NOVEMBER 2018
www.endeavourmagazine.com
YUM PIZZA HUT A Slice Of Africa
PRIMAROSA FLOWERS Coming Up Roses
SKYWARD EXPRESS Rising High
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INSPIRED BY YOUR SUCCESS
EDITOR’S NOTE Heads of Departments Managing Editor Alice Instone-Brewer editor@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Director Alex Hilling-Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Manager Emlyn Freeman emlynfreeman@littlegatepublishing.com Head of Editorial Research Paul Bradley paulbradley@littlegatepublishing.com Project Manager Steven Weller steveweller@littlegatepublishing.com Editorial Researcher James Lapping james@littlegatepublishing.com Editorial Researcher Will Girling willgirling@littlegatepublishing.com
2
018 is almost over, with Christmas
companies, some familiar to us and others
and Hanukkah on the horizon for
that were exciting new discoveries, and
many of us. As those who celebrate
were amazed at the many ways that people
start to look forward to these festivals,
are doing good, even whilst working to
whether they are held dear because of
succeed at a business. From transforming
Editorial Researcher Alex Hayes alexhayes@littlegatepublishing.com
faith or because they symbolise a time with
communities with schools and health
family and loved ones, it is tragic that the
centres, to empowering regions with new
Editorial Researcher Dennis Morales dennismorales@littlegatepublishing.com
approach to the season has already been
skills, or providing affordable and ethical
marred by the painful news of the mass
ways to eat healthily, there are so many
Editorial Researcher David Kimberley david@littlegatepublishing.com
shooting at the Pittsburgh synagogue in
ways that businesses are doing good, and so
the US. Although the shooter has been
much future good to achieve. As we gear up
Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com
charged and will be brought to justice, the
for our Christmas issue next month, we’re
pain of the violence and the losses of life
excited to keep unearthing these stories,
Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com
experienced at this place of worship will
and showing what can be accomplished
stay with those affected. Unfortunately, this
with a little money, a little dedication, and
Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com
well-reported story is also only one of many
some heart.
For enquiries or subscriptions contact info@littlegatepublishing.com +44 1603 296 100
the world continuing to threaten people’s
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such stories, with violence throughout freedoms of religious expression and basic ability to feel and be safe. Whilst not an intentional attack, tragedy also struck worshippers in India last month when a train ran into crowds gathered to celebrate the Hindu festival of Dusshera. At least 59 were killed by the accident, so whilst our thoughts are with the communities mourning the events in Pittsburg, they
Littlegate Publishing Ltd does not accept
are also with those mourning this loss in
responsibility for omissions or errors. The points
Amritsar, and everywhere else around the
of view expressed in articles by attributing writers and/or in advertisements included in this
globe that is battling daily against such
magazine do not necessarily represent those of
tragedies, both accidental and intentional.
the publisher. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. Whilst
However,
every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of
with respect for those who were lost, it
the information contained within this magazine,
is important to remember that the news
no legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising from use of information
whilst
we
look
backwards
isn’t all negative, no matter how true that
published. All rights reserved. No part of this
can seem. It is inspiring and reassuring to
publication may be reproduced or stored in a
see how many active initiatives there are
retrievable system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of
ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
in the world to improve lives, from not
the publisher.
only governments and charities, but the
Copyright © Littlegate Publishing Ltd 2018
private sector; we spoke with a selection of Endeavour Magazine | 3
CONTENTS
34 PRIMAROSA FLOWERS LIMITED FEATURES
12 YUM PIZZA HUT 4 | Endeavour Magazine
12 Yum Pizza Hut A Slice Of Africa 18 Teranga Gold A Bright Tomorrow 28 Copper Branch Superfoods And Power Bowls 34 Primarosa Flowers Limited Coming Up Roses 40 Kempinski Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa 48 ESA Copernicus Earth’s All-Seeing Eye 54 Davis & Shirtliff Going With The Flow 60 Skyward Express Ltd Rising High 68 National Council for Construction NCC Integrity, Accountability, Transparency 74 Prestige Group Developed With Love 80 Manaseer Oil & Gas Building For Future Generations 88 LotusHall Mining & Construction Heavy Lifting 94 Obeikan Paper Industries Making The Papers 100 Motisun MM Integrated Steel Mills Rising Across Africa 108 Swakop Uranium Husab Mine – The Next Big Thing 112 Refraline Three Decades Of Success 118 Kuwait Oil Company In The Black
48 ESA COPERNICUS ARTICLES Business Headlines 6 Africa 7 Asia 8 Middle East 10 Americas 11 Europe 26 46 106
Amazing World The Surprise At Abraham Lake Conundrum Of The AI Workshops The Ghost Fleet Of Truk Lagoon
86
Automotives Skoda Kodiaq Sportline
82 MANASEER OIL & GAS Endeavour Magazine | 5
BUSINESS HEADLINES AFRICA SOUTH AFRICA RAISES $20 BILLION IN NEW INVESTMENT PLEDGES
November 9, 2018. According to Fitsum
Office said the three road and 13 power
Aregaa, the current move is: “Consistent
projects would be launched this fiscal
with PM Abiy Ahmed’s vision of a closer and
year, after the tendering processes were
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa
full regional integration in Africa — where
completed, Fana reported.
announced in late October that his country
minds are open to ideas and markets are
has
open to trade.”
raised $20 billion
in
investment
commitments made by several companies.
It did not say how they would be financed or give any other details on the projects.
Abiy had earlier this year disclosed that
Ethiopia – which has recorded the
Local and international companies made
following Rwanda’s lead, Ethiopia was going
highest economic growth rate in sub-
pledges at an investment summit held in
to allow a visa-free regime for all Africans. At
Saharan Africa for years – has invested
Johannesburg.
the time, he was speaking at a state banquet
heavily in state-led infrastructure projects,
held for his visiting Rwandan counterpart,
drawing on foreign borrowing and its own
Paul Kagame.
foreign exchange reserves.
“Today marks an important milestone along our journey of establishing South Africa as an investment destination of choice,” he said.
Abiy said: “The President invited all
But there have been signs that China, a
Africans to travel to Rwanda without visas,
major creditor, is slowing financing to Addis
Ramaphosa said some of the companies
we will follow you very soon.” On June 1 the
Ababa as doubts grow over the profitability
that made pledges include those in mining
issuance of visas online for all tourists kick
of some infrastructure projects there.
industry,
started. Ethiopia boasts the continent’s best
Dr Teshome Tafese, director general of
national carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, which
the office noted that the projects will be
Others are from the transport, energy,
has made the Bole International Airport in
launched this fiscal year after necessary
agro-processing and pharmaceutical sectors.
Addis Ababa, not just a regional but global
tendering procedures are completed.
In April, Ramaphosa launched a drive to
aviation hub. The most recent time the issue
raise at least $100 billion in new investment
was came up was when ex-president Mulatu
to boast the country’s ailing economy, over a
Teshome at the opening of parliament
period of five years. South Africa’s economy
said the visa-on-arrival regime was to be
has seen slow growth in the past decade,
implemented in this year.
forestry,
manufacturing,
and
telecommunications.
where investors feared to put their money
NAMIBIA ENDS BLACK OWNERSHIP RULES FOR MINING EXPLORATION LICENCES Namibia has scrapped a requirement
into the economy due to policy uncertainty.
for companies seeking mining exploration
When Ramaphosa assumed office in
licences to be partly owned and managed by
February, he assured investors of favorable
black Namibians.
investment policies and incentives for some
The policy was introduced in 2015 to
companies. Earlier this year, he travelled
increase the participation of historically
to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates
disadvantaged black Namibians in some
and several other countries where he
of the country’s most lucrative business
received several investment pledges from
projects, but critics said it threatened the
governments there.
diamond and uranium producers’ ability to
“As we indicated earlier today, these
attract investment.
investments are in addition to pledges of
The
chamber
of
mines
said
the
over R400 billion ($27 billion) that we have
requirements had been set aside by Mines
received from several governments over the
and Energy Minister Tom Alweendo in a
last 6 months,” he said.
letter to the group.
ETHIOPIA’S VISA-ON-ARRIVAL FOR ALL ETHIOPIA ANNOUNCES $7 BILLION AFRICANS STARTS NOVEMBER 9 ROAD AND POWER PROJECTS Finally, Ethiopia has announced a date
department could be reached for comment. Hilifa
Mbako,
the
chamber’s
vice
president, said the decision “was the most important fundamental decision for future
for the start of a visa-on-arrival regime for
Ethiopia has announced $7 billion worth
all Africans. Africa’s second most populous
of new road and power supply projects. The
nation will start visa-on-arrival regime from
government’s Public-Private Partnerships
6 | Endeavour Magazine
Neither the minister nor officials in his
investment into Namibia.” Mining contributed 12.2 percent to the country’s gross domestic product last year.
ASIA INDONESIA ARRESTS PALM OIL EXECUTIVES IN BRIBERY INVESTIGATION Indonesia’s
anti-graft
agency
INDIA PREPARES TO INAUGURATE THE WORLD’S TALLEST STATUE
Modi in 2013. The Statue of Liberty is 93 meters high, including its pedestal. The ambitious project was announced
India was set to unveil the world’s tallest
by Modi in 2010, when he was still the
has
statue at the end of October. The towering
chief minister for the state of Gujarat. Built
arrested seven people, including a senior
statue is of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a
with funds allocated by the Gujarat state
executive of palm oil firm Sinar Mas Agro
popular political and social leader, who was
government, it has also received support
Resources and Technology, in connection
part of the freedom struggle that resulted in
from the federal government and individual
with a bribery case, an official at the agency
India’s independence from British colonial
contributions.
said on Oct 28th.
rule in 1947.
Estimated to cost over $410 million,
The Corruption Eradication Commission,
the committee overseeing the construction
known as KPK, named the vice-president
asked for the public donations to finish the
director of Sinar Mas Agro, Edy Saputra
statue. Modi called on farmers across the
Suradja; chief executive of PT Binasawit
country to donate iron.
Abadi Pratama, Willy Agung Adipradhana;
Images show Indian workers putting the
and some members of Central Kalimantan
final touches on the statue of Patel, who’s
Parliament as suspects in the case. Both Sinar
wearing a shirt, shawl and loincloth with
Mas Agro and Binasawit are subsidiaries of
detailed folds. Promoted as a dream that
Singapore-listed palm oil giant Golden Agri-
Modi is keen to fulfill in his first term as Prime
Resources. The people are accused of bribing
Minister, the project includes a museum,
parliamentarians to avoid an investigation
research and entertainment center. A 3-star
into Binasawit’s plantation permits and palm
hotel has been built in a complex nearby.
processing waste near Sembuluh lake in the
CHINA MINING ACCIDENT: 18 TRAPPED IN TUNNEL
Borneo island, Dy Chief Situmorang said. Golden Agri, in a statement following the arrest, said: “The company will cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation and
More than 170 rescue workers are trying
hopes that the issues can be resolved as
to free 18 coal miners trapped in a tunnel
quickly as possible”.
in China’s eastern Shandong province,
It called the case “gravely concerning and
according to state broadcaster CCTV.
regrettable” and stated that its Indonesian
The miners were trapped after a rock
operations and subsidiaries must be managed
burst at the Longyun Coal Mining Company
in accordance to the law and regulations in
in Yuncheng County.
the country. A statement on behalf of both
The incident destroyed part of a water
Sinar Mas Agro and Binasawit said all parties
drainage tunnel in the coal mine, killing two
are fully cooperating with the investigation.
and trapping another 20 workers, the official
Indonesia is the world’s top producer of palm
Xinhua news agency reported.
oil. It has faced pressures from international buyers and environmentalists to make the industry more sustainable.
Rock burst accidents are often caused by Looming 182 meters (597 feet) above
fractures in rocks due to mining.
the Narmada River in the western Indian
Mining accidents are not unusual in
During a site visit to investigate the
state of Gujarat, the statue was scheduled
China. In 2018 there were 219 coal mining
matter, Parliament members found problems
to be unveiled on October 31, revealing a
accidents in total, according to official
with Binasawit’s permit for use of forest
figure molded from approximately 1,850
statistics, killing 375 people.
areas, he said. He did not elaborate.
metric tons of bronze.
Less than a week before the accident in
In the operation, KPK confiscated 240
“In the world, people talk about America’s
Shandong, five people died in a gas explosion
million rupiah (S$21,797.52) the authorities
Statue of Liberty. We want to make a statue
at a coal mine in Chongqing in the country’s
suspect had been intended as bribe money,
of Sardar Patel at twice the size of the statue
southwest.
Dy Chief Situmorang said.
of Liberty,” said Prime Minister Narendra Endeavour Magazine | 7
MIDDLE EAST MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA BILLIONAIRE POPULATION GROWS 24%
dating back more than three decades, raises the central bank’s capital to Dhs20bn
SAUDI ARABIA SAYS OIL MARKET COULD SHIFT TO OVERSUPPLY IN Q4
($5.45bn) and allows for the establishment The Middle East and North Africa region saw its billionaire population grow
of a general reserve of up to four times the paid up capital, the UAE said in a statement.
Saudi Arabia has said that the oil market could be shifting towards oversupply in the
24 per cent last year, according to a study
As well as ensuring prudent management
fourth quarter of the year as oil inventories
by professional services firm PwC and Swiss
of foreign reserves, the new rules are
rise and demand slows, and the top oil
bank UBS. The firms said in their Billionaires
designed to protect stability of the financial
exporter will “mirror” such changes in its
Insights report that the number of billionaires
system and help stability of the currency.
production.
in the region grew to 52 last year, while their total wealth grew by 15 per cent to $165bn.
The law, which was issued after a decree
“We are of the view that the market in the
by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan,
fourth quarter could be shifting towards an
Self-made billionaires were found to
the president of the UAE, does not apply
oversupply situation as evidenced by rising
account for 75 per cent of the regional
to financial free zones and the financial
inventories over the past few weeks,” Saudi
billionaire population compared to 68 per
institutions, most of them foreign, that
OPEC governor Adeeb Al-Aama announced.
cent in the United States and 80 per cent in
operate within them and are regulated by
Asia Pacific.
the authorities of those zones.
So we want to be watchful not to overcorrect and cause a substantial inventory
Globally, billionaire wealth grew by 19
build,” Al-Aama, who heads a joint OPEC
per cent to $18.9 trillion shared across
and non-OPEC committee which monitors
2,158 individuals. The fastest growing group
compliance and market fundamentals, said
was Chinese billionaires, which expanded
after a recent meeting of the panel, known
their wealth by 39 per cent to $1.12 trillion.
as the JTC, in Vienna.
However, the Americas region was
OPEC and non-OPEC oil producers
still home to the largest concentration of
agreed in June to relax their oil cuts, but the
billionaire wealth led by the US, where it
group said on Thursday they may need to
grew 12 per cent to $3.1 trillion.
change course because of rising inventories
“Over
the
last
decade,
Chinese
and economic uncertainties.
billionaires have created some of the world’s
Asked
about
concerns
of
slowing
largest and most successful companies,
economic growth in countries such as China,
raised living standards,” said UBS Global
a major oil consumer, Al-Aama said: “Growth
Wealth Management head of ultra high net
risks are a concern particularly in emerging
worth Josef Stadler.
countries … we are aware that oil demand
“We are experiencing a new wave of
entrepreneurship
worldwide,
responds to global macroeconomic factors
with
The new law would help establish better
billionaires at the vanguard of innovation.
regulations for monitoring credit, enabling
They are creating jobs and prosperity, but
the UAE to achieve balanced economic
He added Saudi Arabia does not push oil
their impact goes beyond economics. A new
growth, said deputy ruler of Dubai and
to the market but responds to its customers’
generation is emerging, and they see an
finance minister Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid.
needs and said the increase in the kingdom’s
opportunity to tackle some of the greatest
The law also includes new provisions governance
of
financial
proactively”.
oil production over the past months was in
environmental and societal challenges facing
relating
humankind.”
institutions licensed by the central bank
Saudi Arabia produces only what its
and penalties for companies in breach of
customers ask for, not more. We saw strong
the rules.
demand for our crudes in the third quarter
UAE ISSUES NEW BANKING LAWS
to
and will be responding with our partners
response to rising demand.
The United Arab Emirates has issued
It also contains provisions designed to
and we have increased our production
a new law governing the central bank and
boost consumer protection, including the
accordingly,” he said.Saudi energy minister
the regulation of financial institutions and
confidentiality, protection, and appropriate
Khalid al-Falih said on October 22 the
activities in an effort to bolster monetary
use of customer financial information,
kingdom would soon raise output to 11
performance and confidence in the economy.
as well as aiming to raise levels of
million barrels per day (bpd) from the current
The new law, which updates old legislation
financial inclusion.
10.7 million.
8 | Endeavour Magazine
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AMERICAS PITTSBURGH SYNAGOGUE SHOOTING LEAVES 11 DEAD AND 6 WOUNDED; SUSPECT HIT WITH MULTIPLE CHARGES
impact of the rotating Canada Post strike.
citizenship. That dynamic change, Rosselló
Some say their packages are taking much
contends, may provide for wiping out what
longer to arrive and that the delay could
he called that “second-class citizenship” for
cause problems going into Christmas.
3.3 million Puerto Rican residents by making
The suspected gunman behind the
The Canada Post job action started Oct.
the island the nation’s 51st state. Island
shooting in a Pittsburgh synagogue, which
22 after negotiators failed to reach a new
residents can’t vote in U.S. presidential
left 11 people dead and six more injured,
contract agreement before a deadline, set
elections and have no voting representative
has been formally charged, prosecutors said.
by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers.
in
Robert Bowers, 46, was charged late
Since, it’s affected several cities including
the mainland.
Saturday with 29 federal counts of crimes
Vancouver, Toronto, Halifax, Saint John
of violence and firearms offenses after
among others.
Congress
unless
they
move
to
The resulting lack of political clout means the island receives a smaller relative share of
authorities say he carried out an anti-Semitic
federal funding for healthcare, infrastructure
attack on Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath.
and other services than states do, hurting
Bowers
is
facing
11
counts
of
its residents’ well-being and their economic
obstruction of exercise of religious beliefs
prospects, and it was most dramatically
resulting in death; 11 of use of a firearm to
in evidence in the federal government’s
commit murder during and in relation to a
agonizingly slow response to Hurricane
crime of violence; four counts of obstruction
Maria, Rosselló said.
of exercise of religious beliefs resulting
“I think this is the moment in time where
in bodily injury to a public safety officer;
it clicked that Puerto Rico is part of the
and three counts of use and discharge of
United States,” Rosselló told Puerto Rican
a firearm during and in relation to a crime
business and civic leaders gathered for a
of violence.
town hall meeting at the Greater Miami
Pittsburgh
Public
Safety
Director
Chamber of Commerce. “Now we need
Wendell Hissrich said police were dispatched
results. We need execution.”
to Tree of Life Synagogue at 9:55 a.m. after
Rosselló was in Florida with members
receiving calls describing an active-shooter
of this Puerto Rico Statehood Commission,
situation in the city’s predominantly Jewish
which he created to advance the question,
Squirrel Hill neighborhood.
to make an unusual pitch to the state’s
He confirmed the 11 deaths, none of which were children. One victim was ID’d as a 70-year-old male with gunshot wounds to his torso “involving major organs in his abdomen.” He was undergoing his second operation and in critical condition, hospital
Puerto Rican voters.
PUERTO RICO’S GOVERNOR APPROACHES FLORIDA OVER STATEHOOD
He is asking them to vote in the Nov. 6 midterm elections for candidates who support Puerto Rico statehood. He has also been putting candidates on the spot, in forays not just to Florida but also to
officials said. Police Chief Scott Schubert
Before Hurricane Maria struck the U.S.
California, Massachusetts and Colorado, by
said that two police officers were hit during
territory of Puerto Rico, eight out of ten
asking them to publicly back statehood for
initial contact with the shooter and that
Americans didn’t know the island residents
the island if they want support from Puerto
two SWAT team members were also struck
were their fellow citizens. Now, thanks to
Rican voters in those states.
“during an engagement inside the building.”
Maria, more than 90 percent know it, Puerto
He confirmed that all four law enforcement
Rico’s governor says surveys show.
officials are in stable condition.
Support from a Puerto Rican voting bloc could mean the difference in tight races,
That sharp upgrade in Americans’
particularly in Florida, where polls have
knowledge about the island marks a
some candidates within a few percentage
potentially consequential turning point in
points of each other, including the contest
its relationship with the states, Puerto Rico
for governor and U.S. Senate, Rosselló said.
Gov. Ricardo Rosselló said in Miami — a tie
A recent survey showed that 80 percent of
Crafters and online shop owners who
that he says is marked by unequal rights for
the state’s Puerto Rican residents support
sell handmade goods say they’re feeling the
residents of the territory in spite of their U.S.
statehood for the island, he added.
SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS FEELING IMPACT OF CANADA POST STRIKE
10 | Endeavour Magazine
EUROPE FRANCE SUSPENDS USE OF ONE OF EUROPE’S MOST POPULAR PESTICIDES FOLLOWING ILLNESSES The French government has ordered a
It is a move that could be soon replicated in plenty of other countries, with the EU consulting on a proposal to abandon the practice from 2019. 2002,
part of a new bid to rally separatists. The new group, named Crida Nacional (National Call), held a founding congress
time
on Saturday evening, marking the one-year
three-month ban on one of Europe’s most
change has been dictated by an EU directive,
anniversary of the secession push, but it
widely-used pesticides after reports of farm
with a harmonised continental clock seen as
has struggled to attract a groundswell of
staff and residents falling ill in recent weeks.
beneficial to cross-border businesses and
support, with some allies being held in
transport links.
Spanish jails and others choosing a more
The move to ban products based on
Since
Puigdemont had launched a new party as
the
twice-yearly
metam sodium followed reports of three
But a vote in the European Parliament
cases of “respiratory poisoning” in the
last year will see the arrangement be
moderate political path. The meeting of Puigdemont’s new party
Maine-et-Loire department in the past two
reconsidered and allow member states to
was held in the pro-independence town of
weeks, and another case of poisoning in the
opt out, much as non-EU countries like
Manresa, in the centre of Catalonia, near
department of Finistère.
Russia, Turkey and Iceland already have.
the prison where independence leaders
Metam sodium, one of the most widely
There is no sign of any such move
are being held.“A year ago we decided that
used pesticides in the US and Europe, is
being made in the UK, even after Brexit,
we would continue the fight, whatever the
considered a “probable human carcinogen”
despite road safety charity Break urging
conditions and circumstances, and that we
by the US Environmental Protection Agency
the government to alter the time-honoured
would commit ourselves to building a better
and is not meant to be applied directly to
tradition to aid motorists.
country, a republic,” said Puigdemont said in
plants. The
Rather than abandon the concept, ministry
said
initial
Brussels of the new party.
findings
however, Brake wants to move the clocks
suggested that recommendations for the use
forward for the entire year - making winter
Torra, in a sombre televised address to
of plant protection products had “not been
one hour ahead of GMT and summer two
mark the October 27 2017 declaration of
correctly respected” in the cases of poisoning
hours ahead.
independence, said: “The year that separates
identified, while climatic conditions may also have contributed to the issue.
The
current
Catalan
leader,
Quim
The renewed appeal came after new
us from this historic date did not unfold
research by the RAC Foundation found that
as we wished … [but] turning back is not an option.”
Of 61 reported cases across the country
the annual October clock change heralds 20
in recent weeks, 17 people had to be briefly
extra road crashes per day in which someone
hospitalised, prompting local authorities
is injured.
The independence declaration threw Spain into political turmoil, with the central
to suspend use of the chemical earlier this
government ousting Puigdemont, who then
month, AFP reported.
fled to Belgium, dissolving parliament and
Metam sodium is authorised in the
imposing direct control over the wealthy
European Union until 2022, when it is due
north-eastern region. Polls in December saw
to come up for review by regulators.
separatist parties once again win an absolute majority in the regional parliament.
MOROCCO ENDS TIME CHANGE, AND EUROPE MAY FOLLOW
But Torra, who regularly seeks counsel from Puigdemont, presides over a Catalan government divided between those who
Morocco has decided to stop changing
back disobedience to advance the cause
its clocks twice a year in a move that could
of independence and those who favour
soon be replicated in Europe. The north
dialogue with new Spanish prime minister,
African nation has instead abandoned the concept of clock changes and chosen to stick to summer time all year round.
OUSTED CATALAN LEADER CARLES PUIGDEMONT LAUNCHES NEW PARTY
The Moroccan government said the
Pedro Sanchez. The trial of 18 former Catalan leaders over their role in the separatist push, expected to start in early 2019, has helped
decision to stay on GMT+1 would save
A year after secession bid, the separatist
an extra hour of natural light and reduce
tries to rally support from his base in
electricity consumption.
Belgium. Former Catalan president Carles
to keep the separatist camp mobilised.
Endeavour Magazine | 11
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A SLICE OF AFRICA They’re known throughout the world, but can they become a staple in Africa? We spoke with Pizza Hut about one of their most exciting, and successful, periods of expansion, as they reach out into a whole continent of new territories for the beloved pizza brand. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
YUM PIZZA HUT
Founded in 1958 by Dan and Frank Carney in Kansas, USA Pizza Hut International has since become a well-known global brand. From family outings to late-night orders, Pizza Hut has been a presence in many people’s lives. In some countries, the Hut is just one contender among many, but in others, it is one of the kings of the QSR industry.
he brand was established in South Africa for many years, but
T
The Hut’s expansion originally branched out from South
took a few years’ hiatus as it looked into rebranding. Now, for
Africa to travel up the East African coast, but stores are now also
the past four and a half years, it has undergone a resurgence,
established in the North and West. All countries are of course
with restaurants spreading not only back throughout the country,
different, and as Pizza Hut has established itself in new territories,
but also the rest of the continent:
it has found that the reception and culture towards the brand varies
“Our aim is to grow in scale and become Africa’s pizza brand
- particularly between South Africa and the rest of the continent.
of choice,” says Ewan Davenport, General Manager of Pizza Hut
Whilst South Africa already has an established QSR market and
Africa. “It’s been an incredible journey so far. Ultimately, in the first
more affluent consumers, the market in Africa’s other countries
four years, we got ourselves to over 100 stores across Africa, and
has some key differences: Lee-Ann Cullingworth, Chief Marketing
over the next few, we’re looking to reach in excess of 200 stores.
Officer, explained; “From a South African perspective, the business
It’s an exciting journey that we’ve embarked on and we’re really
is very much a delivery, takeaway, carry_out experience, but in the
accelerating.”
rest of Africa it is very much a dining experience. It’s quite a special
Pizza Hut Africa currently have locations in 14 countries, which
occasion. There is a delivery aspect, but there is much more of that
will have reached 16 by the end of 2018, with roughly a 50:50
dine-in need in the African market, where consumers will go with
ratio between their locations in South Africa and the rest of the
their family and see the experience as a treat.”
continent. Over the next couple of years, they aim to expand their number of countries reached to 25.
A Pizza Hut experience comes in many guises, and has existed in many evolutions and styles over the years. Speaking for myself in
“We’ve got stores to continue to build here in South Africa,
the UK, many a day out as a child used to end in a sit-down, dine-in
but we’re also entering a number of new markets by the end of
experience in Pizza Hut, with queues often trailing out of the door
this year, including Sudan, Nigeria and the Ivory Coast, to name
to get in; in my teens, the Pizza Hut buffet was a frequent staple,
three. We also have additional stores going into countries where
thanks to its central location in the city and the delicious all-you-
we’re already present, such as Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia and
could-eat trips back to the hot plates for seconds and thirds; as a
Mozambique.”
young adult, my partner was a waitress with the chain for many
14 | Endeavour Magazine
years, and pizzas would often be brought home after her late shifts; today, as a slightly wearier adult, ordering a delivery is a perfect solution to staying up too late and having a few too many drinks with friends. My relationship with the brand began with balloons and trips to the ice cream machine, and has evolved into leftover slices for a welcome hungover breakfast, and in the same way, the restaurant’s presence in the UK has grown and shifted focus with me. Originally a vast family dining brand with no takeaway option, takeaway and delivery are now key parts of the business here; in Africa, excitingly, both aspects are launching and flourishing at the same time, allowing Pizza Hut to explore how it does service like never before. Ewan told us: “In many of our African countries, not many global brands are prevalent in any way, so the concept of casual dining is quite unique and unusual, but, that isn’t to say that people don’t get it.” In fact, some of Pizza Hut’s stores in wider Africa are seeing better business than their South African locations. Lee-Ann went on to explain that this dine-in experience is a little different to the traditional assumption: “Dine-in usually means waiter service, but the concept we are launching in Africa is not that: you order at the counter, and you can casually eat at the table.” This sort of smart casual dining experience is a concept that is present in many of the
Endeavour Magazine | 15
YUM PIZZA HUT QSR industries, but is new for Pizza Hut. They are also launching
including a lot of supplier development and investment to get the
a series of other brand changes in Africa, such as a more open
product up to the standard and quality that we need.” By coming in
kitchen that allows diners to see the pizzas being made.
and working with local suppliers to develop their businesses, Pizza
Great Ingredients, Great Food.
Trialling these new features are exciting opportunities for Pizza
Hut not only guarantees ingredients for its products at the standard
Hut. However, when asked what they feel the keys to success for
it requires, but it also empowers these local businesses and has an
the brand in Africa are, Ewan had this to say: “Success in Africa is
ongoing positive effect in the area.
largely focused around two things: the first is having an established
This not only allows Pizza Hut pizzas to reach their standard
supply chain, and the second is your affordability.” Many of the
and maintain the consistency that is essential to any QSR chain,
lowest GDP per capita countries in the world are in the African
but it also allows them to compete for their goal of being Africa’s
continent, making the Hut a premium brand for many of their
tastiest pizza. They already know that in customer tasting, they
African customers. Hence, whilst the experience is casual, it is a
score very favourably against their competition. This, plus their
offer a full are two out of their three special occasion, and oneAt that International customers expect to beMeat deliveredIngredients at focus on being we accessible and affordable,
product solution for cooked and meat strategies forfermented appealing to customers, and the third is speed, of prepared supply chain. Pizza Hut is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands Inc., one of Of course, this would not be possible without the right staff. meal sectors. We are proud to be the preferred the largest restaurant companies in the world, and both Yum! and Shaista Imam, Chief People Officer, was excited to talk to us about supplier to the world’s leading food brands and are therefore Pizza Hut have an incredibly high food quality and safety the Hut’s African team: “In Africa, we have a small but mighty team. considered be the industry leaders inbefood standard. “We will not change or reduce our to standards anywhere An organisation will only as goodsafety, as its people. It’s critical that in the world, which means we have to ensure that we have a very we have franchises, marketers, store managers and servers with sustainability and insight-led product innovation. strong and capable supply Whilst establishing our the right mindset. terms of staff training and recruitment, we Webase. put thewe’re customer at the heart ofIneverything businesses in each of these new countries, there’s a significant have a mantra here that is “People capability first”, and at Yum! we do, which is why for your convenience all our amount of work that goes into the supply chain infrastructure, we absolutely believe that. We take training very seriously.” To products are fully cooked and ready-to-eat. a high standard.
A part of delivering this standard is, as Ewan said, down to the service or delivery.and ingredients across pizza, sandwich
“We have a saying in the Gaelic language “Níof neart go cur le chéile” International Meat Ingredients is part - We are stronger when we act the Dawn Farms family of companies. together. We are honoured to receive To discover the ingredients that set us apart, the Food Supplier of the Year award visit www.dawnfarms.ie. and a special recognition award at this year’s Pizza Hut European FOOD SAFETY + INNOVATION + SUSTAINABILITY Supplier Conference, marking our “30 Years of Dedicated Service” which is a true sign of the mutual respect between our two businesses and the strong relationship that has developed in that time.”
16 | Endeavour Magazine
facilitate their expansion, Pizza Hut has taken on 3,000 new
Another potentially life-changing initiative from Pizza Hut
members of staff across the continent. Believing that no customer
Africa is the Slice of Africa drive; an initiative that continues the
experience can exceed that of a team member’s experience,
company’s global dedication to literacy by travelling 200,000kms
the company takes the support of these staff as seriously as its
across 12 countries to deliver Pizza Hut Red Reading Boxes to the
training. They have partnered with local NGOs who help youth
children who might not have access to books otherwise. The push
come off the streets and find employment, hiring many into their
is traveling in a triangle sharp across Africa, hence the “slice” in its
restaurants, and they have also launched an initiative to sponsor
name; at first, the journey launched a series of events to promote
their Restaurant General Managers (RGMs) through a four-year
the drive and encourage donations of books, and next year, it will
business degree.
be travelled again to deliver them to children in need, hopefully
“This is a huge commitment from Pizza Hut,” Shaista tells us,
helping to combat the high level of illiteracy in the continent.
“And I’m really excited because it grows our individuals. As you
Helping education and spreading joy, Pizza Hut seem to
can imagine, education in Africa is really important.” The support
be taking Africa by storm, and are only going to keep growing.
does not come with any compulsory time with Pizza Hut following
“Africa is a continent where, if you really get it right, you can have
graduation, following the model used by Starbucks, KFC and others
thousands of restaurants, but you really need to get it right.” It
in the US; the support in hugely beneficial for the development of
seems as though they’ve achieved that formula, and this month will
workers in the areas where Pizza Hut operate, and it also inspires
be the test they are most looking forward to: “This month, we’ll be
many to choose to stay with the company simply because they
launching in Nigeria, which is a country with 180 million people,
feel cared for within the team. In fact, this feeling travels all the
and an incredible excitement is being generated about our launch
way through the company, as Ewan shared: “We have senior team
there at the moment. If we can land the Pizza Hut brand in Nigeria,
members who started with us for their first job at 16 as a delivery
then we really do think that the sky is the limit.”
driver, which is really quite remarkable. I’ve not seen anything like it at my previous companies.”
Great Ingredients, Great Food. At International Meat Ingredients we offer a full product solution for cooked and fermented meat ingredients across pizza, sandwich and prepared meal sectors. We are proud to be the preferred supplier to the world’s leading food brands and are considered to be the industry leaders in food safety, sustainability and insight-led product innovation. We put the customer at the heart of everything we do, which is why for your convenience all our products are fully cooked and ready-to-eat.
International Meat Ingredients is part of the Dawn Farms family of companies. To discover the ingredients that set us apart, visit www.dawnfarms.ie. FOOD SAFETY + INNOVATION + SUSTAINABILITY
Endeavour Magazine | 17
TERANGA GOLD WWW.TERANGAGOLD.COM // 001 416 594 0000
A BRIGHT TOMORROW If you remember our last conversation with Teranga Gold Corporation, then you may remember the two core virtues that set them apart: an extremely healthy pipeline of assets, and truly innovative corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes. This gold mining company operates out of French West Africa, with a presence in three countries but a current focus in Senegal. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
TERANGA GOLD
As gold continues on its dip before its predicted rise in value, we caught up with Richard Young, President and CEO of Teranga Gold, to get the latest news on the company’s growth pipeline and their hopes for the coming years.
I
t is always a pleasure to explore a company that is not only
undertakings must be matched by successful business practise, but
flourishing in its industry, but is making a genuine positive
neither receive attention at Teranga at the expense of the other.
impact on the world around it. These active contributions kept
“Through the cycle, we expect to generate very reasonable returns
Teranga on our radar and made us keen to keep in touch with the
for our shareholders.”
ambitious mining company. “Our vision is to become a multi-asset
French West Africa is outwardly friendly towards the mining
mid-tier gold producer in West Africa, and our mission is to share
industry; the countries have favourable and well-defined mining
the benefits of responsible mining with all of our stakeholders,”
codes put in place to both protect themselves and make themselves
Richard reminds us with pride. These twin goals define Teranga,
desirable for overseas mining interest. Their geographical location
with their ambition never coming at the expense of their ethical
facilitates shipping to both North America and Europe, but it is the
approach to the industry. “By the time we leave a region, they’re
support and cooperation of their governments, and of course their
better off than when we came. It’s the core of everything we do.”
rich natural resources, that appeal to companies like Teranga. This
Richard trained as an accountant before he became interested
level of outreach and support wouldn’t exist if these companies
in mining, an industry that he has now been with for almost 30
weren’t a boon to the country: “Mining is a cornerstone of the West
years. “As a Canadian, I was looking for an opportunity in an industry
African economy. We provide high-paying jobs; in Senegal, 95% of
that competed globally, and mining is one of them.” What started
our employees are Senegalese and we buy most of our goods and
as a way to do business on a global scale soon became a genuine
services in-country. We are also the second largest tax payer in
passion for Richard and it was this interest in and appreciation for
Senegal.” This immediate economic impact, while significant, wasn’t
the world that attracted him. “I love mining. When you think about
sufficient for Teranga: “We said that if we want to be successful
what our industry does, we often move into rural areas, areas which
in Senegal and in West Africa, we have to lead with our CSR
are often the poorest region in any country. What I love about our
programme.”
industry is that we have the power to make a significant difference
When Teranga Gold arrived in Senegal ten years ago, the area
to the local community and the national economies of the countries
surrounding its Sabodala mine was one of the poorest in the region,
we work in.” Of course, to be a successful business, all responsible
and ranked extremely low on the country’s health index. Today, it
20 | Endeavour Magazine
TERANGA GOLD is one of the healthiest regions in the country, thanks to the efforts
schools, either directly or through the vast contribution to the
empowered by Teranga’s input and support. “Not only have we
country’s taxes and economy. Most of Teranga’s direct involvement,
built medical centres, but we’ve set up a dozen market gardens.
however, does not come from management’s own initiatives for
Where we are, there is a distinct rainy season, meaning there is
the country, but those of the local people: “Rather than a top-down
a very small window for growing crops. We’ve created ‘market
approach where we’ve come in and determined what we think the
gardens’ with drip irrigation systems that run 12 months a year.”
community wants or needs, we’ve used a bottom-up approach,
From lacking sufficient food in the past to having a current surplus
working with local, regional and national authorities to put together
of crops, the communities around Sabodala now consume 20-30%
a development plan for this region. Over the years, we’ve probably
of what they produce, meaning the rest can be sold, both locally
put about $20 million into the local communities, and they make
and regionally. The women of these communities are the ones who
the decisions on where that money is spent.” These projects have
tend the market gardens, meaning that for many of them, they have
included the development of hotels (which also provide a source
a source of income for the first time. Teranga has also hired experts
of temporary housing for Teranga employees) and the purchase of
to advise locals to provide advice on nutrition and which crops to
buses to develop a local public transport system – both schemes
grow, introducing a healthier variety into the area at large. Each
are to provide new avenues for income and employment once
market garden costs between $40,000-$50,000 to put in place,
Teranga’s mine closes. Teranga provides the funds for this, and puts
but beyond this and the input of the hired experts, Teranga leaves
the power in the people’s hands: “They build the projects, they’re
these farms to be managed by the local people, empowering them
responsible for them, and I think that’s the best way to do it.”
to take these resources and make them their own.
The outlook for Senegal and wider French West Africa is strong
This is one of many changes that Teranga has made for the
and growth-focused but how about the outlook for the gold
areas it works in. The company has also installed medical centres,
market? As we all know, gold prices have been declining steadily
and has been involved in the improvement of roads, hospitals and
for the past 6 months, and with no major discoveries being made.
22 | Endeavour Magazine
Richard gave us his perspective: “Within the sector, we hit peak
a total of over $300 million in free cash flow. “It’s that free cash
discovery in 1995. Now, as an industry, we’ve got declining grades,
flow that we will use to help fund the development of the organic
which ultimately means declining production. Meanwhile, we’re
growth pipeline that we’ve got,” explained Richard.
seeing much stronger demand coming out of Asia than 20 years
Teranga’s second mine, Wahgnion, is currently under
ago. In the gold market, China and India used to represent about
construction in Burkina Faso. Between this new mine and
25% of the demand - now they’re 50%. As Asia sees 400-500
Sabodala, the company expects to boost its yearly output to
million people move into the middle class, we think that demand
350,000 ounces of gold, with a long 13-year mine life for each
will continue to grow.” With declining grades and rising demand,
operation. This projection reflects only the current proven and
there should a point of inflection where scarcity drives gold prices
probable gold reserves, without considering the expected growth
back up, and anyone sitting on a prospective pipeline could be set
from ongoing exploration drilling programs on both sites. “There’s
to profit greatly from the upswing.
a new discovery in Burkina Faso that we also think will be our third
Teranga Gold is extremely aware of this, and they’re ready.
mine.” This new discovery is known as Golden Hill. Still in the early
With its organic growth pipeline, Teranga could be producing half a
stages of exploration, Teranga has been exploring this land package
million ounces within five years and anywhere from 750,000 to one
for the past 24 months. “We’ve been drilling a 7.5-kilometre radius,
million ounces over the next decade.
along a belt that could extend 30 or 40 kilometres. We’ve just
The company’s current producing mine is in Senegal. Sabodala,
entered into a joint venture on a project about 20-25 km north,
an open-pit gold mine went into production in 2009, and is the
where there’s about half a dozen targets that look similar to the
largest producing mine in the country. For each of the past three
nine that we’ve drilled. So, we’re very bullish on the perspectivity
years, the mine has produced more than 200,000 ounces of gold
of this gold belt. Assuming that it moves forward, and we
annually, and over the next five years is projected to produce
anticipate that it will, this third mine should take us to half a
approximately 1.5 million ounces of gold, on top of generating
million ounces.”
Endeavour Magazine | 23
TERANGA GOLD what first attracted David to Teranga, apart from his presence in Finally, in addition to Sabodala, Wahgnion and Golden Hill,
the area. “First, he’s bullish on gold prices. He believes that we’re
the company has entered into two joint ventures in Côte d’Ivoire.
going to see higher gold prices in the future. But also, he really was
Success in this third jurisdiction, could potentially take company-
drawn to us because of our strong CSR programmes.”
wide annual production to 750,000 or a million ounces. It is a longterm plan, but that is how the mining game is played.
Once again, Teranga’s success comes back around to corporate social responsibility. The two are tightly linked, and both are close
A key supporter of Teranga’s ambition is David Mimran, the
to the company’s heart. So, what does the future look like for
company’s major shareholder and a vast commercial presence in
Teranga? We asked Richard what progress we can expect to see
French West Africa in his own right. Mr. Mimran currently owns
from their exciting pipeline a year from now: “First and foremost,
a 23% share of Teranga Gold and, at his request, has received
Wahgnion should be largely complete and starting operation.
board approval to increase to 29.9%. His company is the largest
Secondly, we expect to have our initial resource for Golden Hill
employer in two of the three countries in which Teranga operates.
and we would be moving through the feasibility study. Thirdly, we
Mr. Mimran is keen to see Teranga hit the million-ounce producer
would expect to have further exploration and development news
mark, and his support has been invaluable for the company; not
from Côte d’Ivoire.” Gambles and investments in mining can take a
only does he provide financial input, but his name builds bridges
long time to come to fruition, and yet every year includes exciting
and opens doors.
reveals and new results. We look forward to our next conversation
“In French West Africa, they’re really strong proponents of local ownership, and David Mimran is seen as a local. His family has been operating there successfully for 60 years, and that’s a real benefit to us. Understanding the way these countries work is important, and he gives us an additional degree of respect.” We asked Richard
24 | Endeavour Magazine
with Teranga Gold, and can’t wait to see this rich pipeline begin to pay off.
AMAZING WORLD THE SURPRISE AT ABRAHAM LAKE
A
mongst
BY JAMES LAPPING
the
Canadian
Rocky
Bighorn Dam, a hydroelectric plant made
lays bottom of the water. As glaciers move
in
Clearwater
County
by TransAlta Corporation in 1972, with the
through the mountains they grind down the
on the western edge of province
ability to generate 120 megawatts of energy.
sedimentary bedrock into a silty texture that
of Alberta, sits Abraham Lake. Canada is
The lake was made at a length of 20 miles,
enhances the colour of the water to make it
no stranger to natural lakes – in fact, the
and covers an area of 20.7 square miles.
look magical.
Mountains,
country holds more than 50% of the world’s
Similar to the natural lakes that surround
However, when winter comes calling,
lakes! However, on the North Saskatchewan
it, Abraham possesses an illuminating blue
the lake makes a miraculous transformation.
River, there is a natural phenomenon that
colour that looks idyllic with the snow-
In Alberta, the cold weather can bring
lays hidden in the depths, a secret wonder
capped mountains that rise above it. Just
temperatures that can reach lows of -25
that has remained unknown to many.
like glacial lakes that neighbour Abraham,
Celsius and wind speeds up to 48km/h.
this colour is caused by the rock flour that
This would certainly be a storm that you
Abraham Lake was created as part of the 26 | Endeavour Magazine
form, these bubbles of methane become
highly recommended to take a visit to one of
trapped and create pale orbs that are visible
these Lakes. To walk above the ice and see
below frozen surface. Some of these frozen
the columns of bubbles fall into the darkness
bubbles create almighty columns that can
below would be exhilarating. You could
be seen reaching right to the bottom of the
maybe even go for an ice skate too, and
lake, and because the ice is so clear, you
you don’t have to worry about falling into
can see these travelling far down into the
the icy water, as you can see how thick the
dark depths of Abraham Lake. Wonderful
ice is beneath you! My one word of caution
structures are formed within the ice and
would be to remind you that the bubbles
no two formations are the same, they have
are created from methane, and you certainly
been created in an immaculate fashion, they
wouldn’t want to light one up with a match
are visually similar to hundreds of pebbles
when it is about to burst…
that have been balanced upon one another,
This is a reason that the scientific field
however those with empty stomachs think
has also begun a strong interest in the lake’s
they take more of a likeness to a stack
icy orbs. Climate Change Scientists are giving
of pancakes!
a lot of attention to the phenomena as it is
Naturally, the lake and its unique
becoming increasing clear in recent years
phenomenon are now becoming more
that methane gas may be one of the most
and more popular with photographers and
potent greenhouse gasses. This contribution
tourists visiting the region. If the images
to climate change from lakes methane
included in this article aren’t enough for
may be minimal in comparison to the
you, I strongly advise you have search
livestock and agriculture industry, however,
wouldn’t want to be caught up in, and when
online. Photographers have created some
permafrost under the lake is believed to be
this weather front reaches Abraham Lake,
spectacular images of the superb gaseous
decreasing, and therefore increasing the
ice forms that is clear as a crystal. But that’s
ice structures that certainly capture the
release of methane from the lakes.
not all, something magnificent forms within
imagination.
the ice that has left visitors truly astonished.
This doesn’t stop Abraham Lakes frozen
It is not just Abraham Lake that
bubbles being a thing of beauty. Let’s hope
Lurking at the depths of most natural
possesses these frozen bubbles. Within
that not only can this phenomenon can be
lakes, bacteria eat dead plants and organic
the same region, Lake Minnewanka and
a nice post for your photography blog, but
matter. Just like us, they create a particular
Lake Vermillion also can produce these iced
something that also helps raise awareness to
byproduct after eating (farts). Usually these
gassy columns. This is still a site that you will
some of the serious climate issues that we
just pass to the surface when the lake is in
seldom see elsewhere in the world, though.
are facing in the 21st Century.
a liquid state, but when the ice begins to
So, if you wish to make the journey, it is Endeavour Magazine | 27
COPPER BRANCH WWW.EATCOPPERBRANCH.COM // 001 438 884 1494
SUPERFOODS AND POWER BOWLS Traditionally, fast food poses a dilemma: on the one hand, we are probably in a hurry, and want something quick, convenient and delicious, with that little bit of a ‘treat’ factor, but on the other hand, we are more conscious than ever about our diets and a desire to eat healthily. Surely, you can only have one or the other? We’re used to fast-casual dining holding a hint of guilt to it, but what if that doesn’t need to be the case? WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
COPPER BRANCH
A few solutions have come along: in place of takeaway, companies such as Postmates and Deliveroo allow us to order restaurant-quality food to our doors, and there are some quick-service restaurants that are trying to use healthier ingredients. However, this market is still lacking, and within that space, the vegan and vegetarian market is still marginalised. Copper Branch are looking to change all of that, and they’ve already begun.
C
opper Branch is a chain of quick-service restaurants that
Branch concept. Taking the contacts and experience he gained
serve 100% plant-based fast casuals. We spoke with Andrew
from this time in the fast food industry, he sold all of his franchises
Infantino, the company’s Director of Marketing and Branch
and invested fully in his new company. “When I saw my father
Management, who has worked alongside his father Rio Infantino
start working on the concept, about a year and a half before we
to bring Rio’s vision and ambition to life. “Essentially, we’re a quick-
opened the first location, I was very interested in not only working
serve chain offering a chef-inspired, wholefood, plant-based menu.
and helping him, but also seeing this wonderful idea to fruition.”
What really sets Copper Branch apart is that we take plant-based
Rio’s idea was inspired from his own journey from obesity to
foods, vegan foods, and tailor them for the mainstream. We’re
health, and the knowledge he gained about healthier eating and
hoping to attract a clientele that is simply looking to eat something
ingredients. Andrew describes his father as a chef, even though this
healthy and wholesome, and not necessarily only the vegan and
wasn’t his training, for his sheer creativity, knowledge and passion
vegetarian community.”
for cooking. With this and his fast food experience, he decided to
For the most part, vegan and vegetarian brands market
create something new, and needed.
specifically to this niche, but Andrew believes that everyone would
As well as providing a 100% vegan-friendly menu, Copper
enjoy Copper Branch’s healthy and flavourful menu. “We saw a need
Branch also use completely organic, non-GMO ingredients, with
in the fast-casual space. Obviously, there is a lot of competition in
nothing on the menu that has been either modified or exposed
the space, but we definitely saw a void, especially in that plant-
to preservations. “We don’t even use frying in our restaurants –
based area. We were continuously looking for a health-oriented
it’s only oven-baking or raw ingredients – so it is definitely a more
option that you can trust, and the options simply weren’t there.”
health-oriented fast-casual concept.” Their menu features many
The Infantinos don’t believe in limiting themselves to a niche, but
superfoods, and in every location, their fruits and vegetables are
aim to see their vegan, wholefoods menu go mainstream. “I believe
locally sourced as much as possible. At first, this level of care, quality
that around the globe, there’s been a shift in what people are
and variety did mean a higher price-point than their competitors,
demanding from food. There’s more scientific knowledge regarding
but as Copper Branch’s numbers have increased, this was able to
what food can do to our bodies and around the globe, more vegan
come down. “We try to be very price competitive, but we also hope
products are becoming available. There’s a growing demand, and
that our customers appreciate the value in the food, and be willing
we just hope to be one of the leading influencers in the space.”
to pay slightly more for a better-quality meal.”
Andrew’s father and Copper Branch’s CEO and Founder, Rio,
Copper Branch opened its first location in September 2014.
was a franchisee with Subway before he developed the Copper
Leading up to this, Rio worked with around ten different vegan
30 | Endeavour Magazine
COPPER BRANCH chefs to put together the first menu, but in the end, he worked
for now we are focusing on France.” Belgium and the UK are also
closely together with one chef in particular to devise the core
in the line-up, with locations set to open in these countries by late
dishes that Copper Branch is known for today. “It had to be a
2019/2020.
menu that would be easy to produce, and of course, duplicatable
The reception to Copper Branch has been warm, from customers
and consistent across a chain.” Whilst the entire menu had us
and franchisees alike. “There definitely is a lot of excitement. For the
feeling hungry, it certainly has some fan-favourites, particularly the
most part, we’ve been attracting franchisees who are passionate
Spicy Black Bean and the Shiitake burgers, and Copper Branch’s
about the ‘food revolution’, so there’s lots of enthusiasm. Of course,
creative Power Bowls – essentially elaborate salads brimming
there’s always a certain scepticism towards a new company, and
with ingredients and served with your choice of organic brown
people thinking this might be a niche, but they’ve seen that we
rice, organic quinoa, zero-calorie konjac noodles or mixed lettuce.
market to the mainstream.”
The rest of the menu is just as delicious, with a diverse offering
“I think people were waiting for a concept like this – especially
of creatively designed sandwiches, all-day breakfasts, fresh sides,
in that plant-based space. The name Copper Branch is getting more
soups, smoothies and organic coffees and teas. “Whilst the first
and more known, but even without that name, when we’re opening
menu was being developed, we also had to work on the business
in new markets, that plant-based aspect has been a wonderful
plan, the marketing strategy, the position strategy, and then pulling
attractor for a lot of customers to at least come and try the menu.”
together all of those contacts and finding the best suppliers.”
Of course, in offering vegan, organic food options, ethics are
After their first location opened, Copper Branch expanded
likely to be a high priority for many of Copper Branch’s customers.
this to seven in the following months. This base allowed them to
They are deeply important to Copper Branch as well – especially
finalise their concept and find a model that worked, and from there,
in the case of environmental responsibility. Andrew describes this
they’ve continued to franchise and expand to 80 locations. These
responsibility as one of their core values. As a part of their dedication
franchises are mostly in Canada and the United States, but they are
to this value, the company is partnered with an organisation called
also looking further afield. “We are definitely looking to Europe, but
Rainforest Trust. This Washington-based, international organisation
32 | Endeavour Magazine
A Great Name for a Great Coffee works with local governments around the world to purchase and protect areas of rainforest and other animal or land sanctuaries. Through their partnership with Copper Branch, the charity receives donations whenever customers use the chain’s loyalty system and their mobile app. Andrew also believes that the very act of being a vegan chain is kinder to the environment. “We have a direct effect on sustainability by not contributing to animal food production and the destruction of lands that are required to raise cattle. As we grow the chain, we’ll even be able to formulate some numbers in terms of how many animals we save per day, how many acres of land we save etc.” Whether it is for these vegan or environmental ideologies, an interest in your health or even just a quest for a new and tasty quick meal, Copper Branch is full of reasons to give their menu a try. We look forward to the opening of their UK locations, and wouldn’t be surprised to see their global expansion continue. By appealing to an overlooked niche and still appealing to the mainstream, Copper Branch have claimed their position in the fast-casual food industry, and are an innovative answer to a yearning need from consumers. Next time you pass one, try one of their Power Bowls for yourself, and see how good fast food can taste!
Endeavour Magazine | 33
PRIMAROSA FLOWERS LIMITED WWW.PRIMAROSAFLOWERS.COM // 00254 20 2088352
COMING UP ROSES As we explored last month, Floriculture is a relatively new, and yet definitive industry in Kenya. Until the mid-1980s, flowers were not considered an export, with no support or recognition from the government or any trade union bodies. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
PRIMAROSA FLOWERS LIMITED
In part, this was because decorative flowers are not culturally purchased in Kenya, or to a lesser degree, the rest of Africa. However, once land owners realised that it was a hungry market overseas, innovators began to lobby for this new trade to be recognised, and now, Kenya holds over 150 thriving flower farms. One such farm is Primarosa Flowers Ltd.
PYRETONE 40EC EMULSIFIABLE CONCENTRATE
F
ocusing primarily on roses, Primarosa seek to offer a superior product to customers around the globe; something that will be cherished by the recipients of the flowers they
tend and supply. The company offers a range of rose products,
Natural organic insecticide extracted from pyrethrum flowers for the control of thrips, aphids and whiteflies on roses, french beans and herbs.
including intermediates, T-hybrids & spray roses, which they grow and supply to supermarkets, importers, wholesalers and RE-ENTRY INTERVAL: 6HRS
reliability and an elite quality, and to achieve all of this with
Crop
Pest
Roses
Thrips ,aphids & whiteflies
French beans
florists. For all of these markets, they aim to achieve consistency,
Rate/ha/ 1000lts 1 Litre
Rate/20lts of water
PHI
20ml
6 hrs
Herbs
what they call a “personal touch”. In their own words, “We aim to create landmarks in floricultural, legal, environmental and social standards, and to adapt to the upcoming state-of-the-art technologies in meeting the growing demands and expectations of our customers.”
Grown, Extracted, Manufactured and Formulated in Kenya.
Primarosa is relatively new to the flower market, founded in 2003. It was founded by the Kamani family following their purchase of Athiriver Farm. Now into its fifteenth year of operations, Primarosa Flowers Ltd. is flourishing, keeping its values at its core and through them, beating its competition to become one
PARTNERING WITH FARMERS
THE KEY TO BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF PEST
KENAGRO SUPPLIERS LTD P.O.BOX 12775-00400 Nairobi, Kenya.Tel: +254 725 538 297/+254 770 805 211 Email:sales@kenagrosuppliers.co.ke | Web:www.kenagrosuppliers.co.ke
36 | Endeavour Magazine
of the fastest growing flower farms in Kenya. To date, they have grown to over 100 hectares of farmland, all of which is covered by greenhouses. In these greenhouses, they carefully nurture and grow over 150 million roses per year, which are exported to the flower markets in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia and America, among others. Their key focus-areas for the future are to continue the expansion of their presence in North America, Japan and China,
PRIMAROSA FLOWERS LIMITED as well as to reach out to previously unconquered markets. As a
ways of shopping. The company used to sell its flowers at auction,
part of this aim, the company is also looking to purchase new farms
but in the search for a more stable, year-round price, it targeted
in the next three to five years to meet the rising demand as their
several unfulfilled markets to look for steady buyers. Since 2014,
reach spreads.
the business model has transitioned to 100% direct market sales,
The Kamanis are still closely involved in the running of
and no more involvement with auctions. However, the greatest
Primarosa, keeping the company and its developments closely
changes in keeping up with modern clients involve changes to
governed by the family. Whilst flowers are a traditional decoration
software. “Sensing global trends, we are adapting to new user-
or gift, trends in consumers’ tastes are subject to change. For
friendly software technologies and have introduced internet
example, the company noticed that the demand for ‘big head roses’
marketing initiatives to reach out to premium buyers across the
was on the rise, and so they added these to their portfolio. As Bobby
globe.” This software seeks to enable the b2b selling of their product
Kemani, Managing Director for Primarosa explained, “By offering a
with ease, allowing for easy inventory management for themselves
larger assortment of products, we have successfully managed to
and stockists.
increase the customer base.” They expand these products in two
In more physical terms, the company also invested over ten
ways - responding to visible demand, such as the addition of big
million Kenya shillings in banana trolley systems to transport flowers
head roses, and also trials of new varieties to predict and gauge
more efficiently between the greenhouses and packhouses across
future popularity and demand.
the 100-hectare land. This system not only improves process time,
Of course, responding to trends not only responds to people’s
but also protects flower quality and increases workforce efficiency.
reception of the product itself, but also Primarosa’s style of
Further investments have included Integrated Pest Management,
business practice. For example, the company’s farms must adapt
which allows the control of crop-threatening pests with the use of
to the latest eco-friendly practice standards, and as well as keeping
other, carefully raised insects that target the pests, thus reducing
up with these expectations, they must keep up with the latest
the use of chemical pesticides. Finally, perhaps their most crucial,
38 | Endeavour Magazine
and ongoing, investment is their staff, always looking to recruit and
all provided with access to medical services, as well as regular HIV/
train up young talent to their team.
AIDS awareness training sessions.
Primarosa Farm operates under an umbrella called Zuri Group
Since its inception, the floricultural industry has become a
Global. The Group is known for elegant hospitality services
significant export for Kenya. However, despite the government’s
and a premium hotel chain, as well as, of course, its floricultural
ongoing support of the sector since it became recognised, Primarosa
operations. In fact, the Group now has three farms, at 1600m &
told us that recent tax amendments and new, stricter import
2350m altitude, to allow for the growth of different flower varieties.
protocols have resulted in a rise in prices of the resources needed
Primarosa operates at 1600m; its sibling farms, Zuri Farm and Yakira
to grow flowers, which has increased a sense of competition from
Farm, are based in Ol Joro orok Nyahururu. At Yakira, the Group is
growers in countries like Ethiopia and Uganda.
focusing on producing a new, premium brand of flowers, which will
However, Primarosa continues to offer the same products at the
trade under the new brand, Prim Fleurs. In time, the Group seeks to
same quality as ever, and is determined to maintain its relationship
also relocate Primarosa from Athiriver to Ol Joro orok Nyahururu.
with its markets despite these new challenges. We will see how
All three farms are Fairtrade farms, meaning they match the
Kenyan flower growers respond to the current issue, but it seems
standards of safety, ethical operations, and fair treatment of staff.
unlikely that this iconic industry for the country is going to stop
This status makes Primarosa and its siblings preferred suppliers to
flourishing any time soon.
their key customers in Europe, especially in the Netherlands and Norway. Being Fairtrade certified also means the company has been recognised for its corporate social responsibility projects, including its energy and nature conservation efforts. It has also been recognised for the training and support it offers to its 1000 staff (soon to increase to 1500); for example, their workforce are
We are proud to be associated with PRIMAROSA FLOWERS LTD
Endeavour Magazine | 39
KEMPINSKI DOMINICA HTTPS://WWW.KEMPINSKI.COM/EN/DOMINICA/CABRITS-RESORT-KEMPINSKI-DOMINICA/
CABRITS RESORT & SPA The latest resort belonging to global hotelier Kempinski, the Cabrits Resort & Spa is designed to be a hideaway resort that is expected to rank amongst the best in its class in the Caribbean. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
KEMPINSKI DOMINICA
Opening in late 2019, the Cabrits Resort & Spa is being developed in the Cabrits National Park, allowing it to offer a truly picturesque, tucked-away setting for its visitors. Dominica Island is a perfect location for ecotourism, yet whilst its catering to this industry is strong, it is yet to be overrun by holiday makers.
I
n fact, it is considered by those ‘in the know’ to be one of the
the cost of quality, and the Kempinski experience is recognisable
Caribbean’s ‘best kept secrets’; waterfalls, boiling springs,
from its iconic breakfasts to its standard-setting Ladies in Red.
and literally as many rivers as days in the year, the area is
The Lady in Red is the face of Kempinski at every hotel.
breathtaking, and Kempinski’s latest resort is preparing to make all
Ambassadors of the brand and bastions of their guests’ visits, a
of this accessible in style.
Kempinski Lady is Red is easy to recognise around the hotel from,
According to Kempinski, Cabrits Resort & Spa has been designed
of course, her red attire, adapted to reflect the culture and style of
to “preserve a natural balance between the land and the sea, whilst
each hotel’s location. Working alongside the concierge, the Lady in
ensuring a modern contemporary guest experience.” The volcanic
Red of the hotel helps to make every guest’s stay as comfortable,
island features iconic black sand beaches and emerald pools, with
easy and unique as possible. She will be fluent in multiple languages,
the nature on the island remaining mostly untouched. Included in
will have a detailed knowledge of the local area, and takes her time
this are the island’s rainforests, which are home to over 160 species
to learn every individual guest’s needs. The concept of the Lady in
of bird and 55 species of butterfly. It is also home to the second
Red was introduced to Kempinski hotels in 2009, and they are now
largest natural hot spring in the world, known as “The Boiling Lake”.
the recognisable mark of the Kempinski brand.
Since it was founded in 1897, Kempinski has launched resort
Wherever in the world you’re visiting, Kempinski’s five-star
destinations in striking locations around the world, bringing a taste
hotels seek to provide everything their guests could need, be you
of its European routes wherever it goes, but always blending this
looking for a luxury holiday or a corporate trip. Golf courses, spas
with an authentic experience of the country they’re sharing with
and, where appropriate, skiing are some of the many facilities the
their guests. Its impressive collection now holds 76 five-star hotels
hotelier provides, as well as larger than average rooms with what
in 31 countries around the globe, with a presence in every continent,
the company calls “state of the art amenities”. You are even able to
and numerous venues in Germany and China in particular.
get married in their hotels!
This wide spread is in part thanks to Kempinski Hotels’ long
One of the areas Kempinski is best known for, however, is the
history: with 120 years behind it, it is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel
food. The company describes its gourmet specialists as “cutting-
group. This legacy began with the opening of the ‘Hotelbetriebs-
edge leaders of our gastronomical culture and passion, and the
Aktiengesellschaft’ in Berlin, and at the same time, the development
guardians of our closest kept secrets!” The company traces its
of M. Kempinski & Co, which would later buy the hotel in 1953.
attention to gastronomic detail back to the early days of its
Offering a five-star stay in every venue, expansion did not come at
European heritage, with European tastes always blended in to
42 | Endeavour Magazine
KEMPINSKI DOMINICA the cuisine on offer, whilst at the same time, taking great pains to
chocolate from Madagascar, known for its hint of fruity sweetness.
present local cuisine to their guests at the highest standard. As the
Even more delicious is their hot chocolate: “We take our hot
company boasts, “From classic European flair to bold Asian fusions
chocolates very seriously. Our chocolate is not powdered - instead,
and exotic African delights, we offer our guests a remarkable
it is melted or stringed ensuring a high-quality hot chocolate. Here
journey through unique dining and tasting experiences at every
at Kempinski you can personalise your hot chocolate to your own
hotel, making the most of our experts’ creativity and the finest local
desired taste.” For example, you can choose your own chocolate
ingredients. Several of our hotels hand-pick fruit, vegetables and
- 85% Guanaja, or 64% Manjari, for example – and can infuse it
herbs from their own organic gardens, while another makes yoghurt
with caramel or assorted fruit coulis, and top it with whipped cream
and butter from its own herd of cows.” A guest at a Kempinski hotel
or marshmallows.”
can rely on European staples and truly unique local specialities
On the opposite end of the spectrum from these decadent
being on offer: for example, at their Seychelles Resort, you can give
and indulgent hot chocolates, the hotels also serve healthy treats
curried fruit bat a taste, and in China, you can try a variety of hand-
such as ‘Power Shots’ – shots prepared from super foods heavy in
made teas, including Maojian, a blend that is brewed in the shells of
nutrients such as pineapple, carrot, orange or ginger.
mountain snails.
Employing around 22,500 members of staff, Kempinski’s hotels
Despite this dedication to local cuisine, one area where the
receive an average of four million guests every year. The company
hotelier’s European roots truly shine through is at breakfast.
takes the wellbeing of both guests and staff seriously, as well as
Kempinski starts every day with a traditional continental, European
the impact that both groups have on the local communities around
breakfast spread – but this is no simple breakfast. Every detail is
their hotels. This both means that they take great care of their
lovingly made to the highest quality: the bread, croissants and
employees, and also that they have active CSR programmes that
pastries are freshly baked and served hot from the oven, and the
work in the areas where they are hiring and operating. The three
iconic European chocolate spread uses Valrhona Manjari dark
focus areas of these initiatives are health, arts and culture, and
44 | Endeavour Magazine
energy use. These initiatives start as small as encouraging guests to signal if they are happy for their beds to be remade with the same linens, to cut down on the energy use in laundry, to large initiatives that reach out to staff and local communities to promote the importance of health awareness and education, as well as awareness of eco-friendly practices. From behind the scenes responsibility and quality assurance, to the five-star experiences enjoyed by guests, Kempinski hotels are maintaining and spreading their standard across their global empire. The latest addition, the Cabrits Resort & Spa in Kempinski Dominica, will bring this luxurious standard to the breathtaking, tucked-away island, letting you experience its sheltered natural beauty in inarguable style. Its doors open in late 2019, but they’re already accepting emails, so make a booking ahead of time to be in the first wave to enjoy this ‘secret’ getaway!
DO RIGHT AND PROSPER Contact our Marketing Coordinator
NH is the Caribbean’s most trusted construction and design/build company. Driven by integrity, we deliver projects that transform businesses, shift landscapes and build nations.
We Design, Develop, Finance, and Build Projects: • Hotels & Resorts • Commercial • Industrial • Residential • Education • Aviation • Hospitals
Endeavour Magazine | 45
AMAZING WORLD CONUNDRUM OF THE AI WORKSHOPS
A
rt is a world generally acknowledged to be in a state of constant flux. In few other fields of human endeavour
is rapid, dramatic change expected and accepted as readily or sought after so constantly. From primitive man’s first murals of horses, bulls and bears from 31,000 BCE, to the painted pottery of Ancient Greece, to the sublime oil on canvas technique of Leonardo da Vinci and the visual revolution of Cubism lead by Pablo Picasso, the way our world has been continually represented in new ways is truly remarkable. Michelangelo,
Vincent
van
Gogh,
Claude Monet, Rembrandt, Paul Cezanne… Despite their differences in form, the aforementioned artists have two things in common: 1) Their work is exceptionally wellregarded and valuable; and 2) They were all human. The second point may seem obvious to the point of being bizarre, as many people would probably not consider anything other than a human being actively pursuing the arts - although there are certainly examples of animals taking up the brush (with varying degrees of success). However, a painting was recently sold at Christie’s in New York for an impressive $432,000; its creator wasn’t human, animal, or even alive: it was created by AI. Before we go any further, I implore you to first look at the picture adjacent. As you can see, the painting – entitled ‘Edmund de Belamy’ – was not painted by brush, but is rather a series of coloured ink-dots on a 27.5”x27.5” canvas set within a gilded frame. Up close, the painting doesn’t look like much 46 | Endeavour Magazine
BY WILL GIRLING
else, but by stepping further away, it comes
years, both for their originality of vision and
together to form the mysterious image of its
for challenging the popular conventions for
subject. For the mathematically-minded, the
what constitutes ‘art’. Now, ironically, these
algorithm code that helped create the image
once-derided works are part of mainstream
is ‘signed’ at the bottom of the canvas, as a
culture.
kind of nom d’artiste for the AI.
So, can ‘Edmund de Belamy’ genuinely
Okay, okay; it’s not exactly the Mona
be considered a piece of art? The painting,
Lisa, but how did this come about? It all
originally appraised at only a few thousand
began with the French collective Obvious,
dollars, performed exceptionally well at
a group of artists/friends/researchers who
auction, indicating clearly that, at the very
discovered something called Generative
least, there is a paying market for such
Adversarial Networks (GANs); these are
works. Unusual form can hardly be a criticism
learning algorithms for machines that are
either, as the movements of Impressionism,
capable of generating unique images. The
Cubism, and Surrealism proved that life-
AI was given 15,000 examples of pre-20th
like accuracy should never interfere with
Century portraiture as a ‘stylistic baseline’
an interesting idea. Perhaps the more
and was then let loose to create its own
appropriate questions would be: is the AI
original image. As you can see, the AI
actually an artist? Is a machine creating
struggles with the finer details of the human
independently from a foundation of previous
face, and this is a recurrent flaw with its
works significantly different to the creations
process (as evidenced in other examples of
of any art student? Is the AI’s fulfilment of a
its work, which can also be found at obvious-
task at the behest of its programmer so far
art.com), but nevertheless, the AI’s concept/
removed from the archetypical ‘struggling
intent is arguably quite obvious.
artist’ painting for his/her patron?
Yet always the question lingers, like the
Hungarian painter Elmyr de Hory, one
poisonous whisper of Rudyard Kipling’s
of the most infamous art forgers in history,
devil in his poem Conundrum of the
had a philosophy: a fake piece of art can
Workshops, “It’s pretty, but is it art?” What
be as good or even better than the real
is and isn’t ‘art’ is a difficult question, and
thing, so long as it still ‘moves’ the viewer
one left largely to beholder. In 1917, Marcel
genuinely. Given that this picture has already
Duchamp exhibited a men’s lavatory urinal,
caused a stir in the art world, and that the
un-modified save for a pseudonym that
advancement of AI is less a question of ‘if’
Duchamp had signed it with. In the late
than ‘when’, we can surely look forward to
40’s, Jackson Pollock displayed paintings
an ongoing debate about whether machines
that had no conventional form at all, having
ever could be artists in their own right.
been composed by randomly dripping paint onto the canvas. These artists have
See the work here:
subsequently grown in renown over the
obvious-art.com/edmond-de-belamy.html Endeavour Magazine | 47
ESA COPERNICUS WWW.ESA.INT/OUR_ACTIVITIES/OBSERVING_THE_EARTH/COPERNICUS // 0039 06 94180659
EARTH’S ALL-SEEING EYE Since the dawn of time, man has wanted to dominate space, but in recent years, a desire to improve the quality of our existing planet has been evolving and now, thanks to the Copernicus Programme, we know more than ever what we need to focus on. WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON
ESA COPERNICUS
Copernicus is a fascinating scientific programme that has been launched in order to observe Earth and its environment, in a bid to make decisions as to the best ways to improve the lives of European citizens.
I
f it sounds like a crucial initiative, it is, given that you can’t pick
Service – Mapping, in 2015 for the Atmosphere Monitoring
up a newspaper or watch the news without hearing about the
Service and the Marine Environment Monitoring Service) while
environmental impact we are having on the planet and even
others were declared operational more recently (in 2016 for the
more impressively, Copernicus services and data streams are
Border Surveillance and Maritime Surveillance components of
offered free of charge to approved users.
the Security service and in May 2017 for the Support to External Action component) or are still in their development phase (Climate
KEEPING AN EYE ON EVERYTHING
Change Service).” This gives an insight into how the needs of the scientific
Copernicus offers information from two sources: satellite Earth
community have evolved and changed, as the Earth falls prey
Observation and in-situ data, which translates to non-space data.
to new environmental risks. Where land monitoring has been
To effectively manage the volumes of information being generated,
operational for a while, with satellites tracking land masses and so
six separate ‘thematic areas’ have been devised, allowing users
forth, now, climate change needs to be more effectively tracked
to pick and choose specific data results to read with just the click
and that’s why the newest division is being implemented as soon
of a button.
as possible. For up-to-the-minute data, direct access to satellite
The different focal areas include Atmosphere, Marine
findings is also possible,
Environment, Land, Climate Change, Emergency Management and
“Copernicus builds on a constellation of satellites making
Security. Seeing them split into these individual topic areas really
millions of daily observations, as well as on a global network of
highlights not only how important they all are, but also how much
thousands of land-, air- and marine-based sensors to create the
information there must be to sift through. Critically, each division is
most detailed pictures of Earth. The vast majority of data and
at a different level of usefulness,
information delivered by the Copernicus Space infrastructure and
“The services have reached different degrees of maturity. Some
the Copernicus services are made available and accessible to any
were already declared operational several years ago (in 2012 for
citizen and any organisation around the world on a free, full and
the Land Monitoring Service and the Emergency Management
open access basis.”
50 | Endeavour Magazine
ESA COPERNICUS As with any observation programme, a great deal of management
of how the environment, land, water and climate of Europe is
is needed, to ensure that findings are accurate and presented in
behaving, but what is done with the information collected? How is
the most transparent and ethical way possible and in the case of
it turned into a tangible and executable plan to improve the lives of
the Copernicus project, the responsibility falls to the European
European people? Well, that’s where things get interesting,
Commission. This makes sense, obviously, as all the information
“The main users of Copernicus services are policymakers
being collated is harvested in order to benefit European citizens,
and public authorities who need the information to develop
but a number of organisations have come together to properly plan
environmental legislation and policies or to take critical decisions
and oversee the efforts of the programme,
in the event of an emergency, such as a natural disaster or a
“The Programme is coordinated and managed by the
humanitarian crisis.”
European Commission. It is implemented in partnership with the
This can relate to a slew of different industries, including but
Member States, the European Space Agency (ESA), the European
not limited to urban area management, forestry and fisheries and
Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites
even tourism. Moreover, sustainable business opportunities can be
(EUMETSAT), the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather
quickly identified from data analysis as well.
Forecasts (ECMWF), EU Agencies and Mercator Océan. Vast
Naturally, the Copernicus Programme has drawn a huge amount
amounts of global data from satellites and from ground-based,
of attention, thanks to what it can offer, but the effectiveness of
airborne and seaborne measurement systems are being used to
the endeavour has also been scrutinised. A 2017 study, carried
provide information to help service providers, public authorities
out by the European Commission itself, “focussed on Europe only
and other international organisations improve the quality of life for
and covered the 2017 - 2035 period. It aimed at giving a monetary
the citizens of Europe.”
value to all the benefits generated by the Copernicus programme
So, in simple terms, the Copernicus Programme takes data from
for intermediate users and end-users, with the ultimate objective
both space satellites and in-situ equipment, to offer an overview
to provide the EU and national policy makers, with an estimate of
52 | Endeavour Magazine
the potential return on investment. The first Copernicus Market Report published in 2016 and several former economic studies had already demonstrated the huge potential of the programme for job creation, innovation and growth.” The Copernicus Programme provides an essential flow of data for the continued improvement of European lives, but when you realise that it also has scope to create a multitude of extra employment opportunities and innovative environmental policies, it’s almost a wonder that it is still in its relative infancy. It’ll certainly be fascinating to see what policies and changes it leads to in the coming years and how they benefit the Earth.
Through 30+ years of close cooperation with scientists, governments, and private companies, CLS has developed a wide range of operational services to help solve key societal issues using satellite & in-situ data. Our focus is on the environment, and we build on Copernicus data to help decision-makers in finding the right answers to tomorrow’s sustainability challenges. Learn more: WWW.CLS.FR/EN/
DESIGNING, PROCESSING AND OPERATING DATA COLLECTION PLATFORMS (SATELLITES & UAVS)
MONITORING WATER RESOURCES
PROVIDING GEOINTELLIGENCE IN SUPPORT OF FRAGILE STATES
PREPARING KEY OCEAN DATA SETS TO ASSESS THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE
MONITORING STORMS AND MAPPING THE IMPACT OF NATURAL DISASTERS
MAPPING FOR URBAN MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT DATA TRANSMISSION SOLUTIONS WITH GLOBAL COVERAGE FOR OPERATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY
PROVISIONING OF EO DATA AND IN-SITU SOLUTIONS TO UNDERSTAND BIODIVERSITY, WILDLIFE AND ECOSYSTEMS
DETECTING & MONITORING MARINE POLLUTION
CLS, BUILDING ON COPERNICUS DATA TO IMPROVE THE LIFE OF CITIZENS European Commission is the programme manager of the Copernicus programme. All Copernicus Trade Marks are owned by the EU.
www.cls.fr/en/ Endeavour Magazine | 53
DAVIS & SHIRTLIFF WWW.DAVISANDSHIRTLIFF.COM // 254 020 6968 000
GOING WITH THE FLOW When it comes to water-related equipment in East Africa, there’s only one name that matters, thanks to over 70 years of high-quality provisions and customer-first service: Davis & Shirtliff. WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON
DAVIS & SHIRTLIFF
Founded back in 1946, Davis & Shirtliff (D&S) was the result of an inspired partnership between E.C. Davis and F.R. Shirtliff. By acquiring a 50% stake in Davis’ existing company, RH Paige & Co, which was a small independent plumbing and water engineering firm, Shirtliff was able to facilitate the beginning of a new empire. Focussed initially on the designing and installing of water-related equipment, it quickly became apparent that small acorns would go on to yield mighty business oaks.
fter just one year of working together, the partners made
A
“Recognising that the provision of an efficient water supply is
a move to firmly assert the company’s place within the
essential for the region’s economic development, Davis & Shirtliff
burgeoning construction sector by securing its position as
is committed to playing a major role in this vital industry by offering
one of the founding organisations of KABCEC (Kenya Association
a comprehensive and competitive product range with regional
of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors). Thus started a
availability and unrivalled technical and service support.”
programme of growth and development, which would see new
Of course, this is a viable commercial enterprise, but note if you
premises, extra plots and fantastic professional relationships all
will the way that D&S is cognisant of the wider implications of what
being enjoyed.
the company does. Profit is one thing, but becoming an essential
The current day D&S is a far cry from the humble, small engineering and plumbing firm that it started out as and the reach has become incredibly impressive,
player in the stability of Africa? That’s quite another and takes time, skill and vision. D&S lacks none of these qualities. With a huge responsibility to supply, manufacture and install
“The Davis & Shirtliff Group is the leading supplier of water
quality parts, in a timely fashion that will prevent reliable water
related equipment in the East African region. Founded in 1946,
supplies from being disrupted, it should come as little surprise
business activities are focused on six principal product sectors
that D&S has taken steps to ensure a market-leading portfolio of
- water pumps, boreholes, swimming pools, water treatment,
services and solutions,
generators, solar equipment and irrigation. The group is Kenyan-
“With a total complement of over 500 highly trained and
based and operates through a network of Kenyan branches, as
professional staff, particular emphasis has been placed on
well as regional subsidiaries in Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Rwanda,
infrastructure investment and the company is extremely well
South Sudan and a partnership in Ethiopia.”
resourced with modern office facilities, a fully integrated ICT
To say that this is a demonstration of serious growth would
network and large product and spare parts stocks. The Nairobi
be a dramatic understatement, but once the motivating factor
headquarters cover an area of 10,000m2 with extensive
for the diversification is understood, it makes perfect sense and
warehousing, manufacturing, training and administrative facilities
incorporates an element of CSR that is essential for the local
from where products are efficiently distributed by the company’s
communities being served,
own fleet of trucks.”
56 | Endeavour Magazine
DAVIS & SHIRTLIFF By integrating as much as possible into one seamless operation,
If more organisations embraced this mindset, perhaps they
the company has effectively minimised the risk of unforeseen
would be able to offer as diverse a range of products and services
errors and the chance of disappointing clients. Though a healthy
as D&S, but those that can, do and the rest simply look on, wishing
supply chain is in place, with some parts being supplied by globally
they could, or worse still, cutting corners to try and keep up. That’s
respected operations, D&S has remained as autonomous and self-
an approach that would never fly at D&S, as quality has always
sufficient as possible and it stands to reason that this is the basis of
been a top priority,
its many years of success.
“Davis & Shirtliff is committed to pursuing the highest quality
Having evolved into “the leader in water & energy solutions”,
standards in the provision of water and energy solutions. We
D&S recognised a need to define both the vision and mission that
consider quality to be a core value and objective that drives the
was guiding the company in this modern era, but there remains a
business and provides competitive advantage. We focus on
tangible nod to the past and more traditional values. Yes, D&S as
exceeding the expectations of our customers and all stakeholders,
it stands now is a large, multi-branch operation, but the guiding
including full compliance with regulatory requirements. Davis &
principles that were founded alongside the company itself, back in
Shirtliff sets quality objectives that are measureable and in line with
1946, have remained.
the framework laid down within ISO 9001:2015.”
Seeking to be a world-class organisation that sets the
More than simply paying lip service to high quality and
standard for indigenous African businesses, while pursuing market
measureable workmanship standards, D&S has taken the extra
leadership through excellence, quality control and staff retention,
step of bringing an integrity policy into play, which allows any
the management team is consistently working with a longstanding
stakeholder, be it a supplier, client or employee, to report any
message in its collective mind,
lapses in standards, free from consequences,
“One person working alone is limited in their endeavours. Many people working together have no limit to their achievement.”
58 | Endeavour Magazine
“It is sometimes difficult for people to know whether to speak up about something that concerns them. Often people are reluctant
to get involved but this could result in serious consequences for the company and its stakeholders. That is why D&S has put in place this Integrity Alerts Policy – so that stakeholders can talk to someone confidentially and assistance can be offered.” Providing a full complement of both essential and luxury water solutions, D&S is a rare kind of company that genuinely always seeks to put clients and transparent operations first. Growing organically, yet never forgetting its humble beginnings, it’s little wonder that D&S has become a vital cog in the machine that seeks to create an economically stable Africa for everyone.
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Smart design, robust construction and minimum maintenance Endeavour Magazine | 59
SKYWARD EXPRESS LTD WWW.SKYWARDEXPRESS.CO.KE // 00254 709 786 000
RISING HIGH Skyward Express is a young aviation company that is fast on the rise. Founded in 2013 by two local pilots, the past five years has seen dreams and ambitions become reality. We took a look at the Kenyan airline to see how Skyward Express is competing and how much they have been able to achieve in this short amount of time. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
SKYWARD EXPRESS LTD
Like all airlines, Skyward Express’ vision is to be the preferred passenger and cargo airline in its country. The Kenyan company aims to do this by developing an expansive network of coverage throughout the continent, particularly East Africa and the Horn of Africa. It’s the goal that any company in its position would share, but Skyward Express are focused on reaching it.
T
o do so, they have three priorities: offering competitive rates, maintaining a professional yet personal service, and constantly training and developing their staff. On top of these values and
goals, they also highly value team work, honesty and integrity, innovation, and an entrepreneurial spirit. This passion and these personal standards are what can separate the wheat from the chaff. We took a look at the company to see how far this spirit has taken them so far. Skyward Expression Limited was founded by two local pilots who chose to take their experience and invest in a new airline that would do things their way. These men were Capt. Mohammed Abdi, now the company Chairman, and Capt. Issack Somow, now the CEO. Their company was founded in January 2013, beginning with only one aircraft - a Fokker 5Y-SED. Every company needs to start small, and at first, Skyward’s operations were purely impromptu, as-and-when deliveries between Kenya, South Sudan and Somalia. Since then, much has changed – for one thing, Skyward has grown to the extent that it established two subsidiary companies: Jetways Airlines and Airworks Limited. Skyward’s fleet of one has now grown to 11 aircraft, with a further six with Jetways and a further five with Airworks, totaling 22 overall. These aircraft include one Fokker 100, one Fokker 70, five Fokker 50s, three Dash-8-300s and a CRJ 200 with Skyward alone. The creation of these subsidiaries allowed Skyward to focus in on local passenger flights, whilst Jetways takes on the cargo side of the business and Airworks is dedicated purely to the needs of NGOs connected with the United Nations, ICRC, WFP and government
62 | Endeavour Magazine
SKYWARD EXPRESS LTD institutions. This area of work is fascinating, and can involve both
words, “Our five-star air charter and scheduled passenger services
long-term contracts and emergency, unplanned flights, which is why
are distinguished by their unrivalled customer service, impeccable
Skyward created a wing to dedicate purely to the task. Whilst the
safety record, unmistakable quality and undeniable reliability. This
other two branches are purely business, Airworks allows the Group
unwavering commitment to high standards has firmly established
to apply their resources to the support of good works throughout
Skyward Express Ltd as one of the premier charter company in the
the continent, and they have been involved in some stand-out
aviation industry in Kenya and the Eastern Africa region.”
operations. For example, they were able to provide aircraft to the
To uphold this standard, the company is dedicated to its training
International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to assist with the
programmes, which are designed to make sure that the company’s
voluntary repatriation of South Sudanese refugees who wished to
staff possess not only the best skills and industry knowledge, but
return to safe locations in South Sudan. Meanwhile, Skyward has
also the right attitude to represent Skyward’s competitive spirit
also carried some notable passengers; in particular, His Holiness
and care for its customers. “Our staff possesses extensive industry
Mufaddal Saifuddin, the Da’i al-Mutlaq of the Dawoodi Bohras (a
experience and a profound command of pertinent methods and
sub group within the Mustaali, Ismaili Shia branch of Islam).
skills.” Whether flight crew, cabin crew or ground staff, Skyward
Skyward Express Ltd currently offers passenger services from Nairobi to Mombasa, Lamu, Eldoret, Lodwar, Wajir and Mandera.
makes sure that everyone in its employ is as highly trained as they can be; their team may be small, but it is perfectly formed.
Under wet lease arrangements, the company also offers scheduled
For flight crew, training of course involves flight simulations,
flights throughout Somalia. To live up to the long-term aim for
but it also involves training in routes, dangerous cargo, aerodrome
the company, the airline has stated that it “pledges to develop
familiarization, security, first aid and even firefighting. Likewise,
its network with expansion into local and regional flights, with
cabin crew are also trained in all of these areas, bar flight simulation,
the aim of opening up the East African region and linking it with
to make sure that passengers and staff are safe in any eventuality.
the rest of the world.“ Whilst expanding its reach, however, it is
Even ground crew are training in these safety procedures, as well as
careful to always maintain its standard: in the company’s own
of course learning how to use the support equipment that enables
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SKYWARD EXPRESS LTD operations of an airline to run smoothly for passengers from departure to arrival.
This commitment to safety, as well as an over-arching commitment to quality, has allowed Skyward Express Ltd to inspire
Whilst all areas of training are essential for a professional and
confidence in its passengers, be their individuals or organisations.
flawless service, Skyward Express had this to say on the importance
They are able to tailor charters to a client’s specific needs, with
of safety training in particular:
short or long-term contracts that will offer the exact end-to-end
“It is the Skyward Express’ firm belief that safety training makes
service that a customer requires. This level of bespoke service
all personnel aware of situations and matters that pose a risk to
distinguishes them from their competition and sets the bar on
flight safety by allowing them to easily identify hazards and their
private charter standards.
associated risks within their areas of operation. Once trained,
In the company’s words, “Our philosophy is simple. We aim to
personnel can then easily alert the Safety Department to identified
inspire confidence in our clients by making their journey as seamless
hazards, thus allowing the department to effectively mitigate and
and effortless as possible from the first call to Skywards Express Ltd
manage the risks associated with the hazard.
to the moment they step off our luxury charter turboprop aircraft.
“All company personnel undergo at least a basic Safety
We provide an experience like no other.”
Management Systems (SMS) course. This assists personnel in
Claims like that have to be seen to be believed, but Skyward’s
understanding the various components of SMS, how they function
steady growth and its high-profile customers imply that they must
and what role they play in the safety system. Department heads
be doing something right! Instead of turning to a larger airline, the
and other personnel deemed to have safety critical roles such as
next time you need to charter flights in this area give Skyward
engineers, pilots and dispatchers, are expected to attend more
Express and its subsidiaries a try. We hope to see their services
comprehensive training. The ultimate aim of the training is to make
continue to spread throughout Africa in the coming years.
all Skyward Express personnel safety aware and to engender a positive safety culture within the organization, which will translate into a safer operation companywide.”
66 | Endeavour Magazine
NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR CONSTRUCTION NCC WWW.NCC.ORG.ZM // 00260 96 8926795
INTEGRITY, ACCOUNTABILITY, TRANSPARENCY When the economy sends you grey skies, the temptation can be to hunker down and protect your resources until they pass. However, in business, opportunities need to be seized upon fast, and this can’t be on done on a national scale unless the resources and personnel are already in place. We took at a look at Zambia’s National Council for Construction to see how they prepared the country for its industrial upswing, and how they continue to encourage and empower Zambia’s national development today. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR CONSTRUCTION NCC
In October 1964, Zambia achieved independence from the United Kingdom. Four years later, the Joint Liaison Council for the Construction Industry (JLC) was formed, with the goal of overseeing and streamlining the country’s construction efforts.
T
his would be the chrysalis within which National Council for Construction (NCC) would form, but it would not emerge and
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formally begin operations until 1998. This lengthy incubation
period was due, in part, to turbulent political changes for Zambia over these three decades, as we see time and again when a country embraces and finds its feet in a new era of independence. Shortly after Zambia’s separation from the UK, it faced a serious blow to its economy. Copper had long been the country’s main export; in the mid-1970s, the price of copper took a drastic global plunge, threatening desperate ramifications for the Zambian
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people. Given these declined prices, the cost of transporting copper to its markets at all was a great strain on Zambia, further crippling the industry. The country turned to foreign lenders to get it through this dry patch, expecting the price to rise again in mining’s usual pattern of ups and downs. However, twenty years later, the situation had not improved, and Zambia could no longer handle its mounting debts. In fact, their per capita foreign debt became amongst the highest in the world. Upon becoming independent in 1964, Zambian Prime Minister Kenneth Kaunda had become the country’s inaugural president. However, the extent of the country’s debt put growing strain on the Kaunda administration’s popularity. Ruling the country as a oneparty state since he removed his rivals in 1972, Kaunda faced riots from Zambians demanding that he reinstate multi-party elections.
70 | Endeavour Magazine
Gripweld Structural Steel Works and designers Anti-Kaunda feeling was so strong that 1990 saw an attempted coup. Shortly after, Kaunda responded to and reinstated multiparty elections, which promptly resulted in his removal from power. Under the new government, let by Frederick Chiluba, responses to Zambia’s economic difficulties needed to be found. The party, Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD), prioritised private sector led policies; they knew that with its reliance on copper still in jeopardy, Zambia needed to make sure that it would keep growing and developing its business and infrastructure, instead
Civil Engineering works with SINCERE SERVICE AND VALUE FOR MONEY
of falling stagnant, if recovering were ever to be possible. It was further decided that for meaningful development to occur in the circumstances, the country needed an official body representing all issues related to the construction industry to give this growth direction. Without this organization, the sector had no easy channel through which to co-ordinate its efforts, nor personal reasons to do so – through an organizational body, business practices could be steered towards sustainability and cooperation, with the country’s needs in mind rather than simply individual profit. Thus, the NCC was formed; the council’s mission was to promote and build the capacity of the Zambian construction industry by serving as a middleman between all trade organisations and
mwangopm@yahoo.co.uk 00260977986412
Endeavour Magazine | 71
NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR CONSTRUCTION NCC professional bodies in the sector. Through encouraging the active
the NCC’s authority in line with the task it had been given. From
participation of its constituents in the planning and construction of
then, the NCC was able to register all contractors, affiliations of
infrastructure, it sought, and continues to seek to enhance, support
professional bodies or organizations involved in the construction
and facilitate national development in Zambia, despite the national
industry, and so make sure that these registered parties adhere
difficulties that existed on its inception.
to proper business standards. Through this authority, the NCC’s
By overseeing the industry and serving as a go-between, the
presence could now serve to make sure that smaller businesses
council is not only in a position to encourage communication and
are able to participate and compete, and work practices remain
collaboration between companies, but it is also able to ensure
accountable and above board.
that industrial practices remain open and fair. Following Zambia’s
The NCC does not just exist to police company practices,
issues with the previous government, integrity was a central tenet
however. As well as encouraging high working standards, it
of the NCC when it formed. Its core values are accountability,
make this more possible by providing and facilitating training
transparency and zero tolerance to corruption – values they are not
for employees across the sector. They are also able to guide
only committed to upholding in their own practices, but protecting
construction work to make sure that it does not only occur in the
and enforcing in the wider construction sector as well. Especially
most profitable, but the most needed areas. The NCC noticed that
in times of financial difficulty, corruption and backroom-dealing in
infrastructure development had previously largely been restricted
the industrial sector could further choke development by creating
to urban areas such as Lusaka and the Copperbelt, which left rural
closed doors and unofficial monopolies.
areas without access to vital services, and also made it difficult to
For almost four years, the NCC was following its charge to
access the natural resources in these areas.
regulate business practices, but had not been granted any actual
In the 2000s, Zambia’s economy stabilized, largely due to
legal and regulatory authority to do so! Finally, in 2003, the
a rise in investment within the mining sector and a recovery in
National Council for Construction Act No. 13 was passed, bringing
copper prices. This led to a rise in investor confidence in Zambia,
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72 | Endeavour Magazine
and thankfully, it now had the evenly-spread infrastructure and construction capabilities in place to seize this sudden opportunity. It also had the capabilities in its construction personnel, which not only allowed Zambia to respond to this new business and foreign investment, but meant its workers were in a better position to compete with workers coming from overseas. The council is even beginning work in Zambia to participate in the sustainability race by going greener – an aim that not only benefits the planet, but
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CONTACT mukatimber@gmail.com 00260966535365 P.O.Box 20308 Zambia
Endeavour Magazine | 73
PRESTIGE GROUP HTTPS://WWW.PRESTIGECONSTRUCTIONS.COM/ // 91 80 2559 1080
DEVELOPED WITH LOVE Founded in 1986, the Prestige Group has climbed to the heights of being one of the top two developers in the whole of India. We spoke with Uzma Irfan, Prestige Group Director, about some of the company’s key projects, and how they achieved this incredible position in the market. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
PRESTIGE GROUP
One of India’s top property and landmark developers, the Prestige Group is headquartered in Bangalore, with additional offices across Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Mangalore and Mysore, as well as a marketing office in Dubai. They also have a large NRI customer base and have developed a reputation for themselves overseas, including in the US, UK, Middle East, Singapore and Hong Kong.
I
n total, this prolific company has been behind the completion
from a different perspective, and we are now the only developers
of 212 development projects, with a further 57 underway. Their
in South India to boast of such a widely diverse portfolio covering
current portfolio covers a staggering 84 million square feet (sq
the residential, commercial, retail, leisure and hospitality segments.
ft), with their ongoing projects set to add a further 62 million sq ft.
We also intend to scale these segments over time.”
On top of all of this, their slate of future projects already accounts
It’s no empty boast: the Prestige Group has not only had a high
for an addition 44 million sq ft, and the company is even sitting
output, but has been involved in numerous innovative projects,
on 484 acres of land ready for potential, as yet undetermined,
with a long list of ‘firsts’ that they have created in South India. This
development.
list includes the Prestige Acropolis, a stunning tribute to classical
This output is vast. The majority of Prestige’s work has been
Greek architecture, and one of the first Premium residential
within Bangalore itself, with over 180 landmark developments
developments in Bangalore. They also created Prestige Ozone,
across the city, but following this success, they have branched
one of the city’s first gated communities; Prestige Golfshire, South
out across South India. They have certainly garnered attention,
India’s first golf villa; Prestige Shantiniketan, South India’s first
even catching the eye of clients such as Intel, Microsoft, Hewlett
wholly integrated township; and Prestige Lakeside Habitat, which
Packard, Oracle, IBM and Cisco. As well as extending their area of
is not only the company’s largest residential development to date,
operations, the company has also expanded its services, leading
but, at 102 acres and with 3,428 apartments and 271 villas, it is
to subsidiaries such as interior design company Morph Design
the biggest upcoming residential township development in all of
Company (MDC), and even formal gentleman’s fashion brand
India. The Group is also famous for its malls, including the The
Prestige Fashions (P) Ltd.
Collection – UB City, which is South India’s first luxury mall (built
However, it is their prevalent work in the development industry
as a partnered initiative with Vijay Mallya – UB Group), and on the
that we wanted to focus on. We spoke with Uzma Irfan, Prestige
other end of the scale, Forum Value Mall, South India’s first retail
Group Director, about how the company has expanded and grown
outlet mall featuring international and national brands. However,
on this front: “In April 2017, we restructured the company by
the most famous, and the one that set a standard for the rest, was
segregating the retail, residential, office and hospitality portfolios
Prestige’s original Forum Mall. As Uzma explained, “The Forum Mall
into four separate segments. This helped us look at the business
pioneered the retail revolution in Bangalore. The development was
76 | Endeavour Magazine
globally-recognised and probably the first successful retail mall in
for hotels; the Banyan Tree for resorts; and Oakwood for service
the country, which created new benchmarks in India for modern
apartments.” These credits have built up over the years, and the
day retailing.”
company is still applying itself passionately in this direction: “2018
This achievement is a huge credit to have to their name, and
has been a milestone year for the company as we opened two
Prestige Group took this success as a spring board to carry the
of our most ambitious hospitality projects – Conrad Bengaluru,
revolution forward. “Inspired by the unmatched success of The
Kensington Road and the Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield
Forum Mall, we are redefining the concept of shopping in malls by
Hotel, and the Convention Center in Prestige Shantiniketan.”
taking the ‘Forum’ brand to several cities across South India. The
In addition to these ambitious launches this year, the company
Forum Vijaya Mall, Chennai’s largest mall was unveiled in 2013,
has also launched two residential sites: Prestige Jindal City,
and Forum Mangalore and Forum Hyderabad were inaugurated in
Bangalore and Prestige Courtyards, Chennai. The Prestige Group
2014. Currently the company has 7 operational malls across South
really doesn’t rest, achieving benchmark developments in every
India, with 5 million sq ft of gross leasable area and 1500 stores,
area of operations, making sure that it is one of the go-to names
our four more Forum Malls are currently under construction across
no matter what manner of building or site one is looking to launch.
Bangalore, Kochi and Kakkanad.”
As well as all of this activity, the company is even expanding its
These achievements would be impressive enough, but as well as pioneering these malls, the Prestige Group are also applying the
reach, hoping to be present in West and North India by the end of the year.
same innovation, dedication and vision to the hospitality sector.
This level of distinction isn’t just our opinion – the Group has
“On the hospitality front, we have been credited with introducing
been recognised for it countless times. They are the only developer
some of the most reputed international brands in the world to
from Bangalore to receive the FIABCI award for their software
South India, such as the Hilton Group and Marriott International
and residential facilities, and they are the only CRISIL DA1-rated
Endeavour Magazine | 77
PRESTIGE GROUP developer in India. Earlier this year, the Asian Brand Conclave
part of making that happen. Coming in with high standards and
awarded Prestige Group the “Admired Brand of Asia” award in
strict ethics, they helped to redefine the industry by raising
the real estate category, and they have won a stream of awards
expectations and restoring people’s faith in what a development
both nationally and internationally in previous years, including
company could be. Between the Prestige Group and a few other
Asia Pacific Property Awards, Asia Pacific Hotel Awards, Cityscape
key names, this restored faith extended as far as the government:
Awards, Indian Realty Awards, Srishti Good Green Governance
“Today, the Government recognizes the fact that the real estate
Awards, Pevonia Asia Spa Awards, Builder’s Association of India
and construction sector can turn the uncertain economy around
(BAI) and Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations
and also contribute towards the GDP of the country. In addition,
of India (CREDAI) Awards, to name but a few! We could go on,
the real estate industry has grown to become one of the strongest
and if you want a full list, you can view it online, but to cut a long
drivers of employment in the country.” This new faith motivated
story short, they do what they do well, and they are continuously
stricter guidelines and regulations from the government over
recognised for it.
developers and contractors, which in turn further raised the bar;
The real estate industry used to be regarded with suspicion
this is now an industry that excites investors, not scares them off,
in India, due to too many corrupt companies cutting corners on
which has massive ongoing implications for the growing economy
regulations and creating below-standard buildings. “The industry
in the country.
was crying out for ethical, dependable and transparent developers
“The Prestige Group was one of the first developers in
and I am proud to say that Prestige was at the forefront of that
Bangalore, and can be credited as one of the main players to
revolution, and has set many benchmarks since.”
change the skyline of the city in the last three decades. Today, our
Over the years, real estate has grown into a successful and
esteemed patrons turn to the Prestige Group for their residential
accelerating industry in India, and the Prestige Group were a
and commercial needs with no hesitation or anxiety about whether
78 | Endeavour Magazine
BHUW
we will deliver on our promises. A home is one of the most precious
SOUTH I
assets that a person invests in, in their lifetime and today, homebuyers aspire to buy Prestige homes, given that brand ‘Prestige’
SINCE 30 YEARS
has gained the reputation of being one of the most trusted and
BHUWALKA PREMIER GROUP OF COMPANY has
aspirational brands in the country.” We asked Uzma about her own philosophy on success, and her answer reflected the exact reason why Prestige has succeeded: passion. “Passion is the greatest driving force for any activity. If you do a job just for the sake of doing it, you will never really succeed in it or derive enjoyment from it. You need to be passionate about what you do.” This passion and genuine love for what they do drives Prestige to not only be ambitious, but to achieve their goals to a high standard, and most importantly, to achieve them ethically. Genuine passion for a craft means seeing it through to the correct quality, and in such a way that it will better the lives of all involved. A little passion can go a long way, and the Prestige Group’s love for development was such that it has spread throughout South India, and helped an entire country fall back in love with an industry it had
been one of the leading manufacturers of TMT Bars in South India since 1988. Our biggest strength is the relationship that we have developed over 25 years of experience working with the biggest and most reputed developers in the region. We have had a long-term relationship with Prestige Group and we consider them as one of our most genuine partners with very ethical practices.
turned away from.
BHUWALKA PREMIER TMT BARS SOUTH INDIA’S MOST REPUTED TMT MANUFACTURING COMPANY
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Contact : 080-22100900
Contact : 080-22100900
www.bhuwalka.co.in
bpg@bhuwalka.co.in Endeavour Magazine | 79
MANASEER OIL & GAS WWW.MGC-GAS.COM // 962 (6) 573 40 30/1/2
BUILDING FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS There’s so much more to Manaseer than meets the eye, from a global mindset through to environmental initiatives, which is why Endeavour Magazine wanted to place it under the microscope. WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON
MANASEER OIL & GAS
Established in 2003, Manaseer has risen through the ranks of the oil and gas industry, within Jordan, at an impressive rate and all because there was a clear mission in place from the start; to offer more than just petrol stations, choosing instead to build ‘one-stop service station’ solutions.
L
ooking to adhere to global standards of not just health and
“To effectively manage our operations, we own a fleet of 200
safety, but also technology and, crucially, environmental
fuel tankers ranging in size from 77,000 to 32,000 litres that
initiatives, Manaseer is something of a pioneer in Jordan. Why,
distribute fuel all over Jordan. We also own and operate 35 smaller
you ask? Because the customer is absolutely and genuinely always
fuel tankers to distribute diesel to household and business bulk
at the forefront of every development and that’s not something
customers. We constantly maintain and replace tankers as needed,
that’s done just for show. Aside from the customer always being
to ensure a reliable and safe distribution of fuels in the country.”
right, Manaseer keeps convenience in mind at all times,
It takes a special team to not only account for what is happening,
“For the convenience of our customers, we use the latest
commercially, in the present, but also pre-empt needs and
technology in fuel pumps for faster and more efficient filling and
demands that will arise in the future, but that’s Manaseer through
payment systems using credit cards or our prepaid cards, eCash and
and through. Rather than being reactionary and looking to rise to
eFill. Our gas stations also offer other services for vehicles, such as
the challenges that customers elicit, priority is placed on providing
oil changes, tyres ervices, car maintenance facilities, and car washes.
such a comprehensive solution, in the first place, that customers
Our stations are truly a one-stop location as we additionally offer
wonder how they ever coped without the company. Now that is a
services that make other parts of your life easier, like supermarkets,
clever way to garner a very loyal clientele.
fast food restaurants, bakeries, pharmacies, ATMs, toilets, prayer rooms and coffee.” Looking at the size of the Manaseer empire now, it would be so easy to assume that it has been sizeable since inception, but the
With a number of products being marketed, it was critical for Manaseer to home in on a comprehensive and clear vision for the way the company would operate and that’s exactly what the management team has crafted,
truth is actually very different. Starting with just two petrol stations,
“Manaseer Oil & Gas is committed to being a pioneering company
so as to prove the theory that customers wanted easy access to a
in the distribution of refined petroleum products (gasoline, diesel,
slew of services in one place, Manaseer has expanded significantly
kerosene, oil, grease, and jet fuel) and other alternative fuel options
and there are no plans to slow down. With an ultimate aim of
(electric car charging stations) in the Kingdom, in accordance with
having in the region of 100 perfectly positioned locations around
the highest international standards in relation to operations,
the country, steps have been put in place already, to account for
services, health, safety, and environment.”
not only an increase in customer demand, but also, to guarantee the same levels of reliability, 82 | Endeavour Magazine
Far from simply plumping for the products which offer the largest short-term profits, Manaseer is looking to the future and
BB ENERGY is among the world’s leading independent energy trading companies. After decades of trading, we have maintained our reputation as a trusted and reliable energy partner. We have achieved this by optimizing resources and providing our clients with uncompromising quality and innovative solutions. Adhering to the well-respected Eastern traditions of trust and loyalty, we foster strong relationships with all our trading partners. Manaseer Gas & Oil is one of those partners with whom we look forward to continuing our successful and prosperous cooperation in the future.
Endeavour Magazine | 83
MANASEER OIL & GAS trying to not only pre-empt new developments, such as electric
taking the time to reward them for their hard work and dedication,
car charging, but also support any and all new initiatives that
by always looking for ways to improve their working experience,
promise to improve the green credentials of the company. This is
“We look to recruit a national workforce and set strategies to
an approach that makes perfect sense, given that environmental
develop and retain them, while providing a work environment that
concerns will impact every region in the world and, being proud to
incubates high calibre work and motivates creativity.”
be a Jordanian operation, Manaseer will want to contribute directly to the protection of the Kingdom, “We are one of only three providers of the petroleum products of gasoline, diesel, kerosene, greases, and oil, along with jet fuel.
Happy staff, plus great products and reliable services, equals satisfied, return customers and extensive commercial success. The equation is simple, but Manaseer seems to be in something of a minority, when it comes to organisations that have solved it.
However, in line with our commitment for outstanding customer
By constantly striving to offer more, account for future
and environmental care, we enhance our diesel by using fuel
developments and always put the customer first, Manaseer is a
additives that produce less emissions and higher mileage as well
company with a difference. As more and more one-stop service
as keeping the motor clean. In addition to that, our stations are
stations appear across the stunning landscape of Jordan, you
equipped with advanced safety features to protect the public, the
have to wonder if there will be any need for separate retail outlets
environment and our employees.”
anymore. After all, with food, fuel, pharmaceuticals and faith all
Speaking of employees, it’s fascinating to note that there is a real sense of the Manaseer management team taking on a stewardship role, in terms of wanting to nurture, develop and support each and every member of staff to be the best version of themselves. With over 200 employees currently upholding the stellar reputation that Manaseer has craved for itself, it’s fantastic to see an employer
84 | Endeavour Magazine
taken care of on site, what more could anybody need?
ZAIN JORDAN, part of ZAIN GROUP, the leading mobile telecom innovator across the MENA region, revolutionized telecommunications in Jordan by providing a portfolio of integrated solutions and tailored services. Since its inception in 1995, Zain Jordan has tallied subscriber growth at an exceptional rate, as it maintains its leading position in the market through a far sighted policy of investment in adopting cutting edge technology to provide state of the art solutions. Furthermore, Zain Jordan pioneered in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Corporate Entrepreneurship Responsibility (CER), by launching and supporting various national initiatives that go beyond developing the telecom sector.
Endeavour Magazine | 85
AUTOMOTIVES SKODA KODIAQ SPORTLINE 2.0 TDI 190 PS DSG 4X4
Kodiaq prices start from RRP £24,330. Sportlines start from £37,590
I
t was a beautiful September morning when I grabbed a lift to work in my colleague’s Range Rover Vogue, as I was
having a Skoda Kodiaq delivered for a week of testing. There is no doubt that the Range Rover is a lovely car, but I was shocked that when I immediately jumped into the Skoda, it didn’t feel too different. The Kodiaq is Skoda’s latest gamechanging SUV model, released in 2017. It looks cool and fresh, oozing personality: who would have thought that Skoda would shake off its old image to be labelled as cool and fresh? I love everything about Skoda, from the company’s humble beginnings to how it has pulled its name from the skip to produce some of the best cars that your hard-earned money can buy. The Skoda brand has skyrocketed to being one of the most desired and innovative brands on the market. Drive any one of their range, and you will see why; even their most modest models have a reassuring quality feel about them. The Kodiaq’s cabin is smart and made with high-quality materials. The 9.2-inch touchscreen information centre with sat nav is obvious and easy to navigate. In the Sportline, the cabin contains one-piece bucket seats that are incredibly comfortable and supportive. In all Kodiaqs, the chairs 86 | Endeavour Magazine
come in two arrangements - five or seven
when it’s not needed, can be conveniently
- that each provide plenty of leg and head
stored underneath the false floor. This
room. The two back fold-down seats are
design is a solution to an ongoing parcel
tight but usable, and even when all seven
shelf problem in most cars!
seats are up, the boot is still a fair size. The
The Kodaiq has a good high driving
rear seats also slide to give the back two
position with light steering that is solid and
more room and make all passengers more
grippy. For a big car, it’s incredibly quiet,
comfortable. When they are tucked away,
and you should get around 50 MPG. It
the luggage area is vast.
has very clever door protectors that pop
The Kodiaq‘s rear load cover is simply
out and wrap round the edges when your
brilliant: a blind pulls across the boot and,
doors open and retract back when the doors
are shut. The boot light is, conveniently, a
a lift home in my mate’s Range Rover. The
take any new Skoda out for a test drive and
removable magnetic torch, and there are
ride was smoother in the big Vogue, but not
not be impressed.
even umbrellas in the front doors - what a
massively different. We chatted about the
When I next saw my mate with the
lovely touch!
Skoda on the journey home and he said that
Range Rover, he looked blue. I asked why,
Dare I say that this is the perfect all-
he would much rather driver his four-year-
and he said that the car had sprouted an
round SUV within this price bracket? Or
old Range Rover as it’s all about the badge
oil leek and he had been quoted ÂŁ1,500
even compared to cars in much higher price
and image for him. The biggest challenge
to sort it out. For the price he paid for the
brackets? It is just a fantastic car, and with
Skoda has is not its competition, but its
older Range Rover, he could have had two
a very reasonable price tag. All round, it is a
history. People have long memories, but if
Kodaiqs, both with three-year trouble-free
top of the class, lovely car.
you can see past this and give these cars a
warrantees. You pay you money and make
chance, you will not look back: I dare you to
your choice, but I know which camp I sit in.
When the Skoda was collected, I grabbed
Endeavour Magazine | 87
LOTUSHALL MINING & CONSTRUCTION WWW.LOTUSHALL.COM // 0066 5432 1511-3
HEAVY LIFTING Mining doesn’t begin and end with exploration and waiting to see whether exciting prospective gambles pay off – they are also about hard work. LotusHall Mining works to support the mining industry throughout South East Asia, providing solutions in both drilling and civil construction as it seeks to help both small and major mining companies alike with the essential hard graft needed to dig up those yearly returns. However, they also have exciting projects of their own on the horizon... WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
LOTUSHALL MINING & CONSTRUCTION
Heavy engineering construction company, LotusHall Mining, has operated in Thailand since 1996. The company offers essential support to the mining industry, in the form of both equipment and specialist mining and construction services, their operations reaching throughout South East Asia, and well as Indochina and the Pacific Rim.
W
e spoke with Nucharee Brown, Managing Director of
and the North mine; the main mine, LotusHall has supported since
LotusHall Mining, to get a better idea of what services
its commencement in 1999, and it expanded these services to the
they offer:
North mine in 2010, two years after it went live. At the Chatree
“We are a ‘One Stop Mining Service’,” she explained. “We
Gold Mine Project, LotusHall are contracted to carry out drilling,
specialize in mine exploration, drilling, blasting, haul-road, land
blasting, the loading and hauling of ore and waste, stockpiling,
moving, tailing dam and crushing plant business. In particular,
handling ROM crusher feed, waste dump rehabilitation, TSF
we specialize in open pit mining ores such as gold, copper, silver,
construction and associated general earthworks, road building and
limestone, kaolin and lignite, and our staff is full of engineers and
other civil works. Aka, they carry out pretty much all of the heavy
expertise who have over 20-30 years of experience in the mining
labour required to both support and run the mine. On average, the
business.”
product around 12 million tonnes of gold per year from the main
With a range of services that they can provide, LotusHall
mine alone. They carry out similar operations at the North mine,
approach each new project with a fresh eye, tailoring their offerings
and have recently successfully retendered to keep on with Akara
to fit their client’s specific needs. In total, the company has a fleet of
Mining in this second position.
413 units, made up of both vehicles and machinery. This impressive
Meanwhile, at the Sepon Gold and Copper Mine in Lao P.D.R,
collection includes 114 off-highway trucks, 53 excavators, 23 track
the company is working with the Mineral and Metals Group (MMG),
dozers, 16 front-end loaders, 10 motor graders, 18 compactors,
one of the worrdl’s largest producers of zinc, gold, copper, lead and
four water UD trucks, 22 hydraulic drills, two bobcats, 67 tricks,
silver. This mine, located in the Savannakhét Province, was the first
55 light vehicles and 29 light towers. With all of this and a highly
to be developed in Laos. It is now eight years old, and LotusHall
trained team of staff ready to take on any challenge, the company
have worked to support it since the very beginning, with a fleet that
is currently involved in several long-term mining operations around
currently totals at 166 pieces of equipment. The site is undergoing
Asia; specifically, they are currently working in Thailand and Laos,
expansion, so these numbers are likely to climb as the mine grows.
but they have also been consulting with new potential contracts in
As well as these key projects, LotusHall is and has also been
Myanmar, Indonesia, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. Their
involved in several more sites around both Laos and Thailand.
vision is to one day become the foremost mining contractors in the
In Thailand, there was their work with the Siam Cement Group
South East Asia, Indochina and Pacific Rim area, but for now, their
Company (SCG) at Lampang. LotusHall provided a small fleet
two key focuses are the Chatree Gold Mine Project in Thailand and
of equipment consisting of 30 tonne excavators and 35 tonne
the Sepon Gold and Copper Mine in Lao P.D.R.
articulated mining trucks for site development works at the SCG
Under contract with Akara Mining, LotusHall are engaged in two
Factory in the Chaeorm a working relationship with the SCG group,
separate locations connected with the Chatree Gold Mine Project.
opening the door to future potential work opportunities. Currently,
Located in Pichit, Thailand, the project is split into the main mine
LotusHall is working on the Ranong Project, where the company
90 | Endeavour Magazine
LOTUSHALL MINING & CONSTRUCTION operates the Kaolin quarry for IMERYS. IMERYS have contracted
Laos Company Limited (LHL). The company was established
the company to construct, maintain and repair their haulage roads,
in 2011 within in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ), located
to establish hillside benches, and to stockpile kaolin, rock and
in Savannakhét, Lao PDR, connected. The SEZ is connected
gravel that is then fed to a hopper for a refining.
with Thailand’s border in the Mukdahan province, making it a
However, the largest project, second to Chatree, that LotusHall
very useful location for industry looking to export to Thailand.
are participating in within Thailand is their work on the EGAT
LotusHall Laos was established to provide a working base
Limestone Quarry Project in the Mea Moh district, Lampang. This
for the company’s fleet to ease their reach to projects in
long-term contract, which began in 2014 and will last until 2026,
Lao PDR.
was awarded to LotusHall by the Electricity Generator Authority of
Currently, LotusHall has 400 permanent members of staff, but
Thailand (EGAT) in 2013. The company has been contracted to mine
when its contracts are at their highest, this can expand to 1,500.
an open-pit limestone quarry, from which they have so far mined
The company hires 90% of their staff locally, making sure that they
12.9 million tonnes in total. This limestone is sent to two crushing
are trained to the required level of expertise: “LotusHall Mining
plants capable of crushing 250 tonnes per hour, in order to supply
mainly focuses on locally hired and trained employees from the
power plants, in the aim of working towards the desulfurization
community around the mines we are supporting. This allows us to
process at Mae Moh District.
support them with improved prosperity and a better quality of life,
Moving over to Laos, between the years 2005-2007, LoptusHall
which consequently contributes toward a better local community,
Mining was the main mining contractor at the Phubia Gold &
providing improvements such as education, health care and local
Copper Mine Project for Pan Australian. Following Sepon, this
business around the mine site.”
was the second mine to be developed in Laos, and was is in the Xaisomboun Province north from Vientiane.
As for Nucharee, she has been with the company since the very beginning: “I have been with the company for 21 years, since
As well as these operations in the area, LotusHall even
LotusHall was established. I was a co-founder of the company
established its own subsidiary company in Laos: the LotusHall
along with Max Brown; I worked beside him as Deputy Managing
92 | Endeavour Magazine
Director until 2004, when he passed away. After that, I became
relationships between them and their communities, and improve
Managing Director.”
lives as they do.
This family company views its close relationship with the local
Through its contentious local efforts, as well as its shrewd
area as important, both so that LotusHall can best conduct its
business sense, LotusHall has become a successful company, but
business and support its clients, and also so that it can contribute to
its ambition extends further than its current operations. As well as
its clients’ efforts in the area. As well as supporting its employees,
the various new contracts it is looking into, including a new coal
it also forms close bonds with its suppliers, as Nucharee told us:
mining contract and two new rail projects in Thailand, the company
“A good relationship with our business partners and suppliers is
also has an independent project of its own in the works: “Currently,
our primary objective. Over 20 years in mining business, LotusHall
we are exploring a gold mine project in Mozambique, which will be
mining has established a strong relationship through all of our
our first own gold mine. We are also looking at another two gold
business partners, suppliers, the local community and even the
mines in Laos and Myanmar, which are under exploration.”
government of every country we are doing business with.”
On top of this exciting new direction for LotusHall, the company
On top of this direct involvement through their business,
is also actively seeking partnership opportunities in order to sign
LotusHall also go above and beyond their operations to frequently
on to more ’Mega Projects’ like their work with EGAT. In particular,
involve themselves in charitable works in their local communities;
they are looking to become involved in more work on railways,
for example, in 2016, Nucharee oversaw a fundraising event
airports, seaports and other construction opportunities. However,
alongside Lenso Corportation’s Executive Chairman Khun Jesada
it is their potential branching into mine ownership that is the most
Viraporn, to gather funds to build accommodation and support
dramatic change, and one that may come in time for a dramatic
facilities at the Monkachao Temple in Kiewlom Dam, Lampang.
upswing in gold prices. The move could eventually redefine who
More recently, this year, the company’s top management and
LotusHall are as a company, and as we watch their progress over
staff donated 5,000 Baht for schools that support blind children.
the next few years, we look forward to seeing how this venture into
These sorts of initiatives help to spread LotusHall’s name and build
gold pans out.
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Endeavour Magazine | 93
OBEIKAN PAPER INDUSTRIES WWW.OBEIKAN.COM.SA // 00966 1 2839400
MAKING THE PAPERS The largest paper mill in the region, Saudi Arabia’s Obeikan Paper Industries is still growing. We took a look at the Obeikan Investment Group to see how the mill’s parent company has achieved such success, and to see what expansions on are on the horizon for their paper mill subsidiary. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
OBEIKAN PAPER INDUSTRIES
Obeikan Paper Industries’ (OPI) paper mill is vast. Covering an area of 156,000 m2, the initial construction of this facility cost an impressive $160,000,000. This sizable investment from Obeikan Investment Group (OIG) allowed the mill to be fit with all of the latest technology available to the industry, manned by highly trained and expert engineers in the paper board making field.
O
PI currently produces 250,000 tonnes of duplex carton board
for the country at large. Amongst the various subsidiary companies
every year, which it supplies to 20 countries as well as the
that support this focus, including OIG’s Rifal Binding Company, one
local market. Now, Obeikan are looking to expand their brand
of the key names is of course Obeikan Paper Industries. Established
and reach even more clients, which means upping their output still
in 2006, OPI’s mill is not only the largest paper mill in Saudi Arabia,
further. This ambition is all in character for Obeikan Investment
but in all of the Middle East and North Africa - if you stop and think
Group, who started with a printing business and soon grew into a
about how many countries that represents, it’s a huge statement.
formidable umbrella company within Saudi Arabia.
Covering around 156,000 square meters, the mill produces duplex
OIG’s story began in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, in 1982. The
board of weights between 250 to 450 GSM at a current capacity is
Group began with a simple company, the Obeikan Printing Press; as
250,000 tonnes per year; this was 180,000 tonnes when the mill
the Group grew and diversified around it, this first seed stayed the
was built, and OPI are still looking to push it further.
course, still operating after 30 years, at the centre of the booming
We spoke with Mohamed Fouad, the Production Manager at
network of businesses it helped to birth. Overall, the Group now
OPI, about the company’s current status within the industry, given
strives to provide technical and practical solutions across the
their superior size and output in the region: “Our current status is
packing and packaging industries, as well as “presenting the finest
buoyant, but we have a lot of competition from India, China and
scientific standards in education and curriculum development.”
Korea.” OPI describes paper as “a mirror that reflects our thoughts”,
OIG represents many companies, plants, centers and strategic
and like every company under OIG, takes the quality of its products
partnerships, with a number of major and significant international
extremely seriously. The Group’s vision is to be “the leading
companies in the fields of bottling and packaging, printing and
provider of fully integrated education and packaging solutions in
binding, publishing, curriculum development and e-learning. As well
the Middle East and Africa,” and likewise, OPI employs high quality
as succeeding in their separate arenas, these companies also work
technicians and engineers trained in production continuity to
together, forming an integrated and interlinked system that saves
ensure their quality standards. They share not only a passion for
the Group money and ups efficiency throughout their connected
their product, but for ethical practice, holding the same values as
operations. Through these combined efforts from over 20 ecialized
their parent company: “We respect our clients, employees, partners
companies, OIG was able to rise up to its enviable position in its
and suppliers”; “We respect the environment, our duty to society
local, regional and international markets.
and the law”; “We treat all our employees equally and develop
Obeikan’s success in the printing industry has been credited as a catalyst for growing investment in the field of printing and packaging 96 | Endeavour Magazine
and promote them with fairness,” and “We believe in integrity in business and trust that our employees are ethical and honest.”
Connecting partners of the Paper & Board business worldwide based on relationships, fairness, openness and reliability Roxcel Trading is a worldwide highly appreciated company with many years of experience in paper, board and pulp trading. We supply raw material solutions for the printing and packaging industry. Our strengths are in the following categories: Graphical (wood free coated + uncoated), Publishing / Mechanical, Packaging Board, Corrugated and Kraft Paper, Fibers and Specialties. Our worldwide network means that we are able to bring suppliers and customers into contact with each other. We are the ideal business partner for wholesalers, printers, publishers and merchants. We offer services and know-how in the paper, board and pulp industries. Our focus is on providing the service suppliers and customers demand to guarantee long standing working relationships. We are interested in both strengthening existing contacts, and acquiring new business. Thurngasse10, A-1090 Vienna +43 1 401 560
www.roxcel.com roxcel@roxcel.com Endeavour Magazine | 97
OBEIKAN PAPER INDUSTRIES However, given their vast operations, and also their high
sectors that it now holds a leading position over. Lastly, it applies
standards of excellence, Fouad tells us that hiring staff and training
its belief in respect and guidance to its clients:“Obeikan Group has
them to the appropriate standard is a challenge for the company, as
proudly become a strategic partner for its customers due to the
it is a need with such a high demand. “The Obeikan Group believes
mutual respect and high ability of meeting their needs worldwide,
that ‘the best asset you invest in is your employee’. We strongly
as well as its experience, planning and commitment in providing
support this.”
practical solutions that cope with the developments of local and
Another challenge facing the company is a lack of their
global markets.”
raw material: “The raw material for our coated duplex board is
As well as this, the Group is dedicated to care for the environment;
100% recycled waste paper. This paper is pulped using high and
as a part of this, it founded the Rifal Environmental Services
low consistency pulpers, and is then cleaned to remove solid
Company, which specialises in collecting and sorting waste paper
particles like stones and bolts etc. After that, it will go through a
from both Saudi Arabia and the surrounding region, to be supplied
screening process to remove non-fiberous material like plastics
to the paper factory as raw materials that can be recycled and used
and lamination, and it is then diluted with water to a consistency
again. This both aids the environment and their own business. As
of 1% and passed through a low-density cleaner to remove fine
the company proudly states, “OIG has dedicated a great deal of
sand particles. Finally, it is passed to the thickener to increase
special care to its social and environmental responsibilities and has
consistency to 5% and pump it to the machine that will form the
interacted with great care utilizing its powers and potential for the
sheet of board. However, there is currently a shorted of good
betterment of the Kingdom.”
quality waste paper, which creates a major challenge.” To maintain their standards despite this challenge, the company believes in leading their staff by example, and had this to say on the matter of good leadership: “Leadership has no limits. It has to be developed, maintained and preserved.” The company applies this attitude both towards its employees and towards the industry
Manufacturing & distributing printing inks: Sheetfed Offset Printing Ink Flexo Solvent Base Ink Rotogravure Solvent Base Ink for both surface and reverse printing for lamination application. Flexo Water Base Ink for Corrugated Printing. Offset Printing other chemicals, Fountain Solution, Plate Cleaner, Gum Solution. UV Ink IPA / Solvents http://unitedinksa.com | info@unitedinksa.com Tel: 00966 12 6080723 | Fax: 00966126080717
98 | Endeavour Magazine
United Ink Production Co., Ltd. ‘UIPC’ is a Japanese joint venture company with Al Murjan Group for manufacturing and supply of printing inks and having a factory based in Jeddah – Saudi Arabia to cover the local market and the neighboring Middle East Market.
MOTISUN MM INTEGRATED STEEL MILLS WWW.MOTISUNGROUP.COM // 00255 22 2139158
RISING ACROSS AFRICA Widely heralded as an African business group that has enjoyed fast and exponential growth, there is barely an industry that the Motisun Group isn’t involved in, but that’s not to say that the quality of services provided has suffered. WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON
MOTISUN MM INTEGRATED STEEL MILLS
If there’s one question that people ask, in regards to the Motisun Group, it’s how has it grown so quickly?
he answer is simple, in that a keen eye for entrepreneurial
T
“Having over two decades of experience in the hospitality
opportunities, within emerging African regions, has led to fast,
industry, we aim to lead and provide a true and rich experience to
and yet sustained, evolution. Add in defined values and a deep-
the most discerning travellers in East Africa through our various
rooted commitment to never allowing customer service standards
brands of Hotels, Resorts and Service Suites. With four Hotels,
to fall and you have a winning formula for an incredibly successful
Resorts and Service Suites in Tanzania and Zanzibar and upcoming
organization. The management team agrees, having stated that,
hotels projects in the world famous ‘Ngorongoro’ conservation
“The Motisun Group places high importance on long-term focus and its commitment to deliver to end customers at the grassroots
area and the bustling coastal city of Mtwara, Pearlsun Hotels is spreading its operation across East Africa.”
level. It is driven by professionals with a high work ethic and the
The secret, which is applied to every industry that the Group
success of the Motisun Group, as a business conglomerate, is in no
operates within, is that the management teams can see past what
small part thanks to its vision, mission and values, all of which bind
people want in order to give them what they need, even if they
the employees together and gives them a direction towards which
don’t realise what that is yet. Taking a pre-emptive approach to
they channel their daily efforts. Quality, service and value is the
a variety of business interests is exactly why the portfolio of the
bedrock on which the Group seeks to build its future.”
Motisun Group looks phenomenally diversified, but there is a link,
You’ll have no doubt heard the term ‘having fingers in many pies’ and it has rarely been more apt than when discussing the
even between say paints and beverages; the fact that there is a demand for new and innovative offerings.
Motisun Group. With interests in a staggering array of industries,
With such a wide variety of business focal areas, not to mention
including real estate, hospitality, plastics, paints, beverages, mining,
countless products to keep track of and endless development to
steel and cement, to name a few, the levels of expertise needed in
oversee, it must take a firm and experienced hand to steady the
each segment are intense, but the Group has never struggled to
wheel, which is exactly what the Motisun Group benefits from,
find the perfect people to fulfil demanding customer-facing roles.
“Under the able leadership, guidance and vision of Mr. Subhash
Looking at the hospitality arm of the Motisun interests, as a
M. Patel, Group CMD, the Motisun Group has become one of the
key example of how quality needs to be at the forefront of every
most successful business brands in Africa. The group’s investment
endeavour, it becomes clear that in order to enjoy expansion, there
in Africa, while fostering economic growth and development,
must have been a lot of happy guests walking through the doors of
provides ample employment opportunities to the local youth. To
the various hotels already owned, 102 | Endeavour Magazine
date, the Motisun Group directly or indirectly provides employment to over 10,000 people.”
This succinct appraisal of the team in place at the Motisun Group directly relates to the mantra of the organisation; ‘rising
Being able to shoulder the responsibility of identifying viable
across Africa’. At first glance, this could have referred to the sheer
new opportunities takes courage and strength of character, two
number of operations, businesses and brands that fall under the
characteristics that Subhash does not lack at all. Making great
Group’s umbrella, but there is another meaning as well. Clearly
strides in terms of introducing new product lines, branching out
committed to improving the lives of customers, as well as Africans
into different industries and embracing modern innovations,
as a whole, the Group is trying to help everybody to rise across
Subhash has set an incredible precedent for the continued success
Africa. From the young people who need healthy drinks and snacks,
of the Motisun Group that is focused around trust, both in terms
not to mention promising employment opportunities, through to
of having faith in one’s own instincts and those of the people that
the paying guests who visit the country on holiday. When one
help to keep the organisation on track,
person benefits, everybody should and while this is a business
“Our management is made up of a team of professionals with an exemplary track record, all of who have held senior management
stance that is not as widely adopted as it once was, the Motisun Group is keeping it well and truly alive.
positions within organisations of repute, both locally and
Currently operating in Tanzania, Zambia, Uganda, Mozambique
internationally. They have the rare ability of being able to identify
and Ghana, the Motisun Group enjoys a significant presence
key strategies and implement them effectively. We are perfectly
throughout Africa, but it can’t be long before it expands even more.
placed, in the understanding of our people, the communities we
With a plethora of desirable products and services to choose from,
serve and the governments we work with to combine our expertise
every household in Africa could feasibly become a loyal customer
with aspirations of all those who wish to profitably invest in Africa’s
of one brand or another and if that isn’t the best business case
bright future.”
you’ve ever heard of, we don’t know what is.
Endeavour Magazine | 103
Steel Resources is committed to strengthening its trading activities in East and West Africa through extensive product knowledge, close attention to client requirements, innovative logistics and creative financial solutions. With the support of our main suppliers JFE Holdings Inc, Rizhao Steel Holding Group and Baosteel Group we have successfully developed powerful, long standing and mutually beneficial relationships for more than twenty years of trading in the area. We will continue to develop new and strategically important alliances that will give SRI and its customers a significant
financial and tactical advantage allowing all of us to prosper in a highly competitive global environment. One of these customers has been Motisun’s Group Steel sector, which has counted on us confidently and incontestably for their steel needs. We are proud to be part of the growth and achievements of M.M. Integrated Steel Mills Ltd in East Africa, providing top quality steel and competitive advantages for the group’s facilities in Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique, on the Roofing and Construction industry. We congratulate Mr. Subhash Patel, Chairman of the group, for his constant innovative and leadership skills, and thank him deeply for the trust he demonstrates in Steel Resources.
Web: www.steelresources.com Email: sales@steelresources.com Phone: + 1 (305) 459-4000
Address: 9155 South Dadeland Blvd, Suite 1800 Miami, Florida 33156 USA Fax: + 1 (305) 592-8725
AMAZING WORLD BY DAVID KIMBERLEY
THE GHOST FLEET OF TRUK LAGOON
I
n 1969, renowned French oceanographer
Federated States of Micronesia and consists
during Operation Hailstone, which lasted for
Jacques Cousteau explored a sheltered
of a protected reef some 140 miles around,
three days as American planes relentlessly
body of water in the Central Pacific with a
with a natural harbour.
bombed the unsuspecting Japanese fleet. In
fascinating history. What he found beneath
In World War II, Truk Lagoon was the
those three days, twelve warships and thirty-
the crystal waters would bring adventurers
Empire of Japan’s main base in the South
two merchant vessels were sunk, along with
and treasure seekers from all over the world
Pacific, with a heavily fortified headquarters
275 aircraft. The Japanese submarine I-169
to this isolated lagoon.
on the island of Truk itself that had come
Shinohara was also lost, having taken part in
to be known by the Allied forces as the
the battle of Pearl Harbor just three years
‘Gibraltar of the Pacific’.
previous.
Approximately a thousand miles north east of New Guinea, Truk Lagoon (also known as Chuuk) is found within the 106 | Endeavour Magazine
In 1944, the naval base was destroyed
When Cousteau dived into the now-
including such shy creatures as turtles, sharks and manta rays. In 2007, 266 different species of reef fish were identified amongst the slowly-decaying ships, as well as the very rare coral Acropora pichoni. The tourism trade around Truk Lagoon is now the nearby island’s main industry, continuing to offer scuba diving excursions in and around the many wrecks. However, there have been calls from various sources for the lagoon to be ‘cleaned up’ due to the amount of oil that was leaking from the ship carcasses into the coral reef. Others have noted though that the Japanese fleet was not carrying much fuel due to difficult times during the war. The research into possible pollution within the lagoon continues to this day with the help of the Japanese government. As we hurtle towards 2019, Truk Lagoon remains a popular destination for many thrill-seekers. Those who visited just after Cousteau’s discovery were able to take smaller artefacts away from their dives, but the ships and their contents are now classified as a Japanese war grave and as such, it is illegal to remove any part of them. There is also an operation underway by the Japanese government to retrieve serene depths of the lagoon over two
the Japanese fleet were found to contain
all items of worth, whilst ensuring there is
decades later, he discovered the world’s
aircraft, tanks, bulldozers, railroad cars,
no contamination of the otherwise pristine
largest
motorcycles,
waters.
ship
graveyard.
Following
his
torpedoes,
mines,
bombs,
documentary broadcast in 1971, Truk
radios, plus thousands of other weapons and
Needless to say, Truk Lagoon is now
Lagoon became a popular destination for
artefacts. Disturbingly, the remains of their
a location that provokes mixed feelings
scuba divers and explorers alike, who all
crews were also discovered below deck,
amongst its visitors. A paradise with its own
wanted to experience the ghostly remains
their watery graves disturbed for the first
amazing ecosystem that takes the breath
for themselves.
time in three decades.
away, and yet, just below the surface,
Less than fifteen metres below the calm
The coral-encrusted wrecks became
surface, the well-preserved remnants of
home to a fantastic array of marine life,
haunting images of war and lost lives that are both intriguing and tragic in equal measure. Endeavour Magazine | 107
SWAKOP URANIUM WWW.SWAKOPURANIUM.COM // 00264 64 410 9000
HUSAB MINE – THE NEXT BIG THING Namibia, with its rich uranium heritage stretching back to the 1920’s, and as the home to the Rossing, Langer Heinrich, and Trekkkopje uranium mines, is one of the world’s few uranium producing nations that can legitimately claim world-class status. Only Kazakhstan, Canada, and Australia boast a greater production capacity. WRITTEN BY DJAMIL BENMEHIDI
SWAKOP URANIUM
Uranium is big business in these parts; the numbers speak for themselves. In total, the sector accounts for close to 10% of GDP alone, and employs tens of thousands; at maximum capacity, its mines produce 12% of the world’s total uranium supply, 10% of which is mined from the below the earth at the Rossing and Langer Heinrich sites, alone. In this context, it is understandable that all eyes have closely followed construction work at the site of what will be the world’s largest uranium mines in recent years.
C
onstruction of Swakop Uranium’s Husab project, a US$2.5
agitated acid lead process plant, incorporating ion exchange and
billion facility located near the Swakupmund region, has been
solvent extraction circuits – processes which are necessary in order
ongoing since work began in the sweltering Namib Desert
to obtain the optimum amount of uranium from the ore, and then
4-years ago. Make no mistake about it, development of the Husab Mine has been a truly colossal undertaking, which is to be expected for a build of this scale.
concentrate it. With final completion only a matter of months away, virtually all facets of the facility are already operational. Construction of the
Upon its completion later in 2016, the Husab facility will be
permanent road and bridge to the mine site has been completed,
the world’s second-largest uranium producing facility, behind only
which includes 50km of access and service road linking the mine to
Saskatchewan’s McArthur River site in Canada. It is undoubtedly the
the main B2 transport route leading to Swakupmund, and a 160m
most significant uranium discovery in recent years, if not decades,
bridge over the Khan River; the longest bridge built in Namibia since
and in terms of the impact it will have when it enters production,
its independence in 1990. All required energy infrastructure is in
Husab will be a game-changer. “It will elevate Namibia past Niger,
place for Namibia’s state energy supplier, Nampower, to provide the
Australia and Canada to the second rung on the world ladder of
50 MW needed to operate the mine. Water for the Husab project
uranium producers,” said Swakop Uranium CEO, Zheng Keping.
will be delivered to the site, courtesy of a water supply system which
“The 8-kilometre uranium mineralisation has been confirmed as
transfers water via ductile iron pipe from a newly built desalination
the highest grade, granite-hosted uranium deposit in Namibia.” The
plant that has been built near Swakupmund.
remarkably high-quality of Husab’s yellowcake which, alongside
The assembly of the giant Komatsu haul trucks that will be used
its vast 280 million tonnes of resource, is unparalleled by existing
as the primary means of moving ore and waste on is now on the
mines in the region. Such will the impact of Husab on the Namibian
verge of completion, after having initially been moved to Husab in
economy over the course of its 20-year lifespan that, on its own,
kit form. At least 39 of the trucks, each with a payload of 327 tonnes,
the mine will single-handedly account for 5% of Namibia’s US$13.1
will be needed when the mine starts producing at its full capacity
billion GDP.
of 15 million pounds of uranium oxide per annum. Actually getting
The mine has been developed as a conventional, large-scale
them to Husab from Johannesburg in the first place, however,
load-and-haul opencast mine, feeding directly into a conventional
was no mean feat. The bodies are 14.6 metres long, 10.7 metres
110 | Endeavour Magazine
wide and 5.4 metres high, which meant every step of the journey
slump is transient. Prices will increase markedly over the medium to
had to be planned meticulously. “Every step of the journey had to
long-term; what goes down, must go up.
be carefully measured and investigated before the 50-tonne load could be granted permission to travel.
According to a report published by the World Nuclear Association, it is expected that uranium demand will have increased
Even then, strict conditions were applied and the vehicles
by close to 50% by 2023, making investment in a facility of Husab’s
needed to be accompanied by at least two escorts from the
stature the only available logical business decision. “Each gigawatt
transportation company Transcor, as well as two South African
of increased new capacity will require about 150 tpa of extra
road authorities,” said Komatsu’s Gerhard Klopper. The huge dump
uranium mine production routinely, and about 300 to 450 tonnes
bodies are the last part of the truck to be fitted: it takes two cranes
of uranium for the first fuel load,” Marais said. He continued: “About 435 reactors with a combined capacity
to lift them. Taking into account the retreat of Germany from nuclear energy,
of over 370 GWe, require some 78,000 tonnes of uranium oxide
the well-documented Fukushima crisis, the booming growth of the
concentrate, containing 66,000 tonnes of uranium from mines, or
wider renewables sector, and the persistent commodities price
the equivalent from stockpiles or secondary sources, each year.
slump that has devastated miners, there might perhaps be one big
This includes initial cores for new reactors coming on line.” Uranium
question in mind over this entire endeavour: why now, and why so
mines worldwide currently supply some 68,800 tonnes of uranium
big? A fair and legitimate question, and one that is easily explained.
oxide, containing 58,344 tonnes of uranium. That’s about 86 percent
Nuclear, for all its flaws, remains the leading, most developed
of utilities’ annual requirements and it leaves a significant shortfall.”
source of green power, and continues to be enthusiastically pursued
It’s boom-time for Namibia, in other words, and especially
by rising powers, China and India, and even the UK. In the view
Swakop Uranium. In a matter of months, Husab and its parent
of Swakop Uranium’s Director of Communications & Stakeholder
company will justifiably take a place at the mining sector’s top table.
Involvement, Grant Marais, whilst the price of uranium remains
Exciting times lie ahead.
low, and will continue to remain low in the short-term, the current
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Endeavour Magazine | 111 Endeavour Mag_Swakop Uranium_091018
REFRALINE WWW.REFRALINE.COM // 27 11 392 0700
THREE DECADES OF SUCCESS For over 30 years, Refraline Pty Ltd has played an important role as a leading supplier of refractory ceramics and services. It is for good reason that it is now one of the most recognisable names in its field across sub-Saharan Africa. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
REFRALINE
As with all things subtle and yet essential, the importance of the refractory ceramic ‘fire bricks’ and the other heat-resistant materials that Refraline Pty Ltd manufactures is difficult to overstate. Consider this; across South Africa’s vast heavy industries sectors, on which the national economy relies so heavily, you’d be hard pressed to find a company which doesn’t require some form of heat-resistant materials to go about its business.
S
ince it was established in 1981, Germiston-based Refraline Pty Ltd has enjoyed steady and consistent growth over the
Ceramite
®
shapes up to the extreme
years to become one of the market leaders in its field. As one
of the principal providers of refractory solutions, the company serves a hugely important role in sub-Saharan Africa – just ask any company operating within an industry which relies on the refractory ceramic ‘fire bricks’ and other heat resistant materials that Refraline supplies. “We are installers, manufacturers, and suppliers of refractory and corrosion materials and linings,” Rosch stated. “Essentially our customers are everybody with heat processes and the need for protection in certain environments, which in South Africa can be glass companies, petrochemicals, steel, foundries, and mining companies. While we operate in South Africa, we also do business in our neighbouring sub-Saharan countries like Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana. Refraline also has international clients in the Middle East and as far afield as the Middle East, although these are not our regular territories.” We have orders that vary from R5,000 up to R10 million projects, and the duration can be one day or one year. No job is too
Richland Trading 038 (PTY) LTD T/A Process Consultants Manufacturing and Distribution Licensee Visit www.refraline.com for more information or contact us on 011 392-0700, 0826009715, alann@mweb.co.za 114 | Endeavour Magazine
large or small for us.” And make no mistake about it, Refraline’s order book is full. Over the 32 years that have passed since it first opened its doors for business, the company has grown in stature and reputation, to the extent that it has become the go-to refractory solutions provider in sub-Saharan Africa. Undoubtedly, this can be attributed
REFRALINE to the company’s success over three decades – an impressive feat
“It is a market which is not really growing, which means we really
indeed. Few companies have the staying power to keep their doors
have to fight. Simply, we must be better than our competitors. The
open for business for so long in any industry, after all.
fact that we have continued growing into a company which today
So, what is the key to this remarkable longevity? Well, granted,
has a 300 million Rand turnover and more than 500 permanent
Refraline provides a specialist service which few others can, but
staff is a real sign that our customers appreciate the service we
this alone doesn’t explain fully the company’s staying power. No,
offer to them.”
the key to Refraline’s success is its experience and know-how
Whilst, as Rosch himself admitted, demand for refractories is
gained over three decades and superior reputation, of course, but
not growing, the anatomy of the South African economy means
more than this is its understanding of client needs, and ability to
that demand for the materials needed to line furnaces, kilns,
deliver beyond the client’s expectations.
incinerators, and reactors is high, and will remain so for the
The importance of forging strong and enduring relationships
foreseeable future.
with clients, and its emphasis on gaining an intimate understanding
Take the steel industry, for example. Just ask any C-level
of their individual internal processes and nuances, has set Refraline
executive plying their trade in the steel industry of the importance
in good stead. Through this above and beyond approach to offering
of refractory materials to their trade. As one might expect, the range
an unrivalled customer experience, Refraline can deliver a tailored
of refractories that exist to serve the steel industry is as diverse as
service in line with the needs of each client, and therefore ensure
the number of different types and grades of steel manufactured.
that the service delivered is exactly what they need and sometimes
Magnesite refractories, a chemically basic material containing
under budget.
at least 85% magnesium oxide, are the most important group of
Such an approach is vital because of the competitive state of
refractories for basic steelmaking. A Basic Oxygen Furnace, for
the industry. There are a number of rivals in South Africa alone
example - the function of which is to decarburise hot metal using
which given the chance would be more than willing to boost their
pure oxygen gas – uses a specially selected high-performance
market share. This is a threat that Rosch is only too aware of:
seawater magnesite carbon brick lining, which, thanks to its
116 | Endeavour Magazine
additional carbon content, improves slag resistance, particularly to lime and iron-rich slags. Zirconia refractories, on the other hand, are used in different applications altogether. Able to maintain their extraordinarily high strength at temperatures as high as 15,000C and with low levels of thermal conductivity, zirconia-based materials are used as construction materials for various high-temperature metallurgical and glass furnaces. Taking into account the nature of the industry and the inevitable exposure to furnace-hot temperatures that employees who work with refractories face, understandably, safety and good working practice is paramount. Employee safety is ingrained in the culture of Refraline, and as such the company can proudly point to a safety record which is astonishing, bearing in mind how fraught with hazard the environments are in which Refraline does business. “We are very proud of our safety record, and we subscribe to the DIFR (Disabling Injury Frequency Rate), which shows that we have had zero accidents for over 12-months. Many years ago we introduced our own in-house safety management processes that have helped us to get to that standard. This is an important consideration for prospective clients and is very important to us when we are working on a client’s premises.�
Endeavour Magazine | 117
KUWAIT OIL COMPANY WWW.KOCKW.COM // 00965 23989111
IN THE BLACK With plans to invest a colossal US$40.45bn into energy projects within Kuwait and an ambitious growth plan, Kuwait Oil Company is determined to continue to make great strides within its industry. Endeavour Magazine spoke to Sami Al Juhaim, Public Relations Director, about the exciting developments that are underway. WRITTEN BY DYLAN DIXON
KUWAIT OIL COMPANY
Founded in 1934, Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) was originally established by British Petroleum (formerly Anglo-Persian Oil) and the Chevron Corporation (formerly Gulf Oil). With respected ‘founding fathers’ at the helm, KOC was born into assumed greatness and wasted no time in living up to the expectations placed upon it.
F
ocused on exploration activities, on and off-shore surveys,
“Every one of my people and my friends will rejoice with me
drilling of test wells and the careful development of producing
in this happy event, which by the Grace of God is for our future
fields, in addition to the more standard tasks of crude and
and welfare. I thank God for such an opportunity as this, that will
natural gas exploration, the company hit the ground running and
help us carry on with the various improvements which we desire
have not slowed the pace in the 81 years that have followed
for the happiness and welfare of the Kuwaiti people. I would like to
its inception.
further mention the assistance offered by the Company during their
KOC came about as a direct result of the vision and leadership
operations in our country. My thanks are also due to Her Majesty’s
of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. A resourceful and courageous
Government for their help in making such operations a success,
ruler of Kuwait, he seized the opportunity to move from the
and to my personal friends the British and American members of
cultured pearl industry into oil production following a technical
the Board as well as to all the Company’s staff for their valuable
report alluding to the possibilities at hand. By signing a document
assistance. I am sure the friendship relation existing between us
on December 23rd 1934, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah opened
and the Company will continue to exist in a spirit of cordiality and
his country up to new wealth and international presence by granting
good will.”
KOC the very first Kuwaiti oil concession agreement.
1975 saw the nationalisation of Kuwait’s oil industry.
Years of steady oil discoveries followed, in some cases of
Implemented to assure control over the region’s natural oil
such quantities and pressure that it proved difficult to contain
resources, State shareholding in KOC was gradually increased
effectively. Unbelievably, a well that was first discovered in 1938 is
until total control was assumed. By taking a proactive approach to
still producing today; such is the power of the supply.
industry development, Kuwait has risen to undeniable prominence
1946 played host to another landmark moment for the
within the global oil market, demonstrating the incredible
dedicated team at KOC. In a ceremony befitting such a forward
business acumen and wise guidance of the country’s people and
thinking and progressive company, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
leaders alike.
participated in Kuwait’s first ever crude oil export programme by
Celebrating 75 years of operation in 2009, KOC put
turning a silver wheel to allow oil to fill the British Fusilier tanker.
on an enormous three-day celebration, which saw the city
Depositing 10,567 tons in little over 11 hours, the event was a
of Ahmadi transformed with light shows and displays and
significant milestone in the history of the company, with Sheikh
welcomed highly esteemed guests including the Amir of Kuwait.
Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah commenting at the time,
Making a clear statement as to the continued success of the
120 | Endeavour Magazine
KUWAIT OIL COMPANY company, KOC began to look forward and plan astounding new
continues to perform to expected standards. Operating in a
initiatives.
performance-related environment, staff members are offered
Having released plans to invest US$40.45bn into new directives,
motivation and support to develop their leadership skills and
diversification seems imminent and inevitable as KOC seeks to
technical know-how within an organisation that takes Health,
remain not only at the forefront of their industry, but ahead of the
Security, Safety and Environment exceptionally seriously.
curve in regards to future technologies and directives. A major development is the KPC Upstream Mission, which seeks to,
Consistently operating with world-class standards in mind, KOC continues to move forward, despite industry difficulties. So firmfooted is the company that in addition to the large-scale investment
“Explore, develop and produce hydrocarbons within the State
plan being put into place, it has also committed to increasing its oil
of Kuwait, the Divided Zone and internationally and so be a secure
and gas rig numbers by an enormous 50% by early 2016. Existing
and reliable supplier to our customers, promote the care and
fields will not be left in the wake of progress however, as they will
development of our people and deliver on our commitments to our
be developed to increase their output and continue to contribute
stakeholders in a compliant, profitable, safe and environmentally
to the success of KOC.
responsible manner.”
Forever modest and respectful, KOC acknowledge that it is by
If successful, this mission will lead to KOC achieving a leading
the Grace of God that they continue to enjoy success, which allows
position in the global industry of upstream oil and gas as an
the country to enjoy continued affluence and sustainability – but
integrated enterprise. Increasing supply reliability and moving
let’s not overlook the dedication and endeavours of the human
towards a more sustainable future, this has been heralded as an
guiding hands that keep KOC firmly in the black.
incredibly important development. KOC recognise and acknowledge that hiring and retaining talented people is the only way to ensure that the company
122 | Endeavour Magazine
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Advanced Flexible Composite Pipeline systems for oil, gas and water Endeavour Magazine | 123