March 2014 web

March 2014

www.endeavourmagazine.com

BEN SAUNDERS

BROADWAY BAKERIES

GRU INTERNATIONAL UK £4.95 CAN $7.95 USA $7.95 -1- | THE EUR €5.95 ELEMENTS SA ZAR 69.00

INSPIRED BY YOUR SUCCESS

EDITORIAL Heads of Departments Editor in Chief Daemon Sands daemonsands@littlegatepublishing.com Director General Don Campbell doncampbell@littlegatepublishing.com

S

tart the way you intend to finish.

as

When I was playing rugby as a

Businesses such as Parmalat, the

victories

worth

applauding.

youth this was the mantra that

South African dairy company who have

was driven into me on every occasion.

taken great steps to ensure the safety

Start as you intend to finish. It was

of their staff at all costs, or Broadway

Sales Director James Martin jamesmartin@littlegatepublishing.com

about possessing the right attitude,

Bakeries who, through family values

the diligence of spirit and the strength

and a strong mandate of customer

Sales Manager Tyler Harrison tylerharrison@littlegatepublishing.com

of character to see what you start

service and satisfaction have grown

through to the end.

to be one of the major employers and

Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com

Businesses rely on this mantra just

the leading bread producer in Kenya.

as much. Entrepreneurs, or rather,

When beginning their business these

successful entrepreneurs do not begin

companies shared a common, uniting

a venture with the belief that it will

vision which is still their main guidance

fail. Instead their conduct suggests

today.

that they already have the millions

Granted, there are businesses that

Editorial Research Manager Alex Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com

Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com

that a successful business could

manage to succeed by weasiling their

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generate and that further success and

way through political and economic

prosperity is guaranteed and assured.

loopholes and manage to grow and

When Ben Saunders and Tarka

expand while still treating their

L’Herpiniere set off into the great

staff like cattle, however in the long

white of Antarctica in October 2013

term these businesses serve only as

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

to complete the ill-fated expedition of

fodder to prove a simple fact. That in

Captain Scott, they did not do so with

whatever journey or adventure you

the belief that they would fail or even

have to start as you intend to finish

that they would share the fate of their

and make every moment in between

previous-counterparts, they knew the

count.

facts and were confident that their

Please enjoy our latest edition, enjoy

attitude and preparation would carry

St Patricks Day and see you next

them through to their goal.

month,

In this issue of the magazine we’re

Kindest

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

Copyright © Littlegate Publishing Ltd 2014

looking at heroes, not only of the likes of the adventurer Ben Saunders and Tarka L’Herpiniere but also the business leaders who count the day to day successes of their business

Endeavour Magazine | 3

CONTENTS

FEATURES 26 Parmalat South Africa

Extra Mature Resolution 30 Caribbean Shipping Agencies Ltd

Keeping The Crew Together 34 CL Marine Limited

Smooth sailing 40 BORCO

An Expansion Success Story For

The Bahamas Oil Refining Company 46 ALUPCO

Heavy Metal 52 Broadway Bakeries

Home Grown, Home Baked 62 Standard Chartered Bank

Setting the Standard 68 IMQS

Unlocking Municipal Value

One Asset At A Time 74 Royal Canin

Creating Something Worth Leaving Behind 80 A Van Der Walt Transport

Connecting Landlocked Sub-Saharan

Countries To The Rest Of The World 86 KenGen

Kenya’s Powerhouse Lighting up Kenya 92 Lifetime Solutions

A busy 2014 98 GRU International Airport

Widening The Doors To Brazil 106 GLS Consulting

Keeping The Water Flowing 112 ENPPI

Doing Everything Right 120 African Modular Building Solutions

92

Lifetime Solutions 4 | Endeavour Magazine

106

GLS Consulting ARTICLES 6 Scott’s Expedition Terra Nova

Antarctica Is Beaten 10 Shamrocks & Guinness

How St Patrick’s Day Is The Best Form

Of Marketing In The World 12 Seek & Ye Shall Fund 14 Love Letter To Audi Q7 16 Skoda Octavia: A Perfect All-Rounder 18 Gadgets 19 Apps 20 Headlines 24 Top O’ The Holiday To Ya In Ireland 126 Carl “Foggy” Fogarty

Committed To Winning 130 Book Reviews

34

CL Marine

Endeavour Magazine | 5

Scott’s Expedition

TERRA NOVA ANTARCTICA IS BEATEN

BY DONNIE RUST

I

magine the cold. Minus fifty degrees, cold enough to freeze boiling

breaking-long-distance skier, with five North Pole expeditions behind

water instantly. Picture the environment, a white, alien landscape

him and is the youngest man to solo ski to the North Pole and he still

shocking in its beauty and its icy indifference to life. Imagine, if you

holds the record for the longest Arctic journey by a Briton. Since

can, the blinding white landscape, inhospitable to anything but the

2001, he has skied 1,860miles (3000km) across the high Arctic which

most ardent creatures and then imagine having 1800 miles to walk

equates to about 2% of his entire life living in a tent!

knowing that this very journey has never been completed successfully

“I’ve always had a passion for the outdoors,” he relates fondly,

and has killed everyone who has tried. Imagine knowing all of this and

“Although I didn’t have the best start as an athlete. I was the podgy kid

still doing it.

who was picked last for the football team.”

Make no mistake. When Ben Saunders, accompanied by Tarka

However he discovered mountain biking in his teens and that led

L’Herpiniere left for the expedition that cost the lives of Captain

him to compete on and off road, this took him to run seven marathons

Robert Falcon Scott and his entire team in 1913, he knew all the

including New York and London and three ultamarathons. It would

facts and went in completely prepared physically, spiritually and

appear that his main competitor has always been himself, something

psychologically and certain that the chances of his success were

defined very early when he spent four months walking and climbing in

stacked against him. He knew that there was every potential to fail

the Nepalese Himalayas when he was nineteen.

and that failure could very well mean cost him his life.

Yet, his latest adventure, perhaps an opportunity to prove that

But, Ben Saunders was made for this.

nature is not the master of man, was to retrace the route taken by

Born in 1977, Ben is a record setting polar explorer and a record-

Captain Scott a hundred years ago. Leaving October 2013, the two

6 | Endeavour Magazine

British men, Ben Saunders and

even his usual level of endurance,

Crucially this also gave them

Tarka L’Herpiniere set off to walk

developed after so much time

the opportunity to see how the

lying on a sled.)

from the Coast of Antarctica to

training and skiing in the North

pair got on as a team under a

Mental

the South Pole and back. The

Pole, was not enough for this

bit of pressure in some harsh

something that Ben takes very

1795 mile Terra Nova route was

expedition:

conditions. Ben relates that

seriously. To help develop his

completed in 105 days.

Preparation

“In

terms

of

deadweight of two Rugby props preparation

is

physical

the physical training, which had

mental strength and his powers

preparation the really key piece

included a 12 month cardio and

of visualization to deal with the

was a training expedition we

strengthening regime leading up

lack of stimulus over the four

Thanks to a lifestyle that

went on in Greenland in early

to their departure was also really

months in Antarctica he dabbled

has demanded so much of him

2013,” Ben explains, “We set

important.

in meditation as a potential

physically, Ben strikes as a man

across Iceland in our trusty Land

“You have to have the

resource, but says frankly, “There

who knows exactly what he

Rover before flying to Greenland

strength, in particular at the

is nothing like the real thing.

is capable of and his personal

for three weeks last May and it

beginning to haul our 200kg

Nothing could have prepared

worth. That’s the sort of prize

was a unique chance for Tarka

loads,” Ben says, “But by the

me for the full extent of what

you win after conquering the

and I to experience similar

end our bodies were so frail our

Antarctica threw at us or the

world’s harshest environment.

conditions, to trial gear, clothing,

minds took over.”

mental depths we had to reach

But Ben is quick to point out that

food and strategies.”

(200kg is like dragging the

to.”

Endeavour Magazine | 7

What Motivates A Person To Do This?

Inspired from a young age by stories of explorers and adventurers testing their mettle against

nature

Ben

began

planning his first expedition in his late teens when he was working for John Ridgway in the Scottish Highlands. As far as inspiration is concerned, John Ridgway proved to be a fantastic role model.

“John having rowed across the Atlantic in a wooden boat with Chay Blythe in 1966 and he also broke records in non-stop, round-the-world sailing,” Ben says, “So I blame him for a lot of it.”

Captain Scott is an iconic British explorer whose exciting life story is often represented to the public by his last failed expedition

with

not

much

knowledge about what came before, “Scott’s childhood hero of mine and completing his expedition is a lifelong ambition.”

Scott’s Expedition Retracing

Scott’s

original

1911-12 route, Ben Saunders started at Scott’s Hut on the north shore of Cape Evans on Ross Island, from here they traversed the Ross Ice Shelf, before climbing nearly 8000ft on one of the world’s largest glaciers, the Beardmore Glacier, on to the Antarctic Plateau. From

8 | Endeavour Magazine

“

Antarctica, where the hurricane and the blizzard are born” Captain Scott.

there onwards they walked to

subjects like the best clothing to

expedition was being able to

the South Pole, on foot.

wear in Antarctica, which skies

share their journey on a live,

and sleds are the best and the

realtime manner. Not only the

training required.

preparation

Walking is hardly a suitable

word. Firstly walking 900 miles

but

the

actual

straight, then turning around

“…these are the biggest sleds

and walking is gruelling enough

I have ever seen,” he says in one

journey itself.

“We worked very closely

before even considering having

of the videos where he has a look

with Intel to develop a system

to drag a 200kg sleigh behind

at the custom designed sleds for

that allowed us to do just this,”

you. The sleighs are particularly

the first time and you can see the

he explains, “This meant taking

important in this because it

nervous excitement in his eyes.

a Sony VAIO® Pro Ultrabook

means you have to always walk

“We had to take everything

and a Panasonic Toughbook AX2

at bent over angle, with every

needed to survive for the 105

2-in-1 Ultrabook connected to

step being a push. You’re wearing

day journey, from start to finish

a modified Iridium Pilot satellite

skis and although the ice looks

and a lot of effort was put into

system to provide a new level

smooth, at that altitude and

ensuring that our kit was as

of internet connection. This

temperature it’s not.

lightweight as possible,” he tells

allowed us to share images and

us, “But the sled starting weight

video regularly throughout the

was still 200kg.”

expedition making this a truly

Ben

was

adamant

on

capturing the entirety of his preparation online through his Youtube Channel, opening up the experience to the entire world. In this he’s able to expand on certain

The Adventure An important aspect of their

21st Century expedition.”

There

is

a

looming

difference between preparing for

something

and

actually

finding yourself standing on the Antarctic shelf, Ben continues

conditions got worse.”

“However,

sometimes

The

expedition’s

Patron,

all

Captain Scott’s grandson, Falcon

to explain. Physically the trek

I could muster was to get one

Scott was quoted on saying, “…

itself was a moment to moment

foot in front of the other,” he

Expeditions to Antarctica are

slog through aching legs, lack

adds, “At other times I spent the

important to keep alive a sense

of breath and the never-ending

day taking myself on journeys to

of adventure and to inspire our

white with occasional breaks

some of my favourite places, for

young people today to achieve.

for filming and “vlogging” and

example cycling in Majorca or

The

Scott

Expedition

is

a

frequently extreme weather of

“I’m going to let completing this

things on the horizon though

speaking about the people he

that I’ll be talking about before

was in contact with, “We were in

too long on @polarben on

daily contact with our expedition

Twitter and I have some emails to

was

catch up with that landed on my

managing things on the ground

website

back in London.”

www.scottexpedition.

com. So a lot of catching up to do.”

When Captain Scott was

Ben also revealed that he

planning the expedition in 1910

would like to write a book and

he was quoted on saying that

maybe be involved on a film

Hurricanes and Blizzards were

about what he and Tarka have

born in Antarctica, but it was

just accomplished. Both of which

a century later that scientists

his many admirers will be eager

discovered that the Antarctic cold was so fierce it created a

walking in Scotland, wandering

magnificent tribute to Scott and

different kind of ice never seen

through the streets of London

his men...’

before.

and thinking about family and

Having

All of this and more must

friends. Wondering what else

completed

have been swirling around in his

was going on in the world beyond

believed to be an impossible

head during the long hours of

our vast white expanse…”

journey, Ben Saunders and Tarka

successfully what

L’Herpiniere

simply entitled “Hauling Extreme

home as heroes to the millions

Success

have

sceptics

walking, which one of the videos,

returned

of people around the globe

better than any amount of words.

Captain Scott would be proud

who they have given a taste of

“I found music really helped

of Ben and Tarka for completing

adventure and probably do not

to keep me going,” Ben tells

this expedition, accomplishing

fully comprehend the manner in

us, “Usually electronic music

something that nobody else has

which they have inspired people

that got more frenetic as the

ever done.

to do something great.

to get their hands on.

And what advice does Ben have for the next generation of budding adventurers?

“Get

out

there

and

follow your dreams but don’t underestimate the challenges you will face along the way but stick with it,” he says, “It’s worth it in the end.”

urite me of my favo o s to s y e rn u elf on jo

s ay taking my

“I spent the d

“Good question!” he exclaims,

family. There are a few exciting

the ice, Tarka and I,” Ben says,

Weight Across Ice” illustrates

going to top this?

some time with friends and

“It was just two of us on

who

for Ben Saunders, how is he ever

looking forward to spending

to keep things interesting.

Andy,

Having started 2014 in such a fashion, what is on the horizon

expedition sink in first… and am

a likes few of us could appreciate

manager,

Beyond The Bottom Of The World

places

ily and friends.”

m and thinking about fa

Photo credits: 1-3: Andy Ward, 4-5: www.scottexpedition.com Endeavour Magazine | 9

SHAMROCKS

&GUINNESS

HOW ST PATRICK’S DAY IS THE BEST FORM OF MARKETING IN THE WORLD WRITTEN BY DONNIE RUST

C

hristmas, Easter, Valentines, New Years, Halloween and Guy Fawkes are shoved in our faces and thrust down our throats every year without fail in a desperate attempt to “keep the

spirit alive” and our pockets empty. I would quite happily dispense with Valentines so that I can give a meaningful card when I want to, throw out Easter because I don’t care, drop Guy Fawkes because too many pets die because of people being idiots with explosives and lose Halloween so that I can be scary all year round. (I’m keeping Christmas for presents and eggnog.)

In fact, these insipid holidays have become so blatantly commercial that the real meanings behind them have been eroded away and replaced by something that can only be defined by a man standing with his pockets pulled out.

And the shame of it is that if every retail outlet and shop stopped advertising them we probably wouldn’t even bother. But because these well-spaced holidays are such immense cash-cows the retailers will not let them die, exactly like the Christian Churches won’t let God die, despite how very, very tired He is (Oh yeah, I went there).

However, one holiday stands out.

One holiday will always be kept alive by its followers. Will always be celebrated by ardent believers and requires no glitzy, tasteless adverts - it is a true holiday.

The day we celebrate the only Irish saint we know.

The Origins Ireland, an island so wrapped up in magic that its Prime Minster is a Leprechaun, and where the people have so much luck that many scientists have begun measuring it in the same way that we measure pressure, depth, and weight.

Of all the grand things that Ireland has given us, Guinness, four leafed clovers, hilarious rhyming deadly elves, a belief in fairies, awesome dancing, the most loved accent in the world and most recently unbelievably awesome rugby (during their match with the All Blacks in 2013 everyone was a green supporter) the one Irish export that is most appreciated is the 17th March.

10 | Endeavour Magazine

Saint Patrick’s Day.

The Irish have their own way of doing things, and this has created

Seems like a stupid idea when

for

an island nation who are not only immune to psychoanalysis but

you’re sober, but post 12.01

bringing Christianity to Ireland,

possess a preternatural ability to consume alcohol and remain upright

it becomes a once in a lifetime

which

The

monk explains

blamed

people

and this holiday is celebrated with shamrocks and green everywhere

opportunity to demonstrate your

started drinking, this holiday has

why

in the world, from Germany to Japan, South Africa to Brazil, America

soccer skills to everyone around

spread throughout the world as

to South Korea and even on the International Space Station.

you whether they be watching

the only holiday on which lentel

And how is it spread? From one person asking another, “Are you

or not (and you’ll be absolutely

the Catholic fasting is lifted

coming out for St Patricks Day?” this question has been asked, person

right). I have an Irish friend who

giving an open excuse to drink as

to person, for four hundred years. Not, “Are you going out…?” which

drank himself into a stupor and

much alcohol as possible.

implies that a person needs to go out and find the party - but instead

his brothers decided to put him

This has become the theme

with the wording, “Are you coming out…?” which implies an invitation,

on a long haul bus trip to Scotland

and alas has overtaken any other

a welcome, an open armed opportunity for you to join me, in this

despite that he lived in Cornwall

meaning that this holiday may

hallowed piss up.

at the time. It always seems like a

have ever possessed. But that is why we love it.

At its heart Saint Patrick created, perhaps not even by intention, a holiday that is filled with more goodwill for fellow man and women

good idea when you’re not using all of your brain.

“Oooooh, ‘tis Saint Patties

than Christmas and at its heart that’s what it’s about, merriment,

Day friend, everyone is Oirish

drinking, laughter and drinking games. The colour green doesn’t

neknomations

today!”

matter, initially the colour associated with this holiday was blue!

export) St Patrick’s day will have

Shamrocks don’t matter - I don’t even know how to play one. What

the extra edge of being about

matters is that you can drink with friends and have some laughter -

dares, and capturing those dares

and that is what makes this holiday wonderful…

on video to immortalize them on

The Beauty Of Word-Of-Mouth Marketing Nothing

brings

people

together like alcohol - which is important to remember if your birthday is in December. And it

Until about 12.01 in the morning.

And this year, thanks to (an

Australian

the internet.

So if you wake up in hospital

The Dark Side Of Saint Patrick’s Day At 12.01, something happens to St Patrick’s Day. The merriment changes to something else.

in intensive care with a host of doctors trying to figure out exactly how that traffic cone managed to get that far inside,

is the best example of word of

From this point onwards you’re on your own. If you pass out, you

mouth advertising that I have

will wake up with your head shaved, wrapped in cellophane or with a

ever seen.

tattoo of a rhino’s horn on your forehead. If you keep drinking you will, guaranteed, manage to find that one guy in the evening who is looking for a fight and you will bump into him and because he’s the only one

you’ll be able to show them exactly how on Youtube.

But In The End You don’t get that with the

looking for a fight you’ll discover how difficult it is to coordinate your body into an effective punch when you’re wall-papered.

other holidays.

Even on New

The chances of you waking up in a strange bed increase

Year’s at midnight the party

dramatically, the chances of you waking up with someone

is over, for all the terror of

you want to wake up with lying next to you, decreases just

Halloween it’s more focussed on masks and candy and Valentines

as fast.

Stupid decisions seem like ingenious ideas,

Day and Guy Fawkes are either

for example. While during the day when you’re

disappointing or finished with a

sober you may be a level headed person but

big bang….

And

at 12.01 on the night of St Patricks, you’ll think there is nothing better for you to do than to superglue parts of your

St

Patrick’s

Day

promises a lot more. A night of

drinking,

frolicking

and

body together - whether you’re

enjoyment. A morning of danger

a man or a woman this is

and adventure and at least a

never a pleasant thing to

week trying to figure out what

wake up to.

Getting your foot stuck in a toaster?

happened and how come you ended up married to a telephone pole.

Endeavour Magazine | 11

SEEK & YE SHALL FUND WRITTEN BY JOHN, LORD TAYLOR OF WARWICK

“I

started out with nothing. But after 15 years of working all

competition is a big one. It cannot be right that only four banks

hours and little sleep, I still have most of it left!” That was

control 85% of all small business lending. Banks are also very risk

the rather sad comment made to me by a man who ran his

averse these days. There is pressure on them to reduce their leverage

own small business for years, but wonders whether it was worth the

and improve their capital reserve ratios, to avoid ever having to to

effort. The UK economy depends on small business, but too many

be bailed out by the Government again. I support the proposals for a

are struggling to survive. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, George

new British Business Investment Bank and a Green Investment Bank,

Osborne, claims “We are all in it together”. I beg to differ!

provided they do lend and are genuine competitors to the existing

According to BIS (The Department of Business, Innovation and

banks. The Government has launched a variety of initiatives to help

Skills) there were an estimated 4.9 million private sector businesses

small business. But as The Federation of Small Business points out

in the UK at the start of 2013, of which 99.9 % were SMEs (Small and

the initiatives are not co-ordinated and are too confusing. More than

Medium Size Enterprises). UK Small Business accounts for nearly

3,000 regulations, including those relating to employment, health,

60% of private sector employment and nearly 50% of private sector

safety and the environment have now been identified for removal. In

turnover. So this is a vital sector of the economy, now and moving

its Report the National Audit Office was critical of the Treasury and

forward.

the Banks. It concluded that the Treasury needs to make advice to

But there is a problem. The National Audit Office Report of November 2013, exciting titled Improving Access to Finance for Small

small business simpler and the Banks need to be more flexible in their approach to lending applications.

and Medium Sized Enterprises, stated that the flow of new bank term

It is also vital that funds for SMEs are sourced locally by those

lending to SMEs fell by 23% between 2009 and 2012. Furthermore

familiar with local business. Gone are the days when most small

70% of SMEs have loan applications rejected and get no alternative

firms were on first name terms with their local bank manager, who

finance. Loan rejection rates in the UK are about twice that in France

knew them and their families. Now banks have automated systems

and Germany. The current shortfall to SMEs is about £11 billion and

and credit scores on their clients. The public sector also has a role.

is projected to reach about £22 billion by 2017, if the problem is not

Government contracts are a lifeline to many in the SME sector. Yet

addressed.

Governments are notoriously bad at paying bills on time.

The SME Finance Monitor 2013 report by market research

The British Bankers Association produced a Report in July

company BDRC Continental showed that businesses with the

2013 pointing out that the Banks need to do far more to reach

confidence that they have a chance of getting finance are more

underrepresented groups such as the ethnic minorities. When you

likely to expand. But only 35% of SMEs planning to apply for finance

consider that ethnic minority business contributes an estimated £30

believed that their application would be successful. Consequently

billion per year to the economy, this matters. It found that not enough

a staggering 270,000 businesses that wanted to apply for finance

people know about such initiatives as Mentorsme.co.uk, which helps

never eventually did so.

provide business mentors. Having the funds, but without the skill and

But in order to address the SME problem, it has to be analysed in more detail. What are the main issues? In my opinion, lack of

12 | Endeavour Magazine

experience to use the money wisely is just a recipe for failure.

There is an alternative source of funding which has been hailed

as the new challenge to the more conventional

source

of

funding

through the banks. It is peer-to peer lending (not members of the House of Lords lending each other money!), but Crowdfunding. This is where a a group of individuals network and pool their money, usually via the internet, to

support projects initiated by

other people or organisations. There are various types of Crowdfunding models, but there are specialist company websites which provide a “platform” to bring together the originator of the idea with the funding crowd. In 2013 the Crowdfunding industry was said to be worth about £2.5 billion worldwide. I have some concerns in that Crowdfunding is still unregulated. But I understand the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) is about to regulate it in April of this year.

At last there are signs that the Government is starting to take this SME problem seriously. The Treasury Select

Committee

recently

that

it

announced will

examine

complaints by Small Business about banks, especially the lack of lending.

Andrew Tyrie MP, Chairman of the

customers, SMEs have been badly treated

“

It cannot be right that only four banks control 85% of all small business lending. I support the proposals for a new British Business Investment Bank and a Green Investment Bank, provided they do lend and are genuine competitors to the existing banks.”

by their banks”. He added, “Regulatory and other impediments to competition need to be removed, enabling SMEs better to take advantage of new sources of finance. More competition can also drive up standards”.

The inquiry has just started and will look at how small companies are generally treated by the banks, how lenders provide access to financing and will also review competition in the Banking industry. It will hear evidence from key organisations such as the Banking Taskforce Appeals Process, which handles appeals by Small firms when their lending applications have

been

rejected.

Representatives

from the Federation of Small Business, Confederation of British Industry and the Banks themselves will all give evidence.

Most small business owners realise there is no magic wand to growing a company and making it a success. Not everyone can appear on TV shows like BBC’s Dragons’ Den and get help from millionaire mentors. Patience and persistence are vital qualities that any small business owner must have. But as the economy gradually improves, so should access to finance. So the message to any would-be entrepreneur, with a good idea, is not to give up. Seek and Ye Shall Fund.

Committee, said: “Like individual

Endeavour Magazine | 13

LOVE LETTER TO AUDI Q7

I

BY STEVE WARMAN love Audi’s, I drive a 3.0 Quattro and smile every time I get into it.

road ahead that reflects its exterior looks. Plus, there’s no denying

Not the most objective start to an Audi review I’ll admit,

that the seven-seat interior is massive, even though the legroom in

however I am a seasoned professional and I like to think I can

the last row of seats is a little tight. That said the Q7 happily housed

take a car and review it on its own merits. What I didn’t expect was to

6 adults in style as we made our way to the local Indian for a business

hide the keys when a colleague wanted to take a look. Nor did I think

meal.

that I would lie blatantly to anyone wanting to drive it saying that the

When I first drove this car I hated the bouncy suspension and I

insurance wouldn’t cover them, obviously not the case with a press

couldn’t wait to get back into my A6. I was convinced that the Q7

car but they had the good grace to go along with my impassable lies.

must have controllable suspension but as I couldn’t see an obvious

I love this car!

big button or lever to pull I figured I was wrong. It was my young son

So yes the Q7 may now be getting a bit long in the tooth now as it

who was fiddling with the central computer when he came across the

made its debut in 2006 however it is still a very imposing car. Inside,

suspension setting and transformed this bouncy tractor into a luxury

it offers a high driving position that gives a commanding view of the

limousine. When you get the right setting you have a car that corners

14 | Endeavour Magazine

well, offers loads of grip and very

has 330 litres of space. When the

little body roll. It drives along

Q7 is in five-seat mode, you get

quietly at motorway speeds and

775 litres of boot space, which

above and the V6 diesel engine

expands to a frankly mammoth

offers impressive performance.

2,035 litres when the back seats

It is easy to forget that you are in

are folded down flat. So, no

a big 4 x 4 with this performance

matter what you need to carry,

and handling.

you can pretty much fit anything

You won’t have to be a brain

inside your Q7, with not even

surgeon to realise that the

the Land Rover Discovery 4

Audi Q7 isn’t cheap to buy, and

matching its huge boot.

“

EI have been smitten by the Q7 and am negotiating a finance deal to buy one myself.”

neither is it cheap to run. Frugal

I am not going to go into much

isn’t really the right word on our

detail on its off road capabilities

test vehicle, the 3.0-litre TDI

for a couple of reasons. Firstly,

diesel which delivered slightly

other than me turning it around

below 40mpg fuel economy. You

in a wet field I didn’t do anything

could argue that that isn’t bad for

off road with it. Secondly we did

where they have said that the downside of that is that it’s undeniably

such a large car, but that doesn’t

have some floods which I didn’t

difficult to park and to maneuver down narrow city streets or into

change the fact that road tax is

drive through. The good news

driveways with tight entrances. I found this to be untrue as it has

hefty too. However this is true

is it was fine on the field and

front and rear parking sensors and huge mirrors. All windows offer

for my A6 and the Q7 has two

handled the puddle well which

great visibility and no blind spots. Or I guess I am just a really good

extra seats and must weigh the

is probably about as much mud

driver!

same as a train!

action as most of these cars will

I like a good light cabin in a

Have no illusions though that you are never going to get a car this big on a small budget. The Q7 is not a cheap car, in anybody’s book.

ever see.

car and the optional extras of a

The Audi Q7 is well built

But the entry-level 3.0-litre V6 TDI Quattro does represent good

full-length glass roof was perfect.

with a durable interior and Audi

value for money as a starting point in this upmarket class of cars,

There are three glass panels and

prides itself on producing tough

where £40,000-plus is a drop in the water. And you do get a decent

two of these open. If it becomes

and dependable cars, so the Q7

level of standard equipment for that money, too. Plus, when it comes

too bright there is a full length

is a safe bet.

to sell on the used car market, the Q7’s resale values are strong and

screen that covers the glass at the flick of a switch.

It’s a big car and its bulk is always obvious.

It weighs in

you should find a better deal than someone selling a rival such as the BMW X5 or Land Rover Discovery 4.

at more than two tonnes and

I have been smitten by the Q7 and am negotiating a finance deal

versatility and a massive boot.

somewhat dominates any road

to buy one myself and I don’t say that after all car reviews! My Q7 will

With all seats in place, the boot

it’s driving on. I have read reviews

soon be on order and I can’t wait.

Interior

offers

good

Endeavour Magazine | 15

SKODA OCTAVIA A PERFECT ALL-ROUNDER

BY DONNIE RUST

A

gleaming third generation evolution of the Skoda Octavia

cost and weight on its range of transverse front-engined, front-

vRS, the new 2013 model strikes a compromise between

wheel-drive cars, basically this means that is shares the same chassis,

youthful good looks and reliable mechanics.

electronics and engines as the VW Golf, Seat Leon and the Audi A3.

With a 154mph top speed, it’s also the fastest Octavia ever and

comes with a number of options. For example, you can have the

Inside And Out

217bhp petrol or the 181bhp diesel engines, hatchback or estate,

It’s a very appealing car as far as practicalities are concerned,

manual or DSG paddle-shift gearbox (which makes it harder to

and with the Octavia’s understated styling and spacious interior it all

pretend to be Memphis Raines) depending on what you fancy. Prices

works very well together. Also, there are loads of clever touches and

range from £22,990 for a manual petrol hatch to £25,450 for a DSG-

additions that would possibly go unnoticed until you have to use them,

equipped diesel estate.

like the foldaway hooks in the boot where you can hang your shopping

Making full use of the Golf GTI engine and VW Group’s increasingly

bags, or for travel bags that may contain breakables, the one-touch

ubiquitous MQB architecture, which was introduced in 2012 to save

seat-folding mechanism on the estate and the fact that even the boot

16 | Endeavour Magazine

mat is double-sided with one being a carpet and the other being a dirt-

gearbox, the real beauty of

that for discomfort. Body control

water repellent surfaced for those occasional trips that involve dirt,

driving this car comes through

is excellent, with a little initial

mud and water.

the manual six gear shift which

roll before the car settles on

makes motorway driving a real

its springs. Torque steer is well

treat.

contained and grip is prodigious

Like all Octavias, the racy features are obligatory but it’s what you expect from this generation of city devils. The sport seats, the vRS branded steering wheel brings it all to home and makes you feel

A note on safety. As standard

and although there’s little in the

that you are a part of some grand family tradition. Well equipped with

the vRS is fitted with sports

way of feedback through the

rear parking sensors, hill hold and lane assist, a touch screen display,

suspension including upgraded

steering, it is direct and well

Bluetooth and DAB radio is all standard. The dash is uncluttered,

anti-roll bars, 18in wheels and

weighted, particularly in its sport

leaning towards making the interior as streamlined as the exterior

a ride height lowered by 15mm.

setting.

which only adds to the driving enjoyment because unlike the other

The dampers are passive rather

Octavia’s I’ve reviewed, the vRS gives a unique tingle of excitement

than the Golf GTI’s fancier active

which some other cars can only achieve with massaging seats.

option, but you can control

Conclusion

steering and throttle maps via a

As a day to day machine, for

either a six-speed manual or, for an additional £1,390, a six-speed

button positioned down by the

anyone driving miles throughout

dual-clutch gearbox and in my opinion the former is the better unit,

gearstick, with Sport sharpening

a mixture of heavy and no traffic

with a solid, positive shift and reasonably short throw. Trust me, you’ll

things up and Eco dulling things

this is a perfect vehicle. Reliably

want to be rewarded for choosing to drive something as racy and

down (you can also tailor your

economic

sporty as the Skoda Octavia vRS with a solid kick.

own individual setup, say with

lightning fast on the open road

normal

sports

and it was a treat to put my foot

Both petrol and diesel engines send drive to the front wheels via

With a price difference of just £270 between the two engines,

steering

but

in

the

jams

and

you’re choice will fall largely down to the small differences. The petrol

settings

drivetrain

down and get thrown back into

engine is faster with stronger torque, but the diesel is better on fuel

which was particularly useful

the seat and finding the traction

consumption and has a hardier feel to it. In fact if you didn’t know

on the drive from Norwich to

around the corners almost out of

much about cars or if you had just been given a press car and asked to

Nottigham for the film festival.)

this world.

review it you may not have spotted the difference between the petrol and diesels at all.

And again, the Octavia vRS is too sporty to use an automatic

The

for

the

changes

to

the

suspension add a little firmness to the ride, but don’t confuse Endeavour Magazine | 17

GADGETS

Wagnav For those pet owners who are far too attached to your pets

T

he rest of the world may think you’re weird but you probably don’t care. This is for you. WagNav is a phone app that allows to you keep a fixed idea on what your pet is doing every second

of the day thanks to a small microchipped doo-hikky on the collar of the pet which monitors and tracks location and heartbeat. Good as well if you’re one of the bored people who like to know where their cats have been going, or if you want to prove your neighbour wrong about whether your pooch is pooching in his garden.

Slouch Zapper

www.LumoBodyTech.com are crowd funding the posture device and it hopes to roll out the product later this year. It’ll cost $59 to $79 or £36 to £49.

T

his is actually a more useful office tool than you think. With millions of people working in an office and working on desktops or laptops in office chairs slouching is something

we’re all guilty of and it contributes to thousands of claims against sore backs and bad posture every year. This is one of those small bits of technology that could very well have a major influence.

It’s simple enough, you pin the Lumo Lift to the underside of your shirt collar and everytime you slouch it’ll zap you with a vibration.

Similar devices have long been developed for people wanting to tighten their abs while working.

18 | Endeavour Magazine

F

or those who did not have a successful Valentine’s Day last month this is for you the latest dating app that’s been getting a lot of people’s attention. Taking away all the need of actually

meeting people for the first time and learning basic communications skills, online dating has provided an easy way to replace the awkwardness of meeting and talking to someone for the first time with the awkwardness of meeting them for the first time after they’ve developed a false impression about you.

Designed with dating in mind, Tinder is the rapidly up and coming social networking app for people ages 18-35. Tinder makes things easier by utilising your Facebook profile, set up takes seconds simply by connecting your Facebook account and then you’re free to browse singles nearby.

Tinder gives you a continuous feed of faces to evaluate. If you like them swipe right, if not swipe left. So it’s like creating a catalogue of suitors. Just make sure if you’re on it that your picture is a good one.

Habit List

T

here’s no shortage of to do list apps in the App Store, but they

Tinder

all miss one crucial point: many of us create daily lists of things we have to do, things which repeat multiple days a week.

That’s where the beauty of Habit List comes in. It lets you create recurring lists (say, “Workout every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) automatically. You swipe your items off the list as you complete them and the automatically reappear the next day you want them to. I’ve been using Habit List for months and it’s earned a coveted spot on my iOS dock.

APPS Endeavour Magazine | 19

HEADLINES THE Born Free Foundation IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Land Rover HELP Simba The Lion GO HOME

T

he Lion named Simba, has been loaded into a wildlife crate

the towing capability of our vehicles and the experience of our Land

approved by the International Air Transport Association

Rover Experience drive team, we can help this become a reality.”

(IATA), and driven from his temporary home in Belgium

Simba’s 4,900-mile journey south will take him to the Born Free

bound for Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport. Providing all the support

Foundation-supported Lilongwe Wildlife Centre in Malawi. It will

and towing capability is a six-strong convoy of Land Rover Discovery

mark the final chapter in a heart-breaking story of animal cruelty.

vehicles and an expert team from Land Rover Experience.

Simba was just six months old when he entered the Parc

The ambitious journey is being carried out by the Born Free

Zoologique du Bouy in France, and only two months later was then

Foundation, Land Rover’s primary global conservation partner. The

acquired by an animal trainer in Vernay. His home became a ‘beast

partnership began in 2002, but the origins of the association date

wagon’ – nothing more than a lorry trailer – and the occasional use of

back to 1966 when Land Rovers featured in the classic wildlife film

a small outside run.

Born Free, starring the Foundation’s founders, Virginia McKenna and

Fate stepped in when French authorities ordered Simba to

Bill Travers. Their requirement was then as it is now – vehicles with

be handed over. At the end of 2012, thanks to a concerted effort

outstanding capacity and all terrain capability to reach wildlife in the

by Fondation 30 Millions d’Amis, a French non-governmental

most remote locations.

organisation, temporary shelter was found at the Natuurhulpcentrum,

Mark Cameron, Jaguar Land Rover Global Brand Experience

a Belgium wildlife rescue centre.

Director, said: “During the past decade Land Rover has enjoyed a

On arrival at Schiphol, Simba will be taken to the animal quarantine

successful and rewarding partnership with the Born Free Foundation. I

centre before boarding a Kenya Airways 767 aircraft to Nairobi.

am therefore delighted that our Land Rover Experience team has been

There Simba will be met by Virginia McKenna OBE, who will join the

able to help with the safe relocation of Simba from Belgium to Malawi.”

team on its drive into Malawi. The Born Free Foundation’s Land Rover

He added: “Born Free has worked tirelessly to ensure Simba enjoys the rest of his life in his new home. I am very proud that through

20 | Endeavour Magazine

vehicles will be on hand to tow Simba to his new home.

Virginia said, “It is about one animal, one individual, but all of them

matter and Simba, having initially been taken in by a Belgian Rescue centre from an animal trainer in France, is now to begin his final journey to Africa, his rightful homeland. The public’s generous response to his situation has been quite amazing.

March Books

Giro D’italia: Call To Remove Murals And Flags From North Ireland Route

Indeed, people are increasingly aware of how wild animals can

Alliance MLA Anna Lo has called

be exploited and can suffer, and perhaps long to be a part of a

for flags and paramilitary murals to

caring and positive story.”

be removed from the route of the

Virginia concluded, “I am very grateful to Land Rover for its

Giro d’Italia cycle race later this year.

support and fortunate, to be accompanying Simba to his new

The appeal follows calls for parties

home in Malawi, where I know he will be beautifully cared for,

to take down election posters while

living the rest of his life in a natural bush enclosure – a stark

the race is in NI in May. The race,

contrast to the circus wagon and barren “exercise” pen in France.

which starts in Belfast for the first

And perhaps, eventually, he will be introduced to beautiful Bella,

time, coincides with the European

the one-eyed lioness we brought there 5 years ago. That would

and local council election campaigns

be a happy ending!”

in May. The stages in NI take place from Friday 9 May to Sunday 11 May. Ms Lo said: “Alliance agrees that we should take down election posters on the route of the Giro d’Italia for the duration of the race if there is agreement from all political parties.

“However, if there is cross-party agreement on this, then we should also look to take down flags and paramilitary murals along the route.

“The very same arguments that

Simba is now in his new home, Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, Malawi

politicians have been making about taking down election posters to showcase Northern Ireland and our beautiful scenery, also applies to flags and paramilitary murals.”

Anna

Lo

wants

flags

and

paramilitary murals removed from the Giro d’Italia route She added: “Funding will be made available in towns along the route to improve the image of eyesores such as derelict buildings but I have a bigger problem with images of paramilitary gunmen.

“Do we really want these images to be visible on the route when millions of people will be watching the race on television? Why would we spend money on improving derelict buildings but not deal with threatening and intimidating paramilitary murals?”

Endeavour Magazine | 21

2011 GT ACADEMY WINNER TO COMPETE IN GP3 WITH ARDEN INTERNATIONAL AFTER JUST TWO SEASONS OF RACING

J

ann Mardenborough will

and I’m sure the skills I’ve learnt

is where Jann learnt his craft.

compete in Formula One

there will help me in GP3 and

He will now add on a bespoke

feeder series, GP3, in

beyond. I’m excited to work with

development programme with

2014 with the championship-

Arden. My initial impressions

Infiniti Red Bull Racing to push

winning

International

of them are excellent; they have

his talent as far as it will go.

team. The 2011 GT Academy

a lot of experience and great

winner also joins an intensive

success over the years. I’m

Jann

driver development programme

looking forward to working with

said Andy Damerum, Red Bull

with Infiniti Red Bull Racing, the

my race engineer Sean (McGill).

Racing’s

Arden

most successful Formula One team of recent times.

onto

our

driver

programme,” development

manager. “We have been tracking

yet,” he continued. “But going on

Nissan’s

innovative

approach

In the last two seasons

initial testing, I prefer the GP3

to motorsport and in particular

Mardenborough has competed

car to an F3 car. The power is

GT Academy that challenges the

and excelled in GT cars, Le

very addictive! This season is

status quo of motorsport. The

Mans Prototypes and single-

my opportunity to impress more

traditional route to F1 of karting

seaters, his most recent efforts

people in the sport who make the

and single-seaters is a tried and

earning him the runner-up spot

decisions on who makes it into F1

tested success but Nissan and

in the New Zealand-based TRS

and who doesn’t and I’m going to

PlayStation have gone down a

single-seater championship. His

give it my best shot.”

very different road and started to

podium finish at Le Mans in 2013

was

find some very talented drivers

came two years to the day after

selected for its championship-

who have been doing all their

he reached the final stages of GT

winning pedigree.

The team’s

practicing on a games console.

Academy in 2011.

most recent success story is that

I’m very interested to see how

Arden

International

“I feel ready for GP3,” said

of Russian racer Daniil Kyvat who

Jann fares on our programme

Mardenborough. “I’ve prepared

won the GP3 title with Arden in

and in GP3 this season and I look

well and I have all the right

2013 and will now race in F1 with

forward to taking him under the

people around me to help my

Toro Rosso in 2014.

Infiniti Red Bull Racing wing to

development so I can fully focus on my racing.

22 | Endeavour Magazine

“I haven’t raced the GP3 car

“We’re delighted to welcome

Formula 3 has

A crucial element of GT Academy

is

Nissan’s

further progress his career. ”

driver

The mentor for the UK

taught me so many things, both

development programme, which

finalists of GT Academy 2011

in the car and out of the car, both

helps the winners switch from

was none other than Johnny

mentally and physically. It was a

the virtual world of gaming to

Herbert, who has kept a close

great stage in my development

the reality of the race track. This

eye on Jann ever since.

IRISH MINISTER IS GOING TO SNUB ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE IN NEW YORK OVER LGBT BAN

T

urning down an invitation to the 17th March St Patrick Day In Ireland, Joan Burton has made a stand for LGTB who have been in turn snubbed by the organizers

because of ban on posters and banners promoting gay rights As an Irish cabinet minister she has vowed to boycott New York City’s annual St Patrick’s Day parade over the March

“I have been mightily impressed with what Jann has achieved

organiser’s ban on posters and banners promoting gay rights.

since winning GT Academy,” said Herbert. “For someone with Jann’s

Joan Burton, a Labour party minister for social protection,

experience doing so well is very rare to see. Last year he raced in the

confirmed that she was refusing to go to the17th March

European F3 series which is hell of a tough challenge during your first

celebrations of Ireland’s national saint in solidarity with lesbian,

season; the fact that it was Jann’s first season in any kind of single-

gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activists. Which will be

seaters is incredible.

a statement of note since NYC has the biggest St Patrick’s

Whilst he has had a very successful first year in GT racing and he

celebration outside of Ireland.

has now got an amazing result at Le Mans 24 Hours under his belt,

Burton was quoted: “It’s a great, fun day, but to me it needs to

he is competing against drivers that have grown up with seasons of

be inclusive of the whole Irish cultural experience and the whole

karting and single-seater experience behind them.

width and breadth and diversity of Irish people and descendants

His talent has not only impressed me, but has now got experienced

of Irish people who have gone to the United States.” And her

figureheads in motorsport talking about what Jann, Nissan and GT

stance and statement will add further weight to Taoiseach Enda

Academy is achieving,” continued Herbert. “The world of motorsport

Kenny, who has been challenged to stay away from the event in

is recognising that GT Academy is helping bring talented young blood

protest at the policy of the organisers.

into the sport. The success of Jann and other GT Academy winners is

She said “I think it’s such a great parade. Like the new mayor

also inspiring a new legion of gaming and motorsport fans by giving

of New York has said, it should be for everyone. So I won’t

them a new route to becoming a professional racing driver. The only

be going to the parade until it is more fully inclusive of all the

question that remains unanswered is ‘Can a gamer make it all the way

different Irish experiences.”

to F1?’”

“Jann’s progress is just the tip of the iceberg for the success of the graduates of GT Academy,” said Nissan’s Director of Global

New York mayor, Bill de Blasio, said he plans to boycott the parade himself because of the exclusion of LGBT groups and this will make him the first mayor to do so in over two decades..

Motosport, Darren Cox. “Last year we took 41 podiums around the

The issue of LGBT rights and equality has come back into

world including Le Mans, the Spa 24 hours and the Dubai 24 hours

public focus in Irealnd with the Fine Gael-Labour coalition

and won two championships in the GT-R Nismo. The innovation is

planning a referendum to endorse gay marriage equality later

now obvious to everyone who looks into the detail, however like most

this year.

innovations this was not the case when we kicked the programme off six years ago. Nissan and Playstation have bought motorsport to a new generation of digital fans and now we are expanding even further geographically. Recent additions to our core markets of Europe, Russia and USA are India and the Middle East and more new markets will be announced in the coming weeks.”

Endeavour Magazine | 23

TOP O’ THE HOLIDAY TO YA In Ireland S

WRITTEN BY SHANNAH LAUREN

t. Patrick’s Day, also known as the Feast of Saint Patrick, is

Marine Hotel for a three star affordable hotel. There are lots of things

a cultural and religious holiday that is celebrated all around

that you can do in Dublin to experience the pure Irish style of living,

the world on March 17th. As you may know, this holiday is

one tourist attraction is the Guinness Storehouse which is a Guinness-

wrapped around the color green to represent the iconic shamrock

themed Brewery. You can also breathe in the Irish air by visiting the

and enjoying more than a few pints with your mates. Although, you

Phoenix Park, which is known for holding concerts and motor racing.

are able to celebrate this festivity anywhere around the globe, there

The Dublin Zoo is located in the Phoenix Park and is a perfect family

is no better place than the home of Saint Patrick in Ireland. The feast

attraction; being over 180 years old it makes it one of the world’s

day had started in the early seventeenth century; which turned into

oldest zoos. Also located in the Phoenix Park is the Ashtown Castle,

the first Saint Patrick’s Day Festival was on March 17 1996 in Dublin.

which is originally to be dated from the 1430’s. When the sun sets and

The festivals have developed over the years into a multiple day event

the moon shines, the rest of Dublin keeps going strong. The live music

in Cork, Belfast, Derry, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, Waterford and the

and Guinness drinkers truly take over the city, and one of Dublin’s

largest parade remaining in the city of Dublin.

notorious spots is Café En Seine located on Dawson Street. It’s known

Dublin’s Saint Patrick’s Day Festival of 2014 will be on March

for it’s live music, beautiful girls and great experiences. As the 17th

14th through March 17th, where you can enjoy Ireland’s greatest

of March hits, St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin is at its peak of exhilaration.

parade, live music all day and an endless amount of brew. When

You have a two-hour long parade, and then you must find your way to

planning out your trip, you are looking for the most luxurious hotels,

The Earlsfort Terrance which host Cieli Mor which is the celebration

the trendiest bars and the most astonishing adventures. The most

of Irish line dancing.

famous hotel in Dublin is The Clarence Hotel, located in The Temple

Let’s say you aren’t into the large crowd atmosphere, but simply

Bar neighborhood on the River Liffey. The Clarence was built in 1852

would like to celebrate as one of the Irish, well we have the perfect

and bought in 1992 by Bono and The Edge; a live version of the song

destinations for you. The Cooley Peninsula in County Louth, Ireland is

“A Beautiful Day” by U2 was even filmed on the rooftop. This is the

a beautiful location in which contains some heart-stirring views. This

pricier option, when also you can drive twenty minutes away to the

would be perfect for someone who enjoys the outdoors, trails and

24 | Endeavour Magazine

hiking. Take a hike to the seaside

You can hike for as long as you

12-century

round

tower,

a

Ireland) is still spoken. The old-

of Doagh Beach, Inishowen,

want, or take a brief visit but it

Gothic cathedral and a 15th-

fashioned lifestyle still remains

which is the largest peninsula of

is suggested to make your way

century castle. While you are

in the hearts of these Irish folks,

Ireland. It’s the scenery around

as they traveling by foot, bike or

you that leaves you speechless,

horse and a buggy.

and if you close your eyes, you

Do Ireland a favor this

feel the strength of the green

holiday, and put your smart

land that surrounds you. Another

phones away. Don’t let yourself

captivating spot is the Cliffs of

get too distracted that you

Moher in Liscannor, Co. Claire

don’t let yourself experience the

Ireland. The Cliffs aren’t only an

fullest this St. Patrick’s Day. You

attraction to the tourist eye, but

can have the excitement of your

also in cinemas as well; being

life in Dublin, or you can leave

featured in films like The Princess

with the most magical memories

Bride, Harry Potter and the Half-

of your life at the Torc Waterfall.

Blood Prince, and Leap Year.

It depends on whom you are as

The Torc Waterfall located near

a person, where you are in your

Killarney is absolutely perfect

life, and even whom you go with

for the photographer’s lens, as

that will determine what fits you

graceful shots are available for

best for your trip, but we can

you from the waterfall to the

promise you that you will find

hiking trail to the top of Torc

to the top because the views are

there, take a trip to Hore Abbey,

that perfect something in this

Mountain. Although you must

heavenly.

which will give you a great break

beautiful country. May your trip

be careful walking in front of the

For you history lovers, there

away from any tourist attention,

this St. Patrick’s Day bring you

waterfall, it’s an absolute must.

is no better attraction for you

as it is a deserted ruin with zero

the best of memories, or shall I

The waterfall is so picturesque;

in all of Ireland than the Rock of

tour guides. If you are interested

say in Gaelic, go dté tú slán!

many tourists have stated that

Cashel, a marvelous collection

in the history of Ireland, you

this is one of the most astonishing

of medieval buildings. A few

must visit the Aran Islands where

locations they have ever seen.

of these buildings include the

Gaelic (the original language of

Endeavour Magazine | 25

PARMALAT SOUTH AFRICA 0027 21 809 1400 WWW.PARMALAT.CO.ZA

26 | Endeavour Magazine

Extra MATURE WRITTEN BY DENNY MCELLIS

RESOLUTION

Taking its origins from a small Italian town called Collechio, renowned for its Parma ham and Parmesan cheese, Parmalat SA is one of the major contributors to the South African dairy industry. In order to maintain the best standards in international business practice, a few changes have been made to secure this dairy house as one of the sector’s leading innovators.

Endeavour Magazine | 27

PARMALAT SOUTH AFRICA

One of the biggest companies operating in South Africa’s dairy division, retaining a stock-market listing and its own legal structure, Parmalat also has a significant presence across the continent, particularly in Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique, and Swaziland. Operating for more than 15 years, the company is known for a varied and wide selection of dairy products, particularly its award-winning cheeses, under its brand names. Iconic flavoured milk such as Steri Stumpie, ice-cream, butter, yoghurt and fruit juice all play a recognisable part in the company’s identity.

P

armalat SA employs a full time Group SHE (Safety, Health

in a controlled document. It was envisioned that the system should

and Environmental) manager and with this appointment, it is

indicate performance and incidents be visible to management and

made clear that any unsafe conditions or unsafe acts must be

employees alike. Implementation across the company’s African

identified and action plans put into place to mitigate the risk involved.

operations is a challenging process, as each African country has its

According to the company, the instigation of the SHE programme

own set of laws and regulations relating to safety, health and the

does not result in merely identifying risk; it recognises the potential of

environment. However, the baseline of the SHE programme allows

a hazard and evaluates the extent to which it poses a danger. Protocol

easy application across countries and once one had access to the

then requires the placing or recommending of control mechanisms

legislation, it was able to adjust the programme where necessary to

to be put into place to control these risks and once completed, the

ensure legal compliance.

identified hazard is audited in order to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of controls.

Staying fresh

In order to measure the success of the SHE system, Parmalat

One particular challenge of administering SHE has been addressing

SA follows an audit protocol. The NOSA (National Occupational

the health aspects of the workforce. The local dairy industry provides

Safety Association) programme produces two significant results

work to more than 60,000 people, contributing significantly to the

for the company: an effort score (the physical application and legal

country’s economy and plays a part in sustaining employment. Of the

compliance of the system at manufacturing and distribution centres),

18 SA sites in operation, Parmalat SA has seven with full-time medical

and importantly, the DIFR (Disabling Injury Frequency Rate), which

facilities on site, which in part, focus on the medical surveillance of food

indicates the effectiveness of the system measured against the man

handlers, drivers, equipment operators and employees who suffer

hours worked.

from chronic health conditions, such as hypertension. Thanks to this

Parmalat management was adamant they did not want a paper

availability, supported by a sound occupational health programme,

recording system, where incidents were cross-referenced resulting

the absenteeism ratio has been positively impacted and absenteeism

28 | Endeavour Magazine

Packa gin g

reduced. The work force became healthier and exposures to stressors such as noise are dealt with.

Implementing the SHE system has also created opportunity for

your bottom line! s w o r that g FORMING

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Marcom Plastics

employees as the employee-driven system uses the programme’s legislation as the minimum criteria as the company building blocks for safety. Employees are trained in subjects such as first aid; fire fighting;

Gerhard Van Reenen • +27 (0)12 541 2784 • www.astrapak.co.za

accident and incident investigation.

Thanks to the combined efforts of both the SHE team and senior management, Parmalat SA has managed to raise workplace health and safety standards significantly. For the last five years, the number of incidents per man hours has dropped, and the company can claim recognised leadership status in SHE management through NOSA protocol. In addition, the Parmalat SA has received a number of safety awards over the past three years for the system it uses. The SHE facilitators have also garnered awards for the manner in which they have performed.

The resolutions from Parmalat SA could easily be held-up as a blue-print for efficient standards in the workplace; the company still retains its national position as the dominant player in the industry after it was named as the 2013/2014 Cheese Category Winner in the annual South African TGI Icon Brands benchmarking survey in July

Marcom Plastics is part of the newly formed ASTRAFORMING Division of Astrapak and produces a wide range of IML thin walled injection-moulded containers and lids for Blue Chip customers such as Parmalat.

Innovative and value added products such as ice cream containers for emerging markets and sophisticated cream cheese and margarine tubs are the preferred choice for many of South Africa’s top brands.

last year.

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Gerhard Van Reenen • +27 (0)12 541 2784 • www.astrapak.co.za

Endeavour Magazine | 29

CARIBBEAN SHIPPING AGENCIES LTD 001 868 627 2725 WWW.CSASHIP.COM

30 | Endeavour Magazine

KEEPING THE CREW TOGETHER

After more than three decades Caribbean Shipping Agencies Limited have become a force to be reckoned with, acting as a highly diversified agency in all air and seaports across the islands of Trinidad and Tobago in the West Indies. Business Development Manager Kevin Choo Quan had a lot to say about the best ways to keep staff motivated. WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER Endeavour Magazine | 31

CARIBBEAN SHIPPING AGENCIES LTD

Being heavily involved in freight forwarding and customs brokerage as well as a myriad of other shipping services, Kevin explains that their success has come from providing their customers with a door-to-door logistics solutions for all of their shipping needs, “We have represented every kind of vessel over the last twenty five years,” he elaborates, “From Container Ships and tankers to training and fishing vessels.”

CSA

has always been a company focussed on customer service and due to this the company has enjoyed a healthy organic

growth which has taken them from a small enterprise to a medium sized company in a short period of time.

“In 2003 we had twenty three members of staff,” Kevin reflects, “Today we employ fifty two.”

He goes on to say that their management team includes people who have been employed with CSA for over twenty years and some of them were part of the original team that founded the company in the first place with the founder, owner and chairman of the company, Mr. Barry Antoni still running the business.

Diversification of operations, strong organic growth, employee focus and development has been a long standing approach for CSA which has stood them in good tide from the very beginning. In 1997 they further diversified their operation through the representation of a five thousand ton Bulk Cargo Barge and this led them to an expansion of their footprint with the ability to deliver cargo and construction materials to various projects throughout the Caribbean and South American region.

It is the staff working with CSA however, that is the real key to the CSA’s success and specifically the manner in which those in charge manage them. Kevin explains, “We believe in an open door policy and our managers endeavour to keep open lines of communications at all times.”

Input from the employees is an incredibly important tool for the managers, Kevin insists, as employees are not only the hands on aspect of the company but also the eyes on the ground and may have a better day-to-day operational perspective. Some of the most important developments and changes that a business can make are the smallest ones that are simply made to help make an employee’s job easier and more efficient.

“It goes further than that,” Kevin continues, “For employees to feel comfortable enough to speak openly with their managers regarding what they need to do their job well, they need to feel that they are in an environment where such information will be taken sensibly and in the spirit it’s delivered. To ensure this our Chairman, Mr. Barry Antoni has always promoted a family type of atmosphere. A legacy of CSA

32 | Endeavour Magazine

which the managers of today and the future managers of tomorrow are keen to maintain.”

Training and development is very important at CSA who are completely in support of academic achievements and assist a number of employees in pursuing their educational goals. Understanding the importance of education not only from a professional stand point but also from one regarding the personal feeling of achievement an employee will gain from advancing their education and certifications, CSA even makes allowances for paid time off if necessary. Something that continued even through the tough economic times years ago during which CSA were able to sustain and maintain their staff while other businesses were letting people go.

“Additionally, if it is seen as being advantageous managers may offer to fund training and development courses for their employees,” Kevin says, “The management at CSA appreciates their hard-working and dedicated staff and continuously recognizes and rewards good performance. They are what makes the company work.”

Indeed, it is through having such a highly experienced and dedicated workforce that CSA are able to offer their customers the high level of service which has made them such a valued entity in the shipping industry across the Caribbean. A level of service that does not simply end at the finest on-line computer accounting system, the first of its kind in the local industry that enables the timely remittances to principals and owners, but also a professional response team available twenty four hours a day, seven days a week to assist in a client’s needs.

Premier Port of Trinidad and Tobago PORT OF PORT OF SPAIN

“When a client needs help, it is essential that we be there to offer that assistance,” Kevin says, “Our policy is to partner with our clients, look after their shipping interest and actively focus on bringing innovation and cost effectiveness to their operations.”

An open door policy to their strategically placed offices located only minutes away from the Port of Spain Terminal and Custom Authorities where customers and clients are welcome to visit them should they have a reason to.

Innovation is an important part for CSA and in July last year (2013) the company launched INVIARE, a trackable courier service to give customers a real-time manner in which to track the progress of their goods. User friendly and straight forward this adds an extra dimension of information technology to CSA which has proven to be an essential asset to their various clients.

“This was followed, in February this year (2014) by Export LCL Consolidated Services, which is part or our new strategy.”

In the past because there was not enough volume of product to full a container, agencies would have to consolidate with each other to full a container. This was not time efficient and did not suit the philosophy of CSA who saw the advantage in owning the process.

Therefor Export LC Consolidated Services acts as a broker for agencies looking to full containers. Working with manufacturers and partners now they are in the driver seat and are able to offer it as another part of the service to their clients.

“It is important to us that we are in control,” Kevin relates, “It is

Our deep water Port facilities, located alongside the capital city, are operated on a 24/7 basis We provide berthing facilities for Container, Break-bulk, Ro/Ro, multi-purpose and Bulk vessels.

We provide storage for Break-bulk cargo, imported/transhipment cars and other mobile vehicles

The strategic hub in the southern-most waters of the Caribbean, where trade lanes between the Americas and the great oceans of the world converge Customer Focused: We pride ourselves in customer satisfaction Greater Efficiency: In our Yard, Gate and Berth Operations Technology Driven: Using the latest Navis Sparcs N4 for: More Integration More Customization

Administrative Building, 1 Dock Road, Port of Spain (868) 623-2901-5

Visit our website: www.patnt.com

important that we chart our own destiny.”

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/patt.ppos

Endeavour Magazine | 33 PATT QP.indd 1

11/03/2014 14:32

CL MARINE LIMITED 001 868 634 4127 WWW.TTDOCKYARD.COM

www.littlegatepublishing.com

Smooth

SAILING WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

Alisdair Kennan, CEO of CL Marine Ltd tells Endeavour about the exciting developments in the marine services sector, and how the company will utilise them for significant industry growth.

CL MARINE LIMITED

In the wake of many developing regions within the Latin American continent gradually increasing their net wealth, and enjoying the benefits of significantly improved status, CL Marine Ltd has identified valuable opportunities for promoting their own growth and development, alongside that of the wider community that surrounds and supports them. Taking full advantage of decades of industry experience, high-level knowledge and an already impressive legacy within the highly specialist marine repair and construction and engineering sectors, Endeavour spoke with Chief Executive Officer Alisdair Kennan to find out how CL Marine Ltd has gotten to where they are today, and how they plan to move forward.

D

espite worldwide financial crisis’ of recent years, Trinidad

income rates in the Caribbean, thrusting them into a much coveted

and Tobago is enjoying something akin to an economic

position of fiscal stability which their closest neighbours aspire to.

renaissance as the government continues to give support

Not content with the impressive growth already completed, further

to more environmentally sound, sustainable industries in place of the

evolution and development is anticipated to build on the now solid

more traditional reliance on the oil and natural gas industry, both of

financial foundations underpinning the nation. In particular, the steel,

which are of course, finite.

aluminium, manufacturing and tourism sectors are being earmarked

“While it is a lean time in the maritime industry with low charter

for significant overhauls, in addition to planned investments into the

rates for ships being quite low and this effects the amount owners

nation’s transport and telecommunications infrastructure. By seeking

have to spend on refits,” comments Alisdair Kennan, CEO of CL

to improve such an enormous number of sectors, Trinidad and Tobago

Marine. “We’ve had to approach it by becoming a more efficient

is making a significant and unavoidable statement of ambition.

operation giving fast turnarounds. You see ships are required to dry

A key factor driving this economic growth forward is the existence

dock at least every five years and due to the low charter rates, are

of an established and flourishing maritime trade, allowing for a natural

reducing the amount of work being done during a refit. What used to

imports and exports industry to develop. Trinidad and Tobago is

be a 20 day refit is now done in eight, meaning that our clients can be

making great strides in setting itself apart, economically speaking,

back on charter faster.”

by boosting the domestic economy through entering into considered

Currently listed in the top 40 high income nations in the world,

transactions with its neighbours in the Caribbean, as well as Latin

Trinidad and Tobago is enjoying one of the highest GDP per capita

American and the United States. Port Chaguaramas, in the west of the

CL MARINE LIMITED

country, acts as the channel through which all maritime trade passes

logistics but now, this being

berthing tugs, in addition to an

making it a natural choice for the location of the CL Marine Limited

looked at seriously,” Alisdair

impressive 12-ton dock cranes

business premises. Keen to immerse themselves in all elements of the

says, “The procuring of more

and extensive storage space of

sector, the company, which has an impressive and recognised heritage

equipment will mean less rented

50,000m2, CL Marine is perfectly

in the maintenance and repair of vessels, has been strategically placed

machinery, reduced overheads

equipped

to take advantage of the large-scale commercial shipping traffic

and better tariff rates for our

even the gargantuan Panamax

that routinely passes Trinidad and Tobago, as well as the coast of

clients going forward.”

sized

Venezuela.

With premiere port facilities,

to

accommodate

commercial

vessels.

With unlimited access to a

With Latin America demonstrably starting to pursue significant

comparable to the best in

number

economic growth and development, it is entirely anticipated that

the country, CL Marine has

workshops,

demand for CL Marine’s services will steadily increase, further

fast become a major player in

edge fabrication, machining and

solidifying their position as a maritime sector hard-hitter. From their

the provision of ship repairs

electrical tooling, the company

strategic, shipping lane location, CL Marine Ltd has been charged with

and

has afforded itself the enviable

completing a number of expert services, for a vast variety of vessels,

overhauls,

and

ability to complete all tasks

ranging from smaller vessels such as tug boats and fishing trawlers,

installations and electrical and

quickly, effectively and in-house,

through to large projects including maintaining Panama oil and gas

machining solutions for not

keeping costs as low as possible

tankers, Panamax bulk carriers, container vessels and exceptionally

only local, but also international

and minimising the risk of error.

niche market seismic survey vessels.

conversions,

mechanical

fabrication

of

fully featuring

equipped cutting

clients. Boasting a natural deep-

“In the last two years, the

“I was brought in November 2011 as part of an effort to

water harbour, dry-dock with

shipyard has been looked at

reinvigorate the yard lead by Mr Grant Taylor, the Executive Director.

a lifting capacity of 23,000MT,

closely

Prior to 2005 there was a noticeable lack of investment in yard

extensive

become a leaner and a far more

quay

space

and

and

everything

has

efficient operation,” Alisdair reveals, “We have had to prove our viability and the dry dock has had big serious business push- in project planning and management strategy,” CL Marine Ltd is entirely aware that cutting edge technology, an exemplar reputation and specialist services are not enough to sustain a company if there is not a comprehensively trained workforce at the foundations. With this in mind, the company has instigated a policy of retention, allowing the business to keep and nurture the key personnel who have been instrumental in the successes to date. These key staff members have a combined experience bank in excess of 300 years, within the steel construction and machinery sector, in addition to over 80 years in the Global Energy market. With in the region of 150 full time employees at any one time, comprising of fabricators, ship builders, engineers and offshore staff, CL Marine Ltd has successfully completed more than 750 projects since 2006. Staff are given extensive access to training and development schemes, allowing them to remain in the company and progress through to more senior roles. Such commitment to the notion of promoting in-house is a clear demonstration that CL Marine hold both staff and clients in extremely high esteem, hence the fact that they are a recognised force in their industry.

“

In the last two years, the shipyard has been looked at closely and everything has become a leaner and a far more efficient operation. We have had to prove our viability and the dry dock has had big serious business pushin project planning and management strategy.”

BORCO 001 242 350 2132 WWW.BUCKEYE.COM

40 | Endeavour Magazine

AN EXPANSION Success Story FOR THE BAHAMAS OIL REFINING COMPANY WRITTEN BY JESS SHANAHAN

The Bahamas Oil Refining Company International Limited (also known as BORCO) is the largest storage terminal facility in the Caribbean – and the fourth largest in the world. The company has recently undergone a huge expansion and there are plans to expand further in the future.

Endeavour Magazine | 41

BORCO

BORCO has 21.6million barrels of storage capacity with facilities placed strategically along the Northwest Providence Channel off the southern tip of Grand Bahama Island. These locations are perfect for blending, transshipping, and terminal operations for the Arabian Gulf, Northwest Europe and West Africa.

A

s the leading oil terminal in the region, BORCO provides

In 2014, my intentions are to redirect my focus from expansion, to

storage tanks for customers to store gasoline, diesel, crude

maximising the current assets and helping BORCO be better than it

oil, fuel oil and other products. The products are imported

already is today.”

from around the globe and stored ready for export to all sorts of countries.

In 2011 BORCO was acquired by Buckeye Partners. Buckeye’s history goes all the way back to 1886, this experience of the industry gave a helping hand to BORCO’s expansion plans. Not only that but Buckeye’s international terminal facilities provide various import and export advantages to BORCO’s customers.

We spoke to Nate Werner, the BORCO Expansion Manager whose role has changed considerably in the time he’s been working with the company. He said: “In 2008 I was inside BORCO as a Project Manager for an engineering, procurement and construction company (CB&I) building new tanks for the terminal.

“In 2010 I began working as an Owner Representative for the terminal. In 2011, when Buckeye Partners became full owners of the facility, I became a direct employee in charge of the expansion project.

“

42 | Endeavour Magazine

The Expansion The expansion consisted of a freeport harbour; inland dock expansion; four new berths; two jetties; a jetty expansion; development of the existing terminal; and deepwater draft up to 91 feet, which has the ability to berth VLCCs and ULCCs. Werner said of the expansion: “The expansion project has been a true success story. There has been a huge emphasis on increased safety culture, utilisation of local island labour, hiring contractors for their sweet spot in execution, and it all translated into a safe, on time, on budget execution.

“There is still plenty of real estate at BORCO for the next phase of expansion, and plenty of creative ideas on how to best utilise the space.”

Our staff are the key to our success. We have assets that accounts put monetary values to, and employees that we know are invaluable.”

BORCO

The Staff Are The Key To Success With around 180 employees and 100 sub-contractors working for the company, BORCO understands just how important they are to the company’s continued growth.

Werner said: “Our staff are the key to our success. We have assets that accounts put monetary values to, and employees that we know are invaluable.”

Finding local staff on an island can often be difficult but BORCO is dedicated to employing skilled people within its locality. We asked Werner how many of the staff were locals from the island, he said: “Our task force is greater than 90% Bahamian. Finding the right person for the task can be a struggle on an island of 52,000 people but it would be equally challenging in New York with 8 million people.”

Employing within the locality is important to BORCO and the company strives to help its employees develop too. Werner said: “There are many forms in which our employees are trained.

Buckeye University, mentoring programs, computer based training, simulations, and emergency practice drills are a few examples.”

Not only are the staff well looked after when it comes to training but BORCO also follows all sorts of industry standards to make sure its staff and customers are safe and happy. “As an oil terminal, we follow the industry standards as they relate to North America, for example, API, ANSI, NEC, NFPA, and OSHA to name a few,” said Werner.

Customer Focus BORCO is dedicated to getting feedback from its customers and establishing long-lasting relationships with each one. This helps the company to formulate plans for expansion and ways in which they can consistently exceed expectations.

Werner said: “We have started some great discussions and forums with some of our customers and it has been so successful that we are excited about rolling it out to other customers. In addition to this program, we encourage site visits to meet the person behind the email address and establish a better relationship.

“We find that it helps with problem definition which leads to a quicker and more accurate solution to whatever problem might be occurring.”

Not only does this give BORCO the chance to meet its customers and provide them with tailored solutions but it also gives those customers the confidence to give feedback on BORCO’s services. This is what helps the company to grow and better itself.

Safety and customer satisfaction go hand-in-hand and BORCO is constantly reviewing its customer service and after sales procedures. In getting to know its customers and listening to their needs, the company is able to develop 44 | Endeavour Magazine

and maintain that customer satisfaction.

Of this, Werner said: “Best-in-Class is not a goal for BORCO, but a continued pursuit. Business development, flexibility, quick solutions to market, utilisation of technology, and extreme respect for experience-based knowledge are all strategies we use for keeping customers happy and staying ahead of the competition.”

The Ever-Changing Market The oil industry has seen many changes in the 120-or-so-years since Buckeye Partners’ original formation. Buckeye has survived, grown, and prospered through those many years by diligently seeking to provide an excellent service to meet the changing needs of its customers.

Throughout the years, the company has continually adapted itself to accommodate new industry standards as they emerged.

This includes the ever-changing markets and business conditions, continuously evolving technologies, as well as the many operating and economic challenges that time presents and now BORCO is able to be a big part of that.

Both BORCO and Buckeye Partners are building on a successful reputation for excellent customer service and have continued to prosper and grow despite the ever-changing oil industry.

Building in the Bahamas for the last 22 years

COMPREHENSIVE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FROM PROJECT DEVELOPMENT THROUGH TO THE TURNOVER OF THE COMPLETED PROJECT AS WELL AS SANDBLASTING AND PAINTING If you can dream it, we can build it 15 Cedar Street, PO Box F41809, Freeport, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas Office # 242-352-5159 // Fax # 242-352-6000 // Stateside 305-433-5597 // www.albacoreconstruction.com

Endeavour Magazine | 45

ALUPCO 00966 13 847 1300 WWW.ALUPCO.COM

46 | Endeavour Magazine

HEAVY METAL WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

When effortless adherence to seemingly impossible product standards collides with an internationally recognised reputation for being a market leader, how does a company improve? By constantly striving to supersede expectations, ALUPCO is in a class of their own.

Endeavour Magazine | 47

ALUPCO

The undisputed largest supplier of Aluminium in the Middle East, Aluminium Products Co (ALUPCO) is also the eighth biggest globally, making it’s position as the market leader for Aluminium solutions in Africa, Europe and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) entirely unsurprising. ALUPCO has carved itself an impressive reputation as a dominant figure in the worldwide Aluminium industry.

S

ecuring its position as an industry giant through the provision of creative and considered solutions, while retaining a high quality finish, the company is now seeking to grow further by

increasing it’s expertise through continued professional and industryspecific development, adoption of new technologies, increased product diversity and by maintaining an effective and financially viable international supply chain network.

Enjoying a reputation for offering clients a wide variety of surface treatment options, including electronic powder coating, anodising, polishing and a specialist wood finish, ALUPCO has most definitely earnt the title of largest supplier of aluminium products in the Middle East. Maintaining this coveted position, while still evolving and moving forward as an organisation, is at the very top of the ALUPCO management team’s priorities. In line with the company’s mission statement that states they wish to ‘provide superior aluminium solutions backed by excellent services’, new clients are consistently being won, with existing relationships being nurtured and maintained.

ALUPCO recognises that a stand out product is not enough to retain customer loyalty; an exemplar level of after sales support must also be extended.

Through continued growth, ALUPCO is now the proud owner of 48 | Endeavour Magazine

That’s really the story of Alba’s success. accessible location midway between the source of terial and the world’s primary aluminium markets twin facilities located in the Dammam and Jeddah industrial cities, bined with an invaluable local workforce: a unique boasting an impressive 130,000 square metres. The company has y indeed.

But opportunity alone is not enough. It is invested significantly in machinery and appropriate, future-proofed and faith, vision, and a lot of hard-work, equipment and pride as such, has eight extrusion presses, allowing that for a total extrusion capacity in excess of 78,000 tonnes.

Determined to Alba has become the global player it is today. meet demand for coasting services, ALUPCO has also made provision for 5 powder coating lines, two anodising lines, two polishing lines, a wood finish line and a thermal break crimping production line within their facilities, allowing them to complete numerous projects simultaneously, preventing avoidable delays and a backlog of work building up. These time saving initiatives are benefits that are passed directly to clients in the guise of reliability and time efficiency.

With a reputation for excellence, cost-effective solution creation and international quality standards compliance firmly under their belt, the company has been privileged to supply a number of internationally recognised and exceptionally high-end projects in the GCC, including the Dubai International Financial Centre, the Emirates Mall and particularly notably, the Palm Jumeirah, a location of choice for the extremely wealthy and/or famous.

The best, and most successful, companies in the world always

Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) is renowned for its premium grade aluminium products, technological strength and innovative policies and strict environmental and safety guidelines.

Established in 1971 as a 120,000 mtpa smelter, Alba today produces more than 912,000 mtpa of the highest grade aluminium, with products including standard and T-ingots, extrusion billets, rolling slab, properzi ingots, and molten aluminium.

recognise the value of a strong, unified and motivated workforce.

That’s really the story of Alba’s success.

An ideally accessible location midway between the source of raw material and the world’s primary aluminium markets combined with an invaluable local workforce: a unique opportunity indeed. But opportunity alone is not enough. It is with passion and faith, vision, pride and a lot of hard-work, that Alba has become the global player it is today.

Endeavour Magazine | 49

ALUPCO

ALUPCO

absolutely

to identify those individuals that show a natural predisposition for

working in accordance with

this

rule,

responsibility and leadership, which in turn allows it to promote from

European (EN), German (DIN),

acknowledging that their mission

within, in accordance with a structured succession planning function.

British (BS), American (ASTM)

statement

achieved

The development of such leaders and supervisors is of the utmost

and Saudi (SASO) standards in

through the commitment of their

importance to ALUPCO as it directly impacts on the economy of the

all of its operations, ALUPCO

800-strong, highly trained, staff.

surrounding communities. Promoting from within and encouraging

are fully deserving of their

Boasting exceptionally versatile

new staff to join can help to achieve a far more organic development of

international

and expert individuals across

the staff body. Considering ways in which they could actively support

excellence.

all areas of the business, the

surrounding areas, ALUPCO has a clear strategy to, where possible,

Looking to the future, the

team is well placed to recognise

employ local people, calling this initiative ‘Saudization’. Currently,

company invests 50 percent

and

expectations.

the company employs professionals encompassing 13 nationalities,

more than it needs to on capital

never

stop

with 33 percent of the workforce being successful applicants to the

investments, every year. Abdel

striving for improvements to both

Saudization process. ALUPCO plans to build on this figure by two

Monem Khaled, CEO of ALUPCO

products and services, ALUPCO

percent year on year.

highlights

no

is

exception is

to only

surpass

Determined

to

reputation

that

with

for

regular

seeks to continually develop

Backed by numerous, recognised accreditations, ALUPCO’s

the skills and performance of all

exemplar reputation for working in accordance with high standards

technology, the company ensures

team members, throughout the

is what really makes it stand apart from it’s nearest rivals and

that its production consistently

business as a whole. Offering

competitors. The recipient of not just an ISO: 9001 but also an ISO:

hits the highest standards while

all staff access to an impressive

2000 certificate, ALUPCO is the sole aluminium extrusion company

simultaneously

range of comprehensive training

to achieve this impressive feat, thanks to it’s firm dedication to an

energy and

programs, the company is able

uncompromising approach to producing high quality products. By

effective.

50 | Endeavour Magazine

investments

in

automation

conserving remaining

cost-

The company’s management

capacity in order to grow at an

team are fully engaged with

accelerated rate. The growth

‘focusing and validating’ its core

plan will be realised thanks to the

business strategy and execution

company’s already impressive

plans in the immediate future.

facilities and dedicated team of

Khaled, who recently won an

workers.

award for the Best CEO in

“Integrity is the key to all

Saudi Arabia explains that: “In

our dealings with our clients

this

competitive

and partners. We treasure our

and challenging environment,

increasingly

world-class team of people and

it has become imperative to

invest in their abilities. We aspire

focus and validate core business

at being innovative in our work

strategy and execution plans to

through bringing new ideas and

align processes with the right

new ways of doing business to

solutions and technology to

deliver practical, reliable solution

enhance performance, expand

implementations for our clients,”

market

Khaled concluded.

share

and

increase

returns on investments.”

Nurturing relationships with our customers is a crucial part of Jotun’s strategy to grow the business. We view Alupco as a strategic partner and have forged a very close relationship. The relationship between Alupco and Jotun began more than a decade ago and it is fair to say there is a high level of trust and empathy on both sides”

Khaled goes on to comment that ALUPCO will be looking to further expand its production

Endeavour Magazine | 51

BROADWAY BAKERIES 00254 20 359 6210 WWW.BROADWAY.CO.KE

52 | Endeavour Magazine

There’s nothing quite like finding a good family story behind a good company name. There is an undeniable strength to be found in businesses with strong family values and the story of Broadway Bakery Limited and Bakex Millers Limited is the perfect example. We spoke with Managing Director Mr Bimal Sobhagchand Shah. WRITTEN BY DENNY MCELLIS

HOME GROWN, HOME BAKED

Endeavour Magazine | 53

BROADWAY BAKERIES

Broadway Bakery was started in 1958 by the Shah Family in Thika town, which is about 40 kilometres from the Kenyan capital of Nairobi. Initially, it was started with a single deck oven to fire the burner and you had to manually pump in the air. Two of the first generation brothers – Mr Ratilal, who is now 84 years old, and the late Mr Sobhagchand – would go early in the morning to the upcountry to sell the first few loaves of bread daily.

“T

he price of bread at the time was about 40 cents a loaf,” Mr Bimal reflects. “Eventually, another Collins (3 deck) oven was installed with an additional small mixing

machine and rounder. Altogether, the bread and other confectioneries like scones and sweet buns were produced using about 25 sacks of flour a day and these products would be distributed using a fleet of six vehicles.”

Amazingly at the time, bread was new to the small population of Kenya and the brothers had a difficult time convincing the local population to adapt to this new food item.

In 1965, two other brothers – Mr Dalichand and the late Mr Chunilal – joined the business and in 1968 the company was given distribution rights to sell Elliot’s bread, which they continued to do so up to 1977, having increased sales to 25,000 loaves of bread daily.

Scones and buns were still manufactured at the small bakery and in 1976 the family’s footprint was expanded as they bought another bakery in Nairobi that was sold four years later.

Due to the rising demand for bread and the lack of supply from Elliot’s, the brothers ventured into putting up their own fully automated bread plant from Bakers Perkins of the UK with a capacity to produce 70,000 loaves per day. Settling upon a new site of four acres of land in Thika, the present factory was constructed in 1979.

“The bread is manufactured using the traditional sponge and dough process, which gives it a unique taste and flavour,” Mr Bimal

54 | Endeavour Magazine

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Endeavour Magazine | 55

BROADWAY BAKERIES

explains. “This process is still continued even now.”

Bimal explains. “Production on the Baker Perkins plant has since been

For the next 10 years, the family continued their massive expansion

stopped, but is still kept as a memorial to the first generation brothers.

having installed in 1981 another bread plant from Spooners with the

Later, other second generation family members – Mr Hiten and Mr

same capacity of 70,000 loaves a day. Thereafter in 1985, a German

Bejul – joined the business in preparation for the new millennium.”

Werner & Pfleiderer plant to produce 100,000 loaves a day was installed to meet the fast growing demand for bread.

Thanks to this demand, the family held a good share of the bread market throughout Nairobi, Machakos, Meru and Kitui, covering a radius of 120 miles from Thika. At the peak of demand in the late 1990’s, the company was producing approximately 220,000 loaves of bread per day!

In 1979, the youngest brother in the family – Mr Amichand – and the oldest second generation – Mr Bimal – joined the family business. Mr Bimal opted to move from his undergraduate degree at the Chelsea School of Pharmacy to join the National Bakery School in 1977, obtaining a Diploma in Baking with Distinction and was one of the top students in the City & Guilds Exams in 1979. After graduating, he returned back and joined the business and has been instrumental in the expansion and day-to-day management of the factory since then.

“In order to ensure extra capacity and safeguard the market share, a second Werner & Pfleiderer plant was installed in 1995,” Mr

56 | Endeavour Magazine

The Flour Power Of Bakex Millers Limited In early 1980, the supply of wheat flour from the few millers in the area was very erratic and the country was facing a wheat flour shortage, so the family applied for a licence to set up its own milling plant.

In 1983, a fully automated 150 metric tons per day Buhler wheat mill was installed along with four bulk storage silos of 1,000 metric ton capacities each at another site in Thika. The milling company was called Bakex Millers Limited. Managed by Mr Hiten, a talented and experienced miller, the company has been supplying wheat flour to Broadway Bakery since then and in 2012, it continued the family trend and expanded by installing a new state-of-the-art 250 metric tons Buhler mill together with extra storage capacity of 8,000 metric tons of wheat in silos.

“The company has a total storage facility of 16,000 metric tons in silos,” Mr Bimal says. “The total investment in 2012 was 6 million Euros and, during 2014, additional storage capacity is being increased

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Endeavour Magazine | 57

Agro Chemical QP.indd 1

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BROADWAY BAKERIES

by another 8,000 metric tons!”

actively involved in running the businesses.

While Bakex Millers supplies the flour, 75% of the company’s wheat

“Broadway Bakery has specialized in the manufacturing of

requirement is imported from Canada, USA, Argentina, Russia, the

standard white bread, brown bread, premium bread and introduced

Black Sea and sometimes even Australia. Over the years, the company

Seneta sweet bread in 2013, all under the powerful Broadways name,”

has had the opportunity to develop strong business relations with

Mr Bimal tells us. “80% percent of the bread is still open top bread and

major commodity trading groups, such as Louis Dreyfus, Seaboard,

the rest close top or sandwich bread.”

Holbud, amongst others. All the wheat is offloaded from the ships

Owing to the decreasing purchasing power of the local Kenyans,

at the Grain Bulk Handling terminal in Mombasa and transported by

there has been a shift from the normal 400 gram loaf to a smaller

bulk lorries to Thika.

200 gram loaf. Today, the Spooner plant is only dedicated to the

Along with the steady supply of 1,400 metric tons of baking

manufacturing of the 200 gram loaf.

flour a month to Broadway Bakery, Bakex Millers has progressed

Broadways bread is packed using wax-coated paper that keeps the

and expanded steadily in supplying other small bakeries, biscuit

bread fresher for a longer period and is more environmentally friendly.

manufacturers and the home baking market using its popular Oboma

In 2001, the company set up its own packaging and converting plant

brand. In addition, the company is in the process of introducing new

on the same premises. Here, the paper is printed, wax-coated and slit

products under the Vitafla and Ungano brands in 2014.

ready for the packaging machines. Keeping this process in house is a prudent measure as nearly 40 metric tons of wax-coated paper is

A Generation Pass Over And New Packaging

utilized in a month!

“This packaging is the company’s trademark,” Mr Bimal points out.

“With our own fleet of 70 vehicles, we distribute bread every

After 2001, all the first generation Shah brothers retired and

day in the morning from 4 a.m. to more than 200 distributors in all

handed over the running of both the businesses to the second

the main towns and we also supply to over 200 supermarket outlets

generation. Therefore today, Mr Bimal, Mr Hiten and Mr Bejul are

spread in these towns,” Mr Bimal tells us.

UNE MARQUE

58 | Endeavour Magazine

Furthermore, the vehicles are all serviced and maintained in the company’s own workshop.

“Due to the nature of the business, the company must ensure that bread is delivered very early in the morning every day of the year,” he continues. “We have a very strong distribution network in all the major towns.”

Encouraging Entrepreneurs Both companies support distributors with bicycles, uniforms and advertising materials to promote sales and young Kenyans and SMEs are encouraged to join the distribution network to garner the benefits from it. Distributors also have the added advantage of keeping part of their profits with the company, which can be used for other needs when necessary. The company uses major banks and their branch networks for payment collection and mobile banking.

Protecting The Staff “Our total workforce is 420 personnel working in all the

Louis Dreyfus Commodities is a global merchandiser of commodities, a major asset owner and a processor of agricultural goods, with over 160 years of experience. Today we help to feed and clothe up to 500 million people, originating, processing and transporting approximately 70 million tons of commodities around the world annually.

We truly value the relationship we have built with Broadway Bakeries over the years. We intend to forge even stronger bonds in order to continue providing consumers in Kenya with access to best-in-class food products.

Louis Dreyfus Commodities Kenya Ltd Kenbelt Industrial Park – Old Mombasa Road P.O. Box 44908 – 00100 GPO Nairobi, Kenya Email: mom-trade@ldcom.com

sections, which include production, wrapping, transport, sales, printing, maintenance for both plants and transport, administration, supervision and security” Mr Bimal says.

Endeavour Magazine | 59

BROADWAY BAKERIES

Since the 1980’s, there has been a Workers Union representing the welfare of the staff and collective bargaining agreements have been negotiated every two years since then.

High School in 1996 where it has been sponsoring needy students with educational fees.

“There is no downside to investing in the next generation,” Mr

“The company was the pioneer to start the Provident Fund

Bimal insists.

Scheme for its employees in the baking industry, including life cover in the event of death while in employment,” Mr Bimal adds proudly. “The majority of the employees have been in employment for 15 years or more with at least 10 who are still in employment since inception in

Development And Further Growth As competition is growing day by day, the company embarked on a massive advertising campaign in 2013, changing the packaging to

1979.”

The company provides employment opportunities to disabled

a new design and opening new routes and outlets. In late 2013, the

people and, at present, there are three totally blind employees. All

company started supplying to the Kisii District, Eldoret and Mtito

staff receive regular medical examinations and training on production

Andei on the Mombasa route. Furthermore, they are carrying out

and wrapping is all in house on the shop floor to allow for on the job

feasibility studies on which area to set up another manufacturing unit.

training and development. Graduates are recruited for maintenance

New equipment is being installed on the present plants to improve

through their attachments with the colleges and universities, and in

efficiency and reduce wastages. With the third generation of the Shah

the same vein, administrative staff are all graduates.

family ready to join in, they have been given the task of looking into

“We send some of our staff to seminars to cover new government legislatives,” Mr Bimal says. “The company’s policy is to support

the production of other flour products that would support the milling industry.

employment for local Kenyans and it only has two expatriate staff on

“Our family celebrated 100 years of existence in Thika in 2012

its payroll and at the end of the year every employee is given a bonus.”

and we hope to continue showing our love and commitment to our

Many community projects are supported directly by both companies and they have been instrumental in starting the Broadway

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60 | Endeavour Magazine

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Endeavour Magazine | 61

STANDARD CHARTERED BANK 00263 4 253801-6 WWW.SC.COM

62 | Endeavour Magazine

SETTING THE STANDARD Don’t let the Standard Chartered Bank’s name fool you. With a legacy in excess of 120 years and a commitment to improving the Zimbabwe economy, there is far more to the financial institution than meets the eye, as Chief Executive Officer Ralph Watungwa explains.

WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

Endeavour Magazine | 63

STANDARD CHARTERED BANK

Founded in 1892, the first ‘branch’ of the Standard Chartered Bank Zimbabwe was located in a bell tent in the heart of Bulawayo, making it the longest standing financial organisation in Zimbabwe. This impressive heritage is something that the company has sought to build upon for the last 122 years. Naturally, the structure and focuses of the company have evolved as the years have passed, with branch numbers fluctuating in response to technological advances such as ATMs and more recently, online and mobile banking. One element, however, has remained the same, an intrinsic desire to support and develop the Zimbabwean economy.

T

hough it is true that the Standard Chartered Bank has expanded globally, boasting in excess of 1,700 branches worldwide, their primary interests still lie in Zimbabwe, more

specifically, connecting it to wider Africa, Asia and the Middle East for significant financial gain. Addressing both domestic and commercial banking needs, Standard Chartered have a SME client base of over 7,200, all of whom are keen to take advantage of the extensive growth expertise on offer.

Retaining a localised focus, the agricultural and commodities sectors are recognised as the main pillars of the Zimbabwe economy.

As such, Standard Chartered Bank has made available $360m of financial support to these industries in 2013, through the Wholesale Banking arm of the company, which is an impressive 20 percent increase on the previous year. In addition to this, $230m in credit was also levied for the sector while the manufacturing and commerce industry were able to borrow up to $105m, with support industries being given access to $25m. Domestic customers have also benefitted from developments at Standard Chartered, with online and mobile banking services being dramatically improved, in line with a significant uptake in popularity. With more than 90,000 customers in Zimbabwe alone, the Bank consistently strives to improve standards and services, allowing them to remain as one of the industry leaders.

Keen to retain their reputation as one of the premier banking institutions in Zimbabwe, Standard Chartered Bank are exceptionally customer focused, conducting regular satisfaction surveys and installing a Customer Experience Council, a highly dedicated team chaired by the Chief Executive Officer that is charged with providing

64 | Endeavour Magazine

Friends of the Environment (FOTE) Zimbabwe is a trust whose main goal is the re-greening of Zimbabwe through reforestation and afforestation. FOTE has a target of planting 500 million tree by year 2026 through three main activities: annual walkathons to raise environmental awareness; tree seedling nursery establishment to address the supply side, and the actual tree planting activities.

Endeavour Magazine | 65

STANDARD CHARTERED BANK

solutions to highlighted customer concerns. In addition to this, Ralph

volunteer days, with team members of all levels participating.

Watungwa describes the impressive Customer Charter as being

Discussing the importance of an effective supply chain, Watungwa

a “Consumer Banking promise to our customers for fast, friendly

notes that “all suppliers and partners are essential to the business

and efficient service, provision of solutions to their financial needs

operation because without any one of them, no business can operate

and recognition of the overall banking relationship. To deliver on

to its full potential. There is, therefore, need to value all suppliers and

our promise, our employees complete comprehensive Complaints

partners in the same manner regardless of what you get from them.

Handling training”. The strategy is clearly paying off as the company

For any partnership to work you need to share the same goals and

sees continued improvements in their Net Promoter Score, the

work together”. He continues to highlight the fact that globalisation

yardstick by which they measure customer satisfaction. Steadily,

has led to the lengthening of supply chains, often resulting in

Standard Chartered Bank has become the financial institution that

increased risk of delays, which necessitates regular reviews of the

current customers are happy to recommend to friends and family, a key indicator that through standards,

exemplary the

service

company

is

earning impressive levels of customer loyalty.

Clearly,

monitoring

of

customer satisfaction is vital for the continued success of Standard Chartered Bank, but this is not conducted to the detriment of staff development and support. Employing 697 full time team members, the company expects and demands the very highest standards of conduct, social awareness and professionalism. To those that act in accordance with these demands

and

embrace

the

company values of courage, creativity, responsiveness

“

supply chain to retain optimum value for money.

All suppliers and partners are essential to the business operation because without any one of them, no business can operate to its full potential. There is, therefore, need to value all suppliers and partners in the same manner regardless of what you get from them.

trustworthiness, and

global

awareness, continued training and coaching is offered, allowing team members to diversify their skills

Looking Standard

the

future,

Chartered

to

Bank

has instigated a number of initiatives, designed to further improve

the

services

they

already pride themselves on.

The Wholesale and Consumer Banking units will be integrated, allowing for a far more focused approach towards three newly defined groups; Corporate and Institutional, Commercial and Private and finally Retail client.

In addition to redefining client groups, the bank has begun a lengthy process of encouraging customers to move towards virtual financial management techniques, such as mobile and online banking. Combined, these elements promise to provide support to imminent reorganisation of the company,

in preparation for a period of accelerated growth.

matrix and progress through the institution. Proud to call themselves

Having invested significant time and fiscal resources in this

a ‘learning organisation’, Standard Chartered Bank reward staff in the

reorganisation of the business model, Standard Chartered Bank

present and prepare them for future roles by identifying leadership

looks forward to being able to ‘refocus the Bank’s attention on

capabilities and nurturing them through workshops, one-on-one

defined distinct customer segments’ which will allow them to ‘deploy

coaching and e-learning resources. Support on such a superior level

capital, liquidity and investment spend more effectively and deliver

must of course be utilised to the fullest extent and as such, all staff

improvements in both productivity and service’, the benefits of which

members are encouraged to undertake three days of volunteer work

will not only be experienced by the Bank itself, but also it’s customer

per year, in order to contribute to the surrounding community and

base and the economy of Zimbabwe as a whole, thus bringing their

forge even stronger ties. 2013 saw bank employees complete 1217

brand promise, Here for good, to life.

66 | Endeavour Magazine

IMQS 00 27 21 880 2712 WWW.IMQS.CO.ZA

68 | Endeavour Magazine

Based in the picturesque Cape Winelands region of South Africa, IMQS is an international software company developing a unique suite of software and integration services primarily for municipalities and utility customers. WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

UNLOCKING Municipal Value ONE ASSET AT A TIME Endeavour Magazine | 69

IMQS

Founded in the late 1990s as part of civil engineering group GLS Consulting, IMQS was tasked with creating a software platform for collating and reporting management information on customers’ infrastructure assets.

T

he success of the software resulted in its rapid evolution as a specialist GIS-based infrastructure asset management, reporting, forecasting and planning platform, which is today

used extensively in South African local government and a number of major utility companies abroad.

We spoke to CEO Rob Knight to better understand how the company plans to leverage its success and expand its global audience.

Focus on infrastructure management With native integration to industry-standard ERP (enterprise resource planning) platforms such as SAP built on top of a customdeveloped GIS engine, IMQS provides a uniquely visual business intelligence solution for managing municipal infrastructure assets throughout their lifecycle.

It is the only asset register in South Africa that is fully georeferenced, and is compliant with the asset recording, accounting and management standards set out by the Municipal Finance Management Act, including GRAP (Generally Recognised Accounting Practice). It also supports the international standards PAS55 and ISO55000.

Knight says almost all municipal and utility assets fall into six key areas, each with its own specific management criteria: water supply, sanitation, roads, electricity, property and building, and storm water.

70 | Endeavour Magazine

“Water utilities, for example, require detailed information on their existing assets – pipes, valves, connectors, and so on – to better manage expansion, better service their customers, and better invest in preventative maintenance,” he says.

“These assets are made visual in IMQS’s software, allowing customers to gain a high-level perspective of the entire water supply network with the ability to ‘drill down’ through the layers to see component level detail if necessary.”

At a municipal level, Knight says IMQS is used not only to gain a better understanding of the assets a municipality owns, but also visually manage the procurement, maintenance, and future investments in infrastructure in conjunction with current and future planning directives.

“Since municipal assets, through taxes, rates and levies, are a major source of municipal income our software has been invaluable in correcting major discrepancies in the asset registers of some of South Africa’s largest municipalities, unlocking significant value through lost revenue. In one instance, we were able to expand a municipal customer’s asset register tenfold, unlocking billions of Rands of additional revenue.”

A planning platform for life Knight believes IMQS is unique in its ability to provide customers with an integrated platform that covers every aspect of their asset management lifecycle requirements.

“Once a customer sees how easily the system can be integrated

Endeavour Magazine | 71

IMQS

with its existing IT systems, and how quickly real value is derived, it becomes integral to the way they do business,” he says.

“We’re making a significant investment in staff development, based on our own SAICE, South African Institute of Civil Engineering

“Moreover this power is packaged into a flexible, modular

certified training programs,” he adds. “This training provides credit

software architecture that delivers real-time information through

towards professional accreditation, so we’re actively working towards

a portable, device-independent web client, which makes it equally

up-skilling staff at both local and metro level.”

adept in the field as it is in the boardroom. This results in forward-

Knight says this continued focus on future development is crucial

thinking initiatives like tablet-based asset recording applications for

as the company explores expanding from its traditional customer

rapidly collecting asset information onsite, even in remote areas.”

base of municipalities and utilities to high-tech industries like

With multiple information input sources – ERP systems, financial

telecommunications.

systems, municipal meters, asset registers, and its own information

“New industries like next-generation telecommunications rely

capture interface – IMQS can also report and assess data in multiple

more heavily on real-time data for asset tracking and management,

ways. It allows for the display of spatial information as well as rapid

and our visual overlay of this data gives us a competitive value

searches

for

information

contained in almost any data field.

“This flexibility allows the different

decision-making

stakeholders in an organisation such as CFOs, city planners, and

city

administrators

to

collaborate on different aspects of

municipal

administration

without deviating from their areas

of

expertise.

That’s

not always easy at a local government

level,

but

the

“

software eliminates the barriers that typically stand in the way of this sort of collaboration.”

As such IMQS is changing the operational culture of many

proposition in this emerging market,” he says.

Once a customer sees how easily the system can be integrated with its existing IT systems, and how quickly real value is derived, it becomes integral to the way they do business.”

The success of IMQS at major

local

municipalities

like the City of Cape Town, Ekurhuleni and City of Tshwane, and large urban utility providers like Johannesburg Water, has brought the company to the attention

of

South

African

investment group EOH, which is now a 50 percent stakeholder.

It has also garnered attention internationally,

partnering

with the likes of Canada’s Pure Technologies, and Quasset in the Netherlands.

“Our work at (Netherlands water utility) VITENS, through

of its customers. “From the

our association with Quasset,

same unified interface decision-

gives us the impetus we need

makers can, for example, locate

to shift our software to the next

a parcel of land on a map, search for information on a ratepayer’s

level,” says Knight. “In essence the work we’re doing with VITENS

accounts, and view the cost, condition and physical makeup of the

allows us to take all the know-how, tools and data smarts that we’ve

assets on that ratepayer’s land,” he says. “In doing so it serves the

built into the desktop platform in South Africa and port them to the

majority of our customers as a planning platform for life.”

Cloud, without compromising on performance.”

Focus on future development Given its rapid trajectory, Knight says it’s easy to forget the company’s humble beginnings. From only a handful of software developers a decade ago the company has grown to more than 60 employees – a mix of software engineers, support staff, training staff and business development managers.

72 | Endeavour Magazine

2014 will see this evolution gather pace, with new customers and, significantly, external contractors plugging in to the IMQS universe via the web.

“What we’re building is nothing short of a completely integrated ecosystem that customers, suppliers and external consultant can use regardless of where they’re located to make critical business decisions based on real, verified data.”

ROYAL CANIN +27 11 801 5000 WWW.ROYALCANIN.CO.ZA

74 | Endeavour Magazine

CREATING SOMETHING Worth Leaving Behind WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

A pioneer company in health nutrition, Royal Canin is committed to giving precise nutritional answers to the specific requirements of dogs and cats. Founded in 1968 in France by a veterinarian, its distinctive philosophy “cats and dogs first�, places the animal at the heart of the innovation process to improve its welfare and health.

Endeavour Magazine | 75

ROYAL CANIN

This purpose is based on a demanding ethics code and a collaborative approach with vets, scientists and breeders that led the company to international recognition and leadership. Royal Canin is committed to global sustainable development, thanks to over six thousand associates in over ninety countries that strive to make a difference to people and the planet through the company’s performance.

A

cquired by Mars Incorporated in 2002, Royal Canin forms

they sent themselves up with a state of the art factory to feed their

a major part of the Mars’ billion dollar brands portfolio

abovementioned network which has been growing and diversifying

and with its thirteen state-of-the-art factories worldwide,

since then.

we’re focusing on the one based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Unique and perhaps one of their defining features is the Royal

One of the leading pet nutrition companies in the country and

Canin Eco Park, an incredibly self-sustainable environmental site

with a staff complement of 158, Royal Canin South Africa works

that, in 2003 Mr Henri Legarde (CEO of Royal Canin at the time),

through an arterial network of their own distribution centres through

and Dr. Charles Moore established as a natural ecological safe zone

Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg and makes use of third party

surrounding the Royal Canin factory in South Africa to protect and

distributors in East London, Port Elizabeth, George, Kroonstad and

rebuild a natural, indigenous environment.

Pretoria to get their products to the animals that need it.

Well ahead of their peers this practice of repair and creation has since been consistent through the history of the company and has

Defining Customer Care

developed a culture of sustainability that is emulated and driven by those working with them. This was all featured in the celebrations:

Behind Royal Canin is a dedicated adherence to customer

a decade of doing what other companies can only dream of and an

care and a deep belief in their product. Entering South Africa in

acknowledgement to those who work there and share in the dream.

2001, they spent their first years in Africa developing within their

With 70% of their raw material being sourced locally, Royal Canin

customer market place a taste for their foot product before in 2003

has a belief in developing from within.

One of the leading pet nutrition companies in the country and with a staff complement of 158, Royal Canin South Africa works through an arterial network of their own distribution centres through Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg.

76 | Endeavour Magazine

ROYAL CANIN

The People With The Hearts Royal Canin does not have any employees, no staff and no workers, they have associates. This fundamental concept places partnership

Strength Begins At Home

developments

and sharing on a mutually beneficial footing and a lot could be learn by

involvement that is taken on

other businesses seeking to galvanize their workforce.

employee

and

The Associate Concept begins and ends with a shared

growth has the effect on Royal

relationship between the individual and the business based upon the

Canin that every part of their

Five Principles of Quality, Efficiency, Mutuality, Responsibility and

operations is as refined and

Freedom to which the Mars Corporation has certain expectations and

strong as possible. The associates

in return, the associates expect a culture and environment based on

approach their daily routines

these beliefs.

with a keen enthusiasm for the

Amongst these fundamental values there are some keystones that are revered within the company, like putting the team before the

future and the opportunities they see for themselves.

individual, the importance of making use of the collective intelligence

This

and being passionate ambassadors of “A human adventure that

environment

unfolds on a daily basis.�

change can be implemented and

One of the most important factors that single out Royal Canin and the Mars Corporation in general is their the continuous learning for all associates including Personal Development Plans or PDPs, Adult Basic Education and Training or ABET and Mars University courses.

has in

created

an

which

real

can thrive.

centres, the refurbishment and rebuilding of their laboratory and the constant improvements heaped upon their factory the main

development

at

Royal

Canin still remains within their eco park, the first of its kind in the world and unique to South Africa.

When originally established back in 2003, the Royal Canin site was originally empty and void of gardens, trees or grass apart from the factory buildings,

by South African standards it was scarcely populated with animal

New Developments Following

the

creation of their distribution

The ongoing and hands-on development

including

a

decade

of

life, with only ten species of local birds being present. For any other organization this would

Building a network you can rely on

ELTON

On Tuesday July 31th 2012, Elton was there to produce the first ton of liquid palatant in SPF South Africa history.

The Closer, The Better

78 | Endeavour Magazine

Closer to your factories.

With production sites all over the world, we offer local palatability solutions you can trust and rely on. Dedicated to bringing you solutions to fit your market needs, our local teams continually strive to improve manufacturing processes, environmental practices and safety standards to bring you the best of SPF locally.

And you can rest assured knowing all SPF solutions in every SPF factory comply with strict quality and safety standards.

Every day, everywhere.

not have been an issue however Royal Canin took it upon themselves to make a change and to create something that, if they were to leave, they would be happy to leave behind.

Today, they now have over 180 species of bird, which include migratory birds that visit the site and a careful accounts of the animal life and fauna are taken to measure the growth and impact of this eco park.

Of the mammals there is the South African Hedgehog, Common Molerat, Striped Mouse, Vlei Rat, the common Slit-Faced Bat, Cape Serotine Bat, Egyptian Free-Tailed Bat and the Yellow cvMongoose, there are other animals that sneak in as porcupine quills have been found on site.

A host of amphibians including the Raucous Toad, Red Toad, Giant African Bullfrog, Common Platanna, Common River Frog and the Striped Stream Frog. Reptiles such as the Striped Skaapsteker, Rinkhals, Brown House Snake, Short-snouted Grass Snake, Red-lipped Snake, Cape Skink, Striped Skink and the Marsh Terrapin.

Fish, like the Southern Mouth-brooder, Banded Tilapia, Straightfin Barb and every grass, tree and shrub that is indigenous to the Highveld.

The site is fully self-sustainable with no water being used from municipal sources

Water Recycling Plant

When originally established back in 2003, the Royal Canin site was void of gardens, trees or grass; by South African standards it was scarcely populated with animal life, with only ten species of local birds being present. Royal Canin took it upon themselves to make a change and to create something that, if they were to leave, they would be happy to leave behind.

Water from the factory process is sent to the effluent plant for recycling where it is treated and pumped into the dam area where waterfalls help to oxygenate the water, which aerobic bacteria in the water remove odour and pathogens while being an important factor in maintaining the Park’s wetland aquatic ecosystem.

An important balance has to be found as there are two smaller overflow areas where the African Bullfrog tends to breed, as these areas are disturbed far less than in the main dam area.

Solar Geysers With the natural sunshine and low amount of cloudy weather on the Highveld, the office admin block has solar geysers on the roof which provide hot water for 80% of our needs and this significantly removes their reliance on the municipal water grid. Other efforts include cutting down on paper by printing double sided documents, recycling bins in the admin block and using tap water instead of bottled water (South African water is of the highest quality).

And automatic energy saver lights that switches on and off automatically when people come into, or leave which reduces electricity wastage.

Ultimately, the important thing is creating something you would be proud to leave behind and other businesses could learn a lot from this one of a kid company.

Endeavour Magazine | 79

A VAN DER WALT TRANSPORT 00264 64415700 WWW.AVDWTRP.COM

80 | Endeavour Magazine

WRITTEN BY JESS SHANAHAN

HOW A VAN DER WALT TRANSPORT IS CONNECTING LANDLOCKED SUB-SAHARAN COUNTRIES TO THE REST OF THE WORLD A van der Walt Transport is a long haul transport service based out of Namibia. Since 1986, the company has been providing its transport services across Namibia and other Sub-Saharan countries.

Endeavour Magazine | 81

A VAN DER WALT TRANSPORT

The company is fully Namibian owned with a head office in Swakopmund – the capital of the Erongo region – and a branch office in Okahandja. When the company was founded, its purpose was to transport refrigerated, containerised and break-bulk cargo throughout the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

I

n 1990 A van der Walt Transport

became

the

first company to convey

refrigerated cargo — mainly frozen fish — from Namibia to the Democratic Republic of Congo. This, understandably, increased the demand for this sort of produce to other nearby countries.

To cope with the demand, A van der Walt Transport had to expand. This meant building a fleet of different vehicles, each suited to a specific type of transport. It was also necessary

“

We offer transport of various commodity types like refrigerated and perishable goods; break-bulk such as copper concentrates, salt and cement; various container types; dangerous goods; abnormal cargo and more.”

demand enabled us to offer transport of various commodity types like refrigerated and perishable goods; break-bulk such as copper concentrates, salt and cement; various container types; dangerous goods; abnormal cargo and more. All going to and from Namibia and countries like South Africa, Botswana, Angola, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mozambique.”

Over the years, the company has established itself as a reputable and reliable entity in the transport market. It ensures that every customer receives an exceptional service for all of their cross-border transport needs.

82 | Endeavour Magazine

is a member of the Namibia Logistics

Association

(NLA)

and a the Walvis Bay Corridor Group initiative. This means they can play an active role in the development of the different

transport

corridors

that serve all landlocked SubSaharan countries and the rest of the world via Walvis Bay. Being part of this means A van der Walt Transport is these corridors. Not only does

routes already being served by Managing director Andre van der Walt said: “Adhering to this

A van der Walt Transport

actively promoting transport via

to expand on the different the company.

Continuously Improving

this help to promote Namibian industry but it is also helping to establish Walvis Bay as the leading trade route in southern Africa. This can only mean more prosperity for the country in the future, as well as more opportunity for the landlocked countries with the rest of the world.

Walvis Bay gives Namibia and other SADC countries access to Europe, the Americas and the rest of the world as well as being a hub for all regional trade too.

Being part of the NLA means that A van der Walt Transport is subject to various standards that help govern all sorts of transport providers within Namibia. The association also gives A van der Walt Transport’s employees access to all sorts of training and opportunities.

A VAN DER WALT TRANSPORT

Further Expansion In 2012 A van der Walt Transport expanded its fleet to include chemical tankers. This opened up the opportunity to transport all sorts of chemicals from Walvis Bay to different uranium mines within Namibia.

The

company

is

constantly

developing

its

personnel,

infrastructure, business opportunities and the corridors it serves. The vision is to become the preferred long haul transporter in Namibia with a reputation that all their customers can rely on. It seems they’re well on their way!

Already the fleet consists of 110 vehicles with 178 trailers and this number will rise to 150 vehicles. There are around 130 people in full time employment with A van der Walt Transport and another 110 people who sub for the company when needed.

the company will not offer

electronic speed control on

any transportation that may

company

compromise the health and

servicing of all equipment; and

safety

HIV/Aids counselling through the

It’s only right that a logistics company should be concerned about the environment and A van der Walt Transport understands that it has a responsibility to its country and citizens.

Every job and activity is subject to a safety assessment and

their

employees,

stakeholders or the environment.

regular

Walvis Bay Corridor initiative.

There are a number of

Not only all this but they also

systems and policies in place

have a number of policies in place

to back up A van der Walt

to protect staff. This includes

Transport’s zero tolerance policy

accident and incident reporting

towards ill health and safety.

policies as well as a safety wear

This is good news for the SADC

policy, and a driving time and

regions as well as A van der Walt

resting policy. The latter means

Transport staff and clients.

that company drivers must take

All undertake

Health, Safety And The Environment

employees

adequate breaks to ensure they

and

don’t endanger themselves or other while at the wheel of a

fitness tests for heavy vehicle

lorry or tanker.

operators;

regular drug

must

alcohol tests; there are periodical annual

defensive

training;

quarterly

Swakopmund is on standby

training and assessments; first

and ready to act 24/7 to assist

aid kits in all company vehicles;

all heavy vehicle operators in

driving

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of

vehicles;

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The

head

office

in

case of emergency. The staff at the office are there to identify and

Walt Transport employ various technologies linked via the Asycuda

enforce control of unauthorised and danger zones; manage traffic

system – a customs management system that covers foreign trade

flow to avoid rush hours and bad driving conditions; monitor vehicle

procedures and handles documents such as customs declarations –

movement 24/7; stay in touch with drivers 24/7; and implement

to the relevant border posts for the purpose of clearing and exercise.

emergency response plans, where needed.

All vehicles are equipped with a special satellite tracking systems

Staff are trained for the various tasks needed to manage and

that means head office knows where each vehicle is at all times. This

maintain a company offering such a specialised service. This could be

helps with traffic flow, keeps the fleet moving smoothly and also

anything from driver training to health and safety within the offices.

means that staff at head office can respond to any issues as soon as

On top of all this, A van der Walt Transport is fully Safety & Quality

they arise.

Assessment System (SQAS) accredited. This system evaluates the

It is also possible for clients to track their shipments through the

health, safety, quality, security and

A van der Walt Transport website. This gives clients even more insight

environmental performance of

into the service that the company provides and gives peace of mind

logistics service providers and chemical distributors.

The Routes The routes served by the company go far and wide across the

Getting Technical In

order

that the cargo is in safe hands.

SADC countries. From the northern route up through Angola to Luanda, down to the southern tip of South Africa. The routes also to

extend east all the way out to Malawi and Mozambique. This means

ensure the safety of

A van der Walt Transport can service all these countries and all those

its drivers A van der

in between.

Endeavour Magazine | 85

KENGEN 00254 203666000 WWW.KENGEN.CO.KE

86 | Endeavour Magazine

KENYA’S POWERHOUSE LIGHTING UP KENYA WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

Retaining the coveted title of ‘leading power generation firm in Kenya’ may be an impossibly high mantle for lesser companies, but Patrick Kimemia, Head of Supply Chain at KenGen, describes how they are committed to the task and have a suitably defined mission, designed to keep them at the top.

Endeavour Magazine | 87

KENGEN

Producing up to 80 percent of all the electricity used in Kenya, KenGen have an inherent understanding of the pivotal roles that continual development and technological advancement play in their industry, using them to remain at the very forefront of the market.

G

enerating enough power to meet demand is, naturally, one

Company, a leading distributor to domestic consumers. KenGen

of the main concerns faced by KenGen, but embracing

highlight that a commitment to nurturing skilled workers, combined

a multitude of techniques and sources has allowed the

with fiscal responsibility and environmentally sound growth plans

company to not only meet demand, but surpass it, and through

allows them to retain their position as the leading power supplier in

surprisingly ecologically friendly means. With just short of 65 percent

Kenya.

of all electricity being produced through hydro energy harnessing, it

Operating in accordance with core values of industry integrity

is clear that KenGen have a firm grasp on the importance of utilising

and professionalism, with highly qualified and trained team members

natural resources. Taking full advantage of all three incarnations of

that are supported and motivated in a safe environment, it comes

hydro-turbines currently available in the world, the company has

as no surprise that KenGen have an equally impressive focus on

equipped their hydropower plants with cutting edge equipment so

corporate social responsibility. Far from erecting large power stations

as to offer a reliable electricity supply to the whole of Kenya. Not

and neglecting those in close proximity to the impressive installations,

a company to rest on their laurels, KenGen also utilise naturally

the company documents a commitment to improving the standard

occurring thermal, geothermal and wind power to maintain a steady

of living for all Kenyans. One area that causes great concern for the

supply of energy, while minimising environmental impact.

conscientious management team is the provision of safe drinking water

Conducting business in a liberalised market, KenGen has four

and as such, the company has become heavily involved in schemes

main competitors, all of which are independent organisations, which

that seek to provide clean water collection points for communities

combine to supply the remaining 20 percent of the country’s power

and damns for safe water storage. In addition to inclusion in

needs. Despite having a clear monopoly in the market, the company

community water projects, KenGen have identified the importance of

is cautious to continue supplying competitively priced electricity in

supporting younger generations to remain in education for as long as

order to retain their customer base of the Kenya Power and Lighting

possible. For those children and young adults living in close proximity

The product of an industry separation of electricity production and distribution channels in 1997, KenGen has risen to the challenge of initiating a reliable and respected supply chain, headed up by Patrick Kimemia, resulting in the company securing an incredible 80 percent of the market.

88 | Endeavour Magazine

KENGEN

to power plants, a scholarship programme has been created, offering

rise to the top of their industry, KenGen extends a promise to train

secondary school and university students opportunities to embrace a

and develop all employees, allowing them to rise through the ranks

more positive future, with well paid jobs and technical qualifications.

of the corporate structure and unleash their potential, while enjoying

Running for almost 10 years already, the scholarship scheme currently

competitive remuneration packages.

supports over 300 students, paying all tuition and boarding fees. This

In line with a desire to uphold professional integrity at all times,

consideration for the future is somewhat rare in large, successful

KenGen are careful to enter into transactions with reputable and

companies, but KenGen do not restrict their future-friendly approach

responsible organisations, with any suppliers that show interest in

to education, they are also keen conservationists. Painfully aware of

becoming a business associate being vetted against a comprehensive

the impact made by environmental issues, such as climate change, the

criteria list. Those that meet the detailed requirements are then added

company actively sponsors, among many others, a scheme called ‘To

to the KenGen list of approved suppliers for an allotted period, within

Hell’s Gate on a Wheelbarrow’, a conservation project which aims to

which, the suppliers are able to bid for tenders. Demonstrating a clear

preserve a national park and the delicate ecosystems within.

desire to operate at optimum efficiency levels, with transparency social

and time-efficiency playing major roles, it is understandable that any

responsibility upheld by the management team at KenGen, alongside

Considering

the

impressive

levels

of

corporate

companies entering into a business relationship with KenGen must

an incredible domination of the power industry in Kenya, it is clear

also work in accordance with comparable ethics and values.

that the company, which has been in operation since 1954, has a firm

The product of an industry separation of electricity production

grasp on effective staff management. With a workforce currently

and distribution channels in 1997, KenGen has risen to the challenge

in excess of 1,800, over numerous sites, KenGen regularly seeks to

of initiating a reliable and respected supply chain, headed up by

bolster their market leadership through recruitment of motivated

Patrick Kimemia, resulting in the company securing an incredible

and ambitious professionals. In return for a commitment to upholding

80 percent of the market. Prior to the separation, one company

the values and levels of excellence that have allowed the company to

was solely responsible for the creation, transmission and supply of

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The smooth way to transport your cargo electrical power throughout Kenya, but following the crucial Electric Power Act, put in place in 1997, the industry was restructured to allow companies such as KenGen to become far more focused. Now responsible for the generation of all power made available to the public in Kenya, KenGen has flourished in the wake of significant change, demonstrating that their steadfast market leadership is no accident, but the product of an experienced management team that recognise the need to remain flexible and adaptive and above all, responsive to staff and surrounding community needs.

The company has become heavily involved in schemes that seek to provide clean water collection points for communities and damns for safe water storage.

Kenya’s Leading Logistics Company offering you Reliability, Security and Availability through East and Central Africa.

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Endeavour Magazine | 91

LIFETIME SOLUTIONS 001 868 223 7663 WWW.LIFETIMESOLUTIONSTT.COM

92 | Endeavour Magazine

A BUSY

2014 WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

Lifetime Roofing Ltd was founded in 1987 with the registered name of Lifetime Roofing Ltd, however since then the company’s product range has grown from roofing to include, waterproofing, windows and doors, skylights, insulation, guttering, composite panels for external building envelopes skylights and soffits.

For marketing purposes the company was rebranded as Lifetime Solutions in 2012. Jack Slater caught up with Sales Director Mr. Kazim Boodoo.

Endeavour Magazine | 93

LIFETIME SOLUTIONS

“The company started off as a roofing contractor,” Kazim explains, “Offering an installation service for products manufactured elsewhere. Gradually Lifetime began to manufacture roofing panels and trims for steep slope roofing applications in both residential and commercial settings.

Lifetime currently offers five different profiles manufactured inhouse and an additional seven provided by our suppliers AHI roofing Products out of NewZealand and Decra Roofing Systems out of the USA. Additionally Lifetime offers the most comprehensive and internationally recognised range of flat roof waterproofing products suitable for the most extreme and demanding applications.”

K

azim, who joined the company twenty years ago in the

manufacturers of the likes of Berridge, Englert, DECRA, and

sales department says that over the years, the company

Firestone, Lifetime Solutions has had to ensure that its standards

expanded its products and services to include structural

are never compromised. Robert Costelloe, one of the founders of

framing,specialty roofing products such as metal and polycarbonate

the company (the other being his wife Deborah Costelloe), served

domes and general contracting works

as a director on the board of the National Roofing Contractors

Lifetime has always been a leader in the roofing industry. It was

Association. The company is a lifetime member of the Copper

in fact Lifetime Roofing that brought in the country’s first on site roll

Development Association, The Green Energy Association and the

former which allowed full length roofing panels to be roll formed on

Metal Roofing Association of America.

any site. This dramatically improved the efficiency of its installation service not to mention the improved quality of the finished product as a result of reduced transport abrasion.

“The company kept a very strong emphasis on contracting,” Kazim continues, “Over the years we handled very specialized, complicated projects of a grander scale and we also expanded our contracting portfolio geographically.having completed projects as far north as Bahamas and as far south as Guyana“.

“Our retail division now operates from five strategic locations throughout the country Arima, Caroni, Port of Spain, San Fernando and Tobago.

A certified contractor for a number of international roofing 94 | Endeavour Magazine

Market Coverage And Business Activities Lifetime’s primary target market is the construction sector, however they have been able to make a name for themselves in other congruent markets including home repairs, agricultural and the government sector.

Kazim explains that Lifetime Roofing is a full service roofing company with a contracts, a projects division and a metal roofing manufacturing division offering roof consultations, quotations and project management services.

“We have one manufacturing facility which is a full coil processing centre complete with five in house roll forming panel machines,” he

Lifetime Solutions installing a custom made steeple on top of a church in Tobago

LIFETIME SOLUTIONS

explains, “Three CNC bending

Kazim is probably one of the finest examples of Lifetime Solutions’

operational showrooms which

lines, two cut to length lines and

commitment to employees, as a qualifying geologist in the University

allow customers to see products,

coil to coil slitting lines.”

of West Ontario and a stint as a teacher, joined two decades earlier

samples, receive literature, talk

With a long list of products

and has remained ever since. He explains that one of the guiding

to a sales rep, get a quotation

available ranging from metal

principles of the company is to give employees clear monthly targets

and make payments easily and

roofing systems to match any

to achieve and that performance evaluations are held each year to

conveniently.

requirement, guttering products,

assess performance and goals.

“We have a full service

“An annual training program is held by the HR department to ensure

department for supply only and

they

that employees are up to date with new products and techniques as

supply-and-install and a fleet

also work in a full range of metals

it relates to their respective jobs,” Kazim elaborates, “Employees are

of thirty five vehicles and field

including steel, prepainted steel,

also given opportunities to move around into different departments

sales reps who visit all parts of

aluminium and copper.

of the company to develop new skills and enhance their own value.”

Trinidad and

water-proofing and all styles of insulation and skylights

Staffing And Customers

Tobago to view

“Because roofing is a very skilled trade,” he goes on to continue,

sites together with the customer

“The company considers staff development to be a very important

to offer advice and lend their

long term commitment and an investment into the company. They

experience,”

need to be kept on the cutting edge of the roofing industry.”

One of the things that

On the other side of the coin, what specific customer focuses are

Kazim is quick to highlight is the

fifty

in place to keep them satisfied and happy? Kazim explains that they

importance of after-sales and

Lifetime

have service warranties included into their product offering, three day

customer commitments and with

Solutions has a responsibility

delivery on orders and a wide range of roofing products and solutions.

this in mind Lifetime Solutions

to set a high standard for them.

They have also increased their locations with four fully

provide a one year service

With permanent

over one staff

sub-contractors,

hundred and

High Quality Roofing supplied in the Caribbean by

www.Steel-Link.nl 96 | Endeavour Magazine

installation warranty to ensure that any issues that come up after are addressed with as soon as possible.

This forms part of the strategies to keep them ahead of their competition. This strategy is based around building upon their already established strong reputation and foundation in the roofing industry It is clear that the only real to win the race is not to focus on what the competition is doing but to focus intently on how to provide the customer with the very best and to continue looking out for new ways to do this.

A Busy 2014 2014 is set to be a busy year for this innovative, customer driven company with plans and developments including expansions, additional certifications and a scheduled rebranding with a significant investment of time and money being assigned to each to ensure their successful implementation.

Lifetime Solutions is on the way to being Safe to work (STOW) Certified. Seen as part of their responsibility to their staff, this certifies that the company is a safe workplace, free from hazards and in perfect compliance with the standards, rules and regulations under the OSHAt act.

“In order to achieve this goal we have retained the services of SCM Safety Consultants Ltd to assist with accomplishing same,” Kazim tells us, “This is a huge company investment which will benefit the company long term as it will allow the company to be eligible to tender projects with specific safety management system requirements.”

The re-branding to Lifetime Solutions follows a development in 2012, where Lifetime Roofing Ltd merged with TARMET (Trinidad Asphalt & Metal Roofing Ltd), a company with thirty years of flat roof waterproofing experience. With these two strong portfolios combined and with the strategy to expand the business outside of just roofing, the company rebranded to Lifetime Solutions.

This rebranding exercise required a huge marketing and advertising campaign to introduce and increase awareness of the new brand.

“This rebranding will change how the customer perceives the company as one that is not just focused on roofing but solutions to the roofing industry.” Kazim concludes.

“

Because roofing is a very skilled trade the company considers staff development to be a very important long term commitment and an investment into the company.

They need to be kept on the cutting edge of the roofing industry.”

Magdalena Grand Beach Resort Lifetime Solutions was nominated for NRCA Gold Circle Award 2013 for this project Endeavour Magazine | 97

GRU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 0055 11 2445-2945 WWW.AIRPORTS.CO.ZA

98 | Endeavour Magazine

WIDENING THE DOORS TO BRAZIL WRITTEN BY DAEMON SANDS

The construction of the new passenger terminal at GRU International is currently at peak with 8000 labourers on site working 24/7 and geared towards increasing operational capacity in time for the FIFA 2014 Soccer World Cup Games.

However the story of GRU is not in their preparation for the soccer games but rather a focus inwards at the company and their ambitions for the future. We spoke with Bongiwe Pityi operations director about this.

Endeavour Magazine | 99

GRU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

“GRU International was founded, at an auction on the 06 February 2012,” Bongiwe explains, “The concessionaire, comprising of Invepar and ACSA won the concession to administer Guarulhos International Airport for a period of twenty years.

The contract was signed on the 11 July 2012 and this marks the effective date of commencement of the concession period.”

A

t the start of the Concession Company, the focus was on

to grow passenger and cargo revenues as well as revenue from our

meeting the regulatory authority’s specific contractual

commercial portfolio.

documentation that had to be submitted. This included a

With a staff compliment of approximately 1500 GRU is well

C

three stage phase to ensure the smooth transition of handing over

remunerated in relation to the market and also qualifies for a

M

control which includes a period of observation, a period of supported

performance bonus which is dependent on the company achieving

Y

management and then a complete management and operational hand

its goals. The organisation is young and whilst a significant amount

CM

over.

of training has been done, it was focussed on regulatory training and

MY

Initially GRU Airports focus was on improving the airport facilities

now there is a shift to soft skills training to equip our leadership teams

CY

and the service levels to customers as well as carrying out route

with the appropriate skills to lead and motivate teams required for a

CMY

analysis using origin and destination data and developing strategies

high performance culture organisation.

www.acecoti.com.br

100 | Endeavour Magazine

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GRU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

“In 2013 the airport processed 36 million passengers and 280 000 aircraft movements,” Bongiwe tells us, reflecting on the operations of last year, “Domestic makes up 75% and international and regional 25% of the total passengers processed through the airport and the average movement per day is about 770. At the airport itself there are approximately thirty five thousand people working at the airport.”

GRU has two close parallel runways and three terminal buildings totalling 180 000 square meters and has 61 multi-configured aircraft parking stands.

“Our Customer Service Levels is an integral part of the concession contract and as such we have a two-fold approach to dealing with passenger satisfaction,” Bongiwe says, “Firstly an independent survey is done in line with the survey done by ACI, where customers rate our service and secondly a complaints and compliments facility exists at all our customer service desks where a passenger can at any time give us feedback on the service experienced.”

Once done, a formal response is given to the passenger by the customer services department and both the results from the survey as well as the complaints and compliments are used to guide their priorities and customer service strategy.

2014

terminal retrofitting and upgrade

Prior to the decision taken by the Brazilian government to semi privatize some of their airports, the government owned Airports Company (Infraero) was entrusted with the responsibility to manage well over 70 airports in Brazil.

of passenger terminal buildings 1 and 2.”

One of the bid requirements was the construction of a new passenger

terminal

building

to handle a heavier flow of passengers

and

the

new

concession equity partners have

“The run up to the Soccer

embarked on a major expansion

World Cup in 2014 brought focus

capital program in order to

on service levels with airports

accommodate

in South America experiencing

growth in passenger traffic and

double digit growth,” Bongiwe

cargo volumes going through

mentions, “We are currently

GRU International Airport in

undertaking four developmental

Guarulhos, regarded as one

projects, with one of these

of the major airports in South

already complete and brought

America and the biggest port of

into operation. Including a new

entry.

passenger

terminal

organic

“The airport currently has

building,

a multi-storey parkade and a

the

3

main

passenger

terminal

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102 | Endeavour Magazine

buildings and a cargo terminal,” she says, “On completion of the one currently under construction, there will be four terminals at GRU.” The new state of the art terminal has a design capacity to handle 12 million passengers per annum. Once operational it will be the home for all the 25 international carriers operating out of GRU Airport. The level of service framework will be the IATA Level C. Our commitment to our customers will be a good level of service, conditions of stable flow, acceptable delays and good levels of comfort.

The airport is currently operating above its design capacity and processing 36 million passengers per annum. This development work is geared at increasing passenger, baggage and aircraft processing capacity. GRU Airport is one of the busiest in South America is currently operating and regarded as the main port of entry into South America.

“The construction of a new five level parking garage and the first of its kind at GRU commenced in November 2012,” she tells us, “It has a parking capacity for 2 600 vehicles and is situated opposite the new main passenger terminal building currently under construction.

Passenger convenience has been factored in its design and there are

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self-service check in kiosks (CUSS) which offer the passengers the option to avoid being caught up in queues at the traditional check in

Endeavour Magazine | 103

GRU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

counters.”

GRU Airport was open for commercial operations in 1985 with minimal improvements made since that time. The retro fit project will see improvements made to a number of the areas, including enlarged entrances, increased check capacity including self-check-in kiosks, self-bag drop zones and additional space for passenger circulation and queuing areas from check in to boarding and from arrivals to curbside These changes will have a significant effect on improving the flow of passengers and reducing laborious queuing and waiting.

“The retrofit of passenger terminal buildings 1 & 2, currently in operation, will increase operational capacity from 13 million passengers per annum to 17 million passengers per annum

The ease of connection for internationally bound passengers makes

and further increase the level of comfort for the

the parking garage convenient.”

passenger. The parking garage offers passengers

“In the future a hotel will be built alongside the parking garage.

the choice of leaving vehicles in a facility that

For people arriving to our shores for the first time we want to be a

protects them from the elements of the weather.

suitable welcome for them,” Bongiwe concludes.

104 | Endeavour Magazine final file _ ISS

GLS CONSULTING +27 218 800 388 WWW.GLS.CO.ZA

106 | Endeavour Magazine

KEEPING THE Water FLOWING

Clean water is something that is often taken for granted and it is enlightening to find the amount of work it takes to keep the water flowing smoothly and reliably. When you do find out the level of activity and expertise needed to do this you may never turn the tap on in the same way again. I was lucky enough to speak with cofounder and director Dr. Leon Geustyn regarding the remarkable and essential GLS Consulting. WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL Endeavour Magazine | 107

GLS CONSULTING

Founded in 1989 with the key intention of providing a comprehensive and expert service, GLS Consulting has become one of the key names in water keeping all the bases covered. Having a 50% share in IMQS they have been able to further expand upon their services and offer their clients a comprehensive solution to their projects.

“O

ur business today focusses on water and sewer system modelling and master planning,” Leon explains, “This includes areas such as water quality modelling;

risk based pipeline replacement prioritization analysis and water and sewer system asset management planning.”

While being a South African company their level of expertise has attracted clients from across the globe.

“We operate from a single office in Stellenbosch, South Africa,” he continues, “Serving more than thirty municipalities, including five metro’s in South Africa. Through specialist assistance to associated companies we also provide our services to clients in South East Asia, the United States of America, Holland and Turkey.”

The Source Of The Company’s Strength “GLS employ highly skilled people with over half the staff having obtained tertiary qualifications,” Leon tells us, describing the sourcepool for his company’s strength, “Three of them hold PhD’s and twelve are either holding or in the process of completing Masters Degrees in Engineering as well as one holding an MBA.” With forty three staff members working for the company financial and mentoring support is provided at all levels of advanced education.

Over and above this continuous high level training is provided to staff on the sophisticated technology and methodology applied by GLS and the software training courses provided by GLS are accredited for trainees to obtain CPD points.

“Staff development is incredibly important,” Leon indicates strongly, “And it’s important that everyone has the necessary

108 | Endeavour Magazine

qualifications and most importantly the working experience to keep our offering at the cutting edge of our industry.”

Keeping The Customers On Course GLS has a programme of continuous research, development and improvement of skills and technology that allows for state of the art and a cost-efficient service to customers. Over the years they have managed to maintain a strong position in the market with large growth potential in its niche. This has been accomplished through their ability to apply internationally competitive software supported by a very high level of expertise and experience.

When it comes to implementing this expertise into a customer focus Leon believes that individual development is not only expected but strongly supported.

“All of our projects are performed against a strictly controlled and detailed scope of works and quality control processes,” Leon explains. GLS is in the process of becoming ISO 9001 Compliant and they approach each of the clients through focussed teamwork, “We perform our services via a structure where the client is the responsibility of a single team with only a small percentage of their time being taken by other projects.”

Endeavour Magazine | 109

GLS CONSULTING

This results in an “always available and informed” support service

competitor,” Leon explains, “The association with Quasset has already

to clients with a priority given to the long term relationships shared

allowed GLS to participate in major projects in the Netherlands, with

with long standing customers, some of which have lasted over twenty

large growth potential in Europe.”

three years.

While, within the South African context GLS would like to consider its combination of skills, experience, reputation and footprint having

2014 And Onwards

made the company attractive for an acquisition by an industry leader,

In August 2013 GLS became a fully owned business unit of the

such as EOH. This status was achieved over 25 years of diligence and

South African listed company EOH. Also recently an exclusive license

hard work by a group of clever people that changed very little over

for the application of all GLS’ software technology and services

time. When commenting on this Leon simply says, “There is no easy

outside of Africa and Western Europe was obtained by the Canadian listed company Pure Technologies and in Western Europe

GLS’

services

and

software technology have been applied in association with the Dutch based company Quasset.

The joining of EOH provides a large opportunity for both growth

and

broadening

of

services provided by GLS in Africa. This is due to several factors, largely related to the ability to provide clients with the service as a part of a total multi-disciplinary service not only pertaining to engineering, but also IT systems, financial planning and general strategic

“

road!”

This is not a road to travel on unless as a team you have strong confidence in your own abilities and technology and are able to bear with the usual venture related perils, but the payoff is hugely satisfying when successful.”

“As far as our international associations are concerned the initial connection was related to the proven high level of technology that

GLS

could

provide,” he continues, “But since then strong reliance was made on the establishing of trust amongst individuals in all parties.”

While the home fires had to be kept burning it was required from a core team tasked with the process to be prepared to travel internationally and adapt to working in different environments and time zones and this often impacting on private

time

and

personal

comfort.

support. support

“This is not a road to travel

provided also allows for GLS to

on unless as a team you have

embark on larger contracts and

strong confidence in your own

“The

strong

initiatives than is currently the case,” Leon adds, “Becoming part of a

abilities and technology and are able to bear with the usual venture

truly South African industry leader, harbouring all of the exciting and

related perils,” Leon specifies, “But the payoff is hugely satisfying

interesting diversity within highly skilled and experienced people, has

when successful.”

been an invigorating experience for GLS and we are looking forward to new opportunities growing from our existing strong platform.”

Although the formalities have been concluded, thus establishing the terms at which work is performed, these ventures still require a

The joining of forces with Pure Technologies through licensing

continuous commitment in providing support ranging from marketing

has already exposed GLS to participation in projects in markets where

all the way through to training. While the challenges posed by time

they may not have ventured alone.

zone differences and international travelling remain, “The impact

“The extremely comprehensive expertise and experience on

is offset by the numerous related opportunities provided to GLS

related technologies provided by Pure has enhanced our offering

staff and the financial benefits of working in a stable market earning

with GLS and we are now capable of being a truly international

foreign currency.”

110 | Endeavour Magazine

“Leaders in providing solutions related to the optimal planning and management of water and sewer reticulation systems�

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ENPPI 00202 227 62100 WWW.ENPPI.COM

112 | Endeavour Magazine

Recognized as the international engineering and consultant contractor of choice, Enppi (Engineering for the Petroleum and Process Industries) is a limited liability Egyptian company.

Established on January 15th 1978, and with an impressive catalogue of onshore and offshore accomplishments, we spoke with the Chairman and CEO Mr. Abdul Naser Salah regarding the steps taken to ensure the stability and longevity of his company.

WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

DOING Everything RIGHT Endeavour Magazine | 113

ENPPI

As an international Engineering Consultant and EPC main contractor with many successes within the oil and gas, refining, petrochemical and other industry projects within Egypt, MENA region and worldwide; the company has benefitted from its historic footprint in the region and the strength of its focuses.

“T

he company organization is structured to provide the

Starting in the mid-Nineties, Enppi expanded its services and

expertise required for the efficient coordination of

developed its workforce in order to address the business segments

all phases of work starting from project development

in the international market. ADNOC, ADCO and ADMA of UAE

studies, to completed turnkey facilities,” Mr. Naser Salah opens up, “To

were the first international clients followed by Al-Furat Petroleum

this end the company applies state of the art technology and know-

Company – Shell Syria (AFPC) of Syria, where Enppi had executed five

how based on worldwide sources including operating companies,

major projects through international bidding.

international engineering firms and technology licensors.”

114 | Endeavour Magazine

In the new millennium, Enppi started embracing the challenges of

the future through new international business. In Jordan, Enppi was awarded an international project through a consortium structure for the Development of the Jordanian Gas Transmission Pipeline from Aqaba port to Syrian / Jordan boarders on EPC Lump Sum Turnkey basis.

In the GCC Region, and specifically in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, Enppi was remarkably successful in winning international tenders for Lump Sum Turnkey contracts with Aramco and its JV companies such as YASREF and Al-Khafji Joint Operations (KJO) Companies. In addition to executing projects in Libya and Sudan. Such increase of the company’s work volume led to purchasing volume in the last 5 years to US$ 2 Billion.

Outside the MENA region; Enppi had internationally expanded its business by executing projects in Venezuela. In this respect, PDVSA Gas Holding Company in Venezuela awarded Enppi several major projects in Gas processing industries since 2006 providing integrated engineering, procurement

and

project

management services for several

“

Enppi is committed to supporting the communities in which we work and live. We believe it’s important to stay in touch with our neighbors and remain committed to our own community.

Through employment, we invest in people and have plans to broaden our workforce to become 3000 strong.”

Endeavour Magazine | 115

ENPPI

large scale gas treatments, extracting and processing facilities.

international business partners through executing projects as an

On the financial arena and during the past 15 years, Enppi had

EPC Main Contractor in 12 countries for BP, Shell, BG, PDVSA, Saudi

invested in newly formed Egyptian Oil and Gas companies over $120

Aramco, KJO, YASREF, QP, APACHE, ENI, TOTAL E&P, ADCO, Petro

Million in a continuous endeavor to pursue its role toward the support

China and other major partners.” Mr. Naser Salah says.

of the national economy.

The company aims to penetrate further markets such as Colombia

meCertifications turnkey for my most x pro ects.”

in South America and industries such as the fertilizers industry to strengthen its position in the MENA region and the global market

For a company of its size, and with so many people relying on them,

especially Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman and Kuwait.

the certification and validation of its operations has been crucial and for starters Enppi copes with international codes and standards such as ASME, ANSI, API, ASTM, IEC.

The Uniting Enppi Vision

Enppi has been approved for compliance to international QEHS

Bringing everything together is the united focus to execute

Management Systems i.e. “ISO 9001” for Quality Management

projects in the fields of Oil & Gas, Petrochemicals and Process

Systems, “ISO 14001” for Environmental Management Systems,

Industries in the Middle East & Africa and support the national

“OHSAS 18001” for Health & Safety Management Systems and

economy primarily through providing state of the art technologies,

“ISO 50001” for Energy Management Systems, by GL Systems

leadership and standards of excellence, while striving to exceed their

Certification in order to continually improve Enppi performance and

customers’ expectations.

maintain its status in the international engineering and the Lump Sum

known international EPC / Lump Sum Turnkey contractors; executing

Turnkey contractors’ community.

“Enppi has established successful business relationships with

key global ions. ur others

es taking care of our customers in more than 100 countries.

“Our vision is to attain a leading position worldwide among most projects in the field of oil and gas, petrochemicals and process

Agility brings efficiency to supply chains in some of the globe’s most challenging environments and customized capabilities in developed and developing economies.

Agility is one of the world’s leading logistics providers with $4.8billion revenue and 22,000 employees across 100 countries.

Agility has had the good fortune to have handled several projects for ENPPI within Venezuela, Saudi Arabia and , of course, Egypt itself and in the process a close working bond has been forged between the 2 companies.

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116 | Endeavour Magazine

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ENPPI

industries,” Mr. Naser Salah highlights, “This is achieved via Enppi’s

construction, pre-commissioning

Enppi Management Systems to

most valuable asset; our employees who are confident, competent

and commissioning & start-

provide them with the highest

and caring.”

up phase of various company

level of confidence for Enppi’s

projects.”

ability as a Lump Sum Turnkey

The 2500 staff members have contributed to make this the $800 million company that it is, and Enppi considers the human caliber

has

contractor. This has required the

as the most important factor in the formula of “success” for any

executed a tremendous number

Since

2003,

Enppi

loss of ego and an openness to all

organization. From this perspective, Enppi develops a comprehensive

of training programs to company

kinds of feedback.

plan to leverage the knowledge and skills of their human element

staff as well as delegates from

together with applying the requested essential work values to meet

the Egyptian Petroleum Sector

customer

customer`s needs and requirements.

“We

have

adopted

focused

a

approach

and other Oil and Gas companies

which shows that Enppi is open

This includes an annual training plan for each individual using

operating in the Middle East and

to feedback,” Mr. Salah says, “And

either in-house or outsourced experts in various fields of knowledge

Africa. Enppi is trying its best to

this includes complaints which

as well as the oil and gas sector such as: Engineering and technical

maintain the type and quality of

we take seriously and gratefully

training, Project Management, Procurement, Quality, Health,

its employees and are recruiting

through

Safety and Environmental Management Systems, Management/

the best from the Egyptian

resolving these issues as we seek

Administration, Finance and IT packages.

market.

to improve ourselves.”

“Our Enppi engineers receive on-site practical training at different sites for companies operating in the Oil and Gas field in Egypt and

Customers

being

dedicated

to

In addition to conducting the customer feedback survey

abroad as part of their development program in order to help acquire

On the other side of the coin

the necessary experience,” Mr. Naser Salah continues, “Moreover,

with the customers, Enppi’s aim

the

on-job training is conducted for groups of engineers during the

is the continual improvement of

Department,

regularly on Enppi’s clients by Business

Development they

are

also

in charge of detecting and preventing project and nonproject problems.

Recent International Projects 2014 is going to be a very busy year for Enppi who, in addition to Egypt, are currently executing

projects

in

Saudi

Arabia, Venezuela and Iraq. In Saudi Arabia, Enppi is executing a project for YASREF based on EPC Lump Sum turnkey responsibilities, Yanbu Export Refinery Project.

“The Yanbu Refinery Project aims to install a new refinery with capacity of 400k barrels per day. The Tank farm package of Yanbu export refinery includes 33 storage tanks, sizing up to 1.2 Million Barrels and 13 spherical tanks 60,000 barrels each.”

In

Venezuela,

several

projects for PDVSA are ongoing; the PAGMI project phase I and 118 | Endeavour Magazine

II Gas Conditioning for domestic market aims to treat and condition

the national economy and the Egyptian petroleum sector, to acquire

gas produced from the offshore area in Northeastern Venezuela to be

the latest technology and methods, to increase their competition and

used in the domestic market in the PDVSA Complex, located in Güiria,

penetrate new industries.

Estado Sucre in Venezuela.

The Fractionation Capacity Increase at Jose (ACFJ) Project which aims to the development of new facilities to process the increase of NGL capacity to 50,000 BPD in order to cover the requirements of the 1st phase of NGL production increase.

“Each fractionation train will be designed to produce propane, ISO-butane, butane, pentanes, gasoline, and heavy ends,” he says, “In

The Importance of Giving Back “Enppi is committed to supporting the communities in which we work and live,” Mr. Naser Salah explains, “We believe it’s important to stay in touch with our neighbors and remain committed to our own community.”

addition to the Ethane Recovery Project which aims to the installation

“Through employment, we invest in people and have plans to

of a gas sweetening plant to completely remove the Carbon Dioxide

broaden our workforce to become 3000 strong,” he adds, “Through

and Hydrogen Sulphide for the natural gas upstream.”

the execution of mega projects we will accommodate the increasing

Whereas in Iraq, Enppi is executing a Project Management Consultancy project (PMC) for Missan Oil Export Pipeline Project for

number of professional employees and through training and investment will continue to increase our value.”

Soccer is another feature that has recently accompanied their

PetroChina International Iraq FZE Iraq Branch.

Enppi has qualified to participate in numerous tenders and bids.

company’s name. Enppi first team participates in the Egyptian Premier

International studies point out that Arab Gulf countries and countries

League, the Egyptian Cup and CAF Confederation Cup. Four players

of South America are the future golden pot of oil and gas reserves. And

from Enppi first team were chosen to play for the Egyptian National

in this regard, the company’s business development exerted efforts

Team.

to cope with the company’s major objectives to continue supporting

Endeavour Magazine | 119

AFRICAN MODULAR BUILDING SOLUTIONS +27 114 742 701 WWW.AMBS.CO.ZA

120 | Endeavour Magazine

Founded in 2009 by Allan Bellamy, a man with a long standing experience in the prefab industry, African Modular Building Solutions is today heavily focussed on supplying to the mining industry and ensuring quality and added value to their product, throughout the Sub Saharan African market. AMBS is responsible for creating classrooms, clinics, accommodation and housing that workers and families rely on across the width of Africa.

House ON WRITTEN BY DONNIE RUST

THE MOVE Endeavour Magazine | 121

AFRICAN MODULAR BUILDING SOLUTIONS

“The core activities of the company,” Rhett Bellamy, financial director and member opens up, “Is the supplying of quality sandwich panels and other products to the mining sector.”

With their onsite factory, located at the same address as their offices and warehouse African Modular Building Solutions are able to manufacture approximately 160 square metres of building, during each day time shift, “With additional shifts, we’re able to manufacture over three hundred square metres of building, a day.”

D

riven by the demand for their product, everyone is hands on at the company, Rhett, who has been working there with father Allan, had to take time out, from loading up a truck,

to speak with me.

“It’s hectic,” he explains, “You don’t have seasons in this business, it’s busy every single day.”

Once produced, these sandwich boards and components, are palletized or loaded into crates, which are carefully packed onto a Superlink truck or into 40 foot and 20 foot containers which are then shipped directly to the customer for installation, “The emphasis is on timely production and delivery,” Rhett relates.

Learning On The Job There has been a positive shift, within the mining industry, towards taking the training outside of the universities to get people into the positions faster, to help push the working economy ahead.

This has been known to place strain on some of the suppliers into the industry however this sort of employee attention has proven to be key to African Modular Building Solution’s success.

“It’s important to have a tight knit team,” Rhett explains, “As an example last year we all went to Cape Town for a team building initiative.”

Still a young business, the conduct and high levels of efficiency of their staff is essential, for the longevity of their company and Rhett 122 | Endeavour Magazine

recognizes that, in addition to a strong team spirit, the strength of their people relies on management ensuring that each employee has the tools and experience, to work at their best.

“We have fourteen staff in total,” Rhett adds, “And as they are stretched amongst our projects, their individual development, is a major priority for us. To help facilitate this, we have found that onthe job training is essential in our business, as it gives the staff the chance to be paid, while they learn and gain experience. It also allows us to accurately assess their development at each of our weekly management meetings and to make sure that what they are learning is relevant and cutting edge.”

Quality is a watchword for AMBS, quality in staff and quality in product. Fully ISO 9001 certified for the manufacture and installation of prefabricated buildings, Rhett is very specific about how their company looks after their customers: “We always strive to provide them with a quality and superior product and will never sacrifice quality for cheaper or inferior products,” He adds that regular site checks are done during the construction phase of the buildings, to ensure everything is as it should be.

Aftersales service, is a very important area for Rhett, who believes that there is nothing better than having clients and customers return.

Endeavour Magazine | 123

AFRICAN MODULAR BUILDING SOLUTIONS

“We believe in our product and will always restore, replace, repair or fix when and if required.”

Prefabricated buildings is a densely populated industry in the

And, having serviced some of the largest mining companies in Africa, 2014 has already started on a strong footing and should be their busiest yet.

mining sector, with quality products always being in high demand. I

Developments in equipment and infrastructure, is on the agenda

asked Rhett what kind of strategies are in place to keep them ahead

for this year and Rhett reveals that they have recently installed the

of their competition.

Manni press in their factory, to produce their panels and that this is

“We continually look at our offering, to improve where possible,” Rhett explains, “You have to improve the product first, to keep customers happy.” He goes on to explain that they currently offer a 60mm polyurethane panel, where the industry standard is 40mm and

only one part of their ongoing work, to ensure that the quality of their panels, are the best available.

“We are also introducing a software product that will assist with stock control, purchasing despatch and project control,” he adds.

that this gives added insulation and is a stronger structure all round,

These additions will help the future of AMBS by enabling them to

“Safety, reliability and sturdiness is what people want when they’re

be completely self-reliant and not restricted to supplier time lines and

relying and living in your prefabs.”

issues, “We will also be able to manage our cash flow more efficiently

It is an essential service that AMBS provides: The education of children, the caring for the sick and injured, the provision of housing, offices and the management of mines all require premises. And, while it may be a task that is often unappreciated by those people using them, it is still a task that Rhett and his team take very seriously.

and this will provide a better service to our customers via a knock on effect,” Financially, AMBS is looking at an approximate internal investment of R11 million on new buildings and equipment for 2014.

“Training of staff on this new equipment to produce the quality

“We’ve been involved in a diverse range of projects,” Rhett relates,

that we require, has been a lengthy process but a very worthwhile

“But over the last two years we have been heavily involved with the

exercise, as the current quality is getting to where we want it to be,”

mines in Zambia, The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and

Rhett relates, “It is a time consuming process to get staff up to speed

South Africa,”

on the software but once fully operational, will allow for more free

Prefabrication is a uniquely diverse method, offering a catalogue of buildings for a variety of uses. While at the moment AMBS is mostly involved in providing mining management offices, accommodation and kitchens and diners, in 2011 one of their projects had them erecting a functional hospital in the DRC with five 40 bed wards , a visitors ward and an operating theatre.

“

We continually look at our offering, to improve where possible,” Rhett explains, “You have to improve the product first, to keep customers happy.”

124 | Endeavour Magazine

time.”

CARL “FOGGY” FOGARTY

COMMITTED TO WINNING

With fifty nine victories under his belt, four World Superbike Championships and an MBE that was awarded to him in 1998 Carl Fogarty is the epitome of this sport.

H

igh octane, edge of your seat excitement, that’s what Superbike World Championship stands for. Far faster and far gutsier than F1, requiring more dramatic

competition and greater skill there may be fewer fans to World Superbike but they are more loyal and ardent. And for all of them one name stands out, a man who, years after retirement is still referred to as the living legend Carl “Foggy” Fogarty.

Blackburn born Carl George Fogarty is considered the most successful World Superbike racer of all time. With fifty nine victories under his belt, four World Superbike Championships and an MBE that was awarded to him in 1998 he is the epitome of this sport.

Although retired, Carl’s hardly maintaining a low profile, appearing on road shows across the country working with fellow ex-racer James Whitham to bring the audiences an inside scoop into the motorsport industry and their own reflections on racing.

Always sold out and always well received it is an example of the sort of impact this grinning biking maniac still has on his die-hard fans.

Speaking with Carl via phone, we discussed the development of the Superbike Championships since his retirement in 2000.

Candid, honest, direct and always chuckling Carl had some very poignant things to say regards to the comparisons of the sport: “It’s not fair to compare different eras,” he said, “Because there

126 | Endeavour Magazine

will always be a difference. It’s a sport focussed on machinery,

year, he competed in the World

In 1995, when the two

engineering and mechanics so the changes keep it alive. The

Endurance Championship as

met again at Phillip Island, the

characters you see with the riders have grown as well it appears to

well as continuing in World

race was as fierce as before

be more competitive on the track but friendlier off it.”

Superbikes.

Demonstrating

however Carl’s tenacity to win

a style for cornering at high

proved too strong and he lifted

speeds that allowed him to

the coveted title for the first

gain

time. It would not be the last.

On The Track As his father, George Fogarty, was a road racer, it would appear

advantages

over

the

During

1996,

he

rode

the enthusiasm for racing was locked in Carl’s blood who found his

competition, his uniqueness

way onto a motorcycle at a very young age and had his competitive

made him a firm favourite for

with the new Honda team,

debut at the age of fourteen in motocross. However, it was road

fans.

however, unsatisfied with the

racing that he was destined for.

Exhibiting a natural talent on the club scene and an intrinsic

his

motorcycle he returned to the

eye on the main prize of the

Ducati in 1997 and in 1998

It

was

1993,

Superbike

with

comfort on the motorcycles it was the determination and

World

commitment to winning races that identified him even as a

saw Carl on his first factory

teenager as a promising contender. At twenty three Carl was the

ride with Raymond Roche’s

Formula 1 TT world champion, a title he won back to back for

factory

three years.

will remember the epic race

Ducati

title

team.

that

Fans

He won the Isle of Man race two years in a row with the fastest

between him and American

time ever and it was thanks to a double win in 1990 that got the

Scott Russell. Although Carl

attention of the racing world and the headlines. Since then fans

demonstrated

of the sport developed a taste for Carl “Foggy” Fogarty. Many of

taking racing and did win

them were hooked.

11 races, he was forced into

1991, saw his entry into the World Superbike Championship as a privateer for three quarters of the season and the following

some

breath

clinched the World Superbike Crown. The following year, he did the same. Then in 2000 his riding career was brought to a sudden, terrifying end.

The Phillip Island Crash. 2000.

The racing world held its

second place. Something he

breath during the second race

refused to let happen again.

of the 2000 season at Phillip

Endeavour Magazine | 127

Island, where a freak accident saw Carl go off track and slide into a tyre wall.

“I

don’t

remember

the

accident. Which was probably lucky for me,” he recalls, “I was overtaking another rider and he pulled up in front of me, I got out of the way and hit the grass.

It was so slick I just ended up sliding straight into the tyres.”

In essence it ended his career. The shoulder injuries were so severe that he was told by specialists that he would only ever get a maximum of 80% of his strength back and while still being able to enjoy

motorcycles,

on

the

likes of scramblers or Harley Davidsons,

the

posturing

required for a superbike simply put too much pressure on the injury.

“I was in recovery for about six months,” he says, “And then like flicking a switch I wanted to get back into it. I wanted to get racing but couldn’t do it at the same level because of the shoulder. However, there was never really an option to get out of the sport and Ducati gave me a three year contract right after, followed by a fiveyear deal to run my own team with Petronas.”

“I also enjoy watching the sport now,” he adds, “More than I did directly after the accident.

The fans were always right behind me and I knew I would always have a place.”

128 | Endeavour Magazine

Foggy Friday.

In February 2014, Carl Fogarty was reunited with all his World Superbike championship winning bikes at the Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show which was the first time that all four of his winning bikes would have been displayed together. The bikes themselves were brought over from the Ducati museum in Bologna for the show which also celebrated the 20th anniversary of Fogarty’s first championship. ‘Foggy Friday’ is being dedicated to the four times World Champion.

“It caught me a little off guard,” Carl admits, “I’m really touched and excited about it. I had a lot of good memories and good victories on these bikes and I’m sure I’ll see the little things I remembered and liked about them. It’s going to be strange seeing them again and I’m expecting to get a little choked up.”

“I like the scramblers,” he

when it happens,” he explains,

says, “The fun bikes, I’ve gotten

“I don’t really put a lot of work

a bit retro and I’m looking

into Twitter because I’m not a

forward to the new Ducati

Tweeter, I’m a racer.”

that is coming up at the end of

And what are the sort of

the year. I like the kind of bikes

tweets that are likely to get

Steve McQueen was seen on,

Carl’s attention?

the scrambling, scrappers that

very

laid

back and not taking myself too

a kick.”

seriously which is the direct

The Fogarty Fans Online, Carl Foggarty has a legion of die-hard fans, made up of professional and amateur

wants to know. Of all the bikes that the great Foggy has raced,

riders and fans of the sport who

which was the best ride and why?

hang on his every word. His

“I liked the 1995 Ducati,” he says simply, “It wasn’t the fastest

touring shows, not such a far cry

I’ve ridden but it was the best around the corners and I like a bike

for the notoriously outspoken

that I can ride, one that can take the corners well because that’s

rider, are always sold out and

the part that slows down the other drivers and if you have good

every conversation pertaining

corners, you’ve got a good lead.”

to superbikes include at least a

does Foggy like to take onto the road?

become

have a good engine and a bit of

With this in mind, I wanted to ask the question that everyone

And what about off the track? A reputable petrolhead what

“I’ve

mention of his name.

opposite of what I was like when I was racing,” he says, “So I like the funnier tweets that come through.”

And finally, after such a glittering and awe inspiring career who is Carl “Foggy” Fogarty’s biking hero?

“Kenny Roberts,” Carl tells us, “He wasn’t afraid to bring changes to the sport and made a lot of changes to the way people rode.”

“I deal with Tweets as and

Endeavour Magazine | 129

BOOK REVIEWS

I

n recent weeks, three young women have been brutally assaulted and murdered in the city of Philadelphia. Lt. William Fogarty, a time-toughened cop, hardened by personal tragedy, is shocked

by the brutality of the crimes. His only lead comes from medical examiner Josef Tanaka. Half Japanese and half American, Tanaka, a skilled practitioner of the martial arts, claims to recognize the method used in the attacks: a karate strike known as nukite, or spear hand.

Fogarty has nowhere else to turn.

An unlikely combination, Fogarty and Tanaka, forced together by circumstance and neither completely trusting the other, they conduct a desperate hunt, trawling the city streets of Philadelphia and into the dangerous underbelly of the killing arts.

Pursuing the Mantis, a creature who uses the flesh of his victims in a sadistic, macabre ritual of self-purification, while Fogarty and Tanaka endanger the lives of those closest to them as they inch perilously close to the precipice of their own worst fears and weaknesses.

Mantis takes you on a nightmare ride that will have you holding your breath until the last page.

A rather unusual thriller about a policeman and a half Japanese/

MANTIS

by Richard la Plante

American medical examiner on the hunt for the most scary, creepy and unbalanced serial killer, who kills his victims in the most horrific and cruel manner.

All three characters are haunted in some way or other – Joey Tanaka, blames himself for accidently crippling his older brother in a karate championship, Bill Forgaty, unable to forgive himself for being the cause of his wife and daughter’s death and the killer’s mind, warped by the physical and sexual abuse he received as a child, trying to purify himself.

Gritty and gripping, fast paced twists in the plot, great character development, heart-stopping frightening leading to the final confrontation between the killer and Tanaka.

If you like reading books by Thomas Harris & Eric van Lustbader, you will enjoy Mantis.

130 | Endeavour Magazine

WAYLANDER

by David Gemmel

D

avid Gemmel wove together an entire world before his death, and Waylander stands as one of the coolest and darkest heroes of the lot of them.

The Drenai King is dead - murdered by a ruthless assassin. Enemy

troops swarm into Drenai lands. Their orders are simple - kill every man, woman and child. But there is hope.

Stalked by men who act like beasts and beasts that walk like men, the warrior Waylander must journey into the shadow-haunted lands of the Nadir to find the legendary Armour of Bronze. With this he can turn the tide. But can he be trusted? For he is Waylander the Slayer.

The traitor who killed the King...

THE PASSAGE

by Justin Cronin

T

he Passage begins in the

immunity-boosting drug based

filled with superhuman creatures

near future and details

on a virus carried by an unnamed

who are continually on the hunt

an apocalyptic and, later,

species of bat in South America

for fresh blood.

post-apocalyptic world that is

eventually becomes the virus that

overrun by vampire-like beings

transforms the world. The novel

who are infected by a highly

begins in 2014 and spans more

contagious virus. What begins

than ninety years, as colonies of

Suggested on Twitter by

as a project to develop a new

humans attempt to live in a world

@LucyRuthnum

Endeavour Magazine | 131

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