July2014 1

JULY 2014

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2 | Endeavour Magazine

EDITORIAL Heads of Departments Editor in Chief Daemon Sands daemonsands@littlegatepublishing.com Director General Don Campbell doncampbell@littlegatepublishing.com Editorial Research Manager Alex Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Director James Martin jamesmartin@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Manager Tyler Harrison tylerharrison@littlegatepublishing.com Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com

Y

our mantra will define your future.

What is your personal mantra? When the going gets tough what do you say to yourself to keep yourself going, keep

yourself hopeful and strong? This personal promise to yourself could be as simple as “One More Step,” or perhaps more complex as the poem Invictus that inspired Nelson Mandela throughout the time he spent incarcerated at Robben Island.

A personal mantra is the armour that we wear on the inside, the promise we make that acts as the compass needle to keep ourselves true. A business mantra is a powerful thing and when a business does not have one, no matter how infinite they may believe themselves to be or however explosive they think they’re success is, they will be scattered and confused the first time they get thrown off course.

The battle fields of the business world are scattered with the dried husks of emptied businesses and forlorn dreams all for the sake of not having a mantra to guide them. Boxers have the mantra, “Hit first before being hit. Keep hitting,” and it is a promise and instruction that they repeat so often that it becomes a habit, an instinct. Businesses and their leaders need a similar promise, a similar crest. Henry Ford

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

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was known for his infamous quote, “Don’t find fault, find a remedy,”

343 City Road Kings Lane London Norwich EC1 V1LR NR1 3PS Littlegate Publishing Ltd does not accept responsibility for omissions or errors. The points of view expressed in articles by attributing writers and/or in advertisements included in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this magazine, no legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising from use of information published. All rights reserved. No part of this

Corporate promises that have governed the actions of all employees

publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrievable system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher.

Copyright © Littlegate Publishing Ltd 2014

will define us more and more and keep us true.

and his approach to business about looking after his employees so that they wanted to look after his customers shaped an entire industry.

Each of the businesses feature in this, our finest issue yet of Endeavour Magazine, have benefitted by their own personal mantras. and staff.

Adam Roberts of the Born Free Foundation, follows a simple but powerful mandate, “Keep wildlife in the wild,” and knows that on a day to day basis that he is working towards a united goal and is supported by all of his partners, employees and supporters who follow the same manta.

Words are powerful. They add credence and clarity to our thoughts, purpose and direction to our actions and as the future very quickly becomes the present and times change, industries evolve and technology changes our working lives. The mantras that we live by What is your mantra?

Endeavour Magazine | 3

CONTENTS

53 KFC Botswana FEATURES 29 Intermarine USA

Whatever The Challenge 35 Complete Marine Services

Cutting Edge Construction 41 CB Group

Sowing The Seeds Of Success 47 Windward and Leeward Brewery Limited

Raise A Glass 53 KFC Botswana

Chicken And Egg 59 WindJammer Resorts

Another Day In Paradise 65 Berger Paints

Painting A Picture Of Success 71 Treated Timber Products

When Working With The Grain Works 77 Gabcon Container Terminal

Keeping Things Contained 81 Recope Costa Rica

Lots In The Pipeline 87 Inspiration Mining

The Nickel Rush 93 NIDCO

Building Solid Relationships

59 WindJammer Resorts 4 | Endeavour Magazine

41 CB Group

65 Berger Paint

ARTICLES 6 Business Headlines 10 Adam Roberts: Born Free USA

The Inspiration Of The Wild 14 The Value Of Being Blunt 16 Face Value 18 VW Scirocco R-Line

Smooth, Lush And No Road Tax 22 Gadgets 24 Travel To Your Dreams 27 Lotus Belle 100 John Ruddy Would Have Saved That

The Perfect Save On YouTube 102 Book Reviews

10 Adam Roberts: Born Free

Endeavour Magazine | 5

BUSINESS HEADLINES Wall Street Eyes Housing Data

Down to Business Wall Street and Dollar bulls will both be eyeing the same data, more or less, and will seek an overall picture of the U.S. recovery which could support Dollar demand vs its peers and sentiment for Wall Street, at least until fears of a rate hike loom.

On The Plate US Exiting Home Sales(Monday) – Exiting home sales figure will This week there will be one question which will dictate prevailing

be the opening shot on a series of data on the US Housing market.

sentiment and that is how strong is the U.S. economy? At the center

A strong figure is expected to benefit the Dollar alongside indicators

of this question will be the reality check of the U.S. housing market,

such as the S&P and Dow.

the sector that initiated the crisis that began in 2008. Some recent

European PMI data (Monday-Tuesday)- In Europe, there will be

data, e.g. housing sales and housing starts, presented a challenge for

two major focuses; the sentiment PMI indicators from the Eurozone

Wall Street and the Fed with the world’s largest real estate market

coming today alongside the German IFO due out tomorrow which

appearing rather sluggish, questioning the Fed’s optimistic tone

will shed more light on chances of a fast recovery on the Eurozone

and driving Wall Street and Dollar sentiment. Yet the data showed

and could have a slight impact on Euro appetite.

mortgage applications, a fair indicator of housing demand, had surprisingly rebounded, rising last week by 11% from the previous reading. With the weakness in housing posing a primary concern and the Fed’s monetary policy at a crossroads Wall Street and FX traders will undoubtedly be focused on the upcoming data.

There will be four major indicators to consider, each deeply entrenched in the other. The first and foremost is existing home sales due later today alongside new home sales due out tomorrow.

Existing home sales is the more important, and indicates the dynamics of housing inventories.

If existing sales jump closer towards 5.8M houses, then there’s a good chance of that pushing up housing prices and raising demand for new home sales.

UK Inflation Report (Tuesday) - Mark Carney, the BoE governor, recently indicated that several factors were influencing the central bank’s newly hawkish bias and that included an overheating housing sector and efforts to meet the BoE’s inflation target, even as they use up spare capacity in the economy. The markets’ expectations are growing that the central bank is on the verge of raising benchmark rates in order to achieve both goals, i.e. cooling off housing prices and a 2% inflation target. Analysts believe that the BoE Inflation Report, which comes out on Tuesday, will likely show that inflation may have eased last month to 1.7% (yoy), down from April’s read of 1.8%. After Carney’s speech, the Pound Sterling has moved steadily higher, but the outcome of the inflation report might be the determinant for the rally’s continuation.

The remaining two indicators, also due on Tuesday, will be the

US Housing Indicators (Tuesday) – The final set of US housing

housing prices index which is exactly as it sounds, indicative of the

data for the week will be the new home sales and S&P/Case-

gains in housing prices. When combining sales and prices, investors

Shiller home price index . Both will be key for Dollar and Wall

around Wall Street and FX traders around the Dollar will get the

Street sentiment. A strong figure will pull dollar demand alongside

pulse of the market and could gauge whether or not the housing

US equities higher and vise versa.

market is recovering and then carve out their investment strategies

US Durable Goods (Wednesday) – Durable goods will be more

accordingly.

keenly watched then the GDP figure which is already the third

Beyond Housing

release. A good figure will anchor expectations of a US recovery.

Despite the temptation to focus solely on housing there will be other important indicators due from the U.S. that could help draw a more accurate picture on the U.S. economy, including durable goods, Richmond Fed’s manufacturing index and U.S. GDP (which, as the third release, is less significant but revisions are possible).

Then on Thursday there is consumer expenditures, which will reveal the status of the U.S. consumer (who accounts for two-thirds of the U.S. economy) and personal income which is important as an indicator of wage growth and monetary policy. Last but not least, Friday will bring the Reuters/Michigan consumer sentiment reading.

6 | Endeavour Magazine

UK GDP (Thursday) – Will be the final GDP release of the Q1 growth. An upward revision from last month’s release could support Sterling demand.

Japanese CPI (Thursday) – If inflation in Japan will accelerate that could support a Yen comeback even if a minor one.

Consumer Sentiment (Friday) – US Reuters/Michigan Consumer sentiment will be the last piece of the puzzle in a US economic reality check. A strong consumer sentiment will enhance an already positive sentiment however if the data prior to the figure will be negative, the consumer sentiment alone would not change the picture.

Food Baskets Distribution To Needy During Ramadan And World Cup In Brazil Helping Hand for Relief and Development, ranked amongst the

13 offices in North American and approximately 300 employees

top 10 highly rated “Charities Relying on Private Contributions” by

worldwide. It also has offices in Jordan for the Middle East, Kenya &

Charity Navigator this year, has joined efforts with JASIB in Sao

Somalia for Africa, Pakistan for South Asia and in Burma and Thailand

Paulo Brazil to distribute food to the needy.

for South East Asia

A global humanitarian organization known for responding to

This effort will continue through the fasting month for Muslims,

human sufferings in emergency and disaster situations all over the

Ramadan, as well as the World Cup games. For the duration of 4

world regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, class and religion. HHRD

months a total of 700 food baskets will be distributed to the poor,

also has partners ranging from small community support groups to

homeless and children without families. This is a JASIB initiative to

national alliances along with our international networks. HHRD has

support both Muslim and non-Muslim needy families.

Canadian Nuclear Industry Accepts $1 Billion Liability Limit The

Canadian

nuclear

industry told a parliamentary

Congo Mines No Longer Controlled By Warlords

electricity without creating the

for accidents.

greenhouse gas emissions that

“The $1 billion limit balances

contribute to climate change.

the nuclear industry’s operational

If Parliament passes Bill C-22, the nuclear industry would encourage the government to increase thve number of insurance companies eligible to provide nuclear liability insurance.

needs and the public’s need for an effective liability regime,” Dr. John Barrett, the President and Association, told the Commons

by the ENOUGH Project, an anti-genocide campaign group, reveals

Standing Committee on Natural

that Congolese warlords have lost their grip on most of the country’s

Resources.

The $1 billion limit would take effect if Bill C-22, the

According to the report, last week an US law came into force

proposed Energy Safety and

demanding companies to disclose whether their products contain

Security Act, becomes law. The

so-called “conflict minerals,” and efforts by technology firms, have

bill would replace the 1976

helped limit exports from Africa for consumer electronics.

Nuclear

Liability

Act

(NLA)

Tin, tantalum and tungsten, used to make computers, smart

with a Nuclear Liability and

phones, and tablets, used to generate $185m a year for armed

Compensation Act, and ratify

groups. Now, about two-thirds of mines formerly controlled by

an international treaty providing

warlords “are part of peaceful supply chains,” stated the ENOUGH

additional coverage for foreign

Project.

damage caused by Canadian

their responsible minerals sourcing from Congo, and Congolese

plants

proposed $1 billion liability limit

today, latest research conducted over a period of months, supplied

“Our research found that electronics companies are expanding

power

generate about 15% of Canada’s

CEO of the Canadian Nuclear

human devastation in the African country.

Nuclear

committee that it accepts a

In what has to be one of the best news updates we’ve heard

mines, almost ending a long-era of major abuses of power and

Manufacturers and Exporters.

Bill C-22 would allow nuclear operators to provide insurance alternatives for up to 50 percent of their liability.

nuclear operators.

The

nuclear

industry

miners are now able to earn 40% more from those mines,” says

directly employs about 30,000

senior policy analyst, Sasha Lezhnev.

Canadians

and

indirectly

Artisanal mining of gold, however, is believed to continue funding

employs

a

further

army commanders, it adds revealing that the issue is far from over

through

its

but that they have won a significant step in the right direction.

according to a study by Canadian

supply

30,000 chain,

JOHN RUDDY would have saved that

Endeavour Magazine | 7

Chilango’s Burrito BondTM First To Go Live On Crowdcube Crowdcube Mini-Bond Cuts Cost And Complexity For Business Bond Offers For fast growth companies,

store for bondholders, including:

bond has been a time-consuming

customer bases and the general

raising expansion capital can be

two free burrito vouchers to

and expensive process where

public.

just as difficult as it is for start-ups.

all those that invest, a VIP

each bond was created bespoke

receive a regular fixed rate of

That changes with the launch of

bondholder party to the first

for every issuer. Issuers had

cash interest. Bondholders may

a new mini-bond product from

100 to purchase a Burrito Bond,

to contract financial advisers,

also receive additional benefits

the equity crowdfunding leaders

and those that invest £10,000

lawyers,

FCA

(dependent on the issuer) such

Crowdcube.

Crowdcube

or more will be entitled to free

authorised compliance advisers,

as discount vouchers, access

Mini-Bond has been created to

food for the duration of the

receiving agents, registrars and

to loyalty and other privilege

take the pain and cost out of

bond.

marketing partners to help to

schemes.

The

tax

advisers,

Investors

A mini or retail bond is an

distribute the bond and could

businesses. It brings retail bonds

unlisted bond usually issued

easily rack up upfront advisory

of

to the online investor universe by

by companies directly to their

fees well in excess of £100,000,

as we revolutionised equity

tapping into the rapidly evolving

customers

making this fundraising route

investment, we are now turning

crowdfunding audience, at the

public. John Lewis, The Jockey

prohibitive for most SMEs.

the mini-bond market on its head

same time as enabling issuers

Club, Hotel Chocolat, Ecotricity

by taking away the complexity

to access finance from a crowd

and Good Energy are some

of registered investors, as well

of the well-known UK brands

as their own customer base and

that have successfully issued

the general public.

mini-bonds. Capita Registrars

Crowdcube’s mini-bond simplifies the process, reducing these high upfront cash costs with a percentage successbased fee and it is already authorised by the FCA. This unique new approach takes a lot of the pain, cost and time out of the process, helping more SMEs to bring their fundraising to market much faster.

the

general

The first company to use

estimate that the value of the

this new service is the London-

mini-bond industry will rise to

based, Mexican restaurant chain

£8 billion by 2017 (from just

Chilango.

two

under £90 million in 2012).

ex-Skype executives in 2007,

Crowdcube’s Bond team have

Chilango’s Burrito BondTM aims

advised on many of these mini-

to raise up to £1 million to fund

bonds and are responsible for

expansion and offers investors

over half of the total funds

8% interest per annum over the

Founded

by

four year term of the mini-bond.

A variety of benefits are also in

Crowdcube

co-founder says:

“Just

and costs for businesses who want to raise growth capital and cut out the banks, at the same time as presenting a unique way to engage with their customers, encouraging loyalty from existing customers and attracting new people to their brand. For customers and investors, the opportunity to invest in companies they already

73,000

know, and want to support, as

generated by mini-bonds in

registered members provide a

well as receive a regular financial

the UK.

ready-made investor audience

return on their investment, is

in addition to the issuers’ own

appealing.”

Until now launching a mini-

Crowdcube’s

Lang,

bonds

raising finance for established

and

Luke

in

Chilango’s co-founder, Eric Partaker is enthusiastic about the offer: “Our Burrito Bond is the perfect way for us to engage with our loyal following as well as Crowdcube’s investor base and accelerate our expansion plans with growth capital. We love everything that is vibrant, fresh and fun and Crowdcube is all of these. Its mini-bond

Left to right. Eric Partaker and Dan Houghton of Chilango. Luke Lang of Crowdcube 8 | Endeavour Magazine

platform is a breath of fresh air amongst the complexity and expense of existing solutions.”

Book Reviews

“100 Years Of Hal Roach Studios: Laurel & Hardy, Our Gang and Harold Lloyd” Showcased at the Hollywood Museum Golden Age of Hollywood Exhibit Runs July 5 - August 31

The Hollywood Museum unveils its new exhibit, “100 Years of

as The Little Rascals or Hal

Hal Roach Studios: Laurel & Hardy, ‘Our Gang’ and Harold Lloyd” in

Roach’s

honor of the Hollywood icon’s centennial, opening to the public July

actress

5 to August 31. The exhibit contains authentic photos, costumes and

Pitts and Charley Chase. Other

props from the rich history of Hal Roach Studios and the legendary

performers who graduated from

talents that emanated from there in the early 1900s. Sons of the

Roach comedies on their path

Desert, the International Laurel & Hardy Society, is co-sponsoring

to stardom were such actors

the exhibition in conjunction with their national convention, held

as Jean Harlow, Janet Gaynor,

July 2-6 in the heart of Hollywood. The Hollywood Museum in the

Jean Arthur, Fay Wray, Paulette

Historic Max Factor Building is located at 1660 N. Highland Ave. at

Goddard and Boris Karloff.

Hollywood and Highland.

“Sons

Rascals), Thelma

of

bombshell Todd,

the

Zasu

Desert

“We are so pleased to honor the 100th anniversary of the Hal

International Society is named

Roach Studios with this special exhibit,” states Donelle Dadigan,

after the 1933 feature film,” said

Founder and President of the Museum. “Everyone remembers

Bob Saterfield, President of Sons

the celebrated comedy team Laurel & Hardy who made famous

of the Desert Society, and “is

the phrase ‘Well, here’s another nice mess you’ve gotten me into,’

devoted to keeping the lives and

the legendary appeal of ‘Our Gang’ and their famous dog Petey,

works of Stan Laurel and Oliver

and actor Harold Lloyd, one of the most famous and influential

Hardy before the public, with

comedians of the great silent film era.”

the strong desire to perpetuate

Highlighting the exhibit are Laurel and Hardy costumes including

their spirit and genius.”

suits worn in the 1945 film The Bull Fighters, coats worn in Jitterbugs

Contributors to this exhibit

(1943), the iconic Fez’s worn in Sons of the Desert (1933), Stan

include Dan Bacher, Richard

Laurel’s personal favorite Fedora, as well as props from Sons of the

Bann, Maria Carpenter, William

Desert and a flask from The Fighting Kentuckian (1949). There’s

Cassara,

a plaque from Lake Laurel and Hardy (in Marietta, S.C.), including

Farrell, Rick Greene, Richard

its mysterious history offered by the City of Los Angeles archives.

Johnson, Chuck McCann, Mike

Additional Laurel & Hardy ephemeras consist of film posters, rare

and Carol Nemeth, Dave and

photographs, scripts, sheet music, scrapbooks, personal photos and

Diane Reidy, Tyler St. Mark, Bob

letters and Al Hirschfeld-designed window cards.

Satterfield, Cliff Sawyer and

In addition to Laurel and Hardy, Hal Roach Studios brought to

Amy

Condit,

Brad

Randy Skretvedt.

fame such actors as Harold Lloyd, the Our Gang kids (later known Endeavour Magazine | 9

ADAM ROBERTS BORN FREE USA

THE INSPIRATION OF THE WILD

BY DONNIE RUST

I

n 1966 a film was made that opened the eyes of millions of

Wolf Campaign, Dolphin Campaign, Primate Campaign, Big Cat

people worldwide regards to the efforts of George and Joy

Campaign and the Bear Campaign.

Adamson as they rehabilitated and returned a lioness named

Born Free’s mission of “compassionate conservation” has inspired

Elsa to the wilds of Africa. More recently, a YouTube video was

the participation of millions of people worldwide from all walks of

created regarding the similarly successful rehabilitation of Christian

life, including celebrity film stars to local businessmen. More than a

the lion which has been seen, to date by over half a billion people

decade ago, a significant further development occurred when the

worldwide since its release.

organisation established Born Free USA in Washington, DC. We

The Born Free Foundation, as it stands today was set up in

recently caught up with Adam M. Roberts, the recently appointed

the United Kingdom in 1984 by actors Virginia McKenna and

and highly engaging CEO of Born Free USA and acting CEO of the

her husband Bill Travers, their son Will who acted together in the

Born Free Foundation.

original film in 1966 with the intention of keeping wildlife in the

Speaking with me over the phone, Adam struck me as an

wild. The Born Free Foundation has emerged over the past three

immediately friendly individual confident in the important role he

decades into a well-respected global animal protection and wildlife

has found himself in and sure of the direction his life has taken, “I

conservation charity that has a series of significant international

graduated college in 1990 with a degree in English literature and

campaigns including Zoo Check Campaign, Elefriends Campaign,

although my education had little to do with animals I was always

10 | Endeavour Magazine

very interested in working to save them,” he relates, “It was an

on as a full-time employee – one man with a laptop, printer, and

ethical personal compassion I felt, even if it was not supported by

home office, and Born Free USA was launched.

any scientific academic background.”

People love nature; they associate the wild, animals, lions,

Nevertheless, his first job was in DC working in animal welfare

leopards and tigers with adventure and a freedom that they may not

and within this position he was soon looking at legislation to further

have themselves. In his circle of friends and associates Adam reveals

protect animals and this branched into the realm of UN treaties to

that people are always interested in what he has to do, “When I’m in

protect endangered and exploited animal species, “These are the

Washington DC my friends and associates include lawyers, doctors,

treaties that govern the trade in endangered animals.”

and political campaigners, but people always want to hear all about

Like the UK, America’s laws on animal protection and especially endangered animal protection are not entirely air tight. This is a

what I’m working on – they relate to and are inspired by our animal protection campaigns.”

situation that has come about not because the politicians and

Part of this fame comes from the successful movie, Born Free

those involved in writing the treaties and the laws don’t care, but

and the associated media including the trilogy of books written

rather because those who are perpetrating the trade in endangered

by Joy Adamson and the 2011 novel Born Wild by Tony Fitzjohn

species, be it animals to own, or hides to sell or ivory or rhino horn

which has a resonance in people’s hearts. And the aforementioned

for medicines, are actively looking to create loopholes and weaken

Christian the Lion YouTube video which has been seen across the

laws.

internet. But it is the work behind the scenes, that isn’t seen on

“In 2002 I had the opportunity to speak with my friend and

screen or on paper that is so important. The functioning of Born

colleague Will Travers about how important it would be to bring the

Free as a business, with a mission that needs to be pushed every

Born Free Foundation message of compassionate conservation to

single day.

the American public,” and Born Free USA was launched with Adam

And, while it does and has put Adam in the position to interest

setting up the charity as a volunteer. At the start of 2005 he came

the right kinds of people in the Foundation, to build relationships

Endeavour Magazine | 11

and influence the people who can help make the important changes he is quick to make it clear that they have to employ a strategy to affect the right kind of change that will have the required results.

The purpose of Born Free USA is not only to educate people on the importance of conservation education but also to actually get the support they need to make change. Laws governing the exploitation of endangered species need to be changed or enforced; the demand for contraband products relating to endangered animals like rhino horn and elephant tusk needs to be removed; and those businesses involved in the logistical movement and transport of these products need to take

a stand against

such commerce.

“It is the minority of people who are causing the issue,” he points out, “Most people do not see a wild animal -- be it a lion or an elephant, a tiger or a wolf or a cheetah -- and think to themselves that they want to see it behind bars in a zoo, or dead and stuffed on a mantle. It is the wealthy elite, the minority found in most countries. The

“Poaching is all about demand. If the demand isn’t there the poachers wouldn’t have a reason to put themselves at such risk.”

trophy hunters in America, the rich Chinese businessman who

to be shipped. This is where business people involved in logistics and shipping in these countries need

is making money on a tiger

to take a stand, “In the supply chain of this industry logistics play a vital role, either in getting the animals

farm and tiger trade, the Asian

or their skin or the horns and tusks out of the countries and into the market. All companies working in

medicine demand on rhino horn.

transport need to know what they are delivering. I am very concerned that these company owners are

These people who think they are

turning a blind eye to what’s in the crates they ship.”

above the law and think only of money are creating the demand.”

This

group

of

business

people who trade in this highly

Poaching is highly illegal and incredibly dangerous as wardens and those who are paid to protect the animals in these different countries lay their lives on the line daily to protect their native wildlife.

“Poaching is all about demand,” Adam emphasises, “If the demand isn’t there the poachers wouldn’t have a reason to engage in this deadly business.”

illegal and therefore expensive

Recently, thanks to Twitter and Facebook campaigns, celebrities who enjoy game and trophy hunting

contraband need the products

have been highlighted and shamed across the internet. Once again, the power of the internet has proved

12 | Endeavour Magazine

a vital component in reducing the demand by opening the public’s

it takes – including biking Mount Kenya, or Will Travers climbing

eyes, further reducing the public demand for products. Animal skins,

Mount Kilimanjaro – to raise funds for their projects, Adam says

rhino horns and ivory are now things that people turn their noses

that the most important thing for working with Born Free is not your

up at.

qualifications but your passion, your interest and your drive to get it

Public attitudes about the consumption of wildlife parts and

done, “We’ve had some people who have been working with us for

products is incredibly important. “There is a pendulum swing,” he

twenty five years,” he says, “And people become involved to help in

describes, “Bans and laws change according to public pressure. For

any number of our campaigns that range across a wide selection of

example, there was a commercial ban on ivory that was passed to

issues for a number of very important animal species.”

reduce the poaching of elephants… it was definitely needed because

It all relates back to attacking the problem on the main fronts:

the African elephant population between 1970 and the late 1980s

the poaching on the ground, the movement/logistics of the product

was cut in half. So the industry significantly dried up as was the

and eliminating the demand -- different people find themselves in

aim. But under pressure from ivory trading nations the commercial

different positions to help.

ban on ivory trade was relaxed and poaching and the price of ivory escalated again. Hence the pendulum swings back and forth.”

“Governments need to amend policies, people need to adjust preconceptions and charities need to put money into anti-poaching

There are some cases where elephants can do damage to the

to stop them killing,” Adam says, “However the biggest things are

land on which they live, but this is natural. And as elephants knock

that corporations need to ensure that they are not complacent or

over trees they create habitats for other wild animals in need.

complicit in the trade. They need to be sure that they’re not shipping

The key, Roberts says, is to find ways for humans to co-exist with

contraband and need to be corporately responsible to not be a part

wildlife. Elephant herds will bring revenue through ecotourism to

of it.”

the communities who live with wildlife for decades. But all too often

You can also be involved in it. Activists are needed to write

governments instead turn to consumptive uses of wildlife including

letters and start writing campaigns to fix certain legislation and

ivory trade and trophy hunters.

pressure governments into taking control. If you wish to be involved

It may start with professional hunters, but the loopholes in such

you can sign up for Action Alerts, regular emails containing details

laws allow trophy hunters and poachers to take advantage and then

of campaigns that can do with your input and support. “The bottom

the numbers are soon cut down again and it’s up to campaigns run

line is that we need help to save animals anywhere – we need

by the likes of Born Free to create pressure to change the laws again

corporate contributions and donations from the wealthiest among

before the animals become extinct.

us; we need letter writers whether in school or retired. Everyone can

“It’s disgusting,” Adam says, “And driven by greed more than anything else. The people who poach do it because they are paid handsomely to do so.”

do something to create a more compassionate world.”

Rescue centres also need support, “We’re taking lions from zoos and restaurants in Ethiopia, or cheetahs from households and giving

“And what we are seeing today is not good news,” he continues,

them a lifetime humane accommodation,” he says, “Sometimes

“We are caught in a poaching crisis with thirty five to fifty thousand

animals cannot be released into the wild and so we give them to a

elephants being killed each year. The tiger population in the wild is

humane home where they will be properly looked after.”

actually lower than it is in captivity in America, lions are being hunted

Ultimately, what is needed is a change of people’s attitude

not only for retaliatory killings but trophies, cheetahs are being

towards charity, “Corporate dollars are more readily available than

traded as pets, and more than a thousand rhinos were poached last

charity dollars, I think,” Adam says. “Big companies raise millions,

year in South Africa alone.”

billions of dollars annually. I imagine how much of a difference we

Conquering the issues mentioned above would be far more

could make globally with the same level of revenue. People should

difficult without the hands on work of dedicated people like Adam

invest in charity. Corporations and individuals can get involved

and the international body of people who work tirelessly for Born

and know that they’re making the world a better place. It’s why

Free both professionally and voluntarily.

some companies have programs in corporate social responsibility –

“Born Free staff come from all walks of life,” Adam explains, “A

because it’s all of our responsibility to make a difference. I often say

varied group including those with expertise in marketing and public

that for some species, some wildlife populations, the question is not

relations, campaigners and scientists. We also work with a high

whether they will go extinct in my daughter Mia’s lifetime, but in

number of professionals with animal care backgrounds that rescue

mine. Hopefully, if everyone accepts their responsibility to make a

and rehabilitate animals in need in Africa or Asia. And, wherever

difference, elephants, lions, rhinos, and tigers, will indeed

possible, release these animals back to the wild where they belong.”

Running a number of high profile campaigns and doing whatever Endeavour Magazine | 13

THE VALUE OF BEING BLUNT WRITTEN BY DONNIE RUST

B

eing blunt is a beautiful thing. I like it. In fact bluntness is my new favourite

friend.

Considering

that the dating game has changed from actually meeting people to get a good first impression to simple flicking through a catalogue of faces where you say Yes or No without any consideration into that person’s personality, blunt works for me because it makes things more efficient as well as simply getting the truth out in the open.

In fact, people who think that being blunt is rude are just insecure, it’s as simple as that. A prime example could be the families and friends of people who go onto the likes of X Factor. Surely, the question on whether they can sing must be asked. And you’d think that before allowing their friend or family member to go on stage in front of thousands of people in the audience and potentially millions through television and the internet they would actually tell them the honest truth. But clearly, as these shows rely on the shruff of tone deaf magaloons tearing our ear drums to shreds, this doesn’t happen.

“Can I sing?”

“No,” “Oh, that’s rude,” “No, it’s being honest. Your singing is terrible, you have no range and are utterly tone deaf.”

“That’s unnecessary.”

“No, being unnecessary would be to say that your voice sounds exactly like a washing machine filled with ball bearings falling down

14 | Endeavour Magazine

“You asked me if I minded and

a flight of stairs and landing upon a

I do.”

sack of kittens.”

“That’s cruel.”

“Why?”

“No cruel, would be to say that

“Why can’t you go to the store yourself and get your own items?”

you can sing.”

“No why are you being rude?”

Blunt, life shattering honesty hurts

but

makes

“I

everything

answered your question

honestly, how is that being rude?”

function better. In business blunt honesty is important because it

“Oh nevermind I’ll get it myself.”

establishes the people who are

“You could have done that in the first place.”

reliable from those who are not. It brings us to the truth of a matter

Why should interactions like

faster and helps us find the solution

this seem rude and why should a

of a problem quicker. Whereas, not

person feel obligated to be polite

being blunt, lying or blagging is like

when a person is just being lazy?

a wheel pretending to be an axel. It

Laziness is another thing that

doesn’t work and all it does is slow

annoys me. Lazy people who

things down and risk breaking the machine.

“Can’t Be Bothered”, and would rather just ask someone else to

We have this social belief that we have to be allowing and

do something for no other reason than, “Oh I can’t be bothered,”

tolerant, that we have to be kind. But bluntness has nothing to do

the Romans had a wonderful idea to get rid of people just like you.

with tolerance and can be kind. As an example, I work best when

If only we had some captive lions and an arena. I would make a

I don’t have to work with idiots. There, blunt honesty. You want

Youtube video of it.

me to work well and complete my job as fast as possible and not

The lack of blunt honesty is a major contributing factor to the

to regularly be reprimanded for repeatedly and vigorously throat

state of the world as it is now. Being told a blunt truth is like falling

punching someone then do not, on any occasion ask me to work

off your bike the first time you ride it - you hit the ground, you get

with an idiot.

up and get back on the bike. And if you’re the kind of person who

Bluntly, I realized long ago that idiot for me represents a variety of people types including cat lovers, religious people, politically incised people and vegans. Always vegans.

I respect these people’s rights to believe whatever they want to believe but I do not respect their right to do so with impugnity. If you

fell off their bike but couldn’t be bothered to get back onto it, then without a doubt you would benefit from a blunt truth.

Being told, bluntly that you’re an idiot or that you are a talentless hack, that you can’t sing or that you’re about as attractive as spit would hurt but it’s the truth that is needed.

cannot defend your beliefs after throwing them in other people’s

Yes sometimes being blunt is not the way to go, but that’s like

faces, then you are an idiot and stay away from me. Usually, anyone

saying that sometimes breathing is not a good idea. It’s down to the

who doesn’t take this actually friendly advice can be called an idiot

person to identify the right time to do it (ie. If you’re in a nice open

the same way as anyone urinating on an electric fence should really

pasture or standing in a chlorine cloud) but people getting offended

have guessed what was going to happen.

because I didn’t decide to play their hollow compliment game makes

Furthermore, I think bluntness is especially valuable in the work

no sense to me.

place because it sets boundaries. Brutal and extensive physical

Why waste time tap dancing around something that needs to be

violence is an appropriate response to anyone touching my pen,

said, why continue trying to drag the elephant that nobody wants to

Rubik’s cube or coffee mug when I am not at my desk.

address? Be polite, be respectful but be blunt about the truth at the

And don’t even get me started on the “small” favours:

start and if you’re not, whether it’s because you’re looking to make

“Do you mind getting this for me when you go to the store?”

money or get some sex then be prepared for someone, eventually to

“Yes I do.”

be very blunt to you.

“But it’s on your way,”

Endeavour Magazine | 15

FACE VALUE WRITTEN BY JOHN, LORD TAYLOR OF WARWICK

A

ddams Family Values was a Hollywood hit film of the

Jews will all agree on everything. Young people need a shared sense

1990s. No one could dispute this featured a tight

of our history and how we came to be sharing this island. During

knit family with firm values. The problem was that

the whole of my school education I had no idea that black and other

gory Gothic horror was what defined their values. So when the

ethnic communities from all over the Commonwealth volunteered

Government recently announced that all schools will be required

to fight for Britain in the First World War. Had I known this at 12,

to promote “British Values”, many were left asking “What does

instead of discovering it 20 years later, it would have helped give me

that mean? The resulting debate in the media has provided more

more of an understanding of my own British identity.

questions than answers. It has strengthened walls, not bridges between groups in our society.

In my opinion, Multiculturism has not been the failure that the Prime Minister asserts.

Promoting respect for difference

It is imperative on Government to recognise where the problem

and acceptance of new communities has worked well in Britain,

lies. There is a need to create a more cohesive society with a strong

compared to other European countries that took a different path.

national story and shared values. This has to start with our children.

I believe that racial and cultural integration in London in particular

Schools should be in the business of nation building. Education

has led the world. However, in promoting this respect for difference,

should be a preparation for life, not just for a living.

multiculturalism has failed to emphasise or develop what we

From the 1960s Governments have tried to make an increasingly

hold or value in common. It has been clearer what was expected

diverse society work. They have done so by legislation tackling racism

from established communities than was expected from the new

and discrimination. There is no shortage of rules against unfairness

communities.

in public services and disadvantage in education. But from 2011,

The Parekh Report, 14 years ago, reflected ourselves as citizens

for the first time in more than 50 years, we have have had no clear

under the law and not much else mattered. The Goldsmith Report

Government philosophy about how we are all to live together

“Citizenship:Our Common Bond” in 2008 , was based upon a similar

successfully. In his speech in Munich, Prime Minister Cameron

legal view of citizenship. But saying that we are simply citizens under

ended his support for what he called “State Multiculturalism”. But

the law is not enough. It is nation building that helps us to forge the

having stated that Multiculturalism was dead, he put nothing in its

common national story…..the sense of shared identity alongside the

place. This was a serious omission, at a time when Britain continues

many other national, faith, ethnic or local identities that we hold.

to experience rapid social and economic change, admidst a raging political debate about unplanned immigration.

In the Summer of 2001 serious riots took place in Bradford, Burnley and Oldham. The conflict featured mainly white working

We have to find a way to build common ground and a common

class young men and their young counterparts of Pakistani Kashmiri

story, that includes areas as different as Brighton, Brixton and and

origin. The resulting Cantle Report painted a depressing picture of

Bradford. It is not enough to say that we should all just go on in our

communities that led “parallel lives”, which never mixed or spoke to

own ways, in our different enclaves. Nor is it acceptable to state that

each other. They were being educated in separate schools. There

British values will mean that British Christians, Muslims, Hindus and

was less interaction between these communities than in previous

16 | Endeavour Magazine

generations, because the large factories

curriculum and determine their own

where everyone worked together had

intake. The Government has funded

been closed. With reference to parallel

Free Schools with a rhetoric which

lives, the Report concluded:

encouraged the idea that they can be

“In such a climate, there has been

tied to one section of society, such as

little attempt to develop clear values

Muslims, in terms of pupils, teachers

which focus on what it means to be

and governors. Faced with the sort of

a citizen of a multi-racial Britain”. The Report also stated the importance of young people on this issue: “In order to develop some shared principles of citizenship and ensure ownership across the community, we propose that a well resourced national debate, heavily influenced by younger people, be conducted……The resulting principles of a new citizenship should be used to develop a more coherent approach to education, housing, regeneration, employment and other programmes”.

Bearing in mind how crucial young people are to this issue, it is a tragedy that for 4 years the Government has

unwittingly

undermined

some

of the good work in schools. School Citizenship

education

has

“

problems that have resulted recently in

We have to find a way to build common ground and a common story, that includes areas as different as Brighton, Brixton and and Bradford. It is not enough to say that we should all just go on in our own ways, in our different enclaves.

schools in Derby and Birmingham, the government are now scrambling for new powers to intervene. It has to achieve the right balance. Whilst it should never have allowed schools to operate outside the National Curriculum, the Education Secretary Mr Gove needs to learn that he cannot impose values from Whitehall.

We cannot shake hands with a clenched fist. Progress on these issues can only come through continuing dialogue and constructive debate. The Government is now seeking consultation on the meaning of British Values. As a founding principle it states that these should encompass “democracy, the rule

been

of law, individual liberty and mutual

weakened and Ofsted’s legal duty to

respect and tolerance for those with

inspect school promotion of community

different faiths and beliefs”. Let us

cohesion was ended in 2011. The

hope that increasingly we see these as

Government promoted schools with

Universal values too.

greater autonomy to set up their own

Endeavour Magazine | 17

VW SCIROCCO R-LINE

SMOOTH, LUSH AND NO ROAD TAX WRITTEN BY DONNIE RUST

Lush style. Nth degree comfort and absolutely no Road Tax. This is the car for the sophisticated modern rebel.

18 | Endeavour Magazine

It isn’t just about piling all of the components of the perfect car into a chassis and hoping for the best, is it how they work together, where they are positioned and how they’re styled that makes the difference.

E

veryone has their favourite VW; the company has a knack for creating vehicles that people want to drive and more importantly creating vehicles that people want to

keep. While many brand names loose not only their value but their very character as they get older leading to their owners peddling the cars off- VW’s become statements of class, of taste and reliability.

Like this I don’t think the VW Scirocco will ever go out of fashion.

We love doing reviews on VWs because we always know it’s going to be fun, don’t get me wrong, all of the latest cars we have are the cream of their respective crops. But as technology develops

The Scirocco electrical system

many of them offer the same standard, and as high as that standard is, the cars themselves lack character. Driving a VW is like owning a horse, you’ll name it, you’ll look after it and you’ll be rewarded because it just won’t fail you.

This sport makeover of the VW Scirocco coupe is based on the GT spec, adding in 19 inch alloys, a more aggressive front bumper and an all new body kit. Inside there is an R Line steering wheel with a perforated leather time and R Line heated leather bucket seats. The seats, embossed with the R Logo are much deeper and supportive than those of the previous GT model and here is the compact beauty of the thinking behind these designs.

Endeavour Magazine | 19

You see it isn’t just about piling all of the components of the perfect car into a chassis

or Mercedes- this is VW thinking

Scirocco at £27,355.00 you would be able to look at a really good

and less is more.

VW family saloon or coupe. carving

No, this is the perfect car for a recently turned thirty year old

and hoping for the best, is it how

away at unnecessaries they’ve

with few if any limitations and this diesel was easily one of the

they work together, where they

kept the standard kit of the GT

funnest cars I’ve been in. At 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI, it’s the most

are positioned and how they’re

which includes the Adaptive

efficient Scirocco you can buy, with a smooth power delivery and

styled that makes the difference.

Chassis Control, DAB radio and

one of the best-sounding four-cylinder diesel notes out there. Now

In the Scirocco the pedals are

touchscreen sat-nav which is,

it isn’t the fastest – with 0-62mph taking 9.2 seconds – but it purrs

well positioned and chrome, the

happily intuitive, intelligent and

central compartment between

simple to use.

softly when it’s in idle and delivers a punch of torque with zero lag

the driver and passenger seat

Like

an

athlete

We took on the Scirocco

is not obstructive no matter

R-Line

how tall or short you are and

BlueMotion Technology. Two

the controlling dash board is

door hatch back it isn’t really a

uncluttered

from

2.0

Litre

with

TDI

confusing

family vehicle, not because there

knobs and dials. This isn’t the

isn’t a lot of space in the back,

sort of overladen dash board

because trust me there is, but if

you’ll find in some earlier BMW

you were looking at buying the

The Scirocco chassis and engine components

20 | Endeavour Magazine

time when you’re on the motorway.

The larger wheels mean that the ride is firmer than on the GT and excellent at ironing out bumps resulting in an ever impressive smooth ride. The Adaptive Chassis Control has default, Comfort and Sport modes and I can attest to the noticeable benefit found in selecting Comfort around town however the Sport mode does make the car feel more balanced overall.

I honestly couldn’t tell you which one I preferred.

Exterior design of candy

be surprised when the headlight switch on without your input. All

white and cherry red light

working together the Scirocco comes with a £0 road tax, sticking it

and

clusters, heat insulating tinted

to the man and make driving it even more of a pleasure. I can only

safety are of the usual high

glass for 65% light absorbing

imagine what it must be like to own this beauty that, with a diesel

VW standard, curtain airbag

from the B pillar backwards and

engine that does seventy miles to the gallon and finding itself in

systems to protect driver and

a stronger front end give the

Insurance group 23E.

passenger from all angles in

vehicle a distinctive clean and

CDs, USBs and Bluetooth capabilities provide access to all of

a

modern edge that fits with the

your favourite music and convenient cup holders and cubby holes

modernised engine.

make sure that nothing is ever rolling around or rattling.

Interior,

collision,

security

and

whiplashed

optimized head restraints. With headrests for rear passengers,

Battery

regeneration,

electronic engine immobilisers,

BlueMotion

remote central locking and alarm

a

protection complete the inside

computer that senses everything

and frankly, look great with

from when the AC needs to be

the interior of Vienne leather

adjusted to keep the occupants

upholstery,

trimmed

at a prime temperature to when

seats and inserts all featuring

it’s raining and even when it

the R-Line Logo.

starts getting dark, so don’t

leather

Technology

multifunctional

In the end, smooth responsive, with so much applied torque

and

that you feel confident in every situation the Scirocco is a top class

on-board

vehicle for anyone. What it offers is something new, a sense of owning a future classic.

Endeavour Magazine | 21

GADGETS

Night Vision Goggles

The Self Stirring Coffee Mug

HTTP://AMZN.TO/1PMIX4H

HTTP://AMZN.TO/1O6KXJJ

As members of the human species we do have quite a few things

I like any sort of gadgets that makes my coffee intake more

going for us. We’re able to build things with our hands and can use

efficient and I have worn away too many coffee cup bottoms in my

our brains to master everything from science to the arts but one big

day, so this self-stirring coffee mug is perfect. In fact, it is probably

downfall that we all have is that we can’t see in the dark.

a gadget that will keep me from having to take my caffeine injected

Well no longer is this a problem because with this futuristic night

intravenously. Remarkably, available from Amazon for $10 (about

vision goggles you’ll always be able to see your surroundings even

5quid) this mug holds 11.8 ounces of your favourite beverage- it

when you’re in pitch black darkness.

doesn’t have to be coffee but if you’re not a coffee addict you really

These night vision goggles can be worn on your head allowing you to use them hands free as they give you the superhuman ability to get an incredibly detailed view of what’s going on in the dark by using it’s built in pulse infrared illuminator.

The goggles weigh 13.4 ounces and measure in at 3.4 x 2.4 x 5.6 inches in size. They will allow you to see up to distances of 100 yards and come with a 1X magnification setting.

Whatever you’re reasoning for wanting to see in the dark if that’s what you’re trying to do then this is definitely the device for you.

We approve!

22 | Endeavour Magazine

have no need for a self-stirring coffee mug because you are not afflicted by the same level of jitteriness that requires it.

If you do I bet you also park in disabled parking spaces when you’re of good health and fitness, you terrible, terrible person.

Foldable Guitar

bPay Bands Wearable Payment Solution

HTTP://BIT.LY/1MHIYOS

HTTP://BIT.LY/UMBPGV

Any musician who has ever had to travel will know the gut

My friend Nick mentioned these to me and as I am an avid

turning worry and concern felt from the moment your guitar leaves

festival goer this little gem of a gadget was a perfect substitute

your hand to the moment it is returned. If you have an attache case,

for carrying my credit card, debit card and cash in hand. Made by

generally you can feel safe in the knowledge that it will be returned

Barclays and able to pay for everything from morning coffee, to

in one piece but even that’s not a guarantee. Because baggage

gym membership to the cheesy burger at your favourite streetside

handlers are all musical troglodytes.

vendor this is going to be one of those replacement products that

I don’t know if I like the foldable guitar though. It looks broken

we’ll all end up wearing.

to me and I wouldn’t want my guitar to have a hinge… wouldn’t that

Barclays Bank, one of the leading banks in Britain have

effect the musical sound? A hinge requires a locking mechanism and

developed this wearable device that acts a personal wallet providing

a locking mechanism requires extra parts and extra parts will vibrate

a fashionable replacement for carrying your cash on hand.

differently to the guitar body as a whole and am I being pedantic and silly?

I’d like to openly ask anyone who has actually tried this to tell me if it works.

Called bPay bands, they can be just swiped by the wearer over a terminal at a shop or pay point on the bus or station platform to make a purchase and Barclays are given them to street vendors so you can pay for your food with a swipe instead of with cash.

Or if you think like me, feel free

They can also replace conventional plastic cards

to back me

by allowing people to make purchases much more

up.

quickly than normal because users do not need to use a four-digit PIN. “The money or information you need during the day will be integrated into a single device like bPay band from your travel card to your gym membership to the money for your coffee and lunch,” a Barclays spokesman was quoted as saying in media reports.

You can get one for yourself right now and it doesn’t have to be the pink one.

Endeavour Magazine | 23

TRAVEL

TRAVEL TO YOUR DREAMS

BY SHANNAH LAUREN

C

lose your eyes, and envision your dream destination.

you two options of locations depending on your personalities, and

Feel the energy that surrounds you, and soak up all the

then it’s your job pursuit happiness.

smells, views and touch. See yourself there, smiling, and

Let’s say you’re the type of person that’s enjoys a mysterious

in pure bliss. Now, open your eyes, get a plan book, and begin the

atmosphere with a sense of culture and wilderness. We advise you

steps to create your dreams into reality. The mind is a wonderful

to take your trip to, Norway! Whole most families live in small towns

thing, and motivation is simply reminding the mind that the things

and villages, you are able to go to cities such as Bergen, which is

you want are in fact possible. What you allow your brain to see as

known for being one of the most scenic cities in the world. Beautiful

reality is a choice, and creating your life to be the way you want is

old buildings, great restaurants, and supreme galleries; this is an art

right in front of you; sometimes you just have to dream. Maybe you

majors dream. When staying in Norway, you have the options of

are too caught up in work or the kids to really think about what and

staying at a high star hotel such as the Britannia Hotel (£78 per

where, but don’t worry, were here to give you a boost! We will give

night). The Fru Haugans Hotels (£101 per night) is your other type of

24 | Endeavour Magazine

option, which has magnificent views and two wonderful restaurants

is between late autumn and early spring. You can see the Northern

available. Norway is a wonderful place for the outdoors, in which

Lights all over Norway, however the best locations to experience

you can go mountain biking, hiking and fishing upon heavenly

it to the fullest are Northern Norway or the Svalbard Islands. It is

scenery that will make you feel as if you are truly living a dream.

highly advised to dress warmly when visiting, as the temperatures

Pack up a tent, as well as a fishing rod, and make this holiday one

are quite low.

full of nature and adventure. When travelling around Norway, you

Now, Norway isn’t that beach style holiday, and although it may

have the options of traveling by bus, train or air. In the month of

contain some of the most magical experiences a human can fulfill,

August, Norway offers you to be able to have unlimited air travel

it may not be for you. Let’s say you are the outdoors type, but you

for two week. Have you always wanted to try surfing? Well, Unstad

want more of a beach and holiday vibe like you see on those music

is the best surf spot in Norway as it has waves daily. You’ve most

videos. You could take that surf trip we were talking about on over to

likely heard of the Northern Lights, well the best times to see them

Costa Rica! One the worlds favorite surf destinations. It’s peaceful, Endeavour Magazine | 25

it’s comfortable living, and its views are what you may have saved

feels great to be a tourist, let yourself become one of the locals. Eat

on your office screensaver. You can have that jungle feeling while

the way they do, drink the way they do, and appreciate the culture as

after adventuring through the Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio; you

much as they do, you are bound to have a life changing experience.

can sit on a hammock upon the beach and think of how grateful

Are you ready to end your trip with a boom? Well get yourself on

you are. Now while vacationing here, surfing is a must! A few of

over to Jaco. It used to be a dead town that only offered incredible

the best locations include Pavones, which has the longest left-hand

surfing, but now it’s built some of the countries favorite nightclubs.

waves in the world. Playa Tamarindo is another great surf location,

Go learn some Spanish, go extreme sea fishing, go swimming in the

also being one of the countries favorite great party spot as well; grab

sea, go scuba diving, read your favorite book on a relaxing beach

your drinks and party like a true Costa Rican. Now when looking

while sipping on margaritas, go have one of those holidays that

for adventure, Costa Rica offers you that and more! You can hike

everyone is jealous of.

your way through to a volcano such as the Arenal Volcano. You can

We dare you to take the time for yourself, to find what makes

endure a real waterfall such as the Celeste River. You can go visit

you happy and to go for it. To take a trip that would change your

some wild monkeys in the Curu Wildlife Reserve. Another great

inner being, and give it that positive fulfillment it needs. To give your

attribute to heavenly place is, Costa Ricans love their coffee! It’s true;

self the peaceful remedy that it’s longing to hear of the ocean roaring

you are available to go on plenty of coffee tours such as Coffee Lila’s

or the sounds of the winds through the mountain air. Whether you

Farm. So don’t worry, you won’t have too awful of a culture shock

close your eyes and imagine you smiling in Costa Rica or Norway,

away from the office. When it comes to food, skip out on the high

we advise you go exactly there. Live the life you want, because you

establishments and try some of the food vendors. You can get some

deserve it.

the cheapest food ($2-$5), which tastes purely amazing! While it 26 | Endeavour Magazine

LOTUS BELLE Lotus Belle is a boutique tent company currently taking the festival world by storm with their unique and innovative design.

Started by UK based Harriet Seddon three years ago after Harriet decided that she wanted a design that fused the best features of the ancient Mongolian yurt and the military style Bell Tent.

A year or so later Harriet teamed up with intrepid traveller Jessica Walsh from New Zealand, who had worked extensively on the festival circuit in the UK. Through her festival work, Jessica had noticed a great increase in tents being left, discarded on the field after the festivals. As a passionate festivalgoer and avid environmentalist, Jessica felt compelled to dedicate her life to promoting a product which was sustainable and stylish.

With a motto of “tents for life, not the landfill”, Jessica spends her time “spreading the Lotus Belle love” and encouraging a cleaner, greener festivalgoer mentality. The tents might cost more than your average nylon, but after a few festivals you’ll not be dealing with a nylon nightmare; you’ll still have a sturdy, wonderfully made product that will keep you sheltered for years to come!

So what makes it so cool? The Lotus Belle combines the best qualities of two great designs the yurt and the bell tent. Unlike a yurt, a Lotus Belle can fit in the trunk of your car and it comes in a large durable duffle bag. Its also a lot more affordable than a yurt, starting at $1750 USD. Back during the Civil War, the Bell Tent or Sibley Tent rose to prominence, but the design, while classic had its limitations with a steep roof incline, meaning there is a lack of standing space inside.

It’s also not as wind resistant as a Lotus Belle which is strongly anchored down.

By combining both designs Lotus Belle has it covered come wind, rain or shine. It’s so solid and durable that you can have your tent set-up for up to 6 months a year over summer. Think of it as a potential spare bedroom, private yoga studio, and portable jam room or workshop space.

There is so much you can do with a Lotus Belle. It comes as a blank canvas but with some creativity and a smile on your dial you can make it your own!

WWW.LOTUSBELLE.COM FACEBOOK: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/LOTUSBELLEUSA FACEBOOK AUSTRALASIA: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/LOTUSBELLENZ

Endeavour Magazine | 27

28 | Endeavour Magazine

INTERMARINE USA 001 281 885 3658 WWW.INTERMARINEUSA.COM

WHATEVER THE CHALLENGE WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

Whatever the challenge, these are the watchwords Intermarine LLC believe in, these are the words that drives them across continents, industries and into enviable opportunities. With a reputation for focussing on their customer’s needs and the safety of their cargo, these forward-thinking marine logistics and ocean transport providers have firmly established themselves as the preferred leaders in their industry.

Endeavour Magazine | 29

INTERMARINE USA

With a footprint that extends east from the Americas across the African and Asian continents all the way through to Oceania, the company has recently invested in the growth of their already substantial fleet of over fifty vessels. We spoke with Vice President, Global Sales & Marketing, Mark Johnson, with regards to leveraging collective employee knowledge and performance to ensure total customer satisfaction.

T

he company was founded in 1990. Mark explains, “The

client’s cargo is safeguarded at every stage of the transport process,”

Americas Service was originally the primary focus but

Mark states.

since then we’ve developed service lines for Worldwide

Chartering, Africa, US Flag and Industrial Terminals.”

Company Operations Developed by Intermarine, Industrial Terminals is the largest

A Look At Operations Intermarine is very proud to offer their valued clients a close-up look at project cargo shipping from a controlled overlook within their Operations Centre.

project cargo terminal in the United States and is perfectly placed

This central hub, on the Houston Ship Channel, is a state-of-the-

on a 95 acre stretch of waterfront adjacent to the Houston Ship

art building that was designed to allow customers to see how their

Channel. It is designed to provide maximum flexibility for handling

cargoes flow through the terminal and onto the vessel.

and transporting specifically project and break-bulk cargoes to

“There is an unobstructed view of terminal activity from here,”

multiple trade lanes. “Industrial Terminal’s professionals follow robust

Mark says, “And the building has a rooftop terrace providing a bird’s

HSE procedures and programs in handling cargo and managing

eye view of the activity.”

voyages ,” Mark says.

Within the Customer Center Intermarine can provide detailed

“Safety is the top priority,” he adds.

presentations on various aspects of project shipping, and

Offering full services of shipping and cargo transport, 24 hours a

conversations with Port Captains and technical managers on how

day, seven days a week, Industrial Terminals integrates multiple deep

the operations are planned and managed and any questions or

water berths specifically designed for heavy-lift cargo with more than

queries asked by customers can be surreptitiously answered.

80 acres of cargo marshaling capacity. The ease of transport and

We asked Mark about the current buoyancy of the industry, and

access has been carefully and deliberately taken into account. “We

he revealed that the hottest topic at the moment is the impact of

provide direct rail and truck access alongside the ship berths,” Mark

the global economic downturn on cargo volumes, cargo rates and

tells us, “along with a barge terminal. In total our onsite integrated

ship leasing costs.

command centre running Industrial Terminals coordinates more than 20,000 tons of cargo per week.”

“In 2007 and early 2008 when the global economy was peaking, ship owners and builders responded to global demand for new

An understanding of what our customers need is core to what

capacity by building a host of new ships,” he elaborates, “The vast

Intermarine does. “We offer service advantages such as ITEX

majority of these ship builds, as was the case historically, were

Express truck delivery and IPack export packing options to help

financed by German banks.”

further reduce costs by providing direct delivery of cargo with onsite packing at the terminal.”

The German banks in turn took these loans and bundled them for sale to the German public as an investment however, just after the

“Whatever the challenge, whatever is required, we are committed

first new vessels began to hit the market the bottom fell out of the

to providing hands-on service that is second to none assuring that a

global economy, sparked by both the US and European banking crises.

30 | Endeavour Magazine

Serving The Shipping Industry For Generations

5

ate Stevedore Co., Inc 720 S Barracks St, Pensacola, Florida 32502 +1 850-438-3648, mpate@patestevedore.com

INTERMARINE USA

“Today, these new vessels are worth substantially less than their

problem, “Given the German banking crisis relative to vessel loan

build and loan values from 2008-2010, leaving not only the ship

portfolio inequities, capital access has been challenging,” Mark

owners, but also their German financial partners in a deep financial

explains.

hole,” Mark points out. As EU banking regulators seek to “correct”

Then there is the continuing demand for QHSSE and regulatory

actual ship asset values within German banking loan portfolios, the

compliance support by customers, especially in the energy industry

German banks are facing a very deep financial challenge. Adjusting

which has required deeper investment in training and expertise, as

these loan assets to their appropriate market value today represents

well as a greater level of transparency. Mark is quick to make clear

a multi-billion dollar issue.

that these changes actually bode very well for Intermarine as they create global consistency and an environment of higher standards.

The Industry Mark points out that this industry, like most, is one fraught with

A People Company

challenges and part of Intermarine’s main job is finding solutions for

Overall standards and attention to detail, individual development

this. Navigating these challenges in the midst of prolonged instability

and staff communication are so important when you have a staff

and slow growth is an issue and the result is many project cargo

of approximately 250, and Intermarine’s expectations for each of

carriers are struggling to keep their businesses alive, “They are over

them are quite high, “We have required training and encourage our

extended on heavy ship ownership investments that were made

employees to participate in industry training that will help with their

prior to the global economic downturn and now find themselves

job,” Mark says. “Our people are our most important asset and we

in an environment where rates are relatively weak versus what is

take their development very seriously.”

required to operate the ships and make interest payments to the banks.”

Leveraging the staff loyalty and their value has enabled Intermarine

Access to financial capital for vessel investment is an ongoing

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to position itself as an industry leader for their

customers. Intermarine focuses their business on their customers

and their cargo, “We exist to enable our customer’s business – to get their cargo where it needs to be on time, in budget and undamaged,” Mark says simply.

“Almost all of our customers are repeat customers, so our commitment to them after the booking and delivery is just as important as getting the business,” he says, “Since we are configured around responding to our customer’s cargo and where and how that fits into their wider business plans we have shaped our business to flex to these customer demands.”

This puts them into a far better position to respond. This, coupled with a focus on voyage operations, service quality and financial performance, enables Intermarine to consistently outperform their competitors.

Into The Future “Intermarine is constantly focused on the future and how to better meet the rising demand of our customers. Our new joint venture in Angola with Transtar Transitario, Lda. (TransMarine) will help us increase our ability to help customers in and out of Africa as well as our recent commitment to add 15 new vessels to our fleet highlight this commitment” Mark explains.

A key enabler in this effort is their asset light business model,

“

Almost all of our customers are repeat customers, so our commitment to them after the booking and delivery is just as important as getting the business.”

Mark Johnson, Vice President, Global Sales & Marketing

which means that while they do own some ships, they primarily use both short and long term vessel leasing arrangements to respond to fluctuating regional demand for vessels.

Another factor that enables them to navigate the current economic climate is a diverse set of services, which include both scheduled liner routes in key trade lanes, and global on demand chartering services using both foreign and US Flag vessels where and when demand rises.

“These voyage capabilities coupled with our own terminal operations in Houston, Texas which is one of the key global origin points for energy related capital project cargos, position us well to support fluctuating customer demand,” Mark tells us.

The solid financial footing of Intermarine enabled them to respond to pockets of improving demand with investment in their fleet, “We recently announced a new vessel leasing program that will be conducted over the next two years where we will bring on 15 additional ships that not only have a superior cargo hold design and lifting gear but also leverage superior power units that are more fuel efficient.”

And this is the key to Intermarine, while other companies have slipped deep into the troughs and are awaiting the cresting improvement of the economic waves, they have kept their footing by employing on-going investment in specialist skills and resources.

“We handle cargo but we are a business of working with people,” he says.

Endeavour Magazine | 33

34 | Endeavour Magazine

COMPLETE MARINE SERVICES 001 758 485 1141 WWW.CMS-SL.COM

CUTTING EDGE CONSTRUCTION WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

Offering the Caribbean a wealth of both marine and onshore piling expertise, Complete Marine Services Ltd Managing Director Sam Verity talks to Endeavour about exciting innovations and what sets his company apart from competitors.

Endeavour Magazine | 35

COMPLETE MARINE SERVICES

Sam Verity and Kelsey Kerridge, his construction industry partner, bought CMS in 2008 to secure the equipment and manpower to complete a beach restoration programme in St Lucia. The acquisition brought a fully operational inshore barge and crane intotheir possession and the opportunity to develop a wide range of marine construction services.

CMS was effectively rejuvenated and quickly began to develop a

our existing equipment and allows us to utilise sub-contractorsfrom

reputation for effective problem solving. Coming from a family with

the local comunity, wherever we are working. Most impressive is the

strong ties to all things marine orientated, Verity describes CMS as

speed at which we can move between islands as we operate with a

a ‘perfect fit’ for him. With a natural penchant for the engineering

10 day turnaround for full mobilisation.”

industry and a keen eye for creative and proactive solution provision, Verity is moving the company forward at an impressive rate.

With cost-effectiveness and stringent timeframes always at the forefront of any CMS project, the team assembled by Verity is highly

From its initial specialisation in marine projects, such as shallow

experienced and committed to upholding the excellent reputation

water piling for the construction of jetties, docks and sea defenses,

that the company enjoys. Though operating with a small core of

the company has now branched out into onshore piling installations.

just 6 permanent staff, this is regularly augmented with local sub-

Working closely with international supplier Tiroler Rohre GmbH

contractors and labourers for larger projects. Having been initially

(TRM), CMS is in the enviable position of being TRM’s recommended

trained by TRM, the piling installation team is now self-sufficient,

regional installation service for Ductile Iron Piles (DIP). This is no

with hydraulic engineering and fabrication skills firmly under its belt,

small feat and has come as a result of a number of hugely successful

allowing for fast and effective completions. Experienced individuals

piling projects within the Caribbean, but what made Verity opt for

are always encouraged to approach CMS regarding employment

DIP techniques initially?

opportunities, and with impressive growth rates being consistently

“Engineering projects in the Caribbean have always cost considerably more than other areas due to the requirement to ship in almost all necessary materials and equipment. Given this expense we began looking for cost-effective alternatives. Working with DIP

demonstrated by the company it cannot be long before the size of the core team reflects this.

Discussing client satisfaction measures that are in place, Verity is explicit in his simplistic approach:

is much more cost effective and we are able to pass these savings

“The only relevant criteria, in my mind, is the completion of piling

directly onto our clients. Installation of DIP can be completed with

programmes on time, within budget and with them having been

36 | Endeavour Magazine

COMPLETE MARINE SERVICES

specifically engineered to achieve optimum load-bearing standards.

where appropriate, encourage

considerably

cheaper

to

Once construction of the superstructure commences, our work is

newer techniques and materials

purchase, far easier to transport

covered up – forever.”

to be used throughout the

and handle and can be installed

Despite not being visible, the work CMS undertakes is vital to the

Caribbean, replacing traditional

in approximately one third of the

completion of many projects, both on and offshore. Providing the

methodology for the benefit of

time of conventional piles.”

foundations for many structures within the Caribbean, architectural

clients and their budgets. This

“Manufacturing facilities for

aesthetics take a necessary backseat to specific priorities such

can however be a relatively

concrete piles in the Southern

as stability, budget and time constraints; all of which are key

slow process, especially for the

and

considerations for clients. Despite the relatively modest potential

expansion of the DIP market, as

located in Barbados and Trinidad

client base within the Caribbean, CMS has secured a number of

conventional concrete and steel

but

long-term clients thanks to a potent combination of incredibly high

piling is still favoured by more

be financially justified in the

quality of work and fantastic value for money.

conservative

smaller islands so they have to

With a dedicated team of expert installers in place and a bank

local

structural

engineering consultants.

Eastern

Caribbean

manufacturing

are

cannot

be imported. Piles are heavy

of satisfied, repeat clients secured, an effective and reliable supply

Looking to the future, Verity

and expensive to transport and

chain provides CMS with the innovative products and equipment

has a vision that the widespread

handle, but by contrast, larger

needed to complete projects to standards far above those of

acceptance of DIP will allow for

quantities of DIP piles, which

client expectations. Choosing to source materials directly from the

considerable company growth

weigh only 800lbs per section,

manufacturers, where possible, CMS treats every project individually

and industry development:

can be packed into a 20 ft.

and remains open to the possibility of using new products, such as

“DIP piles have comparable

vinyl sheet piling and constantly developing DIP. Alongside supplier

load

manufacturing engineers, installation team members are keen to,

to

38 | Endeavour Magazine

bearing conventional

capacities piles,

are

container

and

manoeuvred

anywhere with relative ease.

DIP piles can be dry-driven

or grouted, depending on the location, ground conditions and engineering requirements. They are suitable for foundations, slope stabilisation, bridge construction, road stabilisation and the underpinning of existing structures and can be driven either inside or outside.”

He goes on to further extol the virtues of the piling technique: “The process results in minimum noise and vibration, allowing piles to be installed in sensitive areas, such as close to existing buildings or machinery, without risking expensive and inconvenient damage.

In St Lucia, for example, CMS successfully piled the foundations for a new generator building for LUCELEC, the electricity generator. This was completed within a few feet of an existing generator set where vibration would have caused a very serious problem.”

The merits of DIP piling are clear to see and CMS has set itself the task of supporting existing structural engineers in their acceptance of new, innovative products and installation techniques.

As this endeavour proves successful, CMS is set to enjoy continued dramatic growth, while offering increased employment opportunities to the local community, something that, as an ethically driven, family organisation, is of the utmost importance.

“

Engineering projects in the Caribbean have always cost considerably more than other areas due to the requirement to ship in almost all necessary materials and equipment. Given this expense we began looking for cost-effective alternatives. Working with DIP is much more cost effective and we are able to pass these savings directly onto our clients.”

Endeavour Magazine | 39

40 | Endeavour Magazine

CB GROUP 001 876 922 2606 WWW.MYCBGROUP.COM

SOWING THE SEEDS OF SUCCESS WRITTEN BY KATIE RICHARDSON

The corporate portfolio of Caribbean conglomerate CB Group reads as a veritable master-class in creating, expanding and sustaining a heritage-rich business. Endeavour Magazine finds out how baking bread in the 1950s evolved into big business.

Endeavour Magazine | 41

CB GROUP

“I never knew anything about business, I only knew how to bake,” company patriarch Karl Hendrickson confessed to the Jamaica Observer in 2012. “I always ask how efficient can we be at this thing? If it’s a technical process and we can do it better, we take a look at it.”

E

fficiency is certainly the backbone of this business.

What started as a family-run operation in a rural town in the parish of St. Elizabeth in pre-independent Jamaica,

evolved into the largest and most diverse bakery complex in the region, delivering breads, buns, and biscuits island-wide, added a poultry processing operation and expanded still further into a dynamic and diversified agri-business with an international reach.

Its ubiquitous name has embedded itself firmly in Jamaican culture; it’s a safe bet to make that when a family sits down to dinner, the CB Group will have had one hand or another in bringing the food to the table.

The 1980s saw the most momentum: having become the undisputed market leader in the sector, the baking family ventured further into the food industry, with subsidiaries comprising an animal protein production complex and the production of poultry, eggs and pork directly through integrated operations and indirectly with additional animal protein, animal feed manufacturing and a distribution network. This bold step into agriculture planted the seeds for what today forms the CB Group – home of CB Chicken, Smart Eggs, Chippenham Eggs, Copperwood Pork, Caribbean Passion (producing processed meat products), Bad Dawg Sausages and Nutramix Feeds, which aims to feed just about all the commercial livestock in Jamaica.

Investments in the tourism industry have also made the conglomerate the third largest hotel operators in the region, with a footprint that spans Negril, Montego Bay, Kingston and St. Lucia, and a combined room count of 2,300. The hotels are a significant player

42 | Endeavour Magazine

in island industry, being one of the major buyers of local services and products, and help to stimulate the economy significantly.

The CB Group’s empire is now managed by Karl’s daughter LoriAnn and a team of senior managers that include her husband Dave Lyn as director and her son Matthew as chief operations officer, keeping business very much in the family, but still providing jobs for nearly 4,000 Jamaicans.

Grassroots excellence Good food starts with quality farming, and the CB Group has made this possible through a dedicated network of trusted farmers and commercial customers. “We produce 25-30 types of animal feed for farmers in Jamaica and nine other countries across the Caribbean,” declares manager of corporate affairs, Dr. Donald Keith Amiel. “It is an integrated broiler operation that produces about 30 million kilograms of chicken meat per year from a hatchery that turns out around 600,000 baby chicks a week. In addition to the broiler operation, we are on our way to becoming the biggest pork producer in the country with a complete food chain operation, from a research facility right through to processing. We also have a commercial egg operation that produces regular eggs and Omega 3 enriched eggs,

Morris Hatchery has been operating as a family owned business since 1962. We started our broiler hatching egg operation and the CB Group joined us as one of our largest and major customer and has been part of our family. We are very proud and humbled to say that we have contributed to CB Group’s growth and success.

The Highest Quality in Eggs and Poultry 18370 SW 232nd Street, Miami, Goulds, Florida 33170-5399, USA Phones: 305.247.1070 / 305.248.5589, Fax: 305.247.0982 info@ morrishatchery.com, www.morrishatchery.com

Endeavour Magazine | 43

CB GROUP

which are for the hotel and supermarket trade.”

growing grain. “Until now, Jamaica has been sustained by countries

A qualified veterinarian, Amiel is well-placed to advise the CB

that have growing seasons of just seven months because of the cold

Group’s network of livestock farmers. “We have been able to build

weather and snow,” says Amiel. “But by virtue of Jamaica’s idyllic

an agriculture industry based on training small farmers across the

climate, we can produce things 365 days a year. So the company is

country,” he asserts. “We deliver about 20 workshops a month where

now growing grain in an effort to compensate price fluctuations in

farmers learn how to use our feed and produce livestock.” These

the market. For example, we have an advantage over North America

free training sessions have contributed significantly to Caribbean

as they only have one crop per year, whereas we can have two. We

agriculture, and the continuous training has created strong sector

want to use our resources and broaden out what we do, therefore

management.

becoming less dependent on international markets for raw materials.”

The CB Group also works closely with the country’s Dairy Development Board to strengthen the industry and produce as much milk as possible from the four breeds of cattle currently found

Successful assertion Smooth operations and continued efficiency remains the

in Jamaica. It remains vitally important for the company to achieve

cornerstone of production for the Group as business continues to

and sustain organic growth: “We are working on redeveloping the

gather impetus. New technological advancements and systematic

cattle industry because in the past, the colonies have suffered from

processes have been passed onto the company’s integrated farmers,

gifts of kindness and Haiti is an excellent example of this,” explains

which has consequently benefitted the CB Group and impacted

Amiel. “Europe and North America gave us surplus milk powder and

positively on the local economy and community.

butter, which could have destroyed the local dairy industry. So now

“We give them feed and baby chicks to produce themselves,”

there is no surplus; we have to rebuild again without international

says Amiel. “We have as many as 18 university graduates, including

aid.”

four veterinarians, out in the field providing a service to make sure The company also has a geographical ace up its sleeve: Jamaica’s

farmers get it right. So far, it appears to be working, as it has put

position on the continent lends to huge potential when it comes to

around 30,000 people across the region into work. It is a major employer of labour, generating as much if not more income than the banana and sugar industries that sustained the colonies in days gone by.”

The company has also achieved important milestones in its assurances of high quality produce to its customers, highlighting its pledge that the business ‘believes in its own products.’ “We have put

Congratulates CB Group For

75 Years of Excellence

in quality control measures, our facilities are certified against good manufacturing practices and we have various programmes in place,” asserts Amiel. “We are proud to be certified by the leading auditors in the world, SGS, and the only company of its kind in the region to boast ISO 9001:2008 (Quality Management Systems), HACCP and GMP (Food Safety) accreditations.”

The team at the CB Group understand that food safety, excellence, quality, profitability and customer satisfaction are everyone’s responsibility, but also know that their commitment should not end there. “Our family of brands touches thousands of lives each and every day and our team, of over 500 strong, takes pride in continuously providing healthy, nutritious and safe foods for all Jamaicans,” says Amiel. “It is through their hard work and dedication over the years, with a strong focus on people, training and technology, that the CB Group has built vertically integrated poultry, swine and egg operations, the most modern feed mill in the Caribbean and today, leads the Safe Food Movement.”

Corporate responsibility also ranks high on the corporate agenda, and the Group supports a number of educational and youth development programmes, as well as participating in local and national events, contributing significantly to community needs.

44 | Endeavour Magazine

Future work

The Hendrickson family

country. Business maintains a

The CB Group plans to expand further its culinary blueprint

has certainly staked its claim as

lucrative but supportive impact

for successful business to international markets, having already

one of the definitive culinary

on Jamaica, supplying financial

ventured into American, Canadian and British markets in the last

purveyors of Jamaica, providing

muscle for international trade,

few years. While financial and commercial success is dependent

people at home and abroad with

and creating many opportunities

on expanding the company’s processing operation and finding

the highest quality Jamaican

for future employment through

appropriate marketing partners, bosses are aware that an authentic

foods.

will

its growth. As more people

taste of the Caribbean is becoming a tasty incitement to more and

continue: in the last decade, the

discover the plethora of culinary

more people. “Tourists that visit here should be able to take home

Group has invested hundreds of

delights

some of the flavours they were exposed to, so expanding into herbs

millions in hotel acquisition and

to offer, financial and cultural

and spices as well as canned products should enable us to be in a

plant upgrading, expansion and

prosperity for the CB Group

strong position and broaden our exposure,” asserts Amiel. “We also

refurbishing. And most recently,

looks certain to continue.

hope to target the large Caribbean population living abroad, which

in an important step to help

is as large as it is at home. In a city like London, if they have jerk

grow the overall pork market in

chicken or pork flavoured with our products, they can remember

the country and thus boosting

what food back home tastes like.

consumption,

“In North America, Canada and other parts of the world, I have

opened

And

expansion

the

Jamaica’s

the

Caribbean

has

company first

pork

noticed that bigger supermarket chains are targeting non-native

dedicated retail store last year.

people so as not to lose out on niche markets. They are increasingly

The 12fk foot facility cost $10m,

incorporating sections in their shops to accommodate goods from

with the sole focus to raise

particular countries. So we are hopeful our products can become the

standards in the sector, while

norm in these areas.”

supporting pig farmers in the

Endeavour Magazine | 45

46 | Endeavour Magazine

(HEINEKEN) WINDWARD AND LEEWARD BREWERY LIMITED 001 758 459 6200 WWW.HEINEKEN.COM

RAISE A GLASS WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

A recognised tourist haven, St. Lucia is also proving itself to be a base for enormous commercial possibility. Endeavour spoke to Sebastian Sanchez, Managing Director at Windward & Leeward Brewery Limited about celebrating 40 years of success and what is still to come.

Endeavour Magazine | 47

(HEINEKEN) WINDWARD AND LEEWARD BREWERY LIMITED

2014 sees Heineken honoring its 150th anniversary, alongside Winward & Leeward Brewery Limited (WLBL) enjoying it’s 40th year in the industry.

uilt in 1974 by Heineken Holding N.V., who had

B

Consistently seeking opportunities for diversification and

identified potential for accessing the Caricom trading

innovation, WLBL produces and distributes a large portfolio of

block, the St. Lucian brewery site offered clear incentives

products including Heineken, Piton (Beer, Shandy & Malt), Amstel

including sympathetic business legislation and a high quality water

Bright, Guinness, Ti Malta, Royal Club (soft drink 4 flavors),

supply. The success of the brewery is undeniable, with expansion

Desperados, Strongbow Gold, Red Stripe, VitaMalt, Climax, Mauby,

beyond the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) firmly

Caribbean and Smalta. Sanchez feels that this variety has directly

established. Now enjoying a substantial presence in Barbados,

contributed to the ongoing success of the company,

Belize, Guyana, Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands and Trinidad and

“We are a successful business, and have become a market leader

Tobago, the company has demonstrated impressive growth, not to

because we look to excite consumers with amazing brands and new

mention an effective marketing strategy that continues to secure

product innovations.”

new customers.

Despite the success being enjoyed at WLBL, the 2008

“What to do is clear, but what will make the difference is how we

economic turbulence, felt the world over, had a noticeable impact

do it. That is why we have to set ourselves a few guiding principles

on the company. With the St. Lucian economy being placed under

to deliver our market strategy; we need to look at the market with a

significant strain, all island-based companies were forced to adapt

new perspective and we need to deliver ideas with impact. For us, it is

their methodologies in order to survive.

about doing fewer things that are bigger and better, instead of more,

“Recognising the new reality that had hit us in 2008, in a

that are smaller. Above all else, we need to showcase excellence in all

crisis context, we quickly addressed affordability issues as well

that we do, in line with our core value of passion for quality.”

as the newly changed demands of our consumers. We began

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48 | Endeavour Magazine

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creating products and offering solutions to satisfy new needs and

island. The results of a socio-economic study in 2012 indicated

requirements, including more affordable products, new flavours and

that WLBL represented an impressive 3% of the GDP of St. Lucia,

new packaging.”

as well as accounting for 4% of all tax collections, but financial

Having ridden out a financial storm, thanks in no small part to

development is not the sole focus for Sanchez and his team, who

creative problem solving and a desire to never negate consumer

have embarked on an impressively comprehensive programme of

expectations, WLBL remains a commercial force for continued and

social responsibility.

widespread good within the Caribbean, employing an entirely local

“Our social responsibility agenda is not merely a ‘ticking the

workforce and supporting surrounding communities. From modest

box’ exercise; it is a core part of our business and is part of the

beginnings, with a team of just 60, the company now operates with

Heineken N.V. strategy and a major priority, one that at WLBL we

over 100 staff, making it one of the largest employers throughout the

embrace and develop accordingly. We believe that by working on

whole of St. Lucia, accounting for 3% of the islands total workforce.

our social responsibility agenda, which incorporates reducing water

Committed to helping its staff to develop and grow, WLBL offers

and electricity consumption and CO2 emissions, while promoting

a number of opportunities and programmes, each designed to

local sourcing of raw materials and responsible drinking, we ensure

maximise strengths and identify those individuals that are suitable

the sustainability of our business and the surrounding communities.”

for progression.

Looking ahead to the next 40 years, WLBL have a clear mission

“Our main development programme stems from the need to

statement to continue with ‘the production and sale of branded,

prepare ourselves, and our staff, for strategic change. We are in

high quality premium beverages with equal regard for maximising

the process of initiating a 1-year change management program

shareholder value, employee well-being, customer satisfaction and

to develop what we call a ‘challenger mentality’ in all of our team

the responsibility of being a good corporate citizen.’ Naturally, as

members. By embedding our new perspectives in this way, we will

a fully-fledged member of the Heineken family, WLBL takes its

continue to thrive in our industry and grow.”

responsibilities seriously by operating in accordance with, and

Taking responsibility for more than its own team and operations,

promoting the values held by its parent company. With this in mind,

WLBL is proud to contribute significantly to the economy of the

further company growth will be embraced alongside a commitment

CONGRATULATIONS

WINDWARD & LEEWARD BREWERY

s! s e c c Here’s to Su Over the decades, you have established yourself as a company that manufactures first class products with distinctive and appealing flavours. Today, you continue to win over the tastes of millions worldwide.

The management and staff of TASTE-MAKER, providers of specialized ingredients for Windward & Leeward Brewery, are proud to be associated with your company.

50 | Endeavour Magazine

to upholding not only tangible elements such as an impressive safety record (WLBL has operated without an industrial accident for more than 700 consecutive days) but also aspirational developments.

“We seek to ensure a perfect outlet execution, where we can surpass our customers expectations, at the point of sale, with an assortment of cold products, at the right price. By accelerating our innovation agenda with new products, such as Piton Radler, DSP Red, and new flavours of SBG as well as utilising new packaging, we will be empowering and inspiring teams within the organisation to take an entrepreneurial approach to developing their part of the business.”

Building on an incredible reputation that has seen the company awarded titles such as ‘Business of the year’ and ‘Exporter of the year’ at the St. Lucia business awards, WLBL will ensure that high quality is maintained, offering existing customers reassurance and attracting new, long term consumers. With a clear vision of the future of the company, and a deep understanding of his industry, Sanchez looks set to drive the company forward, setting it apart from its peers within the Caricom market as a competitive organisation working with equal measures of business acumen and social responsibility.

BoCoTech has a long lasting relationship with Windward and Leeward Brewery . Over the last decade BoCoTech has upgraded their bottling line in several stages. And installed their canning and keg line.

The latest aim was to produce bottles with a new look (clear plastic labels) while also keeping the old model and adhere to the Heineken production rules. BoCoTech is also supplying a wide range of diverse spare parts to Windward and Leeward Brewery.

BOCOTECH: THE INTERNATIONAL BEVERAGE PACKAGING EXPERTS BoCoTech supplies and installs equipment and machinery for breweries, soft-drink producers and canneries. Glass, can and PET bottling and packaging lines: our engineers realise a wide variety of projects all over the world. BoCoTech provides expert advice and ensures that the bottling and packaging lines are installed efficiently.

OUR SERVICES technical support maintenance turnkey projects

Hambakenwetering 11 5231 DD ’s-Hertogenbosch The Netherlands Tel +31 (0)73 614 6011 Fax +31 (0)73 613 3619

sales@bocotech.nl www.bocotech.nl Endeavour Magazine | 51

52 | Endeavour Magazine

KFC BOTSWANA WWW.KFC.CO.ZA

CHICKEN AND EGG. GREAT FOOD AND GREAT SERVICE WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

Although KFC has been in Botswana for over twenty years, it was only in 2011 when Venture Partners-Botswana (VPB) bought a number of restaurants from their South African owners that KFC was under Botswana ownership.

Since then a number of new restaurants have been opened and at least three more restaurants will open this year. We caught up with CEO of KFC Botswana Wynand Pretorius about some of his plans to keep KFC at the top.

Endeavour Magazine | 53

KFC BOTSWANA

VPB Propco, a subsidiary of VPB, owns KFC Botswana and their core activity is to manage KFC in Botswana. This includes tasks like finding new locations and employing local achritectural companies to design the restaurants to ensure a local vibe remains. VPB Propco also facilitates the building and staffing of the restaurants, training the new and existing employees and operating the stores.

“V

PB Propco are also responsible for

practise what we preach as management and if the culture is

marketing the products and brands,”

reaching our team,” he tells us, “This is critical as they are at the

Wynand explains, “And working with

forefront working with our customers and once the survey is done,

local quality assurance and supply chain managements to source

feedback is given and the management and coaches sit down with

local ingredients for all of the meals on our menu. These include the

the Team and see how we improve.”

chickens all the way to the salads.”

With this kaizen approach, every employee is tracked on a

“One of the key things we are involved with is our social

Succession and Training and Development Matrix each month

responsibility arm called Add Hope that is run separately from

which gives management the opportunity to identify the potential

the main company but has the main purpose to “feed the hungry”

candidates for promotion and train them for the various roles in the

throughout Botswana.” He adds.

business.

What comes first the chicken or the egg? Good food or great customer service? Fortunately, KFC Botswana recognizes that both of these elements need to coincide together, “The food has to be of an impeccable standard and the customer service must be even better than that,” he says, “We are a people business afterall.”

Looking Local. KFC Botswana Wynand explains that KFC Botswana has to conform to KFC International Quality Assurance standards and that no compromise

Therefore KFC Botswana have implemented a culture of

can be made for the fact that they are in Africa, or in a developing

recognition within their business where good interaction and

market, “We are proud therefore to say that farmers, suppliers and

engagement with customers is trained into their staff from day

distribution centres, supplying KFC in Botswana, pass the yearly

one, “New recruits go through a rigorous induction and training,” he

audits with flying colours,” he says happily, “Every year the suppliers

elaborates, “And the management program takes at least six months

have improved their audit results and provided KFC with exceptional

to qualify but there is no guarantee of appointment. You need to

high quality products.”

prove yourself to climb the corporate ladder. “

VPB Propco’s strategy is to localise every aspect of the business

Various skills have to be mastered before someone can become

and great strides have been made towards achieving this, “We

a restaurant general manager, Wynand goes on to explain, quarterly

have a local architectural firm that have been approved to design

training takes place and for this purpose they employ a full time

our restaurants,” he tells us, “We also have local Project Managers,

Training Manager/Skills Trainer. Every store also has a Trainer on

builders and contractors erecting our restaurants, again meeting and

supervisor or management level to ensure their team members stay

exceeding KFC international standards.”

abreast of what is required in this ever changing market.

To cope with the high demands of training and skills development; every store throughout Botswana is equipped with a “Learning Zone”

The new KFC store that will open in 2014 will have a new décor package and is the first restaurant outside South Africa with this package and layout.

that is connected to high speed Internet therefor allowing training to

Wynand does make clear that although most of KFC Botswana’s

takes place live on the Intranet with instant feedback on test results,

products are produced locally, there are still some products that are

culture surveys etc.

imported, “We are working closely to develop local suppliers to raise

“Once a year we conduct a culture survey to establish if we 54 | Endeavour Magazine

their standards to the level we need, but in the meantime some

KFC BOTSWANA

products are brought in purely to keep the standard of our food as

company in Botswana which is

Botswana market and have been

high as possible. Although we aim to be a hundred percent local we

then used to manufacture bio-

developed by the local KFC

won’t drop our standards.”

diesel and animal feed.”

Team taking into consideration

Beyond the realms of merely providing a variety of top notch food, KFC Botswana has also gotten themselves deeply involved with the local community, such as sponsoring the local primary schools with soccer and netball equipment, “We are also kicking off with a soccer sponsorship and tournament mid-May for boys and girls that will be very exciting,” Wynand adds, “We are also involved with providing food on an on-going basis to various children homes throughout Botswana,”

the pallet of locals and their expectations.

Finally The Food

This kind of tailored approach has long identified KFC as a

The development of KFC

leading

restaurant

franchise

Botswana’s menu is an ongoing

and KFC Botswana has made

thing, “Continuously we work on

it a definitive approach of their

the menu and look for exciting

business.

This last one is something that Wynand believes is an important

new products that we can

part of KFC Botswana’s involvement in their community and

launch,” he says, “Soon another

Wynand says, “But it has to be

personally presses forward the ongoing process of signing up more

affordable value product will

done well.”

children homes for which they can provide balanced meals to on a

launch and we will be testing

monthly basis.

an additional menu that should

“VPB Propco is working closely with the international KFC Team to ensure we are moving forward in environment and green practises,” he mentions, “Some work has already been done with the

appeal to another time of the day part in Botswana.”

New menu items that are

likes of solar power, green materials and LED lighting in signage and

developed

customer areas. Certain re-usable waste is collected by a registered

designed

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Proud suppliers of equipment to KFC Botswana

56 | Endeavour Magazine

are to

cater

specifically for

the

“Everyone

loves

chicken,”

58 | Endeavour Magazine

WINDJAMMER RESORTS 001 758 724 5660 WWW.WINDJAMMER-LANDING.COM

ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

Endeavour talked to Mark Ozawa, Managing Director of the Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, to discover how he has created a slice of heaven here on earth for his guests.

Endeavour Magazine | 59

WIND JAMMERRESORTS WINDJAMMER RESORTS

You could be forgiven for assuming that the Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort (WLVBR) is a recent addition to the white sand beachfront of St. Lucia. A stunning complex, it befits its glorious surroundings with modern, clean lines and an organic sense of belonging, yet it has been in operation for just 25 years, as of November this year.

A

subsidiary of the EllisDon Corporation, a privately

service to adhere to, staff are selected in accordance to stringent

held construction company founded by Don Smith,

standards,

the WLVBR was opened in 1989 by one of Smith’s

“We pride ourselves on hiring the best and brightest that St.

daughters. Keen to remain involved with the resort, numerous Smith

Lucia offers. Our employees are part of the “authentic St. Lucian”

family members remain in managerial positions at EllisDon and

travel experience, with many of our guests speaking to the team

support the resort as villa owners. Clearly this intrinsic connection to

about their favorite places, eateries and more. This provides guests

family has had a positive impact, and contributed to the continued

with a truly ‘local’ experience; a huge travel trend that is here to

success, of the resort, as has the ability to stay at the forefront of

stay.”

client services, as Mark Ozawa describes, “The resort has, of course, changed and adapted over the years. We are Wi-Fi friendly, resort-wide, but looking beyond

Not an organisation to expect staff to work without development or progression incentives, WLVBR has a number of initiatives already in place,

technology, we are passionate about delivering an authentic St.

“To keep our employees happy and engaged we provide a host of

Lucian experience. With that in mind, we’ve put into place ‘resort

classes, for example, job skills training, customers’ relations training

ambassadors’ that act as a personal concierge to assist guests in

and countless others.”

both off-site and onsite experiences, all with the goal of delivering a personalised and memorable vacation.”

Coupled with a deep-seated commitment to creating ‘family vacation memories’, the team at WLVBR seeks out opportunities

Offering access to technical skills training, as well as positionspecific orientation, the management team at WLVBR is demonstrating a level of staff acknowledgement rarely witnessed in the hospitality industry.

to cater for the needs of each and every guest, treating them as

The combination of a stunning resort, staffed by an engaged,

individuals, not just a room number. With such impeccable levels of

highly trained team naturally leads to guest satisfaction, but

60 | Endeavour Magazine

WIND JAMMERRESORTS WINDJAMMER RESORTS

describing just how incredible visitors’ experiences are is difficult.

and as a result, we have received

plus provide additional choices

With every need catered for, guests can sit back and revel in their

a 2014 Certificate of Excellence.”

in regards to wellness and

own piece of paradise,

favourite

accommodation. The beach is

“Our guest ambassadors make sure that each guest is taken care

destination for travellers, the

A

steadfast,

currently approximately 60,000

of as no request is to big or to small. Many families come back year-

Caribbean continues to provide

square feet and we will be

after-year to enjoy our villa and estate villa accommodations. The

its

with

adding another 23,000 square

villas range in size from 1 to 5 bedrooms, so they easily accommodate

fiscal

setting

feet, with plans to be completed

any group. Guests frequently return for the variety of entertainment

themselves apart from other

by September 2014. The new

and dining options, we provide, plus the many complimentary water

complexes, remains important.

spa facilities should be fully

sports program for both children and adults. Parents can also take

Already

incredible

operational by spring 2015, and

full advantage of the Jacquot complimentary kids’ club, giving them

success, and fulfilling the travel

we are still in the planning stages

time for a spa treatment or uninterrupted beach time”

dreams of countless guests, it

for a number of new Villas but we are very excited about them.”

hospitality

industry

buoyancy,

enjoying

but

Unsurprisingly it is not just guests that sing the praises

could be assumed that there

of the resort, with professional recommendations, industry

is little room for improvement

acknowledgements and awards all contributing to the exemplar

at the WLVBR but looking to

these developments, Ozawa is

reputation of the WLVBR. Clearly delighted, Ozawa expands on this,

the future, there are a number

definitive,

“We have been awarded a Certificate of Excellence from

of exciting development plans

TripAdvisor, one of the most trusted and the largest travel websites

already in progress.

what

is

driving

“Each of the new additions is

entirely

focused

around

“We are excited to be working

the experience of our guests.

We

on several new projects that

Visitors will now be offered a

consistently receive high review scores from our guests on TripAdvisor,

will enhance guest experiences,

more comprehensive wellness

Destinations for Families by Parents Magazine, this year.

Atwell Dalgliesh Co. (St. Lucia) Ltd.

• Food Service Supplies • Janitorial and Sanitation Supplies • Hair Care Products • Plumbing Supplies • Electrical Supplies Deliveries island-wide

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1-758—452-3668 1-758—452-3417 info@atwelldalgliesh.com www.atwelldalgliesh.com 62 | Endeavour Magazine

Specializing in the Caribbean since 1978 Proud Suppliers to Windjammer for over 20 Years Food & Beverage/Restaurant ✦ Guest Rooms ✦ Housekeeping & Laundry ✦ Pool & Beach ✦ Spa ✦ Engineering & Janitorial ✦ Activites & Entertainment ✦ Gift Shop & Promotional

Inter-Brand offers a broad range of products at competitive prices. We are committed to providing our customers with the highest level of service.

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inc

in the world, as well as being named as one the 10 Best Caribbean

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experience thanks to the new spa, while the larger beach will offer more guests a ‘true’ waters edge experience. This in particular has been driven by guest feedback as we are often told that they enjoy eating breakfast with their villa doors wide open, to let them takein incredible views of the crystal clear blue waters. Extra villas will offer increased numbers of guests a ‘resort within a resort’, private experience which is exceptionally popular for destination weddings, generational family travel and intimate corporate retreats.”

Keen to highlight the resort development, the WLVBR has embarked upon a genius marketing strategy, enticing travel agencies to visit by sending out beautiful gift boxes filled with stunning literature and imagery.

Clearly Ozawa is leading his team into the future with big development plans, fuelled entirely by a desire to continuously exceed guest expectations and contribute to unforgettable travel memories. Though paradise can clearly be created, passion and a natural propensity for client relations cannot and this is what makes Ozawa and the Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort stand out in a competitive marketplace.

Endeavour Magazine | 63

64 | Endeavour Magazine

BERGER PAINTS 001 868 623 2231 WWW.BERGERONLINE.COM

PAINTING A PICTURE OF

Success

WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

The leader in architectural coatings in Trinidad and the Caribbean, Berger Paints has in its sights a simple goal, to be the preferred choice for colour options and quality products while safeguarding the environment at the same time. As one of five main paint manufacturers on the island Berger stands as the only organisation in T & T that manufactures a main line of Protective Coatings.

Endeavour Magazine | 65

BERGER PAINTS

We spoke with Technology, Industrial and Marine Sales Manager David Battersby regards to their plan to maintain their position in the short term and enhance it on the long.

“T

rinidad is the main industrial country in the

strengths and training needs, “These are reviewed and scheduled

Caribbean,” Dave says, “And we are on the way to

appropriately,” he says, “Also staff are moved laterally and vertically

becoming its main supplier of protective coatings.”

within

To achieve the greatest goals you have to have the right people

working in your team, the latest technologies and methodologies

the organisation as well as within group when suitable

vacancies arise. This can only happen due to the constant training and development of staff.”

become almost redundant if not for the skilled professionals working

A main hurdle to overcome in this industry is finding the standard

them. Berger Paints is a local manufacturer and as such provides

of person needed to join their team, “The Paint industry requires a

employment to approximately 80 skilled and unskilled nationals,

unique technical skill set,” Dave explains, “Hence extensive on the

“We engage local contractors for repairs and maintenance to our

job training is required in Operations while other areas such as sales,

plant and equipment,” Dave relates, “And export and contribute to

marketing and accounting are generic and easier to fit in.”

earning foreign exchange rates while maintaining a strong hold on all of our talented staff. They are our most valuable asset.”

Training is an on-going exercise and all staff members are constantly

in training to ensure the Berger Paints staff are

constantly improving

Berger Paints also proudly practises good corporate governance and continuously work towards protecting the environment and are ISO 14001 certified and assist in a number of charitable organizations.

their knowledge and skill levels. Dave

With such a sure footed foundation, there are a number of

highlights that several international programs are made available for

advantages for clients and affiliates working with Berger Paints

staff to complete online in areas such as technology , information

which include benefits like service via availability of product, “We

technology and business management. In addition staff are trained

can manufacturer to meet an urgent demand or the specific unique

in many areas such as supervision, management , ISO 9001 , ISO

needs of the customer,” Dave explains, “In addition the customers

14001 , auditing as well as safety to ensure Berger maintain their

always obtain the excellent quality products that have been used in

high standards in all areas of operations and keep all employees as

countries with extensive oil, gas and petrochemical industries such

safe and supported as possible.

as Bahrain, Dubai and Singapore.”

Dave explains that individual staff development is taken very

And, while the product and manufacturing expertise comes

seriously and that all employees are appraised annually to identify

from a wide international experience the actual application is

66 | Endeavour Magazine

performed by locally based technical experts that can provide free recommendations, specifications and advice.

Painting A Picture Manufacturing of Architectural, Protective and Marine coatings and the distribution of products to retailers and other users is their core activity, “Currently our manufacturing operation is a manual one,” Dave explains, “This will be changing to semi automated and moving towards automation.”

Highlander Trading Corporation

has been a viable raw materials and manufacturing equipment supplier to the Caribbean, and Central American markets for almost 20 years. Over the years we have considered The Berger Group to be a valuable customer and we look forward to further developing our business relationship together.

He goes on to say that their colour offering has been constantly increasing using a tint from base system and this will be replacing standard factory made colours as they are are working towards increasing the number of Dealer Tinting machines within the network throughout the Caribbean. And that as the customer needs continue to change Berger is ready to meet these changes by continuously changing their current products and introducing new ones into the market.

A high level of customer satisfaction is something that Dave is very proud of and says that its something that has become a point of pride amongst the company, “It is one of our key focus areas,” he says, “We make use of all the usual methods of assessing satisfaction

(305) 463-7000 www.hightrade.com

Endeavour Magazine | 67

BERGER PAINTS

including Customer Satisfaction surveys as well as measuring our

“It is important to know the position of all of our competition,”

service levels to the customer.”

Dave explains, “Our team in head office analyse worldwide trends

As such, they conduct surveys to the various customer groups

and conduct research and development in the formulation of new

annually and use this information to place focus on key areas for

products or ways to improve products using new and improved

improvement. Additional surveys are also conducted to understand

raw materials or technology. This allows us to be ahead of the

the end consumer needs for new and improved products, and of

competition locally.”

their understanding of current products. Several field visits are

“We also have regular meetings with customers formally and

made by management locally and from other countries so as to

informally to directly determine their needs and engage heavily in

obtain feedback and make the discussions for improving customer

marketing to keep our name in our client’s minds,”

satisfaction relevant.

Berger Paints do not believe in just getting a sale, but aim to satisfy their customer needs, “Our system is to follow up to ensure the customers are satisfied with the performance of our products and to build relationships with our customers,” He also adds that they do surveys at their dealer outlets to understand the customer’s experience of their service and their painting experience as well.

Getting To The Best

Working With The Best A central team within the region do the sourcing of new suppliers, new raw material or alternative materials to reduce the risk of becoming too reliant on a single supplier, thereby putting the entire supply chain at risk. As a policy Berger will approve several suppliers for any item/process and then obtain bids from each after which the final decision is made after a process of factoring quality, service and price.

“A large percent of the suppliers are not locally based due to non

To be the best there are several things that are done at a company

availability of the specialised raw material,” Dave explains, “While

level to give Berger Paints Trinidad and Tobago a distinct advantage,

materials that can be sourced locally such as packaging are also

Trinidad & Tobago

Printing Works Suppliers of labels to Berger

92 Edward Street, Port of Spain Trinidad & Tobago

wrostant900@gmail.com

68 | Endeavour Magazine

purchased.”

With the ongoing growth and development that has set Berger Paints aside from their competition the future is a colourful and prosperous place. New products are being created to meet their customer demands in various coating sectors. For example they are expanding their processing system and capability to improve their customer service as well as implementing a Customer Relationship Management software.

“We want to further improve or decrease our impact on the environment by not only having more green products but going even further towards improving our operations to make it more green and environmentally friendly,” Dave says.

These changes will improve the efficiency and productivity of operations in Berger by improving their processing and reducing waste. Their Customers will be able to make direct contact with their other personnel other than their sales representative.

“Essentially, our customers will be able to enjoy an environmentally friendly product that is still of the same high standard they have come to expect,” he concludes.

“

Our customers will be able to enjoy an environmentally friendly product that is still of the same high standard they have come to expect.”

David Battersby, Technology, Industrial and Marine Sales Manager

Endeavour Magazine | 69

70 | Endeavour Magazine

TREATED TIMBER PRODUCTS 0027 33 3422679 WWW.TREATEDTIMBERPRODUCTS.COM

WHEN WORKING WITH THE GRAIN WORKS WRITTEN BY DONNIE RUST

The front runner of South Africa’s utility pole industry and the largest supplier of creosoted poles in the southern hemisphere Treated Timber Products has set the grain for its industry since its inception in 1939 when the company was founded by James Hunt Holley, President of the South African Forestry Association. With a legacy of professionalism being the piers of customer service, quality and competitive pricing we caught up with Financial Manager Gary Wessels regards to how these mandates are governing the company seven decades later.

Endeavour Magazine | 71

TREATED TIMBER PRODUCTS

Quality really does start at the roots. Focussed on the production of treated transmission poles, the company pioneered a move that improved the standards to ensure that quality treated poles can now be produced consistently and has recently moved into the production of building and fence poles as well as into guard rail and spacer blocks. To facilitate the regular and reliable source of timber they have also purchased and leased a number of timber farms.

“O

ur core activity is the manufacture, treatment and supply of quality transmission poles for the local and export market,” Gary explains, “We

have six main facilities, Broadmoor farm, the Cramond operation and the Ashton facilities in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands and the Lows Creek Plant and Mkhuhlu in Mpumulanga.”

The Mkhuhlu in Mpumulanga was a new plant that was built from scratch and after they received their environmental licence they commenced production on the 1st May 2014.

“The location of these facilities is important as they are all situated within close proximity of South Africa’s largest port, Durban Harbour and the Maputo port for easy and cost efficient access to the export markets,” he tells us, “And as for distribution we have our own fleet of vehicles which enables us to meet all of our customer requirements within specified timelines.”

Pole To Pole Gary says that the demand from the local market has been below par for the past six months while in contrast the export market into Africa has been very buoyant, he explains, “Dealing in Africa always has its hurdles which we have learnt about over the past thirty odd years of being in the export market. Finance is the biggest obstacle as many of the customers do not have access to any significant funds to buy poles on a scale that will enable them to expand the electricity network however the export market outlook remains positive for the next twelve months.”

72 | Endeavour Magazine

The quality of the wood, the new machinery that has been brought in to support the facilities and the exports markets would be all for nought if not for the 550 dedicated staff working at TTP,

At are Safirevery Insurance Company, ourGary corporate is basedtheir on the “Our employees important to us,” says,model “We value

value of symbiotic relationships: sustained mutually beneficial partnerships that build and grow all those loyalty. And appreciate their dedication to the highest of standards.” involved. It is this philosophy that has seen us partnering with an iconic company such as Staff are monitored on a daily basis, including production levels Treated Timber Products for many years. It's the secret to shared success… but more importantly quality. All goods are checked for quality during the entire manufacturing process so that any errors can be sorted before they become problems. Additionally, staff are regularly trained and sent on refresher courses to ensure that they retain the required skills to keep these standards at an optimum level.

“As we promote from within, individual staff development is extremely important,” he says, “We believe in promoting from within the company and those who show aptitudes are encouraged to progress up the ladder.”

Each of the poles is manufactured in terms of TTP’s SANS standard or to Eskom’s standard, they also comply and have implemented ISO 9001.

“Every pole that is made is inspected to ensure that it meets these standards,” he says, “And customer questionnaires are sent out annually to invite complaints and feedback which are then followed up with regular contact.”

Safire Insurance was originally established in 1987 as an insurance co-operative and we’ve retained our commitment to serving our clients as if they are co-operative members.

Through strict selectivity, our clients are responsible individuals with wellmanaged operations who contribute as low-risk members to the Safire collective. Our Five Finger logo says it all...in the form of a handshake, the universal symbol of trust.

At Safire Insurance Company, our corporate model is based on the value of symbiotic relationships: sustained mutually beneficial partnerships that build and grow all those involved. It is this philosophy that has seen us partnering with an iconic company such as Treated Timber Products for many years. It's the secret to shared success…

Endeavour Magazine | 73

TREATED TIMBER PRODUCTS

These questionnaires are very important to TTP because

“These developments that mean great changes for Treated

customers complaints are usually merely questions or suggestions

Timber Products,” Gary explains, “By injecting new fresh enthusiasm

and often provide the fastest routes to improvement and

into the company with new ideas it has allowed us to recover better

development, “After sales is extremely important,” Gary adds,

prices for timber, farming operations and spreading the overhead

“Naturally, the customer base forms one of the backbones of the

costs over a wider base which allow for higher profits and better

company and we do everything in our power to fulfil their needs.”

returns.”

Competition in this field is naturally very high with new players

This is critical to the future operations of the company, Gary

entering the market all the time. Meaning that it is not enough to

goes on to tell us, approximately 1 200 hectares of prime timber

merely maintain a position but requires a constant development and

plantations has recently been secured through long terms leases to

progression, “It’s a team effort. Staff are required to make themselves

ensure a long term timber supply to the company, “These plantations

aware of all projects locally and internationally and to monitor the

are all strategically situated in close proximity to the plants to ensure

parties that have expressed an interest in these projects,” he tells

a reliable and effective timber supply.”

us, “Then, with each project they ensure that a strict quality control

Investing into staff, a separate team of individuals has been set

and enforcement is put in place, that they balance a fair price with

up to get the building and fence pole division going, “There was

a quality product and keep in regular contact with their clients. The

no major cash cost involved apart from approximately about a year

last one is particularly important because we have relationships

where they were looking to a new manager to lead this division, “We

we’ve built up over the last seven decades.”

are currently looking at an approximate R500 000 of investment to improve efficiencies in building sorting tables to speed up the

New Managing Director, New Place, New Faces 2014 has already proved to be a year of development and change, with the appointment of Lloyd Holley as the Managing Director, with the previous MD remaining on as Chairman of the Board of directors and the expansions into new markets, purchases of timber plantations and the establishment of the Mkhuhulu plant in Mpumulanga

74 | Endeavour Magazine

process of cutting to size, sorting and applying quality control checks,” Gary adds, “The Mkhuhulu plant has taken approximately 15 months to get up and running with an estimated cost of R 12 million so we wanted to make sure that the division was ready and suited for the task.”

With such a long history of success behind them Treated Timber Products will no doubt keep working along the grain and keeping to the straight and narrow road of success.

76 | Endeavour Magazine

GABCON CONTAINER TERMINAL 00267 316 4323 WWW.GABCON.CO.BW

KEEPING THINGS CONTAINED WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

In 1995 GABCON, the largest container terminal in Botswana, was founded as Botswana Railways department. This initial development was followed in 1998 by a joint venture involving BR and Transnet Freight Rail where the two rail giants operated a Dry Port handling around three hundred containers a month using one Reach Stacker, two trucks and a few trailers. Things have certainly grown since then.

Endeavour Magazine | 77

GABCON CONTAINER TERMINAL

During the years that followed, the business prospered and grew and this growth soon necessitated the need for a larger facilitated area.

Thus forth in 2003 the shareholders for the company invested in a new purpose built terminal and in 2005 GABCON relocated to the new site and have been at this location ever since.

N

ow, nine years later, the Dry Port handles on average

a range of services to customers needing to move a high range of

about 1600teus per month making use of a much

commodities for the mining sector and other primary industries,

larger fleet of machinery including four reach stackers,

these commodities include fuel such as coal, useable metals such as

eight truck tractors, three container side lifters and twenty nine

copper, preservatives and chemicals as fuel and salt, containers and

delivery trailers with a delivery area that covers all of Gaborone and

foods as grain and other general goods.

the surrounding areas.

Botswana Railways provides a professional service that covers

In keeping with the growth drive of the company, GABCON has

all areas such as logistics, supply chain management, line haul and

also opened another terminal in Palapye, called PALCON and this

terminal operations. In their ongoing endeavour to provide the

was strategically placed to service the Central Region of the country.

highest standard of customer services they work closely with all of

Gaborone Container Terminal is an essential entity to the

their customers in designing solutions to their specific needs and it

Botswana Logistics industry as it contributes significantly towards

is this philosophy that they have ingrained in GABCON.

the gross domestic product by supporting almost all of the national

A state owned railway company, Botswana Railways was created

economy’s enterprises. Botswana Railways instigated the creation

in 1987 by an Act of Parliament, the Botswana Railways Act of 1986

of GABCON to provide a solution to Gaborone’s position as a

when the government bought out the Botswana-based sections of

landlocked country in between two seaport countries. This was why

the National Railways of Zimbabwe. National Railways of Zimbabwe

GABCON was set up as a stand-alone entity to take advantage of

(NRZ) had initially operated the rail system from Bakaranga to

the railway linkage between Botswana and South African Ports.

Ramatlabama after Botswana had gained independence.

With this in mind GABCON has targeted the regional business

What Botswana Railways’ freight service proved to be is the

market through cross-boarder alliances, making special use of the

most convenient, reliable and cost effective mode of transport to

consolidated cargo going to Zambia, Zimbabwe, the DRC and the

use for moving bulk commodities. Making a name for themselves in

rest of the SADC countries. Again their position plays a major role as

transporting, bulk commodities that were considered operationally

they are geographically positioned to serve the rest of the regional

challenging if transported by roads and it was the industries such

countries.

as mining that contributed significantly to this proportion of cargo.

It is through the opening of regional country borders that ensures

These commodities like copper, soda ash and salt, coal and fuel

the cargo movement between the countries remains flexible;

play a crucial and ever important role in developing Botswana’s

together with the introduction of one-stop-shops that are able to

economy and the businesses and companies extracting these precious

offer a range of essential services in one location which immediately

minerals rely heavily on the rail industry given the unreliable state of

cuts down on lag time, the regional markets can be penetrated.

the roads in Botswana. With the ongoing mineral explorations taking

Botswana Railways, the company responsible for the original set

place in the country and the discovery of new mineral deposits in

up of GABCON has for a long time been a forerunner for seamless,

certain parts- made up mainly of coal- the opportunities to grow

rail-based transport logistics solutions to their customers. Offering

businesses such as GABCON even further are plenty.

78 | Endeavour Magazine

PROGUARD SECURITY SYSTEMS

The Future Of Gabcon GABCON is benefitting from a brand new strategy that is paving the way for progression into the future. The new vision of being the

Meeting the security needs of the CTVE

leading integrated logistics provider and Container Hub in the region together with the vision “number 157” both of which were recently redrawn aims at instigating and driving the growth in the company

Security Analysts Security Consultants Security Personnel

and the country further. The number stands for the seven strategic objectives which the company will be focussing on until the year 2015. These are: focus on employees, customers, processes, growth, strategic partners, company image and financial performance.

Considering the expansion of the mining and construction sector in the country, especially in areas such as coal, there is a need to link the world’s sea ports to their landlocked country to transport these minerals for shipping to the respective markets. This means that such a vision of a sustainable and deeply consolidated company is very achievable, according to CEO Modise Koofhethile who believes that as a result of the free movement of cargo between the SADC countries, that the expanding of GABCON into the regional markets will bring in foreign investors and traders to operate from Botswana.

Bringing in a swift propulsion of the country into new economic heights.

E: info@proguardsecuritysystems.com P: 00267 3932281/ 3 F: 00267 3932282 Plot 685, 2nd Digitec House Main Mall, Gaborone, Botswana, 267

Endeavour Magazine | 79

80 | Endeavour Magazine

RECOPE COSTA RICA 00506 2284 2700 WWW.RECOPE.GO.CR

LOTS IN THE PIPELINE WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

It isn’t easy getting hold of gasoline at the moment. Along with diesel and other oil products Costa Rica is simply not the best place for these products at the moment. An accident in 2011 instigated the decision that the country’s refinery Moin, which formed part of the Caribbean port of Limon was simply too expensive to sustain and since, the country has leant heavily upon imported petroleum products.

Endeavour Magazine | 81

RECOPE COSTA RICA

Costa Rica is the most developed and prosperous democracy in Central America and with its 4.5 million citizens it enjoys a good standard of living with per capita income at around $10,000.

Compared to the rest of the world, Costa Rica’s economy was

lead the entire region in introducing low sulphur diesel.

only mildly affected by the global recession that brought other

Having built up adequate infrastructure across the country, with

countries to their knees. A contraction of 1.3 percent 2009 gave

the main towns being supplied by four strategically located tank

way to resumed growth of about 4.5 percent annually between the

farms that are linked with each other and to the oil port at Moin by

years of 2010 and 2012. Bananas, coffee, sugar and beef are still the

a network of pipelines and three of them run from the Atlantic, or

foundation of commodity export trade however high value goods

Caribbean coast to the capital San Jose, and three more from the

and services, including high end technology manufacturing have

Pacific coast.

bolstered exports. Tourism also brings much foreign expenditure

There are no problems with pumping, Erick Solano, Project

and Costa Rica benefits from a wonderfully colourful and prolific

Manager for the newly developing Moin Refinery tells us, “We have

biodiversity that makes it a much loved and much visited tourist

the capacity to supply all demand at this moment and new tanks are

bolthole. It is the oil industry however that acquires the best

being built to ensure the supply to our clients in the future,”

attention thanks to estimates in early 2013 that the Costa Rican oil sector generated in excess of $2 trillion.

RECOPE, has also set up operations in Costa Rica’s three international airports at Liberia, Limón and San Jose itself, as well

Due to this proficiency in the industry, many foreign investors

as the main domestic airports to enhance their supply efficiency of

remain attracted to Costa Rica’s political stability, relatively high

aviation fuel. After some issues with tank capacity, a new tank farm

education levels as well as the many incentives offered by the free-

and sales terminal has been constructed at Liberia airport in the

trade zones. In 2009, Costa Rican leaders declared that it would

north of the country. Investments into these areas is as important

become the world’s first carbon-neutral nation by 2021, accounting

as it was the aviation fuel side of the business that was struck the

for transportation, energy consumption and manufacturing sectors

hardest by the recession.

as well as agriculture which accounts for 37 percent of the country’s

However, these problems will be over when the new and

total emissions. Fortunately such a declaration has been supported

expanded refinery has been built at the Moin site, and that could be

by the business sector.

delivered by 2018, this being the project that Erick is leading.

With over half a century worth of experience and considered the

The project hasn’t been without it’s hurdles and obstacles, the

largest company in Central America, The Costa Rican Oil Refinery (

feasibility study on which the project was based was rejected by

RECOPE ) took on the task of importing, refining, processing and

the Costa Rican Controller’s office because it was carried out by

distributing fuels throughout Costa Rica in 1963, a task that was

HQCEC, a subsidiary of CNPC — an arrangement prohibited under

retained after the country’s nationalization in 1974. Now, it provides

the Soresco JV agreement. The same office also said that the study

over 70% of the energy required for commercial economic and social

could have underestimated costs in order to inflate the project’s

development throughout Costa Rica and has managed to retain the

estimated rate of return of at least 16 percent. Furthermore that

competitive edge that originally set them apart over fifty years ago.

it failed to address project risks, analyse the Costa Rican oil market

RECOPE was created by the legislative assembly, or Congress,

and regulatory framework, or provide financial details to back up its

as a commercial company although it does remain completely

calculations.

government-owned and is already playing a vital part in the ongoing

Costa Rica has been commended for sticking to their best

battle against emissions, having implemented a decision in 2011 to

practice policies in this regard but now it has befallen their shoulders

82 | Endeavour Magazine

RECOPE COSTA RICA

to get the project back on track. With this in mind a new feasibility

competitiveness but also our

technicians who have grown and

study has been commissioned and is going through and the revised

approach to reducing our carbon

developed within this industry.

plan will dramatically increase the refinery’s capabilities, tripling it to

foot and acting sustainable and

60k bpd. Prepared with the help of experienced regional partners

socially

enable

culture is one of looking at

to introduce the products that will help the Costa Rican plan to get

us to protect the Costa Rican

completing all tasks quickly and

them to a carbon neutral future. Biodiesel, produced from corn and

landscape.”

completely, after so long working

sugar cane offers the great advantage of being carbon neutral on a

responsible

Erick explains that the staff

A corporate culture has been

within this particular sector a

established that has focussed

hard lesson that was learnt early

on efficient simplifications of

on was how negligence on small

be able to obtain it locally, among other places from the modern

processes

reduce

issues can result in big problems

plant of the sugar refiner CATSA, for blending into increasingly

costs and expenses so that the

down the line. Everything is

low-emission fuels. One of the other green innovations at the

prices in Costa Rica can be kept

connected and every part relies

refinery that is important to mention is the introduction of LNG to

at the most competitive while

on every other part functioning

provide the heat required in its processes, and the existing electrical

also ensuring the continuous

well, “Consolidating the career

equipment at the plant is being assessed for conversion.

lifecycle basis.

Though Recope will not be producing its own bioethanol, it will

that

can

supply of the product. All the

of RECOPE each employee has

As its use increases nationally, whether RECOPE will be given the

employees are highly trained

a compliance with objective

mandate to distribute LNG is unclear, however from its incorporation

and dutifully experienced, the

goals, performance evaluation

it was given a monopoly to import, refine and distribute hydrocarbon

benefit of the five decades that

and professional development,

products but whether LNG comes under this statute is disputed.

they have led this industry in

through training and the use

However, it would seem to be the obvious choice thanks to the

their country means that training

of our recently created virtual

already established infrastructure and the expertise they already

is sourced from high experienced

university.”

have.

The total storage capacity RECOPE is approximately 3,495,000 barrels and the country consumes about 50,000 barrels per day, this means almost 70 days of inventory, which allows RECOPE to fulfil its mission to supply the fuel uninterrupted across Costa Rica, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Marketing and supplying super gasoline, petrol Plus 91, diesel 50, aviation fuel Jet-A1, AV-GAS Gasoline, Kerosene Aviation Asphalt AC-30, Bunker, Liquefied Petroleum , IFOS, Asphalt Emulsion, Heavy Diesel and Heavy Naphtha. RECOPE also maintains a distribution pilot project on campus at Barranca where gasoline is blended with ethanol, “This is only distributed in the provinces of Puntarenas and Guanacaste,” Erick explains, “But the plan is to extend this to the whole country soon.”

Extension, adaptation and growth is key to RECOPEs grand plans and in the area of research and development they have a biodiesel pilot plant and are working with internships, state universities, and research centres they are actively investigating the development of alternative fuels along the lines of biofuels, natural gas and hydrogen.

Customer satisfaction and the safety, development and consideration of all their 1800 staff are at the very forefront of RECOPE’s approach to business. Driving the business forward in accordance to the highest ethical principles and making rational and efficient uses of the company’s position has become something of an obsession.

“RECOPE has become a pillar to the Costa Rican economy,” Erick says, “Who rely on us for quality products, services and

84 | Endeavour Magazine

Management is also periodically evaluated to ensure that from top to bottom the company is running as well as needs to, with this in mind promotion is from within and industry experience is valued almost as much as the product that they supply.

Indeed, so deep is their commitment to their staff that RECOPE has created a comprehensive prevention against alcohol and drug abuse. Within this legal framework they have strictly prohibited the possession, distribution, sale and consumption of alcohol and other drugs in their facilities and during the workdays.

The job of overseeing the implementation of Plan B for the refinery, as well as completing expansion of the Moin oil port and upgrading the tank farm to increase RECOPE’s LPG and oil storage capacity, has been given to this veteran company. The harbour expansion is well under way and should be complete by the end of 2014 – the $96 million project funded by RECOPE and built by a Mexican-Costa Rican consortium will allow the oil terminal on the country’s Caribbean coast to accommodate tankers of between 40,000 and 80,000 tons.

“This will be a major step towards a totally green period for Costa Rica,” Erick concludes.

Grupo Saret manages three business portfolios with special emphasis in the generation of energy using renewable energy resources, with projects in Central and South America.

1. The main one is the heavy metal fabrication company focused in the fabrication and erection of fuel tanks, silos, pipes, gates and similar products.

2. The energy investments in power plants that are both: in developing or in commercial operation, as well as green field projects.

3. Other investments, such us the Caldera Port, Alajuela and Puntarenas Industrial parks, and two investments in the tourism and real estate sector in Costa Rica.

Leader in project development, focused on clean energy power generation, civil infrastructure construction and heavy metal fabrication.

We solve the specific needs of your project.

Building A-1, Alajuela, Costa Rica • P.O. Box 4003 Ph +(506) 24364000 • USA +1 786 6211851 saret@gruposaret.com • www.grupo-saret.com Guatemala • Honduras • Nicaragua • Panamá • Colombia • Peru

OUR PRODUCTS HIDRO

PIPES

INDUSTRY

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ESTRUCTURES

TANKS

Endeavour Magazine | 85

86 | Endeavour Magazine

INSPIRATION MINING 001 416 842 9000 WWW.INSPIRATIONMINING.COM

THE NICKEL RUSH WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

Anyone who said gold was valuable didn’t understand the value of nickel.

Nickel-containing materials play a major role in our everyday lives from stainless steel food preparation equipment to the core of the workings of atomic power generators. The list of applications essential for our everyday lives is inexhaustive.

Compared with most other materials nickel offers better corrosion resistance, better toughness, better heat strength at high and low temperatures and a range of special magnetic and electronic properties that have made this metal essential in virtually every industry we rely on.

Endeavour Magazine | 87

INSPIRATION MINING

Inspiration Mining is the aptly named mining company headed up by Mr. Randy Miller. The company was originally created as a “junior mining” company. For those not familiar with the industry, Randy explains “a junior mining company specializes in exploring for and proving up deposits of sufficient size to warrant the huge expense of opening a mine. When such a deposit is located and reliably defined, it is then either sold to or otherwise mined in conjunction with senior mining companies, whose management infrastructures and expertise are different than that required in the junior mining sector.

A

t the time of his first involvement in 1996, Inspiration only held a west coast modest sulphide base metal property.

Randy reveals that his own background

has less to do with the intricacies of mining and more to do with sufficiently financing such projects to allow them to successively complete their exploration phase. The success of a company is most usually determined by whether it can obtain the necessary financing to survive to the point when the potential for large financial returns occur.

“My background is actually in the stock market when I was employed from 1987 - 1995,” he reveals, “The Canadian market continues to be very resource driven so as brokers we worked with mining companies where I garnered a great deal of experience working in this field.” .

Eventually in 1996 Randy Miller left the

brokerage business and financed Inspiration Mining leading to its TIMMINS | OTTAWA | THUNDER BAY

financial focus. A major part of that focus was to assemble a team of highly skilled legal, accounting and management persons and relationships to propel Inspiration into significant natural resource prospects.

By 2004, through his leadership and industry contacts, the company succeeded in completing a reverse merger under which Inspiration acquired 100% ownership of Metal Mines, a private company that held the rights to a major Nickel property in the world renowned Canadian “Nickel Belt”.

This was a major event and led

to Inspirations refocus on the Nickel market to answer the rising demand in the world markets. Within the next 24 to 36 months, continuing under his leadership, he and his team succeeded in 88 | Endeavour Magazine

closing other private equity financings to bring in excess of $50 Million CAD working capital to the company.

In addition to having allowed Inspiration to complete major exploration on its Langmuir nickel property, Mr. Miller explained, “Inspiration has financed other projects brought to it by other companies which simply did not themselves have the capability of attracting sufficient financing to complete their projects.” Thus, Inspiration has investments in other mineral properties as well as other companies within itself. This has resulted in a portfolio of mining properties at a number of different development stages.”

Experience In this game experience is crucial and that is what makes Inspiration Mining the force it is. All of Inspiration’s personnel and professional relationships

are seasoned professionals including

Randy Miller himself who has been involved with securities for over a quarter of a century, “We also have some of the best security lawyers, corporate accountants, professionals in the prospecting fields, drillers, and geology experts as well,” he adds.

“In 2004 we acquired Timmins (Langmuir) Property which was one of the most promising developments at the time,” Randy tells us, “We spent $23 million (CAD) and drilled over 350 holes only to have the market fall out in 2007-08. When the value of the Nickel commodity dropped from $25 to $4 a pound, it made little sense going forward into production.”

Planning ahead and maintaining a long term strategy has always been one of the key aspects to facilitating growth and prosperity within the mining industry. Instead of being spooked by the drop Randy and his colleagues took a look at the overall situation and decided to take a longer view.

Rather than being pushed into

production which would have been unprofitable, they decided to wait for the cycle to come back into their favour.

The Nickel Market To comprehend the Nickel market, it’s necessary to understand that nickel ore occurs in two forms, relating to the chemical state in which they occur. One form is laterite Nickel, which is more abundant but difficult and expensive to refine into a usable form. The other form is sulphide nickel, which is far less abundant but far easier and inexpensive to refine. Sulphide nickel deposits are generally the source of the highest grade and most sought after deposits. All of the Inspiration’s deposits on The Langmuir properties are sulphide deposits.

Endeavour Magazine | 89

INSPIRATION MINING

Worldwide, Indonesia and Russia are responsible for the

of past mining activity, we know

“Under applicable exploration

production of almost 50% of the (sulphide) nickel supply. In Indonesia

that a body of higher grade ore

regulations

the wealth of the deposits were supposedly being protected under

lies somewhat deeper on the

to take three 20, 000 tonne

agreements with foreign importers specifying that refineries would

Langmuir One Deposit.

Past

samples which would realize

be built within the exporters regions. Contrary to this contractual

mining activity occurring at that

a $15 -20 million profit after

provision, ever since the 70’s Indonesia has been exporting its core

site was being accessed through

costs.”

product to foreign refineries. Recently the government has outright

a ramp.

That ramp, which

“Very important, there is a

stopped the export of all unrefined products. This means that the

still exists was put in place by

mill nearby,” Randy points out,

raw material is now just sitting in Indonesia since Indonesia, at this

Noranda reaches down to a high

“that sits six kilometres from

time, does not have the necessary refining capacity. Until those are

grade ore running over 2%+

our deposit. The mill is currently

built, the unrefined metal from Indonesia’s mining capacity is off the

Nickel.

Timmins Nickel, when

under care and maintenance and

world market.

they took over, further extended

not operating, but the owner is

we

are

allowed

“Two factors have added to the situation,” Randy comments,

the ramp and went on to mine

anxious to do custom milling.

“One is that even if Indonesia started building smelters these are

over 100k tonnes of 1.74 %

Our plan going forward is to run

massive undertakings that takes years to create and turn on, and

Nickel in the early nineties, “So

our bulk samples through the

two, most nickel from Indonesia is based on laterite which is far

we knew that The Langmuir One

mill and sell the concentrate.”

more expensive to refine. This is due to high energy costs required

had a great deal to offer.”

to turn it into a finished product. For laterite Nickel to be economic it needs a price of $12-$15.”

The

ramp,

which

Speaking about Langmuir has

One

and

Langmuir

North

become filled with water, simply

deposits on which the most

With a similar thing happening in Russia due to the politics

needs to be dewatered and

advanced

engulfing that region, the worldwide demand for Nickel is dramatically

refurbished to be usable today.

occurred to date, “We drilled

climbing and leaves Inspiration Mining in an enviable position.

The Langmuir Nickel Properties With regard to Inspiration’s Langmuir Properties themselves, the area was historically a Noranda/Inco joint venture, which first mined nickel in the region. The property then was acquired by Timmins Nickel, an independent company consisting of former Noranda/ Inco local management. Timmins Nickel then completed the ramp leading down to the ore body on Langmuir One during the early 1990s. However, within a few years, the market slipped into a new depression and Timmins Nickel went bankrupt.

As a result of the bankruptcy, the mineral claims in the entire area were terminated and became eligible for re-staking by members of the public. In 1996 the area was part of an old staking rush scene, “In the morning of the date a hundred and twenty people turned up to lay stakes to the claims. It was like in the old days when people were running to the best deposits,” he recalls, “Ironically Noranda thought nobody was going to be there and so they arrived nearer to 8 am only to find everything was gone.” We then acquired what is now the Langmuir Properties from the group that had re-staked the area.

Although the Langmuir Properties in Timmins cover over 11 square km and have a number of zones of nickel mineralization, Inspiration Mining most advanced exploration has centered on just two of these, referred to as the Langmuir one deposit and the Langmuir North zone.

“Logistics in mining is important for efficiency. From the history

90 | Endeavour Magazine

exploration

has

most of it for an open pit

the new Chilean Potash Project

company. Given all of the surrounding circumstances, a valuation

scenario on The Langmuir One

which Inspiration owns fifty

of over $400 million dollars is possible. Currently the parties are

deposit drilling extended 450m

percent.

“This project lies in

targeting this to be underway within the next 12 months, “This

vertical hitting the same quality

the Atacama Desert which is

will be an opportunity to take advantage of potash and potassium

of ore. Frankly we are not sure

the driest place on earth.” he

reserves and we’re looking at this as an investment because our

how deep it goes.”

explains,

primary focus is still on nickel.”

He explains further that the nickel deposits here are stringer deposits and could go down to depths of up to 3000 metres revealing the scale of the deposit at Langmuir One.

“Since

evaporation

is a major financial factor in producing high grade Potassium, that arid climate is a huge positive”. An additional positive is that the project lies in close proximity to the coast line, providing an economic means

Other Projects Within the mining industry

for shipping.

Potassium, in the form of Potash fertilizer, is a commodity

there are many opportunities

with

for diversification, particularly

demand in the world market. At

during economic periods when

this point they are in discussions

financing does not come easily.

with investment bankers to spin

Randy was keen to tell us about

it out as an IPO into its own

substantial

and

grown

Focussing On Cores At the core of Inspiration is the basic exploration and finance within the Junior Mining Public market. It is keeping within their wheel house of experience that has allowed this small team of professionals to achieve the resounding successes that have paved the way for their future.

“Nickel is in high demand and analysts believe the price will only be driven higher. We are in a good time in the market to bring this project to fruition,” Randy believes.

“We are definitely excited about the future,” Randy concludes.

At Fogler Rubinoff we believe making a difference starts with trust.

Timmins, ON • 705-288-0507 Canada

Please contact

Jay Vieira 416 941 8829 jvieira@foglers.com

For all your corporate finance and security legal needs

foglers.com Endeavour Magazine | 91

92 | Endeavour Magazine

NIDCO 001 868-627-9474 WWW.NIDCO.CO.TT

BUILDING

Solid Relationships WRITTEN BY DONNIE RUST

When it comes to implementing the most important projects that promise to have the biggest impact on the highest number of people, you want to make sure that you have the right kind of company behind you. Led by the most astute of business minds and governed by the strongest set of principles. Endeavour Magazine was fortunate enough to speak to the President of NIDCO regards Dr. Carson Charles.

Endeavour Magazine | 93

NIDCO

The delivery of a strategic infrastructure project relies on the creation of a premier project management organisation with strong competencies in providing the highest standard of service. Mindful at all times not only of the stake holders, but the end users of the finished project the drive has to be on maintaining the highest standards throughout. This falls to the philosophy behind the management and leadership of our company who aspire to the highest ethical standards regarding optimal quality, value and responsibility.

Endeavour Magazine (EM): When was NIDCO established?

Dr.

Carson

Charles

(CC):

The

National

role within NIDCO? CC: I have been engaged with the Company since 15th July 2010

Infrastructure

and have a Bachelor of Science (with Honours) in Civil Engineering

Development Company Limited (NIDCO) first opened its doors on

and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Engineering from the University of

January 11, 2005. We were set up by the government as a Special

the West Indies. I am responsible for leading the executing agency for

Purpose State Enterprise to fast track the implementation of major

the Government of Trinidad and Tobago’s infrastructure development

infrastructure development projects; the construction of highways,

programme for delivery of capital projects and also direct the affairs

for example.

of the organization in order to achieve the strategic objectives of developmental activities and programme management, enabling the

EM: Is NIDCO the only organisation in Trinidad & Tobago that engages in infrastructure development?

Board of Directors to fulfil its governance function. As President I also represent NIDCO and where so authorized lead all international and local efforts in respect of financing, strategic initiatives and

CC: No. NIDCO is one of several state institutions currently

planning. This includes the co-ordination of communications with

implementing the government’s capital works programme, i.e. the

various Government Ministries, agencies and relevant customers to

Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP). NIDCO’s mandate

which NIDCO provides its services and to assure that its mission,

includes the development and delivery of a broad range of solutions

programmes, products and services are consistently delivered to the

to the country’s infrastructure challenges. These include (1) the

satisfaction of its stakeholders.

construction of major highways and roadways; (2) the construction of bridges and culverts; (3) landslips repairs; (4) flood and coastal erosion mitigation; and (5) transportation management.

EM: What benefits does the company bring to the country’s economy?

NIDCO’s technical capacity and organisational structure gives us

CC: The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

the competitive advantage over other agencies to deliver major civil

(GORTT) has long recognised the need to invest heavily in

engineering and transportation initiatives. Our core services include:

infrastructure development in order to drive economic growth and

•

Procurement and Contracts Management

to improve the quality of life of its citizens. This is evident in the fact

•

Construction Management

that we traditionally spend anywhere between 5% and 8% of the

•

Project

Planning,

Project

Development

and

Project

country’s GDP on infrastructure development. NIDCO safeguards

Execution

this investment with the timely and cost-efficient delivery of projects

•

Project Monitoring and Evaluation

that support economic activity and social inclusion. For example,

•

Management of the Water Taxi Service

we are currently constructing a 47km highway that is envisioned to

•

Feasibility and Infrastructure Development Studies

open up economic space within the southern region of the country.

EM: Can you discuss in more detail your personal working career and your exact 94 | Endeavour Magazine

Government’s investment in this project is approximately US$1.2Bn. This project directly employs an average of over 900 employees from

Jagmohan Enterprises Limited, a family oriented construction company, is a Penal based Infrastructural Contractor (physical and social), specializing in highways, bridges and landslip construction, land development and building works. It is one of the leading contracting firms in Trinidad and Tobago.

The company was founded by Mr. Sieunarine Jagmohan, after resigning his senior position from Trinidad Leaseholds Limited. The Company’s Directors are Mr. Sieunarine Jagmohan and his sons and grandsons. Mr. Narase Jagmohan, one of his younger son, is the Executive Director, and is at the helm of the organization. The strength of the construction outfit lies in its large fleet of construction plant, equipment and machinery, to match the present needs of the local construction industry.

Jagmohan Enterprises Limited has completed several prestigious projects over the last ten (10) years, for various ministries, including projects for NIDCO. The Projects Department is managed by the dynamic and hardworking civil / structural engineer / business strategist, Mr. Farouk Mohammed, who has a wealth of experience (forty years) in the local construction industry and is results oriented.

Guidance to the organization also comes from the Executive Director, Mr. Narase Jagmohan and these two key officers are responsible for the company having the competitive edge over others.

Photographs show Mr. Farouk Mohammed advising the Minister of Works, the Honourable Dr. Surujrattan Rambachan, a business consultant, on the progress to date on a NIDCO managed Landslip Project in the Minister’s constituency of Tabaquite.

Jagmohan Enterprises Ltd 6a Clarke Rd Penal Trinidad West Indies 001 868 647 4034 - Phone 1 001 868 647 7922 - Phone 2 001 868 725 4785 - Cell jel_2008@hotmail.com faroukmohammed18@hotmail.com

NIDCO

within the local communities and is stimulating commercial activity

unsustainable, as the government seeks to maintain a favourable debt

through the hiring of numerous sub-contractors and suppliers.

position. Trinidad and Tobago is by no means alone in this dilemma.

Governments across the globe are grappling with the problem of

EM: What other areas of business do you conduct apart from Infrastructure Development?

sourcing funds to improve aging and inadequate infrastructure.

In recent years the idea of public-private partnerships has been gaining traction. Government intends to establish relationships with

CC: In addition to infrastructure development projects, NIDCO

private sector entities which is expected to introduce resources and

was given the mandate to establish and operate the Water Taxi

expertise into infrastructure projects. The key issue being explored

Service. This service was introduced in 2008 as an alternative inter-

now is finding the optimum balance between public and private

island and complementary mode of transportation for both citizens

money. This will most certainly have an impact on how we do

and visitors. The objective of this major investment was to ease

business at NIDCO.

traffic congestion along major roadways. The Water Taxi Service now transports an average of 2,000 passengers daily.

EM: Do you see the way in which you operate in any areas changing over the course of the near distant future?

Focus On Employees

EM: How many staff work for your company?

Currently, NIDCO has a staff complement of 270 employees.

CC: Perhaps the area of greatest concern to NIDCO at this time is its long-term financial sustainability, due primarily to the perennial problem of lack of funding for infrastructure development projects.

What standards do the staff have to adhere to/ and what training is provided for them?

Historically, infrastructure projects have been funded directly by

Honesty, integrity, trust, transparency, commitment and positive

the government; either through the treasury or through guarantees.

relationships are the operating standards of NIDCO. These values

However, this approach to project financing is increasingly becoming

are encompassed in defining NIDCO’s concept of corporate conduct and social responsibility. NIDCO’s public image depends upon the ethics and conduct of our staff. The Company’s reputation for integrity is one of its most valuable assets and each employee must strive to uphold the Company’s integrity and to avoid situations that might cause a conflict of interest between the Company, its customers, its shareholders and its employees.

How important is individual staff development to your company?

It is the policy of the Company to facilitate the development of its employees relative to new skills, methods, procedures and technologies being employed in their particular field. It is in NIDCO’s best interest to have qualified, well-trained staff and to accomplish this goal, the Company shall put in place planned training and development activities to provide its employees with the necessary skills and behaviours to meet current and future job demands.

These activities begin when an employee joins the organization and continue throughout his/her career.

NIDCO considers its efforts a partnership with its employees who must maintain primary responsibility and take the initiative in their own training and personal self-development. To assist individuals in their self-development efforts, supervisors and managers are responsible for training immediate subordinates to fulfil present job requirements and prepare them for future assignments. Management will create an environment supportive of these activities.

In order to ensure appropriate expertise is available to staff requiring development, the Human Resource/Administration Team 96 | Endeavour Magazine

has the responsibility for developing, maintaining and controlling appropriate training activities in line with their goals and objectives.

In turn, the functional areas will assume responsibility for delivery and administration of training activities relevant to their departments.

The Company will conduct in-house training programmes and seminars on a quarterly/annual basis as part of its training and development function to facilitate the continuous professional development of its employees, and further equip them with the relevant skills to ensure that they continue to add value to the Company.

In addition to its in-house training programmes, the Company will periodically select employees to participate in external training programmes on the basis of the relevant training needs of members of staff, and the resources of the Company in accordance with the Company’s goals and objectives.

Do you find it difficult to find the right skilled people?

Indeed, NIDCO has challenges finding and recruiting persons with the right skills and competencies. We operate a highly competitive industry where demand is sometimes greater than supply. In addition to that, the nature of our assignments requires the employment of certain skilled professionals, such as Hydrologists and Geo-Technical experts, which skills are not usually readily available. We therefore have an ongoing recruitment drive and offer a very favourable compensation package to attract and retain the best talents – both locally and internationally.

Focus On Customers

EM: What specific customer focuses are in place to keep them satisfied and happy?

We uphold the view that customers are the most important people for any organisation. After all, NIDCO is in the business of not just developing infrastructure, but more importantly, we are changing lives. Our customers, who are primarily the travelling public, are the resource upon which NIDCO’s success depends.

One aspect of our operations that relies on customer loyalty and critical success factor growth is the Water Taxi Service. This service provides transportation between south and north Trinidad to approximately 2,000 passengers daily and 40,000 monthly. Our Customer Service Representatives are continuously being trained to provide a safe and reliable, on time, cost effective service to keep ahead of the competition (that is road transportation - taxis, buses).

In order to track customer care and loyalty, suggestion boxes are placed at both terminals (north and south) which are action based and the information received is implemented to improve sailing schedules. The Water Taxi Service is pursuing other initiatives to constantly improve the quality of service offered to the public.

EM: What strategies are in place to keep you ahead of the competition?

Endeavour Magazine | 97

NIDCO

We recently applied for certification in the national Diamond Standard Programme, being piloted by the government. Diamond Standard certification is a measure of excellence in public service, where holders of are expected to perform consistently at the highest global standards.

same businesses within the supply chain or do you hold open tenders on a yearly basis to bring new suppliers and contractors on board with NIDCO? NIDCO procures goods and services primarily through a

The value we place on communities and the general public

competitive solicitation process. In general, we are guided by the

impacted by our projects is also evident in our Community Outreach

FIDIC rules for engaging contractors for construction projects and

Programme. Under this programme, NIDCO works with government

adhere to the principles of fairness, integrity, transparency and

agencies and communities in and around the vicinity of our projects

effective competition. In this respect, we maintain a register of

to identify and implement (1) physical infrastructure improvement

approved pre-qualified bidders for various types of contracts and

projects, (2) opportunities to support community-based business

contract values. This register is updated periodically.

activities and (3) establishing of community play parks. Since the start of this corporate social responsibility initiative in 2011, we have undertaken several small drainage works in communities along the alignment of the Solomon Hochoy Highway

Extension to Point

Fortin Project - our major project. We have also completed the paving of school and church grounds, as well as constructed a play park in the southern town of Penal.

Integration Of The Supply Chain EM: Do you continuously work with the

98 | Endeavour Magazine

EM: Are many of the suppliers based locally therefore contributing positively to the country’s economy and employing Trinidadians and Tobagonians within the supply chain businesses or is it a mixture of local and international suppliers who you procure from?

Our National Highways Programme is currently being executed through the efforts of both local and foreign contractors. On the

Solomon Hochoy Highway (San Fernando) to Point Fortin project,

NIDCO will be required to improve it cadre of professionals who

for example, we have engaged the services of a Brazilian contractor

will be directly responsible for ensuring that we meet our targets

– Construtora OAS Ltda.; as well as AECOM USA, as Supervising

and commitments to our clients. At a first glance, we are looking

Engineers. Another highway construction project – construction

to expand the capacity of our Engineering Department with the

of an interchange at the Churchill Roosevelt Highway-Uriah Butler

recruitment of Geo-technical Specialists, Structural Engineers and

Highway, is being undertaken by Vinci Construction Grand Projets

additional Civil Engineers/Project Managers. We are also actively

of France, long with local contractors.

pursuing measures to improve our project management efficiency

So essentially, we seek to deliver projects in a way that we

with the establishment of an enterprise resource planning system.

achieve the best value for money. However, in order to preserve

This will enable us to integrate our procurement, accounting and

our local economy, we maintain a percentage of local content on

programme management functions to achieve the required level of

every contract.

operational efficiency.

New Developments For 2014 And Beyond

EM: What has been your major highlight for 2014?

EM: Please highlight three of the most exciting new developments happening now within the business The Company is now engaged with 23 landslips repairs contracts

NIDCO’s major achievement for 2014 was the opening of the first phase of its major highway construction undertaking - the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway to Point Fortin project in southern Trinidad. This segment of the highway covers a 4.7km stretch of 4-lane roadway and boasts a newly constructed underpass at the

which will be implemented within the next six months. The Ministry

Papourie Bridge. It links the two towns of Golconda and Debe.

of Works and Infrastructure has also advised that another sixty will

Commuters can now travel between Golconda and Debe in five

be sent for the design and construction. Currently, six such projects

minutes as opposed to the previous 30-45 minutes.

are at various stages of construction. This programme is scheduled to be completed in the next five years and is estimated at TT$418M. The Flood Alleviation Programme is another new development

KALL CO LTD.

at NIDCO. The key purpose is to improve the lives of persons working and living in areas in Trinidad, namely Caroni, Caparo and the South Oropouche River Basins. Arising out of feasibility studies of several river basins in Trinidad, a number of flood alleviation and

The Multi-Versatile Construction Company

water supply projects for both portable and irrigation are expected to be implemented within the next twelve months.

These will

comprise of detention basins, berms, river improvements etc. One key component of this project is the Port-of-Spain Flood Alleviation Project, which will be implemented with the support of the InterAmerican Development Bank.

The Coastal Protection Programme is a 3-year project conceptualised to address coastal erosion and flooding along the coast line in Trinidad. The project is estimated at TT$152M. A Bridges Rehabilitation Programme, was recently launched.

It is a 6-year programme with an estimated budget of TT$400M (approximately US$62M), which will see the reconstruction of 26 dilapidated bridges across the country.

NIDCO has eleven

bridges under construction, and we are about to proceed with the implementation of another twelve.

EM: How are they going to improve/change the operations of NIDCO? What sort of investment/expenditure has been invested into this?

As our project profile increases in both volume and complexity,

General construction ■ Civil engineering Dredging ■ Asphalt/Road Paving _____________________________ 152 BWIA Boulevard, Golden Grove Road Piarco. 1-868-669-1484.

www.kallco.co ■ info@kallco.co Endeavour Magazine | 99

JOHN RUDDY WOULD HAVE SAVED THAT

The Perfect Save On YouTube

BY DONNIE RUST Creativity, impulsiveness, the courage to just give it a go and

the game and its token players. And, with the looming World Cup

the ease of uploading a video onto YouTube - this is how modern

approaching in Brazil, fans are foaming at the mouth for anything

day heroes are made. Kit Marsden and Tyler Harrison, the boys

and everything to do with their favourite football stars.

responsible for the viral Youtube video “John Ruddy Would

Beyond the game: I think the genius of the video lies more in the

Have Saved That” had an idea and took it upon themselves to

use of a pop standard of lyrics. The song may not be complicated

record something and upload it onto YouTube. Based on a Tweet

but it is instead catchy as hell! Something we found out at the

conversation had during the Norwich game and a clever idea for a

office after one view of the video when everyone was singing it and

catchy song, they put together a video over a couple of days that

humming it under their breath. The same way that your favourite

has gone viral. Picking up over 1000 views in its first day and 2000

catchphrase from television or radio becomes a favourite answer

by the second.

and conversation tool - “John Ruddy Would Have Saved That” has become the perfect phrase to use to get a laugh from people and the perfect input for any conversation ranging from the recent European elections, through to stock evaluations and VD. You also have to appreciate the dancing. Kid Marsden the suited and gloved singer in the video has also invented a dance, his snazzy shoulder waggle and awkward dancing is the sort of visual humour that people love. Today people respond to a Meme sort of humour, and that awkward “White guy dancing” is hilarious to watch just because of his commitment to the act.

YouTube connects people because it gives us the chance to look at something that ordinary people are doing. Loads of people know Kit and Tyler (the cameraman in this instance) but many of them would be surprised to see the video and that surprise will give them colour to their grey days. The excitement of seeing someone you know in a viral video is always good form of entertainment and we live in a sharing culture where the easiest way to show off that you know a celebrity is to hit the SHARE button.

Looking at why it’s worked is interesting: It strikes a chord: a number of elements in the video are

Of course, the other problem is that they’ll be humming “John Ruddy Would Have Saved That,” for a couple of weeks afterwards.

guaranteed to grab the attention of people on the internet, firstly

What’s next? While the boys have appeared in the local

of course is the use of John Ruddy’s name in the title, centralizing

newspaper Eastern Daily Press and on Mustard TV, this isn’t the

him as a goalie who doesn’t miss a save will draw support from his

end all and be all. Tyler Harrison, one of Norwich’s most talented

fans and the Norwich City FC club, the British club that he plays for.

magicians will be putting together his own video soon and the team

With the politics and the constant drama surrounding football/

are set to become very well known and much appreciated YouTube

soccer today fans have heavy opinions about each and every player

stars in their own rites. So keep a weathered eye out and make sure

and these opinions quickly translate into a religious fervour for

you don’t miss them coz John Ruddy would have saved that.

100 | Endeavour Magazine

Endeavour Magazine | 101

BOOK REVIEWS

Richard Dawkins, biologist: “Dark Universe is hauntingly imaginative, and uses the medium of science fiction to let the reader reconstruct how myths can start.”

Deprived of light in their refuge far underground, the descendants of the survivors of a nuclear holocaust have heightened hearing and navigate using the echoes from clicking stones, and develop a religion around the memory of lost light. Then the protagonist, Jared, begins to question his tribe’s beliefs.

The Survivors live deep underground in a world of complete darkness, divided into two clans, one living in the Lower Level and one in the Upper Level. Their legends tell of the Original World where man lived alongside the Light Almighty a concept of which they can no longer conceive and away from the ultimate evil, Radiation, with its two Lieutenants the Twin Devils Cobalt and Strontium. The Lower Level Survivors venerate a relic known as the Holy Bulb. “So compassionate was the Almighty that when He banished

Daniel F. Galouye

Dark Universe bitly.com/1qKN3cg

man from Paradise, He sent parts of Himself to be with us for a while. And He dwelled in many little vessels like this Holy Bulb.”

Jared is the son of the Prime Survivor, the leader of the Lower Level clan and is himself due to become a Survivor (i.e. an adult clansman), but Jared is too busy with his quest to find Light. He rationalizes that to find distant Light he must first locate its opposite, Darkness, which is near and “abounds in the worlds of men!” He goes on to theorize that: “Darkness must be something real. Only, we can’t recognize it.”

Dark Universe, published in 1961, was nominated for the prestigious Hugo Award for its ability to draw readers into this strange underground world. It also puts into context how religion can begin when faith replaces the ability to measure and quantify something. Ie. Light instead of God.

102 | Endeavour Magazine

Peter Pan J M Barrie

For most people, unfortunately their

vary, of course, in numbers, according as they

understanding of Peter Pan is limited to the

get killed and so on; and when they seem to

Disney Films, the Film and what they remember

be growing up, which is against the rules, Peter

from the read-aloud sessions at school where

thins them out...”

the teachers usually read the easy read

Neverland is less about not being able to

version. If you read J M Barrie’s original Peter

grow up and more about not being able to

Pan, the complete and unabridged copy you’ll

grow up and it’s not a game, you can die and

find a much darker story that is less about the

be killed not just by pirates and Indians, but by

joys of being young forever and more about

Peter Pan himself if you break the rules and

the terror of having a child who will never grow

“grow up”.

And: “...Peter measures you for your tree

up and can fly.

In traditional fashion, The Disney cartoons,

as carefully as for a suit of clothes: the only

have turned this classic story/fairy tale into a

difference being that the clothes are made to fit

children’s programme by really glossed over

you, while you have to be made to fit the tree

the darker elements that fill this story. With

[....] if you are bumpy in awkward places [....]

today’s lust for darker elements read this from

Peter does something to you to make you fit.”

start to finish. You won’t be disappointed.

Lines like this: “The boys on the island

Mr Mercedes Stephen King

Now tell me those lines, when read as an adult aren’t horrifying.

published a long time ago, however, and after

Hodges takes the bait and slowly starts

the Dark Tower fantasy series and non‑fiction

to turn the tables, with the aid of new friends

such as the magisterial On Writing, King isn’t

and even a lover picked up along the way. At

Stephen King is one of the

as trapped in the horror ghetto as he once was.

its heart, Mr Mercedes is a traditional cat-and-

few writers so well known that

Therefore, there is a third level of potential

mouse story about a psychopathic killer and the

even people who don’t read

scrutiny – that of assessing the book within

renegade cop who makes it his mission to bring

have heard of him. As a result,

whichever genre it inhabits. Mr Mercedes is

him down, with parallel intertwined narratives

he is judged by different rules.

firmly positioned in suspense-thriller territory

charting the detective’s rebirth and exploring the

and the non-supernatural world – somewhere

killer’s psyche. It is tight, focused and manages to

King evidently feels increasingly at home.

avoid the excessive use of extraneous characters

When evaluating a new King, you have to come at it from at least two angles. The

While horror novels are about an idea, crime

first and most important is

and mystery books tend to stand or fall on plot.

simply whether it’s a good book.

Ardent fans aren’t going to check what the story

Next, there’s the question of

is about, however, before deciding whether to

whether it’s a good Stephen

purchase: if you’ve been waiting impatiently for the

When judging it purely as a thriller, that will

King book, because he puts

new King then you’re going to buy the thing even

depend on taste. The truth is that King transcends

each novel in front of bazillions

if it’s about a pebble called Deirdre living out her

genre, and is too warm and compassionate a

of

for

retirement on Mars. For the record, Mr Mercedes

writer to settle for jaggedly noir suspense, or to

his

readers

who

distinctively

return

and prose folksiness that are the Big Man’s only occasional faults.

Good book? Hell, yes. Good Stephen King book? Absolutely.

unstoppable

concerns overweight former homicide detective

write some cold shard of a novel populated by

storytelling engine, his particular

Bill Hodges, who is lonely, retired and bored to

modishly nihilistic ciphers. He is not in business

and hugely dependable voice.

the point of being vaguely suicidal, whiling away

merely to show you how venal humankind can be

Their expectations can be a

his days watching bad TV and playing thoughtfully

– though he’ll open that door and make sure you

mixed blessing, and there have

with his father’s gun. Thankfully, Brady Hartfield,

get a good look. Notwithstanding his reputation

been very good King novels

the unhinged killer behind a celebrated local

as the Master of the Dark Side, King is always

whose

reception was

atrocity – one of the unsolved cases that bugs

far more interested in how we get by in life, how

muted because he dared to step

Hodges in the long watches of the night – has the

we manage to care for one another and walk

outside his normal range.

ex-cop in his sights and is determined to needle

together toward the light, despite the darkness

him into ending it all.

lurking within us all.

The

initial

Tommyknockers

was

Endeavour Magazine | 103