s story is a testament to innovation in crisis: instead of battening down in the storm, Price let it force the company forwards, to what is now the edge of a potential booming future for the company and fleet management services as a whole.
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Endeavour Magazine | 111
ISLAND SITE DEVELOPMENT (ISD) WWW.ISDBAHAMAS.COM // 001 242 328 2025
WHAT A SITE We know that a lot of engineering companies claim to be able to deliver projects from inception through to completion, but in the case of Island Site Development Bahamas (ISD Bahamas), that is no mere pretension. A premier civil engineering and roadwork development operation, ISD Bahamas is significantly improving the Bahamian landscape, so Endeavour Magazine took a closer look to find out how. WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON
ISLAND SITE DEVELOPMENT (ISD)
We’ve lost count of the number of times we’ve
encountered engineering companies that claim to be able to take all projects, small and vast, from inception through to design and completion. The trouble is, most end up outsourcing certain aspects, but that’s not how ISD Bahamas works, and it’s the company’s inherent sense of pride that drives this one-stop professional shop.
I
n the company’s own words:
business plan - BMC Underground Services Co. Additional projects
“ISD Bahamas is extremely proud to be Bahamian owned and
were pursued by the group and the decision was made to proceed
operated. We believe in a sense of community patriotism and are
with a new company, which became Island Site Development. The
dedicated to providing employment to local nationals.”
assets of the shareholders for the venture were very substantial
Such a prevailing sense of locality has led to ISD Bahamas
– more than enough to support the business plan of ISD. ISD
creating a team of incredibly talented and committed in-house
independently supports its own working capital, plant requirements,
professionals. This is essential, given that they need to be able to
bonding and insurance. It is also an approved contractor for the
proficiently tackle both public and private sector projects, alongside
Water and Sewerage Corporation.”
community development initiatives. When you start to boil it down,
It’s hard to know where to begin, but let’s take a moment to
ISD Bahamas is clearly an organisation that is operating far beyond
fully appreciate the rarity of a large operation being formed thanks
anticipated mandates.
to self-funding. Whilst that’s impressive as a standalone fact, it
While the talents and ethics of ISD Bahamas are notable,
becomes even more critical when you realise that it ensures client
and for good reason, the sheer diversity of the projects that the
peace of mind. At no point can ISD Bahamas fail, as it will mean
team undertakes is guaranteed to stagger even the most hard-to-
ruin for known shareholders, and not just a faceless bank. This
please clients. The professional services offered include civil and
is something of a unique reassurance for everybody involved, as
infrastructure works, water and sewer improvements, electrical
they known that ISD Bahamas will prioritize its sustainability, and
works, design and construction, ports and airports, hardscaping,
purports to the ‘if you build it, they will come’ school of thought as
decorative water features and even industrial metal building
well. Essentially, what has happened here is an ‘invest your money
frameworks. If you can think it, ISD Bahamas are more than likely
and it will be successful’ approach and we applaud the tenacity
to be able to design and create it for you, which is why their clients
and assuredness that was needed behind it. Such confidence is
keep coming back for more. That, and the impressive legacy of
certainly inspiring, especially in a time period that has been witness
growth that the company can demonstrate;
to serious financial instability throughout every industry, the
“In 2009, Bahamas Marine Construction (BMC) ventured into
world over.
site development work, including services on the Albany project,
The vision for ISD Bahamas is somewhat simple, but maybe
and a joint venture was formed to determine their possible future
that’s the secret to success, as there are no false promises to live
114 | Endeavour Magazine
up to or unattainable standards set in stone. ISD Bahamas state
into the fold, they are genuinely considered to be a part of the ISD
that they want; “To provide our clients with quality services and
Bahamas family, an approach that contributes to low staff turnover,
products within a safe work environment, as well as developing
higher reliability and in turn, improved project competency. It’s
local talent and skills to contribute to the economic stability of the
true what they say, the staffing body really is the backbone of
Bahamas. To work with our clients to achieve their stated goals
any successful enterprise and ISD Bahamas is one of a handful of
while improving the work environment and working morally and
operations that seems to really understand that.
ethically to earn the privilege of being contractor of choice.”
With a number of multi-million-dollar projects already
They plan to manage this by managing beneficial and
completed, ISD Bahamas looks set to welcome many more into the
genuine relationships whilst acting as steadfast stewards for the
portfolio in the coming years and with former clients pledging to
environment. That’s a tricky balance to maintain, but ISD Bahamas
return, the order book must be filling up nicely. After all, anyone
know that the secret is to portion out separate concerns. To this
can have a PR team spin a good yarn as to how professional and
end, client expectations are managed outside of employee support,
respected a company is, but you can’t fake rave reviews like this;
while environmental issues are subject to their own policies as well
“We have found ISD to be willing to work as a team to
and yet, everybody remains happy. Speaking of employee support,
ensure that the work is completed satisfactorily in a timely and
ISD Bahamas takes a different approach to team harmony;
professional manner. Based on our experience with ISD, they are
“We encourage our employees to seek training to improve the level of quality of work and efficiency of delivery, while creating a family atmosphere that encourages longevity.”
unquestionably an exceptional company and we do not hesitate to recommend them for any size project.” Just one of many glowing testimonials, this should give you an
This isn’t just lip service, as ISD Bahamas is fully committed to
idea of just how cherished ISD Bahamas is, as a one-stop resource
sourcing all talent from the Bahamian population, in a bid to give
in the Bahamas and we hope to report back in the future about its
back to the region that elevated the company to such impressive
continued success.
levels of success to begin with. Once team members are welcomed
Endeavour Magazine | 115
BOTSWANA CHAMBER OF MINES WWW.BCM.ORG.BW // 267 391 4685
WHAT’S MINE IS BOTSWANA’S Protecting the interests of a profitable industry is vital for the continued success and livelihood of any region, and the Botswana Chamber of Mines takes this responsibility exceptionally seriously. We took a look back at our conversation with Charles Siwawa, Chief Executive Officer, to understand exactly how the organisation seeks to support Botswana’s local mining interests. WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON
BOTSWANA CHAMBER OF MINES
You might think that the mining industry can regulate
itself, but you would be overlooking a few key factors. The competitive nature of the industry itself needs to be taken into account, but even more important is the constant education of those employed within the sector, as well as a stringent adherence to any and all legislation, both old and new.
I
t would have been a difficult task for individual operations
grass-roots level, and the Chamber of Mines is on hand to ensure a
to make sure they were at the forefront of any and all new
seamless understanding and acceptance of them all.
developments, which is why a number of minerals exploration
Naturally, we all know that periods of extended financial
and mining companies collaborated to form the Botswana Chamber
turbulence in recent years have had far and wide repercussions for
of Mines. CEO, Charles Siwawa, explained further;
almost every industry, and mining is no different. Charles expanded;
“The Botswana Chamber of Mines is an organisation set up
“The current state of the industry is rather subdued, as a result
by the minerals exploration and mining companies with the sole
of the depressed commodities market that affected worldwide
mandate to represent the interests and needs of those companies.
prices. However, there are indications that the market is improving,
It also has the mandate to influence policy decisions and strategic
and this will eventually lead to a growth in the industry. The
intents within the government, non-governmental organisations
challenges that we currently face are infrastructure development,
and related bodies.”
skills development and sustainability of the current cycle of the
He went on to elaborate as to the day-to-day business of the Chamber;
commodities market.” This succinct overview of the current troubles being faced
“The organisation carries out its mandate locally through
by the mining industry shows just why the Chamber is so vital.
engagement with entities within Botswana. We also participate
By installing one organisation to oversee everything, potential
in regional matters through Southern African Development
shortfalls such as skills gaps and outdated infrastructure can be
Community (SADC) by way of engagement through the Mining
identified quickly and accounted for. Thanks to a cordial, respectful
Industry Association of Southern Africa (MIASA). The BCM
and mutually beneficial relationship with the government, the
participates through the International Council on Mining and
Botswana Chamber of Mines is able to make bold strides forward in
Metals (ICMM) to assist in formulating policies and strategies for
its mandate to remain at the cutting edge of industry developments.
mining related issues at an international level.”
It doesn’t overlook key Chamber staff in the process though:
Mineral exploration and mining is far from just being a regional
“The Botswana Chamber of Mines has a staffing body of
interest area, as international policies have a role to play at a more
about 30, inclusive of the training unit. It is our belief that the
118 | Endeavour Magazine
staff should be motivated sufficiently to perform their duties. In this light, we commit a certain percentage of our budget to staff development. We do not necessarily sit in the upper quarter of the emolument curve within the country, but believe our staff to be motivated sufficiently to undertake their functions effectively. In our endeavour, career progression will be encouraged from within the organisation and we only import skills we cannot attain from within.” Refreshing, no? Despite being in place for the benefit of a definitive industry, the staffing body of the Chamber is not overlooked, with incentives firmly in place to reward those that strive for better. This is a direct reflection of Charles’ management style, which he developed whilst employed by one of the Chamber’s member companies; “I built up my leadership credentials in one of the member companies, Debswana Diamond Company, where I spent over a quarter of a century developing my skills. One has to lead by example and ensure that you drive the right principles within the organisation. It has to be what is right, irrespective of going against the tide at the time of implementation, provided the long-term strategy is achieved.” Having been in position since the Chamber’s inception in 2010, Charles was ready for the role, yet consistently attributes
KHOEMACAU COPPER PROJECT CREATING SHARED VALUE Our vision is to design, build and operate a safe, reliable and highly mechanised mine that provides appropriate returns to our shareholders and creates value for all stakeholders. By implementing our strategy and managing the project timeline, we intend to achieve better long-term outcomes through:
Optimising the starter project
Strengthening project execution
Enabling the project strategy
The improved, fit-for-purpose and sustainable execution plan will: Provide a safe and healthy work environment with the lowest possible technical and financial risk
Efficiently resource the project and operations based on mechanised mining principles
Nurture the right culture, capabilities and systems, developing a world class team in Botswana
All of which will benefit our stakeholders and contribute to developing a world class, modern underground mining operation in Botswana.
Unlocking the full potential of the Kalahari Copper Belt
Endeavour Magazine | 119
BOTSWANA CHAMBER OF MINES the success of the operation to the members that formed and
plausible strategies for achieving this. In addition, the Chamber is
continued to support it. It’s this open, inclusive and modest
looking at Foreign Direct Investment as a vehicle to diversify the
approach that makes Charles’ business philosophy of “Sticking to
economy through utilising the combined purchasing power of the
the basic principles” so understandable and applaudable.
mining industry. In essence, the industry would like to encourage
So, what does the future hold for the Botswana Chamber of Mines? With green initiatives and eco-concerns being something of a pandemic in the business world, Charles and his team are already making efforts to get on board with new ideas, as he divulged;
manufacturing processes within the country to support the mining industry achieve its sustainability efforts.” Plus, there’s that skills gap to fill as well, which has led to “a tripartite arrangement between the Government of Botswana,
“Botswana, through its international engagements, was the
GIZ and Botswana Chamber of mines/ Vocational skills are being
third country in the world, outside Canada, to adopt the Towards
developed that will be deployed in the industry to ensure the right
Sustainable Mining (TSM) principle in 2016, which looks at the
quality skills are available for mining.”
Safety and Health of its employees and the environment in which it operates.”
It’s all very well celebrating current successes, but the truly business-savvy organisations are always looking to the future.
A fantastic start, no doubt, but Charles didn’t stop there. Along
The Botswana Chamber of Mines has a purpose and we know that
with TSM principles and reduced commodity prices necessitating
Charles and his team won’t deviate from it, which is why we look
a look at how to maintain the sustainability of the industry, the
forward to reporting on the inevitable serious upturn in mining
Botswana Chamber of Mines has some fantastic innovations on the
profitability in the region in the near future.
horizon; “In collaboration with the Government of Botswana, the Chamber is looking at base metals beneficiation within the country. Some progress has been made in terms of drawing up
120 | Endeavour Magazine
MOVIETOWNE WWW.MOVIETOWNE.COM // 001 868 627 8277
MOVIE MAGIC MovieTowne – in Trinidad and Tobago, it is a name synonymous with cinema magic and a worldclass entertainment experience. MovieTowne is the epitome of a picture-perfect company that is always looking for ways to build both its business and its local communities. This remarkable chain would not have been possible without the remarkable man who built it - Derek Chin. WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON
MOVIETOWNE
With its wealth of incredible natural gifts, Trinidad &
Tobago has long been a magnet for holidaymakers from all over the world, and is one of the region’s premier tourism hubs. Thankfully for the island, country’s government has been conscious of the effects of tourism, and has worked tirelessly to implement the diversification schemes and policies needed to re-orientate the country away from its traditional reliance on the industry. Instead, they set in place the foundations upon which a more complex and prosperous national economy could be built.
O
f the many industries that have been rebuilt and reborn over
Trinidad and Tobago was on its knees before MovieTowne came
recent years, the entertainment sector is perhaps the country’s
into being. People preferred DVD’s, VHS and Betamax at home
biggest success story. This is largely down to the efforts of one
to going to the cinema, and considering the conditions of the old
man - a man who stepped up to the plate and transformed a failing
auditoriums, it was no surprise. There was little or no variety in
cinema industry into one that is the envy of much of the world.
choice, the bathroom facilities were deplorable and it was a dowdy
That man was Derek Chin.
and intimidating experience. Customer service was also far from
Derek is something of an eccentric, but he is certainly not a man
polished.”
to be underestimated; it is only as a result of his vision and bloody-
Highly regarded as the premier Cineplex, shopping and
minded determination to make Trinidad & Tobago a world-leader in
entertainment complex in the region, MovieTowne was a breath of
entertainment that the region has come so far, and been propelled
fresh air for Trinidad and Tobago when it opened in 2002. It offered
forward so quickly.
high-end, family-friendly entertainment at an affordable price,
Having completed a business administration degree at the
and in a desirable setting. It also appears to have singlehandedly
University of Western Ontario in Canada and a stint as an auditor
reinvigorated the country’s passion for seeing the biggest, most
with KPMG, Chin returned to Trinidad in 1981 with one goal - to
exciting new releases on the silver screen. By offering state-of-the-
revolutionise the entertainment industry. Boy, did he accomplish
art facilities, up-to-the-minute sound quality and superior customer
that!
service, MovieTowne quickly became the go-to destination rather
The experience Derek gained after his return as a key figure in both the Trinidad Commercial Development Company Ltd. and
than an idea that was, initially, heralded as something of an unnecessary flourish of modernisation.
Dachin Enterprises, coupled with his desire to push local business
“I wanted to bring the glitz and glamour of a Hollywood to
development, gave him unique insight into what consumers want,
movie fans here on the islands and give people a real experience.
and what it takes to do business successfully on the islands. This is
Also, I wanted to introduce people to a far higher level of customer
how, when he saw a cinema industry that was a national disaster,
service than they were accustomed to. MovieTowne was ahead
he was able to spot the opportunity this presented and take the
of its time and I believe we have really opened people’s eyes and
steps to lead the sector into the 21st century.
changed their expectations.”
Speaking about the cinema industry in the region, Derek is
Given its success, Derek didn’t want to stop at just one
candid about its humble beginnings; “The cinematic industry in
complex: in the years that followed the opening of Movietowne’s
124 | Endeavour Magazine
Endeavour Magazine | 125
MOVIETOWNE initial location, expansion was rapid and impressive. A further
“We promote and fund youth education through film and we
two complexes were opened that, like their predecessor, were
founded the Secondary Schools Short Film competition, which
not limited to simple cinema chains. Instead, these incredible
enables film students to not only get specialist support and tutoring
complexes offered a multitude of shopping centres, restaurants
but win scholarships into higher education courses. We also engage
and entertainment suites as well. However, it’s the small details
in much charitable work while investing in communities.”
that make the difference: “Our Cineplexes are themed along the lines of Hollywood, with notable examples being a back-drop of Jurassic Park with all the
What an incredible way to ensure that emerging talent is noticed and nurtured as soon as possible, which Derek sees as the key to continued success for the region.
dinosaurs as an attraction. We also have various life-sized models
Whilst you might think this has all been something of a fairy-
of Batman, Chewbacca, the Joker, Gollum and Shrek…and these are
tale for Derek, the success he enjoys has come as the result of years
just a part of our growing museum of film characters.”
of training and dedication to bringing premier entertainment back
What’s really interesting to note is that people aren’t simply
to Trinidad and Tobago. Watching films could, on the surface, seem
attending these cathedrals of modern entertainment; they are
like a frivolous pastime, but Derek understands that they have a
sitting up and taking notice of the man behind the brand, with
much deeper purpose; to bring people together.
Derek becoming something of a local hero and a figurehead
He may not have realised it at the start, but he has brought a
who represents what young people growing up in Trinidad and
whole nation together now and we can’t wait to see how he mixes
Tobago can accomplish with hard work. That’s because this isn’t
things up again in the future with his contagious enthusiasm for
just a business enterprise for Derek - it’s a way of life, and offers a
progress and community.
tangible way to give back to the local community. “MovieTowne is more than a business – it is a cultural, educational and charitable institution on the islands.
126 | Endeavour Magazine