September2014

SEPTEMBER 2014

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SAVE THE CHILDREN LOOKING AFTER THE NEXT GENERATION

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EDITORIAL Heads of Departments Editor in Chief Daemon Sands daemonsands@littlegatepublishing.com Director General Don Campbell doncampbell@littlegatepublishing.com Editorial Research Manager Alex Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Director James Martin jamesmartin@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Manager Tyler Harrison tylerharrison@littlegatepublishing.com Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com Any enquiries or subscriptions can be sent to info@littlegatepublishing.com ENDEAVOUR MAGAZINE is published by Littlegate Publishing LTD which is a Registered Company in the United Kingdom.

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Copyright © Littlegate Publishing Ltd 2014

MOVEMENT IS EVERYTHING There is talk that the internet is running out of space due to outdated router technology created decades ago that was at the time mind bogglingly advanced but is now failing to cope with the expansive dependency we have for all things internet. At the time engineers assumed that today’s masters of technology would have invented some new method of transmitting information that was better, perhaps photo computing or quantum computing, instead of keeping the “That’ll Do,” attitude that human seem preoccupied with.

We tend to think that the internet is like a giant filing cabinet where you can put files in and take files out when things get too fill. But it isn’t. Even if you delete something from the internet it is still floating around, caught in the very hardware that keeps the internet going. Compiled, compressed, but there. Like sediment layers at the bottom of an ocean of information it’s something that’ll go unnoticed until finally you have a sandbank.

Not the best analogy because a sand bank isn’t the problem, it’s the rail systems. The issue is that a router can direct information to a number of IP Addresses, individual computers, and in some systems this number is only half a million but once this number is exceeded its stops working. Instead of developing a new way of handling the information we’ve pushing what we have passed its limits with too much usage. Iphones, Wifi, laptops everything that connects to the internet even if it is through wireless still uses up space upon the hardware. Because the internet is a real thing, it has mass, it has volume and it has boundaries.

Imagine if trains were getting faster but still running on the rails that were built a hundred years ago that couldn’t be replaced because we couldn’t afford to stop the trains. That would be a better analogy.

After all, the issue is clear, we know where the problem lies and for the most part technology has developed enough so that the problem could be fixed. Routers that are being built now can handle over ten times the traffic which would mean we could sort out the issue for a while and leave the next generation to find a better solution when they hit their limits. But convincing the major websites like Facebook, E-bay, Amazon and Google who are currently having the issues with users not being able to access their sites, to go offline for long enough for these new routers to be installed, is the hard part.

But it is through these websites that most usage problem comes from.

So while new rails are being laid down, the progress is a million times slower than the increase of their usage. And, these new rails are rendered almost redundant because they are being fed and feeding to old rails. With billions of people relying on the movement for their careers to continue unheeded it is possible we’re entering into a period of internet triage and rolling connectivity blackouts.

And you probably thought the end of the world was going to come from the sky.

Cover image credit:

Luzmila, 12, harvests barley from the land on her family’s farm. They consume it during all the following year, mainly in soups. This community lives in the region of Huancavelica, Ccasapata district which is in rural Peru. Rural areas throughout the Peru face challenges to accessing relevant education for children. Save the Children is working to train teachers in Indigenous language education for children who work outside of school hours, ensuring they are equipped with relevant skills post-graduation. Location: Huancavelica, Ccasapata district, Peru Photo credit: Alejandro Kirchuk/Save the Children

Endeavour Magazine | 3

CONTENTS

41 Bargain Group FEATURES

77 Freightworx 4 | Endeavour Magazine

29 Antigua and Barbuda Airport

The Sky’s The Limit 35 Mozambique Airports Company

African Air 41 Bargain Group

Eye For A Bargain 47 GoPaul and Company Ltd

The Brand Everyone Remembers 53 Groupe Monoprix

Leading The Rise Of The Retail Market 57 Tenneco South Africa

Breath Of Fresh Air 63 Van And Truck Hire South Africa

And Truck Hire Botswana

The Go To Business 69 Focus Graphite

Focusing On The Future 75 Readymix WI Limited

The Readymix Advantage 81 Kenya Chamber of Mines

Kenya Has The Minerals 87 Freightworx

Keeping Business Moving 93 ILS

The Benchmark For Industry 101 Desalcott

Plus 100 Billion Gallons And Still Going

59 Focus Graphite

83 ILS

ARTICLES 6 10

16

18 20

22 24

26 106

110

Business Headlines Patricia Erb Looking after the next generation 6 Reasons Why Buying Real Books Makes You A Better Person War Hoarse Mercedes Benz E250 CDI AMG Sport Estate Perfect For The Modern Family Man Gadgets The Highwaymans A Five Star Steal Burgers Love At First Bite Nairn Milne Do You Hear The Beat?

Book Reviews

89 Desalcott

Endeavour Magazine | 5

BUSINESS HEADLINES Chargemaster continues to offer free domestic charging – and now adds free POLAR membership and free online usage monitoring

C

hargemaster, the UK’s largest manufacturer of electric vehicle charging points has announced that it will continue to offer its popular Homecharge i 3kW charging

point installed totally free of charge* with support from the new £9m government scheme (the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme or EVHS), details of which were announced today.

In order to ensure all buyers and users of EVs get the best charging experience at home and across the national POLAR charging network, Chargemaster will not only continue to provide a free 3kW Homecharge Unit, but will also offer free POLAR membership for six months with any installation. Customers will also receive free online

It is widely forecast that between five and ten percent of cars sold in the UK will be plug-in or fully electric by 2020, and indications suggest the market is on track to meet such levels.

The Chargemaster Homecharge unit is the most popular domestic charging unit in Europe and charges at up to three times faster than a standard 13-amp domestic socket. It is also far safer than using a 13-amp domestic supply, being wired on a dedicated electrical circuit in accordance with stringent industry safety standards. Over 20,000 Homecharge units have been supplied in the UK and throughout nine other European countries.

access to usage data**. The POLAR Network gives electric vehicle users access to thousands of charging points across the country, all of which can be accessed with a single card. The membership charge is usually £20 per year.

The new government backed scheme requires recipients to own or have on order a plug-in vehicle, and runs until 31st March 2015, or until the total allocated funding has been spent. The government has announced that £9m will be allocated to support domestic charging points between 1st September 2014 and 31st March 2015.

David Martell, Chargemaster’s founder and chief executive confirmed its ongoing support for the UK government initiative: “We are delighted to offer a free unit under the new scheme with support from the government.

Chargemaster is not only subsidising

Filthiest Habits Revealed

national POLAR Network. Being able

M

to see one’s electricity usage at home

third admitted they don’t always wash their hands after going to

and in addition across the POLAR network is all part of the high level

the toilet, almost half leave the same sheets on their bed for weeks,

of service that Chargemaster offers to support EV car buyers”

while half use the same dish cloths and sponges over and over again

the cost of the domestic unit, but also giving electric vehicle buyers greater flexibility to charge away from home with six months’ free access to the

“The ability for electric car drivers to have easy access to

illions of us could be risking our health because of poor hygiene in the home, according to research released today.

The study asked Brits about a range of hygiene habits and a

until they could almost walk out of the kitchen.

charging at home and across the UK is key to the reduction of carbon

One in ten don’t wash their towels weekly, the same number

emissions nationally, as well as improving air quality, particularly in

don’t clean their teeth twice a day, only half (53%) shower and bathe

urban areas, so we are delighted to be doing our bit.”

once a day.

With many new electric models now launched, or about to come

The carpet cleaning experts, Rug Doctor swabbed the shoes of

on the market, the EV market in the UK is buoyant. Manufacturers

a cross section of age groups and demographics around the UK to

offering, or about to offer plug-in vehicles in the UK now include Audi,

discover what lurks on the sole of our footwear and the results are

BMW, Citroën, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot,

truly shocking.

Porsche, Renault, Smart, Tesla, Toyota, Vauxhall, Volkswagen and Volvo.

6 | Endeavour Magazine

High numbers of bacteria from the pneumonia and E Coli families were found up and down the UK, as well as vomit-inducing

Enhanced User Experience: More Options To Determine Best Price Across Channels

T

ata Consultancy Services

President and Chief Financial Officer for Avis Budget Group.

(TCS), (BSE: 532540, NSE:

The new Avis and Budget mobile applications are currently

TCS), a leading IT services,

available on the iOS and Android platforms. Additional features

consulting

and

business

solutions

allow customers to make, modify or cancel a car reservation, view

organization, today announced the recent completion of significant

past rental details, find rental locations, select car preferences, and

enhancements to a series of mobile applications developed on behalf

compare the existing and modified reservation data. Most recently,

of Avis Car Rental and Budget Car Rental. The upgraded mobile

the Avis mobile application was also launched on the Microsoft

applications provide customers of the car rental companies with

Windows Phone and BlackBerry operating systems to provide

innovative new functionality, including synchronized pricing across

additional options for Avis customers.

channels (e.g., mobile, social, office location) to reflect customized

“In the new digital age, it is crucial for a company to build a

preferences and insurance options, and more available ancillary

seamless and total presence for customers across all channels,”

products for in-app selection.The upgraded Avis Car Rental and

said Satya Ramaswamy, Global Head of Digital Enterprise, Tata

Budget Car Rental mobile applications process coupons and account

Consultancy Services. “We are thrilled that the new Avis Car Rental

for frequent traveler program surcharges, insurance and other add-

and Budget Car Rental mobile applications will not only enhance

ons, to help customers understand the total cost of their rental.

customer loyalty and brand affinity, but elevate the company’s

They also allow customers to select additional ancillary products

ability to meet the competition head-on.”

they would like incorporated into their reservation, including Loss

“Enabling customers to manage all aspects of their car rental

Damage Waiver protection, Satellite Radio and Roadside Assistance.

experience through the innovative use of digital technologies is a

“Being a leader in mobile services to car rental customers is an

winning strategy that drives new channel business. Avis Car Rental

important objective for us as we look to profitably accelerate our

and Budget Car Rental have raised the bar yet again in the car rental

growth, while at the same time enhance the customer experience

industry, leveraging digital in a big way and TCS is excited to be the

we provide. The work TCS has done over the last several months –

technology partner in this endeavor,” said S Sukanya, Vice President

on time, on budget and to scope – has been critical to our progress

and Global Head of Travel, Transportation and Hospitality Unit, Tata

against this objective,” said David Wyshner, Senior Executive Vice

Consultancy Services.

toxins, traces of animal and human gut and faecal bacteria.

As well as bacteria, the swabs also contained human and pet hair, dust mites, pollen and traces of skin, but with 40% of us wearing

28%

have had a pet be sick on the flooring

footwear inside, less than one in five of us cleaning the bottom of our shoes - the chances are millions could be living amongst this filth.

Particularly as 40% believe their carpets are completely clean

30%

after vacuuming which is a myth. So could you be at risk of illness

have had a baby or someone else be sick on their carpet

because of bad hygiene habits at home?

Dr Pixie McKenna from Embarrassing Bodies: “Rug Doctor’s work to assess the nation’s hygiene habits has thrown up shocking

24%

have had a pet leave their mess

22%

admit to having had sex on the floor

stats, particularly how little care people take to remove bacteria and grime within their homes. Dangerous bugs like pneumonia and E Coli are being brought into our homes on the soles of our shoes, and are then trampled into the carpets….in fact, 41% of people say they still don’t intend to remove their footwear at the door, even though

Nairn Milne

Do You Hear The Beat?

Rug Doctor has revealed the nasties lurking in their carpets.”

Endeavour Magazine | 7

Testing Of All-New Right-Hand-Drive Mustang Begins

F

or the first time ever, a right-hand-drive Ford Mustang will roll off a Ford assembly line when global production begins. The addition of a right-hand-drive Mustang to

Ford’s line-up of global vehicles will allow the iconic ‘pony car’ to be exported to more than 25 right-hand-drive markets around the world, including the United Kingdom, Australia and South Africa.

Mustang engineers recently finished construction of the very first right-hand-drive sixth-generation Mustang. The prototype Mustang will be used to conduct various development tests in preparation for the car’s entry into the global market in the coming months.

While the United States is the largest market for Mustang with more than 9.2 million sales since the car’s debut in 1964, more than 161,000 Mustangs have been sold outside of North America in that time. In 2012 alone, more than 4,000 Mustangs were sold in 35 countries outside of North America, ranging from the United Arab Emirates to Chile to the Philippines.

While Mustang has more than 100 fan clubs around the globe, and was recently voted “Europe’s Most Wanted Classic Car” by AutoScout24, bringing a right-hand-drive Mustang to market will allow more enthusiasts to experience the car than ever before.

50 years of Mustang

Regal Princess Naming Ceremony Will Launch Princess Cruises’ 50th Anniversary Celebrations

I

t’s been nearly forty years since the iconic television show The Love Boat went on the air and introduced

viewers to modern day cruising and, in the process, made Princess Cruises and its ships synonymous with vacations at sea.

The original Love Boat cast will serve as

godparents for Regal Princess. As Princess prepares to celebrate its milestone 50th anniversary year in 2015, the company is honoring the role that The Love Boat played in its history by selecting the original Love Boat cast members to serve as godparents for its new cruise ship Regal Princess. All six Love Boat cast members will reunite to christen the new ship on November 5 in Fort Lauderdale.

The ceremony will officially launch the golden year anniversary celebrations for Princess Cruises, which will celebrate five decades of operation throughout 2015.

Ford Mustang is the newest member of a very exclusive club

The actors include Gavin MacLeod (Captain Stubing), Fred

– vehicles in continuous production for 50 years. The car has a

Grandy (Gopher, the chief purser), Ted Lange (Isaac, the bartender),

worldwide base of fans, including more than 7.6 million on Facebook

Bernie Kopell (Doc, the ship’s doctor), Lauren Tewes (cruise director

– the most of any vehicle nameplate. From the beginning, Mustang’s

Julie) and Jill Whelan (Vicki, the captain’s daughter).

unique combination of style, performance and affordability

“We can think of no more suitable godparents for our newest

established an entirely new class of sporty cars, and it has led the

ship than the cast of the show that put Princess Cruises on the

segment ever since.

map,” said Jan Swartz, the line’s president. “The show has been such

The sixth-generation Mustang goes on sale in the United States this autumn and in the UK in 2015, and will eventually be available in more than 110 countries worldwide.

8 | Endeavour Magazine

a visible part of our company’s history, it made sense to kick off our anniversary celebrations with this special tribute.”

The pilot episode of the Love Boat, shot aboard Princess’

Book Reviews

Mobility And Millennials Revealed As Biggest Influence On The Changing Role Of Cios Across Canada Survey Of Canadian CIOs Unveils Technology Trends Influencing The Evolution Of The Workplace A

730-passenger original Sun Princess in 1977, began the relationship between Princess Cruises and the show, which for ten seasons eventually became one of the highest rated and longest-running shows on television. The Pacific Princess and Island Princess were the primary floating stars of the show, while later episodes and specials were filmed aboard many of Princess’ other cruise ships in destinations around the globe.

“I’m absolutely thrilled that my former cast mates and I will be part of Regal Princess’ U.S. debut,” said Gavin MacLeod, who has been Princess Cruises’ ambassador since the show ended in 1986. “The fact that The Love Boat continues to air in international syndication around the globe is a testament to the show’s longevity and the world’s fascination with romance on the high seas.”

recent

commissioned Electronics

IDC by

Canada1

survey Samsung found

that technology trends such as Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), which

reflect

the

growing

use of personal tablets and smartphones in the workplace, is driving change for the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and businesses across Canada. Of the CIOs surveyed, 58 per cent said the number of mobile workers at their company has increased and that 68 per cent of these workers use tablets in addition to mobile phones.

The 3,560-guest Regal Princess, which entered service in May of

BYOD is quickly becoming

this year, is arriving in Fort Lauderdale to begin her maiden season

the new norm for companies

of Caribbean cruise vacations. Among the special features found on

across Canada with 52.5 per

board is a dramatic multi-story atrium serving as the social hub of

cent of CIOs open to employees

the ship, offering a host of dining and entertainment options; an

bringing their own devices to

over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending

work. When asked why CIOs

28 feet beyond the edge of the ship; plush private poolside cabanas

have a bring their own device

that appear to be floating on water; the Princess Live! television

policy, 50.8 per cent responded

studio; the largest pastry shop at sea; a special Chef’s Table Lumiere,

saying it was to appeal to young

a private dining experience that surrounds diners in a curtain of light;

workers which will make up

and balconies on all outside staterooms.

75 per cent of the workforce

“The ship’s naming ceremony is just the beginning of the

by 2028.

While security still

celebrations that will mark our company’s golden anniversary,” said

remains a core component, CIOs

Swartz. She added that beyond the Regal Princess festivities, guests

are being driven by workplace

sailing on any of the line’s fleet of 18 cruise ships during 2015 will

trends to help future-proof their

enjoy a wide range of anniversary experiences.

organization.

Endeavour Magazine | 9

1

PATRICIA ERB LOOKING AFTER THE NEXT GENERATION

BY DONNIE RUST

N

o child should have to suffer; these were the words

ninety five years old and have developed throughout the world in

when Save the Children was founded in 1919 by

separate chapters,” she reveals, “Since 2010 we have moved into a

Eglantyne Jebb. A woman filled with fire, she convinced

coordinated operation with country offices reporting to a central

the League of Nations to establish a policy regarding the safety and

branch in the UK. Unified under one country office we are able to

protection of children irrespective of their race, nationality or creed.

have an even larger impact working together than we would working

A formidable woman with an unyielding vision within three years

alone.”

of setting up the foundation there were four branches worldwide

Each chapter still operates as an independent cell, however, as a

with a central hub in the United Kingdom, “After the atrocities she

centralized entity they benefit from the team work and support that

witnessed during the first world war she was compelled to act,”

such a state can offer. These changes were just taking place when

Patricia Erb, CEO of Save the Children Canada reveals, “And her

Patricia took over as CEO and she has brought to the table a lifetime

passion, her fire influenced and united countries together under a

of experience and understanding.

common goal of protecting and safeguarding children.”

When she was young her father was in development and

Patricia has taken on the role of running the Canadian branch

Patricia was exposed to the effects of poverty and the impact it

of this international organisation employing some thirty seven

had to children, kids dying from measles and other viruses and

thousand people worldwide upon a wave of change, “We’re nearly

diseases, “Poverty, disease and misery affect communities through

10 | Endeavour Magazine

each person where every family is a bubble. Within that bubble a

During the 70s, Patricia was nineteen and working in Argentina

child can live in heartbreaking poverty while being surrounded by

as a relief worker. During the time the region had slipped into a

neighbours who aren’t even aware of it,” Patricia says, “I felt that I

dark period marked by dictatorship. Disease, poverty and fear

had to do something that it was my responsibility.”

were rampant and hope was dying. Activists were dealt with in a

Finding that her own beliefs were in line with those of the founder,

disgustingly abhorrent manner during the time, used as examples

Eglantyne Jebb, who believed that it was the world’s responsibility to

to keep people in line and to further increase the shadow of fear

look after the children, Patricia has dedicated her life to be involved

that had been drawn across the country. While Patricia was there

in this. After disappearing in Argentina for a period, she finished her

purely as a relief worker, she was not only of the age, but also friends

studies and did her research looking to find the organization through

with a number of people who were involved in the rebellion and she

which she could do the best work, “I wanted to be part of something

became a suspect.

that was greater that would enable me to have the greatest impact

“I was living in Bolivia at the time,” she recalls, “And I saw extreme

possible,” she reflects, “I found Save the Children twenty six years

poverty all around me. I started to work in Buenos Aires and one

ago and have worked with them ever since.”

night the military came to my house and took me from my bed.”

Children are the deciding factor in the world, Patricia goes on to

Kidnapped and taken to a concentration camp what followed

explain, protecting our children, feeding and educating them is the

was two months of extreme torture, Patricia didn’t go into much

main function of humanity and the future of the planet hinges on

detail at this point sufficing in saying that of the hundreds of people

our success in this. And, when speaking to Patricia it becomes very

taken to this particular concentration camp only five ever managed

clear, very quickly that this is not just a job for her, this is her life,

to get out alive, “Because of my citizenship the Canadian, US and

“Everyone deserves a fair chance of life.”

even the Swiss government achieved my release,” she says, “But

2 Endeavour Magazine | 11

3

there were many who were not as fortunate.”

For six years afterwards Patricia, a human rights activist, telling her story in the hope of engaging an active participation from people in business and beyond to fight against this kind of treatment, this kind of evil.

Since then, the democratic processes in Latin America have returned, however, like a virus spreading what you see is other atrocities developing in other parts of the world, war, famine, droughts

and

dictatorships

seem to be an ongoing thing but the hope is to find a way to overcome it all, “I hear about them constantly,” Patricia says, “And they break your heart but strengthen your resolve.”

Part of this resolve comes from an experience that many of us could only imagine. Patricia has been working for Save the

grown up to become officials in government and actively involved

impact on my children and my

Children for twenty six years,

in what we do.”

husband and they all want to

she has worked in the field and

A source of incredible pride this also fuels her conviction to

enter into the same career. We

in the offices, hand-in-hand with

continue in what, she reveals is not a day job for her. Whereas many

talk about it spontaneously and

campaigns large and small and

CEOs and personalities speak of the importance of drawing a line

it’s become a part of our lives,

over the years has been able to

between professional life and personal life, Patricia does not, “I wrap

“This is the life I chose and

see the children that she worked

myself up in my work. This isn’t a day job, this isn’t a business - this

it gives meaning to it. It has

with two decades ago, now

is a calling. It’s a twenty four hour a day, seven day a week push to

terrible and wonderful pieces, it

grown up, “Some of the children

save children’s lives.”

seems a bit schizophrenic to me

I worked with in Bolivia have 12 | Endeavour Magazine

“I roll it together an embrace it all,” she says, “My work has an

to separate it.”

It is something that few people can testify to having, a job so fulfilling that it spills over into all facets of your life and frankly, with such an important

“I wrap myself up in my work. This isn’t a day job, this isn’t a business - this is a calling. It’s a twenty four hour a day, seven day a week push to save children’s lives.”

need immediate action. With governmental agencies, such as UNICEF, they are able to put into action programmes that are sustainable over the long term,

cause and with so much at stake it is a relief to know that the person

“To do this we have a strong, consummate alliance that allows us to

at the top is frankly obsessed with her work.

scale the long term projects.”

This has created an atmosphere of duty within Save the Children

I asked Patricia if we were winning the battle against poverty

Canada where the people look at their jobs as a calling, “I have an

and she explained that while over 143 million children have been

intensely close relationship with the other country directors,” she

directly helped over the world, and while Save the Children have

reveals, “And there is a mixture of long standing staff, particularly in

sophisticated systems of counting and determining aggregates for

areas like Scandinavia and the UK. We also have a high number of

their levels of success in case there are areas for improvement, that

people who come from the business sector and many of those staff

there is still some major hurdles ahead. This said, the work that they

move from one region to another and I have known them personally

do is often a case of relief efforts against unmitigated odds.

for a number of years.”

“We still see poverty, violence and hunger,” she says, “The last

There are benefits to having people with experience in the

extreme hunger in east Africa happened due to the length of the

business sector becoming involved in the organisation that need to

drought which nobody could change. The people of this region know

be able to engage businesses, corporations to partner and help them

how to handle droughts but the region didn’t have sufficient rainfall

achieve the targeted goals of their campaigns.

for over a decade which outlasted their resilience programmes.

“We have a major international campaign entitled “Everyone”

However thanks to efforts made by organisations, like Save the

focussed on the changes we’re doing globally in line with the

Children, UNICEF and the government, it wasn’t nearly as bad as

Millennium Development Goals. Save the Children is focused on

it could be,”

Millennium Development Goal 4, which is to end preventable child

One of the things that Patricia is particularly concerned about is

deaths under the age of five – specifically tackling infant mortality,”

the big bulge in youth Africa with high levels of unemployment. Africa

she says, “Canada is a country that has committed as a nation to

holds seven out of ten of the world’s fastest growing economies and

achieving this goal.”

a thriving entrepreneurial sector yet still has an alarmingly high level

Save the Children Canada also have a strategic partner in UNICEF, a partnership that has proved significant in a number of areas, “Save the Children was one of the first organisations to come from the civil sector,” she explains, “But UNICEF is a government

of unemployment. And it’s not due to lack of jobs but rather a lack of education.

“Africa has a lot of opportunity in agriculture,” she says, “But to turn this into profitable work takes education and training.”

organisation set up by the United Nations and the partnership is

To help Africa achieve its economic and social potential, Save

important because it opens a number of doors that would otherwise

the Children, in partnership with The MasterCard Foundation, has

be closed.”

launched Youth in Action. This unique program combines education

What appeals to Patricia is that Save the Children does shortterm

and entrepreneurial opportunities in agriculture for rural, out-of-

and efficient interventions, garnering corporate and public support

school youth in five African countries—Burkina Faso, Egypt, Ethiopia,

for campaigns that affect the here and now, the situations that

Malawi and Uganda.

Endeavour Magazine | 13

The MasterCard Foundation has

Canada

from a career in this sector. In fact, farmers in Africa are part of an

and Patricia has been very

aging demographic, with most currently in their 60s. Without youth

impressed

14 | Endeavour Magazine

centre

involvement in agriculture, the continent’s future is bleak.”

with

in

what

has

been accomplished in Africa,

Youth in Action is an evidence-based program model that takes

“I think that is something we

each individual participant’s personal situation into account, working

need to get more of,” she says,

with youth’s families and communities to determine which path

“I believe in the potential for humanity and that everything is better and has better results when you do it with others,”

4

its

recently in a press report, “Despite this, youth have shied away

with

will create the most sustainable success. The program enhances

significant partners that

participants’ basic reading, writing and math skills, and provides

can achieve significant,

them with meaningful vocational and entrepreneurial training—

sustainable steps in the

allowing them to enter and thrive in the agricultural sector. Youth in

right direction.”

Action also aims to help youth understand and assess the potential

“Collaborating

“Agriculture has the

of their marketable product within the agricultural value chain,

potential to lead Africa’s

while providing them with access to the products and tools they

future economic growth

need to be successful. To create a sustainable and holistic program

while

model, Youth in Action works with governments and private sector

significantly

reducing the continent’s unemployment

organizations and employers.

and

“The agricultural sector employs 65 per cent of Africa’s

under-employment

workforce, but many young people still face a variety of barriers

rates,”

in securing meaningful employment in this sector,” said Reeta Roy,

says

Patricia

President and CEO of The MasterCard Foundation. “We are excited about our partnership with Save the Children, which will develop market-relevant skills and training for rural, out-of-school youth to obtain employment opportunities across the continent. What makes this program unique is that it encourages young people to learn by doing and takes a youth-centred approach to ensure young people secure sustainable livelihoods.”

And, over the course of its duration, Youth in Action will work with approximately forty thousand youths in five African markets.

“We thank The MasterCard Foundation for its vision and leadership in recognizing and seizing the opportunity to ensure that Africa’s future is a bright one,” said Patricia, “Save the Children is proud of this partnership and our role in Youth in Action.”

Patricia’s whole view for the future is a series of significant steps, some of them large and others small but all important, “The rewards from each step, however small can be the most endearing and it’s always reassuring to see the resilience of people,” she says, “Early this year we went to Jordan to visit the camp and it was wonderful to see how eager the young girls there were to come to the camp where we were offering classes. They didn’t want to leave; their hunger for education was so great that they just wanted to stay.

It’s seeing that sort of keenness in their eyes despite the horrific situation they’ve found themselves in.”

Patricia goes on to say that the terror that this world can give pales beside the power of the human being to create opportunity.

What is Patricia Erb excited about?

So what is Patricia excited about for the future? Strategy.

“We’re writing out our new strategies,” she says happily, “I love strategies. It’s the chance to step back and dream and think about how you’re going to turn those dreams into action and make them real.”

Inclusive of the ongoing issues on infantile mortality, and the African bulge of uneducation and unemployment as well as the much needed deliberations on the best way to work with different genders there is the additional question regarding growth, “We’ve become this large international organisation which has created the possibility of even more growth and we’ve entered into a Programme of Excellence where we ask ourselves what will be Save the Children Canada’s stamp, how can we contribute, and what will be our area of expertise.”

Despite all that has been achieved, Patricia is still adamant that they can offer more and that it is their responsibility to never stop

Photography Credits

1

In January 2014, Patricia visited a Save the Children program in one of Syria’s largest refugee camps, Zaatari, in Jordan.

In emergency situations, Save the Children focuses on creating safe spaces that will help children find normalcy in a chaotic setting, including education, child protection, access to basic needs and care, etc. Location: Zaatari Refugee Camp, Jordan. Photo credit: Save the Children.

2 3

Youth in Action participant, Roset, 16 (Kasese, Uganda) climbs a tree to pick jackfruit, which she and her family sell to

generate a small income These beads save lives! In regions where numeracy and literacy levels are low, Save the Children teams find innovative

solutions to help community health workers battle preventable causes of death, including pneumonia.

By tracking a child’s breaths with the beads, the health worker can determine if he/she is exhibiting signs of the pneumonia. Location: Payam, Kapoeta North county, South Sudan. Photo credit: Helen Mould/Save the Children

4

In January 2014, Patricia visited a Save the Children program in one of Syria’s largest refugee camps, Zaatari, in Jordan.

In emergency situations, Save the Children focuses on creating safe spaces that will help children find normalcy in a chaotic setting, including education, child protection, access to basic needs and care, etc. Location: Zaatari Refugee Camp, Jordan. Photo credit: Save the Children.

trying to do more. To further galvanize the group.

“I believe in the potential for humanity and that everything is better and has better results when you do it with others,” Patricia wraps up.

Endeavour Magazine | 15

6 REASONS WHY BUYING REAL BOOKS MAKES YOU

A BETTER PERSON

I

like books. The smell of them, the feeling of the pages and the sound they make as they turn. I prefer books with pages that are slightly brown-yellow and where the corners have been

WRITTEN BY DONNIE RUST

slightly ruffled as if they’ve been handled by many interested hands.

I find Kindles, eReaders and Ipads to be useful accessories but I won’t get the same sort of reliable joy out of reading my favorite books on a screen. Furthermore I don’t buy my books from high street stores because their pages are always too sharp and white, the covers always too proper. There just aren’t as many creases in the cover and spine as a book that’s come from a library or even better a charity, second hand book store.

However, as I have a very flawed character I needed to justify and defend my personal tastes. And these are some of the reasons why buying books from second hand book stores makes you a better person.

Books are the representations of our age: more than merely history, the books we read today represent the soul of an age. Artists are reflections of society and are able to capture the feel of a time within their words and pages. If you want facts and figures you read history books, but if you want to learn about what humanity went through

during

the

14th century you

16 | Endeavour Magazine

read Shakespeare. Future historians and archaeologists will use the

This may only be an improvement, after all if you’re actually a really,

books they find of us to determine who we were and what we did.

really bad person starting a good collection of well read books will

Hopefully getting the right idea by what is fiction and what is fact.

make you a really bad person which is an improvement. In a way it’s

But probably not (link to history)

comparable to the reversal of the evolutionary process that gave us

Charity stores sell books at cheap rates and the money goes to a good cause: charity stores offer a combination of cheap rates and

house cats.

well-worn products. I don’t much like the idea of wearing a second

unpredictable things may be or how chaotic things have become

hand pair of trousers- if I could find any that would fit me- but when

that the words on the pages in these books will remain the same.

it comes to books you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better place to get

That their story will not change and that the adventure will always

literature with that old-book smell and the creased cover of a good

be there for us.

read. In fact there is probably a reason why Terry Pratchett, Stephen

They are burning books:

King and Paulo Coelho books always have covers that look like old hiker boots compared to the Twilight series that look like they’ve only been opened once.

Also you know the money spent is going to a good cause. Where else can you go where you can buy an entire universe and know that the money is going to help someone who needs it? Brilliant.

Writers are literary performers, they write to be paid but to be enjoyed: this first important step, where a writer gets paid for his or her work occurs along the route from a book going from the writer’s brain into the collection of words and pages on a store shelf. The second important step happens when the book through one way or another improves the life of someone who needs it.

There are few things as pure as a book passing from one person to another.

Books don’t run out of battery, get broken or lost: this is a matter of logistics. Ipads run

There is a certain presence about a collection of books, be them novels, autobiographies or histories that calm the soul by giving the reassurance that no matter what happens in our life, no matter how

outside of merely

reading books you have to buy them and protect them because bit by bit they’re not printing more of them.

Currently, being able to read novels and stories on Ipads and Kindles is convenient and useful, through one pad you can read whatever book you like and carry the stories everywhere with you. Today we’re all so eager to transfer our lives online that the publishing industry is changing with fewer printing products being provided every year. It hasn’t hit a crisis point currently, but in 2012 Ebooks outsold printed books two to one. At the time it made news, albeit briefly, but things have only continued in this way and it’s put us into a strange situation.

When scrolls were outsold by books, people didn’t turn around and start burning scrolls but this is exactly what is happening now.

How many copies of “The Colour of Magic” by Terry Pratchett have been printed since it was first written? Conservatively we could say a million… (very conservatively) however, that book has now been committed to a digital format which is now available to everywhere in the world, conveniently and easily. Leaving a conservative estimate

out of batteries, run out of memory, get damaged when dropped; get

of a million books being left that need to be stored and authorities

viruses (I’m assuming) or operating errors. Like all things online from

like libraries are now having to make room for coffee chairs and

your Facebook profile to your Amazon account it is all the illusion of

computer stations for students and readers to come and sit with

permanence which is perpetrated by the nerd operating the buttons

their Kindles to keep attracting people in and bit by bit the book

on the other end (over generalizing).

shelves are being relegated from Libraries into charity and second

Books last forever (bias) with minimal amount of effort: Leave a book on a shelf for ten years and it’ll be able to tell you the same

hand book stores and those books that don’t make the move are being stored.

story just as well as it did a decade earlier. Put a book in a book pile

And when they’ve been stored for too long, they start taking up

up and down your stairs and it’ll wait for you, quite happily. A book

space and when they start taking up too much space they have to

that is ten years old can be read just as easily two hundred years

be removed. Unfortunately, unlike unwanted pets, unwanted books

later whereas whatever e-reader, IPad or Kindle you’re reading on

are officially burnt leaving it to us to save them.

now will be utterly redundant and unusable in ten. If you’re lucky.

The stories are being preserved online and as everyone seems to

A good collection of books settles the soul and promises adventures to be had: the only reason there aren’t many scientific

assume that the internet will always be around and that our access

papers on the subject of how collecting books can actually settle the

information is lost. However, through convenience we’ll keep putting

soul is because the fact of the matter is so widely known nobody has ever seen it necessarily to prove or dispute it.

A good collection of well read books makes you a better person.

to it will never change so most of us don’t even realize the problem.

The alternative to having books will never be as reliable because it is just a machine and machines break down and when they do stories online but it’s down to you to save something historic for your grandchildren.

So do something right. Go out and buy a book.

Endeavour Magazine | 17

WAR HOARSE

“We don’t need to escalate, you see war is not the answer” WRITTEN BY JOHN, LORD TAYLOR OF WARWICK

These lyrics were written by soul legend Marvin Gaye, for his

recover after the second Gulf War and attracting the investment

classic “What’s Going On” album in 1971. Sadly, we did not heed

needed for wells and exploration is not easy when bombs and bullets

his warning.

are still an everyday hazard. The militants attack on Iraq’s biggest oil

When Tony Blair became British Prime Minister in 1997 he had

refinery in Baiji, after a seige lasting a week, shut down production

no previous ministerial experience. Yet by the time he left Downing

temporarily . In the Oil Market such instability creates higher oil

Street in 2007, he had led Britain into 5 wars. Although we “won”

prices. If Iraq further destabilises and fragments, there could be a

the 2003 Iraq war, we could lose the peace. The humanitarian

knock on effect in the Middle East. Dispersal could see the Kurdish

impact of war, in terms of deaths and injury is obvious and shocking.

in the North align with the Kurds in Syria and the Shia dominated

But what is perhaps less understood, is that War is ultimately bad

South look to Iran. The more conflict, the less oil production. In the

for business.

West we are still very dependent on Middle East oil. Whilst it is

Confidence is important for any economy. The Stock market is affected by events in the world, good or bad. Currently there are

true that new oil sources like Shale Oil are being developed, more is needed to keep up with demand.

10 major wars and 8 serious armed conflicts being waged around

Although it is not currently dominating the headlines, there is

the world. Where there is instability and warfare, that is not good

still a Civil War raging in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The

for investment and trade. I can

DRC has very rich mineral resources. In addition to copper, gold and

illustrate that by looking at 3

examples…….Iraq, Congo and the Kashmir.

diamonds it has 80% of the world’s Coltan ( columbite-tantalum)

Iraq has 65% of the world’s oil reserves. Oil is still the lifeblood of

deposits. This is a mineral which is essential for the making of mobile

the American economy. The US consumes about 30% of the world’s

phones, laptops and computer games, due to its heat conducting

oil and it is vital to sustaining the UK economy. Products which we

properties. But much of East Congo is in the hands of rebel troops.

take for granted, such as fertilisers, plastic, petrol, cosmetics, many

It is also claimed that gangs from neighbouring countries such as

clothes, CDs and even ink are all manufactured from oil. Prior to the

Rwanda, Uganda and Zimbabwe are heavily involved in the coltan

invasion of Iraq, the USA was concerned that none of the members

smuggling trade. They sell the minerals to help fund their store of

of the Arab League (a regional organisation of Arab states including

weapons. Approximately 3 million Congolese have been killed as

Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Yemen) was a

a result of the war, so far. Three mobile phone manufacturers….

true democracy. The US believed that the fall of Saddam Hussain

Motorola, Nokia and Vodafone have publically acknowleged that this

would bring democracy to the Middle East and deny radical groups

ongoing war directly affects their business.

access to oil reserves, so desperately needed by the West. How wrong they were.

A third major area of conflict is in the Kashmir. I visited Pakistan about 7 years ago as part of a UK Parliamentary delegation. We met

Since the war, new militant groups have emerged. ISIS has been

senior Pakistani parliamentarians and officials. It fell to me to raise

attacking and taking territories, especially in areas like Falluja. Iraq

the thorny issue of Kashmir and to ask why Pakistan cannot resolve

produces about 3.3million barrels of oil per day. Production did not

its ongoing dispute with neighbouring India concerning that territory.

18 | Endeavour Magazine

This problem has been ongoing since

future, than just the next election. This

1947, after the British subdivided the

particularly applies to President Obama,

continent. So I was probably a bit too

who is in his second term and does not

optimistic to think I could resolve the

have to worry about whether he will

issue during our 40 minute chat over

be re-elected. Too many leaders are

tea and biscuits. Still, I tried.

content to build walls and not bridges

This

dispute

consequences.

does

have wider

Srinagar, Kashmir’s

capital, is home to a software technology park which employs engineers to develop

software

for

American

construction companies. But it took two and a half years to even get internet access, since security agencies were concerned that militants would take advantage of it. Although I enjoyed my

between different nations, races and

“

cultures. They need to be Statesmen

I do believe our world leaders need to take a longer term view of the future, than just the next election.”

not just politicians.

I visited the United Nations in New York, to speak at a Leadership conference about 10 years ago. I left with the impression that the UN is a massive bureaucracy, more concerned with process than outcome. NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation)

time in Pakistan, this constant instability

is supposed to be an international

seems a barrier to the nation moving

Peace Keeping Agency. Yet it might

forward

Pakistan,

as well be called “NOTNOW”, for all

the Army is perceived to have more

the effect it has. The ultimately irony

power than the Government. Politicians

is that the Middle East Peace Envoy

come and go, but the Army remains

is Tony Blair, the very same man who

a formidable institution. An unstable

took us into War in the Middle East!

Pakistan presents an ongoing threat to

The UN, NATO and the Peace Envoy

our own security in the West.

are three institutions urgently in need

economically.

In

So conflicts affect us all, not just

of rebooting. Otherwise they should

those immediately and directly caught

get the boot and be replaced by more

up in them. I am not suggesting there

effective leadership at the top.

are easy answers to these problems.

World has literally become War Hoarse.

But I do believe our world leaders

We should listen to Marvin.

The

need to take a longer term view of the

Endeavour Magazine | 19

MERCEDES BENZ E250 CDI AMG SPORT ESTATE

PERFECT FOR THE MODERN FAMILY MAN WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

G

rowing up, Estates or Station Wagons as we called them in Sunny South Africa were cars that family men bought but nothing that has existed before the E250 CDI AMG

Sport Estate could compare. This is a car designed, specifically for protecting the driver from his family.

I say his family because the Mercedes E250 CDI AMG Sport Estate is likely to attract a family man who is unable to relinquish the urge to road race boy racers in their hatchbacks. Mercedes has reached the point where they are unable to make a slow moving vehicle and at this standard everything that comes off the production line is reliable, stylish and powerful. The Sport Estate is the kind of vehicle for a man who wants to sail past a hatchback filled with teenager drivers fast enough to tear their duck-billed caps clean off their heads.

Some people may find the exterior to be a little bland, but it holds the traditional sleek look of a Mercedes Benz, the option I tested came in Diamond Silver Metallic which is the colour I always associate with Mercs. The engine is a tad gruff in comparison to its predecessors but despite the economy behind the power is remarkable and makes this a justifiable choice.

Pitched against rivals like the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6, the Mercedes E-Class has always had some tough competition to match up to and when you are literally racing against top competitors like that any changes and developments need to be looked at carefully.

So that’s why this refreshed model has been treated

to a comprehensive redesign, benefiting from driver assistance technology that will be used on the next-generation S-Class.

20 | Endeavour Magazine

Exterior Taking over from the old, angular quad-headlight setup, the E-Class has been given a facelift. A pair of hi-tech-looking headlights and an enlarged, more upright grille that gives the front a more determined even aggressive appearance as it approaches from behind. New headlights, featuring LED low and high beams (standard) the subtle, matt silver trim and the removal of the odd retro-pontoon style crease in the rear doors that are no reserved for coupes and convertibles, turn this into the classiest way to destroy the reputation of a heavy footed teenage road liability.

Truth be told, any boy racers would really only see the rear of this car, which does boast a fresh design of LED tail-lights.

Interior And Driving Inside, the upholstery is done up in a dark shark grey, the seats are comfortable and spacious and with the driving console having been stripped and rearranged to ensure the driver’s attention is taken from the act of driving. This is really where the magic happens.

As I said, this vehicle has been cleverly designed with the intention of protecting the river from the longer holiday journeys that involve three screaming kids and a silent, fuming wife.

The car is equipped with smarter air vents which flank the analogue clock on the center console of the dash ensuring that air circulation can be directed backwards to cool the heated faces of children close to tantrums. For the driver, the gearlever has been moved to the steering column, opening up space at the elbows and

keeping the essential driving elements, ie. Gear changing out of the range of a mistime angry kick from an impetuous brat. For a similar reason the handbrake is now located on the doorside panel on the right.

Seat adjustment has also changed. Which becomes important when you have children sitting behind you who are inclined to play the game “kick the back of the chair as hard as you can get away with,”. What used to involve having to reach between your knees and a complicated pulling of a lever and thrusting of the buttocks to move has been simplified to a seat adjustment level on the door panel which can shift not only the seat and headrest position, but the angle and height of it too.

To keep the children entertained there is a DVD player screen attached to the rear of the passengers and drivers headrests, with easily accessible inputs for headphones (two pairs are provided for with the car) and cellphone chargers.

An issue arises as there are two screens but space in the backseat for three children. However, with a price range of between £40k and £70k I’d assume that if you’re able to afford this you’ll be able to afford an additional portable DVD player for the third borne. And if not, there is a lot of space in the trunk.

The 2.1 litre diesel engine is well matched to the smooth seven speed auto gearbox. I was told that the engine is rather loud, rattling away like the Gruffalo when in idle and not settling down until higher

Ease Of Driving Everyone prefers driving on long roads lacking in roundabouts or stop lights whereas a car’s real mettle is tested when you’re dropped into heavy traffic. At this point what the car does to lessen the stress of dealing with other drivers in heavy congestion and kids , can really identify the vehicle and the manufacturers as icons of superiority.

The stop start system keeps the mind at ease regarding the amount of fuel being used in start-stop traffic, the engine cutting quickly and restarting in a crisp manner as you take your foot of the brake. It also has an anti-roll system to make hill starts easier.

Proximity sensors in the flanks, rear and front lets you know if any vehicle is too close which also helps when you’re trying to reverse into a city parking space.

“Intelligent drive technology” has debuted in the E Class, which makes up of a new stereoscopic camera mounted in front of the rear-view mirror. This can monitor crossing traffic, improving the emergency brake assist function at junctions while the adaptive cruise control can now steer the car as long as you keep your hand on the wheel. This isn’t to replace the driver, but more so that in the event of an emergency such as an unexpected spin the car can adjust to avoid severe collisions through driver error.

Ultimately, a perfect car for the family man seeking refuge from his family on a holiday drive.

speeds are reached. However, when inside the car you barely hear this and so I can only assume it is part of the design to let the boy racer’s know exactly what kind of beast is blowing passed them in the fast lane.

Endeavour Magazine | 21

GADGETS

At $30,000 This Bed Will Put You To Sleep

The Big Screen LG’s 29-inch EA93 monitor may not be the largest screen at its

The Tranquility Pod —a mashup between a Henrik Thor-Larsen chair and a giant Mentos candy is more than just another piece of pricey retro-futuristic furniture. Crawl through that inviting opening, and you’ll find yourself floating atop a six-foot-wide octagonal waterbed, encircled by soft LED mood lighting, and engulfed by sound waves from an 80-watt audio system. Once inside, you may never want to leave.

Suede-topped,

memory

foam-covered,

and

temperature-

controlled, the waterbed is luxurious enough. Never mind that you can pipe in music from your smartphone through the fourspeaker sound system. There’s also a subwoofer in the bottom that vibrates the bed so the sound waves resonate through your body like a musical massage. You can probably spend many, many hours tweaking your playlist to find the sequence of tunes that produces the best vibrations.

Did I mention the pulse sensor? Yes, more over-the-top awesomeness. The 50 LEDs lining the pod’s insides actually synchronize with your heart rate to create an ambient lighting motif that best suits your temperament. Imagine having the lights automatically dim as all that soft suede and musical vibrating lulls you to sleep (Philips should probably steal this idea for its Hue bulbs).

The Tranquility Pod is almost 80 inches in diameter, which means it’s going to take up most of your apartment if you live in New York or San Francisco. But since it costs $30,000, I’ll assume that if you’re in the market, you live in a space big enough to accomodate a giant fiberglass waterbed. It’s sold in the U.S. by retailer Hammacher Schlemmer, so if the price seems a tad steep, keep in mind that you can bundle it into the same order as your $60,000 Bowers & Wilkins speakers and your $15,000 German Flakfernrohr and maybe save a little bit on shipping.

22 | Endeavour Magazine

IFA hall, but the super-wide 21:9 IPS display is still pretty unusual.

Big enough for several full-sized spreadsheets or browser pages, the monitor includes a screen-splitting feature that automatically resizes windows on the screen, giving you up to four panels with several custom options. Depending on your needs, the EA93 may be able to replace some dual-monitor setups, and widescreen videos watched on it are very wide indeed — resolution is 2560 x 1080. That said, we’re not sure exactly when it goes on sale or how much it might sell for. There’s not an official launch date, though we’re told that the EA93 will launch in January along with its companion, the more traditional-looking 27-inch IPS EA83. The EA83 will sell for around 800 euros, while no price is given for the widescreen monitor.

Office Decision Paperweight This is a gadget that speaks for itself. $15.00 from Amazon, £7.00 roughly.

The 100 Inch Flat Screen Desk We’ve seen this in every science fiction television series that has illustrated how in elite or futuristic offices paper will only be useful in the bathroom (until the seashells come along) and that in its place desks will be like flat electronic televisions. This has been an idea for two decades but there have always been issues that have stopped this from making it into the average office. And if you think that Apple are the only ones pushing this ahead you’d be mistaken.

This 100-inch (roughly 250 centimetre) touchscreen desk called Pano has brought the future to us. The latest creation of Ideum, it’s a touchscreen desk powered by Genuine 64-bit Windows 7 (Windows 8 ready).

With an interior built up by Intel Quad Core i7 3770 (3.4GHz) with hyper reading, dual 500 GB SATA II 7200 RPM (RAID 1) hard disk drives, nVidia Quadro 600 1GB graphics card and 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR3-1066 RAM it has some serious power which that multiple users can make use of with it’s 40+ simultaneous touch points that are able to be detected.

While

this

could

definitely

increase

productivity and serve a number of different functions with a price tag of nearly $10,000 (£7000) it’s a lot of money to be dished out. Also considering the amount of finger smearing that will ultimately turn its surface into a preschool class mirror, it’s one of those toys that if you’re even in the position to be considering it. You probably are already in the position to buy it.

Endeavour Magazine | 23

TRAVEL

BY DONNIE RUST

THE HIGHWAYMANS

A Five Star Steal

N

eighbored by Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge, The

military pilots and this lasted until 2007 when changing demands of

Highwayman is within close enough proximity to

the military left the building empty yet again.

the cities to benefit from the styles of their affluent

Enter Juliet.

economy and inspiring architecture while not close enough to be

No stranger to hard work and grafting Juliet is the matriarch of a

stifled or overshadowed by them. This is a region known for large

large family including five children (four boys and one girl), a devoted

patchworks of rural areas, rolling knolls, glens and forests in which

husband Adam, and three cats, three dogs and ten chickens! She

cities and towns linger in the crevices like fallen pebbles. While only

has worked for such notable hospitality names as the Hyatt Hotel

a short drive to any one of the cities or one of the main arterial roads

Chain, The Dorchester and Centre Parcs occupying positions such

of Britain (M11, A14), on foot you will find yourself surrounded by

as human resources, marketing and even event management and

tranquility, the sounds of birds, the balmy spring air and dappled

so she was perfectectly prepared for the challenge of taking on the

sunlight.

HIghwaymans

Today the Highwayman stands in a league of its own for the

“Having started a family my husband and I ventured to Suffolk

highest levels of comfort, luxury and professionalism. Owner Juliet

and moved into Highwaymans in December 2007,” she recalls, “We

Fisher has definitely gone out of her way to ensure that guests

had a business plan and some savings and the rest just fell to hard

arriving at The Highwayman will be wanting to return, however it

work.”

has enjoyed a turbulent and controversial history that still haunts the spirit of the place.

Operations

“The Highwaymans belonged to the Ickworth Estate and was still

The success of any establishment comes in the attention to

used as curb heath land even in our lifetime,” Juliet reveals, “Known

detail and the small things always matter; a good hot shower, a

as the Highwaymans haunt in the old days where they lurked to rob

tranquil night sleep and a scrumptious Highwaymans Breakfast as

sick travelers along the black ditches which can still be seen along

an example. An additional token feature of The HIghwaymans is that

the boundary of our land, as well as people returning, with winnings

it cannot be seen from the Risby to Cavenham Road thanks to a line

from the Newmarket races.”

of trees so visitors have that magical moment as they turn the corner

The building that now serves as the Highwaymans Bed and

and see the building appear on the horizon.

Breakfast and Gallery was created as a vintners house in the late

Eight bedrooms, holiday homes, solar panel energy, air source

1970s as the land was granted planning permission to grow a 24

heat pumps with breakfast and dining in the Art Gallery. This is the

acre vineyard. Known as the Highwaymans Vineyard that ran

perfect getaway for couples and families to get away from the cities

successfully for a decade while also playing the role of a family house,

and get a lungful of fresh air and a taste of the local area and it is all

“Highwaymans created wines such as St Edmunds Bury which was

down to design.

sold to P&O ferries and Tescos,” Juliet explains, “However, erratic

One of the many things Juliet is passionate about is nurturing the

weather conditions and a lack of investment into English wines

enterprises of the next generation, “I’m a mother myself and have

forced the vineyard to be returned to farm-land.”

seen how the challenges in the economy and education system does

In the eighties the Highwayman played home to a number of US 24 | Endeavour Magazine

not guarantee a job after school or university,” she explains, “That’s

why it’s so important to motivate and inspire young business minds and young entrepreneurs, giving them the opportunities to develop lucrative careers. It’s not only good for the local economy now, but it could make a huge difference in their lives later on as well.”

Drawing marketing Juliet’s

upon

her

experience methodology

is

simple but highly effective, “The HIghwaymans entices visitors from further afield looking to get a taste of the countryside and as the more time they spend here the more money they can spend within our local economy,” And it certainly works, with long lists of reviews on Tripadvisor going back seven years

shaped around the vibrant student population with boutique coffee

which have earned four and five stars repeatedly and continually

shops, restaurants and open manicured grounds.

use the words, “Peaceful,” and “perfect,”.

Under a skyline dominated by the university’s renowned

“The beds are very comfortable, the pillows smell fresh and the

Cavendish Laboratory, King’s College Chapel, and the Cambridge

showers are hot and invigorating,” is one of the reviews that would

University Library the evenings come alive with carnivals, street

put it above a number of other hotels and bed and breakfasts in the

parties and regular nighttime events. Music, stage performances and

region but the thing mentioned the most has been the efficiency and

comedy are on offer in this smelting pot of culture, nationalities,

warmth of the hosts and the courteous, engaging staff.

religions and educations. Cambridge is a place where it is better to

The catalogue of requirements that customers and guests

park up and take to the streets on foot.

expect today when booking a room at a bed and breakfast or a hotel

The busy market town of Bury St Edmunds is known for brewing

have changed significantly in the past seven years. According to an

and malting and is home to the large Greene King brewery. This

article in the Wall Street Journal published last year the number one

historic gem of a town brims with a richly fascinating heritage and

question being asked by potential guests on an international level

combines the medieval architecture, elegant Georgian squares and

is the how good the broadband and Wifi coverage is. This has put

glorious Cathedral and Abbey gardens together to offer the avid

pressure on more rural destinations who in the past may have been

travel a distinctive visual charm. Something for the bucket list must

favored for their isolation, to step up and make internet accessibility

be spending some time visiting the award winning market which is

one of their solemn offerings.

one of the most prestigious in the region.

“The Highwaymans is fully connected,” Juliet assures, “It has to be for the wide range of events that we host. It’s not just about

New Developments

guests being able to keep up to date with what’s happening on

Since taking on guests in 2008, The HIghwaymans has attracted

Facebook and Twitter but importantly for the local businesses and

a variety of customers. With its stunning scenery and staunch

artists we represent at our Gallery and store.”

appearance, wider than it is tall, appearing like a 18th century New

Where To Visit

Orleans mansion, The Highwayman sets a certain style at the onset that suits a certain class of client looking for the opportunity to

Close to Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds, a stay at Highwaymans

enjoy the countryside from the comfort of a self-contained room.

can offer delightful trips into these cities that can offer completely

However Juliet plans to broaden their caption area by introducing

different worlds of variety.

camping grounds for tents and caravans to increase capacity and

Cambridge, famous for its University has a culture that has been

make things accessible for all budgets.

Endeavour Magazine | 25

BY MARINA BERRY

BURGERS LOVE AT FIRST BITE

E

of our innocent chat and took the liberty of sending me a naked picture of himself.

This was not the sort of image anyone should have to be subjected to while eating their favourite meal and it put me right off my gherkin, in particular.

I burst into tears with the realisation that “Stuart” hadn’t ever really been interested in Blue (the band or the colour) and I swore off chat rooms for good. Although it may have put me off my burger for one evening, luckily, my love of burgers was undiminished and I was

ver since I can remember, burgers have been my

happily eating another exactly one week later, in front of another

favourite food.

episode of Robot Wars, alongside my little brother. I was obviously

It’s only ever been burgers for me. My culinary

destined to have a long and happy relationship with burgers, and

pin-up. Handily, the only other food that even comes close in my

definitely not one with “Stuart”. No man comes between me and my

affections is chips, making me officially the World’s Cheapest Date.

food, especially naked.

You can buy me both of my top two favourite foods in the entire

So, McDonalds has been in my life for a long time, from a child

world for less than a fiver! Often without even getting out of your

having it as a treat, to popping in for a quarter pounder with cheese

car.

when I was on a break studying for my A Levels, to now, every single At the risk of sounding morbid, if I was on death row, forget caviar,

time I’m on the road going to or from a gig. I work as a singer and

steak, smoked salmon or oysters. My last meal would absolutely be a

tend to stop off at the trusty drive thru on the way to gigs... aaand

cheese burger and chips. Make no mistake.

on the way back. You won’t be surprised to hear that it has become

When I was a kid, every Friday as a treat, myself and my brother

a running joke amongst my fellow musicians. The fact that it has my

would get to have a McDonalds of our choice for dinner. We just

first initial lit up outside just makes me realise my love affair with this

loved it. The whole week was spent looking forward to Friday night

fast food chain is meant to be.

where we could sit watching Robot Wars with the best takeaway money could buy. Life was good.

But it wasn’t long before I discovered that there was indeed more to life than McDonalds. There were other burger joints out

I have famously never, ever not eaten every last scrap of any

there for me to try. I had options. At first I felt bad as McDonalds

burger I started eating. I am the Magnus Magnusson of burgers in

was my first. But after trying out a few others I began to realise, I’ll

this regard. Once I’ve started that bad boy is getting finished, I don’t

always hold a torch for Ronald McDonald yes, but the burger world

care what the waistband of my jeans says.

is a big and exciting place, and I shouldn’t feel bad exploring it. Even

I was only ever put off finishing a burger once in my entire life

if it does mean starting off with its arch enemy and rival, Burger King.

and that was when I was on an internet chat room, aged 16. A boy

Burger King is very similar to Mc Donald’s in that they serve

logged on and we struck up a conversation. This boy (we’ll call him

burgers, they’re darn tasty and there’s always someone who despite

Stuart) seemed sweet and I happily chomped on my Big Mac while

having stood in the queue for 10 minutes, still doesn’t know what

answering his questions about my favourite band and my favourite

they want to order when they get to the front.

colour, leaving greasy little fingerprints on the PC keyboard.

Then suddenly, while I was mid bite, he decided he’d had enough 26 | Endeavour Magazine

Now, whereas Mc Donald’s has a clown as its mascot, Burger King has the aptly named “Burger King” as theirs. Food aside, who

would you rather buy from? A strong, powerful Monarch? Or the heavily made-up scarier ganglier cousin

and cheese. As a side. And it’s

of Stephen King’s IT?

the most delicious side dish I

The burgers in Burger King are delicious and let’s not forget, it’s the home of the Whopper, and

have ever had. As mentioned,

if I have the option to go for a bigger burger, I’m always going to take it. Bigger is better as they say,

they also do onion rings, and

particularly when it comes to burgers. Or food portions in general. Apart from liquorice, that never good

courgette fries for those skinny

in any size portion.

burger eaters who want to be

As far as I’m concerned, Burger King’s trump card is that they sell onion rings, and I love onion rings.

slightly healthier. To top it all

In fact, I’ve been known to order them over a portion of chips. True story. I was in Burger King in Ibiza

off, their chips are of the skinny

airport just last week and I ordered a double cheeseburger and two portions of onion rings just as I

french fry variety (win) and they

was about to board the plane. Ketchup spilling out all over the place, and grease all over my hands and

have all the condiments to hand

my boarding card, I looked a tempting sight. I could tell the other passengers loved me, as the smell of

- American mustard, mayo and

onions wafted through the aircraft. Gotta love the constant circulation of air con.

the star of the show - ketchup.

Up until February 2012, I honestly thought the best fast food you could get was from one of these two places. That was until I visited New York.

My eyes (and mouth) were opened.

for. Thick ice cream shakes

Their milkshakes are to die served in a tall steel cup. Tip:

I’d eaten out at a lot of lovely restaurants whilst in NYC, and one night my friend Paul suggested

try not to guzzle the milkshake

having a night in with “Shake Shack”. I was oblivious as to what this was. Was it a pet name for a friend

before your food comes, or

of his? A film? A board game? You can imagine my excitement and anticipation when he informed me

you’re going to find it a struggle.

that it was in fact “the best burger joint in town”. My shoes and coat were on within seconds and we all

These shakes are huge and very

took a trip down to the shop in TriBeCa.

filling!!! However rather than not

At first glance, Shake Shack is just a normal, very busy takeaway shop. The menu however, far from normal. I was astonished to see that they actually had a separate menu for dogs! Not hot dogs, actual canines. They also do the most incredible dessert, frozen custard ice cream - which they call “concretes”.

order it, I prefer to only ever visit Byron wearing loose clothing.

I love food of all types:

Immense. Anyway, back to the main attraction, and whole point of this article - burgers. Theirs are

gourmet,

unbelievably good - simple, classic American cheeseburgers that are so full of flavour and juicier than

home made but nothing can

other “fast food” burgers in my opinion, plus they do cheesy fries and have their very own “ShackSauce”

turn my head like a cheese

which to be quite honest, puts Shake Shack top of my Burger ranking system. I don’t know what’s in

burger and chips. It’s the happy

that sauce, but what I do know is that I would happily sacrifice my ketchup for it for life, and I wouldn’t

taste of my childhood that has

do that lightly.

carried on into adulthood and

If you haven’t got any plans to go to NYC, and you now desperately want to try Shake Shack, the good news is they now have one in Covent Garden, London. If you love burgers, you have to go! Be sure to get one of their famous milkshakes too.

comfort,

fast

and

therefore feeds my soul as much as my stomach.

Even now, no matter what

Let’s be honest though, these three places are brilliant for grabbing a burger when you’re salivating

kind of burger I order, posh or

on the road or having a night in in front of the TV. But what if you want a “posh” burger? What if you

fast, English or American, there’s

want to get dressed up and go out with your friends or on a date and actually sit at a table to eat one?

always little bit of Robot Wars in

Byron Burger is the answer to that. This place is like heaven to me. You walk in and they’re cooking

every single bite.

the burgers in an open kitchen within the restaurant. They are some of the most welcoming staff around, and wear t shirts with words like “CHEESE” and “MEAT” written on them, which frankly makes me want to work there, as I’ve always had to pay for my own “MEAT” and “CHEESE” t-shirts to be printed.

You’re seated in a booth or at a table and handed an extensive menu. This place cooks your burgers medium and they are truly delicious. Whereas the patties at McDonald’s, Burger King and Shake Shack are fairly thin, the Byron bad boys are thick, juicy pieces of meat. You also have a choice of cheese.

I always opt for the American, but you can choose from blue cheese, emmenthal, montery jack or cheddar.

You can even have the skinny burger, which comes without the bun. Pointless for someone like me, who thinks the bun’s presence is absolutely necessary. In fact it sounds like sacrilege to me. Plus, if I ever did order a skinny burger - by accident - I’d have to make up for the lack of carbs by ordering chips, onion rings and a side of MAC AND CHEESE. Yep, you heard right - they do mac

Follow Marina  @Marina_Berry Endeavour Magazine | 27

28 | Endeavour Magazine

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA AIRPORT 001 268 484 2300 WWW.ABAIRPORTAUTHORITY.COM

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

Speaking to Endeavour Magazine, Stanley Smith, Chief Executive Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA), talks about the large scale developments being initiated at the airport and what improvements it will make to the operation of the facility.

Endeavour Magazine | 29

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA AIRPORT

The history of the Antigua and Barbuda Airport is exceptionally interesting, with regular expansion and developments being documented. Initially constructed in 1942, as a basic aerodrome for the American military, it was effectively ‘given’ back to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to do with what they pleased in 1949. Seeing an opportunity for commercial use, the site was improved and finally open for public use in 1952 under the name of ‘Coolidge Airport’.

A

number of improvements were made in the following years, including numerous runway extensions in the 1960s and ‘70s, resulting in a 9,000ft thanks to a

Canadian Government grant being won in 1972. Parking facilities were also drastically improved, with extensive expansion being included for extra aircraft. It was not until the 1980s that operational buildings were given attention, but a brand new, 60,000 square foot, passenger terminal was constructed in 1982 and following smaller scale renovations, the newly rejuvenated airport was renamed in 1985. Now called the V.C. Bird International Airport, named in honour of the country’s first Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Senior, the facility has welcomed international arrivals from airlines including Eastern, Air Canada, Air France, American Airlines, British Airways and countless others.

With such results following redevelopment, it comes as no surprise that the forward thinking Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) has taken inspiration from the former successes and embarked upon an impressive series of renovation projects in recent years, with the final element set to be completed in early 2015. Endeavour wanted to know how these projects have come

30 | Endeavour Magazine

about and asked Stanley Smith, Chief Executive Officer of the ABAA to expand on the process and how the ABAA has been given the authority to oversee the improvements, “The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority Act was passed by an Act of Parliament in November 2006 resulting in the transition to a full corporate entity in February 2007. The mandate of the new act was stated to “provide for the establishment of an Airport Authority; to make provisions for the ownership, control, management and development of airports in Antigua and Barbuda; and for matters connected generally with management of airports”.

Prior to November 2006, the V.C. Bird International Airport was operated under the auspices of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and was managed by an Aerodrome Superintendent.”

With the power to authorise dramatic improvement initiatives in place, an incredible expansion plan could be put into place, “The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) has embarked on a multi-million dollar airport expansion project. This includes runway extension, apron rehabilitation, new underground fuel hydrant systems, airfield lighting improvement and construction of a new passenger terminal building. All expansions have been completed already, with exception of the passenger terminal building.

The new passenger terminal building is expected to be completed in

Endeavour Magazine | 31

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA AIRPORT

the first quarter of 2015 and will accommodate passengers within

element of its operation being

Most of these programs are

a spacious 23,000 square meters of specifically designed space. It

fully geared towards the success

drawn from Airport Council

will have 46 common use check in counters, 15 self check in kiosks,

of the V.C. Bird International

International

a state of the art hold baggage handling system, sophisticated pre-

Airport, it stands to reason that

guarantee quality. With the

boarding screening facilities, passenger loading bridges and 26 retail

it must boast an impressive

imminent opening of the new

shops and 4 restaurants”

staffing

terminal building it has become

body.

Endeavour

and

ICAO,

With such attention to detail being included in every facet

asked Smith to talk about the

increasingly

of the new developments, the ABAA are offering state of the art

importance of hiring effective

monitor staff performance and

airport facilities to rival other large international destinations.

team members and how they

as such, in-house and overseas

Such improvements are such to attract not only larger numbers

are supported in their career

training will be conducted for

of international and domestic travellers, but potentially increased

aspirations,

all ABAA staff involved with the

numbers of airlines, which will have a huge impact on the financial buoyancy of the airport itself.

Permeating every area of the airports operations, the ABAA cite their everyday business activities as, “Providing facilities for the efficient processing of passengers,

important

to

to

“The ABAA has continued to

operation and maintenance of

promulgate staff development,

specialised terminal equipment.”

across the company.

With

Clearly the ABAA must be

this in mind, a comprehensive

a company that many people

training

been

harbour a desire to work for,

program

both international and domestic. We also oversee all food, beverage

developed

operations

thanks to dedicated training

and retail/commercial activities as well as concerning ourselves

coordinators, customer service

and progression opportunities,

with the effective provision of concession space for car rentals, tour

representatives,

mechanical

but will they be offering any

operators and in-plane catering.”

and

technicians

openings soon?

Is there anything that the ABAA does not do? With every

32 | Endeavour Magazine

for

has

electrical

and administrative assistants.

“The opening of the new

terminal building will, naturally, see employment opportunities arising in the Information Communication and Technology and Commercial Development departments. The ABAA takes a unique view of physical well being and the impact it has on effective job completion, observing healthy employees to offer enhanced productivity and as such the ABAA Fitness Challenge was launched in May 2014. This involves staff participating in a fitness program, coupled with tailored health talks.”

It’s astounding to observe that a company in the midst of a large scale redevelopment and improvement initiative can take the time to consider the health and well being of the 250 strong work force that it employs, but this is merely another example of how the ABAA continues to set the standard for employers the world over. With this in mind, it is entirely understandable why the company has adopted a new tagline and mantra: “We Deliver.”

They have delivered indeed.

“

The ABAA has continued to promulgate staff development, across the company. With this in mind, a comprehensive training program has been developed for operations coordinators, customer service representatives, mechanical and electrical technicians and administrative assistants.”

Endeavour Magazine | 33

34 | Endeavour Magazine

MOZAMBIQUE AIRPORTS COMPANY 00258 21465375 WWW.AEROPORTAS.CO.MZ

AFRICAN AIR WRITTEN BY CHATUM O’BRIAN

Maputo International Airport also known as Lourenço Marques Airport or Mavalane International Airport is located three kilometers (1.9 mi) northwest of the center of Maputo which is the largest city and capital of Mozambique.

Endeavour Magazine | 35

MOZAMBIQUE AIRPORTS COMPANY

Holding the position as the largest and busiest airport in Mozambique is the operational hub for LAM Mozambique Airlines and Kaya Airlines and provides gateway flights to all African destinations while TAP Portugal operates a service to Lisbon and Portugal while Qatar Airways operates flights to Doha.

Endeavour Magazine spoke with Managing and Commercial Director Acacio Tuendue regards to the company and how they are the leaders in the sky.

M

aputo

the

Many activities are attributed to the Airports of Mozambique

Mozambique Airports Company which is in itself a

International

Airport

is

part

of

and these include the primary functions of directing and controlling

public company with legal personality acting with

air traffic, ensuring the concise arrival and departure of aircraft and

administrative and financial autonomy. It is only subordinate to the

to create ideal conditions for loading, uploading and transferring

Ministry of Transport and Communications and has the main object

of passengers, cargo and mail. The secondary activities include the

to act on an exclusive basis to establish and operate the public

planning, execution, operation and maintenance of the infrastructure

service in support of civil aviation.

network which lends important support to the primary activities and

The Airports Company of Mozambique (ADM) was created by

finally to promote the raising of revenue from internal and external

Decree 10/80 of November 1 as a State Company, the culmination of

sources to be used in the administration, operation, maintenance,

a long process of restructuring of the activities of Civil Aviation in the

expansion and beautification of infrastructure for air navigation.

country to open access to Africa and an international community. It

A full catalogue exists for the company as there are five

was important therefor to integrate the operational activities of airport

international airports that fall under the umbrella of the Airports of

infrastructure with the then committed Department of Civil Aviation.

Mozambique and these include Maputo, Beira, Tete, Nampula and

36 | Endeavour Magazine

Our customers are : • • • • • • •

Namibian Airports Company Civil Aviation Authority Zimbabwe Civil Aviation Authority Botswana Swaziland Civil Aviation Authority Zululand Airport Wonderboom Airport Orapa and Debswana Airports

Marcé Mozambique

Marcé Botswana

Marcé Zimbabwe Marcé Polokwane

Marcé Namibia

Marcé HQ Marcé Cape Town

Rua do Bagamoyo nr. 322, 2nd floor - Maputo – Mozambique Telefax: +258 21 300956 Email: sales.marce@tdm.co.mz www.marce.co.za

|

sales@marce.co.za

|

+27 12 742 9200

MOZAMBIQUE AIRPORTS COMPANY

Pemba. In addition to this there are also five major national airports

and African operations.

of Lichinga, Inhambane, Chimoio, Quelimane and Vilanculos, nine

Congruently, their mission, includes providing airport services

airfields Secondary: Angoche, Bilene, Inhaca, Lumbo, MocĂ­mboa

and support navigation to the customers, guaranteeing levels of

Ponta de Ouro Beach, Costa del Sol, Ulongue, and Songo).

security and quality for their ongoing satisfaction.

After long years of working under the direct management

At the Maputo International Airport, China’s Anhui Foreign

of the State, ADM was transformed from a State owned Public

Economic Construction Company has built a new cargo terminal, in

company to company by Decree-Law Nr. 3/98 of 10 February.

what was the starting point of the first phase of a Chinese financed

This prominent and historic development provided a new lease of

expansion project, with an initial estimated cost of US$75 million.

life for the company since the transformation from State to Public

The first phase concluded with the opening of the new international

running provided a fresh and innovative framework of enterprise

terminal on 15th November 2010.

management services within the realms of airport infrastructure and air navigation.

The new terminal has a capacity of 900,000 passengers a year, a far cry from the comparatively measly 60,000 it could hold before.

Creating or rehabilitating the infrastructure feeding and leading

Originally, this modernization project had in mind to benefit from

into the airports has been an important mandate for the company

the 2010 FIFA World Cup held in neighboring South Africa, but

dominated by innovative business management which has including

unfortunately it could not be finished in time. It was, however, ready

the participation of private capital.

for the All Africa Games which were held in Maputo in 2011. The

With six hundred and seventy one employees the vision for

project also experienced a serious cost overrun, with the builder

the company has been a uniting call that has been an attribute to

requesting an additional US$40 to 50 million to complete the work

the prevalence of the company. This vision includes ensuring the

on time.

efficient and effective management of Airports and Air Navigation

The second phase entailed the construction of a new domestic

Services and to be a benchmark standard for the internal, regional

terminal where the old terminal stood and the whole plan was for

38 | Endeavour Magazine

Maputo International Airport to double its capacity from 450,000 to 900,000 per year and help expand tourism in the city and country.

The terminal was also to have 14 check-in counters, electronic panels displaying flights, a presidential VIP lounge, escalators and an electric central cooling system.

The new terminal was expected to serve 400 arriving and departing passengers per hour, compared to the old building that could only handle 150 passengers per hour. A parking lot for six hundred vehicles was also created by the new terminal. Maputo International Airport currently as of 2011 handles 495,000 passengers annually and, to put this figure into perspective; the entire country’s annual amount of passengers is 1.3 million. Maputo International Airport is of only one of two airports in the country that currently runs at a profit, the other being Vilankulo Airport, and effectively subsidizes the others, as stated by (ADM) Mozambique Airports Company.

Considering the economic growth in the country the Airport Company of Mozambique has opened the pathways for international investment to enter the country. By bringing in this form of life blood they’re playing their part for an even more prosperous future as one of the major hubs of the African continent.

Considering the economic growth in the country the Airport Company of Mozambique has opened the pathways for international investment to enter the country. By bringing in this form of life blood they’re playing their part for an even more prosperous future as one of the major hubs of the African continent.

Endeavour Magazine | 39

40 | Endeavour Magazine

BARGAIN GROUP 0027 39 685 4130 WWW.BARGAINGROUP.CO.ZA

EYE FOR A BARGAIN WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

Yacoob Moosa talks to Endeavour Magazine about the continued development of Bargain Group and how it has risen above economic struggles to remain successful for 60 years.

Endeavour Magazine | 41

BARGAIN GROUP

Founded in 1954, Bargain Group is celebrating 60 years within the retail market, making this the perfect time to reflect on past triumphs while simultaneously looking to the future and anticipating the next 60 years.

B

argain Group has enjoyed impressive growth and

that is as modest as he is devout, and this must be a great reassurance

development, starting with just one retail outlet, back

for potential customers.

at the point of inception, and steadily growing thanks

to the guiding hand of Ismail Moosa. Steering the company towards

Never one to overlook his faith in favour of business, Ismail commented that,

retail wholesaling in the early 1960s, Ismail directly contributed to

“The company has grown tremendously but in all this, one

the organisation gaining momentum and becoming a recognised

cannot forget the Creator. From the word go, He has been with us.

force in the business world with eight wholesale outlets and two

Without his help, we would not be where we are today. I can’t thank

supermarkets in its portfolio.

him enough.�

It is incredibly refreshing to encounter a seasoned businessman

42 | Endeavour Magazine

In addition to retail outlets and supermarkets, Bargain Group

BARGAIN GROUP

have expanded their interests

excess of 40,000 square metres, and with approximately 1,200 staff

in addition to this, we offer in-

to

members currently employed.”

house mentoring, which is a key

also

include

property

acquisition and the founding of

With such an impressive portfolio, it is unsurprising that Bargain

an import and packing company

Group have a large staffing body, but with unemployment remaining

source of training for our staff.”

Such understanding that a

called Marburg Importers and

a serious problem within South Africa, does Yacoob consider the

skilled, experienced and happy

Prepackers. Supplying its own

industry to be buoyant and the company stable?

workforce is a pillar of strength

wholesale locations, as well

“Businesses, in general, are facing a tough economic environment.

for the organisations they work

as external general retailers,

Unemployment levels are high and the general economic growth for

for has allowed Bargain Group

Marburg has made great strides

South Africa, as a whole, is below reported target levels. Being in

to continually offer customers

of it’s own into the commercial

the FMCG sector, however, does provide an advantage in that basic

exemplar service, but this is not

marketplace.

commodities are always in demand. Being in this marketplace allows

all that consumers can expect.

Expanding more the core business activities and interests of Bargain Group, Yacoob Moosa explains the following;

us to directly impact on the well-being of people, both customers and staff.”

On the topic of staff, it is no secret that the most progressive

“In recent years the lines between wholesale and retail have

blurred.

Wholesalers

and successful organisations seek to employ and retain a committed,

have been forced to reposition

“Our focus had remained

talented workforce. With a 1,200 strong team, it stands to reason

themselves as hybrid wholesale/

on the FMCG (Fast-Moving

that Bargain Group will have measures in place to extract the very

retail stores catering for fellow

Consumer Goods) wholesale and

best performance possible from them.

retailers as well as the general

retail markets. Our wholesale

“While price is a key driver, customers are increasingly supporting

population. We are therefore

operate

businesses that offer good service. The government partners with

revamping our stores to improve

over a collective trading area in

businesses in order to make training programs more accessible and

our offerings and transform

and

retail

interests

44 | Endeavour Magazine

them into an exciting one-stop shopping experience for everyone.

to ensure that this is the case, the organisation has a number of

We will also continue to offer regular promotions that translate into

initiatives in the works, including the revamping and rebranding of

incredible value for money for our customers.

all of its retails stores into modern wholesale/retail hybrid outlets.

The one-on-one relationships that we have developed with

Another future development is the transformation of a recently

customers have been key to our growth over the years and our

purchased site, which will act as a state of the art distribution centre

offering of favourable credit terms and transportation solutions have

for the reliable and fast supply of products to stores.

helped contribute to the sustainability of local retailers.”

Commenting on these innovations, Yacoob notes that,

With all boxes firmly ticked regarding customer satisfaction,

“The store revamps have already been tested with great success

staff development and portfolio diversification, what strategies does

in some of our stores, with customers liking the changes and

Bargain Group have in place to remain ahead of its main competitors?

continuing the shop with us. The new distribution centre will improve

“Being an independent family owned business allows for quick

our overall efficiency and allow us to enjoy a greater geographical

decision making and the ability to purchase products in large

reach. Our suppliers will also benefit, as they will be able to deliver

volumes before the prices increase. This allows us to maintain low

to a single location, rather than numerous outlets.”

prices, which we can pass onto the customer. Essentially, we can offer excellent value over a longer period of time.

Thanks to already functional business plans, these developments can be implemented through self-funding, rather than extensive

Additionally, rural shoppers have welcomed the revamping of

loans, something that Bargain Group considers to be a key strength.

our stores, as they are now able to provide a modern, urban-style

The potent combination of newly modernised retail outlets and

shopping experience.”

streamlined distribution channels means that bargain Group is set to

By remaining cost and customer-experience focussed, Bargain

move forward at an impressive pace, attracting new, and retaining

Group has secured a large bank of loyal, satisfied clients who will

existing, customers while always striving to improve service

undoubtedly continue to choose it over other alternatives. In order

standards and product costs.

Endeavour Magazine | 45

46 | Endeavour Magazine

GOPAUL AND COMPANY LTD 001 868 662 4209 WWW.GCLTT.COM

THE BRAND EVERYONE REMEMBERS WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

Ever since 1973 Gopaul and Company Limited have been writing the book on agricultural products in Trinidad and Tobago. With its genesis in coconut oil and honey, under the Eastern Brand Label, it has diversified into a much wider range of manufactured factors to suit both local and regional tastes. Located at Lotsa 5A and 5B Macoya Industrial Estate in Trinidad the company was founded by Mr and Mrs Cyril Gopaul and the family business has passed hands over to the current Chief Executive Owner Donald Gopaul.

Endeavour Magazine | 47

GOPAUL AND COMPANY LTD

Answering the call to be a one stop shop to the islands food requirements Gopaul and Company LTD (GCL) now includes three main divisions of the oils and foods division, company trucking division and the sugar division. These three divisions are managed respectively by Donald Gopaul the CEO of the Oil and Foods and Sugar divisions and Ralph Gopaul the managing director of the trucking division. With three hundred employees across all their divisions a united vision is very important and this has been carefully implemented to ensure a sustainable approach to their activities.

Trinidad Marketing & Distributing Co extends

CONGRATULATIONS to

GOPAUL & COMPANY LIMITED on their growth and development over the years &

BEST WISHES for their continued success

T

he encapsulating vision of GCL beyond the local market is to turn the company into an important player in the branded packaging of food and household product

categories and it is in the position to achieve this end thanks to the high quality products that it distributes and markets. Furthermore, over the next couple of years their intention is to consolidate all of its operations across more than eleven countries where it operates and expand into other Caribbean markets outside of Caricom.

Currently, GCL operates solely through business representatives in the countries where their brands enjoy a strong market share in such places as Antigua, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts, St Lucia, St. Vincent and Suriname.

After thirty years leading the distribution of food items through Trinidad and Tobago, GCL has earned its reputation by providing the full range of food products from the basic food items to particulars for individual tastes. Commodities including, flour, edible oils, rice,

Quality Products â—† Dedicated and efficient service Goodwill always â—† Total Integrity Distributors of industrial cleaning chemicals, pharmaceuticals, disposable latex and nitrile products, media tapes and the Skyline range of LED decorative products Associate - Skyline Technology Limited

34 Angelina Street, St James, Port of Spain, Trinidad, W.I, Telephone: 868 622 0524, 868 622 9017 Email: tmdc34@yahoo.com 48 | Endeavour Magazine

condiments, sauces, Bay Rum and household products such as powdered detergent and toilet paper have become the mainstays of their offering and have made them a household name for housewives and home makers alike.

Accordingly, the strength and value of their branded products comes from the suppliers that have been carefully selected to work alongside them such companies as The National Flour Mills Ltd., CGA Ltd., Lever Brothers West Indies Ltd., International Cosmetics

Ltd., and regionally and extra-regionally, Roses Paper Products Ltd., Van Gelder, and Tradis Inc. to name just a few.

Due to the demand of their products and the strength of their name, GCL is besieged by requests to partner with manufacturers across the company and this has put the company in an enviable position of being able to be as picky as they choose when it comes to who they align themselves with. As such new manufacturing partnerships are taken few and far between and the chosen companies are those that are not only the ones with the highest standards and reputations but more important the potential to add something to Gopaul’s services. Following the old business rule of only working with someone who will make you better than you were.

The Trucking Division of GCL, is comprised of a fleet of over one hundred vehicles and possesses its own fuel depot and maintenance facilities. Providing a far wider offering than just for the food industry they are involved in providing essential sanitation and waste disposal services along the East West Corridor under contract for the government of Trinidad and Tobago. This is additional to the container haulage and general transport for private customers.

Located in Tunapuna the company is operated by separate management and operational staff and provide an addition arm for the already substantial Gopaul offering.

Endeavour Magazine | 49

GO PAUL AND COMPANY LTD

When it comes to delivery, Gopaul prides themselves on their

to

ensure

that

everyone,

agency. It takes time to build

same day delivery. Timely, efficient and careful delivery of products

customers and consumers alike

a brand and as an example,

have become one of the characteristics of their services.

are pleased with the services

many years ago GCL made

The company prides itself on an aggressive sales, merchandising

and products. They are the voice

the decision to take over the

and promotional team whose responsibility it is to ensure that all of

of the brand and the face of the

distribution of Lotus Soya Bean

the company’s products are available in the relevant trade channels

business. After so many years in

Oil. At the time the product had

such as supermarkets, small Shops, wholesalers, restaurants,

business Donald has learnt the

a market share of less than 1%

bakeries and hotels throughout Trinidad and Tobago. They are the

importance of listening to all

but thanks to GCL when they

ambassadors of the brand, responsible for developing the long term

feedback but paying particularly

took over the market share

relationships that have become as valuable as gold for the past three

attention to negative feedback

rose sharply to 12%. In such a

decades.

because it is only by learning

competitively driven commodity

from mistakes that things can

market, this was a significant

improve.

climb and proved once and for

GCL’S sales team consists of eight professionally trained and highly experienced individuals and the company’s customers, ranging from Hi-Lo Foods Stores and Price Smart to the smallest

With this in mind, GCL

retail outlet, are assured of regular visits from their professional and

works closely with its principles

dedicated staff, who understand that the survival of the company

to ensure that marketing, sales

relies on the growth and developments of their clients.

and aftersales objectives are all

Working with the sales team GCL also has eight merchandisers

met. As they are a brand, all their

and fifteen promoters, the latter who work on a parttime basis.

plans are usually developed in

Altogether this group of tech-savvy individuals form the front line of

conjunction with each other

their business, interacting with storeowners, managers and shoppers

and executed by an advertising

V&S Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

50 | Endeavour Magazine

all that GCL were the standard setters of this industry.

52 | Endeavour Magazine

GROUPE MONOPRIX 00216 71 142500 WWW.SNMVT.COM

LEADING THE RISE OF THE RETAIL MARKET WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

We all have our favourite shops and our favourite brands. Be it for their customer services, prices, locations or diversity and reliability in products, certain branded shopping centres like hypermarkets and supermarkets are preferred by certain people.

Endeavour Magazine | 53

GROUPE MONOPRIX

As Tunisia has seen an incredible rise in the retail market, leaping from ten percent to twenty five percent in only a handful of years there has been a lot of competition developing in the country, however one brand was there first and has stayed in the lead since it was founded in the first half of the twentieth century.

Founded in 1933, we spoke with director Raouf Megdiche regards the secret behind Groupe Monoprix remarkable market strength and customer loyalty.

“W

e began in 1933 with the focus on providing customers with what they needed for their homes,” Raouf explains, “Aimed at

the house wives and home maker markets we made sure that we stocked everything needed at a reasonable price.”

Providing a range of food, kitchenware and cleaning products customers could visit the shop and leave with everything they needed. Combining this with friendly, helpful customer service as well as spacious easy-to-see displays Groupe Monoprix was on to a winning system from the start and now has seventy five shops comprising of super markets, hypermarkets and stores across the country with more shops opening in Libya and Morocco in the New Year and over four thousand people directly employed.

Of course having the products isn’t the total sum of it, to build relationships that will translate into long term loyalty you need to make that personable connection and this is where the staff, and preceding that the training comes into context.

“We have a company spirit,” Raouf reveals, “And all our staff need to uphold this. After all they are the ambassadors of our brand and have been crucial in the development of our national and international footprint.”

Group Monoprix has had to shift and change their staff-customer relations many times as Tunisia has passed through various sociopolitical shifts the latest of which being the 2011 Tunisian Revolution that saw the then time Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali to step down on after 23 years in power. Through periods like this the stability of routine is important and Groupe Monoprix, with its stable

54 | Endeavour Magazine

stature as the leading retailer in Tunisia was in the position to offer

our influence these schools are not offering specific courses to train

that routine and security.

people in retail while we provide the employment.”

This sort of strength would be impossible if not for the highly

Having conclusively devised the perfect means of supplying

trained and loyal staff working at the company, “We treat our

themselves with the highest calibre of employee from the next

employees exactly how we treat our customers,” he explains, “They

generation the company has positioned itself well to overcome the

are really our first customers as if they want to do a good job then

main obstacle that is being faced now with competition. Of course

the customer will always have a good experience. It’s important

over the many years that they have been servicing their customers

therefore that our staff feel that they are part of a larger entity and

Groupe Monoprix has faced its fair share of competition but with

realize their importance to the prosperity of the company,”

the rise in the retail market share in the country new competition

With this approach, Groupe Monoprix offers full internal training

has grown.

on how to deal on a face to face basis with customers, how to

“It’s good, because it means we have to be clever and not to sleep

manage their time and their activities and how to give the best

on our laurels,” Raouf says, “We don’t try to follow the competition

impression possible. Internal promotion also is a high priority with

but set their highest accomplishments as our standard expectations.

opportunities for growth and development being open to everyone

It’s a good way to keep ahead of the pace.”

in the business willing to work hard. With this in mind over the

The newest developments that will shape Groupe Monoprix

decades the company has seen many people climb the ranks and

in the future include a fresh strategic action plan that will affect

bridge the gap between floor worker to manager and beyond.

the entire group which include a reengineering of the company

“It is always good to see the new generation of staff being taught by the previous,” Raouf says.

He goes on to add that Groupe Monoprix work with local schools to help train pupils in the ins-and-outs of retail, “While there are business schools and marketing courses that they can take these do not fully cover the requirements for understanding retail. Thanks to

logistics as well as regrouping the management across supermarkets and hypermarkets. There will also be new warehouses being built to house either groceries or fresh produce and several new store openings that will include a selection of self-service counters.

“Our vision is clear and we have the people for better synergy, Economy of scale and a better bargaining power,” Raouf concludes.

Endeavour Magazine | 55

56 | Endeavour Magazine

TENNECO SOUTH AFRICA 0027 11 454 5031 WWW.TENNECO.COM

BREATH OF FRESH AIR WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

Tenneco is name of choice when it comes to the design, manufacture and distribution of clean air and ride performance products and systems for the automotive industry. The leading designer for commercial truck and off highway markets the company has achieved its position since its inception in 1916 and we spoke with Chief Executive of the South African operations Andrew Antonis about the developments in his country where the company are making big swings in the biggest industries.

Endeavour Magazine | 57

TENNECO SOUTH AFRICA

“The local company was started in 1960,” Andrew reveals, “And Initially in South Africa we only sold shock absorbers but now we sell all related suspension products such as springs, mounting Kits and Protection Kits, and will soon get into steering and suspension components,” he also adds that they sell the Maxlift gas springs for bonnets and boots.

O

ver five decades of development have given Tenneco

affected the industry. This situation has been made worse by the

South Africa the opportunity to develop and gain

industrial strikes that made the international news when they turned

experience in a number of markets related to their

violent and an influx of new players in the market using important

industry including a Clean Air Division that handles emission Control

products, “Fortunately we are doing well, and have shown growth in

(EC) products and an EC plant in Port Elizabeth where their Ride

both numbers and market share allowing us to achieve our stretch

Control (RC) plant is based. This EC plant makes mainly catalytic

targets,” Andrew assures us.

converters for export.

A distinguishing feature of Tenneco South Africa is there intent

Manufacturing shock absorbers for new vehicles is the core

focus on their customers. The source of Tenneco’s international

activity in the South African plant referred to as Original Equipment

success and the high worth of their name was born from this same

“OE” and Aftermarket. Tenneco, under the brand name Monroe is

approach, as part of this they have expanded their customer services

the only local shock manufacturer to be an approved shock supplier

department and brought in senior CS Managements and kept them

to the local new vehicle manufacturers. With a staff contingent of

in South Africa for extended periods of time to ensure all staff

415 and a production pace of over 10 000units per day Tenneco

are fully trained, “We also went onto a new version of SAP that is

also have the strictest quality control and have earned many

compatible with that used in Europe,” he adds, “Expiditing orders

certifications and industry awards.

timeously and efficiently is important for customer satisfaction and

Owned by Tenneco, the Monroe brand of shock absorbers is one of the oldest in the country, a USA brand with its roots in Monroe, Michigan USA that started in 1916 and were created by

renewed orders.”

Additionally, Andrew and his staff have high expectations of themselves and strive to achieve a 98% first pick availability.

the same company founded to manufacture tyre pumps for the

With regards to the importance of aftersales, Andrew had this to

growing automotive sector. In 1919, the company perfected for

say, “Due to our high quality control we believe we have the lowest

the legendary Ford T, the first self-oiled, single barrelled tyre pump,

warranty claim rate on shocks in RSA and this is very important for

sales of which climbed to over 2 million per year as motorists found

our customers for clear reasons,”

themselves faced with frequent flat tyres.

In keeping ahead of the competition, Tenneco have approached

As Monroe clearly shared an ardent dedication to innovation,

the strategy of having the widest range of shock absorbers available

Tenneco were delighted to acquire the company in 1977 and

in RSA and do their best to ensure they keep it there, “In August 2014

together they have been responsible for a number of the major

we launched another four hundred and fifty new part numbers.”

developments in the industry.

Despite how slow the industry has come to there are a number of

Position and history has safeguarded Tenneco during what

developments and projects that are keeping Andrew excited, “This

has turned out to be a particularly flat economic period that has

year alone we continued many great projects as well as launched

58 | Endeavour Magazine

Endeavour Magazine | 59

TENNECO SOUTH AFRICA

many new ones: Road safety is very dear to our hearts and we are

but we will also make every

safety entities (Arrive Alive,

a founder member of the Road Safety Foundation running many

effort to highlight the dangers

CARS, Drive Alive, GRSP, SADD,

projects to improve safety on our roads,” he attests, “We also work

of worn shock absorbers and

etc) to increase the impact of

closely with companies such as Pick n Pay and their Stay Alert Stay

the importance of the role of the

road safety activities as well as

Alive programme.”

shock in the car’s handling.”

with international road safety

Recently they launched The Monroe Advanced Driving Academy

The aim of The Road Safety

with special focus on the under 24 year olds where they subsidise

Foundation is to partner with

research

their course fees. This same company that runs this programme for

the private and public sector

South Africa.

Tenneco South Africa is now also involved with national minibus

in an effort to reduce crashes

taxi driver training, “We also run a Monroe racing team, and for

and the resulting injuries and

challenge facing the road safety

the trade launched two new programmes, one being the Monroe

fatalities

industry is enormous.

Expert programme to ensure specific stores are correctly equipped

roads by implementing specific

are no quick solutions and it

and trained to earn this status, as well as the Monroe Is The Cool

and measurable education and

will take long term, focused and

programme, where specially trained PR ladies visit trade customer

awareness programmes.

sustainable activity to change

to ensure they are completely satisfied with our service and to do market research for us.”

on

South

African

Philip Hull, co-director of

role players in order to bring

Hull

and

experience

continues,

to

“The There

the road safety situation in

the Road Safety Foundation,

our country.

As the manufacturer of Monroe Shock Absorbers, Tenneco has

says, “There is an urgent need to

operation between educators,

become a founding member of The Road Safety Foundation. Megan

identify and prioritise road safety

policy makers, law enforcers and

Naiker, Tenneco Aftermarket Country Manager was quoted recently,

issues and develop projects to

engineers.”

“Monroe has always had as its focus on Safety and ‘Making the Road

address these issues.” He says

a Safer place.’ Not only do we endorse this foundation and its work

they will work with existing road

60 | Endeavour Magazine

It requires co-

According to The United Nations

Children’s

Fund

(UNICEF), road crashes are the second cause of fatalities in the under-18 age group.

For this reason, road safety education and

awareness programmes aimed at the youth will be a priority and include the increased visibility of learner through reflective backpacks and belts, education of teachers and parents who still allow their children to be in a car without a child restraint or a seatbelt.

Hull says, “Where a project will require the resource of multiple partners The Road Safety Foundation will coordinate the cooperation between the role-players to maximize the impact of the project. If our efforts save the life of even one person our hard work has been worthwhile.

The Road Safety Foundation is a not for profit, non-commercial organisation set up to promote road safety and raise road safety awareness. The directors share more than 35 years of practical experience in the industry and many valuable lessons have been learnt over this period. This experience and passion combined with the valuable support from partners must have a hugely positive impact on our accident and fatality rates in this country.

“Tenneco’s engineering expertise would have been successful but it was a choice to make car uses, pedestrians and children safe,” Andrew concludes.

“

The challenge facing the road safety industry is enormous. There are no quick solutions and it will take long term, focused and sustainable activity to change the road safety situation in our country. It requires co-operation between educators, policy makers, law enforcers and engineers.”

Endeavour Magazine | 61

62 | Endeavour Magazine

VAN AND TRUCK HIRE SOUTH AFRICA AND TRUCK HIRE BOTSWANA 00267 3932117 WWW.TRUCKHIREBOTS.COM

THE GO TO BUSINESS WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

For almost forty years Van and Truck Hire Botswana has served the civil plant hire and abnormal sized load transport industries. Founded by entrepreneur Rory Bennett in 1975 the business as it stands today may, on the surface be unrecognizable thanks to the advancement of equipment and the growth of employee numbers but at its core the principles guiding the company have not changed. We spoke with managing director of Truck Hire South Africa Kevin Lees regards to this inspiring company.

Endeavour Magazine | 63

VAN AND TRUCK HIRE SOUTH AFRICA AND TRUCK HIRE BOTSWANA

One of the traits immediately apparent with Van and Truck Hire Botswana and the breakaway business Truck Hire South Africa that was set up in 2006 to operate across borders, is the keen approach to capitalizing on niche industries and opportunities.

“T

he companies are very much organically driven,” Kevin reveals, “Our growth has been in tandem with the specific contracts we have secured

and the reputation for adaptation and diversification that we have developed.”

This reputation is in no small way a credit to Rory Bennett who still plays an integral, hands on role in his businesses and has helped direct them to the position they’re in now. Kevin explains that his entrepreneurial expertise and spirit is something that has set an example for the staff, installing within them a fierce sense of competition and a hunger for growth which is rewarded via bonuses and commissions.

“We actively encourage an aggressive sense of entrepreneurialism amongst our workforce,” Kevin specifies, and goes on to explain that it’s a mind-set that is valued across all the departments, “Of course such competition is expected amongst the sales departments who source the contracts that help determine our direction and developments but we like to know that everyone working for us is actively pursuing the continued growth of the company.”

Truck Hire South Africa offers a range of services from road freight, nationally and cross borders to Botswana, Angola, DRC, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Lesotho through to sea and airfreight export and import. Along with this a range of administrative services to ensure that all the necessary documentation is fully compiled and even secure warehousing and storage. Operationally, it is more than capable of working as a standalone business.

64 | Endeavour Magazine

Still, there is a common driving initiative that it shares with parent company Truck Hire Botswana in the drive to find new opportunities, to say yes to projects even if they have to develop new business actions to get the job done. This is why both are known as the go-to businesses for the more difficult jobs and enjoy such loyal customers from such a wide field.

Two hundred and fifty employees work across the two companies, two hundred and seventy if civil contractors are included and the company strength is borne through the experience and talent of these men and women.

Training is ongoing and regularly updated and Kevin reminds us that staying ahead of the competition relies on being the most up to date and cutting edge, “To achieve this standard the employee training is regularly updated with required courses and seminars,” he says, “We also provide other inhouse training, but headhunting does have to occur as experience is essential especially for specialized transport operations involving abnormal loads.”

Civil contracting, engineering and on managing a site all require expertise and qualifications and working with the best person for the job is the only way to ensure continued expansion and development. And while training on how to drive the vehicles like

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FOR TRADE ENQUIRES: East Africa (Kenya/Uganda/Tanzania): +254-722-800500 Southern Africa (South Africa/Botswana/Mozambique/ Namibia/Zambia/Zimbabwe): +267 72331233 / +267 75559333

Endeavour Magazine | 65

VAN AND TRUCK HIRE SOUTH AFRICA AND TRUCK HIRE BOTSWANA

Bulk Transport (Tippers), Truck and Front-End Loaders Hire can be

developments and they’ve invested millions into the development

given, qualifications are often what distinguishes someone. Taking

of roads, schools and hospitals in accordance with their Vision 2016,

another leaf out of Rory Bennett’s book the managerial roles in the

an inspiring strategy to propel its socio-economic and political

business are filled with people who are, in some ways a reflection of

development into a competitive, winning and prosperous nation.

the founding member as in possessing the right qualifications, mind

New Developments

set and work ethic.

With the changes in the country there will no doubt be more

Botswana

challenges for Van and Truck Hire Botswana and Truck Hire South

Having set up the company during Botswana’s burgeoning

Africa to take advantage of. As an example, they’re looking into

mining boom, VTH Botswana has grown with the country and in

focusing upon the burgeoning mining industry in Botswana in the

comparing the two businesses of VTH Botswana and Truck Hire

development of new mines. This would involve providing the goods,

South Africa there are several factors that come into play.

materials and engineering equipment, basically going in and helping

“The Botswanan economy is not an easy one to work with,” Kevin

establishing the shafts.

points out, “It’s highly driven by commodity prices and diamonds

“Experience is so important in all of these sectors,” Kevin

with construction enjoying similar highs and lows but it is getting

elaborates, “In transport different handling methods are associated

there.”

with different cargo. You have to learn how to handle a customer’s

SA is a larger market with a larger pool of skills than Botswana with an industry that is more mature which creates more competition

goods, you get a feel for it and while it can be trained it is something learned through experience.”

amongst better established businesses. With a population of 48

Another important development is a unity in the classification of

million to Botswana’s 2 million the differences are clear to see. Also

the businesses. The wish is to start classifying themselves as a group

civil and industrial action in Botswana is much less aggressive to

instead of a selection of independent companies, “A group with the

what has been seen recently in South Africa with the metal worker

capabilities of focusing in different areas is good for the business,”

strikes.

he explains, “This will create a unity that will help the company’s

This being said, although still not strong in their manufacturing

strength and international footprint. Because the divisions have

sector, a state that requires them to still import a number of materials

established and developed their own client basis within their

and products, which suits VTH just fine, Botswana does have a very

countries and sectors they have learnt and diversified.”

well established business sector and additionally the government has

Unified into a group, Truck Hire would be able to offer a range of

made concerted efforts to improve the infrastructure of the country

services from civil contracts and heavy, abnormal haulage all the way

further. A move that will set the ground work for future economic

through to food transport across borders in a truly African company.

Fresh Thinking. Smart Banking.

66 | Endeavour Magazine

“Van and Truck Hire has been a client of BancABC since 1993, the loyalty they have afforded us is admirable and we will continue to service them with excellence.”

68 | Endeavour Magazine

FOCUS GRAPHITE 613-691-1091 WWW.FOCUSGRAPHITE.COM

FOCUSING ON THE FUTURE WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

As Focus Graphite looks to align itself with environmentally responsible initiatives, the future looks rosy and green in equal measures. Don Baxter, COO and President at Focus, spoke to Endeavour Magazine about the core activities and future developments of the organisation.

Endeavour Magazine | 69

FOCUS GRAPHITE

Incorporated in 2009, ahead of being listed on the TSX-Venture Exchange in May the following year, Focus Metals Inc., as it was known, was an organisation on the move.

U

nderstanding the necessity of diversification and

Perhaps this is why in June 2014, Focus reached completion of

progression into other arenas, the core activities of

the feasibility study stage of development, leading to the filing of

the company became natural graphite and rare earths

its findings with relevant mining industry regulators in early August.

development, leading to the most recent incarnation of the company

The momentum of the project is undeniable and yet unsurprising

and a name change in 2012 to Focus Graphite Inc. The Focus of the

considering that Focus is a graphite industry leader, operating on

company is the development of the Flagship property at Lac Knife

a global scale, but what has lead to this coveted position? Baxter

and the development of value added graphite products.

was able to shed some light, drawing attention to a selection of the

Skip ahead two years and one of the primary projects in motion

company’s notable achievements;

at Focus is the production of value added technology (battery grade)

“In December 2013, Focus signed an historic 10-year off take

graphite, through its deposit, Lac Knife. Enjoying sole ownership

(sales/purchase) agreement with a Chinese industrial conglomerate

of the high-grade deposit, which is conveniently located close to

for a minimum of 200,000 tonnes of graphite concentrate over the

the iron ore-mining centre of Fermont, in Quebec, Focus is able to

life of the agreement. The following year, we announced that we had

progress the initiative at an impressive rate, in line with tight quality

succeeded in producing extremely high performing coated, spherical

and cost tolerances. Grading at 15%, Lac Knife holds one of the

graphite for lithium ion batteries.”

highest grade, lowest cost-to-produce, natural graphite deposits in the world with a cost of $441 per tonne.

Discussing the project further, Don Baxter highlighted the following;

Continually striving to secure new clients has clearly not impacted on the successes of the development team and with Lac Knife on the road to production, Focus is now an unstoppable force.

“The Lac Knife deposit is unusual in the quality of its fine,

“The Lac Knife property is on the edge of the Quebec-Labrador

medium and large flake distribution – with all concentrate grades

border and has excellent infrastructure, access to inexpensive hydro-

attaining 98%Cg purity from simple flotation and polishing. The fine

electricity, reliable railway links to deep sea ports and a skilled labour

flake graphite is unique and Industrial Minerals of the UK, who are

force.”

considered to be one of the world’s leading graphite authorities,

Lac Knife 99.98% C Purified Flake Graphite 70 | Endeavour Magazine

FOCUS GRAPHITE

noted in a recent commentary that Focus Graphite holds the

technologies such as renewable energy sources for electric vehicles,

potential to open up new markets with its purity. The company has

hybrid electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cells. This must be good

since proven it is capable of purifying its low-cost fine flakes to high

news for a company that seeks to align with green initiatives. Baxter

value battery grade materials. It is an achievement no other graphite

confirms that this technological movement is of interest to Focus;

producer in the world has been able to duplicate.”

“With Tesla Motors’ announcement that it intends to replace

With the market successfully cornered, Focus has revealed

its high cost synthetic graphite sources from China with North

that it has plans to complete an annual concentrate production

American supplies, the markets are waiting for Tesla to reach

of 44,300 tonnes from its Lac Knife plant, but with such volumes

sourcing agreements with a number of North American graphite

comes an undeniable ecological responsibility. Baxter is unfazed by

developers capable of being supply ready by 2016-2017. 11 times

this, proudly stating that;

more graphite is required, than traditional lithium, to manufacture

“Processing is carried out by an environmentally sustainable

a lithium ion battery. Markets will naturally react favourably to

flotation and polishing regime. This therefore negates the need for

those companies chosen by Tesla to provide the high performing

acids or other caustic chemicals which can have a damaging impact

technology grade graphite at an affordable, negotiated price and

on the environment. The ability to power the project from hydro-

happily, Focus is well positioned to meet those two key criteria.”

electric grid power results in low cost and minimal to nil carbon foot

Clearly keen to welcome Tesla to its client base, Focus must

print. These factors are very important to the green energy end

have a comprehensive customer service charter in place. Baxter

users.”

expanded further;

Focus is an industry leader, progressive developer and staunchly

“The production and sale of graphite is unique and designed

environmentally responsible organisation, so what does the future

to meet each end-user’s specifications. Sales are usually bound by

hold for the company that seems to have everything?

a long-term sales or purchase agreement known in the industry

Future demand, according to Baxter, is being driven by green

72 | Endeavour Magazine

as an off take agreement. With this in mind, after-sales is not

particularly relevant to us as clients usually enter into a 5-10 year relationship with us. To keep us ahead of the competition however, Focus Graphite’s vertically integrated mine-to-technology business strategy is built upon one of the lowest costs of graphite production in the world for high purity concentrate, destined primarily for high value lithium ion battery manufacturers.”

It’s a rarity these days for a company to be able to rest solely on the quality of the products it offers, but with clients happily committing to long-term partnerships, clearly Focus has not misplaced its confidence.

Since its inception in 2010, the organisation has met all its regulatory, exploration, development and financial milestones and is now nearing its final stages of pre-production and governmental permitting and intends to be in full production-mode at Lac Knife by mid- 2016. Baxter finishes the interview by neatly summing up how he envisages the future; “We see our business model as a template for all emerging graphite producers. As future global demand for low cost, high performing and environmentally sustainable natural flake graphite rises, it needs to do so in line with the growth of green, renewable energy technologies.”

“

Processing is carried out by an environmentally sustainable flotation and polishing regime.

This therefore negates the need for acids or other caustic chemicals which can have a damaging impact on the environment. The ability to power the project from hydro-electric grid power results in low cost and minimal to nil carbon foot print.

These factors are very important to the green energy end users.”

Lac Knife Spherical Battery Grade Graphite Endeavour Magazine | 73

74 | Endeavour Magazine

READYMIX WI LIMITED 001 868 643 2429 WWW.TSLGROUP.COM

THE READYMIX ADVANTAGE WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

In 1959, Trinidad Readymix Concrete Company Limited, now known as Readymix Concrete UK was the largest concrete producer in the world.

Working out of Laventille the company’s geography expansion began in 1962 with new batching plants being opened in Guanapo and Harmony Hall. At the same time the company began its sand and gravel operations at Melajo, Valencia from where it started supplying its plants and other customers with aggregate. We spoke with general manager Manan Deo regards to the history of the company.

Endeavour Magazine | 75

READYMIX WI LIMITED

1979, saw Readymix a UK company divest 60 percent of its shareholdings in the company and four years later in 1983 the company became a publicly owned institution that was incorporated as Readymix West Indies Limited, “In 1993 Pelinja Holdings purchased the majority shareholding and managed the company until November 1995,” Manan explains, “At which point Trinidad Cement Limited bought a controlling interest.”

S

ince then Readymix WI Limited has been a member of the TCL Group and now stands as the single largest producer of pre-mixed concrete Trinidad and Tobago and

the English speaking Caribbean. Like its product its past as provided it with a solid foundation and the company now boasts an extensive network of concrete plants throughout Trinidad and Tobago and has even expanded its operations to other regional markets such as Barbados.

Despite their already solid footprint, the plans for expansion and developments haven’t ceased and a number of ventures have established Readymix WI Limited as a force to be reckoned with, “Premix and Precast Concrete Incorporated is the latest venture for Readymix,” Manan reveals, “Situated in Barbados we have acquired sixty percent equity in the premixed concrete company which is owned by Black Bless Quarry Limited,” Synonymous with high quality concrete and a number of other products in Trinidad since its inception over half a century ago, one of the outstanding features of Readymix West Indies Limited is their savvy when it comes to technology and experience. Gleaned during the long period when they were owned by RMC UK, a global premier concrete producing company, they gained valuable insights into the industry that would have been precluded from them otherwise, “This

Unit 705, Suite 13, Fernandes Industrial Compound Laventille, Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies Ph +1(868)290-3774/5 Website: www.giscadlimited.com 76 | Endeavour Magazine

along with our continued commitment to research and innovation in concrete technology has been the precursor for the industry awards that we have achieved and also for the strong reputation we have with all of our return clients,” It is also worthy to mention that their technical team have such

industry knowledge that they have been equipped and scheduled to offer consultation services and training to customers both locally and regionally as a means to fully enhance the relationship between them and their clients.

“Our technical and management teams have also been trained by leading consultants and engineers, in association with the World of Concrete Seminars to ensure that we provide our clients with innovative concrete solutions,” Manan attests, “We are the only local pre-mixed concrete supplier with qualified Engineers who have been trained to offer sound technical advice on concrete and aggregate technology.”

Location, Location, Location Readymix West Indies Limited is the only supplier of premixed concrete that is strategically located in all corners of Trinidad and Tobago with plants located in the North, East, Central and Southern areas of Trinidad and in Tobago and it’s expertise is available throughout the region to the construction industry.

“Our customers value timely delivery,” Manan explains, “Positioning counts for a lot for them to pick up products quickly.”

Quality Readymix West Indies Limited has set itself the target of being

Throughout their history Readymix West Indies Limited has

the leading customer driven producer and supplier of high quality

grown and paced itself as the leader in the industry by aligning

pre-mixed concrete products and to drive a superior rate of return

themselves with some of the largest developers in the construction

to their shareholders, “Additionally the development of our main

industry in the United States, namely Master Builders Technologies

resources is important,” Manan adds, “Specifically the people working

(MBT) and Synthetic Industries (SI). Working together allows

with us and the environment we work in.”

Readymix to keep abreast of the newest developments within the

They have also promised to provide quality concrete, aggregate

construction industry where niche markets and opportunities to

and related services that consistently satisfy the requirements of

improve and develop may appear.

their customers and stakeholders.

Endeavour Magazine | 77

READYMIX WI LIMITED

“It is through the total involvement of our employees that

ensure

continuous

quality

from the process to be re-cycled

we maintain our Quality Policy,” he says, “Management provides

control the recent installment

the leadership that creates a condusive working environment

of a computerized weighbridge

where planning, performance measurement, communication and

system has allowed for stricter

returning to the in-take reservoir

appropriate use of research and technology are key strategies for

measurement of aggregate, to

is then available for re-use on the

continuous improvement,”

further enhance the quality

plant decreasing the currently

control measures.

high demands for fresh water

Readymix West Indies Limited utilizes its Quality Management System as the basis for its ongoing Quality Improvement and this

the

water

Indies

supply during the dry season.

Ltd purchased a “drag chain”

Some small make up water will

Company, “The key is adequately training our staff and equipping

water clarifier from JAD-AIR

be required to compensate for

them with the best tools for the job,” Manan reveals, “Employee

Incorporated recently.. This unit

evaporation and losses on the

satisfaction goes hand in hand with customer satisfaction.”

is comprised of a polymer tank

plant.

On average each of the batching plants have a capacity of 130 m³, per hour and boast an availability of 94% as a result of a sound preventative maintenance program that follows the adage that prevention is indeed better than a cure.

The Melajo aggregate plant, located at Valencia is a wellequipped facility that is able to handle the demands of the local construction market. Supported with onsite lab services and to

78 | Endeavour Magazine

West

Additionally,

has been essential to achieve its quest to become a world class

The Operations

Readymix

back into production.

and three modules; a master

The principle of operation

module and two slave modules

of the unit is based on the water

each capable of handling 1200

and

solids

gallons/min of dirty water and

by

gravity

delivering water with better

enhanced

than 50 parts per million of Total

polymer flocculation method

Suspended Solids (TSS). This

(motionless

unit provides a true close looped

polymers

system, which enables the water

specifically selected for the

being

separated

sedimentation,

by

a

proprietary

mixers). themselves

The are

type of material (pitrun) and blends being processed.

Effluent from the process is pumped to each of the modules where the clarification process takes place. Polymers from the polymer tank are injected into the effluent stream at a metered rate and here a two-stage reaction occurs. The first stage involves the hard or flash mixing of the polymer with the effluent stream for the initial reaction and this is followed by more gentle mixing, which promotes final flocculation and conditioning for settling.

Once completed, the suspended solids are then allowed to settle on the Clarifier floor where they pileup, are compacted and the water squeezed out. The solids are scooped from the bottom of the unit by special conveyor paddles and deposited into a containment area in front of each of the clarifier modules. These solids are dry enough to be handled with a front end wheel loader and hauled away with dump trucks within 24 hours of drying. Clarified water (up to less than 50 ppm) leaves the system to the storage pond for re-use in the process.

Readymix is committed to alleviating pollution as has been

The Readymix Advantage Readymix West Indies Limited is the only pre-mixed concrete supplier in Trinidad and Tobago that offers a well-equipped laboratory, headed by a qualified Civil Engineer, “Our team of Laboratory Technicians are also qualified and trained to observe strict quality practices in accordance with ASTM, British and ISO Standards,” Manan emphasizes, “This is one of the demonstrations of our continued commitment to research, development and innovation in concrete technology.”

This Technical team extends its competencies to Readymix West Indies Limited’s clients and offers a number of concrete and aggregate tests including tests for compression, flexural and core strength as well as gradation and organic content examinations, “The technical team are also in charge of designing appropriate mixes for our client’s needs,” he reveals, “Looking at required elements such as underwater applications, air entrainment, low temperature and sulphate resistance.”

demonstrated through the company’s investment in this $7 million dollar piece of equipment the Water Clarifier System which has been fully operational at the Valencia Quarry for quite some time.

Endeavour Magazine | 79

80 | Endeavour Magazine

KENYA CHAMBER OF MINES 0254 735119075 WWW.KENYACHAMBERMINES.COM

KENYA HAS THE MINERALS WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

With the world’s eyes focused firmly on Africa as the epicenter for mining activities, Kenya has emerged as the location and destination for mining investments. Rising in the interest of all involved parties in the wake of developments that have proved conclusively that the country not only holds siginificant minerals but more important the need and means to uncover it. We spoke with Chief Executive office, Monica Gichuhi.

Endeavour Magazine | 81

KENYA CHAMBER OF MINES

The industry has taken on an ever greater significance and the country has been receiving an increasing amount of interest from international investors so the creation of a dedicated Chamber of Mines has become an even important role for the country’s future, “The Kenya Chamber of Mines (KCM) was established in the year 2000,” explains Monica, “with its key mandate being to act as a representative for the private sector companies operating in Kenya’s mining sector.”

I

nterestingly, KCM’s original purpose was mainly as a lobbying

the purchasing of licences by the likes of Barrick Gold in the last

body, pushing for more favorable working conditions

year, an event which marked the entry of one of the best known

for miners. This was changed in line with the growth in

global players into the country. These events have attracted the

prominence of the sector and the Chamber’s role has continued

junior miners in the industry who in seeking their own opportunities

to evolve taking on a number of core roles including the marketing

have come to Kenya with high hopes.

of the industry nationally and further afield to promote investment

None of these developments have gone unnoticed and have

opportunities, drive awareness of the industry and be a source of

this has resulted in the Kenyan government establishing a dedicated

information for its members.

Ministry of Mining for the first time in its history, “Mining used to

“As time goes on,” Monica continues, “We have extended our

be banded together with other natural resources in environmental

membership to any and all service providers that want to become

issues and the government did not give it the priority it required,”

involved with mining in Kenya. This has led to the current situation

Monica says, “It is significant that this has changed and now mining

where we are having a membership portfolio once filled with the

has its own docket within government. This clearly highlights the

exclusive presence of exploration companies and mine operators, to

confidence that Kenya has in the industry.”

one that now caters for those in the legal, financial, consultation and equipment supply fields. “

This does not mean that the role that Kenya Chamber of Mines has reduced in any way, in fact, working with the government is

In turn this has helped bring added value to the aforementioned

now perhaps more important than ever as Kenya Chamber of Mines

explorers and operators, as well as any foreign owned entities

is in place to apply the necessary pressure onto the government

looking to enter the marketplace, as they now have direct access

to ensure that proper legislation and regulations are in place to

to a catalogue of all manner of service providers that can cater for

support the growth of this sector and to create a strong investment

their requirements. Proof of the rapid development of the mining

opportunity.

sector in Kenya can be seen throughout the country, from the major

KCM have been responsible for a number of important changes,

breakthroughs being made at the Kwale Mineral Sands Project to

lobbying for the speed up of the legislation reform process and

82 | Endeavour Magazine

KENYA CHAMBER OF MINES

for the introduction of better tax conditions for the industry as a

And the buck doesn’t stop the

Chamber

as

issues

with

gathering of comprehensive geological data for Kenya that will

responsibility also lands upon

community

provide invaluable information for investors looking to take up

the shoulders of the mining

corporate social responsibility

licensing in the industry, “As of today we are still waiting to conduct

companies

initiatives.”

a full airborne survey that will map out the country’s resources,”

build and maintain a positive

What does the future hold

Monica tells us, “This is something that we want carried out as soon

image for the sector. Here the

in store for the mining sector in

as possible and we continue to push hard for it to take place. In

Chamber plays a continuous

Kenya as a whole? One of the

truth I believe the government is now starting to realise, thanks to

part by promoting the concepts

first things on Monica’s agenda

the ever-growing amount of licence applications it is receiving, the

of

and

is the up and coming third annual

importance of such an undertaking, but we will continue to lobby for

sustainable operations. Monica

Mining Business and Investment

this finally to take place.”

says, “First and foremost, anyone

(MBI) Conference taking place in October.

responsible,

ethical

to

environmental

surrounding

whole. Now, a topic that is very prominent on their agenda is the

themselves

this

with

protection, relations

and

Taking a consideration of the feelings towards the growing

wanting to become a member of

mining industry from the Kenyans themselves one of the tasks that

KCM must be in full compliance

“The MBI Conference is one

the chamber has in front of them is to provide information and

with the laws and regulations

of the significant events on our

advice. Education is key to gaining support from the local areas,

that govern the environment.

calendar,” she tell us, “It is here

which is necessary to develop and grow the industry, misinformation

Further to that, part of our own

that we draw in a whole host

of the positives and negatives of the development of the industry

strategic objective has been to

of current and future investors,

could cause major damage. Whereas this industry is one that is

develop a code of ethics for our

all of whom are keen to get a

desperately needed to help Kenya’s economy continue to expand

membership which will see them

better understanding of mining

and diversify.

ensuring their full compliance

in Kenya, what opportunities

Proud to be a member of the Kenya Chamber of Mines www.panafricangroup.com 84 | Endeavour Magazine

exist here, the challenges that we are working to overcome and what the government’s position is when it comes to supporting the industry, all of which makes for a hugely important event for all parties involved.”

Ultimately, Kenya is undoubtedly one of the foremost reasons why Eastern Africa is a new frontier for mining in the developing world. The country’s relatively unexplored land plays host to a wealth of mineral based opportunities there is unlikely to be any slowdown in the near future when it comes to investors seeking out new projects for exploration and development.

With that in mind Monica is keen to emphasise that there are long-term plans for the KCM to evolve and grow alongside the mining sector so as to continue fulfilling its mandate and obligations.

“As well as positioning ours for the expected growth in membership that the Chamber will receive going forward, we are also planning for the possibility of one day becoming part of an integrated Chamber of Mines and Energy. The bringing together of these two separate entities would bring Kenya in line with international standards and will help give both fields a larger platform for dialogue and one collective voice to represent this diverse and essential range of companies within this industry.”

Ultimately, Kenya is undoubtedly one of the foremost reasons why Eastern Africa is a new frontier for mining in the developing world.

The country’s relatively unexplored land plays host to a wealth of mineral based opportunities there is unlikely to be any slowdown in the near future when it comes to investors seeking out new projects for exploration and development.

Endeavour Magazine | 85

86 | Endeavour Magazine

FREIGHTWORX 0027 119792979 WWW.FREIGHTWORX.CO.ZA

KEEPING BUSINESS MOVING WRITTEN BY KATIE RICHARDSON

Leading logistics service provider Freightworx is one of the more precious gems in South Africa’s corporate crown. Endeavour Magazine discovers how the company has helped create a transport-intensive domestic economy

Endeavour Magazine | 87

FREIGHTWORX

Riding high from a period of sustained growth after the economic downturn, the Republic of South Africa offers extraordinary potential for the logistics and transportation industry. A 2013 study from professional services giant PriceWaterhouseCooper found the country has the most developed and advanced transport infrastructure in the African continent, and is thoroughly recognised as a “key emerging market�.

O

ne company gaining significant leverage in this sector is Freightworx. Established in 1999 when demand arose for airfreight cargo into northern Tanzania, and having

serviced the majority of other freight forwarders as well as numerous mines within the area, company bosses increased service levels and incorporated other means of multi-model transport to assist its clientele to great financial aplomb. Consequently, over the last 14 years, Freightworx has increased exponentially, securing its share of the global freight market by offering various means of transport and logistical solutions.

As Africa gears up to continue playing its significant global role, Freightworx is working right alongside, helping to create and sustain distribution networks and supply chains, ensuring a solid infrastructure and providing employment for hundreds of people.

With more than 30 years experience in the industry, the company is offering serious mobility: a door-to-door service of the mining, drilling, and telecoms of gas/oil industries into the continent, as well as into India, the Middle East, Australia and the USA, catering for 130 countries and 450 cities worldwide.

Full service Freightworx deals with general cargo, perishable goods, hazardous, dangerous or abnormal cargo, and arms and ammunition across three primary modes of transportation: Air Freight, Sea Freight and Road Freight. The Air Freight and Sea Freight services import and export goods to a wide variety of destinations, and provide clients with daily tracking reports and loading, storage and crating facilities.

88 | Endeavour Magazine

The Air Freight service specialises in out of Gauge Cargo for the

skilled and supported staff coupled with excellent customer care

mining, drilling, gas and oil and telecoms industries, and a fleet of air

is vital for smooth and successful business transitions. Personal

charter operators ranging from one to 100 tons are available with a

attention and tailored solutions are in place to keep satisfaction high

number of major airlines.

as well as the offer of competitive rates throughout the business.

Freightworx Road Freight prides itself on providing a superior

“We understand the importance of maintaining good customer

service experience and some of the standard services include Real-

relations and how these provide a sustained flow of revenue over

Time satellite tracking of its multi-capacity fleet (encompassing a

extended periods of time,” says company CEO Raj Maharaj. “Long-

range of one tonners to Super-links), and representation at various

term business relations with happy customers also going a long

Boarder posts, global Express Delivery, and Goods in Transit (GIT)

way in establishing and maintaining other like-minded business

cover up to ZAR 3 million (£282,200) within South Africa. The

partnerships.”

company utilises the latest software technology to submit Customs

The company ensures that staff is given the most up-to-date

documentation via Electronic Data Interchange, and its fully equipped

training on industry procedures and regulations in order to provide

and secured warehouse in Johannesburg allows Freightworx to offer

them with the expertise required to efficiently manage customer

its own in-house packaging division, which specialises in export

requirements, no matter how big or small. “It is an imperative factor

and fragile goods packaging. With the use of their own offices and

in the overall growth of the company that development strategies

various member agents throughout the world, Freightworx prides

are in place for individual staff members,” says Maharaj.

itself on being able to guarantee safe cargo handling and logistics.

“Supporting an employee in their development within their areas

The company deals only with reputable freight forwarders and where

of specialisation brings a two-fold benefit. The employee achieves

none are adequate, it opens its own offices to avoid any problems.

greater satisfaction from their ability to perform better in his or her

The Freightworx team consists of more than 100 highly skilled, qualified and motivated personnel, and bosses stress that highly-

job; and the company benefits from having a team of highly-skilled professionals on hand to help strengthen and grow our business.”

Endeavour Magazine | 89

FREIGHTWORX

Building on success Africa has not emerged entirely unscathed from the economic downturn, and consequently, neither has many of its national companies. Fluctuation of the local currency against the US dollar has proven particularly challenging, and in addition, Freightworx has been coping with regional union-led platinum mining strikes, which have only come to a resolution in June.

“A big problem has been in securing contracts to move cargo into Africa,” explains Maharaj. “We would like to decrease our standing time at the various borders, which can end up being more than five hours in some cases, which is detrimental to our company and our clients’ business.” These delays have seen a significant rise in Freightworx clients moving from air freight to road freight in order to reduce cost and time in airports. While the EU and the BRICS countries gather momentum in their economic recovery, attentions are beginning to be strongly focused on Africa’s natural resources, especially to growth opportunities in infrastructure, telecoms and mining, in the hope of kick-starting their sales and revenue streams.

Regarding corporate strategy, Freightworx plans to continue down its current path and build upon its already notable success.

Maharaj believes the company has hit a ‘winning formula’ in

90 | Endeavour Magazine

providing world-class service to its customers around the globe. “We plan to ensure that our customers’ needs are always met beyond their expectations and that our staff’s knowledge and expertise will always be on the cutting edge of the industry,” he stresses.

The remaining months of 2014 will see a predominate increase in the company’s already vast flotilla of vehicles; a new wave was recently put in place to better serve in the road freight sector of the industry, and operations in to handling different type of freight. “The new fleet will ensure more reliable and trustworthy service levels within the competitive industry,” says Maharaj. “Our fleet is backed

by Real-Time satellite tracking, making our vehicles and its cargo transparent to our customers at any stage of its journey.”

The recent appointment of a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BB-BEE) Rating of Level 3, which serves as a guideline and driver for the development of Codes of Practice in the industry, will also provide Freightworx and its customers with a higher Preferential Procurement status when dealing with their suppliers, a status to ensure continued productivity. “A company’s BB-BEE rating is an important aspect of conducting business in South Africa,” stresses Maharaj. The higher the rating the more likely other companies of similar rating are to work with you.”

A recently refurbished warehouse has also been upgraded with state-of-the-art security; storage and lifting equipment, allowing Freightworx to better manage the shipments that have been entrusted to its care. Over a period of three years, a rough estimated figure of R16-17m (£900 – 956k) was invested in the fleet and warehouse improvements. “The warehouse upgrade is an important aspect of providing customers with peace of mind,” explains Maharaj.

“Investing in the training of drivers and lifting machinery operators has been an important aspect of the upgrade. Our people form an important part of our core business and we cannot achieve success without them.”

Market projections for South Africa over the next decade look highly lucrative: rail and air networks are among the largest on the African continent and other major transport routes are in good condition. With a number of connection projects underway to improve regional and international access, enterprise is expected to grow substantially over the next decade. It is clear that as transportation and logistics continue to play a vital role in the development and growth of Africa’s place in the global market, Freightworx is a heavyweight player that investors should not ignore.

Logistics for Sub-Sahara CC provide excellent experience and expertise in cross-border transport, moving equipment and loads to Southern, Central and Eastern Africa regions.

Countries currently served are: Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, DRC (KINSHASA, Lubumbashi/ Kolwezi, Pweto, DOKO / WATSA [Northern DRC]), Angola, Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia.

Tel: 0027 82 453 1137  Fax: 0027 56 931 0273  E-mail: amelia@sssclogistics.com Endeavour Magazine | 91

92 | Endeavour Magazine

ILS 0027 21 421 2474 WWW.ILS.CO.ZA

THE BENCHMARK FOR INDUSTRY WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

South Africa’s leading supply chain and logistics consultancy has a lot to boast about. Such as internationally recognized expertise, twenty seven years of independent professional service, over a century of engineering experience and a footprint that extends to over five hundred facilities. Industrial Logistic Systems is the leader for a reason.

Endeavour Magazine | 93

ILS

Looking at the company now, Industrial Logistic Systems (ILS) is the very definition of how a business should be run. Innovative, quality driven and highly efficient the company ticks every box for operational and business excellence. Don Campbell spoke with Managing Director Gary Benatar, one of the founders, about a company that has become the very benchmark of industry in South Africa.

E

nthusiasm for innovation and out of the box thinking

reputation for doing whatever clients needed, and being client

tempered with a strategic and organic growth is a

focused “Our business evolved and grew with the client’s needs,”

hallmark of this company and has been since the

Gary says, “We were asked questions and had to find the answers.

company was first founded in 1987 by Gary Benatar and his business

Asked, ‘you designed this, can you make it work?’ and we got into

partner Martin Bailey. Meeting each other when Gary was studying

project management and operations, ‘can you make the system

for his Masters in industrial engineering and Martin was a lecturer

work?,’ so we plunged into system specification and implementation,

and supervisor for his Masters’, the rapore between them lay the

‘what is your opinion on strategy?’ and we developed our footprint

ground for what was to come.

in strategic consultation.”

“After I graduated I was approached by multi-disciplinary

Through this ILS evolved into the one stop shop facilitator of

consultants who were involved in civil, electrical and constructional

company projects that they are today. More than this they also grew

engineering and they were looking for industrial engineering as a

into different market spaces. Their first customers were in the motor

new focus,” Gary recalls, “This was the focus I was specialized in and

industry working with the likes of Volkswagen and Toyota and the

I began a division for them in 1986. About six months later Martin

mining industry but soon they entered into the realm of retail which

became available and I brought him in to work with me as a specialist

has largely become Gary’s primary area of excellence.

consultant.”

“We are a respected industry leader of retail supply chain

However the two worked together for only six months before

strategy development,” he says. Working with national clients such

realizing that they were meant for more and Industrial Logistic

as Shoprite, Massmart (part of the Walmart group), Spar Group,

Systems (ILS) was born. Working out of the garage at Martin’s house,

Woolworths and pharmaceutical giants like Dischem and Clicks.

“Our real focus was not to build a corporation, we weren’t aiming for

They’ve also worked internationally with companies in Saudi Arabia

the stock exchange or anything as lofty as that we wanted instead to

like Azizia Panda, Spinneys in Dubai and PriceLine and Coles In

do what we love doing, have fun while we’re doing it and make sure

Austrailia and have recently had a small contract in Malaysia with

that each job is done well.”

Giant.

When they began in business they were focused on facilities

“Our focus is largely in South Africa, but we’re adaptable and

planning and material handling system design developing a

flexible,” Gary adds, explaining further that they tend not to pursue

94 | Endeavour Magazine

Leader in materials handling equipment Light E

qstra’s Industrial Equipment division (EIE) is the market leader in distributing materials handling equipment in the industrial, mining and agricultural sectors in southern Africa.

The division, which distributes the Toyota Forklift brand, also supplies the light handling BT range which focuses on efficiency and safety. The equipment is available through outright purchase or leasing, either short- or long term.

HAND PALLET TRUCKS BT hand pallet trucks, with a maximum lifting capacity of 3 000kg, provide the lowest cost of ownership, thanks to

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their long operating life and maximum up-time.

POWERED PALLET TRUCKS BT’s range of powered pallet trucks offers you a comprehensive choice of pallet handling possibilities, including walk-with, ride-on, stand-in and seated models, to ensure the perfect solution to your specific needs.

handling range!

POWERED STACKERS BT’s family of three powered stackers – BT Staxio, BT Ixion and BT Stratos – have load capacities up to 2 000kg and lift heights up to 6300mm.

ERGONOMIC PALLET TRUCKS • Ergonomic design reduces arms, shoulders, back strain • Life-time warranty on hand pallet trucks

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• All BT products are produced in accordance with the Toyota Production System Levio lWE130 basic front

Levio basic

eqstra industrial equipment Staxio basic

Contact: Eugene Steenhuisen Tel (011) 571 0301 eugenes@eiegroup.co.za www.eiegroup.co.za

ILS

international contracts as they prefer to remain at their peak

were complaining that they were not getting the output that they

efficiency with local businesses, “We see no benefit in sacrificing

expected. Upon investigation ILS discovered that it was not down to

quality. Often we are forced to work internationally as our clients

technology, mechanics or strategies they had put in place but rather

expand their footprint and we are part of their business growth.”

companies resistance to change and trying to operate new facilities

After a youth of being a Jack of All Trades who adapted and

with an outmoded “dungeon” mentality, “This division was set up to

improvised quickly to meet the needs of their clients, ILS has

help clients change their thinking and to ensure that things are run

matured and restructured into three specific verticals.

as they are meant to.”

Strategic Consulting

but existing ones as well and Gary reveals that a lot of ILS’ work

These verticals were set up not only to benefit new clients “There are a number of large companies within this space but our difference is that we end up taking on bigger jobs at less cost,” Gary explains, “We execute and are action based – we can address the strategic and tactical plans. If we build a strategy for a client we build a supply chain strategy and logistics around their business strategy and what they need to function at the top of their game.”

Infrastructure Division, “We take a project from concept through to commission and execution,” he says, “We envision and lay out sites, buildings, processes, assist with procurement and project management and everything that the client needs.”

Operations Division, this final vertical came about when clients

goes into their long standing relationships with clients to assess problems, such as procedural bottle necks and to establish where new opportunities for improvement could lie.

Gary minces none of his words and is quick to point out that much of the growth and development of ILS has come from learning curves. He admits that during their adolescence much of their tech solutions were the sake of being sexy. New conveyors, new machinery looks good and works well and is very impressive but it was when they worked with retail giant Shoprite that they had their biggest learning curve, “The CEO at the time basically said we had Carte Blanche to do what we wanted as long as it gives the right payback in return. That is when we started working from the bottom up with the focus on productivity and output instead of mere aesthetics,” From the bottom up largely focuses on the people working with the company. In South Africa businesses and companies have a social responsibility to generate work and employ people over the European approach of automating systems. This is particularly relevant during economic downturns where in Europe and the UK the response is to cut jobs and automate which does have the problem of limiting flexibility, whereas in South Africa more socially sustainable solutions need to be found bringing in the benefit of a human touch and discretion.

“Coming from an academic environment, we look to the universities for our staff who we could train up or people with limited industry experience so that they don’t have too many bad habits,” Gary reveals, “We put them into operations to start with.”

In operations a new employee gains the practical understanding of the job, garnering important experience and from there once they’ve developed enough and gained enough experience if they want they can enter into the design space of the company and then following that have the opportunity to get into strategic consultancy.

“That’s how we develop our staff,” he says proudly, “Currently we have a team of thirty people. We’re a small company but highly invested and able to achieve a lot with a smaller group that larger companies can’t.”

Exceptionally productive is how most people would describe it, “That’s always been our strength,” he says, “We do our own internal training, twice a month on a Friday making use of video conferences to keep both the Johannesburg and Cape Town offices working

96 | Endeavour Magazine

congruently.”

This connectivity has proved to be an important step.

MEET ONE OF OUR TALLEST MEMBERS

Gary explains that at one point the Cape Town office, where the headquarters are now located and the Johannesburg office were competing, and working for separate clients, when he took over as managing director one of his steps was to unify the operations and thinking of both branches into one entity, using the strengths of our people appropriate to a project need, and not based on where they are located.

A Handy Position ILS has not been struck by the economic downturn as many companies have in South Africa and the reasons behind this are a tribute to the nature of their business, “When clients enter growth phases they come to us to facilitate the growth, developing strategies to best capitalize on the new opportunities and when there is a drop we’re approached

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Luckily we also have good clients that have weathered any downturns and this keeps us busy. ”

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Endeavour Magazine | 97

ILS

And over the past twenty seven years the company has continuously grown year after year and while there is no ceiling as to

customers as part of ourselves so when we’re working together we try not to separate ourselves from them.”

how large they are able to grow, Gary is careful to ensure that they

Being the leader in industry does mean that a number of solutions

don’t outgrow their capacity to offer the best services. This being

that ILS have implemented for the leading retailers in South Africa

said, the company has increased its capacity each year.

have become the template that other businesses make use of.

Ironically, the great challenge faced by Gary is the retention of staff, “Our people are seen as the best in the industry and they are in very high demand often being propositioned by our competition and even our clients to work for them,” he says, “So we’ve gone out of our way to create a unique environment.”

Beating The Competition With Quality Innovation of projects and designs. ILS develop ideas that give

With eighty percent of the day being spent in an office, ILS

an appropriate solution, “We come up with unique solutions that

aims to make it a good and enjoyable place to work. They sit down

have been world firsts both local and internationally,” he says. An

for lunch provided for by the company, have an open and fun

example of the innovation that ILS is known for is the sophisticated

environment and according to general consensus they have the best

banana ripening system they developed for one of their retailers,

coffee available.

“They used a three level high banana room which would typically be

Most of their clients are long term, for example they first began

drive-in rack system, which is often used. However, we developed a

working with Shoprite in 1992, before the retail giant acquired

shuttle system that was faster, safer and more productive and gave

Checkers and OK and have done so since then. One of their leading

good banana ripening results. This improved the quality of their fruit

principles is doing for customers what they do for themselves and

and the sustainability of the products ergo saving millions.”

Gary says this is a philosophy and an attitude that has never failed

By creating benchmarks for industry ILS have been instrumental

them, “We take ownership in their business,” he says, “We see our

in reengineering the way things are distributed over the last twenty

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98 | Endeavour Magazine

years. ILS could be credited with responsibility for reengineering the total food supply chain in South Africa with the work they have done with retailers and suppliers. They have also brought to the table the cross pollination of ideas originated from different industries.

The Future The big challenge is to find the extra levels of proficiency out of the supply chain, where customers are looking to extract more value out of their solutions, “Lots of work is going into increasing capacity through current facilities to match their growth without spending more money,” Gary says, “This allows jobs to be retained while efficiencies grow. It’s exciting and allows us to push the envelope.”

Innovators to the core, Gary says the strength of ILS originates with lots of people thinking outside of the box, “Every customer has something new. Two companies can be next to each other in the same industry and need completely different solutions thanks to their requirements and business culture. It’s an exciting, ever

“

There are a number of large companies within this space but our difference is that we end up taking on bigger jobs at less cost”, Managing Director Gary Benatar

developing market that we’re in.”

And, if the last twenty seven years are anything to go by the future will be much the same.

Endeavour Magazine | 99

100 | Endeavour Magazine

DESALCOTT 001868 6363725 WWW.DESALCOTT.COM

PLUS 100 BILLION GALLONS AND STILL GOING WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

In 2011, the Desalination Company of Trinidad and Tobago (DESALCOTT) celebrated its 100 billionth gallon of desalinized water and since then they have been adding to this impressive milestone in leaps and bounds. Originally created with the sole purpose to sell desalinated sea water to WASA (The Water and Sewerage Authority) Desalcott is now totally responsible for designing, building, financing and operating the $200 million desalination plant located in Trinidad. A task they have been managing for over fifteen years.

Endeavour Magazine | 101

DESALCOTT

John Thompson has been with the company since 2000 and has functioned as General Manager since 2002; we spoke with him regarding the company’s operations and plans for the future.

Originally from Portsmouth, Britain, John reveals that Desalcott is the largest declination producer in the Southern Hemisphere and operates a never ending cycle of twenty four hours a day, seven days a week producing between fifteen and twenty percent of water for Trinidad and Tobago during the dry season.

“D

esalcott between

was

a

joint

Trinidadian

venture company

enterprise Hafeez

Karamath Engineering Services Limited and

General Electric,” John says, adding that in order to construct the desalination plan HKESL and Ionics Inc contributed over 20 million dollars in equity and that in 2000 the Republic Bank Limited through the Republic Finance and Merchant Bank (Fincor) provided a bridge financing for its construction, “Long term financing came into place in 2003 and in 2012 HKESL purchased all of the shares and became totally locally owned and operated.”

This was able to transpire because First Citizens Bank Limited provided essential financing to facilitate the acquisition of General Electric’s shares. Working closely with the Republic Bank and Fincor they had the expansion of Desalcott in mind and following this in November of the same year Desalcott was contracted by WASA to increase its production from 24 million imperial gallons of water per day to 40 MIGD.

The Agreement With WASA WASA and Desalcott have enjoyed a long and prosperous relationship, where WASA has asked a lot of Desalcott and they have proved themselves not only worthy but singularly capable of meeting these rigorous demands. In 1999 WASA contracted to purchase over a hundred thousand cubic meters of water per day (24 MIGD) for a period of twenty years.

“Point Lisas Industrial Estate tenants were the primary market for the water the company produced,” John says, “They required a 102 | Endeavour Magazine

higher quality of water in order to efficiently carry out their own operations. Whatever surplus water remaining was used by WASA to supplement their own supply to residence in South Trinidad.”

Then in 2012, almost three quarters of their way through their initial contract an Amended Water Sale Agreement was signed which required the expansion of its plant to produce 40MIGD. As shutting down their operations to conduct the expansion was out of the question, it was planned that the construction would take place in increments over a thirteen month period with deliveries of water increasing appropriately, “The increase water supply was expected to allow WASA to further supplement the supply of potable water to residents and businesses in South Trinidad and we achieved the 40MIGD by December 2013.”

The process behind desalination is fascinating and occurs through a three stage system: The first is the Intake of raw seawater from the Gulf of Paria which is screened and then pumped for one and a half kilometers via 42 inch diameter pipelines. During the expansion in 2012 three addition pipes were added to the original two increasing the number to five to facilitate an increase intake of the raw material.

Once macro impurities have been removed such as ocean debris, dirt and organic1 material and then transported to the facility Pall_Endeavor_Layout 9/4/14 12:06 PM Page 1

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Whether used in small rural applications, large municipalities, desalination RO protection, or to treat industrial wastewater, Pall membranes demonstrate a chlorine tolerance up to 5,000 ppm and yearly breakage rates below 0.00005%**. No wonder Pall offers the best warranty in the industry.

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Endeavour Magazine | 103

DESALCOTT

it is passed through a Pre Treatment stage. Continuous and reliable

The final product is passed through Post Treatment where a

pretreatment of raw seawater involves a total system approach

solution of sodium hypochlorite is used to provide residual chlorine

to increase the efficiency of the reverse osmosis system. This is

that ensures that the drinking water is devoid of any biological activity

achieved on a large part by minimizing such things as fouling and

that could cause illness and a lime solution of calcium carbonate is

scaling. Fouling is what happens when the entrapment of particulates

then used to give the water a near neutrality of between 7 and 8.5

leads to contamination through the deposition of bacterial and

pH.

other biological residues and scaling involves the precipitation and deposition with the system of sparingly soluble salts such as calcium sulphate and barium sulphate.

Minimalizing membrane degradation is another thing that needs to be addressed. Seawater contains silt and various other entrained solids. A cocktail of ferric chloride is used as a coagulant and a catatonic polymer is used as coagulant acid, together these chemicals via coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation remove the solids from the seawater.

Solids aside, seawater also contains microorganisms and shock chlorination sequences, using sodium hypochlorite are used to minimize/prevent bio-fouling of the reverse osmosis membranes from the biological activity in the seawater then sulphuric acid is utilized as an anti-scalant to eliminate carbonate and sulphate scaling.

Desalination Plant Fact Sheet The capacity of the Desalination Plant is currently 155,000 cubic metres (40.8 Million US gallons per day). In October 2011, Desalcott achieved total delivery to WASA of 100 billion gallons of desalinated water; the plant has been further expanded to a peak capacity of 191,000cu.m. (50.4 million US gallons per day) by the end of 2013 this had the potential at the Point Lisas site to be further expanded to 273,000 cu.m which would be 72 million US gallons per day.

Involved in this expansion was Ionics Constructors Trinidad Limited who was the turn-key contractor for the initial engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of the plant. HKESL is the EPC contractor for the expansion to 40MIGD while the electricity, the 132,000 volt service was provide by T & TEC (Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission).

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Employment

Over the last fifteen years

Employing over a hundred full time staff John explains that hiring local is very important to him, “Many more Trinidadians are employed through the local contractors

that

assist

with

maintenance,” he says, “And the key staff working with us are

this

focused

activity

has

definitely paid off, “The water we

produce

is

purer

than

WASA’s existing plants,”

John

reveals, “In fact, with less than 85mg of dissolved solids per litre, the water is better than the WHO’s standards

internationally recognized within the field as experts.”

Time to time other experts are brought in from further afield on a part-time basis to provide critique to ensure that wherever there is room for improvement that such development are taken into account and made. This goes for all of their processes as well as the training and operations of their staff.

E - MAIL: atladmin@atltt.com

WEBSITE: www.atltt.com Endeavour Magazine | 105

NAIRN MILNE

Do You Hear The Beat?

BY DONNIE RUST

W

e have covered before how the future of entertainment will have its basis in the individual artists and performers taking the time and making the effort to

establish themselves a fan basis through the likes of social media.

The connectivity found in community group sourcing and sharing allows talented individuals and groups to engage on a direct basis with their fans both economically and effectively. The Likes of Twitter, Facebook and Youtube have given everyone the equal chance to propel themselves ahead into fame and fortune.

Enter Nairn Milne, the seventeen year from Aberdeen, Scotland who has created a name for himself on Twitter and Youtube through his drumming. I was lucky to catch him during a brief period of inactivity between working at the Common Wealth Games and rehearsing with his various bands to ask him about what he’s up to and the secret to his prolific sound.

Donnie: When and how did you get into drumming?

Nairn: I started to get drum lessons when I was around seven years old. I was one of those typical kids who liked to make a lot of noise and was given a toy drum at the age of five and I guess it took off from there. However I only became serious about drums around the age of eleven.

Donnie: Have you had any formal training?

Nairn: Yes, I get regular lessons with the same teacher I’ve had for over ten years now and I consider him a really good friend of

106 | Endeavour Magazine

bands when I was younger at school but that was just for fun but this is far more serious.

What does it take to develop talent and skills?

While all the technologically savy minds in the world are gunning to further enhance Youtube and Twitter to make it even easier to get seen there is absolutely no substitute for hard work and practise.

Donnie: On average, how much practise rehearsal do you have before you make a Youtube video?

Nairn: I practice a song for around an hour or so and learn it by ear, being dyslexic I find this is the best way for me to learn a piece than to sit down and learn it from tab. YouTube is a great source for learning and is another way in which I practice a piece by getting ideas that I can develop further.

Donnie: How Important is it to have a polished finished piece? mine. He’s been a great influence to me over the years and taught me an incredible amount of skills and techniques which I will carry with me for life. I was also fortunate to meet up with Luke Holland last June for an hour lesson from which I took away some great tips.

Donnie: You’ve got a popular Youtube channel, could you tell us what the inspiration behind this?

Nairn: The inspiration came from other drummers which I had seen on YouTube such as Cobus Potgieter, and Luke Holland but also my mum had been encouraging me to make a channel and it wasn’t until she bought me a ZOOM camera for Christmas that I

Nairn: I think it is vital to have a polished piece, as you obviously want to show off your abilities and feel happy about yourself after completion. There’s nothing worse than having an error in your piece which you will notice every time you go to watch it or listen to it back, maybe others won’t notice it but knowing it’s there can be irritating.

Donnie: How often do you rehearse with the band?

Nairn: We meet up regularly to practice but also just to hang out.

One of the band members has a rehearsal room in their house which is a great perk because there obviously isn’t a time restriction and it

began to publish my drum videos all over the internet. Over the

saves us a bit of cash which we can put towards projects in the band.

past few years I have put together my own home studio and I would

Donnie: What are some of the other things that interest you?

like to think my covers encourage other drummers to share their enthusiasm and ideas as I do.

Donnie: You drum for the band Franklin, how long have you been gigging with them?

Nairn: I have been drumming for them since the band was founded just over a year ago and it is the first serious band that I have been a part of and I’m loving it. I have been in a few other

Nairn: Yes, I travelled to London last summer to learn more about songwriting and the music business as a whole as this is something I want to progress further and I’m also keen to start teaching drumming via Skype or in person. I feel this would be a great way to share ideas with others.

So which platforms does Nairn favor when it comes to getting his name out there?

Endeavour Magazine | 107

Nairn: The social platforms I use are Facebook, Twitter and

countries and counting!

Instagram. My personal favourite would be Twitter, I feel it is the

People become a product of their environment so it’s always

best way to interact with your fans and keeping up to date with

worthwhile looking at the calibre of person they are surrounding

what’s going on around the world. Facebook however is also a

themselves with.

really good way of promoting yourself, having your own page where

Donnie: How does your band influence each other creatively?

you can promote posts, videos and gigs. I have been contacted via Twitter by Glen Power who drums for The Script and The Wombats

Nairn: Franklin consists of five members, but when the band was

after covering their songs so it has opened up some great doors.

first formed there were 4 of us. We decided to add another guitarist

Donnie: How long do you spend on Twitter on average per day?

this allows us to have more variation and a deeper sound. A band is

Nairn: I tend to use the Twitter app quite regularly and tweet

brilliant for ideas when it comes to sourcing new music and writing new lyrics to our songs.

often to keep all my followers updated and when it comes to

Donnie: Are you mates outside of the band?

approaching things I’d say I am quite laid back about most situations,

Nairn: Oh yes, we are all very good friends outside the band.

but you do need to approach some things in a professional manner.

Donnie: So what are you looking forward to in the new year? What does the future hold for Nairn Milne?

Donnie: Relaxed is good, and where do you find most of your followers are coming from?

Nairn: Having left school I am looking forward to going onto

Nairn: I find most of my followers come from all age ranges and

further education to study music which is all I’ve ever wanted to do.

from all over the world as my videos have been watched in over 172

Being able to study full time something I am so passionate about

108 | Endeavour Magazine

is great and after releasing an EP earlier this year Franklin are near

Recording with the music producer will cost us quite a lot, as we

completion of our debut album which we can’t wait to share with

are all students; however the possibilities that could come with it

everyone.

outweigh the price which we would be paying. We are also looking

Also, an esteemed music producer from the states contacted us about a recording opportunity later this year in October with Franklin which we are all extremely excited about.

Donnie: How are they going to improve/ change things for your music career?

Nairn: I am hoping that pursuing further education in music will help me get into some session work in the future as that is something which I’d love to do and obviously recording with the music producer from the states could provide us with a number of opportunities as our tracks would be personally sent to various record companies,

into selling merchandise to help fund the project.

Donnie: Thanks for taking the time to speak with me Nairn, finally, what would you say to budding musicians wanting to get a grip online?

Nairn: To practice, and only upload videos which are the best you can do at that time. Encourage friends and family to share your videos which will help create a base following from which you can build on. Be selective with your song choice initially by keeping up with the newest releases.

radio stations, TV broadcasters and other media outlets in the states and in the UK.

Donnie: All your hard work seems to be paying off?

Nairn: We have spent a lot of our time on our debut album as we want to make sure everything is perfect for when we release it.

Endeavour Magazine | 109

BOOK REVIEWS

From the famous episodes of the whitewashed fence and the ordeal in the cave to the trial of Injun Joe, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is redolent of life in the Mississippi River towns in which Twain spent his own youth. A somber undercurrent flows through the high humor and unabashed nostalgia of the novel, however,

Adventures Of Tom Sawyer And Huckleberry Finn

By Mark Twain http://amzn.to/1rzQVhZ

for beneath the innocence of childhood lie the inequities of adult reality—base emotions and superstitions, murder and revenge, starvation and slavery. In his introduction, noted Twain scholar John Seelye considers Twain’s impact on American letters and discusses the balance between humorous escapades and serious concern that is found in much of Twain’s writing.

Still a classic, often quoted by adults and children who’ve never actually read the book, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn has been the epitome of childhood, elements of which can be seen in many modern novels. Mark Twain’s brilliance is that his influence extends beyond his own age and probably beyond ours.

110 | Endeavour Magazine

The Invisible Man

By H.G Wells http://amzn.to/1zEa7cS

The Invisible Man is a science fiction novella by H. G. Wells published in 1897. Originally serialized in Pearson’s Weekly in 1897, it was published as a novel the same year. The Invisible Man of the title is Griffin, a scientist who has devoted himself to research into optics and invents a way to change a body’s refractive index to that of air so that it absorbs and reflects no light and thus becomes invisible. He successfully carries out this procedure on himself, but fails in his attempt to reverse the procedure.

While its predecessors, The Time Machine and The Island of Doctor Moreau, were written using first-person narrators, Wells adopts a third-person objective point of view in The Invisible Man to create the sense of unease of people around him who cannot see him.

H.G Wells was so far ahead of his time in terms of his vision and imagination that his books still enthrall and capture audiences today. What is most impressive is the manner in which he was able to bridge the gap successfully so that his science fiction could be enjoyed by a wider range of readers than current authors.

If I Stay

By Gayle Forman http://amzn.to/1lvReIl

If I Stay is a young adult novel by Gayle Forman published in 2009. The story follows 17-year-old Mia as she deals with the aftermath of a catastrophic car accident involving her family. In a coma, Mia has an out-of-body experience, and watches as friends and family gather at the hospital where she is being treated. Mia watches as her memories flash before her eyes as she comes to realize that she must decide if she is to wake up and lead a life far more difficult than she ever anticipated, or to slip away and die. It has received widely positive reviews. A sequel hit shelves in April 2011, entitled Where She Went.

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