Casino Life Georgia Volume 1 Issue 1

CASINO

The magazine for the owners and management of international casinos

Published by

Outsource Digital Media Ltd

Publisher: Peter White Tel: +44 (0) 1892 740869

Mob: +44 (0) 7973 273714 peter@outsourcedigitalmedia.com

Editorial: Editor in Chief : David McKee dmckee6@comcast.net

Editor EMEA: Damien Connelly damien@outsourcedigitalmedia.com

Associate Editor Asia: Bill Healey bill@outsourcedigitalmedia.com

Victor H. Royer International Features Editor victor@outsourcedigitalmedia.com

Associate Editor EMEA: Aydin Guney aydin.guney@outsourcedigital media.com

International Correspondent: Lyudmyla Kyrychenko lyudmyla.kyrychenko@outsource digitalmedia.com

Production:

Designer: Stewart Hyde stewart@de5ign.co.uk www.de5ign.co.uk

Accounts: Helen Holmes accounts@outsourcedigitalmedia.com

IT Director: Pasha Kuzminskiy pasha@outsourcedigitalmedia.com

Editor's Introduction to the First Issue

Dear colleagues, business owners and employees of the casino industry, as well as all gambling enthusiasts! We are pleased to present to your attention the first issue of “Casino Life Georgia” magazine. This publication is a part of the “Casino Life” family of international magazines published worldwide with an editorial in the United Kingdom. We decided to start issuing a separate edition in Georgia dedicated to its gambling business, as this country is confidently reaching the international level in the industry both in terms of quality of operations and establishments, related businesses, and in terms of the variety of locally developed gaming products.

Georgian casinos, located both in Tbilisi and Batumi, have already earned fame among players from all around the world as very attractive for gaming tourism. Georgian online casinos have become part of global giants such as Entain, Flutter Entertainment and Betsson, while major online streaming providers, such as Evolution, OnAir and others, have opened their studios here. The country began to host regular exhibitions and conferences dedicated to the gambling business – Tbilisi and Batumi Gaming Fests. All this indicates a significant growth of the industry in the country and its well-founded claims to an important place on the world business map.

With our editions, we will introduce you to local casinos, online gaming operators, relevant businesses, top management of companies, events, associations and their role in the development of the industry, as well as legislative nuances. Of course, part of the publication will be devoted to entertaining and general educational content, so that if you wish, you can get a little rest from business.

L.Gubin

Lavrenty Gubin Editor

Greetings from Casino Life Ukraine

Welcome to Casino life Ukraine Magazine and Casino Life Georgia –our partner and welcoming temporary host publication

Despite all the political turmoil and the continued military situation in Ukraine, gambling businesses are surprisingly prosperous and are legitimately strengthening the country’s budget. For the halfyear period, from January to June 2023 gambling companies paid nearly UAH 2.94B (82mln$) in taxes into budget, as informed the Head of Temporary Investigative Commission on Economic Security

Yaroslav Zheleznyak.

This is 1,300% more than in the same half-year period in 2022. 562M was collected in June, which is UAH 100M more than in March 2023 when companies previously paid their income tax. As we can see business shows tendencies of stable grows.

I am delighted to see how Ukrainian and Georgian communities are cooperating and sharing experiences together in the gambling industry.

One such example, is our partner Helen Keane, whom we know as brilliant leader from her work in Kyiv Casino Shangri La. Helen Keane highlights and outlines the casino's expansion into the Black Sea Resort City of Batumi, and her team success in achieving an extra one, number six the Golden Brand award in Georgia. We look forward to discovering more and more examples of this sort of cooperation!

Editors personal note: It is lovely to be back after few months of forced break. I am looking forward to discussing Ukrainian and Georgian industry achievements soon. Wish you all to stay safe and secure, speak to you soon!

Lyudmyla Kyrychenko Editor Casino Life Ukraine

Lyudmyla Kyrychenko, Editor Casino Life Ukraine

A Boutique Hotel and Casino in Batumi

Royal Hotel and Casino Batumi caters to those players who seek cosiness and comfort in a more homely environment. It is located in the very centre of Batumi’s downtown at Europe square within a walking distance to all major tourist attractions of the city. We could speak to the marketing director of the property, Elvira Sultanova, to find out all the details of their business

How would you describe Royal Hotel and Casino in a few words?

We would like to think that we are the place where the Guest forgets about all his worries and enjoys the privileges and comfort that we are ready to provide him.

Proud of our warm and attentive service, ensuring that every guest feels like a VIP.

We pride ourselves on our warm and attentive service, ensuring that every guest feels like a VIP. That is why we work day by day to improve the quality of our services.

Who are your main guests? Where do they come from?

Now it is mainly Israel, Turkey, China, Armenia, Azerbaijan and, of course, the citizens of Georgia. Also from the Gulf States and Central Asia. Our doors are open to everyone.

What are the features and services of the hotel?

The Royal Hotel is a boutique hotel with a small number of rooms, offering personalized service to its Guests. With 35 modern rooms equipped with designer furniture and all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay, the hotel is ideal for those seeking a luxurious and relaxing experience. And, of course, for qualified players, the hotel offers an ultra-all-inclusive package that includes spa treatments, 24/7 room service, VIP transfers, and much more.

What type of games does the casino offer to players?

The casino offers a wide selection of high-stakes games, including popular Asian games such as Punto Banco and Nyu Nyu.

If we're listing them, there's American Roulette, Blackjack, Poker: 3 Card, 6 Card, Russian, Royal Open Poker, Novo Poker, Texas, Ultimate. Baccarat, NyuNyu, Tiger/Dragon. We also have Texas and Omaha, where players play against each other.

How many and what type of tables and slots do you have?

The casino has 18 gaming tables and 60 slot machines, catering to high-end and mid-high rollers. It offers some of the highest stakes in Batumi. Slots that we are have: EGT (including BELL LINK), NOVOMATIC, IGT, APEX (CLOVER LINK)

Feature: Royal Hotel and Casino Batumi

There is also a special offer for newcomers: roulette for $1 and Black Jack for $10.

Tell us a bit about your restaurant?

The restaurant “Europe” is located on the first floor of the building, with a separate entrance and a terrace with stunning views of the main square of Batumi. The cuisine is represented by European, Mediterranean, and Asian dishes.

The real strength of our restaurant is in its cuisine and service. The menu is so varied that every guest can find something to their liking. Service at a high level - the waiters serve the guests quickly and politely, their knowledge of the menu leaves only pleasant sensations after the conversation.

You have a nightclub and a terrace bar. Do they help your casino business? What is peculiar about these establishments?

Yes, that's correct. The Royal Nightclub is open to everyone from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Exclusive shows and music that will make anyone dance are held here. Our Royal Sky Bar & Lounge is located on the rooftop and welcomes guests from 8:00 PM to 4:00 AM

every day. It's comfortable for almost everyone with moderate relaxation, hookahs, karaoke, and quality music. And if guests want to dance, they can always go down to the nightclub or vice versa.

We differ from other casinos in the city by providing a wide range of services for our guests. Here, we don't just have bars, restaurants, and various games, but also a spa salon and a hotel with comfortable rooms. Yes, a wide range of services is one of our advantages, undoubtedly.

Do you find the market of Batumi competitive?

What are your main competitive advantages?

Here, the most important thing is to occupy our niche, which in our view, we have achieved. We have a strong management team that is focused on individualized work with casino guests. We offer a premium level of service and personal attention to each guest.

There are more and more new casinos opening in the city. How do the new operations affect your business?

We have already outlined a plan according to which we are developing, but this does not mean that if new players in this market set a trend, we will ignore it.

We work exclusively through legal channels of promotion. They talk about us among themselves (word of mouth), working closely with agents, we give the most comfortable conditions."

What are your main promotional channels? How do you promote your business considering strict legal legal restrictions in this field in Georgia?

We work exclusively through legal channels of promotion. They talk about us among themselves (word of mouth), working closely with agents, we give the most comfortable conditions. Well, of course, nowhere without social networks, within the framework of the law.

Do you see potential in the local market in terms of future growth? What are the main reasons for that?

It is hard to ignore the fact that Georgia, particularly Batumi, is becoming increasingly attractive for tourist influx. There is a lot to work with and develop for our market. The most important thing is that all new projects and initiatives take into account the interests and needs of the population, as well as being directed towards strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of the country's economy, so then the potential on the face.

Does your company look for expanding business in Georgia? Why?

Yes, despite being currently focused on improving our service and expanding the range of services we provide, we plan to open in Tbilisi and launch our online platform that will meet all modern IT technologies within the next two years.

EDUCATION OCTOBER 9–12, 2023

EXPO HALL OCTOBER 10–12, 2023

THE VENETIAN EXPO, LAS VEGAS

G2E is the catalyst for gaming - fostering innovation and driving growth by convening the global industry to define tomorrow.

CONVENING GAMING BUILDING POSSIBILITIES EMPOWERING SUCCESS

LEARN MORE AT GLOBALGAMINGEXPO.COM

The new year saw the much-awaited opening of the Grand Bellagio Casino inside Tbilisi's fashionable, five-star Biltmore Hotel. The opening highlighted a star-studded event featuring international artists Eyal Golan and Gypsy Kings, attracting numerous VIP players from around the world. The casino sparkled with excitement as guests toasted the new year with music, dancing and gaming.

The event drew significant attention from high rollers, tourists and locals alike, and the casino provided a truly unforgettable experience. The tables and slots were full throughout the night, packed with players who had travelled from all around the world especially to visit the opening of the new casino.

Grand Bellagio Casino in Tbilisi represents the most fashionable gambling establishment, with a unique design, luxurious interior and expensive furniture. The casino is designed to cater to high-end customers who seek upscale entertainment in a sophisticated setting. The gambling area is spacious, with a wide selection of gaming tables and slot machines. The casino offers exclusive VIP rooms for those who prefer a more private and luxurious gaming experience.

We met Anthony Rerecich, general manager of the casino and asked him a few questions about his establishment.

What's the general concept of the casino? What was your target audience before you started the project? And is it still the same now as you initially planned?

The target audience has stayed the same and it's really to bring foreign players to Georgia. I think Georgia, and Tbilisi in particular, has quite a lot of attractions for foreign players. It's great, it's safe and it's something different from their home countries, like in the Middle East.

What games do you have?

We have blackjack, roulette, baccarat and all the variants of poker: Caribbean, Texas, Ultimate, threecard poker. And now we've just opened the stud poker room: just two tables at the moment but we plan another three.

What are the minimums and maximums on the tables?

Roulette starts at $5 and we go anywhere up to 2,000 flat or 1,000 progressive. For poker we have a $25 minimum. Then we have anywhere up to a maximum of $500,000 payouts. On blackjack we have $25 to $3,000 a box. We have 34 tables and three VIP rooms. As for the poker room, it's pot-limit on Omaha and no limits on Texas.

What about slot machines?

Currently we have 80 slot machines. At the moment

these are EGT, Novomatic and Merkur slots, as well as electronic roulette from EGT. The selection of machines is to be expanded with the new brands during this year, including such manufacturers as IGT and Apex.

Is there anything special about the restaurant and the bar?

Yes, we've collected chefs from all over the world, including an Asian fusion restaurant, obviously with Georgian cuisine. And also we have VIP service, so our chefs will literally prepare you anything you ask for. We have an extensive menu, but as I said, if you want something that is not on the menu, our chefs are more than welcome to help you out and create the fantasy you desire. We have three bars in the casino with top-quality alcoholic beverages and cocktails, served by very experienced barmen. We also have shisha with the best possible tobacco for our VIP players.

I see there is a big stage in the casino. Do you have regular shows?

We have shows Wednesday to Sunday — dancing girls, live music and even big stars. On New Year's Eve we had Gypsy Kings, the Schooler Band, and Eyal Golan the next night. Regular lotteries and tournaments for the players are also held here, like roulette tournaments and slot tournaments. We try to mix it with a bit of humor, like a mix of old TV games, so it's a bit of nostalgia for the players but also at the same time fun. We tend to change it every month or two, so it's something different. Every time you come to the casino, you see something new.

What do you think about the competition here in Tbilisi? How would you evaluate the competitors and the competition in general?

I think it's a very competitive market. All the casinos here are fighting for the same market: Middle Eastern players, Iranian, Azerbaijanian. I have to say that it's a fair fight, as everyone likes a bit of competition. I have met the other GMs and all of them have been open to honest competition because we all understand that, by putting Georgia on the map, it helps each other. In the end we all get more players and it's a safe environment for players to come.

Anthony Rericich, General Manager, Grand Bellagio

What do you think about the current legal base and taxation in Georgia?

The Georgian government is doing a good job. They're protecting the local general population, which I think is a good thing. I also think we're on the cusp where the license is. Honestly, I think it's approaching where it is a little bit expensive because of the increased competition. So it’s starting to affect the marketing because you have to look after your expenses if you want to make money. But I can't fault the government

for wanting to protect the general population to promote gambling in a sustainable manner.

Is there a potential for growth of tourism in Georgia?

There's a huge potential for growth. You can get all four seasons in one day, so many wonderful sites, such clean nature. I would like to see the government help tourism here, like a visa-free regime for the Indians, for example. I know it's currently not

available but I see a huge Indian potential. I would promote Chinese tourism as well. One of the limits also is the number of direct flights from other countries. This is a good point you bring up, because I've spoken to several airlines from the Middle East and they are interested in increasing the number of flights per day, especially during the season. Currently we have a problem with the flights from Kuwait. So it's obviously growing. Batumi is growing very much and the flights are virtually booked out during summer. I think the local authorities have to push infrastructure to allow more flights.

You just mentioned Batumi. The number of casinos there is growing. It is 12 casinos now with another 10 or so to open within the next couple of years. Isn’t it too much?

In every market you see an evolution of casinos. I've seen it so many times. And you're going to see that casinos will get better and better through time. So say you have 20 casinos, and imagine four, maybe even six casinos wouldn't be able to compete and they will drop out.

But you will see a replacement with a newer product, a bigger product, a better product as the evolution continues. Unfortunately, the infrastructure needs to be improved to keep up with this development. Three years, five years down the track, this is where the potential is in Batumi.

You personally have been working in many markets before and you have a long history of managing casinos around the world. What's your personal view of the local market? How do you personally feel here? Is it comfortable for you to work in Georgia?

I actually love Georgia. It was one of the bestkept secrets in the world when I came here. I love it. It's fantastic. Tbilisi is a small city compared to what I'm used to but it's growing and the casino business is thriving. It is a safe jurisdiction to work in. So you've got the best of all the worlds here in that you are able to create a sustainable and, at the same time, safe business. Everyone makes money. We're providing taxes and employment for Georgia itself. And of course, Georgian food is fantastic.

Tbilisi Gaming Fest – The Major Gaming Event in Georgia

Tbilisi Gaming Fest and Batumi Gaming Fest are two esteemed occasions for exploring business and investment opportunities in Georgia's realm of landbased and online casino operations. These renowned events are meticulously crafted by Plasma 8 agency – a distinguished firm that specialises in gaming business marketing and is headquartered in Georgia.

In 2023, the festival will be held in Tbilisi at the premises of The Biltmore hotel on September 15. The gathering, set to bring together both local and international enterprises, is designated as the ideal platform for experts, industry stakeholders, and policymakers to share their knowledge and forge new alliances.

Tbilisi Gaming Fest is a business forum of an extraordinary format: a combination of a conference, a demo zone, and a series of entertainment events.

Business Event Sections

• Government & Regulators

• Investors & Business Owners

• Operators & Managers

• Equipment & Software Producers

• Legal Experts

• Affiliates, Junket, Tourism & Marketing Agents

• Payment Systems & Crypto

• Real Estate Developers

The rapid development of the Georgian gaming business, along with the uniqueness of its geographical location, balanced legal base, and international politics, including an easy visa regime, provide strong advantages for the local gaming market’s growth, and for the event to take a noticeable place in the international calendar of gaming trade shows.

The event is supported by the local and international industry leaders: Grand Bellagio casino Tbilisi is the general partner of the festival and IGT, New York listed global producer of slot machines and games, is the main sponsor.

The festival will consist of two major parts: a conference, during which the industry leaders will share their experiences on various topics; and a demo-zone, which will include casino equipment producers, software developers, gaming-related service companies, operators and platform providers, as well as real estate developers offering business areas for gaming operations.

Notably, this gathering affords businessmen the chance to forge new connections and elevate their industry acumen. Moreover, the common employee affiliated with the gaming sphere, or those merely contemplating a profession in this field, stand to gain from this occasion, since several firms are expected to stage recruitment proceedings at their expo stalls.

A wide-ranging business itinerary is graced by a plethora of entertainment occasions, tailored for both expo invitees and delegates. Expo attendees will enjoy complimentary fun-poker games, whilst delegates can forge connections with their peers within the relaxed sphere of an after-party.

During September, Tbilisi exudes an alluring charm, thus meriting a sojourn of a few days. In light of the surge in tourism pursuits, coupled with the swift evolution of the Georgian gaming fraternity, Tbilisi Gaming Fest commands attendance from within the industry's fold.

8 Reasons to Come

to Tbilisi Gaming Fest and Consider Investing in Georgia

Georgia is a rapidly developing gaming market

Due to its geographical location, favourable legislation, developed infrastructure and growing tourism, Georgia is quickly becoming a thriving hub for the gaming industry. As a result, numerous international companies are establishing businesses in Georgia to take advantage of the country's increasingly prominent position in the global gaming marketplace, which offers a wealth of

1 2

opportunities for gaming enthusiasts, developers, and investors alike.

Georgia has a clear and straight-forward gaming legislation

the laws, and for players to know their rights and see their money is protected. Georgia's commitment to honest gaming and its transparent system are just two of the reasons why it's a great place to do business.

Georgia is an attractive jurisdiction for outsource businesses

Georgia’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, coupled with its favourable tax policies and low operating costs, make it an attractive choice for companies looking to optimise their running costs.

For example the Georgian government has set just a 5% tax on companies that offer digital services to foreign markets. The reduced taxation applies to a wide range of digital services, including online marketing, cloud computing, live streaming, games hosting and other.

With a booming economy, a highly educated workforce, and a business-friendly government, it's no surprise that Georgia is considered a top destination for outsource businesses.

Georgia has well-developed banking and financial systems

Georgia's banking and financial system

is known for its reliability, innovation, and efficiency. The country's stable political climate, reasonable tax policies, and business-friendly regulations make it an ideal location for companies of all sizes to establish a presence. Whether you are looking to invest in real estate and a land-based operation or start an online business, Georgia's robust banking and financial system will help you achieve your goals with minimal operational charges, wide credit opportunities and attractive deposit options.

reasons why Georgia has become a popular destination for companies from around the world looking to establish their presence in the country.

Georgia is a trendy tourism destination

Georgia has advanced digital networks

Georgia has fast and reliable internet connection available throughout the country. The country has made significant investments in the telecommunications sector, resulting in highspeed connectivity and cutting-edge infrastructure. This has led to the growth of the tech industry in Georgia, with many businesses choosing to operate from the country due to its advanced digital capabilities.

Business operational costs are moderate in Georgia

The country's real estate market offers attractively priced commercial and office spaces compared to other developed countries in the region. Energy, utilities, and labour costs in Georgia are also among the most reasonable in Europe and Asia, making it easier for businesses to operate with better margins. This cost-competitiveness is one of the

7 8 5 6

As a tourist destination, Georgia is rapidly growing in popularity and has become one of the hottest new destinations to visit. The country has a rich and unique culture, beautiful landscapes, fantastic cuisine and a vibrant nightlife scene. Georgia's wine industry is also booming, with a wide range of locally produced wines that are gaining recognition globally. Additionally, Georgia has invested in tourism infrastructure, including modern hotels, fine dining establishments, and world-class resorts.

Georgia charms you from the first visit.

Whether you're exploring the cobbled streets of Tbilisi, skiing in the Caucasus Mountains, wine tasting in the lush vineyards of Kakheti, or enjoying the waves of the Black sea in Batumi, you'll be captivated by the stunning beauty of Georgia.

Here hospitality is a cultural value deeply ingrained in local traditions, and it is believed that any guest is a gift sent by God. Georgians typically go above and beyond to make guests feel welcome and comfortable, often treating them as part of the family – it leaves a lasting impression on visitors and is an integral part of the country's charm.

The Georgian Gambling Industry in Terms of Association

The Georgian Gambling Association was established to promote responsible gaming principles and support the development of the industry in Georgia. We have met Giorgi Mamulaishvili, the head of the Association, to ask him some needful questions regarding the business in Georgia, its future development and the role of GGA in it.

By Lavrenty Gubin

How do you evaluate the current situation in the Georgian gaming business?

Today, the gaming business in Georgia is experiencing quite a lot of fluctuations, and this is due to the fact that additional regulations have been introduced. Regulation plays an important role in the gaming business, but the wrong approach always creates additional problems in the business. Despite the fact that the Georgian market is developing and growing at a fairly fast pace, the behavior of players has changed, which is due to the formation of the game culture. In the end, it can be said that the market of Georgia has a great potential for development and entering the international market. It can also be said that nowadays many foreign companies, especially game providers, have relocated to the Georgian market due to flexible tax legislation. They provide their services to many foreign companies from Georgia. The market share of Europe and Asia has been exploited. Which ultimately creates a favorable environment for the development of the Georgian market. As for the operators in the Georgian market, there are already many foreign operators such as Entain, Flutter, Betsson Group and many others.

What kind of problems does the industry have today?

The biggest problem and challenge is the appearance of illegal operators in the market. Of course, without complex approaches, both from the operators' side and from the state's side, this problem cannot be easily eliminated. Local operators should be promoted so that local players do not switch to illegal operators. The preventive measures taken by the state are not enough to expel illegal operators from the market. The illegal activities of many illegal operators have been reported in recent years. Illegal operators are the biggest challenge of the world gaming market today, every state in turn is making legislative changes and gradually creating obstacles to restrict the activities of illegal operators, however, as I have already mentioned, practice has shown us that the best method of fighting is to promote legal operators. Which should be expressed in the flexibility of the local operator, in the ability to advertise his product both in the local market and in the international market to attract foreign players. This will allow users to cooperate with legal operators and their interests

will be fully protected. Unfortunately, in some cases, business experts are not included in the discussion of this or that issue, however, when business experts are included in the discussion and their opinion is shared, the final form of the legal framework is processed in such a way that it becomes favorable for business.

How do you see the future of the Georgia industry in the coming years, what are the main trends?

As I already said, the gambling industry is developing quite well in Georgia, and I can say that Georgia is moving towards becoming a hub for post-Soviet and Asian countries. Many new operators and game supply companies became interested in the Georgian market and relocated to Georgia. Of course, this also has its own logical explanation and reason. The first reason is the flexibility of the tax law in a specific direction. For example, technology and IT companies have great benefits here. It is also easy to operate and access the neighboring market. There is no corruption,

as in some neighboring countries, which is attractive for business. Managing and starting a business in Georgia is much easier. With the right approach in the legislation, any operator can enter any international market and provide its services to foreign companies, the requirement of gaming licensing has increased the credibility of Georgia-based gambling providers, so that under our legislation, all companies operating from Georgia are subject to strict monitoring. This has a positive impact on their image, and foreign operators want to cooperate with such companies. Therefore, it can be said that the market of Georgia is quite a good and growing market for the mentioned industry.

What role does the Georgian Gambling Association play in the development of the industry?

The association has a big role in the gaming industry, because the association acts in the interests of the operators, participates in consultations with the state. New information is sought and processed on a daily basis in order to find the best foreign practices for the industry. Involved as much as possible in the development of all legislative projects. The association made a major contribution to the development of

the final form of the User Verification of Identity Law, which has had quite a positive effect on the industry, from an AML point of view. Today, all legal Georgian operators are protected from fines by the state. The association plays the role of a kind of mediator between the state and business operators. It also cooperates very actively with the regulator. It promotes various campaigns in the direction of responsible gaming, and most importantly, one of the most important roles of the association is the dissemination of correct and verified information and statistics. As you know, our field is more or less stigmatized, especially in Georgia, therefore we help the industry through hard work and constant communication so that what they have to say reaches the citizens correctly. We also play an important role in the entry of a new player into the market. First of all, as a rule, providers and new operators contact the association and we try to help them as much as possible.

Can you talk about the latest changes in online casino licensing in Georgia?

From June 2024, there will be a change in the legal framework, in particular, online casinos will be licensed

with three types of licenses, online casino, online slot machines and online betting. Until now, there were only two types of licenses for online casinos and online betting. Accordingly, online operators will be charged another quarterly fee in the amount of 250,000 GEL in addition to the license fee. The conditions for obtaining a license have also changed. Until now, the online activity license was tied to land facilities, in particular, for online casino and slot machine activities, the company had to have a landbased facility – a physical casino or slots club. And for the service of accepting online bets, a physical bookmaker office. As a result of the new change, the company will have an option to open any of the three types of physical facilities: a casino, a slot machines salon, or a totalizer – in this case the cost of the license will be 100,000 GEL for each type of business. If the online operator does not want to have a physical facility, he will have to pay the following type of license fee: online slot machines 1 million GEL, online totalizer – 1 million GEL and online casino’s license will cost 5 million GEL. Of course, the issue of licensing was acceptable for the industry, but in what form the licensing took place, I think it is a wrong approach. The goal of the online operator's activity is to take over the online space and he is less interested in the development of physical objects. The price charged for the online casino is also unacceptable. The division of licenses into three parts is also irrational, as I see it, because the concept of gambling is completely changing and new ones are appearing - online casinos and online slot machines. Therefore, there is an additional charge for the business.

Are there plans to revise regulations or introduce new laws?

Nowadays, consultations are being held in various directions in order to improve the existing legislation. Because recent changes have revealed a number of problems. I really hope that the government will consider the opinion of the business. Legislation regarding game providers must be resolved. Because new areas have appeared on the market and the existing legislation does not cover the specifics of their activities. The issue of advertising should also be refined. There will be a lot of work to be done in terms of blocking illegal gambling operators. This is a complex and time-consuming job and there must be a change at the level of legislation.

How does the association partner with the government to ensure fair and responsible gambling practices?

We have periodic consultations with the Revenue Service, the Ministry of Finance, and the Parliamentary Sectoral Economy Committee. We are also actively cooperating with the local regulator to improve the business environment in Georgia. In addition to the legislation, there are many different small problems in the work process that need to be changed. The aim of the association has always been to find and share the world's best practices for local operators. We share this experience with state structures as well. I can tell you that local operators in Georgia have always shared the principles of fair games. Of course, this is partly due to the fact that today the world's leading brands operate in Georgia, which also contributes to the development of fair principles in the market.

How important is tourism for the gambling industry in Georgia? What is the share of foreign players in the land-based and online casinos?

It is a bit difficult to say that the tourism industry has a great importance in the development of gambling, I would say on the contrary the gambling industry contributes a lot to the development of tourism. Added to this is the fact that any foreigner feels safe and can visit casinos and other gambling establishments for fun without any risks, which is of great importance for

the development of the country. I can directly say that eight municipalities fill their local budgets precisely from gambling revenues.

People all over the world travel to play every year. An additional factor in the development of this sector in Georgia is the policy of neighboring countries: casinos are banned in Turkey, Azerbaijan and Iran. There are many legal restrictions in Russia. It all leads to the influx of tourists from these regions, whose incentive, in addition to traveling to Georgia, is gambling. When foreign tourists come to play in a country, they pay for food, transport, accommodation and shops: that is, many sectors of the economy benefit.

Therefore, the share of foreign players in landbased casinos is higher in relation to local players and ranges from 55% to 45%. Added to this is the fact that many Russian citizens, who do not agree with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, came to Georgia due to the unfortunate events taking place in Ukraine today. Of course, they also became customers of the local casino.

What steps are being taken by operators to attract more tourists to the country's casinos?

The growth of the popularization of Georgia itself in the recent period has a big role, in which the state has a great contribution. Also, in terms of gambling, the Georgian Gaming Business Association attends many international exhibitions, and it also contributes to the promotion of Georgia. I can tell you that 10 years

ago, much less people were informed about Georgia than today. When many people hear Georgia, they associate it with the American state, but this approach has changed radically in the last 10 years. I believe that still the country's government has a lot of work to do to promote Georgia, and gambling operators should do more to enter the international market, to attract more customers.

What measures are being taken to combat problem gambling behavior in Georgia?

There are problem players both in the world and in Georgia, although this statistic is not as bad as in other countries. Today in Georgia there is a register of gambling addicts, where any person can block and restrict himself. It is of great importance that operators engage in fair play, which is expressed in the fact that any player can request self-restraint. This is the right approach, so that everyone should take their share of responsibility in this matter, as the state, society and business. Added to this is the fact that there are many foreign companies operating in Georgia, which are represented on the international stock exchange, and believe me, none of the legal operators is worth damaging their image and creating additional problems in business.

What are the goals of the Georgian Gambling Association for the future?

The main purpose of the association is to be a mediator between the state, the regulator and business. Promotion of the gambling industry, raising the awareness of the population that gambling is for fun and not for a person to fully engage in gambling and thereby harm himself, his financial situation and family members. The association will study the best foreign examples, present recommendations. The association promotes and advises foreign investors who are interested in the Georgian market and generally introduces Georgia and the gambling industry to the international market. The association cooperates with the associations of different countries on a daily basis, signs memorandums and tries as much as possible to closely cooperate with them and receive their advice and, in turn, share the experience of Georgia. The association aims to expand its connections and bring Georgia's name to the international market so that the country receives even more investments.

Ukrainian Gambling Council Report

It has been more than a year since the rashists launched the second wave of aggression against Ukraine in the form of a full-scale war. However, domestic legal gambling business continues to work. It saves jobs, provides revenue to the state budget and contributes funds for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and internally displaced persons.

Since the beginning of this year, according to the Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (CRGL), licensed organizers in the gambling market paid more than UAH 600 million to the budget of Ukraine just for the extension of licenses, of which almost half (UAH 246.62 million) was paid in April.

Regarding the fulfilment of tax liabilities, for the first four months of 2023 (there are no data for

May yet, because the State Fiscal Service submits statistics at least two weeks after the end of the reporting period) the budget received UAH 1,425.5 million of direct taxes from gambling alone (without taking into account personal income tax paid for employees mainly to local budgets)!

In total, over three years of the reform of the gambling market, the state received more than UAH 5 billion from legal gambling, of which almost 40% (about UAH 2 billion) were received since the beginning of 2023!

However, assistance to the state from licensed gambling market organizers is not limited to taxes and other mandatory payments to the budgets of various levels. Since the beginning of the war, legal gambling companies transferred more than UAH 1

Anton Kuchukhidze: The platform for the post-war restoration of the gambling business must be prepared right now

Anton Kuchukhidze, Chairman of the Ukrainian Gambling Council

billion of donations to special accounts for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and IDPs, while providing technical support to army and territorial defence forces, and meeting humanitarian needs of refugees and residents of territories where hostilities are ongoing.

The assistance to the state could be more, but they cannot do without the resolution of a number of tasks by the authorities in relation to regulatory support of organising the operation of the gambling market. For example, draft law No. 2713-d, which regulates the gambling taxation system, is still pending approval by the Parliament in the second reading and in general. Both domestic market players and foreign companies that consider opportunities of investing in Ukrainian gambling, require a clear signal that fiscal legislation will be systematized, and transparent and clear rules will prevail in this sector for a long time.

The State Online Monitoring System (SOMS) has not begun operation yet. This specialized hardware and software complex is designed to monitor the economic activity of gambling organizers and ensure compliance with license conditions and technical standards. Without SOMS, it is impossible to introduce fully transparent taxation of the gambling businesses, which can be controlled online.

Although, despite the war and the difficult economic situation, various international companies are currently considering opportunities to invest in Ukraine, including those working in the field of entertainment and recreation, in which gambling is a part of. Even before the war, a number of brands were ready to enter our market, but then they were stopped precisely by the fact that we do not have clear and transparent taxation.

During the war, interest to gambling sector did not decrease. It even increased, because due to the sanctions policy of the West towards russia, its market will be considered very toxic even after our victory. Accordingly, Ukraine has every chance to become a regional leader in the area of gambling business after the victory. Especially considering the fact that the flow of tourists after the victory will be restored and will even increase. Part of this flow will consist of business representatives who will work on projects to restore Ukraine.

As I have repeatedly noted, those investors who are not afraid to be the first to invest in the post-war Ukrainian economy, in particular in the gambling

segment, will definitely have a competitive advantage over companies that will come later. Sector-specific investors, like no one else, understand this and prepare plans and strategies. However, at the same time, they expect us to take certain steps. First of all, in the fiscal and regulatory areas.

Organizing the legislation and timely updating the legal and regulatory framework will enable legal gambling to operate and recover during the war, develop, and attract foreign investment after our victory. It is worth preparing for the victory today, adopt all the required changes in advance, and implement the regulatory mechanisms provided for by the Law of Ukraine "On State Regulation of Activities Regarding the Organization and Conduct of Gambling."

Overfinch is the world’s leading creator of bespoke Range Rover vehicles. For four decades, Overfinch have been enhancing and redefining the iconic Range Rover, creating the most innovative, beautiful and spectacular vehicles.

Overfinch is the world’s leading creator of bespoke Range Rover vehicles. For four decades, Overfinch have been enhancing and redefining the iconic Range Rover, creating the most innovative, beautiful and spectacular vehicles.

Overfinch dedicate British craftsmanship to the pursuit of perfection, to meeting the bespoke requirements of a global clientele. The results are a groundbreaking blend of capability, individuality and luxury.

Overfinch dedicate British craftsmanship to the pursuit of perfection, to meeting the bespoke requirements of a global clientele. The results are a groundbreaking blend of capability, individuality and luxury.

To the ends of the earth

It was while working as an intern at the Sydney Morning Herald that photographer Palani Mohan first glimpsed a picture of the eagle hunters of Mongolia’s Altai mountains.

‘There was an archive of newspapers from around the world where I used to spend quite a bit of time,’ he recalls. ‘And it was in one of those papers that I first saw an image of a man standing on top of a snowcovered mountain holding a golden eagle in his arms. It quite literally took my breath away. That image was cemented in my mind.’

Fast forward 25 years and Mohan was working in Hong Kong when he happened to be sent an email publicising flights to the Mongolian capital, Ulan Bator.

A few months later, with what he admits was fairly limited forward planning, he was in the remote Altai mountains, wrapped up against temperatures of -40°C and taking photos of the last few surviving eagle hunters on the planet.

He would return numerous times over the course of the next five years, gathering material for his recently published book and, in so doing, recording a traditional

way of life that is rapidly disappearing.

‘I wanted to document the last remaining eagle hunters (burkitshi), before they’re gone,’ he says. ‘For years I had wondered who these people were, how anybody could live in that environment and the whole idea of using golden eagles to go hunting. It just seemed to me to be from another planet.’

Over the years, he came to understand the hunters’ lifestyle possibly as well as any outsider ever could. ‘The way they live is anchored on the relationship between man and bird,’ he says. ‘They sometimes have a stronger bond to these eagles than they do with their families, because they spend so much time with them.

‘The words love and family and bond are used over and over again by the hunters when talking about their eagles. These men love their birds and they say that if you treat them well they will love you back and, when that happens, that’s when you have a really special relationship.’

That bond begins when the hunters take an eagle chick from the wild, adds Mohan. ‘There are no tall trees in the region so the eagles build their nests high up in rock faces and that is where the men go to find a

Words: Dan Hayes

young bird. They are looking for an eaglet that is three to four months old. Only the female birds are taken because they’re bigger and a lot more aggressive than the males.’

The hunters then hand-feed the birds, reinforcing the bond between them, before training them to hunt red foxes – predators that are also valued for their fur.

That is not all there is to this story, he adds. ‘A golden eagle can live for around 30 years, but after keeping them for about 15 the men then release them back into the wild. They give the birds back to nature and by doing that they are ensuring the eagles have the chance to have a family of their own. This is a very important part of the whole tradition.

‘When the time comes, during the summer months, the men ride off with their eagle far away from home. Under the cover of darkness they say their final goodbyes and let them go. It’s an incredibly moving time for them. It’s like giving up one of your family members.’

Sometimes the birds will not immediately take the chance of freedom, he says. ‘I have heard truly extraordinary stories about how these birds, weeks

and months later, somehow find the men and return to them. And with a heavy heart they have to do the whole thing all over again.’

Over the years, Mohan developed a huge respect and affection for his subjects. ‘It’s minus 40 degrees, it’s one of the most remote places on earth. It’s cold, it’s windy and it’s a very remote and very hard life. These people spend a lot of time outside in all weathers

Over the course of five years, photographer Palani Mohan has travelled to the Altai mountains of western Mongolia in search of the world’s last surviving burkitshi – the men who hunt with golden eagles

Orazkhan Shuinshi (93) with his granddaughter, Nazgul, at their winter home in the village of Sagsay, Mongolia

A weather-lined hunter wears a fur cap and collar to keep out the biting winds of Mongolia’s Altai mountains

the vast Mongolian steppe is a harsh environment

herding their cattle and their yaks. Nothing really has changed for them in an awfully long time.’

It soon will, however, because this is a way of life that is clearly under threat. ‘One of the most important things I wanted to convey in doing this project was that the real eagle hunters are getting old and each winter claims a few more,’ Mohan says.

‘There are always going to be people in that region who own a golden eagle, but the real hunters are the ones I wanted to photograph. There are between 50 and 70 of these guys still left. So I was really interested in who these men are, how they’re dying out and the nature of their relationship with their birds.

‘The younger generation – like anywhere else in the world – they want to go the capital, they want to earn money, they want to work on the roads that are being built from Russia all the way down to China. Things are changing very fast in this part of the world and eagle hunting is cold and lonely and smelly and the teenagers simply don’t think it is something they’d want to do.

‘The real hunters take out their birds every day, they feed them, they hunt with them, they keep them in their homes. The eagles are a very important part of who they are as Kazakh Mongolians.’

Such people are becoming harder and harder to find, however, he adds. ‘Every year when I go back to Mongolia I notice something is different. For example,

the airport gets bigger. There’s now a small shopping mall that sells noodle soups from China and vodka from Russia. The whole place is changing fast and its unique culture is under threat.’

It’s all a far cry from the archives of an Australian newspaper in the late 1980s, as Mohan recalls. ‘The real reason I did this was an image I saw when I was 17 years old and I had a chance to go and see that scene for myself many years later. When I got there I found out the real story was that a way of life was dying out.’

Hunting with Eagles, in the Realm of the Mongolian Kazakhs, by Palani Mohan, is published by Merrell, price £30.

Mohan is a Hong Kongbased photographer whose work has been featured in a wide variety of international publications including National Geographic, Stern, Geo, The New York Times, Time and Newsweek. His books include Hidden Faces of India and Vanishing Giants: Elephants of Asia.

Palani Mohan

Traditional dress on show inside a ger

A group of young Kazakh men play ulak tartysh, a traditional game in which teams battle for control of a goat carcass

Veteran eagle hunters demonstrate how they carry their birds

A hunter lets his eagle fly in search of possible prey

Grand alliance

The latest incarnation of Aston Martin’s Vantage is a driver’s delight; marrying English charm with German performance

Words: Tim Griffiths

It’s easy to lose track of time. As we get older and, supposedly, wiser, so the events of the past feel, counter-intuitively, more recent than they actually are.

The year 1951 (not the year of my birth, just so you know) saw the UK have two prime ministers: Clement Attlee and Sir Winston Churchill. It was the year of the first nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands and the premiere of Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire. It was also the first time, according to Aston Martin’s own literature, that they slapped the word Vantage on one of their automobiles.

So what’s the latest iteration of ‘Vantage’ like? Well, firstly, let’s get the niggles out of the way. If you like

Alcantara then you’ll be in your element, but for me there was just too much. It was all over everything: from the roof to the dashboard to where the glovebox should have been and even on the back of the visor. Simply everywhere that could have been covered, was.

Then there was the infotainment system which is from Mercedes. Don’t get me wrong here, it’s several cuts above what used to be on offer but it’s still a little cumbersome. There’s also a plethora of ancillary buttons where you really need to learn the geography rather than reach down and use with the intuitiveness you expect as a member of the tech generation.

Then, there’s… Actually, no, that’s it. That’s the full

extent of my gripes. Now I get to write about the fun stuff.

Underneath there is an all-new chassis developed from shortening the aluminium body from the DB11 that arrived last year. It’s beautifully engineered and everything is properly bolted together. Anyone who’s owned an Aston Martin in the past would know that hasn’t always been the case and you would be terrified that a wing mirror or some such might fall off when cornering. Now? Not a bit of it. No longer is it ‘good for an Aston’. It’s good. Period. Most of the rest of the bits underneath are new too, so there’s been no ferreting around in the leftovers’ bin from past models to make this Vantage.

Research and development on the engine has sensibly been outsourced to Mercedes and its AMG department. The V8 5-litre twin turbo that sits here, slightly behind the front axle, is the same unit that powers the Germans’ AMG GT C. Apparently the British engineers ‘tuned’ it on its arrival on our shores, but there’s no real aural difference to my ears. I didn’t take the Vantage onto a track, but a purported 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 195mph don’t seem like manufacturers’ puff.

Mated to the engine is the eight-speed, trans-axle ZF gearbox. Siting this all the way at the back of the drive shaft with the engine mounted inboard of the front axle means there’s very nearly a 50:50 weight distribution. And it shows. Pull on the solid and reassuring paddle-shifter and turn the squared-off steering wheel and the car moves as if by telepathy.

It weighs in at 1,530kg but changes direction faster than an angry wasp. The steering is light without being fractious and reassuring in its definitiveness.

A lot of this comes from the suspension and the new electronic differential at the back. While Aston hasn’t reused its own leftovers, it hasn’t been shy about raiding the competitors. Historically, Lotus is generally reckoned to have the best handling cars on the market at any given time and, in 2014, Aston Martin hired Matt Becker, one of the firm’s chassis gurus with a view to this car’s arrival. My word he’s got it right. After taking responsibility for many Elise derivatives in his previous position he’s now the chief engineer at Gaydon and is proving his worth.

Differentiating the Vantage from the DB11 was important so, apart from simply shortening the chassis the engine modes are altered too. Starting at ‘Sport’ (well, why not? It is a sports car after all) you flick

Inside the Vantage: never mind the odd eccentricity, this is a comfortable car for both driver and passengers

upwards through ‘Sport+’ and ‘Track’. If you have serious cojones then you can even opt to turn off all stability aids and adaptive dampers, but I wouldn’t recommend it.

I found the best blend, on smoother roads, to be ‘Track’ engine mode married to the ‘Sport+’ suspension setting. The car was at its most responsive and the soundtrack was gorgeous. On most UK roads, though, I’d advise the softest option. Apparently there’s a three-pedal, manual gearbox alternative coming in 2020 which should be fun.

Storage is limited even though the company says you can get two sets of golf clubs in the back. I have no idea why there’s no glovebox, but I refused to let it

dim my view of what, essentially, is a wonderful car.

There’s plenty of room in the cabin for, ahem, generously sized adults and the seats are comfortable with good visibility which isn’t always the case in sports cars. The Vantage isn’t a GT car by its own marketing, but it could easily be used as such.

Here we are, then, in 2019, facing the possibility of Britain being left behind on the world market while the discombobulating narrative of our politics does harm to trading relationships and leaves our neighbours scratching their heads in concern and confusion.

There is a pervasive myth of English exceptionalism that is so often not borne out in the real world. Of course it comes from our colonial past and is perpetuated via the rose-tinted spectacles so often donned by the nationalist factions who cannot see that the world is a better place when people collaborate.

And so it has been proven here with Britain and Germany forging a partnership on the Aston Martin Vantage that marries the best of both nations.

At a starting price of £120,900 the entry-level Aston is not a snip and you would definitely want to include some of the options to enjoy it to its ultimate but, if you have that much in your piggy bank then go along for the ride … it’s certainly worth it. It’s amicable and entertaining while also being spine-tinglingly exciting. I loved it.

Where did the glovebox go?

The Vantage at its thunderous best, at daybreak on the open road

Born-again classics

Wales-based Hemmels has built a thriving business out of reconstructing vintage Mercedes from carefully restored parts. Now the firm’s taking the electric route

Words: Simon Heptinstall

The ageing engine conks out while cruising along a sunny promenade. Then the convertible hood leaks on your suit as you drive to dinner. And when you hand the keys to a valet parker they report back later: ‘I’m sorry, but it won’t start….’

The perils of owning a classic car have long been accepted as part of the price one pays for enjoying the wonderful style of period motoring. However much a buyer invests in a beautiful old car, the ownership seems to come with the following small print: this is an old well-worn machine that can’t compare with a modern vehicle for luxury and reliability.

What classic car buyers really need is a bespoke specialist engineering company that builds cars from individual period parts, as if they were building a new

car. And that’s why a small Welsh firm has recently taken the classic car world by storm: by building ‘new’ classic Mercedes sports cars.

Two car enthusiasts in a garage started Hemmels in 2016. Within three years it has grown to become a multi-million-pound global business, with 45 staff hand-building more than 40 cars a year.

The company only builds three models: the Mercedes 280SL, 190SL and 300SL. All are designs from the Fifties and Sixties. Each car takes around 50 weeks to construct and thoroughly road test. The cars are priced at between £225,000 and £1.4m.

The Cardiff-based operation uses a process devised by founder Joseph Sullivan called neugeboren – or newborn. It’s part new-build, part replica and part restoration.

This 4,000-hour method involves carefully

As good as new: a gleaming Hemmels motor following a restoration process that takes around 4,000 hours

dismantling an old donor car, cataloguing and examining every part right down to the tiniest nut, bolt and rubber washer.

Anything worn is replaced. Vinyl upholstery is exchanged for fine-quality leather and ageing troublesome carburettor systems are removed in favour of a state-of-the-art electronic fuel injection. Modern reliable electronic ignition is installed.

The level of detail is faultless. The craftspeople even strip the dashboard instruments down to restore their parts. Then they recalibrate them to ensure they are as accurate as they were when they first left the factory.

All the glass is new. Engines, axles and gearboxes are completely rebuilt by hand with all new or resurfaced parts. Every gasket, seal and valve is replaced. All chrome is re-done, even the new parts

(the quality is never good enough, says Hemmels). The entire body is stripped back to bare metal and examined. The majority of the bodywork is replaced with new Mercedes panels. Hemmels has already become the largest purchaser of classic Mercedes panels in the UK.

‘There’s simply not one aspect visible or otherwise that we don’t renew and make ready for another 50 years of motoring,’ says head of marketing Iain Wood. ‘There is one rule: everything must be better than new. We’re providing a new luxury car buying experience, albeit on a vehicle that is 50-60 years old. That’s why our cars come with a 12-month warranty.’

The dedicated Cardiff showroom and factory is a clinically clean environment with pristine, white-tiled floors and state of the art machinery.

‘Our craftspeople feel they that this is a place where they want to work,’ says Wood.

Contemporary technology has another impact: clients can follow the neugeboren process via smartphone updates. If they so wish, they can watch a live feed documenting every piece of paperwork and photographs from when the car was sourced, stripped, and rebuilt right up until delivery. As a

permanent record, all this is then compiled into a hard-backed book that is given to the customer.

The result of the painstaking rebuild is a classic car that Hemmels claims is better than when it left the factory half a century ago.

Little wonder, then, that this year Mercedes UK commissioned a 1968 Hemmels 280 SL for display at the official Mercedes museum at Brooklands, Surrey.

Hemmels appears to have created a tidal wave of interest in the normally sedate world of high-end classic cars. Even as this article is being written, the fast-moving company is preparing an official announcement about offering their classic Mercedes cars with an all-electric engine under the bonnet.

The company already offers customisation options like USB ports, satellite navigation or state-of-the-art sound systems. A recent car was built with a handsfree phone integrated into its original 1950s facia with a minimum of visual impact.

Hemmels’ whirlwind success is down to the

inspiration of local Mercedes enthusiast Joseph Sullivan. He may be just 32 years old, but Sullivan is the third generation from a family of high-end mechanical experts. Aged just seven he was already helping his father rebuild engines on the kitchen table. At 12 he owned his first Mercedes. In his teens he was already renowned as a car restorer. ‘Mercedes is in my blood. Every member of the family has had a Mercedes going back many generations,’ he says.

At the age of 16 Sullivan was awarded a place on a Ministry of Defence fast-track aeronautical technical training programme. After that, still in his twenties, he set up his own company with the aim of producing the world’s finest Mercedes classic cars. It was named after Peter Hemmel von Adlau, a Renaissance stained-glass craftsman known for his relentless pursuit of quality.

Now Sullivan’s role is checking quality at every stage of a restoration, including a final test drive. It’s clearly still a very personal process for him. ‘To

be regarded as one of the finest restorers on the planet, of models that are this difficult to restore, is an honour,’ he says. ‘Just look at them; they’re absolutely jaw-dropping, gorgeous. It’s really rewarding to step back after the restoration and just bask in it sometimes.’

Sullivan’s operation has recently been boosted by being taken over by successful Yorkshire-based entrepreneur Richard Butterfield. The former teenage door-to-door salesman, who later founded the Principle Group, is an enthusiastic collector of classic cars and aircraft. He is also a private pilot who owns his own 1949 Boeing.

Butterfield says: ‘The global opportunity for beautiful products to this exacting standard is huge and we have plans to expand our production capability to around 80 by 2020. The cars themselves, in particular the iconic 280 SLs, appeal to people all over the world.

‘They become a beautiful collector’s item that can also be used daily. Some of our clients commission one of each model. We find our buyers include a wide and globally based diversity of people.’

How did Butterfield discover Hemmels? Well, it

Modern classics

Looking for contemporary performance, luxury and reliability? These British car builders might have the answer.

Eagle eaglegb.com

Contemporary supercars in the body of a replica E-Type Jaguar.

Jensen International Automotive jensen-sales.com

High-end recreations of the 1970s Interceptor grand tourer.

Suffolk Sports Cars suffolksportscars.com

Newly built classic Jaguar SS100 sports cars.

AK Sportscar aksportscars.co.uk

The firm is renowned for its replica AC Cobra sports cars.

may sound familiar. He had himself bought a car from the company and he was so impressed… he came back to buy the company. 7,435

4,330