Game Changers issue 48

Game Changers

KHURRAM SAYEED

GC speaks exclusively with Khurram Sayeed

GAME CHANGERS

DIRECTORY

Note from the editor O1

View from the top. 03

GC: THOUGHTS ARE MY OWN O2

HOW A FASCIST IMPROVED MY FREE TIME. 04-07

The Banking Expert O3

The simple way to save your brand millions. 08-09

Andrew Mreana O4

10-13

NCM Investment O5

KHURRAM SAYEED. 14-17

Abdelhadi Laabi O6

18-21

Speakers corner O7

22-23

What Makes SEO Work: A Professional’s Insights O8

JESUS GUZMAN. 24-26

GC: EAT O9

OSHI. 28-29

GC:LIFE 1O

STACY THOMSON. 30-32

GC: HOMME 11

33-35

GC: FEMME 12

36-39

GC: CHARITY 13

40-43

GC:LUXURY 14

44-49

VIEW FROM THE TOP

Hello everyone,

Another edition is finished in what has been an incredibly fast start to the year. In Cyprus we are in the beginning of the Easter festival season, which means that it is a great time for food and spending time with friends and family. Although we have a lot of public holidays coming up, take advantage of them to refresh and enjoy my favorite time of year.

It is great to feature new faces and brands in every edition of Game Changers Magazine, and in this edition we have Khurram Sayeed from NCM, who has given us some great content for this edition.

Although NCM is an established brand with a huge pedigree in the region, it is amazing to see the vast influx of FX brands who are making the UAE a hub for their business. For what it’s worth, Dubai will outstrip Cyprus as the centre of retail FX very soon.

Thanks everyone for the great contributions, and we look forward to your feedback for future editions!

Paul ORFORD

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

GC: THOUGHTS ARE MY OWN HOW A FASCIST IMPROVED MY FREE TIME

Before you all start a politics based pile on accusing me of promoting fascism as a time saving method, hear me out. I will happily admit that I waste too much time scrolling innately on my phone with my life stuck in an instagram vortex. I have even searched for ways to stop scrolling, by ironically more scrolling for advice on various apps. I could be seen as an average user in modern terms. I self categorize myself as a frequent enough visitor to take significant amounts of my time. However, not so much that I can still appear self righteous and critical of others when they are taking pictures of their food in public.

Let me set the scene. It was a wet Saturday afternoon in January where I was sitting on my settee trying to forget the rest of the world’s current madness. It was time to see how people did life better and more shiny than me by spending some time on instagram with a nice cup of tea and a scroll.

Earlier that day I had seen on UK news that the latest bit of government policy to satisfy the mentally unstable clique of voters was being fed their weekly portion of insanity. This week’s tasty morsel came in the form of bringing back national conscription to military service as the ruling class believes that we are going to be attacked by Russia sometime next tuesday.

Although this is no longer possible as the UK has become a country of vape smoking tech support operatives, it gets people talking about this rather than the imploding society and economy which is fast gathering pace. It is really the only time I have ever used my degree in Politics post studies,so I could identify the strategy being used known as a ‘dead cat’ first devised by Lyndon Crosby the former strategist to the previous British Prime minister Boris Johnson (more of him later)

For those who don’t know, a dead cat is where politicians announce the maddest of ideas to replace previous mad idea in the hope of getting that mad idea out of the news,which replaced the previous mad idea with the fresh new mad idea. Make sense yet? The UK is going under somewhat of a political renaissance of mad ideas, with what would have seemed like insane and fringe ideas now appear to be mainstream.

I reminisced back to my A Levels when they last mentioned mad ideas of this vintage, such as immigration

ships and eliminating specific breeds of dogs, which was laughed at as delusional, and we moved on with our lives in a normalish functioning society, and the fringe voices were not heard of again until the until usually the next political party conference, where the same angry old men would be given oxygen to grab the headlines for a short space of time.

I don’t think I have ever been one for swearing online at politicians. I took the position of not getting involved with simple minded people offering simple minded solutions. However, something in me just cracked after seeing another one of Boris Johnson’s weird pieces to camera for Daily Heil, i mean the Daily Mail. Maybe it was a big workout at the gym earlier that sent my testosterone levels exploding through the roof, triggering my brain to return to its caveman natural state and his face sending me into a simmering rage.

For some reason these weird performances that he gives enthralls a certain section of the predominantly English public. There is a peculiar deferential gene that reverts them into a peasant from 600 years ago, when subservient mode was the latest fashion to follow their ‘betters’.

It is quite possible that if you have an upper class accent supported with a weird long sounding name, you can pretty much get away with anything and nothing is questioned in England. From Prince Andrew’s lack of sweat glands given to him as a gift by Jeffrey Epstein, to the most extreme case Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson, or who is commonly known as Boris Johson who can best be described in his ability to run a country by comedian Frankie Boyle as ‘It’s not that he’s the worst person for the job, he might be the worst mammal,”

Having watched this idiot saluting to the camera using his faux buffoonery routine, giving us his as ever ill informed opinion on the national conscription non story. He sucked me in and I replied to his post with a short burst of profanity, which I felt adequately justified and probably provable in front of a judge based upon his personality and previous actions.

Pressing send, the post lasted for what must have been less than one second and I have to commend the

profanity detection squad that work for instagram. I thought that was it and we could all move on with our lives. I could go back to my regular scrolling habit and I had done my bit for rational thinking people. Then fear struck into me as it did not refresh after a couple of moments. Fingers urgently flailing around. I tried to post again, and then some type of odd sensation struck me. No more instagram.

Whenever I tried to return saying to myself I didn’t care, but deep down not knowing what to do with myself. Ironically I had the frozen twisted image of the face of Boris Johnson mocking me. At that point I understood what George Orwell meant in 1984 “if you want to see a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face- forever.” In this case Johnson was the boot taking away my connection to the beautiful world of instagram. As ever the elites always win I thought conspiratorially, maybe I should set myself up as some type of anarchist now I am living outside of the system, just like the savages in Aldous Huxleys Brave New world, rejecting the modern world in favour of a simpler way.

It was like a huge loss as my attention had to be focused on anything other than instagram. Feeling a sense of remorse for my actions, I thought out how I could explain myself to an algorithm, maybe somehow appease it by letting it know that I only called him that name not in an angry way. More like I was shaking my head and muttering under my breath. Will the machines ever forgive me?

48 hours in I kept looking longingly at the blank app the same way you look at pictures of a lost lover who has scorned you, waiting for their forgiveness and to get the red flag relationship back on track. Like all bad break ups, there are the stages of grief and that’s kind of like a weird sensation I was getting now with my instagram break up.

I did let my mind wander forming some type of Johnson based calculus,of how many times a day does a man like Boris Johnson get called this name that I had typed? Are there terabytes of comments on a file somewhere of people expressing their displeasure at the nonsense that the man baby spouts on a daily basis. Moreover, if you are called a name that many times, perhaps in the tens of thousands on a daily basis, surely it dilutes the impact and reduces my time in instagram isolation. My logic for this is based on using the old adage of ‘if it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck then it is a duck.’ In this case you can replace the word duck for whichever one you think best describes him..case closed.

Finishing this article after a couple of weeks still serving my exile, it has become a stand off between myself and instagram. I am convinced that the substantial drop in traffic to their site from the ten people who regularly like pictures of my curry dishes, which will inevitably lead to the collapse in their stock price and mass redundancies unless I get a personal apology from Mark Zuckerberg.

Over this time I have realized how much time that I waste on this app. That’s not to say that I have replaced it with something worthwhile like charity work or writing a best selling novel. I kind of just sit there blank faced, wanting to go back on but my stubbornness forbids me from doing so.

For those who say you still have Facebook. That’s like comparing heroin to methadone. One takes you into a state of complete bliss, the other acts as a synthetic way just to get the addict through the day trying to stop them thinking of heroin all day, everyday. Moreover, It really is true, Facebook is really just for your grandmother. It serves no purpose to your life.

If you want to stop using Instagram the best way is to use my outside forces technique. I suggest that you follow my action and find a politician or anyone who particularly annoys you. To use the analogy of Tony Robbins in how to make anything a success, you have

to ‘burn the boats’ so you have no other choice but success. For this use one of the more descriptive, vulgar and colourful words and tell them what you feel at that moment.Granted, it is the nuclear option to your freedom, which only lies on the fertile green meadow on the other side of that post. You can do it,be brave and reclaim your life.

No doubt I will be on some kind of weird social credit score in the future for criticizing Mein Fuhrer, but that’s the way it goes I guess when you are a freedom fighter like myself. Tough choices lead to positive outcomes.

So as I bid adieu to instagram, I plan to leave my profile posthumously floating there, not really adding anything. Kind of a good summation of the app to our society. I will view it similar to that of a digital stonehenge, where future generations can seek out

a well curated profile of my cats, nice shaped clouds and cooking. Sadly I never had the chance to get my air fryer stuff documented as I have gone deep into this cult. I.hope it will shine a light on the brain of the modern homo sapien in years to come when the algorithmic overlords look back at how random we were.

On the upside, I think people may be relieved with the amount of rubbish I used to send to others by way of memes which I found incredibly funny, the recipient giving me a cyber side eye replying with a very basic ‘lol’. Reflecting on it, I really did send a lot of sh*t to people.

Give it a try for a week, you may like it. You may end up in a pit of misery…who knows. Its all an experience and we will all be uploaded to our alien overlords mainframe experience machine in the next ten years, so It wont really matter too much. Enjoy :-)

The Banking Expert

Save time and money on your Mauritius license.

The Mauritius Foreign Exchange brokerage license has gained significant popularity in the financial services industry, particularly from the late 2010s onwards. This surge in demand can be attributed to Mauritius’ strategic efforts to position itself as a leading international financial center. The Mauritius Financial Services Commission (FSC), the regulatory authority responsible for the licensure and supervision of financial services other than banking in Mauritius, has played a pivotal role in this transformation by offering a regulatory framework that is both robust and conducive to growth.

Key factors contributing to the popularity of the Mauritius CFD/FX brokerage license include the country’s favorable tax regime, which offers an efficient tax structure for international businesses, and its comprehensive double taxation avoidance agreements (DTAAs) network. Furthermore, Mauritius has established a reputation for political stability and has adopted international best practices in terms of regulatory standards, aligning with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations, which enhances its attractiveness to international brokers.

Moreover, the streamlined application process and the FSC’s commitment to fostering innovation have made Mauritius an appealing jurisdiction for CFD and FX brokers looking for a balance between regulatory oversight and operational flexibility. Most lawyers and consultants agree that in 2024, it’s clear that Mauritius’ strategic positioning and forward-looking regulatory approach have been instrumental in attracting global players in the CFD and FX brokerage space, cementing its status as a premier financial hub.

The Banking Expert money and time saving tip.

Most of us who have applied for a Mauritius license have used a consultant to obtain one, due to their

knowledge and your lack of. Moreover, when choosing a consultant it is also based upon how many times they have completed the applications and who they know to get decisions made quickly.

Here is The Banking Expert’s time and money saving tips for obtaining a license is to make sure that the consultants that you use are management companies licensed by the Mauritius government.

How does this affect you?

The overwhelming majority of consultants whether they are one person operations or large brand consultants it is critical to check that they have this accreditation. If they do not, then there is a high probability that they will be adding tens of thousands of dollars to the costs, along with the critical time factor of understanding where the license is from an administrative position.

They will have to find out the status from the accredited party leading to a lag in the application. Speed it all up by making sure you are with a managerial company appointed by the Mauritius state. To find this out can be quite straightforward by asking the consultant you are dealing with what their status is. Are they introducing the business or executing it?

The Banking Expert has a direct relationship with the leading management companies who can show you their government accreditation, and we can reduce your costs significantly as we have introduced many brands to successfully obtain their license. We use the volume of clients we have sent, to reduce the cost of your license application.

You can follow The Banking Expert Page on Linkedin or by visiting our thebankingexpert.com where we can help answer any of your

Andrew Mreana

Although it kills people to admit it, the sales department is the most important in any organization. There is not one brand in history who has survived on a great idea and no sales.

Having met many owners of brands who were visionaries in launching their product, but have to release the iron grip of the sales department to others as their organization has evolved. We talk to one of the leading names in sales and marketing management Andrew Mreana, and have a frank discussion with him regarding how to manage a brand and what the expectations should be.

Q How do you quantify success in business Andrew?

Hi Paul and thanks for having me once again. Success can be quantified in many ways. From the very basics, How many deals we’ve closed to How many new contacts we’ve made, How many happy clients we have and even How happy employees are. To me, all these metrics are very important and if we are able to maintain an ascending trend along these lines, then in my view, we are successful as a business.

Q If the brand is already established how can we classify that you have been successful over one year?

The bigger the brand, the bigger the challenge I guess, but where there is a will there is always a way. As mentioned previously, success isn’t quantified just by the number of deals we bring on the table but also by the number of new contacts made, new geos opened, marketing growth and of course client retention. If we go just by metrics then it’s easy to quantify as only the numbers need to be higher but there is also the human aspect which is more difficult to measure.

Q Is it easier to quantify success working for a smaller brand, as performance can be easier measured?

It depends on experience. For example I am very comfortable with both small and big brands as I have experience with it, and the goal for me remains the same, while someone that just joined the industry for example might prefer a smaller brand. Both options can offer great benefits in the long run for the right teams. You don’t always need big budgets to succeed, but more an experienced team that cares for the brand and will go the extra mile to help the company grow.

Q What are the key elements that have to come together to make it a success?

Communication and collaboration between departments are the keys on this one. Sales and Marketing for example need to work together. Management also plays a vital role in the company’s success, as supporting your staff will encourage

them to perform. During my career I’ve worked for companies that had a “my company my rules’’ attitude and also for companies that were very open in learning from their staff and had some amazing brainstorming sessions which eventually gave birth to amazing concepts, so history shows that open minded companies tend to do better on the long run and a positive attitude will always work better.

Q How do you get your colleagues to buy into your vision?

If everything you say and show to them makes sense, then it shouldn’t be a problem for people to try out something new. People normally react positively to things they understand and if you are open to their opinions too, then it should be fine.

No one in this world knows everything and most success comes from team work rather than an individual opinion. An individual can bring a great idea but it takes a team to make it happen.

Q How do you get the people onside who have the attitude of ‘we have always done it a certain way’?

Hehe. These are the occasional “tough cookies’’ and we must understand the real reason behind their statement. Some for example might be afraid of taking

responsibility as they might have had a bad experience in the past, others maybe we’re never encouraged to think outside the box so first we need to understand what we are dealing with. After understanding this, it should be much easier to find a way and communicate more effectively with your team. Of course there are rare occasions when you can’t change many things as the company culture may not line up with yours but it’s part of the game isn’t it ?!

Q Many owners are notoriously hands on. How do you get them to buy into your vision and let you direct the sales department?

I think we all have the answer to this one. :) Sometimes the hands-on owners can help the business a lot especially if they have great experience in a specific department, but normally the heads of departments should run the business and take responsibility for their actions in my view. Owning a football team doesn’t make you the best player, coach or doctor but working closely with great talents will definitely help the business.

On the flip side, you can only understand your owner’s concerns once you’ve been in their shoes, and I can tell you from personal experience it’s hard to own a business.

Q How do you expect to manage a brand that has a lemonade budget, but with champagne expectations?

There are ways to work with small budgets and most times they bring amazing results if done properly. Normally this is where I come in. A small budget can still be effective if divided accordingly and many marketing tools like brand awareness can be done with small budgets as long as your team is open and active on social media. Pushing a brand doesn’t always require big budgets but more like a team of people joining their efforts and knowledge and willing to go the extra mile.

Q You have a long career in both B2B and B2C, which one do you prefer more ?

I do indeed. Both environments have their own pros and cons but honestly after so many years it doesn’t make much of a difference to me to be honest. The B2C environment is very active and I remember the days when I was doing 10 - 12 hour shifts on the sales floors with pleasure. I like working with people and this will probably never change, therefore I still create content on a daily basis, speak at industry events and attend all sorts of expos. On the other hand, the B2B environment also offers some great opportunities as you get to do business directly with company owners and C level executives and apart from just business, learning from such experienced people is a blessing for me.

Q When you train people, do you have a specific style of teaching?

Absolutely. My lessons are based on real life experiences that either myself or my colleagues have been through. In almost 14 years on the front line of sales floors I’ve learned that not everything in the books makes sense and people tend to listen more openly if you can pass real life cases instead of a page in a book. All humans have their own personality, we all have dreams and personal targets and when I speak to a crowd I try to picture myself in their shoes for a minute and remember what I didn’t know 14 years ago. So back to your question, after I lay out the basics in the books, I teach people with my heart based on real life cases.

Q What does it mean to be the Head of Growth Andrew ?

Hehe, a question on everyone’s lips lately. It basically means I help both Sales & Marketing departments using my experience, contacts and knowledge, creating content for the brand, representing the brand in the media and basically going the extra mile to make sure we succeed as a team. Media presence and content are 2 key factors for brand awareness and company growth and if we combine this with over a decade of sales experience in B2B/B2C environments and my passion for creating outside the box solutions, I think my fit in the company as Head of Growth starts to make sense doesn’t it?!

Q I think it does Andrew. No doubt about it. Thank you for joining Game Changers once again.

Thank you for the invite Paul and I’m looking forward to the next one.

NCM Investment

KHURRAM SAYEED

Congratulations on receiving the Category 1 license from the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA)! This is indeed a significant achievement for NCM, one of the leading online trading companies in the Middle East.

Q Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your role as the CEO of NCM Investment?

Thank you for acknowledging our achievement. I am proud to lead NCM Investment, a company dedicated to providing cutting-edge online trading services in the Middle East. Back in 2009, as General Manager of Noor Financial Investment Company (A Kuwaiti Conglomerate) along with co-founder and Vice Chairman Mr. Naser Al Marri, we established NCM Investment (formerly Noor Capital Market). From that point onward NCM has embedded its footprint in many countries. As the Group CEO, my role involves overseeing the company’s overall strategy, operations, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Q How does it feel to have received the Category 1 license from the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA)?

Receiving the Category 1 license from the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority is indeed

a momentous occasion for NCM. It signifies our commitment to upholding the highest standards of financial services and regulatory compliance. This achievement reinforces our position as a reliable and trustworthy player in the online trading industry in the Middle East.

Q What does this achievement mean for your company and the online trading industry in the region?

The Category 1 license not only reflects positively on NCM but also has broader implications for the online trading industry in the region. It demonstrates the industry’s maturity and adherence to regulatory frameworks, fostering a more secure and transparent environment for investors.

For NCM Investment, the Category 1 license contributes to our long-term stability and sustainability. Regulatory compliance fosters a stable business environment, providing a solid foundation for continued growth and success.

A regulatory framework that promotes stability and sustainability is essential for the long-term health of the online trading industry. It attracts institutional investors and fosters a resilient financial ecosystem.

Q How has the regulatory landscape in the UAE influenced your company’s operations and strategies?

The regulatory landscape in the UAE has significantly influenced our company’s operations and strategies. We prioritize compliance and work closely with regulatory authorities to ensure that our services meet or exceed the required standards. This approach not only mitigates risks but also builds trust among our clients.

Q How do you anticipate this license will impact your company’s market position and competitiveness in the UAE?

In terms of market position and competitiveness, obtaining the Category 1 license undoubtedly strengthens our standing in the market. It distinguishes us from competitors and assures clients that they are engaging with a company committed to regulatory excellence. This, in turn, may attract a broader customer base and enhance our market share in the UAE.

Q Are there any specific markets or customer segments you plan to target with this new license?

With the new license, we may explore opportunities to target specific markets or customer segments that align with our strategic goals. Our focus remains on providing a seamless and secure online trading experience for both novice and experienced investors.

This expansion could target areas with a growing interest in online trading and a conducive regulatory environment. Depending on market demand, we may introduce or expand offerings in specialized trading instruments.

We may aim to attract institutional investors, such as asset management firms, hedge funds, and corporate entities. Offering specialized services and tailored investment solutions for institutional clients could become a key focus. Collaborating with banks or other financial institutions to offer joint services could also become an avenue to explore. This may involve

creating integrated solutions or co-branded products that appeal to a broader customer base.

Finally, providing educational resources, user-friendly platforms, and support for those new to online trading will also become a priority.

Q In the rapidly evolving field of online trading, how is NCM Investment leveraging technology to stay ahead of the curve?

Technology is at the core of our operations, and we continually leverage innovations to stay ahead in the dynamic field of online trading. Whether it’s adopting advanced trading platforms, implementing robust security measures, or utilizing artificial intelligence for market analysis, we strive to offer the best-in-class services to our clients.

Q Are there any specific technological innovations or advancements that have contributed to your success?

Recognizing the trend towards mobile trading, we have developed robust mobile applications. These apps allow clients to trade on the go, access market information, and manage their assets.

AI and ML technologies are utilized for market analysis, risk management, and fraud detection.

Staying ahead in the online trading industry requires a commitment to continuous innovation. We actively monitor technological trends, participate in industry

forums, and collaborate with tech partners to integrate cutting-edge solutions into our offerings.

Q What measures has NCM Investment taken to ensure the safety of customer funds and data?

To ensure the safety of customer funds and data, we implement stringent security measures, including encryption protocols, secure authentication processes, and regular audits. Our commitment to data privacy and security is unwavering, and we continuously invest in technologies that fortify these aspects of our operations.

Q Are there any strategic partnerships or collaborations on the horizon that you believe will be facilitated by the Category 1 license?

In terms of future collaborations, the Category 1 license may open doors for strategic partnerships within the financial services industry. We are actively exploring opportunities to collaborate with other entities that share our commitment to excellence and regulatory compliance.

Q Can you share any upcoming plans or initiatives NCM Investment has in store, especially in light of this recent milestone?

Looking ahead, NCM Investment has ambitious plans and initiatives in store, building on the momentum gained from the Category 1 license. This may include expanding our product offerings, enhancing customer support services, and exploring new markets globally.

Q How do you see the online trading industry evolving, and what role does your company aim to play in its future?

The online trading industry is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements, changing customer preferences, and global economic trends. NCM aims to be at the forefront of these changes, adapting our strategies and services to meet the evolving needs of our clients.

Q What trends do you foresee shaping the online trading industry in the coming years, and how is your company preparing for them?

In the coming years, we anticipate several trends shaping the online trading industry, such as increased use of mobile trading apps and a growing emphasis on sustainable and socially responsible investing. We are prepared to embrace these trends, by incorporating innovative solutions into our platform and services.

The online trading industry is dynamic, and several trends are expected to shape its trajectory in the coming years. NCM is proactively preparing for these trends to ensure that we remain at the forefront of the industry. Growing interest in ethical and sustainable investing is expected to continue.

We are exploring the inclusion of sustainable investment products and integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into our investment analysis to cater to the evolving preferences of socially conscious investors.

We maintain close collaboration with regulatory authorities, ensuring that our operations align with evolving regulations. This includes continuous compliance assessments and proactive adjustments to our procedures.

In conclusion, receiving the Category 1 license is a significant milestone for NCM Investment, reinforcing our commitment to regulatory excellence, trust, and security. We look forward to a future of continued growth, innovation, and delivering exceptional value to our clients in the dynamic landscape of online trading.For NCM Investment, the Category 1 license contributes to our long-term stability and sustainability. Regulatory compliance fosters a stable business environment, providing a solid foundation for continued growth and success.

Abdelhadi Laabi

MARKETING CONSULTANT FOR THE ONLINE TRADING INDUSTRY

Q Can you please provide a brief overview of your role as a marketing consultant?

My primary responsibility is to develop and execute comprehensive marketing strategies that enhance a company’s brand presence, drive customer acquisition, and contribute to business growth.

Q In the dynamic world of Forex and CFD trading, what are the current challenges you are facing?

In the dynamic world of Forex and CFD trading, we face challenges related to market volatility, intense in competition, and the need to adapt to rapidly evolving customer preferences. Regulatory compliance is also a crucial aspect, given the ever-changing nature of financial markets.

Q How do you navigate regulatory challenges, given the evolving nature of financial markets?

I maintain a proactive approach to regulatory compliance by closely monitoring changes in financial regulations worldwide. I work closely with legal and compliance teams to collaboratively ensure marketing practices align with the latest industry

standards, providing a secure and trustworthy environment for clients.

Q With the constant evolution of technology, how do you adapt to the changes in the trading industry?

I embrace technological advancements by staying informed about the latest trading platforms, tools, and analytics. We prioritize continuous learning and development to leverage emerging technologies, ensuring campaigns and communication methods align with industry trends.

Q Can you share specific strategies employed to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing market?

To stay ahead of the curve, I emphasize data-driven decision-making, regularly conduct market research, and foster innovation within a team. Continuous monitoring of industry trends allows me to quickly adapt my strategies to meet the evolving needs of clients.

Q Looking ahead, what marketing trends do you foresee shaping the Forex and CFD trading industry in 2024?

Anticipated trends in 2024 include increased use of AI in trading algorithms, a rise in sustainable and ethical trading practices, and the continued growth of mobile trading. My team is preparing to leverage these trends by integrating AI-driven insights into our services and emphasizing our commitment to ethical trading practices.

Q In an era dominated by digital platforms, how is your marketing strategy evolving to capitalize on online trends?

I recognize the dominance of digital platforms and am actively investing in online marketing channels. My strategy involves optimizing an online presence, leveraging SEO, SEM, and social media to reach and engage with a target audience effectively.

Q What role does social media play in your marketing efforts, and how do you see it evolving in the coming years?

Social media plays a vital role in my marketing efforts, providing a platform to connect with an audience, share market insights, and address customer concerns. I anticipate continued growth in the influence of social media.

Q Education is crucial in the trading sector. How does you contribute to educating potential clients, and do you see this becoming even more important in the future?

Education is a cornerstone of my marketing approach. I provide informative content, webinars, and educational resources to empower potential clients with the knowledge needed for informed trading decisions. As the industry evolves, we foresee an even greater emphasis on education.

Q Forex and CFD trading are global activities. How do you tailor your marketing approach for different regions and cultural nuances?

I recognize the importance of cultural nuances and regional differences. My marketing approach is tailored to each region, incorporating localized content, language preferences, and addressing specific market characteristics to resonate with diverse international audiences.

Q Are there specific challenges you face in marketing to diverse international audiences?

International marketing poses challenges related to cultural diversity, varying regulatory landscapes, and language barriers. My strategy involves building a culturally diverse team, conducting thorough market research, and maintaining flexibility to adapt our messaging accordingly.

Q How do you balance marketing efforts to attract new clients with the need for responsible and ethical trading practices?

Balancing client acquisition with responsible and ethical trading practices is a priority. I have stringent risk management protocols, and strong marketing messages emphasize the importance of responsible trading. Transparency and ethical conduct are integral to a brand image.

Q Are there specific strategies in place to communicate the importance of risk management to potential clients?

I implement targeted communication strategies to educate potential clients on the importance of risk management. This includes informative content, risk disclaimers, and personalized guidance to ensure clients are aware of the potential risks associated with trading.

Q Are there any emerging technologies that you believe will significantly impact the marketing landscape for Forex and CFD trading in the near future?

I anticipate that blockchain technology and decentralized finance (DeFi) will significantly impact the trading landscape. I closely monitor these developments to evaluate potential opportunities for integration and innovation in my marketing strategies.

Q As we conclude, could you share any key insights or advice for marketers entering the financial trading industry, considering the current challenges and future trends?

For marketers entering the financial trading industry, my advice is to stay agile, prioritize continuous learning, and foster a deep understanding of both the industry and evolving consumer behaviours. Building a strong compliance and legal team is equally crucial to navigate regulatory challenges effectively.

Speakers corner

A Dive into Declining Clientele The Diminishing Trust in Forex Brokers:

The foreign exchange (Forex) market, with its vast liquidity and 24-hour trading opportunities, has long attracted investors seeking to capitalise on currency fluctuations. At the heart of this market are Forex brokers, intermediaries who provide traders access to a platform for buying and selling foreign currencies. However, a troubling trend has emerged: many Forex brokers are witnessing a significant decline in their client base and trust levels. This decline is not due to a lack of interest in currency trading but rather a growing dissatisfaction with the value—or lack thereof—that these brokers provide.

The Homogeneity Problem

Forex brokers have increasingly become indistinguishable from one another. They offer similar trading platforms, the same basic educational materials spun from common sources, and identical managed account solutions like PAMM (Percent Allocation Management Module) and MAM (Multi-Account Manager). This uniformity leaves savvy traders asking, “What makes this broker different?” When every broker seems to offer a carbon copy of services, traders are left with little reason to choose one over another, leading to high churn rates and difficulty attracting new clients.

The Illusion of Education and Support

Many brokers tout their educational resources as a key benefit of their service. However, a closer examination often reveals these materials to be superficial, rehashed from the same basic concepts available widely. This “education” does little to help traders navigate the complexities of the Forex market or develop advanced trading strategies. Instead, it serves as a thinly veiled marketing tool, designed more to entice sign-ups than to empower traders. The lack of substantial, actionable insight leaves traders feeling unsupported and disillusioned.

PAMM/MAM Solutions: A False Promise?

PAMM and MAM accounts are marketed as innovative solutions that allow traders to leverage the expertise of

more experienced traders. However, the reality often falls short of expectations. Restrictions and limitations placed on these accounts can prevent traders from realising their full potential, turning what should be a win-win into a frustrating experience. Instead of fostering an environment where everyone can thrive, these managed solutions often end up benefiting the broker at the expense of the trader.

Counterproductive Practices and Promotions

Forex brokers frequently employ practices that further erode trust. For instance, the use of dealers to churn clients’ funds, rather than focusing on strategies that would benefit both the trader and the broker, creates a conflict of interest. Similarly, promotional gimmicks like “win a car” contests and high-profile sports sponsorships do little to enhance the trading experience. These tactics may create an illusion of credibility and success, but they fail to provide real value to clients, leading many to question the broker’s priorities and integrity.

The Misalignment of Interests

At the core of the issue is a fundamental misalignment between what brokers offer and what traders truly need. Many brokers’ business models are predicated on trader turnover rather than trader success, leading to practices that prioritise short-term profits over long-term client satisfaction. This short-sighted approach not only harms traders but ultimately undermines the brokers themselves, as dissatisfied clients leave in search of better opportunities.

The Impact of Fading Trust

The consequences of declining trust in Forex brokers are far-reaching. Traders are increasingly seeking alternatives, such as direct access platforms or cryptocurrencies, which offer more transparent and equitable trading environments. This migration threatens the traditional Forex brokerage model and could lead to a significant restructuring of the industry if current trends continue.

Towards a New Brokerage Model

The solution lies in a fundamental rethinking of the Forex brokerage model. Brokers must start by recognizing that their success is inextricably linked to the success of their clients. This means moving away from exploitative practices and towards offering genuine value. Innovations could include truly personalised education programs, transparent and fair trading platforms, and profit-sharing models that incentivize brokers to align their interests with those of their clients.

The Role of Regulation and Oversight

Regulation plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Forex trading. Stricter oversight and enforcement can help ensure that brokers act in their clients’ best

interests. However, regulation alone is not enough. A cultural shift within the industry towards greater transparency, accountability, and client-centricity is essential for restoring trust and confidence.

The Bottom Line

The decline in client trust and retention among Forex brokers is a wake-up call for the industry. It highlights the urgent need for brokers to offer more than just a platform for trading. They must provide real value, support, and innovation that meet the evolving needs of traders. By reorienting their business models to focus on client success, Forex brokers can rebuild trust and secure their place in the future of finance. The path forward is challenging, but it offers the promise of a more equitable, transparent, and thriving Forex market for all participants.

What Makes SEO Work: A Professional’s Insights

JESUS GUZMAN

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a constantly evolving landscape, surrounded by myths and often approached incorrectly. With over a decade in digital marketing, I’ve seen countless SEO strategies rise and fall. The most successful, long-lasting approaches share some core principles, which I’ll explore here.

Myth Busting Time.

• SEO is only for organic traffic: Landing pages for paid campaigns absolutely benefits from SEO. Optimizing titles, descriptions, and on-page content can improve CTR and Quality Score, ultimately lowering your spending, and increasing returns.

• **SEO is dead: ** SEO isn’t dead, but bad SEO is. Search engines evolve to become more usercentric; manipulative tactics fall away in favor of strategies that truly prioritize the audience.

Beyond Keywords: Unlocking Effective SEO

1. SEO: Long-Term AND Short-Term Optimizing core technical elements – loading speed, UX, scanability – yields immediate improvement in the user experience, and in how search engines view your site. Long-term, a consistent strategy focused on value is key.

2. Content is King, but Context is the Kingdom Excellent content is essential, but content devoid of audience needs becomes useless. What pain points does it solve? What makes it more digestible than existing options? Consider formats (videos, infographics) that align with how your audience consumes information.

3. Focus on Trust and Reputation, Not Just Keywords Search engines increasingly favor sites with established authority and brand reputation. Focus on cultivating online credibility via excellent service, genuine online reviews, and high-quality content that positions your brand as a leader in its field.

4. SEO Needs a Team SEO works best in concert with other marketing efforts. Your social media, PR, and email marketing contribute to brand signals that affect your search presence. Collaborate across channels to maximize overall visibility.

5. Authorship: The Hidden Gem Clear authorship within articles establishes expertise. Search engines prioritize content written by people with verifiable, real-world credentials in their topic area. Invest in developing author bios that highlight relevant experience and links to an author’s online presence.

Industry Expertise: The SEO X-Factor

Hiring an SEO specialist lacking specialized industry knowledge often leads to pitfalls. For complex subjects (e.g. medical, legal), ensure your SEO team thoroughly understands the nuances, terminology, and regulatory environment to guide your content approach.

Let me tell you about revitalizing a high-traffic brokerage with strategic SEO.

Broker X

A leading online brokerage (anonymized as “Broker X”) enjoyed an impressive 500,000+ monthly (avg) organic visitors yet faced an astonishingly low conversion rate of less than 0.01%. This massive influx of traffic wasn’t translating into business growth.

My Take on the Issue

Upon careful analysis, I identified a core issue: the website’s content was heavily skewed towards dry, keyword-focused informational pieces. While important, this type of content alone fails to address the diverse needs of their audience and nurture them towards conversion.

The offered Solution

To inject new life into Broker X’s SEO, I crafted a multi-pronged strategy:

1. Diversified Content Calendars: Three new content streams were designed to address specific target segments and drive engagement:

• B2B Focus: Authoritative articles catered to institutional partners and potential affiliates.

• Platform Tutorials: Practical, guide-style content offering clear ‘how-tos’ for platform use.

• News & Insights: Timely articles addressing industry trends and updates.

Simultaneously, the existing informational content was repurposed to maximize its value.

2. Integrated Marketing Approach: SEO efforts were aligned with other key marketing channels to amplify overall impact:

• User-Inspired Content: User behavior analysis, sales feedback, and social media insights were used to fuel content creation, addressing real audience pain points and motivations.

• Social Media Amplification: Key takeaways from each article were leveraged for engaging social posts, attracting traffic back to the main website.

• Email Nurturing: News and educational content were systematically introduced into newsletter drip campaigns and targeted outreach to revive inactive lead pools.

• Data-Driven PPC: Select pieces, especially B2B content, were supported by short, focused PPC campaigns, bolstering visibility and attracting a specific target audience.

The Results

This holistic, data-backed approach significantly transformed Broker X’s SEO performance. In just 14 months, their conversion rate increased by a remarkable 2300%, soaring from 0.01% to 2.3%. In real terms, their monthly conversions saw this growth:

Before: 500,000 visitors x 0.0001 = 50 conversions

After: 500,000 visitors x 0.023 = 11,500 conversions

The Takeaway

Success for Broker X was not solely due to increased organic traffic. It was about transforming traffic into a meaningful action. By understanding user needs, creating actionable multi-channel content, and breaking down marketing silos, my approach maximized SEO’s value as part of a comprehensive growth strategy.

Is your website struggling to convert traffic into results?

If you’re attracting visitors but not seeing the desired actions, a thorough analysis can uncover the cause. We’ll assess your current situation and develop a customized SEO strategy to elevate your online presence. Contact M&G Speed Marketing (speed.cy) to get started.

Are high marketing costs yielding disappointing SEO results?

Don’t let a poorly performing SEO strategy drain your budget. Let’s discuss how to revive your website’s health and maximize your return on investment.

Don’t go empty handed: Simple SEO Wins

1. Optimize Your Titles and Descriptions: This lowhanging fruit directly impacts how you appear on search result pages. Be concise, accurate, and compelling.

2. Start a Blog (and keep it fresh): This gives you space to address audience needs in greater depth, establish topical authority, and target long-tail keywords. A healthy posting schedule boosts freshness signals to search engines.

3. Seek Natural Backlinks: Links from reputable sites in your niche endorse your brand. Consider guest blogging and collaborative content projects as ways to generate them.

In Conclusion

SEO success stems from a relentless focus on audience value, backed by technical proficiency and marketing savvy. It requires investment, but unlike paid channels, yields long-lasting returns. SEO is an ever-evolving field. Stay informed on the latest best practices, and approach any ‘guarantees’ with a healthy dose of skepticism. When it comes to SEO, seemingly surefire promises are often unrealistic.

About the Author

Jesus Guzman, with over a decade’s experience in SEO and digital marketing, founded M&G Speed Marketing (speed.cy) to deliver results-driven marketing solutions. Get in touch to discuss your business’s SEO needs.

Game Changers Magazine Lifestyle

GC: EAT

OSHI

Old Town. Limassol.

Having been through pretty much every Asian restaurant in Limassol, I was kind of getting a little bored of them as they all serve pretty much the same food.Although presented to a very good standard, there is not much that is interchangeable on the menus between each venue. In fact you could do a blindfold taste test and not really know too much difference between them. That’s not to say Limassol is a boring place, it’s just the way that the local palate and choice of venues are kind of limited.

When my dining companion suggested we go to Oshi, the reviews looked solid and like most people who visit I was interested in using their huge screens on the table to order my food. Billed as an interactive restaurant, that could be a bit of a stretch when it is commonplace to order by QR code. Moreover, for the people afflicted with fat fingers like myself, ordering can be a bit of a pain. I have tried unsuccessfully to lobby the government and count it as an official disability, with my often dangerous combination of rushed typing, predictive text and curse of the fat fingers can often lead to confusion and in some cases offense from my messages.

Also when you have to factor in that my dining companion was way over the unspoken limit for hunger, I wasn’t aware of the fact that they had only consumed about eight calories all day. I could feel the intense heat of their eyes burning into my skull and not finding it nearly as funny as myself as my clown-like hands continually going to the wrong page.

Under constant psychic attack to hurry up, focus and order my food. I lived in fear of looking up as I thought I would see eyes similar to that of what an innocent seal who locks eyes with an incredibly angry great white shark moments before they are given a live example of how the food chain works.

Choosing what every English person orders when they think they are feeling a little exotic, the cashew chicken was selected and I deleted the three other random dishes that somehow managed to make it on the order. The waiter, or in my case tech support, double checked that the performing monkey had ordered the correct food and gave me the soft reassuring voice that everything was ok. We then went on to order drinks on a human to human contact basis, with my mouth making coherent noises that he understood to be my order. We didn’t risk me using the table to order in case I mistakenly received a pint of Guinness with a dash of malibu in it.

When you walk into the building it is my favorite interior design of any local restaurant. It mixes the old style building with lighting that makes you feel like you are in a science fiction film. The Cyber feel to it does mix well with the concept of the big screens on the table, so if that is your type of thing then you will like it. The tables to use are quite simple to use, just neanderthals like me make it harder for themselves so dont judge it on my infantile motor skills.

The quality of the food was very good, with dishes which I guess don’t challenge many chefs in their skills, that’s the local market i guess. However, it was very fresh tasting and well worth another visit. Perhaps, with all my grumbling of dishes that are more challenging, I probably still wouldn’t eat them and still go for the chicken and cashew nut like the fear of change humanoid I am.

Oshi is a great night out, with it being advised to book in advance. There were some large parties there taking up a lot of the tables, so they must be doing something right. Give it a shot and let us know what you think.

GC:LIFE

STACY THOMSON - REDDI APP

Single and Lonely:

The Loneliness Trap & How to Break Free in 2024

Single people can often feel lonely. This can impact our perceptions and behaviours in self-defeating ways, making us feel ‘trapped’ in an unhealthy cycle.

Feeling lonely?

First things first: you are far from alone.

Many people report feeling lonely at times: it’s a natural human state. In fact, half of all peoplewhether they’re in a relationship or not - report feeling alone either some of the time, or most of the time.

Unfortunately, the painful realities of single loneliness are rarely discussed. Add this to the social pressure to ‘embrace our loneliness’ or put a positive spin on everything, it can be hard to open up about the ways that single loneliness truly affects us.

Although the feeling can become all-encompassing, it is important that we don’t allow it to trap us, or become part of our longer term identity.

Why loneliness is a trap

Being lonely can affect people in lots of ways. It can reduce confidence, make you feel less optimistic - even make it harder to identify with others. Single loneliness can feel like a self-fulfilling prophecy because the longer you go without having a partner, the harder it can be to take the steps to move forwards and search for one.

Loneliness fosters a self-defeating psychology that makes it difficult to escape its clutches. Complicating matters, lonely people are likely to encounter a variety of societal responses that marginalise them even further.

The longer our loneliness lasts, that more challenging it can be to break the mindsets and judgments (both ours and others’) that contribute to maintaining our isolation.

The good news is that we can emerge from our loneliness - but we have to do several things, all of which involve taking risks to some degree.

Here are a few points to bear in mind when navigating through our feelings of loneliness or disconnection.

1. Know that there’s nothing wrong with you

For some of us, loneliness begins gradually. One friend moves away, another has a child, a third works a seventy hour work week, and before we know it the social circle that had sustained us in the past ceases to exist and we find ourselves spending most of our weekends alone.

For others, loneliness is a result of life transitions such as leaving for college, enlisting in the military, losing a partner to death or divorce, starting a new job, retiring and losing the daily company of colleagues and associates, or moving to a new town or country.

The truth is, that change happens - it’s just part of life. But it’s important not to feel individually ‘unlucky’ or victimised: loneliness can impact our perceptions of ourselves so that we’re more likely to view both ourselves and our existing relationships more negatively and pessimistically.

2. You can break the cycle

This is where a vicious cycle can begin. We assume people aren’t interested in our company and that if we reach out to them they will reject us and turn us down - but this simply isn’t true. Sadly, as a result we take little initiative and find excuses to turn down invitations when we do get them.

Our negativity and reluctance to give our friends the benefit of the doubt creates a self-fulfilling prophecy in which our own reactions and avoidance pushes them away even further.

Because we remain blind to our part in creating the distance, we see their withdrawal as confirmation of our fears and become even more convinced they no longer care about us.

3. You need to show up, and stay positive

Loneliness is very visible to others who are likely to label us as less interesting and less appealing as social prospects. Although this is a somewhat shallow view, the more you get out there and show up, the more you will be perceived as someone to include in the future.

If you tend to talk negatively about your status or show that you find socialising a slog, this stigma - combined with the negativity and suspicion you might project in social situations - makes it challenging for us to establish new social and romantic connections.

4. Social skills can diminish - so keep them up

The more socially and emotionally isolated we are the

more our social skills and relationship ‘muscles’ tend to atrophy. Skill sets often weaken when unused and our ability to connect and relate can easily get rusty after a period of isolation.

If things happen to go badly when we try to use these ‘muscles’ we don’t attribute the failure or rejection to our skill sets being rusty but see it as further evidence of our fundamental undesirability.

5. You may need to step out of your comfort zone

If you want change, you will need to take the initiative. If you feel isolated, consider taking on an activity you enjoy, volunteering or joining a club for like-minded people. If you’ve been comfortably hiding in your lounge for many months then this idea may scare you - but these are the best ways to meet new people.

We all have contacts who we may have become disconnected with. so why not try going through your phone and social media and make a list of people you haven’t seen or spoken to in a while?

Maybe you’ve been chatting to a prospective date online and have reached that delicate stage where the online conversation has reached its limit. Why not take the plunge and ask if they fancy meeting for a coffee or a walk?

Who knows, you reaching out to them may be just the cure they need for their own feelings of loneliness? Taking the first step with instigating conversations is the best way to break the cycle of disconnection and silence.

6. Don’t let fear of rejection stop you from connecting

Understand that people are busy, and might not have been in touch for a while or returned your phone call from two months earlier, but - give them the benefit of the doubt.

Approach people with optimism. It’s perfectly normal to fear rejection, but you have to get yourself in the right frame of mind when you contact people so the vibe you put out is positive and inviting.

Being single can be lonely, and that can manifest differently in everyone. It’s important to identify how you might be feelingas this often provides a clear opportunity for change and growth.

Sometimes, we use distractions to avoid thinking about our loneliness. No matter what being single and lonely feels like for us as individuals, it’s hard to deny that it has a real impact on our lives.

Having a romantic relationship with someone else is an important part of life for many people, and when you don’t have that, facing the ups and downs of life often feels scary and lonely.

But being single, whether for a few months or decades, isn’t a waste of time. It’s better to wait for the right person than to plunge into unhealthy relationships.

Be sure to enjoy the best parts of your life right now, and allow yourself to feel the loneliness that comes with being single, but don’t fall into the trap of making this who you are.

GC: HOMME

GUCCI

BRAND: GUCCI

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NAME: Tropical Floral swim shorts

COST: $175 USD

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NAME: Navigator frame sunglasses

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BRAND: GUCCI

NAME: Cotton jersey hooded jacket with web

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NAME: Ophida GG small crossbody bag

COST: $1.390 USD

GC: FEMME GUCCI

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NAME: Boucle wool coat

COST: $3.800 USD

GC: CHARITY

STEVE HAGGERTY

In this month’s GameChangers issue we look at how a volunteer firefighting team in Cyprus face up to the challenges of attending incidents and all of the organisation that entails.

Joining us is Nikolas Nikolaou, founder and chief of Atlas Fireteam and Steve Haggerty, who is a firefighter on the team as well as a director with forex broker monaxa.com.

Q What made you decide to create the fireteam initially? What motivated you to become a volunteer firefighter?

Nikolas:

My love for my country and the “healthy” environment that everyone wants to see in our forests, led me to take the decision of creating this fire team.   I remember myself helping with fire extinguishing near where i lived, from a very young age. After the big fire in  Arakapas area in 2021, where 4 people lost their lives, many houses and a large area of forest were burned, I contemplated that as volunteers we could help more efficiently as a team rather than individuals.

It was then that, I started efforts to establish a volunteer team that, with the right specifications, could certainly offer more in dealing with fires.

Steve:

Similar to Nikolas’ experience, the fire of 2021 in our Arkapas region with that unprecedented loss of life, property and wildlife really focused my mind on joining a volunteer fireteam. I couldn’t quite find what I was looking for until a friend recommended Atlas Fireteam. The rest, as they say, is history. As I live in the heavily forested, mountain region of Cyprus (Troodos) fire here is a constant threat, so I understand the need for volunteer groups such as ours and what they bring to the table.

Q Tell us about the team structure and what the members do?

Nikolas:

The team, after operating for 1.5 years, consists of twenty two members.

There are three regional teams at the time being. The major team is based in Limassol, the other team in Nicosia and the 3rd one in Paphos, thus offering a Pan-cyprian coverage on extinguishing fires. Each team has a team leader and an assistant team leader who are responsible for the safety and proper function of their teams.

I am the general manager of the team that coordinates all actions and try my best to be present at all fires. My goal for the team is to function as professionally as possible, since I was also a former member of the army’s special forces and I know very well the proper functioning of a team. Experienced volunteers are on the front line and with the important help of the younger ones, the team is on the verge of operating properly and in accordance with safety protocols.

Steve:

The team is located throughout Cyprus and we keep in close contact via a WhatsApp group. All team members make their location and availability known constantly, especially during the high fire season and where the risk level is escalated for several reasons.

All team members carry their PPE (personal protection equipment) along with additional necessary gear, supplies, etc at all times in their cars as we can literally be needed at a minute’s notice, if the situation requires it (which it often does).

Q What training is involved? What equipment is used?

Nikolas:

The team currently has 2 emergency firefighting vehicles with 500 liters water transport.

We also have 4 individual water bags for firefighting purposes 20 liters.

2 tree cutting machines and agricultural tools.

All volunteers, after successfully passing the 3-month leveling that starts in January and ends in March, are then considered official members of the team and  provided  them with personal firefighting equipment for their personal safety in the face of fires. The leveling is divided into 3 stages. In the correct and efficient use by all members of the firefighting equipment in the vehicles.

In hiking long distances  day and night as we may need to transport firefighting equipment to inaccessible points where their transport by vehicles is impossible either to act as a team or to help the forces of the forest department.

As well as the creation of fireproof zones with the use of agricultural tools.

During the fire protection period, whenever possible, short-term demolitions are carried out, since our members are on daily alert during the fire protection period.

Q How do the team members maintain a life / work balance, along with family life?

Nikolas:

It’s definitely not easy. Volunteers dedicate several hours either from their free time or several times from their working hours to be present when the team has to go to a fire.

In order to be an active volunteer, the group must be high on your priorities and your family must support it.

During last year’s fire fighting season, our team assisted in 28 fires all over Cyprus.

Unprecedented number of volunteer group possibilities.

During last year’s fire fighting season, our team assisted in 28 fires all over Cyprus.

Unprecedented number of volunteer group possibilities.

Too many hours away from our families and a lot of fatigue.

Many times our members either leave their jobs and come with the group or several times it happened that we ran away from a fire and some of our members went to work without rest.

It is also important to mention that all

the expenses that the team had last year, which amount to several thousand euros, were paid entirely by our volunteers.

If you don’t believe in the purpose of the group and the reason for its founding and to love your country, you certainly won’t be able to be an active volunteer. My opinion is that volunteering is for the few.

Steve:

That’s a good question! The team operates very much like a family, both attending fire incidents and off duty. Complete family support at home is a must. I find personally that having experience in the armed forces helps when dealing with these types of situation. Like Nikolas says, if you don’t believe in the purpose of what we do, this is definitely not for you.

Q What is planned for the future of the team in the coming year 2024?

Nikolas:

The team’ s goals for the new year are, after noticing the mistakes and weaknesses from t last year, to correct them through hard work, will and organization.

As I mentioned above, the existance of the sub teams in Limassol Nicosia and Paphos help our team operating on a Pan-cyprian level. However, in order for these teams to function properly, a lot of effort is needed.

Always keep in mind that we are a volunteer group and not a professional one.

Any kind of help, whether financial or of another nature, will surely give us the possibility to achieve our goals easily and more effectively.

Should you need to know more about our team’s needs, please do not hesitate to contact us,for further information.

Wishing everyone a happy, prosperous and “fireless” new year 2024.

GC:LUXURY

PANOS MELEKKIS

Multi award winning Panos Melekkis has spent the past several years in Dubai expanding his knowledge, targeting a wider audience and embracing new design techniques and inspirations from the middle east. It was great to catch up with Panos, as a new revamped brand “Panos Melekkis Jewellery” as he returns to Cyprus and catch up with Game Changers to see how he has been.

Q How has your stay in Dubai influenced the designs that you create?

Dubai is so diverse in many ways, from style, to cultures, to resources. My time in Dubai has allowed me to expand substantially in my design techniques and inspirations. The beautiful cultural Arabic jewellery designs encompassed with the extravagant Indian wedding jewllery

which is so beautiful crafted has allowed me to gain different ideas and methods into designing beautiful pieces. The use of matte gold, different settings, and less conventional designs has also contributed to my design journey. The access to gold, precious gemstones and diamonds is unmatched with anywhere in the world, and for this I am able to create beautiful pieces daily due to the access Dubai has given me.

Q Cyprus has a diverse population, can you see the different tastes in design?

Cyprus has a diverse population however, there is always the same trend which appeals to all - engagement rings, crosses, wedding rings, tennis bracelets and eternity rings. The change that I have seen in Cyprus over the last 2 years is mostly the ongoing requests for more unique custom-made engagement rings, larger stones and less conventional. There is also a demand for gemstones such a pink sapphire, citrine and blue topaza change again from the classical ruby, emerald and sapphire.

Q Dubai society is so radically different to Cyprus. Do you have to interact more with clients socially?

Dubai is a truly social and vibrant city, every week there is at least one event, gathering or expo which I have to attend. Of course there is a big requirement to socialise more, make appearances and meet people in order to help the brand grow. In the city of gold, this is the only way to properly expand personal branding.

Q How do you take an idea from a client and integrate that into a reality?

Booking your appointment is the first step towards bringing your dream jewellery piece to life. Simply schedule a time and specify the kind of design service you’re leaning towards, whether it’s wedding bands, engagement rings, or a pair of elegant earrings. This initial consultation will set the tone for the rest of the design journey, ensuring that your vision and our expertise align perfectly from the outset.

During the first meeting, I would would delve deep into your creative insights, drawing inspiration form your thoughts and ideas. Together, we’ll navigate through a brainstorming session, exploring various concepts that resonate with you. As the conversation unfolds, our on-site sketching process kicks off, translating out discussion into tangible, preliminary sketches. This hands-on approach ensures that the design’s blueprint capture the essence of what you envision for your one-of-a-kind jewellery piece.

We usually pick the gemstone (on-site)  and proceed to a 3D matrix of the design within 3 days of the initial consultation - this way the client is always part of the creative journey.

It is truly important for me to be side by side with all my clients during this process as it is really a beautiful artistic journey towards crafting a truly bespoke piece that is unique to the person.

Q What’s the most complex piece you have ever designed?

I would 100% have to say my awarded design piece “The Four Seasons by Panos Melekkis.”

This piece is an awarded piece by the World Academy Design Awards from a world wide competion of the best jewellery designers of the world. The complexity and design was one of the most difficult pieces I have created. Designed with nature in mind -immersing in a summer sunrise of yellow diamonds and a sea of blue sapphires, to the snow white pearls of winter, all elevated by the auburn colours of autumn and spring blossom pinks - collectively bringing a sense of oneness with nature.

The attached photo and sketch reveal the artistry behind the creation as well as the final created piece whereby the intricacy and complexity of the design is truly identifiable.

Q What is your favorite piece you have designed whilst being in Dubai?

Whilst in Dubai I have launched  quite a few new lines, such as The Empire Collection, The Quantum Love Collection and The Pantheon Collection.

The Empire Line has to be my favourite collection due to it’s versatility, durability and the story surrounding the inspiration behind the design.

The Empire Collection routes from a legacy of generational knowledge, expertise, craftsmanship and core values.

When I decided to launch The Empire Collection, my design ideas and thoughts were embedded with the idea of creating a generational legacy line, something which portrays my independent progression as a designer. A legacy to be remembered and passed down for generations – to mark a new beginning of my personal creative journey and to provide a mark world wide with a versatile jewellery line.

Q Aside from your wife, who would you like to design a piece of bespoke jewelry for?

This is a difficult one, but as a jewellery designer I am constantly following fashion icons, both men and women.

I would say that I would like to design a bespoke piece for Dakota Johnson due to her effortless and alternative style.  I believe something less conventional from the standard big jewellery brands would really suit her look.

Q It looks like you are having a big push in your Limassol store. Can you tell the readers what you have planned for Cyprus?

New designs, new pieces and new collections that are all to be launched in the Limassol store this coming year.

We will also soon be promoting a new line exclusively for our Limassol Store, which will encompass a new eco friendly and sustainable range of jewellery featuring certified lab grown diamonds. This collection will include small pieces such as single stone pendants, layered braclets and will generally include more modern and simple pieces - manoeuvring to providing more everyday wear jewellery and keeping in line with the new generation of fashion.

The Alexa Collection by Panos Melekkis will be launched in Summer 2024 - watch this space.

How can readers get an appointment for a bespoke design from Panos Melekkis?

There are several ways to book an appointment for a bespoke design service:

1. By visiting our website www.panosmelekkis.ae and choosing the option “Book a Design Service.”

2. By sending an email to appointments@panosmelekkis.ae

3. By calling our store on 25 310912.

Panos Melekkis Jewellery

CYPRUS: 197, Arch Makariou III, Limassol, 3030, Cyprus

UAE: 507, Building 1A, Dubai Design District, Dubai, UAE

www.panosmelekkis.ae

“Sunshine Eventide” from The Monarchy Collection