June2014 web

JUNE 2014

www.endeavourmagazine.com

DENIS LEBEL

ARIMA RACE CLUB

NIDCO

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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

2014

’s hump month has finally arrived where we can all have a moment to take stock of how this year is going. Looking back

it’s been a half year of firsts, of new discoveries and explorations into new territories. The first major steps towards the development of the world’s first quantum computer have been put into place by online internet god Google and this has raised our level of scientific understanding that we are now confident to move into redeveloping the wheel and the way we tell the time.

Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com

The construction industry has welcomed the creation of a new light

Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com

industry including computing and deep sea diving. Aerogel is easily

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

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

weight material that has already made impressions on every other made, by dehydrating gel to form a material that is not only stronger than conventional bricks, but a tiny fraction of the weight. It is also such a powerful insulator of sound and heat that tests have included placing an ice cube on the top of quarter inch thick sponge of aerogel and placing that on top of a Bunsen burner. The Chinese and Australians are making use of this material for their Antarctic habitats.

Mining and oil and gas has seen a rise with new deposits being located around the world and while lobbyists may be vindicating them there is hope because green energy has enjoyed its greatest rise over the last three months thanks to developments in Norway and Canada in new methods of storing solar energy and converting it into electricity using graphene capacitors.

Finally, crowd sourcing funding campaigns have given new possibility to Small Medium Enterprises looking to get started providing one of the most unexpected turns to providing employment and rewriting the rules on business.

The world has changed a lot over the last six months; it’ll be interesting to see what else 2014 will bring.

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

Endeavour Magazine | 3

CONTENTS

68 Emperors Palace FEATURES

28 NIDCO 4 | Endeavour Magazine

29

41

47

53

58

63

69

77

83

89

95

101

107

NIDCO Building Solid Relationships National Petroleum Marketing Company Ltd Basically The Best Inland Offshore Contractors Limited Success & Expansion For Oil And Gas Carib Sand & Stone Ltd Digging For Victory New Building Canada Fund Open For Business!

Arima Race Club Kings, Nobility And Horses Emperors Palace Fit For A King Fit For An Emperor Lian Beng Construction Dreaming Big PPC Zimbabwe Building The Foundation Amsteele Systems Stress Without Suffering Site Facility Home From Home Treated Timber Products When Working With The Grain Works Layne Drilling Leading By Example

88 Amsteele Systems

94 Site Facility

ARTICLES 6 10

14 16 18

20

24 26

112

116 118

Business Headlines Michael Jacobsen What I Aspire To The Tom Hanks Syndrome Is Ukip Half Baked?

Volvo S60 Business Edition The Business Edition Is Sleek & Responsive BMW Model Debuts And Upgrades For Summer 2014 Gadgets Summer Is Here, And Mallorca Is Waiting For You! Sally Fitzgibbons One With The Ocean And Living Her Passion Big Corporation Sickness Book Reviews

100 Treated Timber Products

Endeavour Magazine | 5

BUSINESS HEADLINES the complexity and uncertainty of traditional mechanical clutches.

We focused on making this drill/ driver simple and intuitive – our goal for AutoSense Technology is to empower homeowners to complete DIY projects with more confidence and better results.” said Matt Nestorick, group product manager for BLACK+DECKER. Without the added bulk of a clutch, the 20V MAX* Lithium Cordless Drill with AutoSense Technology

is

a

streamlined,

compact tool that is easy to use, limits hand fatigue, and has the

power,

performance,

and

technology to get the job done – and done right. For added comfort, an over-mold rubber handle offers

The Drill Just Got Smarter™ Intuitive Drill/Driver Technology Saves Times And Frustration

T

secure grip and control.

A battery status indicator lets you know when the battery needs to be recharged and an LED work light on the foot of the drill illuminates large work surface areas and reduces shadows.

his spring BLACK+DECKER will introduce the new

The 20V MAX* Drill/Driver with AutoSense Technology is sold

20V MAX* Lithium Cordless Drill with AutoSense™

with a charger and a 20V MAX* lithium ion battery, which holds

Technology, the first drill that is designed to intuitively

a charge for up to 18 months. The 20V MAX* lithium ion battery

understand when to stop screws flush with the work surface.

Research has confirmed that do–it–yourselfers are frustrated with mechanical clutches. The 20V MAX* Lithium Cordless Drill

is part of an interchangeable system that powers more than 30 BLACK+DECKER Power Tools, Outdoor Products, and Home Products combined.

with AutoSense Technology instead has an automatic clutch that has

The 20V MAX* Lithium Cordless Drill with AutoSense™

proven to be three times more accurate than a mechanical clutch**.

Technology is the first product to feature BLACK+DECKER’s new

Homeowners no longer need to experiment with trial and error to

identity. More than just a logo change, new BLACK+DECKER

set the clutch.

products, which range from power tools to outdoor and home

The 20V MAX* Lithium Cordless Drill with AutoSense has two modes, drill and drive. In drive mode, a microprocessor continuously measures the tool’s performance. As the screw enters the material there is a rapid change in its torque profile. The microprocessor analyzes the rate of change and stops most screws flush with the material within three milliseconds. To countersink screws, the tool provides depth control for micro adjustments. In drill mode, the combined power of the 20V MAX* battery and the drill’s 0–800 RPM motor provide the performance necessary for the quick completion of any homeowner application.

“After spending a lot of time observing and listening to homeowners, we discovered that most people are frustrated with 6 | Endeavour Magazine

products, will be Honest, Intuitive, Involved, and Thoughtful.

Fire Sprinklers Prove Their Life-Saving Value In Chicago Area High-Rise Fires

O

n Wednesday, May 7, a single fire sprinkler extinguished a kitchen fire in the Spinning Wheel Apartments highrise building in Hinsdale. The fire occurred on the sixth

floor of the 17-story building when a frying pan was left on the stove while the stove was left in the “on” position.

According to Tim McElroy, assistant chief of the Hinsdale Fire

Department, the fire sprinkler system allowed the woman and

in this high-rise building in just as many years greatly proves the

young child to escape safely as it put water on the fire. All other

value of retrofitting fire sprinklers in older high-rises,” says Tom Lia,

residents also evacuated safely as the fire alarm sounded. Damage

executive director of the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory

was estimated at only $6,000.

Board. “Fire sprinklers protect occupants and allow them to safely escape. For high-rise building owners and managers, fire sprinklers protect their investment.”

The day after the fire sprinkler activation in Hinsdale, a fire sprinkler system in the basement-level parking garage of the Esplanade Apartments high-rise on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago contained an automobile fire.

Earlier this year on February 25, northwest suburban Schaumburg reported a successful fire sprinkler activation in the Village in the Park residential high-rise building. One fire sprinkler activated to extinguish a closet fire caused by an unattended candle in one of the units. In 2003, Schaumburg required fire sprinklers in all highrises, including existing buildings by June 2012.

Another northwest suburb, Elgin, is currently in the process of retrofitting its high-rise buildings with fire sprinkler systems per through requirements in its codes.

Dubai International Capital To Sell Packaging Firm Mauser In £1Bn Deal

“

G

lobal producer of rigid industrial packaging, Mauser who specialize in cans and drums for transporting medical

Sprinkler systems save lives and protect property.”

“Sprinkler systems save lives and protect property,” says McElroy.

“In this case it saved many lives and helped protect this building from what could have been a major catastrophe.”

The successful fire sprinkler activation comes just two years after

the fire sprinkler system successfully extinguished another kitchen fire on the eleventh floor of the same high-rise building on April 28, 2012. That fire was caused by unattended cooking oil left on a stovetop. Fire sprinkler limited the damage from that fire to $5,000 and no one was injured.

The high-rise building is currently in the process of retrofitting

waste and other hazardous chemicals, employs 4,400

employees and has consolidated revenues of over $1.6 bn (£940m) has been acquired in a $1.1bn deal by DIC There were reports that the Mauser sale would result in a bidding war between two other DIC assets – British engineering group Doncasters and German alumina manufacturer Almatis – but DIC, the private equity arm of Dubai Holding which is owned by Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, opted for a sole process with CD&R. David Smoot, chief executive of DIC, said Mauser had been a

successful

DIC,

investment

providing

approximately

a

return

double

for of

DIC’s

equity invested. “We partnered

fire sprinklers to comply with Hinsdale’s adoption of NFPA 101

with

Life Safety Code. Roughly half of the building is protected with fire

to improve the group from

sprinklers so far, adds McElroy.

both a strategic and financial

“The occurrence of two successful fire sprinkler activations

a

strong

management

SALLY FITZGIBBONS One With The Ocean And Living Her Passion

perspective, and now is the Endeavour Magazine | 7

Founded in 1896 and headquartered in Bruehl near Cologne (Germany), Mauser now operates out of 83 facilities across 18 countries, up from 53 facilities in 12 countries in 2007.

Profit margins between 2007-2013 increased, with adjusted EBITDA margins expanded from 10.7% to 12.3%.

right time for it to continue its development under new ownership.

Mauser is well positioned to drive further growth and profitability given its attractive global platform.”

The sale to the New York-based private equity is one of the largest asset disposals by a state-owned investment fund in Dubai since its debt crisis in 2009. Sonja Terraneo, Partner of CD&R, said the packaging group had a strong track record of innovation. “There are exciting opportunities for further growth and we are looking forward to working with the management team to unlock value and continue to deliver success.”

Dauria Aerospace Partners With Elecnor Deimos To Create The World’s First Daily Full Earth Imaging Satellite Constellation

D

eimos Perseus satellite constellation will provide wideband imaging of the entire Earth on a daily basis.

Dauria Aerospace,

a

multinational

aerospace

company providing global data, communication and remote sensing information, and Elecnor Deimos, the technology-focused subsidiary of Elecnor, today announced a joint partnership to develop Deimos Perseus, the first satellite constellation to provide frequent imaging of

Mauser group chief executive Hans-Peter Schaefer added that

the entire Earth. These satellites will carry high quality multispectral

in the seven years working under DIC’s ownership, the company

sensors that provide for automated identification of ground features

increased its footprint and customer offering, as well as improving

such as crop types, their vigor, and stage in the growing cycle.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Dauria in an effort to push

its operational efficiency.

“I am looking forward to working with CD&R to continue building

the boundaries of small satellite imagery and create the first satellite constellation of its kind. By 2016, Deimos Perseus will be able to

on MAUSER’s success.”

Nicholas Mockett, M&A expert from Moorgate Capital, told

image the entire earth on a daily basis,” says Fabrizio Pirondini at

Packaging News: “Mauser is one of the worlds largest and best

Elecnor Deimos. “Deimos Perseus will allow for in-depth monitoring

known industrial packaging

of wild fires, floods, crop yields, forest composition, among other

companies which has proprietary

technology, a complement of products and a significant global foot print. It has a rare attribute for the packaging industry in that is a recognised brand. “

8 | Endeavour Magazine

agricultural and forestry data processing.”

Elecnor Deimos currently operates Deimos-1, an earth imaging satellite deployed in 2009, which provides wideband imagery with

frequent revisits of each territory. Deimos-1 will be combined with Dauria Aerospace’s eight Perseus-O satellites and utilize a ground segment developed by Dauria and Elecnor Deimos for imagery receipt and data processing.

Book Reviews

a

complete

renovation

and

redesign. It will reopen as the Waterstone Resort & Marina, a Double Tree by Hilton Hotel. Set

“The collaboration between Elecnor Deimos and Dauria will set

on the Intracoastal Waterway

a new standard in the small satellite industry and be in a position to

at the Boca Inlet, the luxurious

better serve the rapidly growing demand for high quality, affordable

modern

space-based information services, data and communications,” says

furnished private balconies with

Mike Kokorich, founder and president of Dauria Aerospace. “With our

spectacular vistas of the Atlantic

innovative approach to the Deimos Perseus satellite constellation,

Ocean, its sun-soaked sandy

companies around the world can benefit from frequent, whole-Earth

beaches and the Boca Inlet.

imaging and advanced data analysis.”

Guests can dine, swim and relax

The first four Perseus-O satellites are scheduled for deployment

guestrooms

feature

overlooking Boca’s waterfront.

in early 2015, with the remaining four planned for the third quarter of

The brand new guestrooms

that year. Furthermore, Dauria and Elecnor Deimos are each planning

and public spaces have set

to launch additional satellites this summer. Dauria is scheduled to

a

launch two Perseus-M – maritime surveillance satellites, developed

modern design and luxury. Ian

by Canopus Systems US. Elecnor Deimos is planning to launch a very-high resolution Deimos-2 satellite on board of a “Dnepr” launch vehicle. DX1, another satellite by Dauria Aerospace, is scheduled for launch on a “Soyuz” rocket. All four launches are slated to occur on June 19th.

Dauria received a $20 million investment from I2BF Global Ventures in October 2013 to support the Deimos Perseus constellation.

heightened

standard

for

Fraser, Sr. Vice President of Operations with Nova Hotel Renovation

&

Construction

said “Nova is delighted to be a part of launching this gorgeous hotel. The Waterstone Resort & Marina is perfectly situated and is sure to become a renowned

Nova Hotel Renovation & Construction Renovates Former Boca Raton Bridge Hotel Waterstone Resort & Marina Opening Soon Following Substantial Renovation

N

ova

Hotel

R&C

destination property. Nova HRC is proud to have taken part in this renovation.”

The

renovation

of

the

Waterstone Resort & Marina adds to Nova HRC’s impressive resume of restoration of resorts and hotels throughout North America and the world. Nova HRC

specializes

hospitality

in

global

renovation

and

construction projects, servicing all segments in the industry, including

modern

branded

has completed the

hotels and boutique properties.

renovation of the

The company directors and

breathtaking luxury Waterstone

executive staff are a fusion

Resort & Marina. The iconic

of hoteliers and construction

property formerly known as Boca

experts, allowing for a uniquely

Raton Bridge Hotel, owned by

dynamic,

AWH Partners and The Lane

practical approach to renovation

Organization,

and hotel operations.

has

undergone

yet

thoroughly

Endeavour Magazine | 9

MICHAEL JACOBSEN

WHAT I ASPIRE TO

BY DONNIE RUST

L

ooking at it from the outside in, it appears difficult to

which lead him to make a deep footprint for himself in the financial

keep your feet on the ground when all of your ambitions

sector.

have you aiming for the skies. It takes an entrepreneur

“I initially worked as a stockbroker,” he opens up, “And the profits

to realize that the only way to do this is to build it brick by brick,

allowed me to invest in property and Angel invest in businesses. I

stone by stone, always looking at how you can get higher and never

then collaborated on the development of entertainment property

forgetting the importance of foundation.

such as theatres, arenas and stadiums which led to greater activity

Michael Jacobsen is a bestselling author and serial entrepreneur

in the Creative and entertainment sectors.”

who is known for co-founding and producing Dirty Dancing on Stage, the world’s highest grossing theatrical production and cofounding a £100 million property company with assets in theatres and stadiums. Scores of entrepreneurs and SMEs around the world owe him for helping them start their businesses and he has demonstrated, repeatedly, that his success is less to do with good fortune and more to do with understanding the nature of business.

Australian by birth, Michael currently resides in London and has from a young age pursued a life of intensive learning and development. Studying business at university he obtained postgraduate qualifications from the Australian Securities Institute, the governing body for the financial services sector in Australia, 10 | Endeavour Magazine

Learning The Language Of Business Delving into the world of finance as a stock broker, Michael was responsible for investing his client’s money in publicly trading companies and as such spent a great deal of his time studying businesses, “You begin to understand how they work,” he describes, “And what makes their Founders and management tick.”

This understanding led him to be able to apply these ‘big picture assessments’ to the projects he supported as an Angel investor working with SMEs.

“I think business is a learned process,” he says, “As long as you

it,” Michael explains, “In order to grow a business they must have a

have a passion for it. The gift I was given was passion for business

team they delegate to execute their vision, and a team who believes

and a passion for people. Once you have a passion you tend to have

in the vision they have created.”

a greater aptitude to pick up more skills and to excel at something. I

He goes on to add, “So far as me, I set the vision for my companies

myself am a great advocate in the lifelong learning of all aspects of

and continue to focus on innovating and growing, whilst appointing

commercial life.”

capable people to run the business. I ensure these people believe

Unsurprisingly, Michael has been heavily involved in a number

in the vision I set and we then set tangible goals together and this

of prominent projects that have received major international praise.

enables me to be hands off and let them run the business to these

As an example, he was the co-owner of the global IP rights to Dirty

guidelines.”

Dancing the Stage Show which he co-produced around the world including a long run at London’s West End. He has worked on large scale venue developments in Asia-Pacific as well as numerous entertainment productions that have included the likes of major performers such as Sir Elton John, Barba Streisand and Pink while outside of the entertainment arena he has sat on the board of the global coffee chain Gloria Jean’s Coffees, which has stores in forty three nations around the world.

“A Founder and Entrepreneur must strike the balance between innovation and execution or working ‘in’ the business as well as ‘on’

The Methodology Of A Highly Successful Entrepreneur Michael explains that he relies heavily on systems to maintain efficiency and striking that abovementioned balance between execution (emails, meetings) and innovation, “I believe that with the right systems you can manage a large workload in a relatively organised and stress free way.”

Planning each project in advance with key milestones for the

Endeavour Magazine | 11

teams managing them, Michael meets on a weekly basis with the responsible managers to discuss these milestones and the associated outcomes, “Each meeting is outcome based,” he says, “We don’t just chat about the week and the weather and this means that there are clear outcomes arising from each meeting which can be executed and turned into milestones for the week ahead.”

Taking on his fair share of these milestones, Michael believes that success cannot be measured in terms of time spent working on a project but rather by outcomes in line with the vision. As such systems and outcome based thinking is a vital component of his philosophy.

“And while all projects are top heavy in terms of time at the beginning and inevitably all have issues that arise along the way which demand a chunk of time what we’re speaking about is the all-important management of the general day to day lifecycle of the project. If this is handled correctly the issues are usually easy to sort,” And not being afraid of failure but rather inspired by it is another important mind frame.

Entrepreneurs generating

are

creators,

something

where

nothing exists and a spark of an idea leads to innovation which leads to a tangible company, “I have had projects which didn’t work out as I had planned, didn’t make the money I expected them to make or faced extreme challenges. I think most serial entrepreneurs would be in the

Not being afraid of failure but rather inspired by it is an important mind frame.

Sourcing New Projects When it comes to new projects and choosing what to lend his Midas touch to, Michael has a highly structured system in place to tackle the many projects and responsibilities demanding his time.

He divides his time equally amongst three main areas of his working life: •

inspires, leads and educates the future business leaders of the world take up one third.

•

never

compromise

on

vision. “ 12 | Endeavour Magazine

your

His not for profit work for the British Library, School for Creative Start Ups, Techstars Accelerator and a few other important organizations targeted at supporting business start-ups take up

same boat as me on this one.

The key is, in the process, to

His own entrepreneurial projects, his writing and the many speaking engagements where he

another third.

•

And his sitting as Non-Executive Director on various boards pertaining to the entertainment, media and food, tech and food and beverage sectors takes up the remainder.

“I am fortunate to have access to a good pipeline of activities and offers,” Michael says, “I get involved in a project of my own or take

believe in hierarchy and that anyone in his companies is free and encouraged to come to him with ideas.

up a Board seat invitation if it fits with my own personal vision that include whether I think I can add serious value to it, if I genuinely believe in the opportunity and not just the monetary value of it and most important of all, if I like and respect the people involved.”

With such an outflow of energy into his businesses and the support he offers to others Michael is insistent on getting his down time and firmly advocates that physical activity is vital to a person’s overall energy and health as well as lowering stress.

“I travel incessantly for pleasure and I read everything I can lay my hands on, especially about business, time management and physiology,” he tells us, “It’s so important to take in as much as give out.”

Recruting The Best

What’s Next?

Michael’s main focus for the up-coming year is launching his new company, a social business called the Global Entrepreneurs Agency (GEA).

Working with entrepreneurs from growing and emerging markets abroad and assisting them to do business in the UK and ultimately move their businesses here is the main focus of GEA. “Britain is undoubtedly one of the world’s venture and business capitals and can add immense value to growing businesses from abroad,” he tells us, “The problem is they need advice and can’t afford private sector consultants or Non-Executive Directors to fulfil their potential. GEA is designed to provide them with low cost, subsidised non-executive advice and support.”

With there only being so many hours in the day and so many days

Partnering with London and Partners, a commercial partner of

in the week, Michael reveals that his preferred system of recruitment

theirs, they are working closely with UK Trade and Investment as

is actually via word of mouth.

well as British and foreign embassies locally and abroad to see this

“I insist on meeting with the person and talking with them,”

endeavour to its fulfilment. He is also working with some overseas

he describes, “I like to make my own assessment of their skills but

governments in an advisory capacity on entrepreneurial and Creative

mostly to assess their alignment to our vision and values.”

Sector policies.

This alignment to the vision and values of the business is very

A second focus for Michael is completing another book entitled

important, Michael points out that it isn’t possible as a third party

The 11 Laws of Global Business, which will no doubt become yet

to keep people motivated 24/7 and that people have to believe in

another bestselling bible for the twenty first century business person.

what they do and see it as bigger than any one individual. This is

Conclusion

what truly motivates them.

Everyone has a role to play in this world, Michael explains, and

“Harvard studies show that to employees, appreciation is more important than money,” he reveals, “And whilst I always pay above

entrepreneurs are no better or worse than anyone else, but the role they play needs to be understood better than it is.

market, I show genuine appreciation to my staff as I genuinely

This role is one of creation and visualising something, manifesting

respect them putting their heart and soul into their work as well as

it into reality in a way that changes people’s lives for the better.

their time. I pay for their time but I can’t repay them for their heart

It must give more than it takes and that fulfils a genuine need in

and soul.”

people’s lives…

Regularly engaging all employees with their vision is important as is having a very flat structure, Michael points out that he doesn’t

“That’s what I aspire to do with my businesses and I think that’s the key role of an entrepreneur,” he concludes.

Endeavour Magazine | 13

THE TOM HANKS SYNDROME

Five Reasons I’m Not A Grown Up WRITTEN BY DONNIE RUST

A

pparently I’ve managed to convince everyone I work with that I am a responsible adult and not a twelve year old frantically trying to work out the controls to

a grown up’s body. I am the embodiment of Tom Hanks in BIG. The eighteen years between being twelve and being thirty pretty much count for nothing when you look into the mirror and you wonder if today will be the day that everyone learns your secret. Will today be the day where everyone discovers that I haven’t yet grown up and that paying bills, taxes and having a subscription to SKY TV, does not certify you as a mature adult.

Here are six reasons why I don’t think I’m an adult yet.

1. I’m amazed I haven’t blown myself up yet I’m thirty years old and I’m still amazed that I live on my own.

Or rather, I’m still amazed that day after day, year after year I seem to be able to actually pay my bills, feed, clothe and bathe myself without causing any physical or property damage and with only a few tantrums. I have a job that someone actually trusts me to do and I get paid for my time and everything seems to be running smoothly as if I know exactly what’s going on.

But every time I get those bills pushed through my letter slot I want to send a curt letter back to those grown up owners of the tax office, the water office, the gas and electric company and SKY and ask them straight up if they know they’re not sending these bills to a grown up?

2. There was no notification about me being a grown up Where is my certificate for growing up? Where is my badge saying that I am a responsible adult? I have never written an exam for it, applied for a license pertaining to it or even asked permission to be it. I was once a child in a child’s body and now I am a child in a man’s body and don’t get me wrong I love the body I have ended up in. It is a lot of fun being a grown-up- but I still expect to wake up one morning to discover I’m a child once again and have to

14 | Endeavour Magazine

5. I still sometimes want to be told what to do

deal with the consequences of my deception. Coming into work in an oversized suit and having to apologize with weepy tears in my eyes to all the adults who aren’t angry with me but disappointed.

I come home from work and am still happy I don’t have homework.

3. I am not nearly as mature as my parents

I have a handful of hours between coming home from work and going to bed that I can do whatever I want. If I wanted to I could build a fort in the middle of my living room

I remember what my dad

out of all the furniture, set it on fire

looked like when he was my age

and run around it Indian Chanting.

and he looked grown up, he was

If I wanted I could cover myself

an adult, I’m not. I still play video

from head to toe in Vaseline and go

games and watch Dr. Who, I still

play rugby. But usually I end up on

know the whole theme song to

my couch watching television and

Duck Tales and I giggle whenever someone says the world pianist.

waiting for someone to tell me what to do. It’s a subconscious thing,

It’s not that I expect the whole world to fall apart at any moment

I’m hardly aware of it, but there is a lag period in my brain that has

but if my world is relying on me to be its solid foundation it’s got a

developed from years of my childhood of my mother telling me what

serious surprise waiting for it. I may appear like reinforced concrete

to do and I’m still waiting for it.

bathed in awesomeness but, just beneath the surface you’ll find less

My resident child-like mind sits there loving that it doesn’t

of a solid foundation of rock and more a scaffolding of poor decisions

have to do anything but bored senseless, wanting to be told to do

and lucky wins tied together with shoelaces and good humour. This

something even if it’s purely so he can throw a strop about being

is what happens when you let a child live a grown up’s job.

asked to do something.

It’s so messed up. My Dad used to approach everything calmly

I waste away the hours waiting for a grown up to tell me to do

and with great confidence, he could take on any problem be it a

something and when it doesn’t happen I go to bed feeling that I

tree falling through the window, our pool being washed away by

haven’t used my time properly when all that I needed to do to make

a flood, our house being flooded or a fleet of monkeys ransacking

it more productive was to do anything.

our kitchen, as if he’d seen it all, done it all and knew what had to happen. But I’m not like that, any success that I’ve had as an adult has been more a case of me desperately pretending to know what I was doing, pretending to be confident and casual enough to get the job done and then holding my breath, sweating and trying to slow down my Riverdancing heartbeat while waiting for it to blow up in my face. And it’s always like this no matter how often I’ve had to make a grown up decision.

4. I learn to do grown up things only because I feel I should It seems that in my attempt to keep the illusion of my adulthood going that I’ve learnt how to do a number of grown up things. Like cooking on a stove and using a washer and dryer. But these are just

6. I’m still that kid This is the big one. I still like the things I liked when I was a child.

I still enjoy watching Dragon Ball Z because when Goku goes Super Saiyan for the first time was the only time I totally geeked out with my friends in my living room. The opening credits for the Highlander TV series still gives me goosebumps and Rednex Cotton Eyed Joe is still cutting edge music (still awesome to dance to).

Chemical and biological facts aside, I am still the same kid I was and maybe that kid has just become so good at pretending to be grown up that he doesn’t know how to play any other game? I just hope that this rickety reality is not shared by people in power. Like presidents, kings, queens or prime ministers wallowing around in a coalition government…

things I’ve learnt so that people don’t ask questions. It doesn’t make me a grown up.

Endeavour Magazine | 15

IS UKIP HALF BAKED? WRITTEN BY JOHN, LORD TAYLOR OF WARWICK

“F

ruitcakes and loons”. That is how David Cameron

the 1930s and Ukip have tapped into that human inclination to play

described the United Kingdom Independence

the “Blame Game,” pointing the finger at immigrants and Europe

Party, when he became Prime Minster in 2010.

for our problems, especially unemployment. Their effectiveness is

That could prove to be a dreadful strategic mistake, as he prepares for

the more so because of the charisma of their leader, Nigel Farage.

the next General election, in 2015. Unfortunately for Mr Cameron,

There are politicians who are “Velcro” in that everything negative

the fruitcakes are on the rise.

sticks to them, even when their intentions are good. Then there are

By labelling Ukip also as “closet racists” Mr Cameron is in danger

politicians who are Teflon, in that nothing negative seems to stick to

of insulting millons of small “c” Conservatives who have deserted

them. Their gaffes and flaws just bounce off them. Farage is definitely

his party over controversial issues such as Immigration, Europe and

non-stick Teflon... at least for now. He has managed to create his

Same Sex Marriage.

image as one of a political “outsider”, a “man of the people”, who

The recent local UK and European elections have signalled a

is passionately anti-Europe, who would have us withdraw from its

significant moment in British politics. Ukip claimed 150 Council seats

institutions. The reality is he is an ex-public school educated former

nationwide and triumphed over the Tories, Lib Dems and Labour

City trader, of French and German ancestry, married to a German

in the European polls. I personally think Ukip are scaremongers.

and who has been a Member of the European Parliament for 15

But there is no doubt they tapped into a deep concern over mass

years. He is a smoker and likes his pint. The media loves characters

immigration, with its impact on housing, hospitals and schools.

and they certainly have one in this former Tory member and son of a

They have also successfully portrayed the European parliament as

stockbroker named Guy Justus Oscar Farage.

bloated, unaccountable and riding rough shod over our sovereignty.

It is not only Cameron who should worry about the Ukip threat.

But what is Ukip? A substantial, credible political force? Or

They were once seen as a party of the Shires, of disaffected Tories.

a one man band dancing to the drum beat of new Farage Garage

But their appeal has broadened. It is clear that many working class

music?

In truth, Ukip seems to be bereft of any detailed policies

Labour supporters have also taken their votes to Ukip. It seized

and has more than its fair share of “unsavoury” candidates. One

dozens of seats in Labour as well as Tory strongholds. Significant

Ukip candidate advised black Comedian Lenny Henry to go and live

inroads were made in Essex, Lincolnshire and even Sunderland. But

in “a black country”. The irony is that Mr Henry is from the “Black

the biggest losers have been the Liberal Democrats. They were once

Country”....Dudley! My children are mixed race...so which part of

the convenient party of protest. But now they are part of a Coalition

them should leave?

Government and Ukip have replaced them as the party to lodge

My main concern about Ukip is that it could set community

protest against a Government, which has had to dispense unpleasant

against community. We are the United Kingdom, where we should

medicine to cure our economic ills. The Liberal Democrats lost more

be building bridges, not walls between the various racial and cultural

than 270 seats and two key councils. They are facing electoral

groups. We are still going through the worst economic crisis since

disaster in 2015, in the General Election.

16 | Endeavour Magazine

Mr Cameron has rejected calls from

building programme, which successive

some of his own MPs to form a pact

governments have failed to do.

with Ukip. Personally I am relieved.

Ukip was founded in 1993 as an

A pact with Ukip could only push the

obscure anti-federalist pressure group.

Tories further right wing, which cannot

For years it struggled to get attention.

be good for modern, multi-racial, multi-

Mr Farage has managed to transform it

cultural Britain. It is significant that Ukip’s anti-immigrant, anti European stance strikes no chord in ethnically diverse, metropolitan London.

But the mainstream parties have to decide how to deal with the Ukip problem. Ignoring them, as Labour have done, is not the answer. Demonising them, as the Tories, have done is even worse. Farage has been able to feed off the insults to portray himself and his supporters as “victims” of the political elite. Cameron stresses that the Conservatives are the only major

“

We must remember that Ukip still controls no Councils and have no MPs, as yet. Apart from its leader, no other member of Ukip has a national profile.

into a populist anti-establishment party.

But we must remember that Ukip still controls no Councils and have no MPs, as yet. Apart from its leader, no other member of Ukip has a national profile.

But the Ukip “fruit cake” is rising. It is now an established part of the political cuisine. Mr Farage announced recently, “There are areas of the country where now we have got an imprint in local government. This party is going to break through into the Westminster parliament next year”.

It is predicted

that Ukip could win at least 10 per

party offering an in-out referendum

cent of the vote at next year’s General

on the European Union. But as the

Election. But how other parties deal

recent local and European elections

with this increasing electoral threat will

have shown, that will not be enough

determine whether Mr Farage and his

in 2015. The Conservatives need to

party continue to grow in influence or

demonstrate that they are reforming

remain half baked.

the welfare state, NHS, reclaiming power from Europe and getting to grips with EU immigration. It could also win much support by embarking on a house

Endeavour Magazine | 17

VOLVO S60

BUSINESS EDITION

THE BUSINESS EDITION IS SLEEK AND RESPONSIVE WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

Sleek, responsive and with just the right amount of casual coolness to feel comfortable whether in city traffic or the open road the S60 from Volvo is as impressive a vehicle as it is reliable.

18 | Endeavour Magazine

Volvo’s record for reliability is one of the best.

T

he Volvo S60 Business Edition balances the executive-

models are pricey to buy and run.

driver appeal and on-board comfort pretty well. It handles

The S60’s cabin bears the smooth, executive finish that is in

crisply, has plenty of grip and although the suspension is

vogue today and completely lacking in sharp edges or flashiness.

rather firm it’s not uncomfortable, controlling body movement well.

There is an air of high-executiveness that is determined by the

It’s only on bad roads where things can get a bit choppy, particularly

quality of the materials used and the solid construction of the car.

if you specify the top-spec R-Design trim, which features a lowered

Most of the plastics and fabrics are easy on the eye and the controls

and stiffened suspension. The steering reacts very quickly which is

have a satisfying feel.

good on a twisty road but not so welcome on the motorway.

Let us not forget that Volvo’s record for reliability is one of the

It is a highly refined vehicle, with road noise subdued and

best. Safety & Security is of the high end. Coming with the high

suspension noise, something that unfortunately features in too

standard of safety kit that you’d expect from Volvo. Six airbags and

many recent Volvos, is negligible. However, it’s not as refined as its

stability control are standard, as is Volvo’s City Safe system, which

key rivals. There’s a fair bit of wind noise at speed and the five-

detects objects in front and can stop the car to prevent low-speed

cylinder diesel engines are boomy, particularly when combined with

impacts. The optional Driver Support Pack includes a Pedestrian

the Geartronic automatic gearbox.

Detection System , able to recognise a person in the road and along

However I still don’t quite understand the need for so many modern executive vehicles to change the design of things like the

with adaptive cruise control, a lane-departure warning system and a blind-spot information system.

handbrake. The S60’s handbrake is a small switch beneath the

Merging technology and beauty the S60 is the executive car,

steering column on the right hand side and as it’s a simple on-off

perfectly designed to be enjoyed and appreciated whilst on the

switch it does remove the need for skilled driving.

motorway or while in traffic. Comfortable and sophisticated it is a

A bit of research revealed that the S60 undercuts the list price

very intelligent vehicle where a lot of effort has been made to take

of the equivalent BMW, Audi and Mercedes models. However, the

the responsibility away from the driver. My only issue would be that I

resale values are not as impressive as its rivals and contract hire rates

felt at times that I was merely needed to steer and occasionally came

are rather high.

into conflict with the various additions.

While respectable, the fuel economy and CO2 emissions for the diesel models are not at the same level as the best and the T6 petrol

This being said, within a couple of hours of driving I was afraid I may not want to drive anything else.

Endeavour Magazine | 19

BMW MODEL DEBUTS AND UPGRADES FOR SUMMER 2014

T

High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim, Aluminium hexagon interior trim, M Sport aerodynamic styling, M Sport suspension and M Sport interior styling enhancements as standard.

A new generation of four-cylinder diesel engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology will debut this summer in the BMW 518d and the BMW 520d. The new engines will be available in both Saloon and Touring body styles and depending on specification can achieve emissions of just 109g/km.

The new engines are based on the BMW Group’s new modular engine system. Particular attention has been paid to optimising the thermal dynamics of the basic engine and to achieving a very rapid response when using the Auto Start Stop function. The 2.0-litre power units feature an aluminium crankcase with thermally joined liners for optimisation of internal friction coefficients; integrated balance shafts; a map-controlled oil pump, and a highly efficient turbocharging system with variable intake geometry. The maximum pressure of the Common Rail direct injection, featuring solenoid injectors, has been increased to 2,000 bar.

In entry-level form the new engine delivers a maximum output of 150hp (an increase of 7hp over the old engine). This allows the

he new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer opens for customer

BMW 518d Saloon to accelerate from zero to 62mph in 9.5 seconds

ordering on Friday 16 May, with first deliveries expected

(BMW 518d Touring: 9.1 seconds), and to achieve average fuel

on 27 September, 2014. Prices start at £22,125 OTR for

the 218i SE Active Tourer.

The standard specification for this latest edition to the BMW range has now been confirmed and includes: Automatic tailgate, two-zone automatic air conditioning, rear Park Distance Control, BMW Emergency Call, 40:20:40 split folding rear seat with electronic folding functionality and 60:40 sliding rear bench. Additionally Bluetooth with USB interface and audio streaming functionality, BMW Professional radio with single CD player and 6.5-inch monitor, DAB digital radio, Performance Control, Comfort Go keyless engine start, Drive Performance Control with ECO PRO, Comfort and Sport modes, rain sensor with automatic headlight activation, Sport multifunction leather steering wheel and additional 12V power socket are also included as standard.

Sport models are enhanced by the addition of 17-inch Sport alloy wheels, Sport front seats, LED ambient lighting, Black Highgloss trim and Sport enhancements to the exterior styling. Sport models cost £1,250 over the SE specification.

Luxury models build on this with 17-inch Luxury alloy wheels, Dakota leather upholstery, LED ambient lighting, Chromeline exterior, Fineline Stream wood trim and Luxury enhancements to exterior styling. Luxury models cost £2,000 over an SE. From November the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer will be available in M Sport specification, priced at £3,000 premium over the SE. This includes 18-inch M Sport alloy wheels, Dakota leather upholstery, 20 | Endeavour Magazine

consumption of 65.7mpg (BMW 518d Touring: 61.4mpg) The CO2

technology. It delivers a maximum output of 245hp with peak torque

emissions are 114g/km (518d Touring 122g/km).

of 350Nm. This enables the driver to accelerate from standstill to

For the new BMW 520d, the maximum output has increased by 6hp to an impressive 190hp, while the maximum torque has been increased by 20Nm to 400Nm. These formidable outputs mean the new BMW 520d Saloon accelerates from zero to 62mph in just 7.9 seconds, while the BMW 520d Touring requires only 8.1 seconds.

Economy is just as impressive: the 520d Saloon achieves 65.7mpg (CO2 is 114g/km), with the 520d Touring posting 61.4mpg (CO2 122g/km).

Further efficiency gains can be realised when the eight-speed automatic gearbox is specified. This combination allows the 520d Saloon to achieve as much as 68.9mpg (Touring 62.8mpg) and the CO2 emissions drop as low as 109g/km (118g/km).

The BMW 518d Saloon starts at £30,265 OTR, while the Touring version costs £32,590 OTR. The BMW 520d Saloon and Touring are priced at £31,965 OTR and £34,290 OTR respectively.

Introduction of 228i variant to the BMW 2 Series Coupé

62mph in a mere 5.7 seconds, while the average fuel consumption is 42.8mpg with corresponding CO2 emissions of 154g/km.

Only available in M Sport, the BMW 228i M Sport Coupé costs from £28,260 OTR. This brings the BMW 2 Series Coupé range up to three petrol and three diesel engines variants.

BMW 4 Series Convertible: an even wider selection of engines available The number of engine variants available for the BMW 4 Series Convertible will increase from five to nine by the summer of 2014.

The new BMW 420i Convertible will form the entry-level model, with a 2.0-litre petrol engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology that produces 184hp and a peak torque of 270Nm. This provides acceleration from zero to 62mph in an admirable 8.2 seconds, with an average fuel consumption of 42.8mpg and CO2 emissions of 154g/km. It costs from £34,210 OTR.

A new addition to the 2 Series family is the BMW 228i Coupé,

Moreover, three additional diesel engines with BMW TwinPower

featuring a four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo

Turbo technology are available. The BMW 425d Convertible’s

Endeavour Magazine | 21

2.0-litre four-cylinder engine features multi-stage turbocharging

the BMW 435d xDrive Convertible, which takes a mere 5.2 seconds

and common-rail direct injection, a technology that helps achieve

to accelerate from zero to 62mph. Average fuel consumption is

a maximum output of 218hp and a maximum torque of 450Nm.

49.6mpg with CO2 emissions of 151g/km.

This mix of sporting character and efficiency is borne out by zero to

The new BMW 4 Series Convertible diesel models cost from

62mph in 7.3 seconds and an average fuel consumption of 54.3mpg

£38,540 OTR for the 425d SE Convertible, £44,485 OTR for the

and CO2 emissions of 138g/km.

430d Luxury Convertible and from £48,400 for the 435d xDrive

From the summer of 2014, the 425d will be joined by two new

Luxury Convertible.

straight six-cylinder diesel engines featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The BMW 430d Convertible features a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry and common-rail direct injection with solenoid valve injectors. A maximum output of 258hp and a maximum torque of 560Nm mean the car, which is equipped as standard with an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, accelerates from a standstill to 62mph in just 5.9 seconds. The average fuel consumption is 53.3mpg with CO2 emissions rated at 139g/km.

At the pinnacle of the 4 Series Convertible range, the new BMW

BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé: new engines and additional models with BMW xDrive Following the official launch date of 21 June, four additional model variants bring greater choice to the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé range this summer. On three of these variants, the engine power is transferred to the road via all four wheels thanks to BMW’s intelligent xDrive system.

435d xDrive Convertible provides even higher performance and is

These models include the BMW 420i xDrive Gran Coupé, with

only available with four-wheel-drive. Multi-stage turbocharging and

its 184hp four-cylinder petrol engine. This new model sprints from

common-rail direct injection with piezo injectors give it a maximum

standstill to 62mph in 7.6 seconds. Average fuel consumption

output of 313hp and a peak torque output of 630Nm. The eight-

is 40.9mpg for the BMW 420i xDrive Gran Coupé while the

speed Sport automatic transmission is also a standard feature on

corresponding CO2 emission level is 161g/km. The 420i xDrive

22 | Endeavour Magazine

Gran Coupé costs from £30,960 OTR. The new BMW 430d Gran Coupé is available in both rear and four-wheel-drive form. The straight six-cylinder diesel engine

From the summer of 2014, the new eight-speed automatic transmission featuring Proactive Drive is available for models in the BMW 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series and 5 Series ranges.

develops 258hp and is mated to an eight-speed Sport automatic

On vehicles equipped with satellite navigation, the Proactive

transmission on both models. This enables the rear-wheel-drive

Drive system ensures that the moment to shift gears is precisely

variant to accelerate from zero to 62mph in 5.6 seconds, while the

adapted to the current driving situation. The system works even if

BMW xDrive variant requires just 5.3 seconds to accomplish this

the navigation system is not active at that given moment.

task. The consumption and CO2 values are equally impressive: the

The Proactive Driving Assistant works in tandem with the

BMW 430d Gran Coupé returns a fuel consumption of 55.4mpg

navigation system and “sees” a bend or a roundabout ahead,

(53.3mpg with xDrive) with CO2 emissions of 134g/km (140g/km

taking into account turn-offs and motorway exits. If the vehicle is

with xDrive).

approaching a roundabout or a bend, the transmission automatically

In the new BMW 435d xDrive Gran Coupé, the most powerful

changes down to the most appropriate gear, making optimum use

straight six-cylinder diesel engine generates a maximum output of

of the engine braking effect. Afterwards, the system again shifts

313hp, and is only available with xDrive and the eight-speed Sport

to the optimal gear for accelerating out of the bend. Unnecessary

automatic transmission. It takes just 4.8 seconds to sprint from zero

gearshifts and hunting between bends are avoided through

to 62mph, with average fuel consumption of 50.4mpg and a CO2

intelligent interaction with the navigation system.

emission rating of 146g/km. It is priced at £44,545 OTR for a 435d xDrive Luxury Gran Coupé.

Overall, 4 Series Gran Coupé customers will now have a choice of three petrol and four diesel engines, with six variants combined optionally or as standard with BMW xDrive.

Proactive Drive for BMW eight-speed transmission

New generation of Business navigation and Professional radio With enhanced functions and optimised performance, the latest generation of the Professional radio and Business navigation will be introduced for models of the BMW 1 Series, 2 Series and 5 Series in the summer of 2014. The BMW 3 Series, 4 Series Coupé and the 4 Series Convertible already took these enhancements earlier in the year. Both systems have a new control unit with improved computing performance.

New BMW Individual options available Striking new exterior colours and interior trims are now available through BMW Individual. Four BMW Individual matt finishes will be offered for the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé: Frozen Grey metallic, Frozen Brilliant White metallic, Frozen Bronze metallic and Frozen Cashmere Silver metallic. For the BMW M3 and BMW M4, Azurite Black metallic, Pyrite Brown metallic, Tansanite Blue metallic and Moonstone metallic are now offered.

The BMW M3 Saloon can be specified with the BMW Individual leather trim Merino fine grain, or the BMW Individual leather trim with contrasting colour stitching in Shakir Orange, Blue, Yellow or Silverstone finishes, and a leather-covered BMW Individual instrument panel.

Finally, the new BMW X5 can be ordered with two new BMW Individual exterior colours: Pearl Silver metallic and Azurite Black metallic. This is in addition to the three additional upholstery colours for the BMW Individual fine-grain Merino leather trim and the BMW Individual Ash Volcano Brown fine-wood trim. The steering wheel can also be specified in leather with a fine-wood insert.

Endeavour Magazine | 23

GADGETS

I LIMB - by Touch Bionics

BY DENNY MCELLIS

L

ooking at the i-limb ultra prosthetic hand, it’s clear it’s designed to offer something more than other current prosthetics on the market. Not only does it offer more

natural and human, it moves more like a natural hand than any other powered artificial limb. Each finger bends at the natural joint so that it can be accurately shaped to fit around any object you want to grasp.

We take our limbs for granted and amputees often say that the use of a hand would increase the quality of their lives significantly as it offers a much higher level of independence.

Powered by Touch Bionics’ unique biosim software, the i-limb

Volvo’s Self Driving Cars Are A Big Hit. The Right Way.

BY JACK SLATER

J

ultra is the most versatile prosthetic hand available, providing the ability to customize the hand for the users daily needs. Controlled by an app on a phone, the user is able to select a wide selection of automated grips and gestures that can be used. These can be as simple as a pointed index finger so that a person can type to

oining the growing trend by Google to turn the future

gestures for communication and precision pinch mode for gripping

into one that we recognize when cars can finally drive

small objects.

themselves, Volvo has been testing autonomous cars

Utilizing its pulsing and vari-grip features, the i-limb ultra is

on its public roads and so confident they’re even doing it in their

the only prosthetic hand with the ability to gradually increase the

hometown of Gothenburg, Sweden.

strength of its grip on an object. This can be very useful in situations

The first phase of their “Drive Me” project this is for now limited to semi-autonomous vehicles on 50km (30 miles) of set commuter routes. Already the cars have progressed to where they can adapt their speeds, follow traffic and deal with merging vehicles.

where a firmer grasp is required, such as tying shoelaces tightly or holding a heavy bag more securely.

Based on the reliable design of their i-LIMB Pulse product, with some new upgraded features which include a Patent-pending vari-

Currently drivers still need to give their full attention, but

grip mode, allowing variable digit-by-digit grip strength, gesture

eventually, the automaker intends to have completely autonomous

selection allowing users to create custom gestures, upgraded

vehicles on the road operating in full “Autopilot” mode. In

biosim-i and biosim-pro control software, with powerful new

development the company that has famously made their cars the

features and auto grasp feature to prevent objects slipping. You

safest of the world for people, are wanting to further this by taking

can select the colour and how it hangs at rest and you get a 12 to

driving out of our hands.

60 month warranty.

24 | Endeavour Magazine

Pollution To Diamonds.

One Dutchman’s Design For Diamondizing Dirty Air

A

new energy friendly mechanism that sucks smog out of the air and converts it into diamonds has been developed by a team of artists and engineers led by

Dutch designer Daan Roosegaarde.

Although currently still a small scale model, a giant version of the

How Could You Reinvent The Bicycle?

Turn It Into A Space Ship

device will be tested next year in the notoriously polluted Chinese capital.

BY TIMOTHY DALTON

copper coils buried underground would generate an electromagnetic

T

field that attracts the smog particles.

world speed record for a pedal powered bike.

Basically a giant vacuum, it would be placed at a city park and would work by attracting smog particles into a tower that is fitted with ionic filters that would charge and remove smog particles, blowing fresh air out of the equipment’s side vents. Meanwhile,

his is not the world’s worst suppository – believe it or not – it’s a bicycle.

Obviously, not just any old bicycle, though this is

called the ARION1 and it has been designed to try and break the

“The great thing about the technology is that is safe,” Roosegaarde

How fast can it go? Well, the current record is 83.1 mph and the

was quoted, “It’s already being used in hospitals and it’s very energy-

designers of ARION1 think that their vehicle will break the 90 mph

friendly, so to have 30,000 cubic meters of clean air purified, it only

mark. It has been created by students from Liverpool University and

uses like 30 Watts, which is like a light bulb.”

they say that it is 40 times more aerodynamic than a supercar like

Adding that his invention would produce corridors of clean air

the Bugatti Veyron.

that would allow the sunlight to shine through and that the version

It has pedals and two wheels and that’s where the comparison

he has planned for Beijing should have a cleaning diameter of about

ends of course because the rider needs a camera and a monitor to

50 metres. It should also produce immediate results. Then, taking

see outside.

his plan one step further he wants to use that smog and turn it into jewellery.

“These diamonds can be used to create locally produced highend rings. Each ring supports the cleaning of 1km3 of polluted air,”

The weird looks can be put down largely to the fact that it is covered with a carbon fibre outer shell to make it more aerodynamic.

The rider who is inside the shell will have a computer monitor showing images captured by an exterior camera to help see what is

Man-made diamonds are nothing new. General Electric created

happening outside. The team have worked on it for 6 months and

precious stones in a lab in 1950s, presumably for commercial use.

one of the designers, Ben Hogan, says that they are now in a “great

But it wasn’t until 1970 that the firm was able to produce gem-

position”.

quality diamond crystals, their lengthy procedure made production rather unsustainable.

Pedalling it in a reclined position the driver will be very close to the ground and although the ARION1 isn’t yet ready to be pedalled

Roosegaarde has been behind many innovative plans and ideas,

the students hope to have it perfected in plenty of time for the

such as a road that would charge electric cars as they drive and a

World Human Speed Challenge in the Nevada Desert, which will

floor that would generate electricity when people danced on it.

take place in September of 2016.

Brilliant ideas like this are needed to change the world.

We would be very interested on what you think about this.

Endeavour Magazine | 25

TRAVEL

BY SHANNAH LAUREN

SUMMER IS HERE, AND MALLORCA IS WAITING FOR YOU!

I

t’s the time of year we’ve all been waiting for, summer! The

beach early, because battling for a parking spot (€5 for the day) can

sun is shining, the drinks are flowing, and the airports are

be intense!

awaiting your arrival to take you away and fulfil your holiday

You are taking a break from your life and job back home, so make

desires. “But where?” you may be asking yourself… Mallorca, that’s

sure to enjoy the outdoors lifestyle here! Turn your phone on silent

where! With the best time of year to travel being May 1st through

and take in the fresh air. You can go cliff jumping, hiking, kite surfing,

the 31st of October, makes this holiday location perfect for you.

mountain biking, and more. The Serra de Tramuntana is a limestone

Mallorca is filled with such natural beauty; it’s an extravagant location

mountain range that is known for hiking and it’s astonishing views.

for a holiday or even that dream wedding of yours.

The majority of Mallorca’s best beaches are only available by the

Mallorca is an island off of the Mediterranean Sea, and is the

travel of sea, so why not go sea kayaking and go find them yourself.

largest island in the Balearic Islands archipelago. When looking for

You can enjoy the sunrays, feel the motion of the ocean, and find

a hotel, the Critic Hotel Soller, Hotel Rural Leon De Sineu, or Hotel

that inner explorer inside your soul. While you are sea kayaking, you

Cala D’or is suggested for the best prices and quality.

can go caving as well. They offer half-day caving all year round for

To make the best of your trip, you’ve got to experience Spain

between €50/€55, and make sure to wear clothes that you don’t

to it’s fullest! Plan out your days that will be spent by the beach,

mind ruining! Are you a climber, or want to be? Mallorca is also known

sight seeing, and hiking. One of Mallorca’s most popular landmarks

for being one of the top locations in the world for sport climbers.

is Palma’s vast cathedral, which is unlike any other cathedral in the

If it’s a family trip we are planning, well Mallorca is flexible with

world. Not only is this cathedral ravishing, but also Antoni Gaudí

age range activities. You don’t have to go to Disney World with your

and renowned contemporary artist Miquel Barceló designed it.

kids to have a good time; you can travel the world and show them

Following with only a short drive away is Cala de Deià, an exquisite

the true natural beauties on Earth. Feed your children’s exploration

coastal inlet with views to die for. We highly advise you to get to the

senses; let them feel the sense of culture. The Pirates Adventure

26 | Endeavour Magazine

Show is perfect for all ages, and now celebrating it’s 27th year. The

known for being the cleanest and kid friendly, so pack up the kids

show is filled with acrobatics, gymnastics and dancing! The next

and enjoy a beach day! Another beach is Playa de Alcudia, which is

great place is Jungle Parc, which is great for children four years and

absolutely sunning. The ocean is warm and calm, so you can go for a

all the way up to adults. This is an acrobatic tree circuit, and is the

nice swim and have the fish swimming right up to your feet. Sailing

only one in all of the Balearic Islands. The Palma Aquarium is another

and windsurfing is also available at this beach so if you would like to

treat to endure this holiday, which uncovers the many secrets of the

go on an adventure at some point, go right ahead! There are plenty of

ocean. The kids can go play on a pirate ship, or even visit the deepest

bars, restaurants and souvenir shops, so you can have a drink to cool

shark tank in all of Europe.

you down and get some treats to bring back home to your mates. Es

The majority of people would agree the best part of a holiday

Trenc is one of the most famous beaches of Mallorca, where you can

is the beach, and we think so too! You can go for a beautiful long

go sunbathing, swimming or even bird watching. Parking here can be

walk, run your toes in the water, smell the salt in the ocean, get a

quite simple as you can leave your car on the street, or there is a paid

tan, taking in all of the sun rays, making you feel vibrant and alive.

parking area in the Ses Covets. There are no hotels that spoil this

Mallorca has got some of the most beautiful beaches, and we’ve got

beaches view, and the views give you such a peaceful feeling inside.

a few that you must enjoy while you are there. You can spend a few

A warning (or encouragement), this is a clothing optional beach, so

days traveling from one beach to the next, and trust us that by the

you will see topless women and nudity.

end of your vacation, you’ll be a new person! Playa de Muro Beach

Mallorca has tons to offer you, between the relaxation of the

is known for being tourists favourite, as it’s not very crowded, it’s

beach and the adventures of outdoor activities or even family

shallow so you can walk throughout the ocean.

vacation memories that you’ll always cherish. Make sure to bring

This is a beach you can go to relax, as there aren’t many activities to do but perfect to let you forget about all of life’s stresses. It’s also

your camera, put your phones away and do not let anything distract you from that vacation you deserve.

NIDCO 001 868-627-9474 WWW.NIDCO.CO.TT

28 | Endeavour Magazine

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 | 29

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

Infrastructure

Development Company Limited (NIDCO) first opened its doors on January 11, 2005. We were set up by the government as a Special

•

Management of the Water Taxi Service

•

Feasibility and Infrastructure Development Studies

EM: Can you discuss in more detail your personal working career and your exact role within NIDCO?

Purpose State Enterprise to fast track the implementation of major

CC: I have been engaged with the Company since 15th July 2010

infrastructure development projects; the construction of highways,

and have a Bachelor of Science (with Honours) in Civil Engineering

for example.

and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Engineering from the University of the West Indies. I am responsible for leading the executing agency for

EM: Is NIDCO the only organisation in Trinidad & Tobago that engages in infrastructure development?

the Government of Trinidad and Tobago’s infrastructure development programme for delivery of capital projects and also direct the affairs of the organization in order to achieve the strategic objectives of

CC: No. NIDCO is one of several state institutions currently

developmental activities and programme management, enabling the

implementing the government’s capital works programme, i.e. the

Board of Directors to fulfil its governance function. As President I

Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP). NIDCO’s mandate

also represent NIDCO and where so authorized lead all international

includes the development and delivery of a broad range of solutions

and local efforts in respect of financing, strategic initiatives and

to the country’s infrastructure challenges. These include (1) the

planning. This includes the co-ordination of communications with

construction of major highways and roadways; (2) the construction

various Government Ministries, agencies and relevant customers to

of bridges and culverts; (3) landslips repairs; (4) flood and coastal

which NIDCO provides its services and to assure that its mission,

erosion mitigation; and (5) transportation management.

programmes, products and services are consistently delivered to the

NIDCO’s technical capacity and organisational structure gives us

satisfaction of its stakeholders.

the competitive advantage over other agencies to deliver major civil engineering and transportation initiatives. Our core services include: •

Procurement and Contracts Management

•

Construction Management

•

Project

•

Planning,

Project

EM: What benefits does the company bring to the country’s economy?

CC: The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Development

and

Project

(GORTT) has long recognised the need to invest heavily in

Execution

infrastructure development in order to drive economic growth and

Project Monitoring and Evaluation

to improve the quality of life of its citizens. This is evident in the fact

30 | Endeavour Magazine

NIDCO

that we traditionally spend anywhere between 5% and 8% of the country’s GDP on infrastructure development. NIDCO safeguards this investment with the timely and cost-efficient delivery of projects

EM: Do you see the way in which you operate in any areas changing over the course of the near distant future?

that support economic activity and social inclusion. For example,

CC: Perhaps the area of greatest concern to NIDCO at this time

we are currently constructing a 47km highway that is envisioned to

is its long-term financial sustainability, due primarily to the perennial

open up economic space within the southern region of the country.

problem of lack of funding for infrastructure development projects.

Government’s investment in this project is approximately US$1.2Bn.

Historically, infrastructure projects have been funded directly by

This project directly employs an average of over 900 employees from

the government; either through the treasury or through guarantees.

within the local communities and is stimulating commercial activity

However, this approach to project financing is increasingly becoming

through the hiring of numerous sub-contractors and suppliers.

unsustainable, as the government seeks to maintain a favourable debt position. Trinidad and Tobago is by no means alone in this dilemma.

EM: What other areas of business do you conduct apart from Infrastructure Development?

Governments across the globe are grappling with the problem of sourcing funds to improve aging and inadequate infrastructure.

In recent years the idea of public-private partnerships has been

CC: In addition to infrastructure development projects, NIDCO

gaining traction. Government intends to establish relationships with

was given the mandate to establish and operate the Water Taxi

private sector entities which is expected to introduce resources and

Service. This service was introduced in 2008 as an alternative inter-

expertise into infrastructure projects. The key issue being explored

island and complementary mode of transportation for both citizens

now is finding the optimum balance between public and private

and visitors. The objective of this major investment was to ease

money. This will most certainly have an impact on how we do

traffic congestion along major roadways. The Water Taxi Service

business at NIDCO.

now transports an average of 2,000 passengers daily.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SERVICES fully equipped ambulances emergency medical technicians mobile medical stations

20 Seetahal Avenue, Sum Sum Hill Claxton Bay, Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies Tel/Fax: (868) 659 1713 or (868) 659 4101

Email: info@deltamaint.com 32 | Endeavour Magazine

45 Dundonald Street Port of Spain, Trinidad, W.I. Tel: (868) 624-8135, 624-8324, 625-7568 Fax: 9868) 625-9170 Email: admin@sst-tt.com Website: www.sst-tt.com

Focus On Employees

EM: How many staff work for your company?

Currently, NIDCO has a staff complement of 270 employees.

What standards do the staff have to adhere to/ and what training is provided for them?

Honesty, integrity, trust, transparency, commitment and positive relationships are the operating standards of NIDCO. These values 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

ANSA Technologies Limited, part of the ANSA McAL Group is known as the leading supplier to the Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Process and Utility Sectors in the Caribbean. We continue to provide representation to some of the best known brands to include Ford Meter Box, Bonney Forge, Vicking Johnson, Invensys Operations Managements, Thermo Fisher, Neway in our core Divisions: Marketing & Sales and Engineering & Construction. Our certifications include ISO 9001: 2008 and Safe to Work (SToW) Operations.

Endeavour Magazine | 33

NIDCO

technologies being employed in their particular field. It is in NIDCO’s

seminars on a quarterly/annual basis as part of its training and

best interest to have qualified, well-trained staff and to accomplish

development function to facilitate the continuous professional

this goal, the Company shall put in place planned training and

development of its employees, and further equip them with the

development activities to provide its employees with the necessary

relevant skills to ensure that they continue to add value to the

skills and behaviours to meet current and future job demands.

Company.

These activities begin when an employee joins the organization and continue throughout his/her career.

In addition to its in-house training programmes, the Company will periodically select employees to participate in external training

NIDCO considers its efforts a partnership with its employees who

programmes on the basis of the relevant training needs of members

must maintain primary responsibility and take the initiative in their

of staff, and the resources of the Company in accordance with the

own training and personal self-development. To assist individuals

Company’s goals and objectives.

in their self-development efforts, supervisors and managers are

Do you find it difficult to find the right skilled people?

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.

Indeed, NIDCO has challenges finding and recruiting persons with the right skills and competencies. We operate a highly competitive

In order to ensure appropriate expertise is available to staff

industry where demand is sometimes greater than supply. In addition

requiring development, the Human Resource/Administration Team

to that, the nature of our assignments requires the employment of

has the responsibility for developing, maintaining and controlling

certain skilled professionals, such as Hydrologists and Geo-Technical

appropriate training activities in line with their goals and objectives.

experts, which skills are not usually readily available. We therefore

In turn, the functional areas will assume responsibility for delivery and

have an ongoing recruitment drive and offer a very favourable

administration of training activities relevant to their departments.

compensation package to attract and retain the best talents – both

The Company will conduct in-house training programmes and

locally and internationally.

“Problem Solved”

ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS & PROJECT MANAGERS

34 | Endeavour Magazine

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.

BBFL Caribbean Ltd has collaborated on major infrastructure projects managed

by NIDCO over the past four years and have found the experience instructive and fulfilling. Under the leadership of Dr. Carson Charles and Mr. Steve Garibsingh we have seen a consistently high level of professionalism and accountability. NIDCO continues to demand and support established ‘Best Practices’ in design, supervision and construction

EM: What strategies are in place to keep you ahead of the competition?

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.

The value we place on communities and the general public impacted by our projects is also evident in our Community Outreach Programme. Under this programme, NIDCO works with government agencies and communities in and around the vicinity of our projects to identify and implement (1) physical infrastructure improvement projects, (2) opportunities to support community-based business 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.

Providing Quality Services to our Valued Customers

LDSESL

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS Commercial / Industrial Construction and Maintenance Services Over thirty years of quality service to the Energy and Construction Industry LDSESL is proud to be associated with NIDCO’s SHHEPF Project

www.ldsesl.com info@ldsesl.com l.deosaranelectricalservices@gmail.com Tel: 868 221-3976 / 868 620-3232 Address: 75 Ben Lomond Village, Williamsville Trinidad and Tobago Web: Email:

Endeavour Magazine | 35

NIDCO

Integration Of The Supply Chain

EM: Do you continuously work with the 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?

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, for example, we have engaged the services of a Brazilian contractor – Construtora OAS Ltda.; as well as AECOM USA, as Supervising Engineers. Another highway construction project – construction

NIDCO procures goods and services primarily through a

of an interchange at the Churchill Roosevelt Highway-Uriah Butler

competitive solicitation process. In general, we are guided by the

Highway, is being undertaken by Vinci Construction Grand Projets

FIDIC rules for engaging contractors for construction projects and

of France, long with local contractors.

adhere to the principles of fairness, integrity, transparency and

So essentially, we seek to deliver projects in a way that we

effective competition. In this respect, we maintain a register of

achieve the best value for money. However, in order to preserve

approved pre-qualified bidders for various types of contracts and

our local economy, we maintain a percentage of local content on

contract values. This register is updated periodically.

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?

every contract.

New Developments For 2014 And Beyond 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

Employee owned engineering and project management firm operating in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean for the past 30 years

PREMIUM MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS COMPANY LTD. # 252 La Resource Road North, D’Abadie, Arima.

Email: wallacecharles_206@hotmail.com Tel / Fax No.: 664-2571 / Cell: 461-7792 Vat # 122935

Tobago Plantations Integrated Resort Development

Canouan Island Hotel and Golf Course

Samaan Grove Development Phase 1 & 2

Waste Stabilisation Ponds

Collection and evaluation of hydrology

Survey and planning

Estate Infrastructure Resort Villa Development Resort Condominium Development Bungalow Development

Assessment of soil percolation rates Development of drainage plans

Preparation of design drawings Preparation of tender documents Management of construction process Valuations of contractors and sub-contractors

+1 (868) 622-2095 www.aedl2012.com 36 | Endeavour Magazine

The Coosal’s Group comprises several subsidiaries which operates, but is not limited to the following activities: • Quarry Operations - Integrated Manufacturer and Supplier of Limestone Aggregates • Sand & Gravel Mining and Processing Operations • General Civil Engineering & Contracting; Asphalt Production; Infrastructural Development & Construction Solutions • Ready Mixed Concrete Operations — Batching, Delivery and Pumping • The Manufacturing of Concrete Blocks and Pavers Modernization and improvement of production facilities and methods are used as the impetus to support sustainable infrastructural development solutions, as evident in our recent work with NIDCO on the CRH/ UBH project - all with due regard for the ecology, environment and corporate social responsibilities; safe work systems are imperative.

Corporate Office31-45 Coosals Boulevard, Madras Settlement Road, Chin Chin, Cunupia, Trinidad and Tobago, 520736 Tel: 1868-693-1985/1910 Fax: 693-1890 Fax 693-2298 (Engineering) Email: coosals@coosals.com Our Commercial Sales Offices #54 Mc Lean Street, Curepe. Tel: 645-4671, 663-8295-7 Fax: 645-5578 Email: sales@coosals.com 10-20 Coosals Avenue, Madras Road, Cunupia. Tel 671-1578, 4146-7, 5041-2 Fax: 671-9332 Email: sales@coosals.com

NIDCO

which will be implemented within the next six months. The Ministry

(approximately US$62M), which will see the reconstruction of

of Works and Infrastructure has also advised that another sixty will

26 dilapidated bridges across the country.

be sent for the design and construction. Currently, six such projects

bridges under construction, and we are about to proceed with the

are at various stages of construction. This programme is scheduled

implementation of another twelve.

to be completed in the next five years and is estimated at TT$418M. The Flood Alleviation Programme is another new development 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 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

NIDCO has eleven

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, NIDCO will be required to improve it cadre of professionals who will be directly responsible for ensuring that we meet our targets and commitments to our clients. At a first glance, we are looking to expand the capacity of our Engineering Department with the recruitment of Geo-technical Specialists, Structural Engineers and additional Civil Engineers/Project Managers. We are also actively pursuing measures to improve our project management efficiency with the establishment of an enterprise resource planning system.

This will enable us to integrate our procurement, accounting and programme management functions to achieve the required level of operational efficiency.

EM: What has been your major highlight for 2014?

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 #142 Munroe Road, Cunupia Trinidad, West Indies.

Tel.: (868) 671-5503 Tel/Fax: (868) 672-2151 Email: kmelectrical_con@yahoo.com

Our Service’s include Electrical • • •

Domestic wiring Commercial wiring Industrial wiring

• • • • •

Electrical instrumentation and repairs Pump Repairs General motor repair and rewinding General repairs of motors and meggering Repair of all types industrial and commercial pumps

• • • • • • • • • •

Construction and repairs to dwelling houses Warehouse Commercial and and industrial buildings General wood working Swimming pools Painting Plumbing Road / car park paving and maintenance Construction of box drains Rehabilitation / Restoration of retaining walling (rivers/drains etc)

Marine

Construction

38 | Endeavour Magazine

Papourie Bridge. It links the two towns of Golconda and Debe.

Commuters can now travel between Golconda and Debe in five minutes as opposed to the previous 30-45 minutes.

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

faroukmohammed18@hotmail.com

40 | Endeavour Magazine

NATIONAL PETROLEUM MARKETING COMPANY LTD 001 868 6251364 WWW.NP.CO.TT

BASICALLY THE BEST WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

One of the most important companies on the islands, the Trinidad and Tobago National Petroleum Marketing Company Limited (NP) was created in 1972 with the assets the government purchased from the then BP Caribbean Ltd- which was the local arm of the British Petroleum Group. With a long line of stringent business decisions this company has validated its position for over forty years and shows signs that the next forty will see them in an even stronger position. Regards to this we caught up with Acting Chief Executive Officer Kevin Motilal.

Endeavour Magazine | 41

NATIONAL PETROLEUM MARKETING COMPANY LTD

“NP’s early development came about thanks to the Government investing and purchasing into a number of large conglomerates who had positions on the island,” Kevin opens up, “This including such things as a fifty percent of the inland marketing assets of ESSO Standard Oil in 1973 and the marketing assets for the Trinidad and Tobago Oil Company- formerly Shell Trinidad Limited, in ’76 which was followed a year later by the local marketing assets of Texaco Trinidad Ltd.”

T

hese purchases put NP into an enviable position, for when NP acquired the assets of Shell Trinidad Ltd, it also inherited its Lubricant Blending Plant at Sea Lots,

on the outskirts of Port-of-Spain and under this license, it continued to produce a range of lubricants, blended according to the Shell formulations, until the National Petroleum Brand of lubricants. This new brand was launched in 1981.

To further compliment these decisions, NP invests a great amount of effort into improving its product rating and into keeping itself abreast of all significant technological advancements occurring in the lubricants industry. Thanks to this rigorous pursuit of the highest standards of quality NP has been recognized by such organizations as the American Petroleum Institute (API), and the Trinidad and Tobago and Caribbean markets can be counted along some of the most advanced in the world.

Staffing Excellence Having joined the company in 2000, Kevin explains how NP has always been blessed by an abundance of experience and the highest standard of professionalism from every one of their employees.

“When the company was bought from the nationals they also brought over the people, so we found we had the experience straight from the start from people who had worked extensively with Shells, Texaco and Mobil,” he explains, “They all came together and then recruitment was pushed locally. This has meant that National Petroleum has always had the expertise from the multinationals and has managed to use this to our advantage since then.”

42 | Endeavour Magazine

Although National Petroleum has had its fair share of challenges like any company, Kevin relates that they have been able to increase their revenues every year and he explains that the key to doing so is about taking every situation as and when it comes along which has created the opportunity for them to become talented at problem solving.

Customers “Our customer service is specialized and powerful,” Kevin attests, “We service customers’ needs and trouble shoot for them. We also have training courses and technical seminars throughout the chain to ensure the best quality work from our staff, and this includes the people on the floor to the managers at the top.”

He goes on to explain that thanks to them having their own blending plant, they sell the basic products that are most needed and that it is easy for them to tweak the front product or their formulations to match their customer’s needs.

2014 has already promised a lot of potential for NP, “The market is good,” Kevin relates, “We are looking to further develop our twenty four hour Quick Shops, which have been supplementing our service station business since the late 90s. These have always provided a

With over 40 years experience in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) sector, Ramco Industries Limited are an industry leader known for excellence in customer service, quality and reliability for the filling and distribution of LPG and LPG associated services throughout Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean region.

20lb Domestic Cylinders • 100lb Residential Cylinders • Bulk Gas Deliveries • Forklift Tanks BBQ Tanks • Bulk Tank Sales • Tank Regulators and Hoses • LPG/CNG Conversion Kits

The largest fleet of LPG distribution vehicles in Trinidad and Tobago and the only fully integrated LPG solution provider in the country filling, distribution, cylinder maintenance and testing, commercial and industrial installation of piping and storage tanks and associated LPG equipment and accessories 2 Shafik Dr San Fernando • 868-657-2626 • ramco@rahamutgroup.com Endeavour Magazine | 43

NATIONAL PETROLEUM MARKETING COMPANY LTD

gas side.

direct access point for many of

“We ensure that LPG - liquefied petroleum gas - is available

our customers because we can

to all customers,” he says, “And we police and monitor our own

“On the lubricant sides we

sell our own brand of lubricants

manufacturing chain to ensure the best product and service for our

are getting back into rallying

as well as other essentials,”

customers.”

and boat racing to get image out

Trinidad is very industrialized with a wide customer base and

With self-sufficiency being high on their priorities, NP supports its LPG business with its own LPG Cylinder Filling Plant.

NP have created their own grease

This year will also see NP making full use of their marine bunkering

plant, which will be the only one

license, with which they do contract blending for companies such as

in the region and will supply

Petcom and BP.

product to various industries

“We did a lot of promotions last year,” Kevin says, “So this year

such as oil rigs, refineries, small

we will be consolidating the developments and exposure from these.

manufacturing plants and the

The market is growing while we, over the last couple of years have

transport industry. The aviation

not been keeping up with it. We’re focussed on getting back into

fuel business is a thriving one

new business with aggressive marketing. Of course there is a limited

and is growing in strides thanks

budget so we use it wisely, making sure we get our bang for the

to the two busy airports of

buck.”

Trinidad and Tobago and they

“There is the same effort needed for a small sale as a big sale,” he

also own the license to sell LPG

continues, “So we aim for bigger customers in bigger markets to see

in Trinidad and Tobago under

greater financial results.”

the Ultra and BluGas brands respectively.

there,” he tells us, “The Boats Name is “Rush” and it’s a local vessel. It’s important to not only get the name out there but also to support local talent to help build the buzz. This will help us in our expansion plans where we want to use our expertise to get into the other islands. This is in progress through Haiti, Jamaica and Panama.”

Green Focus NP have

been

around for a long time with

And importantly is the ongoing thrust on promotions specifically

green initiatives, on the liquid

for their convenience stores, which is the main focus rather than the

fuels they make use of CNG

ANSA Coatings Limited carries the following Devoe lines: • • • • • • • •

Devgard- Alkyd Primers and finishes Devflex- 100% Acrylic finishes Devran- Epoxy Primers and Intermediates Devprep- Surface Preparation products Devthane- Aliphatic Polyurethane Top Coats Cathacoat- Zinc-rich Inorganic and Organic primers Bar- Rust- Surface tolerant high build epoxies High Temperature Coatings- For Surfaces from 400⁰F-1200⁰F

For more information on Devoe Coatings please call ANSA Coatings Limited Head Office- 1(868) 643 2425 or Mr. Roger Gillezeau- Industrial Consultant 1(868) 389 1354 or Mr. Arthur Henry – Industrial Sales Representative 1(868) 389 1370 or visit www.pentapaints.com 44 | Endeavour Magazine

tinkering

compressed national gas which

for disposal.”

has less emissions, “We actually

Finally, Kevin explains that

have three refuelling stations on

the main driving force of NP,

the island and we supply CNG

something that is ingrained into

to eight stations and are looking

their culture as a business is

at building a Shell station that

their ongoing mission to ensure

would include CNG as option.”

the safe, reliable, convenient

Cars can be easily modified

and economical availability of

with a kit to make use of CNG as

quality

a primary of a hybrid method of

throughout Trinidad and Tobago,

fuelling and the government is

“This is how we will continue for

currently looking into giving tax

petroleum

products

Berger’s high performance coatings are renowned all over the world for their quality. They also carry a wide range of decorative products as well.

Manufactures of • Epoxy Systems • Polyurethanes • Epoxy Floor Coatings • High Temperature Coatings • Fire Proofing • Powder Coating • Antifouling Systems • Industrial Enamels and a wide range of Architectural Coatings.

the next forty two years.”

breaks for petrol and diesel cars that have a CNG kit.

Another push, both in media and in action is the recovery of lubricating oils, “Lubricants need to be disposed of in a certain fashion to keep them safe and

PO Box 546 , 11 Concessions Road, Sea Lots, Ports Of Spain, Trindad.

Tel: +1-868-623-2231 Fax: +1-868-623-1682 http://www.bergeronline.com/

to make it convenient we offer to take back used oil and we pay

Berger.indd 1

19/05/2014 16:58

ANSA Coatings Limited has been the sole distributor in Trinidad and Tobago of the Devoe High Performance range, of Light and Heavy Duty Coatings for over 15 years. The Devoe brand is well known for its pioneering spirit and commitment to quality, and continues to be synonymous with superior protection, improved productivity and longlasting results.

Through consistent delivery of cutting-edge products, services and knowledge that enhance performance, reduce cost and minimise application problems, the Devoe High Performance Coatings range has a long track record of success resulting from a commitment to innovation and technological advancement.

Endeavour Magazine | 45

46 | Endeavour Magazine

INLAND OFFSHORE CONTRACTORS LIMITED 001 868 677 2093 IOCLTT.COM

SUCCESS & EXPANSION FOR OIL AND GAS WRITTEN BY JESS SHANAHAN

Healthy oil and gas industry in Trinidad and Tobago continues to bring success and expansion opportunities to local businesses.

Endeavour Magazine | 47

INLAND OFFSHORE CONTRACTORS LIMITED

Continued development is important for any business and Inland & Offshore Contractors Ltd is no different. The business is involved in inland and marine transport, and also offers pumping and hydro-blasting across Trinidad and Tobago — as well as the wider Caribbean area. We spoke to managing director Phillip Pollonais about the business and its growth since it began in 1996.

P

ollonais said: “Inland & Offshore Contractors Ltd was established following my exit from a drilling contracting company. I sold my shares and decided to go into

business with my two sons, Scot and Jason.”

Family businesses are built on strong foundations but Inland & Offshore Contractors Ltd started modestly. In the beginning the company was a small oilfield service company with just a couple of trucks. Of this, Pollonais said: “Since then we have evolved into a company with 40 boats and a fleet of various types of trucks and trailers for moving oilfield equipment around Trinidad and Tobago.

“We also have a pumping and hydro-blasting department that supplies high-pressure and high-volume pumps.”

Marine transport The marine department of Inland & Offshore Contractors Ltd supplies crew boats and platform supply vessels for transporting personnel, fuel, water and equipment to offshore platforms in the waters around Trinidad and Tobago. This, like the rest of the business, has grown substantially since the company was founded.

On top of the initial growth, the business is still adding more and more to its fleet. Pollonais said: “Recently we added our second DP1 vessel, the ‘Atlantic Spirit’, which we took delivery of in December 2013.”

Inland transport The trucking department includes flatbed and tractor trucks, trailers and hydraulic cranes, which work with the companies that operate land rigs. Inland & Offshore Contractors Ltd aims to help these companies move their oilfield equipment around. This is done using cranes with a capacity from 7 tons up to 60 tons as well as with a mobile crane with a capacity of 18 tons.

48 | Endeavour Magazine

Pumping and hydro-blasting Pollonais talked about the pumping and hydro-blasting department, he said: “We have high-volume pumping services from 1500 GPM to 4,500 GPM which provide pumping and highpressure water blasting services. These work with offshore rigs and other inland facilities.”

The state of the oil industry Unlike some parts of the world, this industry is enjoying continued growth. This, of course, is great news for Inland & Offshore Contractors Ltd. Pollonais said: “At the moment the industry presents no major obstacles to our business, we are enjoying continued success.

“Our market comprises the local and foreign companies that operate within our country’s oil and gas industry. This industry is very active at the moment and will continue to be for the near future.

We have contracts for our vessels with most of the major players such as Petrotrin — which is our national oil company — BPTT, BHP Billiton, and Baker Hughes. Our Trucking department has an existing contract with EOG Resources too.”

The opportunities aren’t limited to Trinidad and Tobago, there’s so much going on in the area that the Inland & Offshore Contractors Ltd is looking at further expansion.

Pollonais said: “There is a high level of activity occurring in the Suriname/Guyana region, and we are seeing growth opportunities.”

Good news for employees and customers alike The continued development within the business means good things for both those working for Inland & Offshore Contractors Ltd

INLAND OFFSHORE CONTRACTORS LIMITED

and those it serves as customers.

and work with them to assist in the success of their operations. All

There are around 320 employees working for the company, most

our contracts have varying requirements that have to be upheld and,

of those in the marine department. As well as administrative and

of course, there is also a legal requirement to uphold proper safety

managerial staff, the company has its own electricians and mechanics

standards, so we operate with proper standards as being mandatory,

too. There’s even a vehicular body repair department that keeps the

this is not an option for us. We pay a lot of attention to Quality

fleet in full working order.

Control and Safety, for which our quality control and management

Inland & Offshore Contractors Ltd has a variety of policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety of staff and the efficiency of operations undertaken by them.

systems are enforced.”

As one of the major players in this market, Inland & Offshore Contractors Ltd has a number of strategies in place to ensure things

Pollonais spoke to us about standards for staff, he said: “All

continue that way. Of this, Pollonais said: “This we can attribute

applicants have to meet certain basic requirements — especially with

our success to the dedication of our management and staff in the

regard to positions in our operational departments — to ensure that

provision of quality service and equipment. We believe in continuous

they are capable of the tasks they are assigned. Once on board, all employees are made aware of our HSE policies before they begin work. They are also guided by our company’s policies and procedures that are set to ensure that our standards are maintained.”

Staff are also encouraged to develop their skills and to learn new ones. Pollonais said: “Our company’s success is attributed to

improvement so we are always upgrading our asset base and seeking ways to better ourselves.”

What’s next for Inland & Offshore Contractors Ltd?

the commitment and skill of all of our employees so we give full

We talked in detail with Pollonais about the development of the

support to their personal development. We work with them to

business and plans for the future. He said: “One of our goals has

aid in their career advancement and we encourage employees to

been the expansion of our marine market to areas like Suriname

continue learning because it increases the effectiveness of not only

and Guyana where there is a lot of opportunity for business and

themselves but the organization as a whole.”

investment going on. This is a goal that is coming to realisation.

Even with growth and development, Inland & Offshore

“Presently our newest vessel, the ‘Atlantic Spirit’, is on a job

Contractors Ltd is very aware of the needs of each and every one

in Suriname and just prior to this we have had jobs in Venezuela

of its customers.

for some of our other vessels. We believe that the upgrade of our

Pollonais said: “We are always attentive to the needs of our clients

50 | Endeavour Magazine

fleet has contributed to this and so we would like to begin building

“

We are always attentive to the needs of our clients and work with them to assist in the success of their operations. All our contracts have varying requirements that have to be upheld and, of course, there is also a legal requirement to uphold proper safety standards, so we operate with proper standards as being mandatory, this is not an option for us. We pay a lot of attention to Quality Control and Safety, for which our quality control and management systems are enforced.” Phillip Pollonais, Managing Director

another brand new vessel in the near future — a 220 ft, DP2 boat.

“We have also made some upgrades in our trucking department and plan to add newer units to the fleet as this year we are seeing a considerable increase in demand for our services.”

These developments will no doubt change things for Inland & Offshore Contractors Ltd but Pollonais is confident that the business will grow and continue to be a success. He said: “Our entry into the Guyana/Suriname market would enable access to a wider range of clients, providing obvious benefits to our company so we are very thankful for the jobs that have occurred.

“Some of our newer vessels have not yet landed long term contracts and we hope that access to a wider market would grant this. This would enable more growth for our company. Of course newer and better equipment would work towards achieving this goal and would give us a greater competitive edge in the market.”

The investment into newer vessels and better equipment is helping Inland & Offshore Contractors Ltd to keep up with market trends as well as access and serve more potential customers.

This is a necessary to the continued growth of the business as Pollonais is aware. He said: “Newer and better equipment would help in keeping up with the ever-changing market, so investment in increasing and improving our asset base is a necessity. We also keep ourselves informed as to the latest developments in the market to ensure we are on track with its trends.”

The stability of the industry means this kind of investment is so important when it comes to the development of Inland & Offshore Contractors Ltd and the services it provides to its customers.

Endeavour Magazine | 51

52 | Endeavour Magazine

CARIB SAND & STONE LTD 001767 4400236 WWW.CARIBSANDANDSTONE.COM

DIGGING FOR VICTORY WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

Managing Director of Carib Sand & Stone Ltd, Jean-Yves Bonnaire talks candidly to Endeavour Magazine about overcoming industry-wide difficulties, working hard to retain a ‘local connection’ and what the future holds.

Endeavour Magazine | 53

CARIB SAND & STONE LTD

Originally incorporated in 2005, Carib Sand & Stone Ltd (CSSL) began operating in earnest, in the field, in October 2006 with the backing of a strong shareholder base comprising of regional quarry specialists and Norwegian financial investors. The initial motivation for the company’s inception was to take control of, and redevelop, the small-scale Solomon Pointe-Michel quarry that was already in operation.

W

ith adequate financial support in place and an expert team on hand to run the day-to-day operations, CSSL acquired the desired quarry on July 19th

2006 by entering into a 15 year, renewable contract with the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica. Negotiations were so successful that the company is not hampered by any quantity limitations, allowing them to fulfill client requirements with ease.

With specifically sought after geological and chemical characteristics proving to be prevalent in the mined raw material, CSSL set their sights on developing the local mining industry through the inclusion into new markets.

Discussing the everyday activities of the company, Jean-Yves Bonnaire drew attention to the chemical stability of the raw materials being excavated: “Our business is based on a large and easily accessible deposit of high quality, chemically consistent, natural pozzolan. The 20million tons of material is ideally located along the west coast of the Commonwealth of Dominica. Over the past years, tremendous earthmoving works have been undertaken on the Solomon PointeMichel mine itself to secure long-term access to the quality raw material. The physical and chemical characteristics of the pozzolanic

54 | Endeavour Magazine

materials have led to significant savings to the benefit of many of our clients, in particular those within the cement manufacturing industry.”

Currently mining between 240,000 and 300,000 metric tons per year, it quickly becomes evident that any savings made are on a large-scale, leading to 70% of material being exported worldwide with the remaining 30% being split between local domestic clients and the Government. To further highlight the sought after nature of the resources being mined, Bonnaire reveals that of the export sales, one third are exclusively made to the cement industry.

Turning our attention back to the company itself, Bonnaire is fully aware that without a cohesive and competent workforce, CSSL would not be making such inroads into a competitive industry.

Expanding on the importance of staff development, he commented that: “It’s extremely important. We have multi-million assets but heavily depend on the attitude of our employees towards their work. Dominica may not traditionally be a place where productivity requirements are a top priority but because we are export oriented and due to some of our clients being large-scale, major organisations,

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Endeavour Magazine | 55

CARIB SAND & STONE LTD

we strive to encourage our employees to elevate themselves.

With

stringent

Learning and meeting the requirements of modern business in terms

standards

of performance and quality of relationships with various business

beyond

partners is something we look for in our staff.”

local,

exceeding those

“

56 | Endeavour Magazine

of

organisations,

acknowledges

The company’s focus is not on standard technical compliance, but technical knowledge of our material and its behaviour in cement manufacturing (both Portland and asphaltic concrete). Significant sums of money are allocated yearly to the in-depth testing of the material, with results being shared with our clients.”

in-house

that

far regular, CSSL

focussed

client satisfaction and loyalty.

Consistently striving to improve and

streamline

through 9001,

processes,

compliance Bonnaire

to

ISO

notes

that

technical training opportunities

customer retention levels have

can be scarce. In a bid to prevent

been impressively high with few

potential employees from being

changes to the extensive client

discouraged,

base.

administrative,

financial and Human Resources training

is

readily

Aiming to remain as one

available,

of the frontrunners of their

offering clear career progression

industry, CSSL employs well

opportunities.

thought out strategies, designed

Despite having access to

to continually improve both

a widely sought after product,

product and experience for all of

CSSL do not rest on their

its customers.

laurels where customer service is

concerned

and

actively

seek out initiatives to secure

“The

company’s

focus

is not on standard technical compliance,

but

technical

knowledge of our material and its behaviour in cement manufacturing

business

has

to becoming a significant and

(both Portland and asphaltic concrete). Significant sums of money

created positive conditions for

meaningful business partner to

are allocated yearly to the in-depth testing of the material, with

bringing the project to maturity,

large industrial corporations.”

results being shared with our clients.

optimising financial performance

We also make sure that focus is placed on logistics and CSSL is one of the most flexible shippers in the region thanks to us

and

standards,

ultimately

increasing

success.”

By committing to increasing productivity while aiming to reduce freight and operational

developing an active network of clients, suppliers, shipping brokers,

He goes on to comment that:

costs, CSSL is fast becoming a

agents, engineers and traders and maintaining regular contact with

“In spite of continued challenging

business force to be reckoned

them.”

economic conditions, a much

with. Streamlining an already

needed

successful

Moving forward, CSSL have ambitious development goals

adaptation

of

the

operation,

which

including ISO 14001 certification within the next four years and an

business environment in which

enjoys a vast bank of loyal clients,

expansion project set to cost in the region of $9million. Bonnaire

the company operates, coupled

can only lead to marketplace

believes that these will impact dramatically on the success of the

with

domination,

organisation:

investment will allow CSSL to

Bonnaire and his team eagerly

a

significant

capital

something

with

“The company is seen locally and regionally as a player of

become an even more solid and

look forward to in the coming

significance in the quarrying sector. Tremendous work has already

sustainable venture, recognised

years.

been completed to bring about product acceptance such as technical

as

studies, client portfolio development and team building. Working

Dominica in its field. Reaching

with a strong base of Dominica nationals, trained to international

our critical mass is essential

a

national

flagship

for

Endeavour Magazine | 57

NEW BUILDING CANADA FUND OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

T

he $53 billion New Building Canada Plan (NBCP) is the

Component, which will support projects of national, regional and local

largest and longest federal infrastructure plan in our

significance.

nation’s history. On March 28th, 2014, I was proud to

The Plan also includes the $32 billion Community Improvement

launch the New Building Canada Fund (NBCF), a key element of the

Fund, consisting of the federal Gas Tax Fund and the incremental

Plan, ensuring a seamless transition to the new program from the

Goods and Services Tax Rebate for Municipalities, and an additional

original Building Canada Plan, launched in 2007.

$1.25 billion in funding for the P3 (Public-Private Partnerships)

Through a suite of programs, the New Building Canada Plan will

Canada Fund.

support projects such as roads, bridges, subways, commuter rail and

With this 10-year plan, the Government of Canada is further

other public infrastructure that encourages job creation, and the

strengthening its commitment to support infrastructure projects that

continued prosperity of all Canadians.

enhance economic growth, job creation and productivity across the

The $14 billion New Building Canada Fund consists of the

country.

National Infrastructure Component, which will support projects of

In fact, since 2006 we have nearly doubled the average annual

national significance, and the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure

federal funding for provincial, territorial and municipal infrastructure.

58 | Endeavour Magazine

St. John’s - Robin Hood Bay Waste Management Facility

We have supported over 43,000 infrastructure projects across

Canada

We

have

invested

and

the

contributed to improving local

original Building Canada plan,

drinking water systems through

the

stimulus

under

benefits are clear.

the

the construction of treatment

Economic Action Plan launched

phase

of

plants, connections to the water

in Budget 2009, and subsequent

supply systems, and the addition

investments. Canadians do not

of drinking water reservoirs. We

need to look very far to see the

have funded waste management

results of these past several years

centres, which have reduced

of infrastructure investments.

the amount of waste going into

From coast to coast to coast, the

local landfills. We have invested

results are all around us, and the

in public transit systems across

“

We have supported over 43,000 infrastructure projects across Canada under the original Building Canada plan, the stimulus phase of the Economic Action Plan launched in Budget 2009, and subsequent investments.

Canadians do not need to look very far to see the results of these past several years of infrastructure investments. From coast to coast to coast, the results are all around us, and the benefits are clear.

Endeavour Magazine | 59

The Honourable Denis Lebel the country to meet the demands of urban public transit, reduce

Furthermore, as we implement our New Building Canada Plan,

congestion and greenhouse gas emissions, and improve gridlock. And

our existing federal infrastructure programs will continue to support

we have invested in local roads and major highways, making roads

over 2,500 ongoing or new infrastructure projects across Canada

safer and easier to travel for commuters and travellers, and providing

during 2014 alone. This is over and above the new projects that will

vital links between communities and to important resources.

be approved under the New Building Canada Plan over the course of

Canadians in communities in every part of the country have benefited from and continue to benefit from new, renovated and revitalized infrastructure.

60 | Endeavour Magazine

the year.

Projects such as these will continue construction beyond 2014, and funding will flow to them as committed. This means that across

Fort Good Hope - MacKenzie Valley Winter Road Bridges

the country, the hard work of designing and building the many projects

achieved to date. We will continue to encourage job creation and

that are under or will begin construction this season is already taking

economic growth, and to provide infrastructure that contributes to

place. These projects will continue to keep Canadians busy building a

the quality of life of Canadians.

stronger Canada with modern, efficient public infrastructure for our benefit.

The Honourable Denis Lebel

Canada’s

Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental

infrastructure has never been stronger. With the New Building

Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada

Canada Plan, we are well on track to surpass the successes we have

for the Regions of Quebec

Our

Government’s

commitment

to

enhancing

Endeavour Magazine | 61

62 | Endeavour Magazine

ARIMA RACE CLUB 001 868 6462450 WWW.ARIMARACECLUB.COM

KINGS, NOBILITY AND HORSES WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

Competitive horse racing is one of humankind’s oldest sports with evidence showing that prehistoric nomadic tribes of Central Asia domesticated horses in 4500 BC and soon after began racing them. The sport has since been the imdomnable sport of kings and nobility as in the early days it was tied to wealth, prosperity and opulence. Today it is a sport for all the people.

Endeavour Magazine | 63

ARIMA RACE CLUB

The history of the local thoroughbred racing dates back over 150 years. Attending races, especially in the earlier days meant a day of fun for the entire family. There was also the friendly rivalry among owners, trainers, jockeys, grooms and other stakeholders.

S

ince those early days the sport in Trinidad and Tobago has

four tracks also laid the foundation for horse racing to be indelibly

grown and matured where today it is now considered an

interwoven in the fabric of the Trinidad and Tobago social identity.

industry. An industry whose growth was fuelled by the

“The company was founded in 1946, by an act of Parliament,”

establishment of four race tracks in Port of Spain, Arima, Marabella

Christopher adds referencing the Laws of Trinidad and Tobago, Races

and Tobago

Act Chapter 21:52, Act 32 of 1946, “And the key areas focused on

“In the early eighties a fire destroyed the Grand Stand at Shirvan

at the start were the promotion, development and improvement of

Park, Tobago,” Christopher Armond Chief Executive Officer tells us,

local thoroughbred horse racing and breeding. This has not changed

“Which resulted in bringing live racing in Tobago to an abrupt end.”

and we continue to work in this area. In addition to the introduction,

In 1994, the industry was centralized in Arima at Santa Rosa

promotion and development of dog racing which we are exploring.”

Park and the existence of the four race tracks in different parts of

The racing facility at Santa Rosa Park comprises of a three level

the country was highly influential in the growth of the industry. The

Grand Stand, a paddock that houses approximately six hundred horses in training at any point in time, a main dirt track, a turf track and an exercise track for young and rehabilitating horses. An Administrative Building which houses the staff of the Arima Race Club, the Trinidad and Tobago Racing Authority and the Betting Levy Board is also located at Santa Rosa Park. The latter two are statutory authorities which are the regulatory body and the authority responsible for the collection of taxes.

“Other markets we are involved in now are sports betting, other pari-mutual games and the exporting of our racing signal to other Caribbean islands,” Christopher tells us.

The sport has progressed at the Santa Rosa Park venue over the past 20 years and the industry has consistently received generous and loyal support from some of the most prominent corporate citizens.

The industry is clearly on an upswing and the Arima

64 | Endeavour Magazine

ARIMA RACE CLUB

Race Club (ARC) the only local promoter of horse racing is proud

development

extremely

current regarding the constantly

of the racing product, “The industry is very buoyant,” Christopher

important, “Employees are sent

changing aspects of oncology

explains, “Some of the hurdles being faced are antiquated regulatory

on

practice.

laws, the location and age of the facility where patrons are housed

necessary and this focus and

“Customer satisfaction is also

and the competition from bookmakers, casinos and lotteries.”

attention on them develops their

very important and our training

loyalty. It is important that they

centers around customer service

see their careers developing.”

courses for our employees,” he

However, as the ARC is a limited liability company incorporated by an Act of Parliament and its affairs are run by an elected

is

specialist

courses

when

Management Committee of nine persons who are all members of

Each staff member benefits

says, “We promote family days

the Club with the Club’s prosperity at the forefront of their minds

from personal and professional

at the races on all our Public

and a great deal of experience to push it through any obstacles.

growth and due to this they

Holiday race cards and offer

“We race forty three days per year and offer simulcast racing six

never feel that their career has

special promotions from time to

days per week which is televised live to our members and our seven

stalled. Staff morale is high

time.”

Off Track Betting Shops by way of two channels that we rent from a

and this creates a positive,

local cable company,” Christopher explains, “Our staff complement

motivated,

is seventy eight permanent and that number expands to a hundred

workforce.

says

Christopher comes from after

and ten additional race day staff as things do get busy.”

that employees develop job

sales and customer commitment

competency

more

as without satisfied customers

standard office procedural functions where as their field officers

productive and confident when

they would not have a business.

follow Occupational Safety & Health Authority rules and guidelines,

they are happy and that both

To support this consultation and

“A successful race day involves everyone playing their part

clinical and administrative staff

meetings with key stakeholders

and working together,” he explains, and as such individual staff

need ongoing education to stay

such

He goes on to explain that the administrative staff follow

66 | Endeavour Magazine

and

committed

Christopher and

are

The most important part of the business according to

as

Owners,

Trainers,

Jockeys, Grooms and Security

into order, sports betting, post

are ongoing.

time poker, soccer 1,4,6 and 10,

“Our main strategy is to lobby

the

Government

the reintroduction of English

to

racing and the exporting of our

upgrade the gaming legislation

racing signals to other territories

in the country which is 75 years

are the priorities,”

old and allows our competitors

Should

such as bookmakers and casinos

successful,

to operate almost as a law

believes that they will, this and

unto themselves,” Christopher

the upgrading of the gaming

outlines, “Once the legislation is

legislation

upgraded, which is now taking

change the fortunes of the

place, then the playing field will

Club’s finances.

be level.”

Along in

these and

will

“Without with

legislation

this a

change

number

of

developments will be adding into the growth and diversification of The ARC. Christopher highlights, “The introduction of a range of new betting options is coming

prove

Christopher

improve

challenges

and

and

hurdles to overcome where would be the fun in this game?”

Christopher asks.

“

We race forty three days per year and offer simulcast racing six days per week which is televised live to our members and our seven Off Track Betting Shops by way of two channels that we rent from a local cable company. Our staff complement is seventy eight permanent and that number expands to a hundred and ten race day staff as things do get busy.”

Endeavour Magazine | 67

68 | Endeavour Magazine

EMPERORS PALACE 0027 11 928 1000 WWW.EMPERORSPALACE.CO.ZA

FIT FOR A KING

FIT FOR AN EMPEROR WRITTEN BY DONNIE RUST

A lot goes into creating the perfect experience. More than it is first apparent. A perfect experience is made up of thousands of tiny parts moving in symmetry and working together while being taken granted by the person experiencing it.

Endeavour Magazine | 69

EMPERORS PALACE

Take Emperors Palace as an example where the smallest detail is protected and safeguarded as policy.

Here the perfect experience is not something that happens by chance, it is a starting standard for them, it is a way of life.

C

ombining timeless classical elegance with the sheer

To preserve the events of that momentous time in the country’s

excitement of a casino, Emperors Palace Hotels Casino

history, Emperors Palace created a CODESA Walkway consisting

Conventions and Entertainment resort is owned by

and displaying collections of important documents and iconic

the group, Peermont Hotels, Casinos and Resorts and is one of

photographs of the time that should never be forgotten.

the leading hospitality and gaming companies operating in South Africa and Botswana. Conveniently situated alongside O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg South Africa, there has been no expense spared in the pursuit of pleasure and opulence.

“Pleasure and opulence are the big details that everyone notices,” Lebo Mokwena tells us, “It is what leaves the good taste in people’s mouths but it’s how the little details are handled that can turn that taste into a bad one or a great one.”

There is a lot to consider when looking at Emperors Palace. All of Peermont Hotels operate as multifaceted integrated resorts, including hotels, casinos, convention centres, retail centres, health spas, restaurants, bars and other sport and entertainment facilities.

Emperors Palace certainly has all of the above, playing host to the best restaurants, the best brands and the best cinemas.

“It is the South African approach to entertainment,” Lebo relates, “It is always clustered together for everything to fit so we are very selective of the brand names we have, the sorts of cuisine we offer and the methods of entertainment. It’s a balance between being reliable with the favoured brands that guests enjoy so they keep coming back, and being surprising so that people are always impressed.”

Opening its door at the end of 1998, the impressive beauty of Emperors Palace holds a deeper symbolism to the property that is entwined with the very history of the country. It was the site of the World Trade Centre where the Convention for a democratic South Africa (CODESA) negotiations were held in the lead up to the creation of the country’s democratic dispensation in the early 1990s that played a crucial role in the abolishment of Apartheid.

“The site is of great significance to us and marks the peaceful transformation from our past of exclusion, denial of rights and divisions to a future of unity, opportunity and the hope of prosperity for all,” Lebo explains, “With the unbanning of gambling that accompanied the birth of the new dispensation, the door was opened for the creation of one of the most lavish casino complexes on the continent.”

70 | Endeavour Magazine

What Makes Emperors Palace The Emperors Palace Luxury, convenience, opulence, excitement and the highest customer service available anywhere in South Africa are only some of the ingredients that make Emperors Palace the go-to destination for business people, families and fun seekers.

“It takes more than just having the finest dining options, spectacular entertainment, state of the art cinema and a magnificent casino with unparalleled gaming technology to meet our standards,” Lebo explains, “Our position of close proximity to O.R. Tambo International Airport, the great road infrastructure of the area and the dedicated bus service to and from the Rhodesfield Gautrain station means that we receive an influx of guests from local and international sources and while we do cater for international tastes, we give all of our guests a specifically Emperors Palace experience.

Uniquely South African.”

Emperors Palace is also set to benefit from the local and provincial governments establishing the Ekurhuleni Municipality as an aerotropolis which will increase the demands on all the operations at the hotels.

One of the many features of Emperors Palace that has secured its success is the astonishing variety on offer which is reflected in its four hotels each catering to a variety of different guests, with an occupancy rate of just over 85% every month.

In addition to the fine aesthetics guests enjoy during their stay, another mainstay of the Emperors Palace offering is the incredible quality and diversity of the food. This is supported by the Chef Exchange Programme, which brings in a number of chefs from around the world into the Emperors Palace kitchens every year.

Although the biggest casino in Johannesburg and South Africa, some of Emperors Palace’s biggest winners have never even been inside the casinos, but are the beneficiaries of the group’s massive corporate social investment which stands at over R30 million

EMPERORS PALACE

annually.

programme is based around seven pillars, of communication:

“We are very committed to helping communities,” Lebo explains,

Leadership and Management, Rewards and Recognition, Benefits

“Especially those that are located close to the areas where we have

and Remuneration, Employee development, and Employee wellness

a business presence.

and belonging.

These initiatives are designed to reduce

the cycle of poverty and empowering the recipients by providing

“Much of Emperors Palace’s success is due to the way we look

support from early childhood right through to finding employment.”

after our staff,” he says, “Especially with regards to morale. While it

At the heart of the Emperors Palace is the contingent of staff who

takes vision to consistently introduce new concepts to captivate the

are the driving force behind the charity initiatives mentioned above,

imagination of guests, it would be impossible to stay ahead of the

the absurdly high levels of customer satisfaction and the multitude

pack if our employees do not buy into the vision and strive to make

of other sectors and projects that this destination is involved with.

a success of their role.”

“Emperors Palace is responsible for the livelihoods of a

This is no mean feat in a business where there is always

considerable number of people and their extended families,” Lebo

something happening at any hour of every day. In fact, Emperors

says, “With over fourteen hundred permanent employees, fifteen

Palace has not stopped operating for one second since it opened

hundred external service providers and five hundred concessionaires

its doors almost sixteen years ago and this on going development

in the restaurants, we are only too well aware that there would be no

and growth relies strongly on the individual staff development. In

point in trying to provide guests with a memorable experience if our

keeping with the culture of acknowledging employee performance,

employees do not see their employment as a positive experience as

Peermont has introduced the Top Achiever Awards.

well.”

The happiness of all Emperors Palace employees is just as important to Lebo as the happiness of the scores of people visiting them. To ensure the happiness of such a large staff complement, the ‘Happy People, Happy Place’ initiative was launched.

72 | Endeavour Magazine

This

Keeping People Coming In Through The Doors “The focus on our employees feeds through to our focus on

customers where we strive to provide a complete entertainment experience, either through the casino, hotel, food and beverage or the Entertainment Emporium,” Lebo adds, “We ask our customers to talk to us, and we listen to the good but especially the bad because that is the only way we can improve and keep striving to be the best.”

Recognizing that most suggestions and queries tend to come in the form of complaints, management at Emperors Palace have implemented an extensive customer care programme, which allows them to generate feedback, on every level, from all of their customers. This information is used to gauge their expectations and ensure that Emperors Palace lives up to their standard.

Customer satisfaction can be notoriously difficult to measure, but Emperors Palace has met this challenge through its customer experience index based on surveys completed by customers.

The standard is a score in excess of 90% and the system is very responsive, so if there is an area where Emperors Palace falls short of customer expectations, the problem is fixed almost immediately.

This has allowed Emperors Palace to maintain its above-average market share and is a tactic that will continue well into the future.

The perfect experience is not limited to the awe people feel when they arrive and as far as Lebo is concerned every person working for Emperors Palace is ultimately in the business of building experiences, “Our only job is to make our customers feel a little happier than they were when they entered our resort and this has to continue long after they have left,” This is something that is a non-negotiable undertaking in the company. “If we don’t achieve this, we have failed and this failure would ultimately show in the numbers,” Lebo explains, “We run a

“

“Much of Emperors Palace’s success is due to the way we look after our staff.

Especially with regards to morale.

While it takes vision to consistently introduce new concepts to captivate the imagination of guests, it would be impossible to stay ahead of the pack if our employees do not buy into the vision and strive to make a success of their role.”

Lebo Mokwena, Emperors Palace Marketing Manager

fairly sophisticated CRM programme, which allows us to offer great after-sales service to our customers. Our approach to quality

Endeavour Magazine | 73

EMPERORS PALACE

customer care and after-sales service has been enhanced a great

to the finest details of customer

have been hosted thus far and

deal in recent years by the usage of digital applications which allow

service.

collectively they have attracted a

us to interact with customers in real time in some instances.”

“In 1998 we introduced a

buy-in of just under R40 million.

“The advent of social media has broadened the scope of what

team of ten executive hosts,

This dedication to growth

we are able to accomplish with our customers and we continue to

proficient in a wide range of

and improvement that always

find and invest in new and innovative ways to make the experiences

languages to cater to guests’

promises something more has

that much more personal and pleasant,” he adds.

every

says,

led to some major developments

“Last year, Emperors Palace

that will offer even more to

introduced its new top-tier Black

guests and visitors.

Ahead Of The Game The growth of South Africa’s gaming industry has grown alongside the tourist and hospitality industry and this has created a backdrop for hundreds of casinos, resorts and hotels across the country meaning that Emperors Palace has a relentless task of staying ahead of the competition. Their approach to this has been by offering the latest and best to their guests and this has involved a recent sizeable investment into a new Bally Technology gaming system.

The system enhances the information that can be gleaned from casino visitors, allowing Emperors Palace to tailor its offerings and promotions to meet customers’ needs. In addition, Emperors Palace has set itself apart from the competition with its attention

74 | Endeavour Magazine

need,”

Lebo

Card, the ultimate in loyalty programmes.

Aimed at the

The Theatre of Marcellus at

Emperors

Palace

which

upper echelon of casino players,

is a popular destination for

it provides benefits that most

tourists, has completed a guest

gamblers can only dream of.”

experience makeover with vastly

Because Emperors Palace

improved sightlines, tiered plush

only uses the best international

new

practices as its yardstick, it

VIP area for ultimate comfort,

is not surprising that it is the

increased capacity to over 1000

only location in South Africa to

seats, new softs finishes and an

host a World Poker Tour (WPT)

improved entrance experience.

event. Two annual tournaments

seating

complete

with

Opening in July 2014, is a

new, up-market, 400-seater Barnyard Theatre at Emperors Palace, that will give visitors a relaxed, fun-filled evening of popular music shows and relaxed dining.

R30m is going into expanding facilities of their popular worldclass convention centre by adding a further 1800m² of conference facilities which includes additional sub-divisible medium sized meeting rooms, new boardroom, public toilets, additional preassembly space and reception area.

“Emperors Palace was recently awarded Best Convention Hotel in South Africa in the 2013 International Hotel Awards while the five star Peermont D’oreale Grande Hotel at Emperors Palace took home Best Airport Hotel in Africa and South Africa,” Lebo says proudly.

Finally Making a perfect experience is never something to be left to chance. It requires a lot of things going in, a lot of planning, a lot of time, a lot of hard work and a lot of passion.

“It’s about making every guest feel like an Emperor,” Lebo concludes.

Opening in July 2014, is a new, up-market, 400-seater Barnyard Theatre at Emperors Palace, that will give visitors a relaxed, fun-filled evening of popular music shows and relaxed dining.

Endeavour Magazine | 75

76 | Endeavour Magazine

LIAN BENG CONSTRUCTION 0065 6283 1468 WWW.LIANBENG.COM.SG

DREAMING

BIG

WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

Dreaming big is what the Lian Beng Group does best and this habit has ingrained itself into its business culture. In early 2013 it secured half a dozen construction projects worth a record figure of $750 million. Proving that this is not a result of luck but determination and direction.

Endeavour Magazine | 77

LIAN BENG CONSTRUCTION

Established in 1973, Lian Beng Group Ltd is one of Singapore’s major home-grown building construction groups and one of the few which has integrated civil engineering and construction support service capabilities. When you take a moment to look at the business it’s clear that today the main revenue generator at Lian Beng comes in the form of Lian Beng Construction, a wholly-owned subsidiary it has grown and diversified from property development into support services for the industry.

Notable on-going construction projects include Thomson

Due to their long term experience within this area, they are also

Grand, developed by the Cheung Kong Group from Hong Kong,

involved in construction and construction services related industries

Waterfront Isles, developed by Far East Organization, and Hedges

such as the provision of scaffolding and engineering services, the

Park, developed by Hong Leong Group.

supply of ready-mix concrete, leasing of equipment and machinery

Some of the projects that Lian Beng is co-developing include residential, commercial and industrial with a selection of joint

and reinforcement bar fabrication. To support the above, Lian Beng are also leaders in the training of foreign construction labour.

venture partners. These include the likes of M-Space and Mandai

In construction, things have been on the rise with several large

Dormitory at Mandai Industrial Estate, Spottiswoode Suites off Neil

projects during 2013 leading to a record high orderbook of S$1.2

Road, a hotel development near Bugis, Lincoln Suites off Newton

billion, with impressive movements on the property development

Road and mixed development, The Midtown at Hougang. In many of

front as well.

these property development projects Lian Beng also undertakes the construction of the projects.

This hasn’t been without its challenges. The foreign levy has increased and is expected to increase further and this will lead to

Principally involved in the construction of residential, industrial

a tightening of foreign labour. However, these challenges provide

and commercial projects, and civil engineering projects Lian Beng

opportunities to find new ways to improve productivity. Something

Group can tender for public sector building projects of unlimited

that the company has excelled at for almost four decades.

contract value which puts them into a very favourable position for future growth.

78 | Endeavour Magazine

The construction industry is filled with opportunities thanks to the increasing population and hence the improvement and expansion

LEE CONSTRUCTION PTE LTD (Waterproofing Specialist)

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The Ritz Carlton Residences 50 Kallang Avenue #01-01 Singapore 339505

Tel: +65 68422345 Fax: +65 68424812

Web: www.leeconstruction.com.sg Email: enquiry@leeconstruction.com.sg Endeavour Magazine | 79

LIAN BENG CONSTRUCTION

of infrastructure, the increase in demand for the housing and other

Integrity, Innovation, Excellence

gracious practices and engage

commercial and industrial property. As this construction demand

and

this scheme.

increases so to does the cost of construction support services

these mandates forming their

and Lian Beng will seek new ways to improve their productivity to

foundation Lian Beng has won

Construction

address this challenge.

accolades

aim

Generally, the market demands a developer who can provide comfortable homes at the best quality and the most competitive

Commitment.

and

With

awards

such

For the future, Lian Beng to

will

secure

have even

to

more

as the BCA Skilled Builders

construction projects to further

Competition.

drive their organic growth and

rates. It also demands a high level of efficiency and punctuality. This

This competition, The BCA

to strengthen their order book.

requires that the company needs to be prudent in the decision made

Green and Gracious Builder

While in property development it

and ensure that everything is planned before action is implemented.

Scheme

To ensure that the rise in constructions costs does not impact

to

was

established

will be about working alongside

promote

sustainable

with the best suitable partners.

their efficiency Lian Beng Construction have insulated themselves

environmental protection and

Lian Beng has not only

from this issue by training their own workers at their overseas

gracious practices in builders

survived tough times during

training centre. They also keep on the cutting edge of new methods,

during

economic

technologies and innovations to keep themselves not only ahead of

phase

be

recessions but has emerged

competition but ahead of the curve.

socially responsible, a builder

stronger and it continues to

should

grow thanks to its focus and

This leads into a series of core values that Lian Beng Group follow ardently. These include important piers like Teamwork,

the of

construction

projects.

embrace

To

sustainable

environmental protection and

downturns

attention on its supply chain.

ACCESS SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES PTE LTD

Blk 1085 Eunos Ave 7A #01-26 / #02-26 Singapore 409535 Tel: 67485535 / 68445546 Fax: 67487797 80 | Endeavour Magazine

and

82 | Endeavour Magazine

PPC ZIMBABWE 00263 974 205 WWW.PPC.CO.ZA/ZIMBABWE

BUILDING THE FOUNDATION WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

Last year, PPC Zimbabwe celebrated its centenary in 2013 and we spoke to director of business development and corporate strategy Gavin Stephens.

Endeavour Magazine | 83

PPC ZIMBABWE

A Zimbabwean company, they have been around for over a century and few people know their market as well as them. They also boast the most modern production facilities in Africa which benefit from continued investment into them.

n a rapidly changing world that is constantly evolving the

I

As the years rolled by, so did sales figures, with capacity

question is how has PPC Zimbabwe managed to prolong and

increasing throughout decades of successful operation. Like any

maintain its success throughout the years?

other company, PPC Zimbabwe has experienced numerous triumphs

are a recognised brand, known for being the best in the country and

inception is testament to the organisation’s commitment to quality.

“I would say it is our consistency and quality,” says Gavin. “We

conforming to various international standards.”

and times of hardship, but its position in the market 100 years after “We have celebrated our centenary year with customers, service

However, there is no room for complacency at PPC Zimbabwe,

providers and staff at events in Bulawayo and Harare,” cites Gavin.

as evaluating processes and continuous improvement are of the

“Next month is the 50th anniversary of our brand name Unicem too,

utmost importance.

so this celebration will reflect our confidence in Zimbabwe. Since

“We have a system which is aimed at involving employees at all levels of the company. This includes assessing their performance, learning from mistakes, how to move forward and suggesting ways to improve in the future,” he asserts.

1913, we have come through recessions as well as ups and downs, but we are still here.”

At the end of last year, PPC Zimbabwe also received its indigenisation certificate, complying with government law that requires 51% of a company to be given to native shareholders. “We

History PPC Zimbabwe traces its roots back to a factory 15km east of Bulawayo that was established in 1913. Known as Premier Portland Cement, the company’s product went on sale a year later and before long it was exporting goods to Northern Rhodesia (Zambia) and the Belgian Congo.

are in the process of implementing this ahead of the competition.

It will give the community and employees shares in the company,” says Gavin.

Employees Even though PPC Zimbabwe recognises the importance of

Sales figures of 3,000 tonnes a year early on began to increase

employee satisfaction, with remuneration above the national

thanks to a rise in the construction of dams and a demand for cement

average for the industry, the company’s workforce receives several

during the Second World War. Even though more facilities were

additional benefits.

established to meet capacity requirements, a dip in sales during the

“Staff on-site are provided with housing, clinics and free

sixties forced PPC to become more efficient. A joint-holding company

medical schooling,” reveals Gavin. “We also offer a comprehensive

between Premier Portland and Rhocem rationalised production and

HIV program that guarantees access to antiretroviral drugs to any

United Portland Cement (Unichem) was born in 1965.

employee and his or her family.”

84 | Endeavour Magazine

PPC ZIMBABWE

Although Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become big business for corporations around the world, Stephens says reaching out to the local people and wider community has always been of great significance to PPC Zimbabwe.

constraints.” he notes. “While we have enjoyed a growth in market share, we still have an extensive capacity.”

The ability to maximise volume has been made possible by a recent investment at the company’s Bulawayo plant, with capacity

“We have quite a long history over the past 100 years of being

growing from 650,000 to 1.1 million tonnes. Loading and dispatch

involved in our community which has seen us take part in a number

operations have also been improved thanks to a $6 million injection

of activities,” he says. “We have various agricultural projects that

of funds.

help enhance income and improve health as well as several sports activities. CSR is nothing new to us as a company.”

Developments for the industry and PPC Zimbabwe

Three years ago, PPC Zimabwe spent $20 million at its Colleen Bawn factory and is planning on increasing volume further still with a $3 million project in 2013.

The possibilities for expansion do not stop there, as Stephens explains: “We are in the process of exploring the possibility of a new

Since Zimbabwe adopted the dollar, the cement industry has

plant and this is quite advanced. We would hope to see progress on

enjoyed a solid recovery and good growth. During the country’s

the ground by next year. Looking ahead, we see demand for cement

hyper inflation period, cement sales dropped to 400,000 tonnes a

growing and outstripping the installed capacity, hence the decision

year compared to an industry high of 1.1 million in 1999. But with

to look at a new facilities.

numbers now back on track, Stephens believes PPC Zimbabwe is well-positioned to take advantage of future expansion.

“Looking at our competition, they are reaching their capacity

“We are also looking at North East Zimbabwe because we want to be closer to the Harare market and spreading our operations across the country more evenly.”

Trading as

BURGER & McBEAN (Pvt.) Ltd. Civil & Building Contractors

1967: Building contracting 1990: Earthmoving 1995: Supplying plant and machinery to the mining sector Looking forward to the future

2 Bristol Road South Belmont East, Bulawayo Contact Person: Craig McBean, Director Tel: 00263 9 74176 / 68057, Fax: 00263 9 62744 Email: mcbean@yoafrica.com 86 | Endeavour Magazine

The future During the cement industry’s difficult period when shortages were common, consumers were forced to buy whatever they could find. However, since its recovery, PPC Zimbabwe recognises the importance of customer service.

“We need to change the previous mindset and become more customer focused,” notes Gavin. “We are engaged in extensive market surveys, we try to understand our clientele better and want to become more customer orientated. This project is well underway and is being conducted by our sales department.”

Looking ahead, despite an uncertain political and economic outlook, PPC Zimbabwe is confident it can carry on its success in the future. “We see continued growth and demand for cement and are well positioned to take advantage of this ahead of the competition.

We are bullish about the future, regardless of circumstances out of our control,” he signs off.

“

We have celebrated our centenary year with customers, service providers and staff at events in Bulawayo and Harare,. Next month is the 50th anniversary of our brand name Unicem too, so this celebration will reflect our confidence in Zimbabwe. Since 1913, we have come through recessions as well as ups and downs, but we are still here.”

Endeavour Magazine | 87

88 | Endeavour Magazine

AMSTEELE SYSTEMS 0027 11 827 6721 WWW.AMSTEELE.COM

STRESS WITHOUT SUFFERING WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

PT-Pave is a dynamic venture between Amsteele Systems and Chris Howes Construction, aimed at providing a complete package/ one-stop-shop for post- tensioned concrete pavements, also known as post-tensioned slab on grade.

Endeavour Magazine | 89

AMSTEELE SYSTEMS

Amsteele Systems’ beginnings date back to the late 1960’s, with CCL (SA) being the forerunner for Amalgamated Prestressing. They later merged with Steeledale Systems in 2000 to form Amsteele Systems.

Millions of square meters of post-tensioned slabs, and the majority of the major highway bridges in South Africa, have been prestressed using procedures specifically licensed to Amsteele Systems and its predecessors. With this in mind it is no surprise that Amsteele Systems has accrued itself a reputation for excellence in the post tensioning industry, becoming market leaders within Southern Africa.

F

ounded in 1993, Chris Howes Construction (CHC) has become synonymous with delivering products and service of the highest quality. Identifying the niche of

concrete flooring within the construction industry, CHC-SA has, since 1993, evolved into a national leader in this field, offering flooring solutions recognised to be of the best quality and in accordance with international standards. Utilising state-of-the-art equipment while maintaining constant supervision and on-hand labour, CHC-SA has achieved the much-coveted status of preferred supplier among organisations like MASS MART (Makro, Game & Builders Warehouse) and the JD Group.

Tailored Solutions Post tensioning of concrete pavements, for both internal and external use, has provided many developers and clients, across the globe, with a cost effective paving solution for more than 40 years.

A vast array of benefits have surfaced as a result of post tensioning techniques including reduced long term maintenance due to the reduction of joints, significant savings on construction costs and subgrade preparation of poor ground conditions, accelerated construction timeframes, increased load capacity and reduced permeability.

Post-tensioned concrete has limitless applications and is suitable for use within distribution facilities, warehouses, factories, bulk storage facilities, container storage and handling facilities, aircraft hangers, airport apron slabs, indoor and outdoor sport courts, freezer stores, raft slabs and slabs for water retaining structures, to name but a few.

90 | Endeavour Magazine

Industrial Concrete Pavement Requirements Any industrial concrete pavement is subject to stringent standards including being demonstrably free of excessive cracking, suitably flat and durable. Achieving these high mantles requires in depth interaction between the slab designer, end user/owner, geotechnical specialist and contractor, ensuring that everybody is working to the same best practice and standards.

PT Pave acknowledges the importance of taking factors such as environmental and site geotechnical conditions into account, as well

due to ongoing long term shrinkage, most commonly caused by tensile stresses from service loads and temperature gradients in the concrete.

The post-tensioning used can be a bonded or un-bonded flat slab system with the basic methodology encompassing the following points: • Slabs are cast with high tensile, pre-stressing strands running through the slab from edge to edge, at regular spacings • Tendons are un-profiled (flat) in one layer, with equal or close to equal quantities in orthogonal directions

as accounting for assumed imposed loads on the pavement (such as

• Tendons are anchored at the slab edges and stressed after

traffic loads, slab thickness, joint positioning and slab construction

concrete placement, thereby placing a permanent two-way

methodology). It is only by applying such future-proofing techniques

compression force on the slab,

that the standards implemented by the team at PT Pave can be upheld.

• If a bonded PT system is used, this force is then ‘locked in’ by grouting the ducts with a high strength grout which also acts as corrosion protection,

The System Post tensioning in concrete pavements serves two functions simultaneously; firstly it counteracts short term shrinkage cracking, most coften observed from 18 – 24 hours after pouring, and secondly, it pre-compresses the concrete to counteract cracking

• Tendons can be stressed continuously between slab panels by using coupling or intermediate stressing anchors which allow for total elimination of movement. Joints between adjacent panels are ‘pulled’ together through the posttensioning process

Endeavour Magazine | 91

AMSTEELE SYSTEMS

When combined, these elements can result in 1000’s of square metres of floor slabs which are no longer vulnerable to joint

Active Crack Control Aware of the importance of addressing issues before they

movement. Careful planning of the floor construction methodology

surface, PT Pave ensures placement of a two-way compression force

is required, with the final slab edges needing further special

on all slabs, reducing the risk of material cracking and weakening

consideration.

the structure. Couple tis approach with Finite design and analysis and slab quality is maintained, and continually improved for client

Eliminate Joints Common factors affecting industrial and warehousing facilities are usually temperature variations, heavy imposed loads (from racking and forklift traffic) and high abrasion rates. These factors

satisfaction.

Design Considerations Aspects considered during slab design process include:

commonly result in joint and floor failures, causing costly joint

• External design loads - All external design loads must be

maintenance, repairs to slabs and ultimately, a significant loss

catered for in the design, such as racking, wheels, containers,

of productivity within the facility. Addressing this issue before it

bulk materials and load cycles.

occurs offers significant benefits and stays true to the adage that ‘prevention is better than cure’.

• Internal and external thermal effects - Daily ambient temperatures lead to temperature gradient stresses through

Post-tensioned concrete pavements are used in facilities

the slab depth and must be accounted for at the design stage.

that seek to reduce weak spots caused by joint issues, therefore

Typical gradients of 0.02°C/mm and 0.04°C/mm are used

eliminating flaws in any concrete pavement. The PT Pave post-

for internal and external slabs respectively, which can cause

tensioning system allows for a significant reduction in the number of

bottom fibre tensile stresses that are additional to the stresses

joints, while remaining within permissible tensile stresses, resulting in dramatically lower maintenance costs over the lifespan of the slab.

92 | Endeavour Magazine

caused by external design loads.

• Subgrade friction - Elastic and shrinkage movements give rise

to frictional restraint stresses between the slab and the sub-

allows for a balancing of the tensile stresses in the concrete, leading

grade. The typical design friction coefficient for concrete laid

to thinner, more cost effective slabs without the need to significantly

on a plastic membrane over clean sand bedding is between 0.5

increase the amount of reinforcement.

and 0.6 to account for movement.

Other major advantages of using a post-tensioned slab on grade

• Sub-base parameters - PT Pave designs include a detailed

solution compared to other ground slab systems are the effective

analysis of the slab supported by the underlying sub-

load support, active crack control and reduced joints. Use of a post-

base. Modelling of the sub-base will typically be based on

tensioned slab on grade solution greatly reduces the joints required

geotechnical data such as California Bearing Ration (CBR) and

in a floor, resulting in reduced maintenance and subsequently, cost

the modulus of subgrade reaction etc.

savings. The risk of slab curling is also greatly reduced as PT Pave systems are resistant to problematic soils.

Construction Considerations In addition to design considerations, adequate planning must be made for the construction process. Elimination of potential issues results in cost savings that can be passed onto clients and increased longevity of the product. The main issues are: • Pour size – A serious constraint is the ability to finish the concrete in a single day. Pour sizes of between 1500m2 and 2000m2 should typically be considered and planned, although pour sizes in excess of 5000m2 have been successfully completed.

• Pour sequence - The sequence of slab pours, and their stressing requirements, require careful planning and should

Post-tensioning has been shown to offer maximum efficiency against external effects being experienced by any structure (including temperature, temperature differential and loadings), as well as internal effects such as concrete shrinkage, size of structure and the quality of the quality of the supporting ground.

This is because compared with conventional reinforcement, posttensioning provides a long service life with a high loading capacity, requires almost no maintenance and retains a high resale value.

Post-tensioned slabs have been used successfully, worldwide, in a variety of locations and industries including logistics, manufacturing facilities, workshops and other high-stress structures and show no signs of being superseded in either quality or cost effectiveness.

be optimised for the best program outcome.

• Curing and protection - With larger pours, PT pavements are susceptible to initial shrinkage effects. It is therefore important to cure and protect the slab from extreme conditions such as heat wave conditions, high evaporation, wind or extreme cold.

For internal slabs, best practice dictates that constructing the building envelope prior to placement of the concrete floors will offer increased protection.

The successful design of a post-tensioned slab on subgrade

Pre-assembled cages

reduces the overall cost of the structure, including that of of ground preparation and the cost of the slab itself. The PT Pave system uses an optimum combination of post- tensioning, slab thickness and concrete tensile strength to produce a highly cost-effective slab with minimal maintenance requirements. Moreover, the design provides a joint and crack-free area with greatly improved durability

Top Class Facility Modern Machinery

that is widely considered to be a more economical, yet more effective method of concrete pavement construction compared to conventional or fibre reinforced concrete pavements.

The Best Solution Concrete has a limited capacity for resisting tensile stresses. For conventional reinforced concrete slabs or even slabs with steel fibre reinforcement, the thickness and primary supports are increased, ensuring that stresses do not exceed the concrete tensile strength

RMS-Wakefield Reinforcing (Pty) Limited 30 North Reef Road, Elandsfontein, Germiston, 1406 • PO Box 6596, Homestead, 1412 Tel +27 11 878 6820 • Fax +27 11 878 6821 • Email rms@rms-sa.co.za • www.rms-sa.co.za Company Registration No. 2003/001286/07 • VAT Registration No. 4190 213 886 Directors: AJ Nienaber, A van Niekerk, RW Wakefield

while still satisfying the design code requirements. Post-tensioning Endeavour Magazine | 93

94 | Endeavour Magazine

SITE FACILITY 0045 217 957 53 WWW.SITEFACILITY.DK

HOME from HOME WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

Don’t let the subtlety of the name fool you, Site Facility is a groundbreaking organisation that offers tailored solutions to workforces worldwide with no compromise to user experience.

Jakob Heskjær tells Endeavour how he started, and continues to evolve, the company.

Endeavour Magazine | 95

SITE FACILITY

Though a relative newcomer to the business world, Site Facility has quickly gained favour with international clients, making great strides in the short five years since it’s conception. In conjunction with the company’s vision statement of ‘camp anywhere’, numerous projects have been undertaken within Scandinavia but also as far afield as Brazil, Uruguay and Turkey.

O

riginating in Denmark, in 2008, the company’s founder

When discussing the Site Facility workforce, which is now

and CEO, Jakob Heskjær, identified a clear gap in the

28 members strong, Heskjær is keen to promote long-term staff

market for on-site worker accommodation due to his

retention;

own background in facility construction. He explains that;

“It is important that we can retain employees from project to

“I have worked in the wind industry for twelve years and on

project, not only because it provides stability but also because it is

facility sites for more than 20 years. My work for the wind industry

not cost effective to train new employees for every task. Employees

required me to have adequate accommodation on site, which was

are our ‘daily face’ to the customer and therefore it is important that

not always readily available. By combining my experience and skills

they are representative bearers of Site Facility’s values and work

from previous roles, I knew that starting Site Facility would offer a

ethic.”

solution to the accommodation needs of many workers.”

He goes on to note that due to the exciting nature of the

As businesses are recognising the importance of making

business, Site Facility enjoys interest from a vast number of potential

significant investments into green initiatives, such as renewable

employment candidates, making the selection of an appropriately

energy, Heskjær is confident that the focus of the business will not

skilled workforce a straightforward process. With an impressive

be changing or diversifying in the near future. With wind power fast

quantity of projects lined up for the next 12 months, this will prove

becoming one of the most popular alternative resources, a significant

to be a blessing.

increase in demand for ‘site hotels’ is expected to follow.

Highlighting the many benefits of his on-site accommodation solutions, Heskjær is clearly passionate not only about his own

Part of the service industry, Site Facility recognises the inherent importance of putting the customer first and Heskjær reiterates that a happy workforce makes for a happy client;

business, but the well-being and comfort of those that Site Facility

“When Site Facility takes care of specific accommodation needs,

house. Comparable to three star hotel accommodation, the camps

and all the challenges that run alongside them, the client can retain

are designed to offer a home away from home experience, maximising

full focus on their project. We know, through experience, what

the cohesion of a strong workforce, while offering significant savings

makes employees that are required to live remotely and far from

to construction clients. In addition to comfortable rooms with private

everything, happy and satisfied. To ensure that they remain focused

bathrooms and delicious meals, leisure time areas are also included,

and motivated, we provide recreation and entertainment in the

allowing workers to relax or keep fit in their downtime. The only

camp, along with good food and a reliable internet connection that

responsibility placed on clients is to ‘move in and enjoy’.

allows them to stay connected with loved ones.”

Heskjær notes that the peace of mind for client management

Of course it is no secret that a happy and motivated workforce

teams that comes with workers being on site at all times is invaluable,

make for the best customer service agents, but combined with a

as are the savings compared to regular hotel accommodation. In

commitment to retaining clients through consistently exceeding

addition to these benefits, the local economy is able to flourish, with

expectations, Site Facility have raised the bar in every way possible.

Site Facility fully committed to buying local products and services

Though the concept of site hotels is fairly new to the wind power

wherever they are operating, including hiring local support staff for

industry, Heskjær remains confident that should competitors begin to

camp service tasks.

emerge, they will be of little concern due to consistent development

96 | Endeavour Magazine

SITE FACILITY

and improvement of products. Far from being an arrogant approach

specified

to business, this is merely an observation that has sprung from years

requiring a swimming pool.”

with in relevant industries and an innate understanding that within the service sector, nothing remains static.

Working in harmony with its skilled team, Site Facility have a,

as

most

definitely

economy wherever an onsite hotel is erected, Site Facility

For clients that may not

goes one step further with its

be aware of just how much

Corporate Social Responsibility

Site

supply,

measures.

Facility

can

Actively

against

wherever possible, localised approach to supply chain procurement.

comprehensive

design

waste dumping, the company

Opting to utilise local suppliers is important to Heskjær and his

consultations are offered as

is stringent in its adherence to

team as a way of supporting the surrounding area but he notes

part of their service. By advising

relevant legislation, supporting

that with current markets and politics, this is not always possible.

as to what appears to be the

this through the hiring of local

In order to achieve high reliability and quality rates, subcontractors

most

for

support workers, where possible.

are occasionally brought in, but only when local opportunities are

workforces,

can

In

not available.

popular

inclusions employers

addition

to

employment

be assured that they will be

opportunities and responsible

Looking forward, Heskjær is excited by future projects as they

getting a well-rested, happy and

waste management practices,

allow him to demonstrate the incredible flexibility of his unique

motivated team for the entirety

the company also seeks out

product. With clients being the main focus, whatever they deem as

of every working day. With

opportunities to invest in much

a necessary on-site addition can be supplied with no disruption:

productivity a smaller concern,

needed

clients can focus on managing

Previous

the project in hand.

included

“Our product is so flexible that development concepts can differ dramatically from project to project. We put together different and tailored solutions to meet all customer needs. A good example is a project we completed in Turkey, where the camp we set up was

98 | Endeavour Magazine

Already

demonstrating

local

renovations.

examples schools,

have

community

a

centres or a sports club house

commitment to supporting local

that have been used as the site

base for the duration of a project, whereupon completion, the newly restored building is given back to the community.

Naturally, any company seeking to support local communities will be familiar with the need to get on board with green initiatives and Site Facility is no exception. When asked how the company contributes to greener practices, Heskjær points out that the very nature of Site Facility is a green initiative in itself: “Our products, in themselves, help to create a green profile on all of our customers’ projects. By utilising us, the client can significantly reduce the amount of transportation between a working location and off site hotels. This not only means great savings on and working time, but also demonstrates a reduction in pollution and energy wastage.”

Having begun a cooperative working relationship with Enercon, a German wind turbine manufacturer, in 2013, Site Facility looks forward to many more such collaborations and the inevitable growth of the company. With such a unique product and clearly clientfocused ethos, workforces around the world will soon be keen to ‘camp anywhere’.

“

We know, through experience, what makes employees that are required to live remotely and far from everything, happy and satisfied. To ensure that they remain focused and motivated, we provide recreation and entertainment in the camp, along with good food and a reliable internet connection that allows them to stay connected with loved ones.”

Endeavour Magazine | 99

100 | 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.

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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.”

Dolphin Bay is a proud supplier of CCA timber preservatives Pole To Pole Gary says that the demand from the local market has been below to Treated Timber Products 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.”

102 | 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, “Our employees are very important to us,” Gary says, “We value their loyalty. And appreciate their dedication to the highest of standards.”

Staff are monitored on a daily basis, including production levels 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.”

Seafreight - 20’s, 40’s, specialised equipment, breakbulk or project cargo • Container packing and crosshaul • Customs clearance • Shipping documentation • Inland haulage • Container sales and leasing

Southern Ocean Line has collaborated with Treated Timber Products since 2008 when they shipped a total of 108 x 40’ on 3 vessels within a week of each other.

Now they arrange shipments as well as customs clearance, local transport at both ends and other documentary and logistical requirements to varying degrees. Their experience as well as good relationships with many carriers allows them to negotiate favourable rates and terms for all their clients.

r nts fo er Produ e m b hip ing s eated Tim g n a Tr Arr

nce cts si

2008

Cook Close, 6 St Mary’s Road, Kloof, 3610, South Africa Tel : (+27) 31 764 3169 Cell: (+27) 83 3878080 Fax:+27-86-6376987 Email: all@solship.co.za Web: solship.co.za Endeavour Magazine | 103

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

104 | 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.

106 | Endeavour Magazine

LAYNE DRILLING 00260 212651309 WWW.LAYNE.COM

LEADING BY EXAMPLE WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

Noel McGinniss, General Manager of Layne Drilling Zambia, talks to Endeavour about the ambitious aims of the company and the initiatives being put in place to ensure that they are met.

Endeavour Magazine | 107

LAYNE DRILLING

Layne Christensen is on a global level. A leading water management, drilling and construction company, they seek to become a ‘world class safety organisation’ and the foremost provider of water, mineral and energy to the world. Even more impressive is that alongside these aspirations, a prevalent commitment to sustainability remains steadfast, proving that growth does not need to come at the detriment of values and wider responsibility.

Moggs Distributors Services Ltd Po Box 23131, Kitwe, Zambia 3715 Lilongwe Road, Kitwe, Zambia Tel: (0026) 021 2219 022 Cell: (0026) 0966 995 462 E-mail: moggs@iconnect.zm

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F

ounded in 1882, Layne Christensen Company which now includes Layne Drilling Zambia, has carved itself an impressive reputation within its industry, showing

adaptability and regular growth. From humble beginnings as a domestic water-well drilling organisation in South Dakota, the company has grown by embracing diversification of services offered.

Layne is now enjoying global success and has welcomed new team members, ideas and, critically to the company’s ethos, solutions; “We invent solutions. We propose solutions. We deliver solutions. For a company known previously as a “service provider” this is an important distinction.”

The result of these strides forward is a fully unified and committed team all striving for the same result, which they refer to as their ONE Layne initiative: “To enhance the lives of people by providing and protecting the world’s essential natural resources.”

With such aims at the core of the organisation, it comes as no surprise that the team at Layne Drilling Zambia is comprised of highly trained experts, all lead by a strong figurehead with extensive industry experience. Noel McGinniss, with 35 years of service at Layne, was promoted to General Manager in 2009 following impressive progression through the company. Having started in the industry aged just 22 as an offsider, he has worked, quite literally, from the ground up, gaining a hands-on understanding of the

Your Partner in PPE and Geological supplies

108 | Endeavour Magazine

industry as a whole that has proved key to the continued success of the company.

Overseeing the provision of responsibly sourced water, mineral

has given us the foundation that we have built on to date. These

and energy solutions, McGinniss described the impressive facilities

values and beliefs define us as an organisation - defining not only

already in place in Zambia:

what we believe in, but also how we do what we do, each and every

“We have 21 drill rigs in our fleet, comprising of 17 diamond drill

day...and that make us distinctly ONE Layne. Working Together as

rigs and 4 Air machines. We have an office, store and workshop in

ONE, we can also offer clients an integrated approach to solving

Ndola (in the copper belt of Zambia) to provide quick and efficient

their problems, which allows us to offer more than individual services

support to our staff and machines. We also have satellite workshops

– it ensures streamlined communications, expedited time lines, and

in the Solwezi and Chililabombwe areas where we have machines

a constant focus on our overriding values of safety, sustainability,

operating.”

integrity and excellence.”

Despite such a comprehensive set-up, McGinniss explained that the industry has experienced difficulties in the past year. With

An impressive mantra indeed, it is supported through the employment of talented and committed individuals.

copper prices dropping, Layne Drilling Zambia was significantly

Part of a worldwide crew of 4,000, Layne Drilling Zambia boasts

impacted. Though Zambia is one of the largest producers of copper

a staff of 85, all of who have been specifically selected due to their

in the world, less exploration spending lead to a reduction in drilling

unique skill set. With exacting standards firmly in place, Layne offers

and a sharp drop in the amount of exploration options available to

extensive training and development opportunities for all team

clients and yet, the company has prevailed and has exciting plans for

members, with all position-specific training being delivered in-house.

the future, called simply ONE Layne.

Understanding that a core team of fully invested staff is key

Explaining the One Layne initiative, McGinniss commented that:

to the success of any organisation, Layne Drilling Zambia utilises

“It’s our belief that a strong and unifying corporate culture is the

them to the fullest extent, offering comprehensive customer service

cornerstone of our success. Living by our Core Values and beliefs

to retain clients. Priding itself on its commitment to initiating and

Endeavour Magazine | 109

LAYNE DRILLING

maintaining personal and working relationships with all clients, the

standards of workmanship are consistently met, Layne Drilling

company firmly believes that this focused and personable approach

Zambia have made it their mission to ensure that the clients are

has lead to the impressive growth of its client base. Coupled with

always the main focus and that their satisfaction drives the everyday

an aftersales policy that seeks to reassure clients that the highest

activities of the company.

“

Looking to the future, McGinniss is keen to draw attention to the ethos of responsibility that runs through the entire company: “At Layne, responsible growth is both our strategy and our

At Layne, responsible growth is both our strategy and our commitment.

It’s what drives us to continually do the right thing for our people, the environment, our company and the clients we serve every day.”

110 | Endeavour Magazine

commitment. It’s what drives us to continually do the right thing for our people, the environment, our company and the clients we serve every day. It means we hold ourselves accountable for the safety of every individual who works with us, for the well-being and sustainability of the environments and communities around us, the integrity of our employees and their actions, and for the overall excellence of our work. We continually strive to achieve growth and success for our clients, while leaving the individuals and places we touch better off for their interaction with us.”

With expert team members in abundance, Layne Drilling Zambia looks set to weather any storm that may lie ahead, tackling industry difficulties with professionalism and seeking to strengthen the organisation for the continued satisfaction of worldwide clients.

SALLY FITZGIBBONS One With The Ocean And Living Her Passion

BY DONNIE RUST

A

lthough surfing has always been a sport, pastime and lifestyle, playing a part in our social consciousness for decades it has enjoyed an unmatched growth in

participants and spectators over recent years thanks to the connective power of the internet. Youtube has made heroes out of the best of this sport and few have more gravity and presence than Australian surfer Sally Fitzgibbons.

Beautiful, highly respected and demonstrating such a wealth of talent as to turn her competition green with envy Sally is not only a member of the Association of Surfing Professionals World Tour but also an icon in her sport. Known for her infectious smile and forthcoming nature she is as known for her approach to health and fitness as well as her surfing and has played an important role in the lives of many young female surfers around the world seeking to emulate her.

The young surfer with the wonderful smile Growing up in the small beachside town of Gerroa in Australia, and being the youngest sister of three brothers Sally was introduced to surfing as a family predication, “I used to follow my Dad and my brothers to the beach and nagged them until they taught me how to surf.”

Being six at the time it lends credence to the way Sally explains that surfing was simply a way of life in the small beach town and that nobody questioned getting the youngster onto a board.

What did impress was the girl’s talent and she soon won her first professional Junior (Under 21 Division) event when she fourteen, “I was absolutely over the moon,” she declares happily,

112 | Endeavour Magazine

Cross Country running and of course surfing, “My older brothers and I competed at everything which is where I got my competitive instinct built into me. Eventually Soccer, Athletics and Surfing started to clash when I reached Australian representative levels in all of them and it just came down to picking the sport that I felt would feed that Competitive hunger and passion I had of becoming a World Champion.”

She explains how hard it was leaving her competitive running behind after having a great result in the Youth Olympics where she won Gold medals in the 800m and 1500m but she was drawn to the challenge of surfing and focussed on that and the results speak for themselves.

And when it comes to preparation for an event?

“My blue print for competing and preparation leading into “I put my prize money into buying a Jetski with my brother to help further my training. I was one happy grom that’s for sure.”

Even at this young age, Sally demonstrated the warmth and sincerity that has made her such a likeable figure in the sport, “When climbing through the amateur ranks to get to that first professional win took a lot of events up and down the Australian east coast and my family travelled and supported me through it all.”

Since then she has been competing on the ASP World Tour since the age of seventeen and is now in her sixth year on Tour.

She has also been the world runner up three times now between 2010 and 2012. Notable wins have included the Prestigious Ripcurl Pro Bells Beach title; Back to back titles, Billabong Pro Brazil twice, US Open of Surfing, Roxy Pro France, the Subaroo Pro New Zealand and World Junior Title 2007.

Sally is a natural footer, and credits her style to being able to adapt to whatever conditions are thrown her way, “I currently ride a 5’8” Firewire Surfboard for my general performance surfing and they have developed a Sally Fitzgibbons Pro model board that is very similar to this that the public can order.”

Beyond the surfer Sally attests to being an avid sports lover and enjoys Soccer, Touch Football, Basketball, Hockey, Athletics 800m and 1500m,

competition puts me in a great mind set leading into the event,” she explains, “I have a routine and just monitor how my body is feeling and weigh up what surf conditions we are expecting and go from there. You have to be flexible around events and adapt really quickly to changes or surf conditions that pop up.”

Training is serious and involves surf sessions at all different times of the day to get used to the break she will be facing and then she prefers a wide variety of land based sessions. For cardio she runs, swims, bikes, boxes, skips and participates in strength work in the Gym. “I put in extras in around the main sessions depending on how the day is going, like yoga, stretching or skateboarding. I have really busy days which is something I’ve always enjoyed.”

Complementing her very active lifestyle with a very basic diet, Sally reveals that a difficulty she faces is that she’s lactose intolerant and so has to adapt her diet around that, “It rules out a lot of the traditional treat and splurge foods but I love blueberries and really exotic fruits so I treat myself to them,” “Three meals a day with snacks and fruit and vegetables with quality proteins are my stables,” she continues, “Chicken soup is actually one of my favourites as is avocado on some nice fresh bread and I use eggs and Red Bull – although not necessarily together- for addition energy on the super long days when I’m bouncing from surfing to interviews and then to evening functions.”

Endeavour Magazine | 113

Injuries is something that, as a professional athlete Sally has

other surfing industry support, Garnier, Samsung, Landrover

to navigate well, “I have had a few injuries other than the usual

and Firewire surfboards all contribute towards performance and

cuts and bruises associated with surfing coral reefs,” she tells

travel costs,” she says, “And I have great support from family and

us, “I broke my wrist at Fiji and more recently broke my finger

fans.”

and knuckle during a tow-in session on a jetski while training.

Recovery time each occasion was about 6-8 weeks during my summer at home in the off season while was the most painful as I had to stay out of the water.”

Best Spots “There are so many amazing locations that I’ve had the opportunity to surf at,” she says, “But a few of my favourite trips have been to Fiji, Maldives and Mexico, they also provide great places to exercise.”

Promotion and social media.

Surfing the net Time needs to be divied up between media promotion, training and surfing. The best athletes are notoriously those who are able to balance all three. Sally reveals that partner activities would involve around 60 days a year but she tries her best to combine them with surfing to ensure that she can train and continue to improve. This isn’t always possible but it’s always considered.

“I quite like the challenges of working with and/or in media

Sally is often seen running and likes to make full use of the

and do regular radio, newspaper and TV interviews,” she adds,

landscape of the places she visits, “I really enjoy the challenge

“Last year Red Bull produced a biopic called Sally: Behind The

of adapting to a new place and using it to my advantage to keep

Smile which followed my year on the World Tour, the training,

thinking of different training sessions like sand hills, running trails

highs and lows of competing and a couple of special training

and beaches. It keeps my body limber and able to adapt. Which is

missions to Abu Dhabi Wave Pool and Nova Scotia.”

an important quality to have in the surf.”

Segments of the documentary can be seen on Youtube if you

And ensuring that Sally keeps to the very peak of her abilities

look up Sally Stories Season 2. She also gets to do a lot of radio

Red Bull provide coaching and support and whatever else she

and TV interviews as part of her partner commitments and as a

many need to improve herself as an athlete, “Roxy provides

follow up to event wins, “One of my favourite things to do is co-

114 | Endeavour Magazine

hosting Channel 9’s Wide World Of Sports and being a guest on other sports panel shows like the Footy Show, Back Page on Fox and Morning talk shows.”

Something that all of her fans will no doubt be looking out for.

Also, there are a number of things that are very close to the surfer’s heart, “I’ll continue to support great Charity events like

Sally admits that social media has definitely crept into her

Run Wollongong for the Children’s Hospital and the Play Safe..

life without even really realising it and what started as a way

Stay Safe Campaign for the NSW Police Department, Tackling

to simply communicate and share with her friends and fans has

Binge Drinking. These type of commitments I really find rewarding

become an essential part of her professional career, “I don’t go

and believe in.”

overboard with it but I try and post a couple of times a day on

As far as Performance Projects with her amazing partner Red

something special I may have done or encountered,” she says,

Bull go, Sally says that we’ll all have to wait and see, as many of

“It’s fun hearing from fans and being able to writing back and it’s

these are top secret and very exiting. As if her fans needed a

amazing to have such great support where ever I am in the world.”

reason to be glued to her Twitter feed or her Sally Stories Series on Youtube!

And what is the queen of the waves planning for the future?

Sally is looking forward to the inclusion of more and more Amazing World class waves as events on the ASP Women’s World Tour. This is important as it will continue to raise the performance level of all the girls and continually evolve the sport. She adds that there are some fantastic inclusions for this year’s Tour including Fiji, Trestles and Honolua Bay in Hawaii.

“On the waves I have been working on my aerial game for a while now and I am hoping that I can land them consistently enough to do them in competition very soon,” she reveals.

Find Sally online: www.sallyfitzgibbons.com www.twitter.com/Sally_Fitz www.instagram.com/Sally_Fitz www.facebook.com/SallyFitzgibbons1

Endeavour Magazine | 115

BIG CORPORATION SICKNESS

BY ROB JAMES

116 | Endeavour Magazine

I

realise I could never be trusted to run a big corporation, ok. I

media everyone in the company knows everything there is to know

want to clear that up right now. I’m irresponsible, lazy, frequently

about it. This appears to be because too many of our senior leaders

rude and always late for meetings. I don’t often pay attention

seem to suffer from premature announc-iations; the inability to stop

when I’m in meetings and I say stupid things if I think they’ll be

themselves spouting off early to several trusted confidents who

funny. For example, I was sat in a project meeting a couple of weeks

then tell everyone else.

back with a new team full of people I’ve never met before. I got sent to this project meeting by my boss to represent our team. But it’s a four hour meeting and two hours into it I couldn’t see any relevance to me or my team at all. So I zoned out a bit. Well, I say a bit, I mean totally. And so there I was in my happy place when all of a sudden the guy leading the meeting – I can’t even remember his name – says “Rob, what are you thinking?” But I have been listening for a good half an hour; I have no idea what they’ve all been talking about.

So I said, because I thought it might be funny, “I was just thinking how cool it would be if I was a superhero”. The project team now think I’m an idiot, my manager is unimpressed but I’m pleased with myself because I still think it was funny. Maybe that’s just me.

My point is that I’m not fit to be the guy in charge. I realise that and I embrace it. What I do wonder though is whether the guys in charge are any fitter to be the guys in charge than me. The reason I wonder this is that I work for a big corporation and several of my friends work for other big corporations and as we’ve talked to each other about work we’ve noticed some similar trends. These things feel like several kinds of sickness that creeps through big corps and leave the staff feeling bewildered, annoyed and fed up. So we’ve set about diagnosing a few of the most common to see if maybe a cure can be found:

Constant Re-Adjustment Disorder Sufferers of Constant Re-Adjustment Disorder cannot stand to leave any structure in place for more than a few months. The need to create a new organisational plan, a new structure or some new roles will drive out any desire to maintain the status quo long enough to tell if any of their constant re-adjustments have worked and enable their staff to settle into new working patterns. Where they are unable to do this sufferers will instead create new layers of governance or process instead to stave off their cravings.

Commitment Issues Ever worked for a big corp and heard an edict from on high that, for example, “we are committed to developing our staff?” We have.

We’ve then seen the Learning & Development department slash from 200 staff members to 20 and the budget reduced by 66%.

Now look, I don’t care if my organisation don’t want to spend any money developing me or not in the same way that I don’t care if my girlfriend really loves me or not. Just don’t tell me as I’ll only feel let down when I find out the truth.

These, my friends, are just the tip of the iceberg; there are

Organisational Attention Deficit Disorder (OADD)

many, many more Big Corporation Sicknesses out there that have

All of our big corps announce strategies, visions, plans, aims,

diagnosing a few of them yourself and send them to me here at

objective and goals. All the staff have to sit down and listen to

Endeavour Magazine. Once we’ve done that we can pass them onto

our leaders talk about how excited they are about said strategies,

to someone bigger, better and wiser than us who can go about fixing

visions, plans, aims, objective and goals that will drive the business

them. Someone senior would seem right wouldn’t it? Maybe we

forward. Except that within a month or two OADD has struck and we

should pass them to the guys in charge of the big corporations. Oh

have some new strategies, visions, plans, aims, objective and goals

no, hang on, this is where I came in isn’t it! That sort of poor idea just

creeping in. And some of the old ones disappear. And over a course

shows why I’m not fit to be the man in charge!

yet to be diagnosed. Tell you what – why don’t you have a go at

of a year all of the strategies, visions, plans, aims, objective and goals are completely different to the ones we started with. Only a cynic would believe that the strategies, visions, plans, aims, objective and goals change to reflect what we’re going to deliver so that at year end we can say we were successful. No, this is OADD at work and no known cure has yet been found.

Premature Announc-iations Our big corps just can’t keep a secret! By the time any announcement at all reaches the shareholders, the markets or the

Endeavour Magazine | 117

BOOK REVIEWS

The original book by Mary Shelley is considered the first true science fiction story because it is the first form of literature where the main character, Frankenstein, makes a conscious and deliberate decision to create something using science.

Impressively Mary Shelly wrote the book when she was eighteen and it was published when she was twenty and this was in 1818, so it puts into perspective anyone who is still struggling to get published at thirty.

One of the best loved monsters it is also one of the most misunderstood. Most people believe that Frankenstein is the name given to the monster but it is in fact the name of the mad scientist, Victor Frankenstein, the monster is never given a name although he does consider Victor Frankenstein to be his father so perhaps it’s reasonable to assume.

Another interesting thing is that of everyone who knows Frankenstein not many have actually read the book. In the films that were made Frankenstein is seen as a slow lumbering monster with bolts in his neck - in the book, he has no bolts, there is no lightning strike and the monster is actually highly intelligent, agile, strong and completely tormented

Frankenstein

By Mary Shelley amzn.to/1tPh7mc

by questions of his creation.

Reading the book actually reveals the mind of the author, Mary Shelly who was so far ahead of her own time that it’s more chilling to consider than the narrative itself.

118 | Endeavour Magazine

Divergent Veronica Roth amzn.to/1hyiZZ1 In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she’s chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she’s kept hidden from everyone because she’s been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, Tris also learns that her secret might help her save the ones she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Kill Your Friends John Niven bit.ly/1oJUeyf

Meet Steven Stelfox.

London 1997: New Labour is sweeping into power and

the fickle tastes of the general

searching for the next hit record

Kill Your Friends is a dark,

public - ‘Yeah, those animals’.

amid a relentless orgy of self-

satirical and hysterically funny

gratification.

evisceration

Fuelled

by

greed

and

of

the

record

Britpop is at its zenith. Twenty-

inhuman quantities of cocaine

But as the hits dry up and

business, a place populated by

seven-year-old A&R man Stelfox

Stelfox

criss-crosses

the industry begins to change,

frauds, charlatans and bluffers,

is slashing and burning his way

the globe (‘New York, Cologne,

Stelfox must take the notion

where ambition is a higher

through the music industry, a

Texas, Miami, Cannes: you shout

of cutthroat business practices

currency

world where ‘no one knows

at waiters and sign credit card

to murderous new levels in a

where it seems anything can be

anything’ and where careers are

slips and all that really changes

desperate attempt to salvage his

achieved - as long as you want it

made and broken by chance and

is the quality of the porn’)

career.

badly enough.

blithely

than

talent,

and

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