JUNE 2013
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2 | Endeavour Magazine
EDITORIAL Heads of Departments Editor in Chief Daemon Sands daemonsands@littlegatepublishing.com Head of Editorial Don Campbell doncampbell@littlegatepublishing.com Editorial Research Manager Alex Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Director James Martin jamesmartin@littlegatepublishing.com Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com
J
une is a prestigious time of year,
latest vehicles available today for the
not only because we officially
humble executive and are looking at
know that we definitely survived
new and interesting ways to break the
the December 2012 end of the world
speed limit in the future.
but also because most British people
Businesses world over report profit
celebrate summer as the second
soaring profit margins during Summer
coming of Christ. Spring explodes
months as well as fewer absenteeism
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
into colour and hay fever sufferers
as if the sun has a revitalizing effect
give tissue retailers their second
on the human condition. So soon we
annual boom. If you’re in the Southern
forget that humans have evolved
Hemisphere it’s the dry season and
with the need or Vitamin D which
things become far less interesting.
promotes testosterone production
For this month we’ve searched the
which increases the drive to succeed,
world over and as usual we have
to be better.
brought you the best of the best.
For those readers who see June as the
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 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 2013
We have been honoured by the
winter break, I wish you all the best and
opportunity to be involved with the
hope that your winters are suitably
Not On Our Watch Charity and look
mild, but if like me, you are entering
forward to more opportunities to be
into summer I would advise you to
involved in the future.
take a copy of Endeavour Magazine,
The office has been awash with
find a hammock, put up your sandals
gadgets for our new gadget section.
and enjoy making a shadow.
Donnie Rust and Alex Smith have been testing the duelling efficiencies of a Sonic Screwdriver Vs a Kymera Wand (Harry Potter fame). We’ve spent far too much time testing the full potential of some of the
Endeavour Magazine | 3
CONTENTS
FEATURES
34
Makgetsi Construction Deliverying Civil Works Projects
38
West Africa Tire Services LTD When The Earth Moves
42
Kuwait National Petroleum Company Mega Investment In Kuwait
48
Arawak Cement Company Mixing It Up, Keep It Strong
54
Amsteele Systems Stress Without Suffering
58
Amalgamated Security Services Ltd Comprehensive Protection
66
Parmalat SA Dairying To Succeed?
74
Switchboard Free A Free Switchboard Replacement
78 34 Makgetsi Construction 4 | Endeavour Magazine
Veridial
16 Not On Our Watch
16 A Challenge Cast For You Bikers
ARTICLES
6
Human Genocide? Not On Our Watch
22
Gadgets
10
I Want My Giant Robot!
24
Business Headlines
12
Upgrading Our Tech, Upgrading Our Lives, Upgrading Our Kids?
82
Biztainment Headlines
14
Volvo XC60
88
Show Of Hands
16
A Challenge Cast For You Bikers
90
Book Reviews
20
Yamaha YZF-R1
Endeavour Magazine | 5
HUMAN GENOCIDE? Not On Our Watch The Situation So many of us are shuttered, closed up and kept in the dark when it comes to the horrors that our fellow humans face in countries and continents not so far from our own homes. If we were watching a film, the vast majority of us who choose to turn our backs to the suffering of children, would be villainized and rightly so because once you know the truth, deciding to not act, makes you part of the problem and not part of the solution. I had the pleasure of speaking with a pair of remarkable women 6 | Endeavour Magazine
BY DON CAMPBELL
who have chosen to encourage people into positive action. What they showed me was a brazen and enlightening truth that made me look at myself and ask whether my priorities were in the right place.
NOT ON OUR WATCH - A Book That Opened Eyes The NOT ON OUR WATCH PROJECT is a powerful humanitarian mission aimed at ending mass atrocities around the world. Utilizing the influence of artists, activists and cultural leaders they provide
“Do not get attached to the world as it is. Because the world is changing.” Jerry Weintraub
Not On Our Watch focuses global attention and resources towards ending mass atrocities around the world. Its most recent efforts have included funding the implementation of The Satellite Sentinal Project—an innovative early-warning satellite monitoring system—to draw widespread and meaningful notice to Sudan and Southern Sudan, supporting schools in the Darfur-Chad region, supporting emergency relief efforts in the wake of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, and funding medical and educational efforts in the Burma region.
lifesaving
humanitarian
Not On Our Watch encourage
starvation of entire nations
to create much more significant
assistance and protection for
governments and those in power
and the unnecessary deaths of
change than we are, but this is
those
to take immediate action to
children is not the responsibility
not true. And the message that
protect those in need, to stop
of world famous actors or human
everyone can make an important
Founded by A-List celebrities
mass atrocities and giving a much
rights activists it belongs to each
difference to someone’s life has
Don Cheadle, George Clooney,
needed voice to the victims of
of us at every level of society.
been brought to us by Heloise
Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, David
this crimes.
who
are
vulnerable,
marginalized and displaced.
Pressman and Hollywood Film Producer
Jerry
Weintraub,
When we look at celebrities
Agelou and Prudence McNellis.
However, ending the horror
we imagine that they live in a
“I really wanted to continue
of war crimes victims, the
different world to us and are able
doing some charity work as I Endeavour Magazine | 7
always have since a very young age and I knew that through the powerful racing world I could make a difference to those suffering
in
Sudan,”
Heloise
Agelou of Agelou Horse Racing LTD reveals, “And the partnership provided a unique opportunity for us to make a real difference by combining our skills, networks and experience.” “Being
a
voice
in
the
racehorse industry that people listen to Heloise was the perfect partner,”
Prudence
explains,
“Having read the book ‘Not On Our Watch’ by Don Cheadle and John Prendergast, I knew that I could help give a voice to the people of Darfur.” The Not On Our Watch Race day and Fundraiser on the 15th
“I knew that through the powerful racing world I could make a difference to those suffering in Sudan.” - Heloise Agelou
June will create an atmosphere of positivity instead of guilt
artists. To finish the day there
Every guest will be going there
Prudence brought to the event
and is a celebration of people’s
will be an evening party at The
with a spirit of open minded
the experience of high-end event
willingness to help others. It’s a
Brompton Club with a line-up of
giving.
management, her network of
day of horse racing, socializing
entertainment with International
with celebrities, a live auction
DJ’s, Fashion Show and some
and performances by guest
famous live artists performing.
High Profile guests and extensive
Doing Their Bit
fundraising experience.
People are either talkers or
“I have spent years being
doers. Heloise
involved
and Prudence
fundraising,” Prudence explains,
are definitely
“I feel it’s part of my DNA and
the
when I read the book Not On
latter.
in
charities
“When I read the book Not On Our Watch it struck me as more a calling to help rather than an inspiration. I saw no choice in the matter.” - Prudence McNellis
8 | Endeavour Magazine
and
When we look at celebrities we imagine that they live in a different world to us and are able to create much more significant change than we are, but this is not true. And the message that everyone can make an important difference to someone’s life has been brought to us by Heloise Agelou and Prudence McNellis.
Our Watch it struck me as more
recognition of their corporate
a calling to help rather than an
support to the charity was the
involved in the horse racing industry.” “We believe the most important result from this event would be
inspiration. I saw no choice in the
key,” Prudence tells us, “By also
exposure to the world on the issues of genocide that still happen in
matter.”
giving the public an opportunity
2013,” Prudence explains, “We need to encourage the world to work
Working together, Heloise
to be a part of the fundraiser
together with the people in power who can stop these atrocities and
and Prudence Co-Founded Not
and reward them with a day of
massacres from happening. If we can make a small difference, there is
On Our Watch race day event.
entertainment and the chance
always the ripple effect.”
Heloise delivered the perfect
to bring together like minded
location and setting, a fabulous
people.”
“The strength of the charity comes from the conviction of its main founders who include the likes of Jerry Weintraub, George Clooney,
horseracing day, combining the
Bringing together likeminded
Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, John Prendergast and Don Cheadle,” Heloise
who’s-who of the horseracing
people to create opportunities
says, “For them this is about stopping genocide, full stop, and for us
world, including jockeys, owners
and
too.
and sponsors. Drawing from a
become a very well used tool of
circle of influential people who
Prudence.
significant
change
has
Prudence’s company Prudence Production has taken on the task of organizing the production of both the race day and the after party to
favour her opinion she provided
“A common friend thought
the leverage to bring in the names
that we should meet as he
“This event is about creating a memorable experience for the
that would attract attention. The
believed there were some great
guests, “ Heloise concludes, “And most importantly, raising awareness
ultimate aim was to create a day
synergies between us. I have
and money for a truly worthwhile cause.”
to give a voice to the Not On Our
always loved horses and spent
Watch mission and at the same
many days at the races, when
time invite companies to get
I met Heloise she gave me an
involved in sponsorship.
insight to the world of racing
“Offering the opportunity
and I loved her knowledge, this
of brand exposure and the
inspired me to become more
providing the guests a day of excitement and fantastic entertainment.
Donate: http://bit.ly/18DP3rk Endeavour Magazine | 9
IGiant WANT MY Robot! WRITTEN BY DONNIE RUST
It will come as no surprise to anyone that Japanese scientists and engineers have come together and made themselves a giant robot suit that you can specifically use to fight against other people wearing a giant robot suit in the calm, genteel streets of Tokyo.
I
think this is a good thing. Honestly, I expected the
future to be different than it
has turned out to be. Don’t get
and a lab coat who spends every
Japanese style have invented.)
morning sucking on lozengers so
But Donnie, you ask, why are giant robots a good thing?
he can get that real shrill note in his crazy-villain laugh. I hope
me wrong I’m thrilled about the
I want a robot war. I want
he spends billions of illegally
accessibility of the bulk of the
a complete, allout slugfest of
gained funds to create a version
world’s information through my
giant robots battling it out in
of said robot that is a hundred
phone, about biofuels, medical
the world’s biggest cities. A
feet tall (33 meters) and shaped
improvements and the ease with
steampunk brawl of sparks,
like a human would be shaped,
which I can order anything at all
screeching metal and flying
with rockets, lasers, guns and big
online. But, and I cannot stress
sidekicks. I want to know what
robotic hands that convert into
this enough, I have been waiting
it’s like to be a giant robot that
plasma canons.
for the robots.
gets thrown bodily through a
Seeing that strolling through
building and I feel that until I get
Tokyo and swatting fighter jets
to use a cruise liner as a sword
out of the sky would be a Youtube
that I’m just missing out.
video I would watch again and
I see Light Sabres being invented,
invisibility
cloaks,
cloned animals, cloned humans,
10 | Endeavour Magazine
engineers in good old-fashioned
holographic entertainment, bio-
And I’ve always believed that
again and again, I would even
suits and even Spider-Man gloves
if any nation were up for the
follow that scientist on Twitter,
and at last, we have something to
challenge of creating something
completely
be proud of: robot suits.
completely
Following evil villains” rule.
unnecessary
for
ignoring
my
“no
(Not bothering to discuss
the sake of the glory of creating
Then I would send him an
the likes of Iron Man, of whom
something with a billion moving
email saying DON’T GO TO
I have a deep affection for,
parts it was the Japanese!
AMERICA, because everything
but alas his suit pales into the
You know that someone is
happens to the Americans, a
realms of just too convenient
going to buy it and I hope that it’s
giant, Japanese robot would be
when placed upon against the
a villain. I hope he’s a skinny guy
lost within the crowd of robots in
robot monstrosities that these
with mad grey hair, a monocle
New York. He’d have to contend
A robot war would generate jobs while potentially sorting out the whole issue of overpopulation in some of our busiest cities.
with The Avengers, Godzilla and
a series of gears and levels can
The Transformers…
you?
…Okay, I would send an
Repair and maintenance as
email to the evil Japanese genius
well, an entire fresh industry of
telling him, begging him to take
robot maintenance, repair and
his giant robot to America with
cleaning would pop up to get rid
the specific intention of finding
of the bits of debris and dirt that
the Transformers robots, every
would accumulate in the joints of
one of them and pummelling
said robot. All those broken brick,
them into scrap!
crushed furniture and messy
It would demand, for giant
human remains would have to
robots, a race to get the biggest,
be scraped out of the nooks and
baddest machine, similar to the
crannies to make sure that things
technology drive seen in Formula
run smoothly.
One, but just fun! Thousands
Efficiency you see, this is
of people would have to be
the key here and the
employed to properly build a
Japanese are perfect
hundred foot robot that was
for this. Them and
shaped like a human and able to
the Germans.
fight like one too. Hydraulics and
Boom,
German
steel wouldn’t be good enough,
giant robots! Imagine
not nearly when you consider
the
the amount of funding it took to
Japanese
make THE WHITE ROBOT walk
would be all glowing
up the stairs!
lights,
So engineers would have
designs,
the
robots
A steampunk brawl of sparks, screeching metal and flying sidekicks. I want to know what it’s like to be a giant robot that gets thrown bodily through a building and I feel that until I get to use a cruise liner as a sword that I’m just missing out.
neons,
spinning dials and
carbon-
rave music while the German
It would create entirely new
reluctantly and fear and then
nanofibers which are lighter than
design would be regimented,
industries focussed around how
with open arms. They changed
steel and basically indestructible,
bare bones and terrifying. The
to build giant robots that still
our cartoons first and now they’ll
and
optics
Japanese robots would be the
look like giant humans and walk
change our world.
would be used to replace simple
Samurai of the robot world
like giant humans because facing
The question is not about
electrics because we’re dealing
but the super ninja robots
irrationally difficult challenges is
whether or not you should want
with very fast conductivity of
will definitely come from the
what engineering is about!
a giant, robot that you can sit
moving parts here. Computer/
Germans who’ll just be about
brain interfacing would have to
winning.
to
mass-produce
enhanced
fibre
The wonderful thing? It is
in and steer and fight with. The
happening; the Japanese have
only question is whether or not
So, in conclusion a robot
proved themselves to be the
you want it to be made by the
control and motability factor
war would generate jobs while
kings of making insanity into a
Japanese or the Germans?
because, let’s be realistic here,
potentially sorting out the whole
reality, and we as a world will
you can’t expect someone to
issue of overpopulation in some
ultimately embrace it, as we do
fight and steer a giant robot with
of our busiest cities.
with all things Japanese, at first
be used to deal with the whole
Endeavour Magazine | 11
WRITTEN BY DAEMON SANDS
UPGRADING OUR TECH UPGRADING OUR LIVES UPGRADING Our Kids? Are we following a tradition of education that relies too heavily on the opinions of those in charge and too little on what is actually going to be useful in the future? Have teachers today become government funded day carers for children? And could we be selling our children short and capping their potential by not preparing them for the environment they will find themselves in the future?
T
hese are the questions
politicians are still businessmen
that are being asked
responding to the demands of
because they are the
their voters and voters today
most relevant. In a future which
are parents who don’t want their
is going to be relying more
children to be more computer
heavily on the internet than
literate than they are. It is not as
ever before, that will be more
simple as this, but a generation
connected than anything we’ve
of people who did not grow
ever imagined and will provide
up in the new millennium are
more opportunities to generate
making the choices, considering
wealth, why are children in
how recent studies have shown
primary and secondary school
that children today learn in a
not being taught basic online
different way than previous
skills as a compulsory and
generations, to the extent that
necessary subject?
the development of their brains that,
has altered to accommodate
apart from the private schools,
for the online universe where
government schools fall under
they spend almost all of their
the realm of politics, because
time. Brain wiring is a big thing
for all their pimp and pomp
when it comes to education and
It
12 | Endeavour Magazine
is
unfortunate
the proof will be in the different educational system that the children of today will implement when they are in office and start running things. But why do we need to wait for these things to be done by them? Last month we interviewed Dan Anahory, a 19 year old who has set up a company and made half a million pounds in a handful of months, working one hour a week. By his own edification what he’s done was easy- and would seem easy to almost any child who has grown up with the intrinsic understanding of the internet as most kids have today. But most of them don’t know they can. When you imagine the benefits of an entire generation
Why is every child not being forced to sit and learn how to put together a business, how to become an entrepreneur, how to run a business, how to get an idea and make it work? How to make a lot of money - be it online or offline - but how to make money at least.
understanding how to monetize the internet, understanding how to generate money from almost nothing, quickly, cleanly and
to decide, what subjects should be sacrificed so we can fit into the
especially today, from Internet
reliably and how that could help
curriculum the subject of Internet Monetization? I don’t know, but I
Monetization.
the economy, doesn’t it make
can guarantee that there is one that can either be completely replaced
All I’m saying is that the
sense to tell them? To train them?
or developed to improve and it’s probably already happening, there
people who are controlling the
I am not a teacher, nor do I
are probably students out there who are learning Business at school
educational system should take
run the education system of any
and benefitting from it. I hope so at least, I would like nothing better
a look at the future and decide
country but I’ve seen businesses
than to be proved wrong on all of this and I welcome anyone to show
how they want the kids of today
that have been failing to turn
that what I’m suggested is already happening.
to be educated. What will really
to
online
and
Which brings me to the next point. Why is Business in all of its
be applicable? How long do we
headliners.
formats, including Internet Monetization (for the sake of argument
pander for traditional subjects,
Like any subjects there would
let’s say people are ahead of me on this) still a chosen subject? Why is
traditional notions and systems
be those who excel and those
it not compulsory? Why is every child not being forced to sit and learn
of teaching when they’ve proved
who do not, those who are more
how to put together a business, how to become an entrepreneur, how
to be redundant?
likely
suddenly
to
monetization become
architects,
to run a business, how to get an idea and make it work? How to make
Like I said, I hope that I’m
farmers, miners and teachers
a lot of money- be it online or offline- but how to make money at least.
proved to be wrong and behind
but a general understanding
Mathematics, physics, chemistry and languages are the subjects
the current times. I truly do,
of online monetization would
students complain about the most but in the majority of schools
because I don’t want to be right
benefit everyone because even
they’re made to study them because we know these will develop their
when it comes to us equipping
those sectors mentioned will be
brains in the best way and provide them with opportunities. I’ve met
our children with the best way to
changed by it.
many people who haven’t ever needed to make any conscious use
use spears when what they need
are
of maths or chemistry- but I have yet to meet someone who would
to know is how to build rockets.
redundant? That’s not for me
not benefit from some understanding of business management and,
What
become
subjects
Endeavour Magazine | 13
VOLVO XC60
BY LISA RAYNER
The day was what can only be described as the first day of spring with glorious unbroken sunshine, blossom in the air and the sound of song birds. It was beautiful and after one of the longest and coldest winters ever recorded here in the UK, it would have taken a lot to dampen my day. As I took delivery of a Volvo XC60 R-design I knew my day was just getting better and better. The R-design gives the XC60 a sporty make over and ours was in a Rebel Blue which you either love or hate. Personally I thought it was stunning. From the front to the back the XC60 is very impacting from its simple front grill to its nicely aggressive lights. She sits on lovely big alloys with good ground clearance.
I
am yet to have a bad Volvo to review, long gone are the days of the
excellent features. There’s a rear camera with projector lines and
boxy 240’s. Recently we have reviewed the XC70 which is one
distance markers, lane departure warning beeps which had everyone
of my preferred all time family cars, the XC90 whilst in need of
in the car humming the theme to the Lone Ranger each time they
updating is still very good and the S60 which is a real contender for
came on, it’s exactly the same beat as the start of it however they can
the fleet drivers. The XC60 is no exception to this.
be turned off if irritating. It has blind spot monitoring system which as
Inside the Volvo the interior just oozes style and is very well put together using lovely materials. I liked the sloping dash and the centre
light coming on rather than having to crank you head around to check out the blind spots before maneuvring.
control. The main dash instruments are bright and clear and have a
With the long suspension travel and very good ground clearance
wonderful floating needle on both the speedo and rev counter over
the XC60 would make a good off roader however most people will use
the brushed blue aluminium dials. A full length panoramic sun roof
this on the road where it excels. Motorway cruising is easy and silent
really lightens up the interior and is one of my favourite features. It
with that sweet engine. The sound when gunned is awesome; this is a
has satnav, bluetooth telephone and digital audio source so is very
very good engine with a very appealing tone.
welcoming. The seats are very comfortable as is the ride. Safety is paramount with any Volvo and this one has numerous 14 | Endeavour Magazine
The XC60 we had was a 6 speed manual with the D5 2.4 diesel engine. This D5 is a five cylinder engine and it is so versatile it offers
Safety is paramount with any Volvo and this one has numerous excellent features. There’s a rear camera with projector lines and distance markers, lane departure warning beeps which had everyone in the car humming the theme to the Lone Ranger each time they came on.
power and torque beyond its
behind traffic. It has a Collision
than any other Volvo or its
great these new Volvos are. In
capabilities and I must say again
warning
will
competitors I have driven and I
my experience Volvos are simply
sounds simply fantastic.
bang on the brakes if it senses
guess that is exactly the point of
stunning vehicles. again Volvo!
system
which
It has adaptive cruise control
an impact ahead and it has a
this car. It looks just great and
so you can set the speed and the
warning light bar projected on
is a real drivers car. I will soon
car will slow and speed up to
the wind screen.
do myself out of a job here as I
that speed whilst keeping safely
This car turned more heads
Well done
could simple copy and paste how Endeavour Magazine | 15
A CHALLENGE CAST FOR YOU BIKERS BY STEVE WARMAN
Mid May in the UK should be reliably warm, traditionally threatening rain, but at least warm. This year it’s been bitterly cold, still with the threat of rain, but bitterly, cruelly cold. I know this better than most as I spend two days on an open airfield in Norfolk taking an advanced motorcycle course.
F
or many years I was a keen motorcyclist but stopped riding due
can be had on two wheels. There was another reason, other than
to my young family. So in my wisdom I decided that I would
annoying my better half, for buying a bike as my eldest boy is nearly 17
return to riding after some 6 years to the disgust of my wife.
and seems to need his mum and dad less and less and the gap between
Sure that she thinks I’m reliving my irresponsible 20’s and trashing the
us is widening on a daily basis. Like his dad he’s been bitten by the
countryside, she was quoted saying that I was only a ponytail and a
motorbike bug and biking is the direct link I have with him and it is
Ferrari away from a full mid-life crisis!
pulling us back together.
Despite this, only a biker will understand the enjoyment that 16 | Endeavour Magazine
So! Being the good example, I bought all the responsible stuff such
as helmet, gloves, leathers, boots, ninja mask and then looked to find
grey skies and I started to question my decision.
a suitable ride, however my gear had left little money in the coffers.
Hopping off my bike to consider my options I was met by a very
Not wanting to be completely excommunicated from my wife I had
jolly and chatty Irish man called Tom, who ran the show. He was so
kept to a budget. Cheap and cheerful was the order of the day and
energetic that my first impression was of a man with an unhealthy
after much searching and with the help of a good mechanic friend of
relationship to caffeine, my second that he could just be one of those
mine we sifted through the dogs and has-beens and found an old and
annoying people who is enthusiastic all the time. Soon, I realised he
unmolested example of the much admired Honda CBR600f. I owned
was so jolly because he knew what was coming and how happy his
and adored one of these some 15 years ago and it was a reunion with
students would all be throughout the day.
an old friend. At 42 and with a young family, I am very aware that this rekindled
Tom Killeen is founder of i2i and is passionate, welcoming and friendly, immediately putting me and the others on the course at ease.
passion must go hand in hand with safety at all times and I was really
The Motorcycling Handling course 1 is designed to prove to the
surprised at how nervous this once very capable rider was under
students that bikes are very stable vehicles against popular belief
heavy breaking and cornering, both fundamental and important
and explain why they don’t want to fall over in corners. It looks at
aspects of riding a motorcycle. Whilst chatting to a friend who has
how they can be safe under very hard braking even in the wet and
been riding for years, he mentioned a course he attends every year to
how quickly they can stop. We also looked at slow handling in traffic,
brush up his skills. This sounded like just what I needed, a refreshers
hazard avoidance and non-avoidance.
course. The very next day I booked myself onto the i2i Motorcycle handling 1 course.
I am not going to divulge the entire course as I wouldn’t do it justice however I do need to say how incredibly eye opening it was.
Arriving early on Thursday the 16th of May at Tibenham airfield
There were 12 bikers with a very varied array of experiences. Some
in Norfolk I found it to be typically airfieldish, very open with nothing
with only a few months on a bike and to others who had ridden all their
to break the wind. Add this to the frigid temperatures and the murky
lives. There were even a couple like me with kids who were older and Endeavour Magazine | 17
felt it was time to let the craving of motorcycles retake them. To keep
we have been riding so wrongly
they would have been amazed
such a spectrum of abilities interested for the day meant offering new
in the past.
to see all the smiles. There were
information which is a difficult thing to accomplished with seasoned
hadn’t
simple too many smiles from
riders, in fact it would be nothing short of a miracle, but Tom achieved
been sitting facing the wrong
these freezing cold riders, me
it with class.
way or closing our eyes around
being one of them. We all couldn’t
corners however most of us are
shut up about how different our
excitement from the day took over and kept us warm. Tom said that
self-taught.
The general rule
rides home were. In my case I
the worse the weather got the better the day would be as usually cold,
of thumb in biking is to pass the
had come to the course on an old
wet days are a riders nightmare and are associated with less grip and
tests and then ride picking up
CBR600F which was outdated,
he loved to dispel this myth.
good and bad habits. Riding is
heavy and had lost its ability to
Tom is a very engaging talker and a genius instructor. Of the
a hugely complex subject that
corner. After a day with Tom and
things he showed us was not rehashing of things we already knew
Tom explained in simple and
without him touching my bike, he
or had forgotten, I genuinely think we were learning new methods
extremely
methods
had magically turned the CBR
and techniques to ride our bikes correctly. Tom changed the way we
to get us more fluid and less
into a thoroughbred motorcycle
were riding and everybody I spoke with on the day couldn’t believe
panicky and through repetitive
which was lighter and more agile
training inspired confidence and
than I could have ever wished for.
retention.
The cornering was awe inspiring
Quickly the weather worsened, and, became irrelevant as the
Don’t
worry,
we
effective
Some of us had booked to come back the next day for the
18 | Endeavour Magazine
and the brakes, nothing short of phenomenal.
i2i Motorcycle handling 2 course
He explained it was all about
which is a more advanced course
me as the rider, those bad habits
including
braking,
coming through, my techniques
braking in bends and advanced
advanced
and confidence had been all
cornering. I turned up to another
wrong. The bike could always do
very jolly and animated Tom on a
what it was designed to do; it was
cold, if not colder morning than
me that was the limiting factor!
the previous one and again lots of
Daft as it sounds but I was using
warm coffee was made available.
the handle bars at the wrong
If an outsider had joined us
angle which when used how
they were planned lightened
6.00am to come to work and
will ride away with a load of “Oh
the steering, stopped my wrists
whereas before if it was raining
Yeah, that makes sense” and “I
aching
bike
I would shy away and jump in my
never knew that” moments.
Under
car, now I am straight on the bike
and
made
the
incredibly responsive.
Tom’s instruction I learnt how to
with a manic smile.
If
you
think
you
know
everything about motorcycling
brake correctly. Surely braking is
To his credit, Tom was the
riding then I challenge you to
simple, you either pull the brake
first to say that any course is
go on this course and not to be
lever or stamp on the pedal. No,
better than no course to become
surprised and delighted.
no,no!! How the brake is applied
a safer rider and I am sure all
if you are new or getting back
is essential, and which brake
courses have their merits. For
into biking, get on this course
as there are two? I bet most of
me I have come away from
and you will learn priceless
you think you know the answer
the i2i courses a much more
information that you can use
to this however my guess is you
confident and safer rider who
every day, increase your skills
don’t. I couldn’t believe how
understands the capabilities and
and confidence and be safer. You
dangerously I’d been riding my
limits of his motorcycle. I know
will get the very best from your
whole life.
that the bike wants to go around
motorcycle life.
Also
Now I can stop any bike in
corners and will sort itself out of
Finally I want to say well done
a heartbeat safely and corner
most problematic situations. I
to Tom and his volunteers. It was
like an experienced rider should.
learned safety procedures that
a true testament to the courses
I’m not going to give away any
could one day safe my life and I
that Tom organises and runs,
“secrets” because there aren’t
had a whale of a time learning it
that on each day he had some of
any, it’s simple physics, experience
all. So this course is not just for
his previous students turn up to
and practice and you need a Tom
us born again bikers like me but
help out for free.
to walk you through it.
anyone who wants a cracking
Since these courses I yearn
day with like-minded people and
to ride everywhere. I get up at
I am confident any level of rider
For further information or dates email info@i2imca.com
Endeavour Magazine | 19
YAMAHA YZF-R1 BY JIM DIAMOND
Day one In this month’s issue we have chosen to test a thoroughbred heavy weight. A true legend for any motorcycle fan the Yamaha YZF-R1 was first launched in 1998. I find it hard to believe that it has been some fifteen years since the R1 first appeared. Back then the Honda’s CBR900RR Fireblade ruled the roost and nothing could come near its awesome combination of light weight and strong power output. Kawasaki had tried with its ZX-9R and Yamaha with the FZR1000R but these were bloated heavyweight bruisers in comparison to the Fireblade. So Yamaha did something groundbreaking that blew the Blade out of the water. The R1 was produced, a genuine 150 HP superbike in a tiny sub-600cc chassis package. It was the innovative design of putting a 150 HP engine into a chassis smaller than most 600s but how did Yamaha do it? The motor was made more compact by moving the gearbox up and behind the cylinders. Previously, engine designers simply laid the crankshaft, gearbox input shaft and output shaft all in a line, making the engine long. Yamaha says their R1 is the top selling 1,000cc class supersport model and still the shining star in the Yamahas range. 20 | Endeavour Magazine
The bike was updated in 2012 and given new and improved traction controls. Although Yamaha is no stranger to traction controls this is the first traction control system that is suitable for Superbike level. They have succeeded here with an advanced six-stage system that is superbly intuitive compared even to the well-known market leaders. The system is much smoother than the latest from Kawasaki and others. The clear advantage of having four cylinders instead of two means it is much more fluid and smoother to run than Ducati’s bikes, which use only two. I first rode this R1 on a very wet day which helped demonstrate how well the traction control system works. I experienced almost no slippage apart from a flashing telltale illumination light which appeared as a warning. The Expansive Electronics System also comes into play when correcting wheelies, and on reducing the traction control level from six down to four this feature becomes deactivated, instantly making a noticeably greater field for the allowable slip. To test out the amazing wheelie and slip control, I went to my local disused airfield and found a loop of the runway where this was easy for me to achieve. With level six of the controls in action, the flashing
light occurred, and I noticed
described as wonderfully and
When braking very hard, the rear
an inconspicuous amount of
smoothly controlled
of the bike is still well controlled
slip before the front of the bike began to lift and the wheelie
Day two
thanks to a slipper clutch. The R1’s special qualities
control took over. Performing
My next day had dried out so
come from its amazing engine
exactly the same test at level four
I was given the opportunity to
capabilities, great ergonomics
of the traction control system
see what she was like in better,
and a superbly detailed level
resulted in the rear of the bike
dryer conditions. Despite my
of finish.
slipping very slightly before
obvious delight in the new
produce a rather special and
coming smoothly under control,
traction control system, perhaps
charismatic bike which has a
allowing the R1 to raise its head
the best feature of the R1 is the
superb and sexy finish that is a joy
on exit. There was little need to
engine which has an expressive
to behold for any bike enthusiast.
experiment with lower levels of
quality that both feels fantastic
traction control as the ride at
when riding on track and has an
level four was very satisfactory
effortless power when riding
for my needs and for those of
on the road. The R1’s braking
most riders that I could envisage.
capabilities are awesome with
The rear wheel slip can only be
its excellent six piston calipers.
All these combined
Endeavour Magazine | 21
THE KYMERA MAGIC WAND By Alex Smith
F
RRP: £49.95 Available from: www.thewandcompany.com
or the last few weeks
flick of the wrist and an ’Expelliarmus’ you can turn devices on and off,
program The Kymera Wand to
I have been dazzling
the volume up and down, switch devices and change channels.
control different devices around
friends with the Kymera
Aimed at a very specific market The Wand is a suitable replacement
Magic Wand, a very cool gadget
for the basic remote control and if you’re a fan of the Harry Potter
from The Wand Company.
Universe the novelty does not wear off.
my house. I confess I am a Harry Potter Geek as is my other half so the
A very well manufactured
Arriving in a well packaged box and looking like it had been
device has taken pride of place
piece of kit it looks like it could
purchased in Ollivanders, The Kymera Wand arrives with a key
in my living room, whenever a
actually be Harry’s wand and
instruction manual explaining how to control and program the wand.
guest comes round I keep finding
is designed to
be used as a
There are 13 different wand actions you have to learn and it
universal remote, where with a
took me about an hour to fully master these but once I had I could
THE SONIC SCREWDRIVER By Donnie Rust
T
o those within the fold of the Doctor Who Universe, I am a clear and obvious fan, and The Sonic Screwdriver by The Wand Company is the closest thing I’ve got to being an actual
Time Lord; don’t you worry I will be sending my picture to the BBC with demands to become the next incarnation of The Doctor.
myself pulling it out of the box as it is such a fun item to use.
RRP: £59.99 Available from: www.thewandcompany.com
them and say, “Tell no one.” As one of a dozen uncles it’s a race to be the favourite.
family quiet while I’m watching my favourite sci-fi series. The inventors of The Kymera
The Sonic Screwdriver can
Wand and the Sonic Screwdriver
be programmed to match the
have appeared on Dragon’s Den
Working alongside the BBC, The Wand Company has designed
signals of any remote control
and have seen their gadgets
this sonic screwdriver as an exact replica of the one used in the current
and using a patented gyroscopic
experience a boom of popularity
series starring Matt Smith and this is an absolute must-have for the
device inside a series of hand
driven by the undying dedication
die-hard Doctor Who fan as there is nothing more satisfying than
gestures will create a command.
of Harry Potter Fans and fans of
watching your niece and nephews who are carrying on the fan-ship
You can change channels, change
The Doctor. A brilliant invention
star gobsmacked when at the family reunion you arrive in a suit and
devices, volume correct and
it has the unique ability to renew
pull out your authentic Sonic Screwdriver, turn on the television for
even turn off the television when
the childhood dream of turning a
them, or change the channel, or the volume or any remote controlled
necessary.
corner and seeing a blue police
device in the house only to put it back inside your suit jacket look at
also making a system to keep my
22 | Endeavour Magazine
Hopefully
they’re
phone box.
ACER ASPIRE S-7 By James Martin
T
he
Acer
is
possibly
Aspire the
Retails at: £1250 + VAT
S-7 best
old fashioned laptop, originally
Its compact, lightweight design makes it very easy to use on the go if
a
version
you’re a commuter and the touch screen capability makes navigation a
more
convenient
compromise between a
of a bulky desktop computer,
synch. Whether preparing an email or working on spreadsheets typos
tablet and a laptop. For a while
has become the slow paced
are rectified with a tip of a finger instead of a cumbersome mouse or
I’ve not been using my laptop at
grandfather of the software
an unresponsive finger pad.
home, with the convenience and
family; best left in the corner of
speed of a smart phone or tablet,
a room, in a bag, gathering dust.
It is how it brings Windows 8 to life that I am most impressed with. Scrolling through the start menu by swiping the screen with a finger is
firing up the old home-computer
The great thing about the S-7
absolutely fantastic. Couple this laptop with your Office 365 account
has become a laborious task
is that it has the accessibility of a
and your office really does become mobile, efficient and convenient.
reserved for the odd something
laptop with the ease of a smart
A must have for a businessman that finds himself on the move and a
that is beyond the realm of my
phone. You open the laptop and
brave step into a future where more and more offices are becoming
other handheld devices. This
with a swipe of a finger you’re
an extension of the home.
drives home the fact that the
logged in and up and running.
RRP: £19.99 Available from: Amazon & MenKind
THE iWALLET By Tyler Harrison
F
ed up with bulky pockets? Welcome to the iWallet.
An obvious disadvantage with this product is it won’t provide any
Gadget manufacturers Thumbs Up UK have created a
protection for the front of the Iphone screen, but the design allows
very unique wallet which also acts as a case for your Iphone
for good cover to the side and back of the Iphone. Users should bear
4/4s/5. Attached to the back of the jet black casing is an intelligently
in mind that if your phone is lost or stolen, the iWallet and all its
designed bifolding wallet which has 3 slots for your credit/debit cards,
contents will be gone too which shouldn’t deter any of you potential
and a further transparent slot opposite which is perfect for your
buyers, just something to bear in mind.
driving licence. There’s one more discreet ‘pocket’ which can be found
The million dollar question, will the iWallet replace my current,
directly behind the 3 card slots which is certainly big enough for a few
everyday wallet? For me personally, no, however the iWallet is perfect
folded cash notes, receipts, or a handful of coins.
for weekends and evenings out when all you need to carry is your
The iWallet is surprisingly slim and compact, adding very little
driving licence and credit card (and of course your Iphone!) I will also
bulk to the Iphone and most importantly, it doesn’t hinder any of
willingly use this product in the summer months when my suit jacket
the phones functions. The build quality is definitely satisfactory,
will be left at home leaving me with limited pocket space. Overall I am
the carbon fibre effect finish does add a hint of professionalism to
very happy with the iWallet, it’s a very solid and useful product with
this product although a slightly higher quality leather finish would
only a handful of cons.
undoubtedly add more class to the iWallet. Endeavour Magazine | 23
ARE YOU JOB SEEKING RIGHT? BY JACK SLATER
“Having deeper knowledge about the competition is essential to identifying the best matches that truly match your experience, salary, and pedigree, enabling job seekers to focus on only the right jobs.”
T
heLadders sheds light on the “black hole” of job seeking using state-of-the-art eye-tracking technology that reveals jobseeker behaviour and answers the age-old question of “Why
Didn’t I Hear Back?” According to a new study announced today by TheLadders, job seekers spend less than 60 seconds reviewing a job posting before deciding to apply or pass. The online job-matching service conducted the study using “eye-tracking” technology to determine what information professionals deem important, how they read listings, and whether competitive information helps them make better choices when applying for jobs, diminishing the “black hole” of the job search process. Despite job seekers self-reporting that they spend up to 10 minutes reviewing a job description to determine whether they are a fit, the results revealed that they devote only 10 percent of that time assessing an opportunity. However, with the introduction of TheLadders Scout, a competitive-analysis tool that provides job seekers with an anonymous overview of who else applied for that same role, job seekers were significantly better at determining if they were a good “fit.” “Job seekers and hiring managers alike share a problem with job listings – job seekers apply for jobs they don’t fit, leaving hiring managers with applications that don’t fit the bill,” said Alex Douzet, CEO and co-founder of TheLadders. “There is so much finger-
24 | Endeavour Magazine
pointing in the job search,
most time reviewing (in order):
user-experience
mostly by job seekers who think
The Job Title; The Company;
and
that
Job details (salary and recruiter
data provided by its nearly 6
information)
million members to educate
overwhelmed
recruiters
and faulty application software are the factors behind them
However,
with
research
analyses
quantitative
the
the company about current
never hearing back. However,
TheLadders Scout, job seekers
behavioural trends in the job-
our eye-tracking study shows
looked at: Competitive analysis;
search
that job seekers simply need to
Qualifications; Company; Job
uses this research to improve
take a better look in the mirror
details (salary and recruiter
the customer experience and
– and better understand their
information) and finally Title.
provide expert advice to the
process.
TheLadders
competition – before they even
“Being at the forefront of the
think of applying to that next job.”
job search for almost a decade,
Using eye tracking, a scientific
I constantly hear job seekers
members, TheLadders is the
technique
that
marketplace. With
nearly online
6
million
implements
complain about the ‘black hole’ of
premier
technology to analyse where and
the application process, causing
service, committed to finding
for how long a person focuses
them frustration from feeling
the right person for the right job
when
digesting
job-matching
information,
overlooked by employers,” said
since 2003. With a unique suite
TheLadders simulated the way
TheLadders Job Search Expert
of personalized products and
that job seekers viewed free job
Amanda
resume services, the company
listings, both with and without
deeper knowledge about the
helps
competitive data and monitored
competition
to
with employers and recruiters
their behaviour. Highlights from
identifying the best matches that
more effectively and efficiently.
the findings conclude that when
truly match your experience,
Originally recognized as the
competitive analysis is offered
salary, and pedigree, enabling job
leading job-matching site for
(i.e., TheLadders Scout), job
seekers to focus on only the right
high-earning
seekers are 35 percent better
jobs.”
TheLadders
at determining a good “fit” and
is
“Having
essential
seekers
connect
professionals, expanded
its
eye-
services in fall 2011 to all career-
tracking technology, TheLadders
driven professionals. In doing so,
at any level, job seekers choose
analysed professionals during
the more than 36,000 employers
ones well outside their range.
a week-long period in March
and
In one part of the study,
2013. The quantitative study of
TheLadders to source qualified
“gaze tracking” technology was
job-seeker behaviour, including
candidates, now have access
used to create a heat map, which
eye-tracking
heat-map
to professionals at all levels,
illustrated how much time job
images, is available for download
free of charge. TheLadders is
seekers spent looking at each
at TheLadders Blog.
headquartered in New York
listings, participants spent the
On
sophisticated
job
when able to apply to any job
section. With conventional job
Using
Augustine.
an
and
on-going
basis,
TheLadders conducts primary
June book reviews
recruiters
that
use
City. For more information, visit TheLadders.com.
Go to page 86 for our latest book reviews.
Endeavour Magazine | 25
BRAIN FITNESS EXERCISE WORKS CROSSWORDS DON’T BY DR. HENRY MAHNCKE
A study published today pitted a commercially available brain fitness exercise against crossword puzzles. Researchers at the University of Iowa, reporting in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE found that the group using the computerized exercise for just 10 hours had significant gains in cognitive function, while the group doing crosswords on the computer for an equal amount of time had no significant improvements.
on their own at home against users in a supervised setting, and users spending varying amounts of time on the brain fitness exercise. The researchers separated 681 generally healthy people into four groups. One group was given computerized crossword puzzles, while the other three groups did the brain fitness exercise in different settings – on their own at home, in a supervised setting, or in a supervised setting with four extra hours of “booster” training. Researchers also compared participants aged 50-64 against those
“I
aged 65-plus. t’s the ‘use it or lose it’
The game-like exercise was originally developed with funding from
phenomenon, with a
the National Institutes of Health and is now commercially available
twist,” said the study’s
from the brain fitness company Posit Science. Users train their brains
Fredric
by dividing their attention between a task in the center of the screen
Wolinsky. “We learned that
(identifying which of a pair of similar vehicles were displayed for a split
what you are using matters.
second) and a task at the periphery (locating a target road sign on the
Here, the exercise designed
periphery displayed for a split second among distractor images). As
by
lead
researcher
Dr.
delivered
users get answers correct, the images flash for shorter and shorter
significant gains that generalized
periods of time, the images get more and more similar, and the objects
to daily life, and the crosswords,
in the periphery move further out with more distractors. The exercise
which a lot of people have
is designed to simultaneously improve processing speed, attention,
placed their faith in, showed no
working memory, useful field of view, and other executive functions.
neuroscientists
measurable benefits. “
26 | Endeavour Magazine
Researchers found that the exercise users showed significant
The study also broke new
gains across all these cognitive areas. When measured a year after
scientific ground in comparing
being trained, they retained significant improvements, which were
older and younger users, users
equivalent to what an average person at these ages is expected to
The Budd Group Celebrates 50th Anniversary The Budd Group, a Winston-Salem based
our employees, provides growing value for
facilities services company, is delighted
our shareholders, and contributes to our
to be celebrating 50 years of taking care
community.”
of business. Through the years, as the
Richard Budd had just graduated from High
family-owned company has grown across
Point College in 1963 when he bought a
the Southeast, they have held fast to a
struggling janitorial supplies company in
commitment to excellence while embracing
Winston-Salem. When a client asked if he
the
could provide the cleaning crew to go with
technological
and
environmental
changes needed to stay ahead.
the supplies, Budd said, “Yes.” When another
“I’m very thankful for our wonderful clients
client asked if they could mow the lawn at
and employees, as well as the communities
headquarters, Budd said, “Yes.” Security
where we work, who have allowed us to
followed in a similar manner, and today
reach this milestone,” CEO Joe Budd said.
the Budd Group employs more than 5,000
Clients range from colleges, universities and
people through ten regional offices.
school districts to hospitals, corporate offices,
With operations extending from West
manufacturing facilities and homeowners
Virginia to Florida, The Budd Group provides
associations. All benefit from the company’s
integrated, environmentally sound facility
mission statement: “The Budd Group strives
solutions, including janitorial, maintenance,
to be a God-honoring company of excellence,
landscaping and security services.
which delivers facility-related services and products that meet our customers’ needs, offers opportunities for development for
lose in cognitive abilities over a
the studied exercise. “Numerous
period of nearly seven years.
studies have shown our exercises
To most people it is probably
on the aging brain has been done in populations aged 65 and older,
surprising that just 10 hours
function, but that those gains
researchers were particularly interested in whether gains would be
of brain exercise can deliver
translate
daily
as great in a younger population. One theory held that since older
gains that are measurable at
tasks, as well as improved
people had greater cognitive decline, they had a larger opportunity
all a year later,” said Wolinsky.
mood,
functional
to improve than younger folks who might hit a ceiling on how much
“You certainly would not expect
independence
various
they could improve. While another theory observed that the greatest
that
measures of quality of life.”
from
physical
exercise.
only
improve
Since most of the research on the impact of cognitive training
cognitive
Yet, here we saw gains of 1.5 to
not
is good, and getting in more hours each week is even better.”
to
common
confidence,
Researchers
and
gains are made by those who make it deepest into the stimulus sets
wanted
to
and that younger people might make it further and have greater gains.
6.6 years across the different
determine if more training would
Dr. Wolinsky noted that the researchers were somewhat
standardized tests.” Gains of that
result in greater gains.
The
surprised that there was no difference between the group aged 50-
magnitude are consistent with
sub-group of participants that
64 and the group aged 65 and older in their ability to make large gains.
other studies of Posit Science
received an extra four hours of
exercises published in scientific
training posted greater gains.
“This suggests that as with physical exercise, anyone can improve at any age,” said Dr. Wolinsky. “And, as with physical exercise, why
and medical journals, including
“There are now some 70
would you wait until you are old to get into better shape?”
gains of about 10 years noted
published journal articles on
Researchers were also surprised that people who did the exercises
immediately after training.
the multitude of benefits from
on their own at home did just as well as people who did them under
“This is consistent with past
training with our exercises,” said
supervision. This indicates that the training can be widely deployed at
studies that show our unique
Dr. Mahncke. “Once again this
low cost and to remote areas.
approach to brain exercises
study confirms that more exercise
The exercise used in the study is marketed by Posit Science as
drive changes that generalize
is better. We recommend fitting
“Double Decision” on its online BrainHQ platform. Try it for free online
to daily life,” said Dr. Henry
brain exercise into your life much
or download it from the app store (search for BrainHQ) - the Double
Mahncke, CEO of Posit Science,
like physical exercise. A minimum
Decision exercise along with 19 other exercises can be accessed for a
the commercial distributor of
of 30 minutes three times a week
monthly subscription of $14 or annual subscription of $96. Endeavour Magazine | 27
ACCORDING TO FOA:
INSECTS = A SUSTAINABLE FOOD SOURCE
I
nsects are often considered
health benefits as insects are
1900 of the 1 million known insect species are consumed by humans.
scary
alien-looking
high in protein, fat and vitamins.
These include beetles, caterpillars, bees, wasps, ants, grasshoppers,
however a new book released
and
Can be eaten whole or ground
locusts and crickets.
by the Food and Agricultural
into a powder or paste and
Organization (FAO) says that
incorporated into other foods.
“If we think about edible insects, there’s a huge potential that has essentially not been tapped yet,” Ms. Muller said. “Most [insects]
beetles, wasps and caterpillars
“Insects are not harmful to
are just collected and there’s very little experience in insect farming,
are an unexplored nutritional
eat, quite the contrary. They are
for example, which is something that could be explored in view of a
source capable of addressing
nutritious, have a lot of protein
growing population.”
global food insecurity.
and are considered a delicacy in
According to the book, which was launched at the Forests for
The book, “Edible Insects:
many countries,” said Eva Muller,
Food Security and Nutrition conference in Rome, farming insects
future prospects for food and
the Director of FAO’s Forest
for human and animal consumption is particularly relevant at a time
feed security “, stresses the
Economics, Policy and Products
of population growth and the rising middle class have increased the
nutritional value of insects and
Division.
demand for food while simultaneously harming the environment that
the benefits that insect farming
Although
not
staples
Western
cuisine,
insects
By 2030, over 9 billion people will need to be fed, along with the
environment and the increasing
supplement the diets of some 2
billions of animals raised annually for food and as pets. Meanwhile,
demand for food worldwide.
could potentially have on the
of
enables its production.
billion people and have always
land and water pollution from intensive livestock production and
Despite personal taste FAO
been part of Asian, African and
over-grazing are leading to forest degradation, thereby contributing
says an insect-rich diet has many
Latin American diets. Of the
to climate change. “Domesticating and rearing insects can help sustain insect populations while also helping counter nutritional insecurity and improve livelihoods,” said Afton Halloran, a consultant for the FAO Edible Insects Programme. “Farming insects has a huge global potential for both animal feed and food production. We are already seeing producers creating animal feed from insects and research. And development is occurring around the world in order incorporate insects into menus and processed foods.” Insect greenhouse gas production is lower than that of livestock. For example, pigs produce 10-100 times more greenhouse gases per kilogram than mealworms. Insects also feed on bio-waste, use significantly less water than livestock and can be farmed more easily, the book states. Insect farming could also offer important livelihoods to people in rural areas as minimal technical or capital expenditure is required for basic harvesting and rearing equipment.
28 | Endeavour Magazine
“Consumer disgust remains one of the largest barriers to the adoption of insects as viable sources of protein in many Western countries,” Ms. Muller said in an interview. “Nevertheless,
history
has
shown that dietary patterns can change quickly, particularly in the globalized world.” However there is interest in incorporating insects into their diets. “We
have
already
seen
cookbooks show up that offer recipes on edible insects, and there are a few restaurants in capital European cities that actually offer edible insects on their menus,” she said. “I don’t
IS THE INDIAN Guar Gum Gold Rush OVER?
T
he leading India-advisory firm - Three Headed Lion Inc.
the
(THL) - announces the release of its strategic update to the
encountered at export ports with
2013 Guar Gum Report: INDIA and all signs indicate that
greater capacity constraints or a
the Guar Gum fever that seized the market last year has abated.
farmers must also be taken into
founder and of Three Headed Lion. “There is a sense that the ‘Guar
consideration or will they once
Gum Gold Rush’ is over. After a short rally during December 2012
again prefer growing guar over
prices of guar seed and guar gum were relatively stable during the
other competing crops in larger
first quarter of 2013, and there are signs of downward pressure on
numbers?
prices.” demands continuous close monitoring of developments on the
an in-depth analysis of the state
ground to better predict pricing and supply trends as 2013 season
of the guar gum supply chain in
unfolds. Matin says that there are several unknowns that could
India by providing intelligence on the availability of guar seeds to meet guar gum demand, guar gum processing current
risks to supply and price
may eventually develop a taste
of guar gum.
for them.”
Throughout
Insect trading is thriving
year,
in cities such as Bangkok and
insects for their Sunday lunch within the next decade, the potential of insects is huge and we hope that slowly but surely this potential will be realized,” Ms. Halloran said.
key
readiness and current
are not used to eating insects
see families in the West eating
demand,
industry trends, logistics
change, so even the cultures that
“Although it is unrealistic to
capacity
and production target,
now loves sushi, things can
the human diets.
2013 Guar Gum
Report: INDIA report provides
of eating raw fish, and everybody
required to incorporate fully into
The
The opaque nature of guar gum’s supply chain in India still
nobody in Europe would think
however there is a lot of progress
major security breach.
Gum industry in India,” explains Javed Matin, chief analyst and co-
remember that 20 years ago
Either as a stable or a snack,
issues
The current state of the
happens very quickly, but if we
demand from urban consumers.
labour
“We view the current cycle as a turning point for the Guar
expect it to be something that
Kinshasa and there is high
potential
THL
the
continues
to monitor the guar have a significant impact to the stability of the guar market.
gum supply chain and publish
“Companies must still be wary and ask the right questions to
updates to the key indicators at
avoid surprise. These include questions include whether the nexus
critical junctures to provide an
between influential traders and processors will once again influence
assessment of how the market is
guar gum prices this year, if the Indian regulator, Future Markets
evolving by providing real-time
Commission (FMC) will allow future trading of guar on Indian
information, sound and timely
commodity exchange? Does FMC have the mandate and ability to
expert analysis & judgment on
check insider trading, cartelization and price manipulation if guar
developments and issues that
gets relisted on the exchange and is the government contemplating
impact India and the global
policy changes for guar gum?”
economy. They offer robust
Other things to consider are the socio-political-security trends
understanding of India’s risk
that have the potential to impact the movement of freight from
environment through political,
guar gum processors to the export ports in India and of course
economic and societal lenses. Endeavour Magazine | 29
T
he acquisition of SSS
solid production platform. To me
marks a key step for
it marks the beginning of a new
SES in its strategy of
era in a sustainable utilization
pioneering large-scale seaweed
of the sea to the advantage of
farming due to SSS’ position as
environment, climate and job
Denmark’s leading commercial
creation.” Financial terms of the
producer of seaweed for fish and
agreement were not disclosed.
livestock feed on a sustainable
SES holds a patent for the
basis. It also puts them in the
first modern structure to enable
position to work together to
the cultivation of seaweed on
increase production to 100,000
an industrial scale, known as the
tons by 2017 and to improve and
Seaweed Carrier. SSS has been
adapt the technology to the local
involved in seaweed cultivation
environment.
since 2007 using traditional
Seaweed cultivation brings along
Seaweed Farming
many
environmental
rope-based technology
production and
has
several
benefits. In Denmark, seaweed
concessions along the Danish
is now becoming recognized as
coast.
a filter for cleaning up excess
SES believes the Seaweed
TOMORROW’S BIG BUSINESS
nutrients from fish farms and
Carrier,
pollution from land.
structure holding vast quantities
a
alternative crop for energy, feed,
sustainable source of biomass
fertilizer and bulk chemicals
Based in Trondheim, Norway, Seaweed Energy Solutions AS (SES) announced last month that it has reached an agreement to acquire 100% percent of Denmark’s Seaweed Seed Supply AS, a move that sharply reinforces SES’ position as Europe’s leading player in large-scale seaweed cultivation for renewable energy and other uses.
for fuel, feed and other products
because it makes large-scale
- and we will make the ocean
production commercially viable.
cleaner at the same time”, said
They have built a seaweed
SES chief executive Paal Bakken
breeding centre and hatchery
as he announced the deal at
in Norway and is currently
the
carrying out cultivation tests at
30 | Endeavour Magazine
“The
deal
in
sail-shaped
of seaweed plants, is the key
ambition
to seaweed’s potential as an
SES’
to
seaweed
International
large
Denmark
reinforces develop
a
as
Seaweed
Symposium in Bali.
various locations off the coasts
SES is currently seeking
of Norway and Portugal. SES has
investors for its technology
a cooperation agreement with
development and its plans to
Norway’s Statoil and support
increase production in Norway
from its shareholder Stolt Sea
and Denmark.
Farm, a leader in aquaculture.
“SES’ technology will help
This year, SES was granted
fill the knowledge gap, making
two large projects sponsored by
the business model that I have
the Research Council of Norway
pursued for years very strong”,
with a total budget of 6 million
said SSS chief executive Rasmus
euros, bringing the company’s
Bjerregaard. “The agreement
portfolio of EU and Norwegian
will boost the large production
government supported projects
potential in Denmark using SSS
to 14.7 million euros.
BARRICK GOLD SHARES DROP
R
etreating
by
1%
in
reaction to news that
while the Company continues
the company had settled
to explore further the potential Primary Porphyry target.
a dispute with the Dominican
The company has reviewed
Republic over its Pueblo Viejo
several engineering and design
mine. Barrick said after eight
firms
with
gold
production
months of negotiations during
design
which time DR customs officials
and operational expertise and
halted shipments from the mine
is reviewing a short list prior
on two occasions it has agreed
to engaging the design team. relationships currently enjoyed
lease agreement. company
announced
The world number one gold
the economic benefit to the DR
miner’s troubles started earlier
government of the changes over
in April, even before the drop in
the 25-year life of the mine is
the gold price
approximately $1.5 billion and
But the world number one
include a 50-50 split of cash
gold miner’s troubles started
flows from 2013 to 2016, a
earlier in April, even before the
change to how the net profit
drop in the gold price when work
interest (NPI) is calculated, a
at its Pascua Lama mine in Chile
reduction in depreciation rates
was halted by a court order over
and the implementation of a
fabrication,
Orofino intends to continue the
in principle to amend its special The
facilities,
environmental concerns.
OROFINO GOLD GROUP TARGETS IMPROVED GOLD RECOVERY SYSTEMS
with
government
agencies,
the
local
communities, as well as current production teams and will involve these
groups
in
all
major processing and production
planning
decisions. Forward-Looking Statements These statements are not guarantees of
Barrick
and most controversial project
and 40% by fellow Canadian
ever, is expected to cost as
O
Goldcorp was built for $3.7
much as $8.5 billion from initial
Colombia, a current hot spot
due to many risk factors that
billion and holds 15 million
projections of $3 billion. First
for large Gold/Copper porphyry
affect the industry the Company
ounces of reserves, making it one
production was expected mid-
systems, with the occurrence
operates
of the biggest gold mines in the
2014, but that deadline now
of the very high grade gold vein
world.
seems unlikely.
systems in the central part of
graduated minimum tax based on metals prices.
straddling
Pueblo Viejo, which is 60% owned
by
Construction of the mine
operator
Argentina,
the
border
Barrick’s
with largest
rofino Gold Corp is pleased to announce that
development
it
has
projects
Gold in
future
performance
and involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to
predict.
Actual
results
could vary materially from the description
contained
in
and
herein
other
risk
factors listed from time to time in the Company’s Securities and Exchange
Commission
(SEC)
It is expected to contribute
The Toronto-based company
the Senderos de Oro project and
an average of 625,000-675,000
has recovered somewhat after
with many small scale grinding
elsewhere. The forward-looking
ounces of gold per year to
hitting 20-year lows in April, but
and amalgamation mills in-place.
statements contained in this
Barrick in its first full five years
filings under “risk factors” and
is still down nearly 40% year to
Orofino Gold is planning to
press release speak only as
of production at all-in sustaining
date and is now worth just under
design a central processing and
of the date on which they are
costs of $500-$600 per ounce.
$21 billion on the Toronto big
recovery facility that is modular
made, and the Company does
board.
in design and will be capable
The stock has been the
not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking
hardest hit in a beaten down gold
That’s down from a peak of
sector following the dramatic
almost $55 billion in September
grade material to produce up to
circumstances after the date of
2011.
100,000 ounces of gold annually
this press release.
slide in the gold price last month.
of
processing
enough
high
statement to reflect events or
Endeavour Magazine | 31
Marking THE OCCASION BY LANCE VAN DE WESTHUIZEN
T
his
year
reopening
saw of
the Hotel
Riu Nautilus following
a
complete
renovation
swimming pool.
What’s more,
from 1 April, the Hotel Riu
that
Nautilus is marketed as ‘Adults
Showcasing
Only’, joining the Riu Don Miguel
the modern style which RIU is
in Gran Canaria and the Riu
introducing in all new projects,
Palace Macao in Punta Cana.
ended in March.
32 | Endeavour Magazine
restaurants, gardens and the
the hotel has invested 5 million
The hotel, with free wireless
euros into making this particular
internet access in the lobby,
offering “Adults Only”.
offers 293 modern and spacious
The Riu Nautilus, situated in
rooms. RIU’s new style in décor
Torremolinos (Andalusia, Spain),
is predominantly white with
reopened on 1 March presenting
touches of colour in purple
RIU’s new style in décor, which is
shades
more modern and bright, as well
straight, simple lines. The rooms
as new facilities and services.
also boast new features such as
The
flat-screen TVs with access to
hotel’s
comprehensive
renovation
included:
rooms,
bathrooms,
communal
areas,
and
furniture
with
international channels and fully renovated bathrooms.
The hotel’s dining options have been extended thanks to the addition of ‘Olé’, a restaurant serving up Andalusian cuisine, and which guests must book in advance. The menu presents specialities from southern Spanish cuisine with a modern twist, whilst its daring décor completes the experience. The main restaurant continues to offer a vast selection of international cuisine in its buffet, open for both breakfast and dinner. The Riu Nautilus also offers guests a poolside Snackbar, not to mention the elegant lobby bar showcasing a new terrace, which is a modern, attractive space, ideal for enjoying an evening drink. RIU has redesigned the communal areas with a new pool, to come into line with the latest outdoor trends. Meanwhile, for the colder months, an indoor heated pool has been built with a jacuzzi. The hotel also includes a new gym and a massage service available. The Riu Nautilus is situated 2 kilometres from the centre of Torremolinos and 700 metres from the port and the commercial district with its bars, restaurants and shops. The extensive seafront is all that separates it from the beach.
Endeavour Magazine |33
MAKGETSI CONSTRUCTION 0027 15 306 0023
34 | Endeavour Magazine
DELIVERYING COMPREHENSIVE CIVIL WORKS PROJECTS THROUGH EMPLOYEE AND COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT WRITTEN BY CHRISTOPHER DAVIES
Since its inception in April 2005, Makgetsi Construction has been the number one choice for private institutions and local municipalities for almost 10 years.
Endeavour Magazine | 35
MAKGETSI CONSTRUCTION
Based in Trazneen, the wholly black-owned company provides various construction services such as land development, general housing, water and sewer reticulation, training and communications, community facilitation and capacity building.
M
akgetsi Construction’s Managing Director Manthata Makgetsi Lordwick Samson and CEO Mahalefa Reginah Sekibela are proud of the company’s market position, but
still recognise the importance of its employees, the wider community and industry associations. “We are extensively involved in civil works and now have developed interests in social upliftment, empowerment and the transfer of skills to communities,” they say. “The company interacts, networks and forms joint ventures and consortiums with other groups, organisations and companies with a view to skills transfer.”
The importance of relationships For Makgetsi Construction, forming connections and entering into partnerships is not limited to just one particular project. Networking and collaboration is a common occurrence that not only promotes best practices for the company, but also results in successful projects, completed on time to the highest standards possible. “We form linkages with complementary professionals in multidisciplinary projects and are committed to long-term relationships with clients based on excellence, professionalism, honesty, as well as shared expertise,” note Makgetsi and Sekibela. “We provide total quality, cost-effective and timely solutions, and products to satisfy the business needs of its customers.” 36 | Endeavour Magazine
Latest developments
Development
Makgetsi Construction also strives to stay ahead of the game when it comes to current trends, with
construction
Board
Ronnie
Khoza said that it was important
legislation,
technological advancements and quality control being three areas of particular importance. “The company professes good civil works, integrity, efficiency and the use of appropriate cutting-edge technology to yield the most cost-effective results in all assignments,” according to Makgetsi’s directors.
for women like Sekibela to take
advantage
of
existing
opportunities and build a solid infrastructure for South Africa. National
Bank
in
Limpopo,
emphasised the growing power of women in various professions and echoed the principals that has made Makgetsi Construction so successful. “Cultivating a good relationship with your relationship manager is one of the most critical ingredients of Lois Hardy, the Speaker of Polokwane
In recognition for its industry
called
municipality,
women
also
like Sekibela “the true nation-
completed projects, Makgetsi
builders of our country through
Construction
your efforts in building houses,
has
received
impressive
accolades
over the past few years. The
roads
and
The global population is expanding at an unprecedented rate and is projected to top 9 billion by 2050… With half the world’s population living in urban areas, our ability to deal with fast-increasing levels of urbanisation must rank as one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. Connecting with each other between cities is becoming a tremendous challenge. We at Lafarge Readymix, offer, especially, transport infrastructure solutions, improving connectivity with the development of bridges and tunnels, roads and railways, airports and stations. We have the requisite knowledge and expertise to deliver highly innovative and customised construction solutions to overcome the challenges associated with large-scale urbanisation. Our materials, services and innovative building systems are contributing to building more connected cities. Lafarge… Building Better Cities! Lafarge South Africa • Tel: 0860 LAFARG/0860 523 274 • Fax: 086 631 0006 • www.lafarge.co.za
entrepreneurs
influence, market position and
several
more connected cities
Happy Ralinal, head of First
your business,” she said.
Award winning
Building Better Cities
other
forms
of
infrastructure.”
company was the 2009 CIDB winner in the under 6CEPE category
for
the
Limpopo
Provincial and two years later, won Builder of the Year at the 2011 SACA Awards. Testament to the company’s faith and belief in employee power, Makgetsi’s very own Mahalefa
Reginah
Sekibela
has
received
industry
also
acknowledgement.
In
2009,
the company’s CEO received an
Excellence
Construction
Award for
in
medium
contractor businesses. At August
the
ceremony
that
year,
Looking forward The looks
future bright
Construction,
certainly
for
Makgetsi
who
recently
secured a contract to upgrade the
Limpopo
Highway
for
Greater Tzaneen Municipality. If the company continues to work closely with the local community, carries out work to the same exacting standards and receives recognition from those in authority, success is all but guaranteed.
in
various
industry professional praised the
influence
women
had
in a difficult and technically challenging
workplace.
CEO
of the Construction Industry Endeavour Magazine | 37
WEST AFRICA TIRE SERVICES LTD 00233 277 311 266 WWW.RAMAMOTORS.COM
38 | Endeavour Magazine
WHEN THE EARTH MOVES WRITTEN BY COLIN GIBSON
Earthmoving equipment requires specialist tyres, and in the growing West African mining sector, a specialist supplier is expanding to fulfil these needs.
Endeavour Magazine | 39
WEST AFRICA TIRE SERVICES LTD
Established in 1985, Rana Motors & Metal Works has become a household name in Ghana as the country’s Kia distributorship and also the distributor of Goodyear Tyres. The company is also an authorized distributor for Ashok Leyland Gensets from India as well as being a supplier of industrial products, cranes and heavy machinery.
More
40 | Endeavour Magazine
recently,
however,
as
ted quite heavily into the whole
Ghana has evolved from its early
range of tyres that are used
dependency on timber and co-
within the mining sector and in
coa to a mining-dominated eco-
parallel to support the field we
nomy, Rana Motors has used its
invested in service provision,
Goodyear connections to good
too. We started off in a small way,
effect and has evolved itself into
supplying just one mine, but now
a high class supplier of tyres and
we have reached a stage where
services for earthmoving equip-
we are supplying most of the
ment.
mining companies within West
“About ten years ago we decided
Africa.”
to get into mining tyres in a big
The company now supplies tyres
way,” says Vibi Chandra, regional
and services from Ghana all the
manager for West Africa. “We
way up to Mauritania, with es-
already had the distributorship
tablished offices in Burkina Faso
for Goodyear, and Goodyear is
and Mali and another about to
one of the world’s top three in
open in Sierra Leone in the next
tyres for earthmoving equip-
two or three months. But al-
ment, so we decided we should
though the name Rana is well
try to build something very pro-
known in Ghana it is not known
fessional in this market.
in other countries in West Africa.
“Until we came onto the scene,
“So we decided to rename the
the entire earthmoving tyre sec-
West African operations of Rana
tor in West Africa consisted of
Motors as West Africa Tire Ser-
one UK-based supplier and ser-
vices,” explains Chandra. “So
vice provider who took care of
today West Africa Tire Services
the whole business. So we inves-
is the general distributor for
Goodyear earthmoving tyres all over West Africa.” Investment in tyres for earthmoving equipment is not for the fainthearted, however. As a composite tyre distributor West Africa Tire Services will carry stock all the way from forklift tyres to those fitted to the biggest mining trucks. “On average we would stock roughly 70 to 80 lines of tyre sizes, and each of those sizes may have two or three different types of tyres, so effectively we would have something like 200 or 300 different tyres in stock.” At an average cost of $20,000 to $30,000 per tyre, that’s a sizeable investment in anyone’s book. “We are now considered to be one of the top suppliers of earthmoving tyres in West Africa and now we want to raise our game to world class standards,” says Chandra, “so we’re now looking at how we can get better in the field of tyre management, etc. “In order to give a complete package to a client we try and work from a solution providing angle,” he explains. The original model in the mining industry was for the mining companies to fit their own tyres, but it takes special knowledge and expertise to fit and maintain these kinds of tyres, and that’s how the company got into the business of tyre management services. “It’s essential that these tyres are looked after from the time they are fitted until they are ready for the scrapyard. We undertake this responsibility through our tyre management units. They fit the tyres, keep the rims clean, maintain the right inflation pressures, monitor the tyres for pressure fluctuations and check for abnormalities, so the tyre management units take care of the tyre from the cradle to the grave.” Finding skilled employees has been one of the company’s major challenges, and it still depends on expatriate staff for technical expertise. “It’s difficult to get local people with experience so we recruit young people and teach them how to do the job properly from the beginning,” says Chandra. Africa is full of challenges and another one is logistics. Sometimes there are delays getting goods moving out of the ports, and that has a knock-on effect on the level of stock that has to be kept. Supplying tyres from Ghana to other countries in West Africa is not always straightforward either. “There’s no standardisation of customs formalities between countries in West Africa,” says Chandra, “and that causes problems too.” In terms of the company’s future development, however, Chandra is in no doubt that earthmoving tyres are the way forward. “We believe that economies in West Africa are going to continue to be mining intensive for the foreseeable future,” he says. “Countries in West Africa are blessed with huge reserves of gold, iron ore, bauxite and uranium and we don’t see any slowdown in the sector. “The multinational mining companies who are operating in West Africa expect world class standards from their local suppliers and service providers, so we see plenty of opportunities for us to expand. Our target is to be recognised as a world class service provider, to bring ourselves up to the standard expected by the multinational mining companies in other parts of the world.” Endeavour Magazine | 41
KUWAIT NATIONAL PETROLEUM COMPANY 00965 23989900 WWW.KNPC.COM
42 | Endeavour Magazine
MEGA INVESTMENT IN
Kuwait
WRITTEN BY COLIN GIBSON
As part of a major $40 billion government investment plan in Kuwait’s oil and gas industry, the refinery at Mina Al-Ahmady is undergoing further expansion and modernisation
Endeavour Magazine | 43
KUWAIT NATIONAL PETROLEUM COMPANY
You can’t overemphasise the importance of oil to the Kuwaiti economy. Kuwait’s proven crude oil reserves are estimated to be roughly ten percent of the world’s total, an extraordinary proportion for a relatively small country. All natural resources in the country are the property of the government, and oil revenue contributes 80 percent of government revenue, approximately half of the country’s GDP and something like 95 percent of its export revenue.
E
stablished in 1960, KNPC is the refining and marketing arm of
technology, and significantly increased the overall capacity of the
Kuwait Petroleum Company (KPC), currently operating three
plant. Two years later the Mina Abdullah Refinery modernization
refineries (Mina Al-Ahmady, Mina Abdullah and Shuaiba), an
project (MAB) was completed, resulting in a state of the art plant with
LPG plant, a suite of filling stations and five marine export facilities.
a sizable capacity increase and improvements in product quality.
When KPC was formed in 1980 to bring all state-owned oil
With its mission still being to maximise the value of Kuwaiti
companies under one entity, KNPC became a subsidiary. Within the
hydrocarbons, KNPC is currently implementing a $40 billion
first twelve months the oil sector in Kuwait was restructured, with
investment plan across a range of distinct projects including a new
KNPC becoming responsible for the oil refining and gas liquefaction
refinery in the Zoor region of the country, a new depot at Matla, a
industry in addition to the marketing of petroleum products in Kuwait
permanent LPG import terminal and a clean fuel project.
through its chain of filling stations.
The new refinery and the new depot are long term projects
Within a few years, plans began to be implemented to modernise
scheduled for completion towards the end of the decade, but there
and expand the refining industry in Kuwait with multi-billion dollar
are several smaller but no less important projects reaching completion
projects to revamp Mina Al-Ahmadi and Mina Abdullah Refineries. By
in the next couple of years. A number of these are at Mina Al-Ahmadi,
1984 the Mina Al-Ahmadi Refinery Modernization Project (RMP) had
the largest of Kuwait’s three refineries.
already been completed, and this was supplemented by the Further
Mina Al-Ahmadi Refinery (MAA), located 45 km south of Kuwait
Upgrading Project (FUP) in 1986. The two projects effectively created
City on the Arabian Gulf, was built in 1949 to supply the local market
a modern new refinery with optimal configuration and advanced
with gasoline, kerosene and diesel. After its two major modernisation
With its mission still being to maximise the value of Kuwaiti hydrocarbons, KNPC is currently implementing a $40 billion investment plan across a range of distinct projects including a new refinery in the Zoor region of the country, a new depot at Matla, a permanent LPG import terminal and a clean fuel project.
44 | Endeavour Magazine
Endeavour Magazine | 45
KUWAIT NATIONAL PETROLEUM COMPANY
and upgrade projects in the
profits and ensure a stable
1980s, it is now undergoing
market for the three refineries’
serious expansion once again,
output. This project also sought
but this time in relation to liquid
to increase the share of light
petroleum gas production (LPG).
and medium products of the
The
Refinery
distillation process to minimize
Modernization Project (RMP)
the share of fuel oil in the end
was
to
output, resulting in a higher
provide local and world markets
return from the crude oil refining
with
processes.
basically low
intended
sulphur
content
petroleum products, and to
Now it’s the turn of LPG
reduce dependence on gas as
to enjoy the benefit of serious
fuel,
and
investment. Gas liquefaction at
more stable fuel to the country’s
Mina Al-Ahmadi went on stream
power generation plants.
in 1978 with three identical
providing
The
46 | Endeavour Magazine
MAA
cheaper
Further
Upgrading
facilities (known as trains) for the
Project (FUP) was the result of
extraction of propane, butane
a more comprehensive review of
and Kuwait natural gasoline
the future of petroleum product
(KNG). The plant also consists
markets, in order to maximize
of storage tanks divided into two
tank farms. The greater portion of the LPG plant production is now being exported to the world market from the south pier of Mina Al-Ahmadi which is connected to the plant by a pipeline network. A contract was signed in July 2010 with South Korean contractor Daelim for a fourth gas plant train, which is due to be completed next March. Costing an estimated $1134.9 million, this fourth GPT will be
tanks on the South LPG Tank
integrated with the existing
Farm by adding geodesic domes
three trains to process both gas
and replacing floating roof seals.
and condensates for the refinery,
The project started in April 2010
with a capacity of 805 million
and is expected to be completed
SCF (standard cubic feet) of
in March 2015 at a cost of $1367
gas per day and 106 thousand
million. Another Korean firm, GS
barrels per day of condensate.
Engineering & Construction, is
The three existing trains
the main contractor.
have a total capacity of 1680
Another project at Mina
MMSCF per day (560 each). A
Al-Ahmadi, also scheduled for
fifth gas train project is currently
completion by March 2015, is the
in the design stage. In view of this
installation of a new unit for acid
expansion, tankage capacity is
gas removal, and a revamp of the
highly critical for KNPC in order
existing AGRP train. The new unit
to accommodate the extra gas
will run at an average rate of 146
production.
million SCF per day and 39 BPSD
A new North LPG Tank
of condensate and the existing
Farm project therefore involves
AGRP unit in the refinery will be
building new LPG tanks to cater
revamped to equal the capacity
for the fourth and fifth gas
of the new unit. The project will
trains and to allow simultaneous
also conform to KPC’s strategy
loading of two LPG tankers at
to reduce gas flaring to less than
the same time with the same
one percent. The estimated cost
product.
objective
of the project is $899 million,
of the project is to reduce
with Tecnimount SPA of Italy the
emissions from existing KNG
chosen contractor.
Another
Endeavour Magazine | 47
ARAWAK CEMENT COMPANY 001 246 439 9880 WWW.ARAWAKCEMENT.COM.BB
48 | Endeavour Magazine
MIXING IT UP, KEEP IT Strong WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER
The aim is always to be a company where the attainment of excellence through continuous profitability, production efficiency, ethical leadership and mutual trust are hallmarks of the business. This is the mandate of Arawak Cement. We caught up with General Manager Rupert Greene to talk about how it all came about.
Endeavour Magazine | 49
ARAWAK CEMENT COMPANY
“We wanted customer appreciation, honesty and fairplay to epitomise every aspect of our service,” Rupert Greene tells us.
A
decisive internal focus ensured that the employees became the ultimate focus of Arawak Cement, which is fitting really as a long held belief in industry is that a company’s focus on
employees directly relates and influences the focus on customers. For Arawak Cement, as a dynamic member of the TCL Group of Companies the employees are empowered, highly trained and indoctrinated into a high culture of loyalty and commitment to teamwork. This is a trend that seems to be intrinsic within this region of the world where much attention and time is placed into looking after the staff, more so than in other companies and certainly other countries an understanding that creating loyalty is a two way street. “It’s important that we work together as a unified team who are sensitive to the three main pillars,” Rupert expresses, “Family, community and environment.” The genesis of the Arawak Cement Plant was the Bergstrom study of 1973, commissioned by the Government of Barbados and Guyana. The feasibility study was reported in 1976, which included details of geological and geo-technical assessments of the proposed limestone,
“The kiln was reactivated in April 1997 and the project was an outstanding success, completed within budget and on time. The reactivation of the plant back to a full manufacturing operation, contributed greatly to reducing unemployment and the staff contingent jumped from 65 to more than 300 during the project phase and now has more than 250 permanent workers employed now.” 50 | Endeavour Magazine
Endeavour Magazine | 51
ARAWAK CEMENT COMPANY
clay quarries and the intended plant site. Due to the subsequent
Having seen the potential
completed within budget and
withdrawal of the Guyana Government, talks were initiated with the
and recognizing the importance
on time,” Rupert tells us, “The
Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the project
of the company, Arawak Cement
reactivation of the plant back to
was eventually approved by both Governments as part of a Bilateral
Company Limited was purchased
a full manufacturing operation,
Agreement dated April 1978.
by the TCL Group in March
contributed greatly to reducing
The turnkey contract to supply, erect and commission the plant was
1994. Following a financial and
unemployment and the staff
awarded to the Austrian Company Voest-Alpine in December 1980.
administrative restructuring of
contingent jumped from 65
Financing agreements were established with Orion Bank of London,
the company a new management
to more than 300 during the
in April 1981 and Arawak was subsequently incorporated under the
approach was taken as well as
project phase and now has more
Companies Act of Barbados as a Limited Liability Company jointly
the introduction of progressive
than 250 permanent workers
owned by the Government of Barbados (51%) and the Government of
levels of accounting, human
employed now.”
Trinidad and Tobago (49%). In April 1984, the cement manufacturing
resourcing
reporting
The reactivation also meant
facility was commissioned and production subsequently began. The
systems, a complete turnaround
that Arawak could re-enter the
plant operated from 1984 to 1991 as a full cement production facility
of
was
export market after an absence
manufacturing its own clinker.
financial
and
fortunes
instigated within one year of
of six years which is a major step
All success stories have to leap their fair share of hurdles
purchase. At the same time, work
in re-establishing their presence
and Arawak Cement endured a period where they encountered
started in earnest on a BDS$13.6
as a major player in the market.
substantial losses and under a unanimous shareholders agreement,
million kiln reactivation project.
The Arawak Cement plant is
“The kiln was reactivated
located in Checker Hall, St. Lucy,
grinding circuit supplying cement for the domestic market up to 1994
in April 1997 and the project
on the northern tip of the island
when a decision was made by the owners to sell the company.
was an outstanding success,
and very close to the coastline.
E10001-M1-Z52-V1-7600
the decision was made to close the kiln. The plant operated as a
siemens.com/mse
Service for the Metals Industry
Answers for industry.
52 | Endeavour Magazine
“Our primary activity is the manufacture and sale of Ordinary Portland Cement,” Rupert explains, “Current production is at 360,000 tonnes per year.” ACCL commissioned the use of a new solid fuel supply system in 2007. Pet Coke was identified as the most economical and reliable alternative for kiln firing at ACCL after the curtailment of its orimulsion supply from Venezuela. The first year of operating the kiln using 100% Pet Coke was 2008. Getting ahead of their competition the company has made significant steps to keep themselves as environmentally conscious as possible, incorporating important energy saving measures into their
“For over 30 years, Diproinduca has helped steel mills and
already malleable personnel culture.
mineral processing companies around the world increase implementing
profitability while lowering their carbon footprint by
programmes to manage, as much as is possible, energy use across
empowering them with long-term, comprehensive
the plant,” Rupert stresses, “Without compromising the quality of the
solutions that focus on the bottom line and the
product produced. In addition we are working towards developing
environment. By combining its expertise in the recovery,
export capabilities, in an effort to increase sources of revenue.”
recycling, distribution, and disposal of waste and by-
“Arawak
Cement
remains
committed
to
Being one of the companies who are driving the growth and
products, Diproinduca offers a “one-stop” solution for
development of their industry, the mantle of responsibility has landed
your waste management needs and a source for low-cost,
firmly upon their shoulders. Fortunately, the foundation that the
high-quality raw materials.”
company stands on is as firm as the products they manufacture.
Toward a cleaner planet
Products & Services
At Diproinduca our vision is to be an international leader in providing a cost effective, all inclusive service that converts industrial waste and by-products into saleable or disposable products.
(Iron Ore & Steel Industry) Cold Briquette Iron • Iron & Steel By-product Recovery • Environmental Remediation Services • Vessel Loading Services • Clamp Shell Rental •
www.diproinduca.com | info@diproinduca.com | +1 (905) 709 6275 CANADA • TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO • USA • BARBADOS • VENEZUELA • CHILE • MEXICO
Endeavour Magazine | 53
AMSTEELE SYSTEMS 0027 11 827 6721 WWW.AMSTEELE.COM
54 | Endeavour Magazine
STRESS WITHOUT SUFFERING WRITTEN BY COLIN GIBSON
Licensed by two world renowned authorities in prestressing applications, Amsteele has a legacy of highly visible construction projects in southern Africa.
Endeavour Magazine | 55
AMSTEELE SYSTEMS
With operations in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, Amsteele Systems has served the construction industry in Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands with proven solutions to geotechnical, civil engineering and building projects.
Quote
A
of
msteele’s
core
significant portfolio of completed
business is the design,
projects over the years, with
supply and installation
post-tensioned slab applications
pre-stressing
including
both
systems,
bonded
and
parking
garages,
offices, residential complexes,
un-bonded systems for building
shopping
and civil structures. The company
hospitals, airport terminals and
is active throughout Southern
sports stadiums. Civil projects
Africa
completed
include bridges, reservoirs, silos
projects in Namibia, Botswana,
and general heavy structures.
Mozambique, Swaziland, Angola,
Complementary to the pre-
Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe,
stressing systems Amsteele also
Kenya and Mauritius.
offers products and services in
and
has
Amsteele was formed by the merger of two former leaders
in
the
centres,
hotels,
geotechnical, heavy lifting and steel construction systems.
prestressing
Post-tensioning is a method
sector in South Africa in 2000—
of reinforcing concrete or other
Amalgamated Prestressing and
materials
Steeledale
Systems—although
steel strands or bars, typically
the company’s origins can be
referred to as tendons. Post-
traced back to 1969 in the
tensioning applications include
shape of CCL Stressing (South
office and apartment buildings,
Africa) the original forerunner to
parking
Amalgamated Prestressing.
on-ground,
The company has built a 56 | Endeavour Magazine
including
stadiums
with
high-strength
structures,
slabs-
bridges,
sports
and
water
tanks.
In many cases, post-tensioning allows construction that would
The
Mandela
10-storey building with four
otherwise be impossible due to either site constraints or architectural
Bridge in Johannesburg features
levels of underground parking,
requirements.
DSI stay cables installed by
three levels of retail shopping,
Amsteele Systems.
entertainment and restaurants,
Steel reinforcing bars (rebar) are typically embedded in concrete
iconic
Nelson
to limit cracking, but rebar is a “passive” reinforcement; it carries
One of Amsteele’s recent
no force until the concrete has already deflected enough to crack.
flagship projects is the central
Amsteele offers a full range
Post-tensioning tendons, on the other hand, are considered “active”
terminal building at OR Tambo
of services from supply only or
reinforcing. Because it is prestressed, the steel is effective as
International
in
equipment hire to full execution,
reinforcement even though the concrete may not be cracked. Post-
Johannesburg. The multi-level
including planning, design and
tensioned structures can be designed to have minimal deflection and
terminal
specification
cracking, even under full load.
the international & domestic
works and equipment, budgeting
terminals
the
and final quotations. It can
companies, CCL Stressing Systems of Leeds in the United Kingdom
airport flow, linking them to
also manufacture and supply
and DSI (Dywidag Systems International) of Munich, Germany. The
a public transport centre and
temporary
ability to offer the technology solutions of both of these licensing
the Gautrain Station, which
equipment where required. The
authorities and component manufacturers gives Amsteel a distinct
is directly connected to the
company has a network of in-
advantage in the South African construction market.
terminal. Departure activities
house and external engineers
are primarily on the upper level
and
with Arrivals on the ground.
southern Africa.
Amsteele is licensed by two world renowned prestressing
To put this into context, CCL’s South African operations supplied the prestressing solution to the Foreshore Freeway viaducts in Cape Town in the mid-1970s – and the legacy of this operation now forms part of Amsteele Systems.
Airport
building in
line
integrates with
and three levels of offices.
of
temporary
structures
technicians
and
throughout
Another is the Cape Quarter Extension in Cape Town, a
CCL’s unbonded single strand tendon system is quick to install, requires no grouting, and is able to cope with irregular slab shapes. Metals Centre’s unique claim to fame: Being able to supply various sections and extrusions of both ferrous and non-ferrous metals in many different sizes and formats, including cutting these to size, all under one roof.
Single wire strands of 13mm or 15mm diameter are coated with permanent corrosion inhibiting grease and encased in high density polyethylene (HDPE) sheathing, continuously extruded over the entire strand length to form a single strand tendon. Tendons are laid in the slab according to specific profiles before pouring the concrete. The grease reduces friction and allows (with the sheathing) for free relative movement of the strand with respect to the surrounding concrete during stressing. Both grease and sheathing provide longterm corrosion protection to the steel. The strands are individually attached at both ends to CCL unbonded mono strand anchorages that are embedded in the concrete to transfer compression to the slab after stressing. CCL’s bonded systems incorporate groups of three, four, five or six strands contained within a tendon in a flat duct anchored at each end
Our main product items include: Aluminum • Copper • Brass • Stainless Steel • Mild Steel • Bronze • Fuel Rail Extrusion Our laser and waterjet cutting service will make light work of your precision cut components.
by CCL flat anchorages. The tendons are laid in the slab according to specific profiles before pouring concrete. Ducts allow for free relative movement of the strand with respect to the surrounding concrete during stressing. After stressing the strands individually with CCL hydraulic jacks
Everything “metal” that you may need we have, under one roof... ready to be cut-to-size and delivered to you.
and attaching them to the anchorages, the ducts are filled with cement-based grout that fully bonds the strands to the concrete through the duct wall and all along the length of the tendon. The grout creates an alkaline environment around the steel for permanent corrosion protection. DSI has been operating in Germany since 1927, and offers a complete product line in strand post-tensioning as well as stay-cables.
011 493-4930 www.metalscentre.com
18 John St Unit C1, John St Warehouse Selby ext. 11, 2001, Gauteng
Endeavour Magazine | 57
AMALGAMATED SECURITY SERVICES LTD 001 868 626 2775 WWW.ASSL.COM
58 | Endeavour Magazine
COMPREHENSIVE PROTECTION AND SECURITY SOLUTIONS across the Caribbean
WRITTEN BY CHRISTOPHER DAVIES
Established in 1983, Amalgamated Security Services Limited (ASSL) has been fulfilling the security needs of the business, private and government sectors throughout the region for thirty years.
Endeavour Magazine | 59
AMALGAMATED SECURITY SERVICES LTD
With a vast portfolio of products and services which includes human and asset protection, electronic security, integrated systems, vehicle tracking, off-site data storage, human guarding and cash services to name but a few, ASSL provides the customer with comprehensive security solutions.
H
eadquartered in Macoya, Trinidad, ASSL has more than 3,000 employees, a fleet of 250 vehicles and strategically positioned offices throughout the Caribbean.
Unique selling point With a far-reaching footprint, a dedicated workforce and numerous security solutions, Regional Development Director Brian Ramsey believes that ASSL differentiates itself from other security providers for various reasons. “There is not one single unique selling point, in fact there are several,” he asserts. “If a customer comes to us because they need a solution such as guarding services, he or she is also aware that with issues like cash, employees or investigations, they can turn to us. It gives customers an assurance that we are a security one-stop-shop solution.” ASSL is also devoted to answering difficult customer questions whatever the particular problem might be. “Even if we don’t have the answers or resources in-house, we have relationships with 60 | Endeavour Magazine
AMALGAMATED SECURITY SERVICES LTD
associations and institutions to find a solution,” notes Ramsey. “We have highly responsive management teams, in St Lucia, Barbados, Grenada and Trinidad, whose primary focus is on customer satisfaction and quality assurance.”
Industry specific services With a customer base that includes hotels, schools, residential properties and financial institutions, ASSL is able to provide tailormade security services for various industries. “Our staff have the experience of dealing with a wide variety of situations and customer types,” notes Ramsey. “Our guarding operations are responsible for the protection of more than sixteen billion US dollars annually.” With an in-depth understanding of the region, ASSL is on-hand to provide extensive protection for the most significant industries. “Tourism is of particular importance on many of the islands being the main foreign currency earner and employing a large segment of the population,” adds Ramsey. “We provide hotels with international best practice with an understanding of Caribbean circumstances.” ASSL’s strong and long-lasting relationship with regional governments is also testament to the company’s professional
62 | Endeavour Magazine
business operation. For many years, ASSL has provided services that include cash handling, response and patrol, electronic security and prisoner transportation.
Secret to success In addition to being well and truly dedicated to its customer base, ASSL also believes in employee empowerment. Numerous members of staff have been with the organisation for an extremely long time and ASSL recognises this loyalty, helping the workforce progress and increase their skill set. This is one of the many reasons why ASSL has
Sagicor Life Inc. is proud to be associated with
remained successful for several decades.
Amalgamated Security Services Limited (ASSL).
“Our objective is to have staff that are committed both to ASSL
Sagicor offers a wide range of financial services
and the customer and who believe the job provides them with a long-
including life and health insurance, annuities, pensions,
term future,” notes Ramsey. “We therefore are not only concerned
property and casualty insurance, residential and
with the recruitment process but also with the employee’s welfare.
commercial mortgages as well as investment services.
“We make the effort to upgrade the skills of an individual in the
Both companies strongly believe that our employees
organisation. Because of training, there are opportunities to improve,
are our most valuable asset. Sagicor is pleased to be
so employees stay with us. We have an extended institutional memory
ASSL’s provider of choice.
within the organisation that helps us in situations we have faced before. This is one reason for the success of the business.”
Endeavour Magazine | 63
AMALGAMATED SECURITY SERVICES LTD
Employee recognition It is also important for ASSL daily
to
acknowledge
contribution
the
employees
are making, which is why the company
holds
an
annual
awards ceremony exclusively for “Employees want to feel the
management
So much so that ASSL believes
recipients, but also to the wider workforce, that ASSL recognises hard
this new form of protection can
work and endeavour.”
be yet another security service
Along with awards handed out to long serving personnel and
the company provides to its
outstanding employees at this year’s suit and tie gala event, ASSL’s
clients. “We have recently sent
workforce also enjoyed entertainment from singers and comedians.
staff abroad to be trained and certified as examiners. So we
Recent developments One of the most significant recent developments for ASSL has
members of staff. that
award ceremony is there to demonstrate, not only to the winning
and
can now offer these services in recruitment exercises or for investigation purposes.”
been the introduction of polygraph testing. “In certain instances, it is very difficult to tell if someone is telling the truth,” asserts Ramsey. “So
The future Looking
“Our systems and methods of operation, the way we interact with customers and build relationships is something we can take elsewhere and use in successfully building a business elsewhere.”
believes
its
forward, knowledge
ASSL and
expertise of security services has huge potential in markets outside of the Caribbean. This wealth of experience is easily transferable
organisation
appreciate
their
efforts,” reveals Ramsey. “The
64 | Endeavour Magazine
one thing we have done internally is polygraph testing and we now
and can be of huge benefit to a
recognise the value of this method.”
brand new customer base.
Ramsey says: “Our systems
slowly building our investigative
and methods of operation, the
capacity which began last year,”
way we interact with customers
says Ramsey. “We also expect
and
our services for burglary and
build
relationships
is
something we can take elsewhere and use in successfully building
fraud will be expanded. “Computer
forensics
and
a business elsewhere. We have
networking security is going
found that our methods of
to become a big part of our
operations are different to other
business as well. We are not yet
businesses in the market. Our
sure whether this will be through
customers see these differences
organic growth or acquisitions,
and how they are beneficial.”
but fully expect this will feature
ASSL has been monitoring
in our business portfolio within
markets in South America for
the next five years,” concludes
several months and is now in the
Ramsey.
regulatory approval process for a new venture in Guyana. Besides
expansion
in
www.cmrtt.com
Based in Marabella, the petroleum capital of Trinidad, we supply a wide range of quality office and school products with value for money in mind. The company has been in operation for the past twenty (20) years and has gained extensive knowledge supplying large state and private sector organizations. 868-658-2166 4 Reserve Road Marabella Trinidad
a
regional sense, the company is also looking to grow its range of products and services. “We are
Proudly supporting Amalgamated Security Services
Vehicle Maintenance For Increased Reliability
“Our objective is to have staff that are committed both to ASSL and the customer and who believe the job provides them with a long-term future.”
1B Munroe Road, Cunupia, Trinidad W.I. T: +1 868 291 5444, +1 868 693 2908 F: 18686931079, E: peakperf@tstt.net.tt Endeavour Magazine | 65
PARMALAT SA 0027 21 809 1400 WWW.PARMALAT.CO.ZA
66 | Endeavour Magazine
WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL
Over the last handful of years Parmalat SA has been the pioneering hero of the dairy industry, successfully overcoming a number of hurdles that would have ended less dedicated, focussed and confident businesses. With new developments taking place year upon year, this major player in the South African Dairy industry has stayed ahead of the game throughout. We spoke with Operations Manager Riaan Van Greuning about some of the reasons for this continuous growth.
Endeavour Magazine | 67
PARMALAT SA
“Focusing on day-to-day operations and time management has made a huge difference to our fortunes,” Riaan explains, “Flavour extensions for current products to help keep consumers interested and a pipeline of new products coming in means that we have a very strong and clear idea of where we’re going in the future.”
W
ith a strong research and development department working together with the marketing team to establish the continuous
current and future tastes of customers, things would seem to be looking very rosy for Parmalat following a period of deep concern for the brand in the wake of the European scandal that hit the news. On a global scale it was the biggest milkshake of the time, Parmalat went into administration and in the ensuing turn-around strategy South Africa emerged among the core operations. “Since then we have grown from strength to strength and remain very strong. Following that we became a subsidiary of the French group Lactalis and we have adopted a number of their procedures and approaches with fantastic results,” Riaan attests, “We are now exposed to and have the opportunity to work with international product specialists, and there’s a lot of focus on Parmalat and the growth in all parts of Africa.”
68 | Endeavour Magazine
Endeavour Magazine | 69
PARMALAT SA
One of the things that Lactalis has offered is a new model on day to day operations. This fresh perspective has offered them a new course of efficiency and productivity.
New product development Well known for its award-winning cheeses marketed under the Parmalat, Simonsberg and Melrose brands, iconic flavoured milks like Steri Stumpie and a range of yoghurts and long-life milks, butter, ice cream, cream and fruit juice, there is still an uphill battle in the South African market to overcome traditional tastes and concepts. “Dairy consumption in SA is less than it is in other parts of the world, like Europe, Australia and North America,” Riaan explains, “Cheese has been for a long time a mainstay of our business but one of the biggest pushes we have at the moment is in the area of flavoured milk.” “Flavour extensions, product changes, revamping of packaging and a pipeline of ideas and developments are important to keep the consumer interested,” Riaan explains, “But we have also invested a substantial market capital into flavour milks and yoghurts. Now that we have the additional
70 | Endeavour Magazine
know-how and the intellectual
and flavoured milk consumption.”
property we are more able to
As
operations
manager,
produce top end products with
Riaan Van Greuning’s role has all
an above standard quality at
of the South African production
affordable rates.”
plants reporting to him. Although
The challenge is that with
he may not be directly involved
milk, the per capita consumption
in
remains low, and this has been
the products he is the one
put down to the communication
responsible for turning ideas into
to the public on the benefits of
a reality. He accredits the hard
dairy products. One of the ways
work and wise advice from their
that Parmalat South Africa is
new partners for the success.
the
development
behind
approaching this is by engaging
“The Lactalis approach is one
with South African companies
of openness,” he explains, “They
on the importance of dairy
see the development and growth
consumption on a day to day
of an industry as important to
basis.
everyone within that industry
Strategies customer
here surveys,
include
and so don’t hold anything
new
back when giving advice and
marketing techniques and a
assistance.”
major focus on flavoured milk and the yogurt market. “Recently we have launched a number of new products and have more on
Optimizing ourselves
the way. Overall we are looking
Already exporting through its
to new innovations and creating
agents to other African countries
new energy around yoghurt, milk,
from Lesotho to Ghana, Parmalat Endeavour Magazine | 71
PARMALAT SA
SA have products reaching out
part of their new approach there is a constant question of how they
a global benchmarking system
to the Far East including China
can do better, a determined kaizen philosophy.
called ‘Twenty Keys’ aimed at
and it is a complex chain of dairy
Now, this is not a new mentality for them, Parmalat has always
engaging and training employees,
farmers, factories, warehousing,
striven to improve themselves and this constant quest has created
speaking a common language
distribution hubs and a delivery
excellent supplier/customer relationships benefitting from a loyal
throughout the business, and
fleet of 300 trucks that support
staff force and clients including the likes of Shoprite, Checkers, Pick
Riaan believes this has been a
this fast growing machine. But as
‘n Pay and Woolworths. However as input costs continue to rise
component in their subsequent
as much as 9% a year and raw
“Some of this may sound basic.
taken a strategic change to help
But if you want to implement
reduce internal costs so as not to
something at a shop floor level
effect external prices.
where for example literacy and
“One thing we will never
numeracy is a problem, these
lower is our quality,” Riaan
tools are extremely important
emphasizes strongly, “So we’ve
since they use pictures but also
looked at new ways to increase
world class practices. I see huge
internal efficiency and when
improvement in many of the
Lactalis came on board we were
keys and we are sharing these
able to introduce a fresh model
successes with other companies.”
of employee engagement.” In 2010 Parmalat introduced
72 | Endeavour Magazine
and prominent success.
materials rising up to 20% it has
Aligned with this and against the national backdrop of major
skills shortages, Parmalat has
every step of their process
created a large, well-structured
from the farming, to their
development programme for its
manufacturing and production,
2,000 employees which has had
to marketing, packaging and
a positive effect on efficiency
logistical delivery.
improvement. The
inward
“How can we capitalize on focus
and
milk? This is the question we
development has not stopped
are asking ourselves at every
simply at employee training but
step now,” Riaan says, “It is one
has taken on a whole new level of
of the key thrusts behind all of
scrutiny.
our latest developments and will
“One of the key things that we are doing is identifying and
be a key component to further enhance our future direction.”
researching every component of
“Improvement, development
milk and its production,” he says,
and growth this is what we’re
“To remain the leaders we need
about,” Riaan concludes.
Whilst Parmalat is known for dairy innovations and quality, Ecolab is committed to enabling customers produce safe, high quality products that exceed customer expectations whilst improving operational performance
and
environmental
stewardship.
Ecolab, as a preferred supplier of cleaning and disinfection products and services, enables Lactalis
to be ahead of our competition
best practice by fully supporting the “Group Lactalis
and the whole way is to have
Indirect Purchasing Charter for Quality and Food
a better understanding of our
Safety”.
product.” This has had them analysing
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Endeavour Magazine | 73
SWITCHBOARD FREE 0207 965 7333 WWW.SWITCHBOARDFREE.CO.UK
74 | Endeavour Magazine
A FREE SWITCHBOARD REPLACEMENT FOR BRITISH SMES WRITTEN BY DONNIE RUST
A UK company supports UK business by offering a free service to replace costly switchboards. Never miss a call again.
Endeavour Magazine | 75
SWITCHBOARD FREE
There has been an unprecedented shift in the UK business market with increasing demands being placed upon SMEs and other small enterprises to outperform each other. With this in mind it reaches a point where a small to medium sized business owner simply cannot afford to miss even one phone call.
“A
looking
client
telephone number in minutes
a
number rings out and nobody
which will answer the phone
answers they’ll just call up the
with a polite and professional
online often has the choice of
second company or the third
introduction message, then the
several different companies from
until they get a response and
real gem of this service kicks in.
their very first Google search,”
then they probably won’t look
You can nominate a number
Matt explains, “For the customer
back. SwitchboardFREE makes
of recipient landlines or mobiles
the difference in service between
it possible to get the pickup and
this number diverts to; the
the company that appears first
answer service without having to
Service tries your numbers in
and the company that appears
install or establish an expensive
turn until it finds you so you
second on a search is negligible.
switchboard service.
can answer. If you do, you get
particular
for
first company but the telephone
service
The deciding factor comes down
Typical of the team at Liquid
a message saying you have
to which company answers the
11, this system’s genius is in its
SwitchboardFREE call at which
phone first.”
simplicity and applicability. You
point you can accept the call or
the
sign up to SwitchboardFree and
send the caller to voicemail and
potential customer calls up the
you’re given a live switchboard
all the time your customers are
In
76 | Endeavour Magazine
potential
other
words,
if
listening to some up-to-date hold music. Even if your customer hangs up you’ll get an email with their number or voicemail if left. There’s even a Free App that knows where you are and redirects your calls based on your geographical location. It’s like having your very own PA or virtual receptionist. The free numbers on offer aren’t some premium rate numbers either, the 084 numbers are all charged at the standard call rate and you can get standard landlines or 0800 with all the same bells and whistles, but at a charge. “This service becomes very useful when put into practice and the benefits are seen most by people who have an established need for a switchboard system but lack the funds to set one up,” Matt indicates, “It’s a real business class service that ensures you stay in touch with your customers all the time.” Illustrating the dedication Liquid 11 has to supporting small to medium business empires, this service has been made available to companies in the UK for free. All you have to do is go to the website www.switchboardfree.co.uk and become a member. “A bit of patriotism goes a very long way,” Matt concludes, “When you’re starting out in business you never know which call will be the most important of your career.”
Endeavour Magazine | 77
VERIDIAL 0044 207 965 7333 WWW.VERIDIAL.CO.UK
78 | Endeavour Magazine
WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL
Liquid 11 launches the simplest user-friendly verification programme to screen incoming website memberships for false, bot signups and to spearhead the collection of responsible data for website owners.
Endeavour Magazine | 79
VERIDIAL
A UK business has launched a new product as an answer to the fast growing need of businesses to have increasingly available and trustworthy data. The product VERIDIAL is set to become one of the “must have” tools for growing businesses worldwide.
Quote
“O
nline security goes both ways,” Matt Rayner Operations manager, explains, “Potential members looking to join a company want to know that they
are joining a website where their data is secure and at the same time those running the website want to know that their members are who they say they are.” By general standards a web presence is essential for any businesses looking to grow and client inter relations is expected and more relevant than ever in this day and age. A subscriber-base to a website is still the most efficient manner of achieving this and with that you need to bring customers to a website and have them log in. This may seem like a straight forward thing to achieve, but anyone with a busy website that has a membership/subscription option on it will be able to attest how quickly and frequently that membership is abused by false or inaccurate details, bots or spamming programmes. “Security, confidence and ease-of-use should be fundamental to any website sign up and this is what we’re trying to achieve, “Matt points out, “Veridial differs from standard authentication systems by physically dialling either the client’s landline or mobile number and then audibly relays their unique pin number to them. This PIN number is then input in real time and verifies the existence of that member. At all times the request is answered immediately, on any phone and there’s no electronic copy of the PIN number which can be intercepted or copied. It is as close as we can get to actually calling the person up directly”.
80 | Endeavour Magazine
Responsible Data Collection The additional benefit of Veridial is the collection of responsible data. For users, they can choose to receive news, updates and offers via a SMS. This becomes especially beneficial for companies selling or promoting goods or services. A new deal or opportunity can be made readily available to the user without them having to check their emails. “If you really need to connect with all of your customers then SMS is king. Spam and over marketing is ruining email communication,” Matt continues, “The internet is awash with redundant inboxes that have become clogged up with social network updates and spam. Veridial ensures all your customers mobile numbers are 100% accurate and you can therefore connect with all your customers when it really matters.” VERIDIAL has been seeing a lot of attention lately in the press thanks to its innovative and simple approach to security and has clearly been the answer this industry niche has been waiting for. It is the Kevlar game changer of the online security industry, boosting confidence and efficiency. For more information on Veridial visit www.veridial.co.uk
Endeavour Magazine | 81
COLLEGEHUMOR LAUNCHES NEW GAME ! BY JAIME MARSANICO
Bearshark B
earShark, CollegeHumor’s first foray into handheld video gaming, is inspired by the six-episode CollegeHumor Original animated series BearShark, which debuted
on Nintendo Video for Nintendo 3DS earlier this year, and first originated as an article series on CollegeHumor.com in 2010. The hit series comes to life in the single-player, infinite runner-style game as BearShark players run, jump and swim for their lives as clumsy Steve, racing to infinity through an endless gauntlet on land and sea with a
Ground-breaking comedy brand CollegeHumor is pleased to announce the release of BearShark, a new game created exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS system. This is a continued partnership for the two brands, which have previously teamed to create and distribute animated 3D series on Nintendo Video for the Nintendo 3DS system. The BearShark game, inspired by the CollegeHumor Original animated series of the same name, is available for purchase in the Nintendo eShop today.
bear and shark tag-team hot on his heels. With characters that look just like their original cartoon counterparts, BearShark features a brand new scoring feature on Nintendo 3DS that keeps count as players use Steve’s trademark jump to avoid dangerous obstacles and the diabolical machinations of Bear and Shark–all conceived by CollegeHumor writers. “This release of the BearShark game is another excellent example of the new and innovative ways we are reaching our audience— wherever they are—as CollegeHumor continues growing as a multi-media, multi-platform studio,” says Paul Greenberg, CEO of CollegeHumor Media. “And we’re also very lucky to have the chance to keep working with a terrific partner like Nintendo.” The release of the BearShark game continues a positive collaboration
between
Nintendo
and
CollegeHumor,
which
previously brought the widely popular and on-going Dinosaur Office and BearShark original series to Nintendo Video. The two are among the most widely-viewed content on Nintendo Video. “It’s great to see new properties break on Nintendo 3DS. CollegeHumor is really embracing the unique entertainment proposition of the Nintendo 3DS platform,” says Tony Elison, Nintendo of America’ssenior director, Network Business. “The game continues the same outrageous fun of the video series that has garnered more than three million views on Nintendo Video in a matter of weeks.” To mark the release of the game, Nintendo will rerun all six episodes of the BearShark series on Nintendo Video and CollegeHumor will kickoff “BearShark Week” – rerunning the original “BearShark” cartoons that inspired the Nintendo 3DS video series and game.
82 | Endeavour Magazine
your electrical connection
Connecting Africa to energy efficiency. In Africa today, achieving energy efficiency and sustainable energy savings is ever more critical. As a market leader in the distribution and trade of electrical goods, Voltex is perfectly positioned to drive the development and implementation of technologies which can achieve this. That’s why we are ensuring continent-wide adoption of our sustainable and environmentally-friendly services and technologies. Be a part of a greener and more energy efficient Africa. For all your electrical requirements, visit our website www.voltex.co.za for your nearest outlet.
www.voltex.co.za Endeavour Magazine | 83
Top 10 Mistakes
PEOPLE MAKE WHEN TRYING TO BECOME PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS There many things you need to know and do in order to become successful in the music industry. But there are many pitfalls on the path to success and that is particularly true in the music industry. After mentoring many musicians who are developing their own music careers, I see the same false assumptions, problems and mistakes appear again and again. Here is the list of the top 10 mistakes that can hold your career back.
Mistake #10 – NO IMAGE: Most musicians (and bands) severely underestimate the importance of their image. Yes, music is about ‘music’, but music business success is about a total package that includes music, image among other things that need to be fully developed and integrated in a congruent way.
Mistake #9 – ALL TALK: Trying to ‘get your name out there’. Although a main goal of most musicians and bands it is the wrong approach to start with. Before trying to be seen and heard as much as possible, it is more important to focus on ‘converting’ people who hear and see you into actual fans. This ‘conversion’ is the first key to your promotional success and NOT getting seen or heard as much as possible.
Mistake #8 – BELIEVING ONLINE HYPE:
Social
media websites are an important tool but are ONE piece of the online music marketing puzzle. Music industry companies (record labels, artist managers, booking agents, etc.) are more interested in the popularity of YOUR website and not how many friends you have on YouTube, Facebook or any other website that you do not own and control. Want to impress the industry with your band’s promotion? Build your website traffic.
Mistake #7 – NO CAREER FOCUS:
Not investing
enough time into building your music career. Most musicians spend most of their time on music, but put very little effort into the many other critical elements needed to make it in the music business. If you are already a talented musician, you should invest at least 50% of your time into starting or advancing your music career. If you are still developing your musical skills, you should still invest around 25% of your ‘music’ time into building a future music career.
Mistake #6 – YOUR ENVIRONMENT:
Surrounding
yourself with people who are negative, lazy and lack ambition will end your dreams. If you are very serious about becoming a professional musician and building a great career in music, you must surround yourself with like-minded musicians.
Mistake #5 – LACKLUSTER STAGE PRESENCE: Many musicians, who are not yet in a good band, put off developing their live performing and stage presence skills. This is a big reason 84 | Endeavour Magazine
why talented musicians don’t get into really good bands that they audition for. Your music may be good, but a live ‘show’ requires more than great music. If people only wanted to hear the music, they would listen to you at home. Both fans and record labels want (and expect) to see a REAL show. You will be forgotten quickly without it.
Mistake #4 – QUANTITY OVER INTENSITY: The ‘number’ of fans you have should always be your secondary focus if you want to become successful in the music industry. The fact is, it is not the number of ‘fans’ that matters most but the number of FANATICS which will contribute more directly to your success or
current relationships you have now and will develop in the future.
your lack of it. This is particularly true in the beginning of a band’s
You don’t want to simply know people or be known, you want people
music career. Learn to convert your existing fans into raving fanatics
who know you to have a real deep connection with you so that you
and the number of your overall fans will increase through powerful
are always on the top of their mind when opportunities present
word of mouth.
themselves. Ask yourself, “What can I do right now to deepen my
Mistake #3 – NOT ENOUGH MONEY: Like it or not, it
existing relationships further on an ongoing basis?”
takes money to build a music career. Even if other people/companies
Mistake #1 – PRE PACKAGING AND PITCHING:
are paying for your record, tour support, merchandise, etc. you still
Having a fundamental misunderstanding about what record
need to have the freedom to pursue opportunities as they come.
companies look for - and expect from new bands. This is a huge
Sadly, many musicians miss opportunities because they can’t afford to
topic, but in a nutshell it’s very useful to think of record companies
take advantage of them. In addition to a decent income, you also need
like a bank that lends money to people or small businesses. Record
the flexibility of being able to take time away from that income source
companies make most of their decisions about whom they will work
to go into the studio, go on tour, etc. It is a conundrum that has to be
with and what the terms will be in much the same way that a bank
solved. That is why learning how to teach guitar is such a great way
will determine who they will loan money to and what the terms of the
to achieve both if you learn how to become a highly successful guitar
loan will be. Both record companies and banks basically want to see
teacher.
3 things:
Mistake #2 – SHALLOW MUSIC RELATIONSHIPS:
1. How much value do you bring to the deal right now.
There is an old expression, “It’s not what you know, but who you
2. How much risk do you bring with you right now.
know.” In music this is often modified to, “It’s not who you know, it’s
3. How much potential value and risk might you bring to them in the
who knows you.” The truth is, it’s not about either. The most important
future after they invest in you.
aspect of connections within the music industry is how deep are the
If you want to buy a house, the bank wants to know a lot about the specific house you want to buy and even more about you. Record companies are the exact same, they want to know about your music, your talent and your band, but they also care as much about you and your band as people. What about YOU would make a record deal a good or bad investment for them. About the author: Tom Hess is a highly successful guitar teacher, professional touring guitarist and recording artist. He mentors musicians online to develop their own professional music careers and provides free music career resources: tomhess.net
Endeavour Magazine | 85
LOOKING TO KICKSTARTER TO RAISE FUNDS. 10 STEPS TO DOING IT RIGHT BY NAEL MARCUS BOLANDERS
V You have a brilliant idea for a new product but are lacking in funds; however you’ve heard about Kickstarter and how since launching in 2009 it’s helped over 40,000 projects raise more than $600 million (£386 million). With figures like that and ease of access it’s the perfect platform for you to raise the capital you need to get your product out.
ery soon the biggest
funding before the deadline, it
issue comes in creating
continues to accept donations up
a compelling campaign
to the deadline.
that could draw in enough capital
So the trick is not to aim too
to get things started. Here are
high, don’t aim to retire on this
10 areas to look at before you
but focus on making enough
get started.
money to manufacture, package
1. How should I explain my idea on my Kickstarter project page?
and ship your product. “Also, that Kickstarter collects if your project is funded,” Cebulski says,
Aimee Cebulski, author of
“Amazon also charges additional
Kickstarter for Dummies says
Kickstarter payment processing
that defining exactly the scope
fees of up to 3 to 5 percent, so be
and purpose of your project is
sure to account for those, too.”
crucial. Know exactly what you
3. What sorts of rewards should I offer my backers?
need the money for, how it will be used and explain why. “Being
86 | Endeavour Magazine
budget for the 5 percent fee
vague
about
the
“Rewards are often what
specifics of your project --
motivate people to back your
everything from what inspired
project,
you to create it to what the
make them as creative and
finished product will be -- is a
personalized as possible,” says
huge mistake,” Cebulski says.
Cesar Kuriyama, a visual effects
2. How much should I put my goal at?
artist and TED speaker whose
so
you’ll
want
to
Kickstarter project, an iOS app
To ensure the security of the
called 1 Second Everyday, raised
platform, Kickstarter is all-or-
nearly $37,000 more than its
nothing crowdfunding. IN other
$20,000 funding goal last year.
words if you fall even a dollar
Kickstarter rewards cannot
short of your total funding goal
be cash and look at instead as
at the deadline, you won’t collect
products
any money and none of your
valued between $1 and $10,000.
backers will be charged. On the
On
flip side, if your project earns full
offered several tiers of rewards.
his
and/or campaign
experiences Kuriyama
The backers who pledged $1 received the 1 Second Everyday app. Those who pledged $150 or more received the various rewards that were given to lower-level supporters -- such as their names in the
8. Which project category should I enter?
app credits and exclusive access to a private Facebook group -- plus
Your project must fit into
a private invitation to an open bar “thank you party” at Kuriyama’s
one of the 13 main categories:
home. His biggest backer received all available rewards and a promise
art,
from Kuriyama that he would fly anywhere in the U.S. so they could
fashion,
meet in person.
music, photography, publishing,
comics, film,
dance,
design,
food,
games,
“I was careful to choose rewards that had a personal touch and
technology or theater. There
created more value for my backers and not more work for me,”
are now also 36 subcategories.
Kuriyama says. If you can’t afford to offer one-of-a-kind personal
For example, if you’re trying to
experiences, you might simply offer rewards produced by the project
crowdfund a smartphone stand,
itself, such as DVD copies of a film or T-shirts.
your project would probably fit
4. How can I increase the likelihood that Kickstarter will accept my project?
into the design category and the product design subcategory and
Kickstarter’s official guidelines suggest that you demonstrate the
would show up on both pages.
status of your project with technical drawings, CAD designs, photos,
9. How often should I update my backers?
videos and sketches, “along with a prototype demonstrating the product’s current functionality.” Read the guidelines carefully, and then read them again, Kuriyama
You can update backers as often as you like on the
says. “And revisit them often because they evolve and change every
latest
so often.”
and milestones. Some project
5. Should I create a video for my Kickstarter campaign?
creators update backers once
project-related
events
a day, while others do so once a
Videos aren’t required, but Cebulski, Kuriyama and Kickstarter
week. You can choose whether
itself recommend using them. Projects that include a video are
updates can be viewed publicly
50 percent more successful than those that don’t, according to
on your Kickstarter project page
Kickstarter.
- or only by backers.
The best videos are short, personal and passionate, whether they’re professionally produced or shot on a smartphone. Tell the human side of the story behind your project in the first 20 seconds
10. How do I build and submit my Kickstarter project?
of your video, which generally shouldn’t last more than two minutes,
Go to Kickstarter’s Start
Kuriyama says. Briefly discuss what inspired you to create the project,
page and select “Start Your
why it should be funded and what stage it’s currently at.
Project.” This is where you will
6. How should I publicize my Kickstarter campaign?
build and tweak your project before launching it.
Once you’re ready to launch your project, it’s time to spread the
First, choose an interesting
word in your personal, and professional networks, both online and off.
title that’s simple and easy to
Kuriyama says he avoided mass emails and opted instead to write
remember.
Next,
upload
an
dozens of personalized emails to friends, family, colleagues and tech
image that best represents your
industry influencers, introducing his Kickstarter project while also
project and provide a specific
inquiring about his recipients’ lives and careers. “The key is to be
project description. Finally, enter
warm and personal, like you’re talking to them in real life,” he says.
a brief bio of yourself with links
You can also consider drafting a press release about your campaign
to your Twitter feed and website.
to send to local print, TV and radio media, as well as online media and
It typically takes only a few
bloggers who write about products like yours.
days for Kickstarter to review
7. Can I choose how long my Kickstarter project will last?
your project and decide whether
Kickstarter campaigns last between one and 60 days. How long
to accept it. If it gets declined, Kickstarter
will
sometimes
yours runs is up to you and you set your own start and end dates.
explain why. You can appeal the
Kickstarter recommends running your project for 30 days or fewer
decision or revise your project
because month-long campaigns have the highest success rates.
and resubmit it. Endeavour Magazine | 87
Show of Hands
BY DONNIE RUST
HOME GROWN INTERNATIONAL HEROES
M
ay 10th, Cromer Pier extends forth from the cliffs of
“The first one was at the Pavilion, Cromer Pier in 1998 and
Cromer like a gift towards the horizon where the dusk
attracted a lot of attention,” Scott reflects, “Since then we’ve
has painted the sky in shades of blues and pink. The
established it into a three day event which has sold out well ahead of
fifteenth run of Folk on The Pier has been sold out now for a week
time.”
however when I arrive at the pier entrance with my photographer
Shrugging about selling out Scott cares more for the enjoyment
in tow I’m surprised to see that the pier is practically empty. At first
of the guests during the night. The sales account for a total of 3000
I wonder if we’ve come to the right place and panic because I’ve come
tickets over a three day period, an incredible accomplishment for
to interview the headlining band Show Of Hands and can’t do that if
what is a niche music industry.
I’ve driven to the wrong location! Scott Butler, founder and owner of Deckchair Productions is behind Folk On The Pier and has for over a decade been promoting the folk rock industry successfully into what has become one of the largest folk-rock events in the UK. 88 | Endeavour Magazine
“Many of the people at the festival today came last year and the year before,” Scott points out, “And will be back here next year.” Drawing from a pool of the best folk bands and musicians, one of the stars are the headliners Show of Hands. Suffering a bit from hero worship I find myself sitting in the
dressing room opposite Steve Knightley, a man with a spread of
where Steve left off, “Traditional
their audience more dedication
stubble, unruly backswept hair that keeps falling in front of his face
folk music didn’t happen on a
than they receive.
and a West Country brawl. Typically, my mind blanks the moment I
stage it happened in the crowd
And what advice would these
get to speak with him and what I ask is barely coherent. Steve, who has
and we knew that we had to
icons give to bands today who
no difficulty memorizing the little details about people, instantly puts
engage
are looking to make the jump
me at ease with a smile and makes himself a cup of tea as if he has all
Before these social networking
the time in the world.
with
our
audience.
from amateur to professional?
sites took off we used to email
“Being seen,” Miranda says,
“We’ve always had a presence online,” he says, “Which as a grass
out to over ten thousand people
“Anyone can get an online
roots regionally sourced business model, came about because no
at a time, but now it’s easy to
presence now and you have to
management company were interested in investing in us, nobody
communicate
social
forget about sending out samples
cared about giving us a chance commercially so it developed as a
sites. It’s interesting to see how
to people for gigs because it’s
strategy to survive.”
our fans have started talking
redundant now. Get online. Get
amongst themselves. Getting
on Youtube, whether you’re in
involved.”
a studio or in a field. Get your
Despite everyone having some sort of online presence many bands don’t have one and they don’t make the effort to impress upon fans through platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Youtube.
on
the
A fan of Show Of Hands
guitar, sing, get recorded and put
“It’s hilarious to be perceived as cutting edge, when this is just a
would recognize the cohesion of
cottage industry that has just grown purely by the hard work of the
the traditional folk sound with
“Anyone who is going to
bands and the commitment of the fans. But at any point you’re really
the influence from the modern
give you a gig is less interested
just trying to survive and when you look back retrospectively there
generation, with songs revolving
in your ability to sing and more
seems to be that decision to go on this path to get here,” ‘here’ being
around gambling, politics, the
interested in your presence
one of the biggest UK folk bands in action today, “But it’s really just a
financial sector and online habits.
on stage,” Steve adds, “How
case of doing everything and seeing what works.”
it on Youtube.”
“Traditional folk has always
you relate and work with your
Now, there have been many opportunities for Show Of Hands
been my background,” Steve, the
audience will determine your
to cash in and become a product of another record company since
key songwriter, explains, “And
popularity every time.”
they’ve filled out the Royal Albert Hall three times..
in traditional folk music there
After over an hour on stage,
“There is a lifestyle that we’re not willing to give up,” Steve points
is no ego, you’re telling a story,
after they’ve had us all singing
out, just before Phil Beer and Miranda Sykes join us in a storm of
playing a character. Our songs
along to our favourite songs
friendliness and smiles that is quite surprising. Phil Beer founded
may have a modern edge, but
each of the members appears in
Show Of Hands with Steve, a giant of a man with an infectious laugh,
future listeners will think it’s old
the forecourt, signing CDs and
Miranda, their red headed jazz standing-bass player and harmony
fashioned.”
practically swimming through
singer is a striking beauty who talks with the same witling tones as she sings. Phil, who has been a professional musician the longest continues
A strong business strategy exists
in
the
liaising
and
communication and in showing
their fans. I’m not surprised to get a text from Steve telling me to have a safe trip back to London. Endeavour Magazine | 89
#9 New York Times Bestsellers List: My Greek Drama by Gianna Angelopoulos
M
y
Greek
and
happened in 2000, when slow progress and gridlocked bureaucracy put Athens in danger of losing the Olympic Games. Under her
Olympic Effort to Bring Glory
leadership, Athens made up for lost time and gave the world what IOC
to
President Jacques Rogge called: “an unforgettable dream Games.”
One
Country
Love
(Greenleaf
Book Group) by Ambassador Gianna Angelopoulos brings us
President Bill Clinton calls My Greek Drama, “…a useful guide for those who seek to transform lives, organizations, and even nations.”
a compelling story of how one
Greenleaf Book Group is a publisher and distributor best known
woman saved the 2004 Olympic
for its innovative business model,distribution power and award-
Games.
winning designs. Named one of the fastest growing companies in the
Going beyond memoir this is
United States by Inc. magazine, it has represented more than 1,000
a wide-ranging, no-holds-barred
titles, including more than 20 that have hit the New York Times, Wall
exploration of political challenge,
Street Journal or USA Today bestseller lists. You can learn more about
success,
Greenleaf on its website www.greenleafbookgroup.com and blog
and 90 | Endeavour Magazine
Ambassador Angelopoulos provides an in-depth account of what
Woman’s
Her
Life,
Drama:
failure,
ultimate
betrayal redemption.
www.bigbadbookblog.com.
The Nightclub Scene and DJ Rivalries Form the Backdrop to a New Sultry Lesbian Novel: Journey to Ibiza by Fire De Ville
T
he steamy love story of Natalie and Victoria that started in
and yang tattoos, and a cavalcade
“To Love a Woman or Butterflies… Butterflies… Butterflies…”
of characters with names like DJ
evolves to tell the tale of Rita and Maggie in the second lesbian
Boobs, DJ Fat Cat Daddy, and a
romance novel from author Fire De Ville, “Journey to Ibiza.” Set amidst the intoxicating world of big city nightclubs and DJ
bitchy thieving DJ Jules. “Journey
to
Ibiza”
is
rivalries, “Journey to Ibiza” begins with a chance encounter between
published by Friesen Press and
Maggie, a struggling DJ, and Rita, a budding music producer, thanks
is now available for Kindle and in
to a partially hidden hat. The chance encounter soon evolves into a
soft cover and hardcover directly
deep friendship, the discovery of a mutual attraction to music, and a
from the publisher’s website and
“should she or shouldn’t she” take the plunge into a relationship at the
Amazon.com with prices starting
risk of ruining the friendship. Along the way, there’s a seemingly magic
at $5.99. Visit: firedeville.com
coin, a stolen remix of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” matching yin
to order.
Headsmash by Vlad Yuvin
“T
he biggest graphic novel release of 2013” by Diamond Comics and the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2). The cover is created by renowned comics artist
and illustrator Tim Bradstreet (BLADE, THE PUNISHER, TRUE BLOOD). As the winner of multiple Eisner awards for Best Cover Artist, Bradstreet has created over 70 classic covers, including the 2006 Iron Maiden album cover ‘’A Matter of Life and Death.” In collaboration with Arcana Comics, HEAD SMASH is a sci-fi, thriller, action story set in a fantasy filled, lurid city of Ares and centres on an orphan named ‘Smash’ who finds a safe haven with a brutal syndicate – The Horde. The thrilling graphic novel shares the ultimate story of betrayal, love, and loyalty. www.headsmash.net Endeavour Magazine | 91