April 2018
A Special Supplement by Bahrain This Month
TESCO PINTO BEANS 390GM
TESCO BUTTER BEANS 400GM
TESCO PRUNES IN NATURAL JUICE 410G
TESCO ITALIAN SEASONING 13GM
TESCO ARBORIO RISOTTO RICE 1KG
TESCO COFFEE WHITENER 460GM
TESCO GOODNESS PIZZA TORTELLINI 205GM
TESCO ROGAN JOSH COOKING SAUCE 500GM
TESCO CLASSIC COFFEE 100GM
TESCO KITCHEN TOWEL ULTRA ABSORBENT
TESCO FIXED HEAD TWIN BLADE DISPOSABLE RAZORS
Lulu Centre Tel : 17 250 334 • Juffair : 17 826 884 • Muharraq : 17 343 266 • Hamad Town : 17 412 563 Salmaniya : 17 252 624 • Galali : 17 32 00 25 • Segayya (Al Hayat Shopping Centre) : 17 00 30 61 MegaMart Express : 17 382 511 • Lagoon, Amwaj Island : 16 030 106
/megamartbahrain
West Riffa Mall : 17 650 075 Saar : 17 225 818
/megamartbahrain
Get Megamart Offers in Your Mobile
Search D4D Online. Available in Google Play & Apple App Store
THE TEAM Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton Email: george@bahrainthismonth.com
contents
BAHRAIN THIS MONTH • UNITED KINGDOM IN BAHRAIN • APRIL 2018
Editorial Director Liz O’Reilly Editor Apple Sharma Contributors Behnaz Sanjana, Dick Potter, Bill Grieve, Richard Pawson
2
Exciting Times Ahead
4
Best of British
6
True Grit
HE Simon Martin, British Ambassador to Bahrain, outlines ever-deeper ties between the two countries.
Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Layout and Graphics Romeo San Miguel, Hatem Monem Photography Editor Mona Abdul Jabbar Staff Photographers Subeesh Kumar N S, Ranjith Mohan
A look at some of the products, businesses and services which bring UK flavour to Bahrain.
Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa, Roanna Fernandes Corporate Affairs Director Bassem A. Al Khabbaz Media Sales Randa Ghazi Howais Distribution Team CM Abdul Rahman, Gopal Arul Kumar
Gordon Boyle on overcoming adversity to set up an exciting new business.
Distributor Al Hilal Group (Hilal Direct Services) Printing Press Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej W.L.L., Bahrain Published monthly by
16
In War and Peace
Richard Pawson turns the spotlight on a very British institution which now has a worldwide role.
RED HOUSE MARKETING P.O. Box 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: (+973) 17 813-777, Fax: (+973) 17 813-700 Email: info@redhousemarketing.com www.bahrainthismonth.com © Copyright Reserved 2005-2014 The concept, content, style and design of this publication remain the exclusive property of Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. and must not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without prior written permission. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, Red House Marketing cannot accept legal responsibility for any error or omission.
5-17
British Products
News, products, services and information from prominent members of the British business, retail and education communities.
•
Views expressed in this magazine by journalists and writers are not necessarily those of the publishers of Bahrain This Month. Licensed by the Ministry of Information Publication Code: TA001 ISBN 1 899 348 09 3
1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Bahrain: BD24 Gulf and international subscriptions available on request. Bahrain This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide
www.bahrainthismonth.com
COMMERCIAL INDEX Applied Science University............................................ 15 Berlitz............................................................................... 9 G4S Bahrain................................................................... 14 Lulu Hypermarket.......................................................... BC Mega Mart................................................................... IFC Nadeen School.............................................................. 17
St.Christopher's School................................................... 7 The British Council.......................................................... 5 The British Preparatory School...................................... 13 The British School of Bahrain........................................ 19 UNEECO Group.............................................................. 11
April 2018 1
unitedkingdomsupplement
Exciting Times Ahead
HE Simon Martin
LIZ O’REILLY British Ambassador, HE Simon Martin, outlines ever-deeper unilateral ties between the UK and Bahrain, including the opening of an important new Royal Navy facility in Juffair and the British University of Bahrain.
2 April 2018
We caught up with His Excellency on his return from a trip to the UK where Bahrain’s Economic Development Board (EDB) was participating in the Innovate Finance Global Summit and looking to promote the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding fintech sector. The Ambassador explains: “The EDB sees the UK as one of its most important partners in terms of investment and trade. It organised a road show in the UK to engage with the British fintech sector. Some of the companies that have established in Bahrain’s Fintech Bay were in London to promote the Kingdom as a centre for fintech in the Gulf. “The presence of the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism, HE Zayed Al Zayani, and EDB CEO, Khalid Al-Rumaihi, was a sign of the importance Bahrain puts on our bilateral ties. They took the opportunity to establish new relationships and promote the Gateway Gulf Investor Forum, which takes place in Bahrain in May. “One of the reasons that the UK is keen to be part of this initiative is down to the new, more outwardlooking approach, post the Brexit vote, which sees the British Government looking to reinvigorate our economic ties with partners outside the EU, and to take a more holistic view of the value of the trade and investment opportunities both into and from the UK.” He adds that, in a further display of confidence in post-Brexit Britain, Bahrain-based Investcorp has
made significant UK investments; Bahrain Financing Company (BFC) is the newest bank to be licensed in London; and Mumtalakat continues its relationship with McLaren, the British F1 racing team which has just accepted a seat on the Formula One board. Even small Bahraini homegrown business Villa Mama’s has popped up in London! Bilateral trade between the two nations was at just over USD1 billion last year and His Excellency says there is still room for further growth. He cites Bahrain’s major, well-structured infrastructure programme, which will be worth more than USD30 billion over the next decade, as an area in which British companies will be able to add their expertise bidding for major projects. “I also see a lot of potential for the use of the UK Export Finance facility, which has been transformed by the creation of the Department for International Trade [this is aimed at helping UK companies with their overseas trading efforts],” adds His Excellency. Another area in which the Ambassador is keen to highlight the, already excellent and steadily growing, level of collaboration and investment is higher education. Many of the Kingdom’s universities enjoy successful tie-ups with their British counterparts. These include Applied Science University, which works with both London South Bank and Cardiff Metropolitan Universities; Ahlia University, which has a successful joint PhD progamme with Brunel Business School; and Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance, which offers courses jointly with Bangor University in Wales and the University of Strathclyde in Scotland. His Excellency continues: “Testimony to the vibrancy in the Bahrain university sector is the focus from the Ministry of Education in promoting research and there are currently three joint projects going on between the University of Bahrain and Loughborough, Aston and Oxford Universities. They are concentrating on fields of sustainable development and particularly low-energy desalination, which is of great importance here.” And this month will see the opening of the brandnew British University of Bahrain, running three faculties – engineering, ICT and business studies – in partnership with the UK’s University of Salford. “This is a huge investment both for Salford University and for its Bahraini partners and shows a great level of confidence on both sides,” says His Excellency. “I think it will make a big difference to Bahraini students. We are fortunate that so many Bahrainis choose to study in the UK, but by being able to deliver a UK education to those who work and study in Bahrain, this will open the opportunity to gain a British degree to many more Bahrainis than before – and not just for Bahrain but for the wider GCC.” www.bahrainthismonth.com
unitedkingdomsupplement The opening will be performed by HRH Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, who will also be present at opening of the new British Naval Support Facility in Juffair – the first fixed facility east of Suez since the closure of the old HMS Jufair in 1971. Bahrain currently hosts some 100 British naval personnel, who operate out of the US Base, in support of British operations in the region. However, the new facility will increase that number to up to 600 with transit accommodation facilities allowing the existing ships to undergo crew rotation in Bahrain without having to return to their home base. The Ambassador also said that he expects the UK’s new aircraft carrier to be seen in Bahrain’s waters in the near future. “This is a huge moment,” says His Excellency. “Not just for the UK but also as a sign of our commitment to the security of the region. The new facility that’s been built jointly with the Royal Bahrain Naval Force will allow us to do more in respect of the security of shipping. It’s thanks to the encouragement and considerable support of the Bahraini Government and His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and signals the importance of this relationship to the UK that we should have this presence here. “As an aside, I’m also pleased to say there are two Bahraini naval cadets due to pass out from the Royal Naval College Dartmouth, this month.” In terms of technological and industrial development, His Excellency says there is strong interest from the UK Department of International Trade’s Smart Cities Team, which sees huge opportunities for collaboration with the Gulf countries, particularly Bahrain. A smart city is an urban area that uses different types of electronic data collection sensors to supply information which is used to manage assets and resources efficiently. This includes data collected from citizens, devices and assets that’s processed and analysed to monitor and manage traffic and transportation systems, power plants, water supply networks, waste management, law
The then UK Foreign Secretary , Philip Hammond, and Bahrain Foreign Minister, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa helped get building underway at the new Royal Navy facility in November 2015
enforcement, information systems, schools, libraries, hospitals and other community services. The Smart Cities Team is focused on aiding British companies to take advantage of this new overseas development opportunity. And in industry, there are also exciting announcements expected to be made in the coming weeks and months from Bluewater Bio, which is aiming to address the longstanding problem of sewage in Tubli Bay, and Oak Solutions, which aims to be the second stage of the Tubli solution, to stop future problems and clear the bay. Asked how he and his wife Sophie have enjoyed their first two and a half years in Bahrain, the Ambassador says: “We can’t think of a better country in which to serve as British Ambassador.” EDB representatives at the global summit
www.bahrainthismonth.com
April 2018 3
unitedkingdomsupplement Chelsea Pensioners with British Ambassador, HE Simon Martin, and BBBF Chairman, Khalid Al Zayani, OBE at the Poppy Ball
Best of British Trade relations between Bahrain and the UK have never been better, with more than USD1 billion passing between the two nations last year. We look at some of the most prominent British brands represented on the island. British influence in the Kingdom is, perhaps, nowhere more keenly felt than in the education sector. For many years schools such as St Christopher’s, the British School of Bahrain, Nadeen School and, newcomer, The British Preparatory School, among others, have offered an excellent, internationally recognised British education. And, while many young Bahrainis choose to study abroad, more recently higher education facilities, such as Applied Science University, Ahlia University and Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance, are enjoying fruitful partnerships with their British counterparts, particularly in areas such as information technology. The British Council has been present in Bahrain for more than 80 years, with its emphasis on cultural exchange and language studies. Specialist language school, Berlitz, has helped thousands of students prepare for life in English speaking countries and businesses. And Oasis Training offers various UK professional qualifications. 4 April 2018
There are a number of British-owned businesses across the Kingdom, such as leading global security operator G4S, which says its values of acting with integrity and respect and passion for safety, security and service excellence achieved through innovation and teamwork, led to its most successful year yet in 2017. Another notable company is Unisono, set up by two expats back in 2006 to be in on the ground of the branding and consultancy boom. Co-founder, Amy Morgan, says: “Not all British brands are great — but the great are great because they know who they are and what they stand for, and communicate their purpose with passion and distinction! There are also a number of ‘heritage’ brands that have achieved positive recognition because they have, at their heart, a sense of place and authenticity – they embrace their ‘Britishness’ and find relevant ways to reinterpret and express those attributes in ways that complement their product and connect with their customer.” In retail, it certainly isn’t hard for Brits, and those with a yen for UK products, to find a taste of home. They range from supermarkets, such as Megamart and Lulu, stocking a range of British food items, to fashion retailers such as Dorothy Perkins, Hackett London and Top Shop, shoes from Clarke’s and home wares at Jo Malone. Lulu even has a major distribution depot and
headquarters in Birmingham! And, of course, Britain has a strong, and growing, presence across heavier goods and industry, too. UNEECO uses UK-manufactured electrical products in its work with various government ministries, and British vehicles, from luxury to commercial, are a common sight on the Kingdom’s roads. The Bahrain British Business Forum – made up of nationals from the two countries with interests in promoting commerce, trade and understanding – recently said it continues to be the largest and most active business group in the Kingdom. Membership is on the up and the number of special interest groups, from oil and gas to women in business, has increased to nine across a wide range of sectors. The forum also organises the annual Poppy Ball and hosts various VIP visitors each year, including the Chelsea Pensioners, who have become a familiar sight around Remembrance Day in their scarlet tunics. On the social front, Britain’s influence is also clear, with a strong presence across the expat clubs. Bahrain Rugby Football Club hosts visiting UK teams and speakers, the Delmon Club has a large British contingent among its international membership and the British Club of Bahrain is the place to celebrate all things Brit, from pie and mash to St George’s Day. www.bahrainthismonth.com
THE BRITISH COUNCIL
Cultural and Educational Opportunities The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. The council creates international opportunities for the people of the UK and other countries and builds trust between them worldwide. Its presence in Bahrain for more than 80 years has brought the two nations closer through both cultural and educational exchange. The organisation is widely recognised for the excellence of its English courses and has taught multiple generations of Bahrainis and expatriates. Its Teaching Centre attracts more than 6,500 students annually, with over 19,000 class hours taught to the highest standard. The British Council in Bahrain has also been recognised with the Child Safety Award in the past year, and continues its efforts in maintaining the facility and curriculum to the highest quality. British Council is also a trusted distributor of a variety of globally recognised exams, including IELTS, IGCSE and Cambridge Admissions tests, with more than 12,000 students taking a variety of English school, university and professional exams. On the cultural front, the council is involved in arts, sports, science, skills development and higher education. The projects team has delivered more than 55 activities in the past 12 months, engaging 13 higher education institutes that included 4,000 parents and students as well as 436 teachers. Team members collaborated with more than 200 researchers and have captured an online audience of over 188,000
www.bahrainthismonth.com
people. Staff have also worked with multiple ministries in order to give amazing opportunities for growth and improvement to as many people as possible. This summer, the British Council is once again opening its doors to welcome thousands of children and adults onto its English summer course, designed to boost language skills over the course of one to two months. Visit www.britishcouncil.bh
April 2018 5
unitedkingdomsupplement
True Grit
Gordon Boyle The invention of the printing press brought about disruptive change
The problem of lice on farmed salmon is driving change
LIZ O’REILLY Five years on from a terminal cancer diagnosis, Gordon Boyle is going strong, thanks to a revolutionary treatment, and has just set up an exciting new business. Gordon, who is perhaps best known as the former CEO of BMMI, first came to the Gulf in 1993 to work for Al Marai in Saudi Arabia. He moved to Bahrain in 1999. A brief stint back in Saudi working in the food industry led him to BMMI, where he stayed for almost 16 years before “retiring” last December. Gordon first realised something was wrong back in 2013, when a back injury, sustained in a boating accident, stubbornly refused to heal. After much prompting from his wife, he finally 6 April 2018
saw a doctor and the news was not good. Not only had he fractured his spine but scans also showed the likely presence of cancer. A trip to London’s Royal Marsden specialist cancer centre confirmed the suspicion of multiple myeloma – a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell normally responsible for producing antibodies. Often, no symptoms are noticed initially. When advanced, bone pain, bleeding, frequent infections and anaemia may occur. Without treatment, the diagnosis would, almost certainly, have been a swift death sentence. But doctors suggested using stem cells to fight the disease and Gordon began a gruelling round of chemotherapy to break down his immune system before his own harvested cells could be reintroduced to his body.
Five years on, he visits the hospital every eight weeks for follow-up treatment and is grabbing life with both hands. He left BMMI last December, explaining: “I pretty much said to my boss ‘This is not a position for someone with terminal cancer.’ Yes, my treatment has worked and I feel fine but, as a result of it, my immune system is compromised. BMMI has plans for expansion, which would have meant lots of travel, much of it to African destinations where the risk of infection would have been higher, so it made sense for me to step aside. “The idea was supposed to be retirement, but…” That “but”, has come in the form of Ladders for Leaders, a consultancy with the mission of “Enabling common men and women to deliver uncommon results through disruptive change.” Gordon explains: “I read a lot and I look at what’s happened through history – you see things that’ve happened that you would call a ‘game changer’. For example, approximately 400 years ago there was the invention of the printing press. Prior to that, most people didn’t bother to learn to read and write because there was little for them to read. Books were handwritten and very expensive and mostly used either by the church or government. Then came the advent of printed paper and suddenly people wanted to learn to read and write and life underwent a disruptive change! “In our own time, an obvious example would be the arrival of the digital age. Communication now happens in real time. Whereas just a few years ago you would be looking at advance booking and great expense to make a longdistance phone call, now you just pick up your cell or send a message immediately – it’s a disruptive change that has altered the way businesses operate across the board from media to industry to travel.” One of the companies he is working with is involved in Norwegian salmon farming. Issues of lice and pollution affecting the fish have been widely publicised, thanks to the digital age and social media activism, so these forward-thinking entrepreneurs will bring farming operations onto land, where the water environment can be better controlled. Another, is a traditional supermarket in the north of England, which is using his expertise to deliver a brand story aimed at combatting mass production, another extremely disruptive change that’s occurred in the last few decades. So, from cancer ward to cutting edge, Gordon is ploughing ahead with his motto: “If you don’t keep yourself relevant, you get left behind!” www.bahrainthismonth.com
ST CHRISTOPHER’S SCHOOL
The Finest British Education St Christopher’s School has been educating children in the Kingdom since 1961. The importance of interweaving the rich heritage of the UK with that of its hosts has always been of paramount importance to the school. Offering a predominantly BritishInternational curriculum, the Arabic departments flourish, inviting Bahraini and expatriate students to learn the history, language and culture of the Kingdom. With 2,300 students, from over 70 nationalities, St Christopher’s has developed into an internationally renowned establishment benefitting from the excellence and hard work of a dedicated team. Alongside a consistently excellent record of academic success, St Christopher’s offers a fine programme of extracurricular activities and personal development opportunities, including overseas cultural, sporting and academic trips. St Christopher’s has been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ accreditation in “every area of inspection” by three prominent school
inspection authorities: British Schools Overseas, whose standards are recognised by the UK Department for Education as equivalent to OFSTED (Office for Standards in Education); the British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) Accreditation Programme; and the National Authority of Qualifications and Quality Assurance for Education and Training (BQA – Kingdom of Bahrain). In January, principal, Ed Goodwin OBE, was recognised for his commitment to education in Bahrain, firstly with an award for his “Outstanding Individual Contribution to International Education” at the prestigious BISAs (British International School Awards) ceremony in London, and later with a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the prominent GESS Education ceremony in Dubai. His dedication was also recognised in 2015, with an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours for “Services to Education Across the Middle East”, which he received from HRH Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace. St Christopher’s is internationally recognised
as one of the premier overseas BritishInternational, not-for-profit schools, with exceptional teaching, facilities and resources. The school is looking forward to continuing to provide the finest British education to the children of Bahrain. Call 17 605 000.
ST CHRISTOPHER’S SCHOOL Proudly Delivering The Finest British Education To The Kingdom Of Bahrain Since 1961
stchrisbahrain stchrisbahrain
The only NOT FOR PROFIT British-International School in Bahrain. All income from fees is used to run and further develop the School for the benefit of our students.
w w w. s t - c h r i s . n e t
www.bahrainthismonth.com
April 2018 7
unitedkingdomsupplement
LULU HYPERMARKET
Bringing the Best to Bahrain Shoppers at Lulu Hypermarkets are in for an English treat.
8 April 2018
Starting this month, Lulu Hypermarket will be offering a range of imported goods from the UK in Bahrain. This gala promotion will run across all outlets of the retail chain. Customers can benefit from special offers on some of the most popular products, which are household names all over the UK, as part of the ‘Best of British’ festival. The festival will showcase a wide, but carefully picked, cross-section of brands, from gourmet to household items. All of Lulu’s shopping outlets will have a quintessentially British feel and décor to delight shoppers of all ages. Many products will be specially flown in to fill the aisles of the supermarkets, some of the largest in Bahrain. In the edibles’ section, there will be a special emphasis on fresh meat, fish, cheeses and bread as well as fruit and vegetables flown in straight from the UK. With its own logistics and warehousing facility in Birmingham, the hypermarket claims to have one of the widest ranges of English products. You can easily whip up a traditional meal, such as fish and chips or a sumptuous Sunday roast, by choosing from fine ingredients offered in both the hot and cold food sections. The stores will also put up kiosks offering patrons product samples in various aisles. Some of the items available will be from renowned culinary brands like Lovemore, Ainsley, Jamie Oliver, Schwartz, Whitworth’s and the very delicious Thornton’s. Quintessential fare like lemon curd cookies, luxurious preserves, custards, crisps, condiments and milk products are up for grabs. A
huge range of organic foods, coffee, chocolates and Rowse-brand honey will be lining the shelves. Superior quality cleaning and other household items will also be available. The brand is the retail division of the EMKE group. It symbolises quality retailing and boasts wide market coverage, with 144 stores across the Middle East. The Bahrain division of Lulu Hypermarket became the first of its kind in the Kingdom to win the ISO 22000:2005 accreditation. It remains one of the fastest-growing retail chains in the world. The group’s vision is to set new standards in retail operations by tapping fresh opportunities, widening the network, expanding the range, innovating new promotion strategies and ultimately improving the service standards for customers by providing the best quality merchandise from across the world. Call 17 553-555. www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
G4S Bahrain Employee Awards Ceremony 2017 G4S Bahrain, the leading international security solutions provider, recently held its annual Employee Awards Ceremony at the Elite Resort and Spa Muharraq, where around 200 guests including major clients, G4S staff and VIP guests from UAE and UK attended to honour the hard-working and dedicated employees who performed exceptionally well in the year 2017.
Laila & Rizalina
Ahmed
Mr & Mrs Panchal
Bhushan
To view more images, scan the QR code
Rachna, Atanu, Sumaira & Graham
Seated: Jeanne & Carolyn Top: Rizalina, Roberto & Analyn
Berlitz_Bh www.bahrainthismonth.com
Mohsin & Ritu
Mohamed
Mr & Mrs Santacesaria
berlitzbah April 2018 9
unitedkingdomsupplement
MEGAMART
A Taste of Home Megamart prides itself on offering a wide range of British brands across its 11 supermarkets. Founded in 1994, the supermarket chain has always stocked an impressive variety of big names that are very familiar to UK nationals, including Tesco ownbrand items, Tate & Lyle, Natco, Ocean Spray, John West and many other perishable products too. A spokesman explained: “There was specific demand from our customers. Furthermore, the products are unique, offering good quality and price.” And the British brands are not just popular with UK expats, having found increasing favour with other nationalities due to the quality and variety available. With different items debuting regularly, Megamart’s team is always on the look out for new offers to please its loyal customer base. The team recently attended the Gulf Food Festival where it sampled various possible additions to the line. The spokesman added: “They are doing their homework to assess the items. The matter is in the pipeline.” Megamart currently has 11 outlets across the Kingdom, including Salamanya, Lulu Centre Manama, Juffair, Muharraq, Seqayya, Galali and Amwaj Islands with Express stores at Lulu Al Abraj, Riffa and Saar. A 12th opening is planned in Budaiya this month. The supermarket has regular special promotions on its British brands which are often publicised on in-store flyers and the UK goods are available across all stores. So, head to Megamart for a taste of Britain or a taste of home. 10 April 2018
www.bahrainthismonth.com
UNIVERSAL ELECTRO-ENGINEERING
Quality Assured UNEECO (Universal Electro-Engineering) is the go-to for several world-renowned brands. UNEECO is a leading manufacturer of low-voltage switchgear as well as representing various reputed brands of electrical and electronic products. UNEECO also markets various high-voltage equipment such as vacuum switchgear, ring main units and transformers manufactured by well-known companies globally. The company is always committed to customers, suppliers and bankers. UNEECO has been serving customers’ needs since 1976. UNEECO also represents UK-based Schneider Electric, which is a world-leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art low-voltage feeder pillars and fuse boards for installation in public distribution networks. A spokesman says: “We are very pleased to support our partners, UNEECO, in Bahrain, in the supply of these types of equipment to the Electricity and Water Authority and the wider market in the Kingdom.” Call 17 826-644.
LV Fuse Board
Mini Feeder Pillar
UK Tel: (+973) 17826644 Fax: (+973) 17827090 Website : www.uneeco.com
www.bahrainthismonth.com
April 2018 11
unitedkingdomsupplement BRITISH PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Celebrating a Milestone
Providing a caring and stimulating atmosphere for young students for a decade, the British Preparatory School is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
12 April 2018
With an aim to help every child reach his or her full potential, the British Preparatory School (BPS) opened in 2008, with Sandy Whitford, MBE, at its helm. What started off as a small operation in one villa with 15 children has come a long way since then, now extending to three villas, two large portacabins and 180 children. The school, which caters for children between 18 months and six years of age, is marking its 10th anniversary this year, thanks to Sandy and her dedicated team, who create an encouraging atmosphere to develop selfconfidence and a love of learning. Sandy was born and grew up in England, but due to her father’s military background, travelled around the world from a very early age. She was born to teach and reminisces about her childhood days, saying: “I used to play schools as a child and, of course, I was always the teacher. I taught my younger sister – not always to her amusement – as she said I was bossy! When at school in the UK, I taught at Sunday School. And when I travelled on the ship for three weeks to Singapore at 15, as it was during term time, I taught a class of young children.” With years of experience teaching in Oman and Abu Dhabi, she moved to Bahrain in 1980 with her late husband, who was a pilot for Gulf Air. She joined St Christopher’s School and was head teacher there for many years, overseeing landmark developments such as taking over the Awali School from Bapco and organising visits of UK royals to the school. After the sad demise of her husband in 2003 and her retirement in 2004, Sandy took to travelling again, but the island life drew her back to the Kingdom. With the encouragement of a friend (who also became a business partner) and years of teaching experience under her belt, she opened the British Preparatory School, and the rest is history.
Sandy Whitford
The school, as the name suggests, prepares children for future learning by building firm foundations, confidence and self-esteem, as well as grooming them for entry into the larger British curriculum schools. It enjoys good results with regards to ESL (English as a Second Language) programmes (for non-native speakers) and has a high percentage of students being accepted by the British School of Bahrain and St Christopher’s School, which also recommend BPS when they themselves do not have spaces available for students. Over the years, Sandy has undertaken charitable work through the Royal Society of St George, where she raised money for local causes. She also ran teaching courses through the Ministry of Education for Bahraini teachers and, in 2014, was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to education and the British community in Bahrain. She says much of her life has been guided by a sense of duty and encouraging British values, which have powered BPS to grow from strength to strength. Call 17 792-010. www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
George’s Marvellous Medicine Entertainment+ presented the stage play, George’s Marvelous Medicine, performed by the Birmingham Stage Company at the Cultural Hall.
To view more images, scan the QR code
The British Preparatory School
Performers on stage
The Key to Early Learning Phil
Roanna & Clive
Nicolas
Providing an excellent grounding in preparation for the larger British curriculum schools Please see our website for full details www.britishprepbahrain.com
Maria & James
Buthaina & Khalifa
Saar Avenue Telephone: 17792010 britprep@batelco.com.bh
Lesley. Badr, Yousif & Laila
Maha, Tina, Saif & Muhanned
www.bahrainthismonth.com
April 2018 13
unitedkingdomsupplement G4S BAHRAIN
Growing Business G4S’ Bahrain operation had its best year of growth in 2017. In the last three to four years, the company has registered a significant growth in revenue and profit due to the team’s change in strategy to provide new and additional integrated security solutions as a bundle to customers rather than solely as individual guarding, cash or systems. G4S Bahrain is in the process to opening two new companies, expected to be operational by mid-year. These are: facility management services and manpower recruitment. The company also has significant expansion plans for the existing business, including the investment of around USD300,000 for a new Cash Centre, which can provide cash processing and other cash-related advanced solutions to various banks. As well, G4S has introduced Cash360, an end-to-end, multiple benefit solution that provides essential cash management, banking and security protection to safeguard cash. Aside from this, G4S Systems division has now entered into automatic fire fighting solutionssuppression systems, which can extinguish fire without human intervention. It is also offering retail solutions in which an electronic surveillance article can prevent shoplifting from stores and libraries or removal of property from buildings. One of the biggest challenges the company faces is the manpower restriction as it is not allowed to employ more than 500 guards. This acts as a brake and even restriction on the company’s growth, particularly in the guarding division. Management is hoping to work with the relevant ministry to achieve a manpower extension or possibly to launch a new guarding services company to relieve the problem.
GM Atanu Sanyal unveils one of the new machines
Call 17 714-409.
An ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001 Certified Company
14 April 2018
www.bahrainthismonth.com
APPLIED SCIENCE UNIVERSITY
Proud International Collaboration Applied Science University (ASU) is one of the leading private universities in Bahrain. Founded in 2004 with a mission to support the Kingdom’s economic and social development, it runs 13 undergraduate and five postgraduate programmes, all approved by the Ministry of Education, and designed to develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills, focusing on STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Currently the university has more than 3,000 students following programmes in accounting and finance, business, computer science, engineering, graphic and interior design, law, management and political science. ASU understands the importance of having qualifications that are recognised internationally, so to address demand in Bahrain it introduced undergraduate programmes leading to British degrees: • ASU College of Engineering with London South Bank University (LSBU): - BEng (Hons) Architectural Design Engineering
www.bahrainthismonth.com
- BEng (Hons) Civil & Construction Engineering • ASU College of Administrative Sciences with Cardiff Metropolitan University (CMU): - BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance - BA (Hons) Management & Business Studies A spokesman says: “ASU values our collaboration with the British education sector, which is recognised across the world for its quality. Our partners are well-established universities. LSBU won Entrepreneurial University of the Year in the the University Awards 2016; and CMU and LSBU were both awarded Silver in the UK government’s Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). “As well as keeping subject knowledge updated, ASU is committed to excellent teaching practice. We are the first private university in Bahrain where over half of academic staff either have received or are preparing for the award of Fellowship by the UK’s Higher Education Academy (HEA), and we are proud to have this international recognition of our teaching standards.” ASU guarantees a high-quality learning
experience, and prepares graduates for successful careers in their chosen field so they can excel in today’s competitive global environment. Call 17 728-777.
April 2018 15
unitedkingdomsupplement War graves at the Old Christian Cemetery , Manama
Tyne Cot Cemetery
Of War and Peace Richard Pawson shines a light on a Britishborn institution that now has a worldwide role. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) was founded in 1917 under the vision of Sir Fabian Ware, who, at the age of 45, but too old to fight, commanded a Red Cross unit. He felt driven to ensure the final resting places of the dead would not be lost forever, so his unit began recording and caring for all the graves they could find. By 1915, their work was given official recognition and incorporated into the British Army as the Graves Registration Commission. Encouraged by the Prince of Wales, he submitted a memorandum to the Imperial War Conference. In May 1917, his recommendations were agreed, and the Imperial (subsequently Commonwealth) War Graves Commission was established by Royal Charter, with the Prince serving as president and Ware as vice-chairman. Its principles, still valid today, are: • Each of the dead should be commemorated by name on the headstone or memorial; • Headstones and memorials should be permanent; • Headstones should be uniform; • There should be no distinction made on account of military rank, race or creed. The CWGC has worked tirelessly to establish around 2,500 cemeteries all over the world. It now looks after more than 23,000 sites in 153 countries, honouring over 1.7 million men and 16 April 2018
women, who have died in war. After World War I, its members spent 10 years collecting bodies and artefacts, then transferring them to cemeteries, often established near the medical centres and hospitals of the war. Construction work was not fully completed before World War II started and thousands of casualties went undiscovered. Even today remains are found in Flanders and northern France. Those individuals, whose bodies cannot be identified or found, are remembered on monuments built nearby, such as Thiepval and the Menin Gate. The cemeteries and monuments are tended by local labour, whether in Flanders, Gallipoli, Bahrain or any other country. Member states of the Commonwealth that are signed up to the Commission (UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, India and South Africa) each pay their percentage for the upkeep. On gravestones, the individual’s name, rank and unit are centred as is his or her cap badge.
The memorial at the Manama cemetery
A religious symbol such as the crescent or Star of David may be added. The family can add a small inscription to the headstone (obscured by the photo). In terms of medals and honours, only the VC or the GC are ever added, no other awards. The grave of Captain Noel Chavasse, a doctor and Olympic athlete, is the only one to feature two VCs. He won his first VC in 1916 and then again in 1917 for rescuing wounded, while under fire. Cemeteries can by huge, and an aweinducing and sad sight, such as Tyne Cot near Ypres, in Belgium, the largest cemetery managed by the CWGC, with more than 40,000 memorials. One of the principles adopted by the CWGC, highlighted by these photographs, is that bodies are not repatriated unless specifically requested by the family, so those soldiers, sailors and airmen who died in or near Bahrain, for example, are buried here and the CWGC looks after the cemetery, including the private non-military graves.
The Bahrain cemetery at Manama, known as the Old Christian Cemetery, is one of two in the Kingdom. The other is located in Salmabad. There are 72 graves in Manama of individuals looked after by the CWGC and 33 in Salmabad. The first burial in the Old Christian Cemetery was in 1901. Shortly after, the remains of five British Royal Navy officers and men who had died in Bahrain between 1872 and 1889 and been buried outside the walls of what is now the Police Fort, opposite St Christopher’s Cathedral, were transferred to the cemetery. A memorial in the form of a small brick-built structure with a tiled roof and wrought iron gates, was erected in 1993 to commemorate the dead of the two world wars and also the restoration of the cemetery. This memorial has become the focal point of the Remembrance Day Service which is usually held at the cemetery in November – though it has been moved to the British Embassy for the past two years. www.bahrainthismonth.com
NADEEN SCHOOL
Decades of Dedication Nadeen School is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and is the proud recipient of a host of international awards. In January this year Nadeen School was the only school in the Middle East to bring back an award from the prestigious British International School Awards (BISA) in the UK. The recognition for ‘Outstanding Pastoral Initiative’ truly reflects and celebrates the school’s holistic approach to education and strongly held belief that all children, regardless of ability, have the right to an outstanding education. In March, Nadeen School was presented with another international award, for literacy excellence, after achieving the highest scores in Bahrain in the globally run PIRLS assessment. It is one of the founding members of the British Schools of the Middle East (BSME) and an accredited member of the group. Nadeen School is also one of only two British Schools Overseas (BSO) schools in Bahrain, registered and recognised by the British Government and Department for Education. Combining the best of many different education systems, with high-tech at one end of the spectrum and forest schools at the other, is the key to Nadeen’s success. Fundamental to its ethos and practise is its wholechild and child-centred approach to education. The school’s creative, individualised approach to the curriculum and to all pupils ensures students’ success, both personally and academically. The family-style school, with the motto “Small School – Big Family”,
is further enhanced through its green spaces, school farm, cosy campus and an open door policy. Parents and visitors are welcome at any time. Currently located in Umm Al Hassam, the school is actively looking for a new site and purpose-built campus to provide even more to its students and community. It is looking forward to the next stage of development and thanks all current and past families and staff for their support over the years. Call 17 728-886.
We offer a child-centered, holistic approach to education Since 1978, Nadeen School has been dedicated to providing a nurturing, safe, stimulating and encouraging environment in which children of all ages, nationalities, abilities and strengths can develop a lifelong love for exploration and learning. We have 50 nationalities in Primary School, Pre Nursery up to Year 6.
Tel: 17 728886 Email: info@nadeenschool.com www.nadeenschool.com
Accredited member:
www.bahrainthismonth.com
April 2018 17
e r o m o D NLINE! O med r o f n i mers
usto
gc n i p e e K
s image log & s o our b t vide • Pos it/ update y gs m in • Sub ge your list cial offers a e • Man iscounts/sp events e td • Pos ote & updat m • Pro to reveiws ly • Rep d menus oa • Upl
ONLY- per month
/ 9 9 777 D 3 1 B 8 3 17 7 9 + : . l e T
thebhrg
www.theBHRG.com
bystander
Unbound Bahrain Launch HE Simon Martin, British Ambassador, and wife Sophie, along with Khaled Al Rumaihi, chief executive of Bahrain Economic Development Board, and Daniel Seal, founder of Unbound Bahrain, held a reception at the British Embassy garden to celebrate the launch of Unbound Bahrain. Majid Zayani, Fuad, HE Simon Martin, Sophie, Jalil Al Ansari, Abdulla Juma & Mohammed
Daniel
Yazan, Shaikh Abdulla & Ali
Mark, Cameron & Derrick
Mazin & Nasser Al Arrayedh
Lawrence & Paul
Shabkhez
Pasquale
Steve, Oksana & Raphaelle
Happy Birthday Queen Elizabeth!
WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME BACK BACK BACK TOTOTO SCHOOL! SCHOOL! SCHOOL!
The Information Communications & Technology (ICT) Special Interest Group of the Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF) conducted a presentation on cyber safety for its members and their guests at the Capital Club Bahrain.
Excellence, Excellence, Responsibility, Responsibility, Individuality Individuality
Excellence,“An Responsibility, Outstanding “An Outstanding School” School” -Individuality The- Bahrain The Bahrain QQA, QQA, 20162016 BritishBritish School School British of Bahrain School of Bahrain of Bahrain
www.britishschoolbahrain.com www.britishschoolbahrain.com www.britishschoolbahrain.com
Academies: Academies: +973 +973 1761 0943/73 1761 0943/73 Academies: +973 1761 0943/73
BritishSchoolBahrain BritishSchoolBahrain BritishSchoolBahrain
Admissions: Admissions: +973 Admissions: +973 1761 0944 1761 +973 0944 1761 0944
academies@thebsbh.com academies@thebsbh.com academies@thebsbh.com
Thebsbh Thebsbh Thebsbh
admissions@thebsbh.com admissions@thebsbh.com admissions@thebsbh.com
HR: hrcv@thebsbh.com HR: hrcv@thebsbh.com HR: hrcv@thebsbh.com
www.bahrainthismonth.com
The British School of Bahrain presented a cheque for BD500 to the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) during a visit to the site.
April 2018 19
bystander
Vineeth & Nizam
World Food Festival Lulu Hypermarket inaugurated its World Food Festival in the presence of BCCI’s newly elected board member, Samir Nass, other board members, Lulu Hypermarket’s director for Egypt and Bahrain, Juzer Rupawal, and senior management.
To view more images, scan the QR code
The cake-cutting ceremony
Madonna & Jason
Hussain & Jabran
Richard & Anashe
Sajith, Juzer, Batool Dadabhai, Ravi & Shukoor
Joey & Paula Melanie, Ahmed & Soo
Macbeth for Kids S4K Music Theatre’s Julian Chenery and Matt Gimbett musical adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth was performed at the Cultural Hall.
To view more images, scan the QR code
Performer on stage
Emily, Saoirse & Hannah
Zara, Sakina & Fatima
20 April 2018
Talal & Paula
Oliver, Oscar & Bella
Maria & Talal
Khadiya & Iman
Jerome & Sara
www.bahrainthismonth.com
SUMMER, IN STYLE.