201512 dec

DECEMBER 2015

www.endeavourmagazine.com

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EDITOR’S NOTE Heads of Departments Editor in Chief Daemon Sands daemonsands@littlegatepublishing.com

W

e are finally reaching the end of 2015, and, as we look to close this year, now may be the time to reflect on what it brought us. For much of the previous months, the topic of discussion

Director General Don Campbell doncampbell@littlegatepublishing.com

has been the Syrian refugee crisis, with many countries deliberately

Editorial Research Manager Alex Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com

could are turning them away and closing their doors against an

Sales Director Tyler Harrison tylerharrison@littlegatepublishing.com

of these countries was measured by the 1200 people that died in

Sales Manager Emlyn Freeman emlynfreeman@littlegatepublishing.com

opening their arms to those in need whilst those who should and international need. For many in the international community the guilt April. Combined with this is the looming threat of terrorism, which, with the bombings in Paris, has left the world with a feeling of searing confusion, doubt and paranoia.

Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com

As always, nothing spreads like bad news and so there has been little

Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com

the desperate and terrified, the pictures of people working together,

Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com

else seen on the news and media sites. When compared to imagery of building a future and developing the foundations for a long lasting peace are often featured several pages away from the front.

It is illuminating that countries like Turkey have taken in over 1.9 million refugees, followed closely by Jordan, Iraq and Germany, while the UK Prime Minister announced that the UK would take 20,000

Any enquiries or subscriptions can be sent to info@littlegatepublishing.com ENDEAVOUR MAGAZINE is published by Littlegate Publishing LTD which is a Registered Company in the United Kingdom.

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Suite 10, Thorpe House 79 Thorpe Road Norwich, NR1 1UA

Littlegate Publishing Ltd does not accept responsibility for

over the next five years and expected the world to applaud him.

The simple fact is, that whereas the UK always expects international aid whenever it asks for it, it is far too quick to scrimp on the return favour. This may have been an imperial privilege at the turn of the last century when the Government/media machine controlled the majority of what people heard and believed, but now history is not written by the victors, it is written by the people. 2 million people cried for help and the most the UK was able to muster was to offer less than half a percent a year.

For those people, 2015 has been an unsettled, frightful time; a

omissions or errors. The points of view expressed in articles

dark chapter in their lives that will not be forgotten. For those of us

by attributing writers and/or in advertisements included in this

fortunate enough to not be amongst that number, it is not a time to

magazine do not necessarily represent those of the publisher.

Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely

dwell on what might have been but to focus on the future ahead and

coincidental. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy

how we can make it a bright one, as an international community.

of the information contained within this magazine, no legal

There is a simple question that could change the world:

responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising from use of information published. All rights reserved. No part

“May we help?”

of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrievable system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher.

Copyright © Littlegate Publishing Ltd 2015

Endeavour Magazine | 3

CONTENTS

45

Super Star Forwarders

FEATURES

99

Rand Mutual Assurance

4 | Endeavour Magazine

11

17

25

31

39

45

51

57

71

77

83

89

95

101

107

113

119

125

131

Qatar Rail The Most Modern Railway Network MovieTowne Entertainment Redefined Fuchs Lubricants Smoothly Growing COVER STORY Ketraco Powering Vision 2030 C.O. Williams Construction Ltd The Earth Moved Super Star Forwarders Industry Superstars Allied Caterers An Army Marches On Its Stomach SANBS The Easiest Way To Save A Life Asia Plantation Capital Sustainable Growth In Growing Sustainably British Petroleum Trinidad & Tobago A Lasting Legacy PNG Power Keeping The Lights On POTRAZ Calling From Africa COVER STORY Beekman Group Setting The Standard For Vacation Providers Rand Mutual Assurance The Foundation For Another 120 Years Shanta Gold Digging Deep Daimler Fleet Management Cut Out The Headache COVER STORY Inland Offshore Contractors Ltd Defining The Oil Industry Laxmanbhai Construction Ltd Leaving A Lasting And Promising Impact Tsakos Columbia Ship Management All Aboard

51

Allied Caterers

123 Laxmanbhai Construction Ltd

ARTICLES 3 6 66

138 142

146

Editor’s Note Business Headlines Automotives The Future Of Cars Together California - Largest Market For 0 Emissions Gadgets Travel What It Means To Be A Digital Nomad Peer-To-Peer Accommodation Book Reviews Endeavour Magazine | 5

BUSINESS HEADLINES WE MAY HAVE TO RETHINK THE RISE OF DIABETES IN BIG CITIES

I

nternational research led by University College London (UCL)

“We have a longstanding commitment to provide more than just

as part of the ‘Cities Changing Diabetes’partnership programme

pharmaceuticals to the fight against diabetes. Research of this nature

challenges current scientific understanding of the rapid rise of

illustrates precisely why we initiated Cities Changing Diabetes – to

diabetes in cities. The findings suggest that in cities around the

fundamentally change the trajectory of the disease through targeted

world, social and cultural factors play a far more important role in

actions informed by new understanding.”

the spread of the epidemic than previously thought.

The Cities Changing Diabetes partnership has three distinct

More than two thirds of the world’s 400 million people with

but interconnecting phases – mapping, sharing and action. With

diabetes live in urban areas. The year-long study for Cities Changing

the initial mapping phase now complete, the Copenhagen Summit

Diabetes, a unique public-private-academic partnership, sought to

meeting will see 250 expert delegates from around the world come

better understand what makes people vulnerable to type 2 diabetes

together to discuss the learnings and discuss solutions to tackle

in cities in order to inform solutions for one of the most pressing

diabetes in cities.

modern-day public health challenges. To explore this complex

In the longer-term, the partnership aims to tackle the rise of

issue, more than 550 interviews were undertaken with at-risk and

diabetes in cities around the world via the sharing of insights and

diagnosed people in five major cities – Copenhagen, Houston,

knowledge of participants. In 2016, Vancouver and Johannesburg

Mexico City, Shanghai and Tianjin.

will become the latest cities to join the programme and contribute

“By largely focusing on biomedical risk factors for diabetes,

to the international pool of evidence.

traditional research has not adequately accounted for the impact of social and cultural drivers of disease,” says David Napier, Professor of Medical Anthropology, UCL. “Our pioneering research will enable cities worldwide to help populations adapt to lifestyles that make them less vulnerable to diabetes.”

The study found that diabetes vulnerability in cities is linked to a complex mix of social and cultural factors – responsible for both putting people at greater initial risk and subsequently making them

KEY FINDINGS FROM STUDY CITIES • In Houston, the traditional notion of disadvantage being equal to vulnerability is no longer the rule and both people with and without financial constraints may be vulnerable to diabetes • In Mexico City, gender roles may contribute to

less likely to be diagnosed, receive treatment and maintain good

increased vulnerability as women neglect their own

health. The identified social factors included financial, geographical,

health to avoid being seen as burdensome

resource and time constraints while cultural determinants included the perception of body size and health and deep-seated traditions.

“The insights we have gained from the Cities Changing Diabetes research have fundamentally changed the way we think about diabetes in our city,” said Dr Armando Ahued Ortega, Minister of Health of Mexico City. “This new understanding of sociocultural risk factors will guide the development of increasingly efficient and targeted public health policies to support the health and wellbeing of our citizens.”

Prompted by the findings, Novo Nordisk has pledged to support the fight against urban diabetes via the investment of 20 million USD of expert resource and research funds by 2020. Commenting on the promise, Lars Rebien Sørensen, president and chief executive, Novo Nordisk said: 6 | Endeavour Magazine

• In Copenhagen, diabetes is often not highest in a person’s hierarchy of need, given many other social and health issues such as unemployment, financial difficulties and loneliness • In Shanghai, the cultural trend for the denial of hardship was seen to prevent people with diabetes from seeking help from friends, family and healthcare professionals • In Tianjin, people with diabetes reported a wide range of causes of the condition including poor food choices, overworking and poor mental health • Rapid Expansion in Shanghai is thought to be a contributing factor

SCANDIC WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FOR PROMOTING DIVERSITY

S

diversity, the Specialprisen for Mangfoldighed 2015. The

with

consideration

award was presented by Mayor of Copenhagen, Frank Jensen,

respect

regardless

at the festive Great Place to Work 2015 ceremony held at Wallmans

origin,

ethnicity,

Cirkusbygningen in Copenhagen.

sexual

orientation.

candic received a special prize for its work in the area of

“We treat our employees and of

age,

gender

or

Diversity

In their verdict, the judges cited that Scandic had successfully

and inclusion are extremely

adapted its entire business to make diversity among employees, a

important to us and we know

strength. One example of this is the way Scandic bridges language

what

barriers by using pictures and pictogram solutions on tablets.

Scandic has employees from no

we’re

talking

about:

“It is with great pride that we accept this prestigious and unique

less than 120 different countries

prize for our work to promote diversity. We see people’s differences

who interact daily and help make

as a strength and gladly give new Danish citizens, people with

us more competitive,” says Lena

disabilities and disadvantaged young adults the chance to work with

Bjurner, SVP HR, Scandic Hotels.

us,” says Jens Mathiesen, Managing Director Scandic Denmark.

During the evening, Scandic

“What diversity at Scandic Hotels means can best be illustrated

Denmark was also ranked the

by the following quotation from a Scandic employee: “The best thing

fourth most attractive workplace

I’ve learned at Scandic is how our diversity can contribute to positive

in the country according to Great

results. When cooperation between several nationalities leads to

Place To Work’s best workplace

greater unity, it’s just fantastic.” This is an effort that we feel is worth

survey. The results came from

rewarding. Congratulations to Scandic Hotels on winning this special

employee surveys conducted

prize,” says Frank Jensen, Mayor of Copenhagen.

across Denmark and this is the

Diversity is a prioritised area within the entire Scandic Group and there are several activities ongoing in other countries to facilitate

first time that Scandic Denmark participated.

integration and promote diversity among Scandic’s employees.

CANADA GOOSE BOLSTERS ‘MADE IN CANADA’ COMMITMENT WITH OPENING OF SECOND WINNIPEG MANUFACTURING FACILITY

C

anada

Goose,

leading

Waldner. Dani Reiss, Canada Goose President & CEO (Right), and

maker

of Arctic

luxury

Kevin Chief (Left), Minister of Jobs and the Economy open Canada

apparel, officially opened

Goose’s second manufacturing facility in Winnipeg. Photography by

its second manufacturing facility

Lisa Waldner. (Canada Goose)

in Winnipeg today. Creating

The 103,000 square-foot facility, first built in 1982, has been

more than 350 new jobs over

repurposed with state-of-the-art manufacturing technology to

the next 18 months, the new

produce classic Canada Goose parkas as well as new lightweight

facility will help the company

down styles for the Fall/Winter 2016 collection, which will be

meet continued growing global

sold in over 50 countries. The new factory is the company’s latest

demand for its Made-in-Canada

investment in rebuilding the apparel manufacturing infrastructure in

outerwear.

Canada. According to Industry Canada, between 2010 and 2014

Dani Reiss, Canada Goose President & CEO (Right) and Kevin

Chief

the Canadian apparel manufacturing industry lost 12,000 jobs, decreasing at an annual rate of 11 per cent.1

(Left),

Minister

“With the opening of a fourth factory, our commitment to

the

Economy

keeping production on Canadian soil is stronger than ever. We’re

open Canada Goose’s second

proud of our role in bringing manufacturing jobs back to Canada and

manufacturing

are honoured to be doing it in Winnipeg,” said Dani Reiss, President

of Jobs

and

facility

in

Winnipeg. Photography by Lisa

& CEO, Canada Goose.

TRAVEL The Digital Noman Endeavour Magazine | 7

WHAT DO ARABS DREAM ABOUT?

A

rab

countries’

social

and

realities

political,

that the most popular keywords

economic

in Syrians’ dreams are “scream”,

affect

“oppressors”, “cave”, “injuries”,

their

nationals’ dreams.

We spend a third of our

“cold”,

“lost”,

“reside”

and

“frightening”, “leave”.

These

lives sleeping. What if we can

words paint a picture of war and

unlock the mystery of what

displacement; further confirming

happens in our subconscious

that

minds

instability directly affects the

when

we’re

asleep?

a

country’s

political

subconscious dreams of locals.

Are our dreams connected to one another? Does our local

The top words used in the

environment influence what we

dreams Egyptians posted on

dream about? What if we had a

Jawabkom

were

“flag”,

and

tool that can analyse hundreds

Jawabkom connects over 6 million registered Arabic-speakers

“land”, which could be suggesting

of thousands of people’s dreams

with professional practitioners in fields such as; law, nutrition, IT,

Egyptians’ desire to establish a

to reveal statistically significant

health, auto repair, and dream interpretation. The company analyzed

stable and growing country now

data about dream trends people

more than 10,000 dreams per Arab country, submitted by users

that elections have commenced.

share

since September this year.

in

each

geographic

For

top

words

found in dreams were “fire”,

location. And what if this dream analysing tool finally exists? It

Iraqis,

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN REALITY AND DREAMS

“neighbours” and “weak”. These

is called Jawabkom What have

According to Jawabkom’s data, top keywords used in Palestinian

could be stemming from local

Arabs been dreaming about in

users’ dreams are “chasing me”, “mosque”, “attacking me”, “Palestine”

instability and a lack of control

their sleep during the conflict

and “lion”. The set of words alludes to the conflict over Al Aqsa

over surroundings.

over Al Aqsa and the Syrian

Mosque.

We

found

a

feeling

of

migration crisis? As we continue

“We’ve found the same result across the board, confirming that

unease in Libya, where the

to wonder if countries’ realities

countries’ political and economic circumstances affect citizens’

most popular words in dreams

affect citizens’ wellbeing in the

dreams. Top keywords in troubled countries were dark, tense and

included “scorpion”, “paralysed”

land of sleep, the Arab world’s

express fear or worry. On the other hand, keywords in stable and

and “leaving”. The combination

largest

question-and-answer

wealthy Arab nations were calmer, sometimes even vague, a sign of

perhaps

website,

Jawabkom,

stability and peace of mind,” Raed Malhas, CEO of Jawabkom, said.

struggles experienced by asylum

reveals

thought-provoking answers.

To shed more light on Malhas’s conclusion, Jawabkom found

expresses

common

seekers, including the paralysis

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8 | Endeavour Magazine

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caused by the difficulty to leave

keywords such as “door”, “car” and “ring” were the most common in

a homeland.

people’s dreams. On the other hand, the top keyword found in the

As

for

Lebanon,

where

dreams of Kuwaitis was “large”, and “prince” in Qataris’ dreams.

politics is usually unpredictable, among the top keywords were “demolishes”

and

DO ARABS FEEL WITH ONE ANOTHER?

“prayers”,

Owing to these results, Jawabkom was also curious to test the

pointing to volatility of the

idea of Arab unity. Do Arabs feel with each other? Jawabkom explored

country’s political landscape.

the question by digging in to see if Syrians were on our minds during

In some cases, however,

the migration crisis. Dream data showed they were. The countries

grievances didn’t have to exist

that dreamt the most about “Syria” or “Syrians”, with at least a few

within the country itself for

hundred dreams having those keywords, were Saudi Arabia, UAE,

them to be at the forefront of

Morocco, Kuwait, Algeria, Qatar and Egypt, respectively.

dreamers’ minds. Jordan, which

Jawabkom, which was founded a year and a half ago by ex-

falls between warzones and is

Microsoft veterans Raed Malhas and Deniz Erkan, used its enormous

home to refugee influxes, shows

database of user generated inquiries to extract these dream results

that anxiety from its neighbours

that opens a window into the Arabs’ subconscious minds.

has leaked in. Top keywords

“Besides aiming to become one of the largest online trusted

found in Jordanians’ dreams

brands in the Arab world, I’m hoping we can build the largest dream

were “my home”, “my children”.

database ever created. Imagine having a database with tens of

These contrast

dreams,

however,

sharply with

those

Jawabkom found in the GCC,

millions of dreams that you can slice and analyse geographically, demographically, periodically, and more. That is a dream on its own” said Raed Malhas, CEO of Jawabkom.

where political and economic stability Arabia, “my and

prevail. top

In

Saudi

keywords

husband”,

“my

“pregnant”,

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mother”

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that family dynamics are an

milestone within such a record time. The platform was founded

important subject on people’s

by Jordanian-American entrepreneur, Raed Malhas, and Turkish-

minds in the Kingdom.

American entrepreneur, Deniz Erkan -both of whom are former

In United Arab Emirates,

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QATAR RAIL WWW.QR.COM.QA 974 4433 1111

BUILDING ONE OF THE MOST MODERN RAILWAY NETWORKS IN THE WORLD WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

Doha Metro in Qatar’s capital city will be one of the most advanced rail transit systems in the world when Phase I becomes operational by the end of 2019 and we were fortunate enough to speak with Engineer Sultan Al-Anzi, EVP of Operations at Qatar Rail. The development of the Doha Metro, was originally planned for 2007, as part of a bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Doha. While they lost the bid to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Doha still proceeded with the project in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup which it won the bid for in 2010.

Endeavour Magazine | 11

QATAR RAIL

“With road travel being an extensive mode of transport, Qatar has

always enjoyed a well-developed road network made up of a highway system and expressways,” Eng. Sultan Al-Anzi tells us, “The public transport that does exist is mainly provided by Mowasalat, a state-owned integrated ground transportation company.”

R

ecognising the importance of a reliable and aesthetically

Company (QRDC), for implementing, developing and managing the

representing infrastructure, these requirements led for the

conceptual design of the railway plan. In this joint venture, Qatari

proposal of a comprehensive railway network for future

Diar would hold 51% and DBI 49% shares in the joint venture (JV)

development in the Greater Doha area and in the state as a whole.

company.

The rail transit system is part of the Qatar Government’s

However in 2011, Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail)

€130bn diversification and modernisation strategy, which involves

purchased the shares held by DBI in the JV and became the sole

public and private investments. This campaign also aims to reduce

owner of QRDC. In this regard the project is now being executed

the country’s dependency on natural gas exports. The project is

directly by Qatar Rail instead of QRDC, with support from DB

already underway, with contracts for the first phase being awarded

International.

in August 2012 and the ground breaking celebration taking place

Estimated at costing $36billion, the Doha metro network is

two months later on the 10th of October 2012. Work has started

planned to be built in phases and will become one of the most

on the Msheireb interchange station, which will serve as the hub

modern railway networks in the world with four lines, namely the

for the metro’s operations.

Red, Green, Gold and Blue metro lines, an overall length of 300km

“The objective of the transport master plan for Qatar is to

and 98 stations. Bids for the lines were submitted in 2012 and early

develop attractive, efficient and reliable public transport in the

2013 and Phase I of the project includes construction of all four

country,” he explains.

lines and two major stations. Construction of this phase has been

Doha Metro is part of a larger railway network, which consists

underway since 2013 and Eng. Saltan Al-Anzi assures us that it is

of five modern and flexible railway systems integrated across the

expected to be completed in October 2019, three years ahead of

Persian Gulf and Eng. Sultan Al-Anzi reveals that the larger network

the 2022 World Cup.

includes the development of passenger and freight rail transport

Automated fare collections: Contactless systems that typically

systems, along with fast rail links to the international airport, based

involve passengers pre-paying their fare online or at the station

on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) feasibility study.

and then holding a card or token up to a sensor at a gate have been

“The master plan involves development of a metro railway

extensively used. This means of payment, the predominant form

system in Qatar, in addition to long-distance and freight lines

in the likes of the London Underground, has proved to be highly

connecting the emirate with the rest of the GCC,” he says,

efficient and preferred by international commuters.

“Currently in the planning stage, the GCC network will connect six

Platform screen doors: Increasingly common in new and

member states, namely Oman, UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait

retrofitted metro systems, these are separate doors that act as

and Bahrain, with a 1,940km rail network.”

a safety barrier between the platform and the tracks. Another

In August 2008, national development agency Qatari Diar Real

feature is that some of the trains, akin to a system built in Dubai,

Estate Investment appointed the German national railway company

will be fully automated and driverless, negating the need for human

Deutsche Bahn (DB) to produce plans for a railway network in the

operators.

country. It was DB International (DBI), theglobal wing of Deutsche

Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail), the company overseeing

Bahn, and Qatari Diar who prepared conceptual designs for the

the construction of the Qatar’s integrated railway network, had

consolidated railway network development in Qatar.

nearly completed 20km of tunnels dug on the Doha Metro project,

Originally, in 2009, Qatari Diar and DB signed an agreement to form a joint venture known as Qatar Railways Development

12 | Endeavour Magazine

a landmark that clearly highlights the progress of the tunnelling works underneath Doha city.

QATAR RAIL

Qatar Rail already received the 21 Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) assigned for the project, after being imported from

linings along the drilled sections to reinforce the bored tunnel and stabilise the ground.

Herrenknecht, the German world market leader in mechanised

The Doha Metro’s Red Line has launched all tunnel-boring

tunnelling technology. Most of Qatar Rail TBMs are currently

machines, which are Lebretha, Al Mayeda, Al Khor, Al Biddaa,

operational, with expectations to successfully accomplish the

Lehwaila, Al Wakra, Msheireb, Doha and Al Zubara. Tunnelling

tunneling phase by the second quarter of 2017.

works are progressing according to plan where the accumulative

Eng. Abdulla Abdulaziz T. Al Subaie, Managing Director of Qatar

dug of these TBMs reached 11880m for both northern and

Rail, said, “Qatar Rail has overcome many challenges to launch a

southern sections. In parallel, the Green Line also launched its six

successful tunnelling phase at Doha Metro project. Our philosophy

TBMs with an accumulative tunneling of 6653m executed by Al

is to talk about what we have achieved, rather than share intangible

Rayyan TBM, Al Gharrafa, Al Messila, Al Sheehaniya, Leatooriya

promises. Today, we are pleased to announce the completion of

and Lijmailiya TBMs, while the tunneling drive recorded 150m

nearly 20km of tunnels out of 113km; a development that we at

until now at the Gold Line, which has received its six tunnel-boring

Qatar Rail are proud of. Thanks to all workers and stakeholders

machines; Lusail, Sharq, Al Sadd, Al Waab, Al Sailiya and Ras bu

contributing to the success of this national project in alignment with

Abboud (Airport City North).

Qatar’s National vision 2030, the Doha Metro tunnelling works are progressing as planned in adherence to global standards”.

Eng. Saad Ahmed Al Muhannadi, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Rail, discussed the latest updates of the rail projects said,

The TBMs are a key component in implementing the Doha

“During the past year, we have achieved remarkable milestones on

Metro innovative project; a high-tech mechanised alternative to

the Doha Metro and Lusail Light Rail Transit (LRT) projects thanks

conventional methods of design-and-build mining, drilling and

to the joint efforts of the company and its contractors. Particularly,

blasting tunnels through everything from soft ground to hard rocks.

the tunnelling phase for the Doha Metro was successfully launched

They form circular tunnels through the rock and can install concrete

as we achieved great records of 11880m of tunnel dug at the Red

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Fixed Foam Fire Extinguishing Systems Restaurant wet chemical fire suppression - R102/ Piranha Deluge systems VESDA® air sampling smoke detection systems Redline portable, CleanGuard and wheeled extinguishers AutoPulse Fire Suppression & Control system Flame detection Simplex Fire Alarm System Twin Agent Skid mounted suppression units Dry Chemical extinguishing systems

14 | Endeavour Magazine

Kitchen Fire Suppresion Systems

Line, 6653m at the Green Line and 150m at the Gold Line. With

gave insight on “the other life being led underground” showing

a skilled team and advanced machines, we were able to tackle

the route of each TBM operating, the machinery details and the

obstacles and ensure works are moving forward.”

improvement at this stage.

Commenting on complications that may occur during the

Qatar Rail’s interactive event was followed by a site visit to Al

TBMs operations underground, Al Muhannadi said, “Challenges

Sudan Gold Line Underground station, where attendees were able

are the rule of any innovative project similar to Qatar Rail’s current

to inspect some of the tangible and concrete progress of Qatar

endeavour and these encounters might be logistic - like finding the

Rail’s developments in general and the Tunnel Boring Machines

best way to manage excavations left-over at any site or between

(TBM) operations specifically.

two different locations, or geo-technical, as no matter how good our

Needing only one point of entry, TBMs can drill right below

surveys were, we will keep on discovering what the underground

the city streets, practically unknown to the crowds above. They

world is hiding, from groundwater conditions to voids and cavities,”

are also ideal for long lengths of uninterrupted tunnelling, as

He also noted, “Technical hitches cannot be avoided while

required by the Doha Metro project. Having limited environmental

implementing such a huge and complex project, however, they can

footprints, the machines have very little impact on the infamously

be dealt with in an efficient, effective and timely manner. We were

high water levels that lie beneath Doha. Dust pollution associated

proud of the team who handled a flooding situation at Al Bidda

with construction sites is virtually non-existent as all work takes

station earlier this year, which had no delay or impact on the Doha

place approximately 20 metres below the surface. The Doha Metro

Metro progress. When and if such incidents occur, it is our duty to

project is using 7 metre diameter TBMs, producing a tunnel with a

react immediately.”

diameter of 6.7 metres.

A presentation on the Qatar Rail projects and the tunnelling

“2019 is right around the corner and so we are leaving nothing

mechanism was also shared by Eng. Hamad Ibrahim Al Bishri,

to chance and working with the best,” Eng. Sultan Al-Anzi advises,

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Rail. The demonstration

“Combining talent with vision is the way to achieve greatness.”

HVAC, Plumbing & Drainage, Fire Fighting, Electrical & ELV, Energy Centers, Street Lighting, Traffic Signals, Facility Management

TRAGS Electrical & Air Conditioning Co. W.L.L Tel : Engineering 444 14 211, Fax : 444 13 306 : 444 14 211, Fax : 444 13Doha 306 - Qatar P.O Box : Tel 470, Jaidah Tower 1st Floor, P.O Box : 470, Jaidah Tower 1st Floor, Doha - Qatar Email : tragseng@tragsengineering.com Email : tragseng@tragsengineering.com www.tragsengineering.com www.tragsengineering.com Endeavour Magazine | 15

16 | Endeavour Magazine

MOVIETOWNE WWW.MOVIETOWN.COM 001868 687 21 01

ENTERTAINMENT REDEFINED WRITTEN BY DAEMON SANDS

The MovieTowne brand is a cultural icon in the Caribbean and its name has become synonymous with the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. So far ahead of its time is this venture and so fierce is the drive of its CEO and founder, Derek Chin that it is set to become the standard of entertainment in The West Indies.

Endeavour Magazine | 17

MOVIETOWNE

A lush landscape, tempered with a prominent grace and a rich cultural heritage Trinidad and Tobago has formed the epitome of a welcoming Caribbean paradise.

I

n addition to its outstanding natural beauty, the archipelagic republic, which lies off the coast of Venezuela in the Caribbean is one of the wealthiest countries in the region and on paper

enjoys a per-capita income many times higher than a majority of the surrounding islands, not to mention the wider Latin American continent.

An untouched gem, Trinidad and Tobago enjoys an abundance of oil and gas reserves, a naturally tropical environment and a vibrant, life-loving people who are making and have made significant strides to develop their nation to the point where the rest of the world are looking at this region of West Indies as one of the fastest growing economies.

Via a combination of Government initiatives aimed at diversifying the national economy and ever-increasing investment from private enterprise, Trinidad and Tobago is laying dominance to its rightful place as the central tourist hotspot of the West Indies. Much of the credit for this must be given to one of the most visionary and eccentric businessmen to come from the islands, Derek Chin; founder of MovieTowne.

Derek Alexander Chin, entrepreneur extraordinaire, enjoys an extremely dynamic and illustrious career as the Chairman/CEO of MovieTowne (Multicinemas Trinidad Limited); Trinidad Commercial Development Company Limited; and Dachin Enterprises. Aswell as being a highly motivating force in business development he is also a keen intellect having attended Trinity College and St. Mary’s College. He then went on to the University of Western Ontario, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

After a period serving as the Senior Auditor with KPMG, Canada, he returned to Trinidad in 1981, where he pioneered the Video Arcade Gaming Industry.

MOVIETOWNE MovieTowne is known as the premiere Cineplex, shopping 18 | Endeavour Magazine

MOVIETOWNE

and entertainment brand of the region and since the opening

to introduce people to a far higher level of customer service than

of its flagship complex at Invaders Bay, Port-of-Spain in 2002,

they were accustomed to. MovieTowne was ahead of its time and

MovieTowne has successfully brought an authentic, high end silver

I believe we have really opened people’s eyes and changed their

screen experience to the Caribbean. It is no great surprise that

expectations.”

MovieTowne has become synonymous with Trinidad and Tobago in the minds of all Caribbean islanders.

Over the decade following this, MovieTowne has expanded considerably and alongside its flagship complex in Port-of-Spain

“The cinematic industry in Trinidad and Tobago was on its knees

which is comprised of a 10-screen multiplex cinema, 28 retail

before MovieTowne came into being,” Derek explains, “People

outlets, eight kiosks, a PriceSmart US style shopping warehouse and

preferred DVD’s, VHS and Betamax at home to going to the

exclusive hair salons, restaurants and cocktail bars, MovieTowne

cinema and considering the conditions of the old auditoriums it is

opened two further complexes. An eight-screen multiplex cinema

no surprise. There was little or no variety in choice, the bathroom

at Price Plaza, Chauganas, and a four-screen multiplex cinema

facilities were deplorable and it was a dowdy and intimidating

at Gulf City Mall in Tobago, also accompanied by a selection of

experience. Customer service was also far from polished.”

shopping centres, entertainment facilities, and restaurants are now

MovieTowne’s emphasis on providing a flamboyant thematic

open for business.

cinema experience, state-of-the-art facilities, a wide selection of

“Our Cineplex is themed along the lines of Hollywood with the

movies and exquisite customer service has quickly won over any

latest being a back drop of Jurassic Park with all the dinosaurs as an

sceptics who thought that this was perhaps an outlandish idea. But

attraction,” Derek describes, “Including various life size models of

it is often the outlandish ideas that have the best drive.

Batman , Chewbacca from Star Wars, the Joker, Gollum and Shrek….

“MovieTowne changed all this,” he continues, “I wanted to

these are just a part of our growing museum of film characters.”

bring the glitz and glamour of a Hollywood to movie fans here

The scale of MovieTowne’s success is such that the Trinidad

on the islands and give people a real experience. Also I wanted

and Tobago Newsday reported how MovieTowne has ‘contributed

18 Anne St., Simpson Lands, Cocoyea, San Fernando Tel: (868) 652 - 2929, Fax: (868) 653 - 7258 wmohamedagencyltd@gmail.com Find us on Facebook

Packaging & Disposables

All Styro Foam Food Containers, Cups, Plates &Trays.

Clear Plasticfood&Portion Containers. Paper Hott Cups.

All Sizes Of Paper Bags, Brown&White.

Brown, White, Handle, Bottle, Fries, Popcorn.

All Sizes Of Plastic Bags: White, Black, Clear,Frosted, Handle, Ad, Garment, Pharmacy.

All Sizes Of Garbage Bags: Black, Clear,Bulk,Retail, Security.

Napkins, Paper Hand Towels (Rolls&Interfold).

Boxes: Poly-Coated, Caiie, Bakery, Pizza, Wedding, Burger, Hot Dog, Open Trays.

Cake Boards, Greaseproof Paper, Plastic Wrap, Foil.

Plastic Forks, Spoons, Sporks, Combo Packaging, Soup Spoons Styrofoam Coolers.

Straws. Toothpicks. Skewers. Food Grade Gloves. Hair Nets.

20 | Endeavour Magazine

Food & Beverage

Cooking Oil: Box, Keg, Retail.

Margarines: Puff Pastry, Cake, Sofi' Spread, Bread & Pastry.

Salt & Sugar: Bulk & Retail.

Ketchup, Bar-B-Que Sauce, Mayo, Vinegar, Cheese, Flour, Vienna Sausages, Tuna.

Beverages: Lucozade, Vitalis, Sting.

Toiletries

Toilet Paper, Toilet Bowl Cleaner.

Scented Disinfectants.

Bleach, Kitchen Degreaser.

Dishwashing Liquid.

Liquid Hand Soap.

Laundry Detergent, Fabric Softener.

Dispensers For: Toilet Paper, Liquid Soap And Paper Hand Towels

towards enhancing the social and national fabric’ of the country for a variety of different reasons. As it is, Derek Chin has become somewhat of a folk hero in Trinidad and Tobago, an icon for young business people to aspire to be like.

“MovieTowne is more than a business, and is now a cultural, educational and charitable institution on the islands.”

INFLUENCE IN OTHER AREAS A serial entrepreneur, over the years Derek has been intrinsic in the creation of a number of business including a Telecom Security Services, one of Trinidad’s leading security firms, Sign Tech Limited - a Caribbean electronic sign innovator and the Ruby Tuesday, Wok Hay and Texas de Brazil local restaurant franchises. A keen horse racing enthusiast he is also responsible for the first Trinidad and Tobago online gambling system, but one of the key attributes to this man’s greatness is his continuous investment in people.

“We promote and fund youth education through film,” he explains, “We founded the Secondary Schools Short Film competition which enables film students to not only get specialist support and tutoring but win scholarships into higher education courses and we engage in much charitable work while investing in

Endeavour Magazine | 21

MOVIETOWNE

communities.” Through access to its Fiesta Plaza, MovieTowne has

Trinidad. MovieTowne South will be 92,000sq feet of cinema and

also provided a platform for many emerging artists to showcase

retail space and is probably going to be the nicest Cineplex of the

and promote their talents, and for the last two years, MovieTowne

whole chain so far, fitted with eight state of the art cinemas, digital

has hosted the “Trinbago Kids Got Talent” competition. Through

and Dolby surround sound systems, 3D technology etc… thematic

this competition children from different age categories have been

lay outs and maybe even a VIP section. “

able to showcase their talents to thousands of patrons and receive

Since its inception in 2002, MovieTowne has achieved

constructive feedback on how they can hone their talents from local

consistent annual increases in attendance, which now total over 1

professional artists. MovieTowne has also been a lead collaborator

million patrons per year. Its world-class entertainment experiences

in promoting foreign cultures with film festivals and is involved in

are borne out of an attention to detail in executing its vision as

charitable activities.

well as a strict adherence to the highest standards of quality and

“MovieTowne has been a wonderful addition to the islands.”

the brand goes way beyond designed ambience, offering luxurious surroundings and welcoming service – all at a cost that is still less

NEW DEVELOPMENTS The spread of success continues, as Derek relates, “In Guyana we are opening six screens to accommodate approximately 2000 patrons. HiloFoods is our anchor tenant with 55000sq ft super store but we have interest from other tenants such as Wendy’s and Ruby Tuesday, including a bank FCB, First branch in Guyana.

Construction has started with the piling works… In San Fernando we are the anchor for the proposed c3 shopping mall, a project owned by the JT Allum and Carlton Mack family of South

22 | Endeavour Magazine

expensive than that of any movie outing in North America, offering citizens great value as an entertainment choice.

“The Guyana developed was initiated through efforts of the Government of Guyana to get me to invest there, and a 5th complex in South Trinidad is now in the final stages of planning and due to commence construction later this year,” says Derek Chin, “The Streets of the World project at Invaders Bay just behind the Port of Spain Movietowne is very important to me.”

As one of Derek’s daring projects, once completed, this will

change the attractiveness of Trinidad and Tobago making it a genuine tourist destination upon the same level as any found elsewhere. “Trinibagonians have a loud to be proud of and this venture will make Trinidad the gem of the Caribbean.� He concludes.

MovieTowne is not just about watching movies. Trinidad and Tobago’s premier entertainment destination offers a vast array of restaurants, kids-entertainment-areas, boutique-stores and home goods stores all within walking distance of each other. The perfect opportunity for the parents to get some shopping done while the kids can be entertained at the cinema and/or arcade and afterwards everyone can meet up again for a meal at one of a long list of restaurants offering a wide selection of cuisine from authentic Caribbean dishes to Chinese to American burgers.

Endeavour Magazine | 23

24 | Endeavour Magazine

FUCHS LUBRICANTS 0027 11 565 9600 WWW.FUCHSOIL.CO.ZA

SMOOTHLY GROWING WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

The acquisition of two companies in 2014 and the expansion of their home base has seen Fuchs Lubricants double in size for 2015 and set the pace for the remainder of this year. One of the companies that I have had the pleasure of working with regularly over the years, it never fails to impress me how this company continues to surpass expectations despite some of the toughest economic times South Africa has ever faced.

Endeavour Magazine | 25

FUCHS LUBRICANTS

To remind you, Fuchs Lubricants is a company with a reputation for

delivering operational efficiency across the mining and manufacturing sectors and amongst Major league auto clients such as Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen. The lubricating oil that stops machinery from seizing and freezing into useless statues is what they represent. But the company has doubled since we last spoke and with it too has its reputation., but how? ”Customer focus, backed by strong technical expertise and a very wide range of OEM-accepted and approved products, gives our customers a fantastic peace of mind,” John Anderson, Fuchs SA’s Automotive OEM Manager said previously.

Little Gate Publishing Ad 2015.pdf

1

2015/01/29

3:24 PM

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subsidiary of the Manheim, Germany, based parent, Fuchs SA is the ninth biggest of the company’s thirty-four global production plants and the largest non-fuel lubricant supplier

in South Africa with around 8% of market share.

In this sector the competition is fierce, where major fuel companies produce lubricants as a by-produce of their fuel blending plants, making them aggressive in their attempts to gain market share, especially within South Africa. While across the border the situation is less competitive, with many of the major companies moving out of Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and operating through agents, Fuchs is still pitched against giants like Shell, BP and Engen/Petronas but specialisation and customer orientation are defining features of the Fuchs business and this has always been an advantage for them, as is their focus, which until the recent merger, has been solely on the lubrication industry.

Preferring the title of master of the industry rather than a jackof-all-trades it has always stood them in good stead as they are recognised as the leaders in this market.

As John said in his last interview, “The major fuel competitors ahead of us sometimes make decisions that, from a lubricants perspective, don’t seem to make sense. But since they have massive fuel interests they don’t appear to suffer too much as a result.

We have to make the right decisions – and with our customers very much in mind to ensure they continue to buy the very best lubricants.”

26 | Endeavour Magazine

FUCHS LUBRICANTS

ONGOING GROWTH Fuchs is far more customer-focused than their bigger competitors, emphasising the importance of face-to-face selling and to support this they empower their staff to make their own decisions, “We don’t micro manage,” John explains.

Backing them is a strong, experienced and highly qualified technical team, which ensures that the customer stays happy from a technical, as well as lead-time and delivery perspective.

Unsurprisingly, customer retention is high with attrition miniscule, a Fuchs SA characteristic replicated among its staff where the average length of service in the sales and technical teams is eighteen years. “The fuel and lubricant sector tends to have a lot of personnel movement whereas we have a lot of expertise in-house and tend to keep it,” John explained, “This leads back to client retention, with the customer used to seeing the same dependable

and attests that the strong customer focus and lack of anonymity is refreshing and enjoyable. Being able to make a decision autonomously, for the good of the customer and have it backed internally is a benefit to the smooth running of a business. If it’s good for the customer it’s the right decision.

John’s biggest customers are Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and John Deere and Fuchs SA has returned ten per cent plus year-onyear growth over the last decade. “We see this continuing in South Africa with double digit volume and revenue growth. This will be backed heavily by the global focus put on us through the OEM business, with the South African organisation part of the team that’s on this journey of getting closer to OEMs. Fuchs puts up shop wherever the OEMs go.”

WHAT HAS DOUBLED THEIR SIZE?

faces again and again. At the same time, we take in a lot of new

No stranger to growth, Fuchs SA has expanded several times

blood such as young people who we train and mentor – another

in the past but never at this scale. Patience and precision have

key advantage for us.”

always been a credit to Fuchs and in their years of developing

Fuchs SA is a career magnet for senior personnel among the

specialty-based products solely within the lube industry they have

big players. John Anderson has been in the industry for seventeen

become the go-to-company for some of the biggest names in the

years and with Fuchs, coming on three, having arrived from Shell

mechanical vehicle world. However, this does not mean that they

28 | Endeavour Magazine

are adverse to growth and expansion into new areas, they are just

manufacturing and their involvement is increasing the number of

very selective of where and what they do.

grease kettles from one that was previously owned by Fuchs, to

Their mining products were niche and focused on underground mining but in September 2014, they purchased a specialised

eight. So the production capacity, as well as storage, has had to be increased.

manufacturer of open cast gear lube, Lubritene and an associated sub company Lubrasa who are a manufacturer of food graded lubricants.

2015 This year is setting up to be a very busy year. Consolidating

“We bought in two companies to help expand the portfolio,”

a merger and integrating staff together into a workable team is a

explains Mitch Launspach, Chief Commercial Sales Manager who I

challenge for any company, but John and Mitch are both positive

spoke with regarding the new developments, “We had no expertise

about the future and approaching it with the quiet confidence and

and no product range for open cast mining and while we did have

hard working approach that has always made Fuchs Oil a favourite.

our own food grade products, they were imported and tended to

“There is a lot of integration between open cast and underground

be expensive. So all in all this was a handy acquisition, allowing

mining divisions,” Mitch says, “Which gives us a lot of additional

us to have a local in-house manufacturer that can offer the same

potential customers.”

quality but greater expertise and skill.”

As their sales force has grown, they will have the capacity for

As Lubritene and Lubrasa would add approximately 100 new

further growth through sales, for automotive and run of the mill.

staff to Fuchs SA, bringing their overall employment number up to

As Fuchs will be incorporating the customer lists of Lubritene and

over 230, the decision was quickly made to enter into an expansion

Lubrasa into their own, they are opening up brand new marketing

period for the company’s offices, “We had to expand the office

and sales potential, “It’s a great opportunity not only to take on a

space, obviously, as well as the blending capacities of the company.”

very well respected company, but also to open new potential for

Lubritene, Mitch explains, is very focused on grease

current products.”

Endeavour Magazine | 29

30 | Endeavour Magazine

KETRACO WWW.KETRACO.CO.KE 00254 20 495 6000

POWERING VISION 2030 WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

Incorporated on the 2nd December 2008, Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited aka KETRACO is 100% Government owned and State Corporation regulated, under the state corporations act. It was established to develop a new high voltage electricity transmission infrastructure that was to form the backbone of the National Transmission Grid in line with Kenya Vision 2030. We spoke with the Head of Technical Services, Dr. John Mativo.

Endeavour Magazine | 31

KETRACO

At its core, KETRACO’s business is to plan, design, build and maintain electricity transmission lines and associated substations with a voltage rating of the lines including 132kV, 220kV, 400kV and 500kV (HVDC).

“O

ur company plans to construct over 4,000 km of high

Kenya Vision 2030, which aims at creating “a globally competitive

voltage transmission infrastructure comprising of lines,

and prosperous country with a high quality of life by 2030”. It aims

switch gears and sub-stations across the country in the

to transform Kenya into a newly industrialised, middle-income

next 3-4 years,” he explains, “This will open up geographical areas

country providing a high quality of life to all its citizens in a clean

without access to the national grid, enhance capacity for evacuating

and secure environment.

power from planned generating plants and build inter-connectors to facilitate regional power trade with neighbouring countries.”

Dr. Mativo highlights that the Vision is anchored on three key pillars: economic, social and political. The economic pillar aimed

This is in line with the company’s strong mandate, which is to

to achieve an average economic growth rate of 10 per cent per

improve quality and reliability of the electricity supply throughout

annum by 2012 and more importantly, to sustain the same till 2030

the country and to transmit electricity to areas that are currently

in order to generate more resources to meet the MDGs and Vision

not supplied by the national grid, “We are also to provide a link with

2030 goals. The social pillar seeks to achieve a just, cohesive and

neighbouring countries in order to facilitate power exchange and

equitable social development in a clean and secure environment,

develop electricity trade in the region,”

while the political pillar aims for a democratic, issue-based, people-

Transmission loss is a problem across the country that comes with a heavy cost for the Government each year, who is responsible for ending this while at the same time reducing the cost of electricity to the consumer by absorbing the capital cost of transmission infrastructure.

“The aim is to be a world class electricity transmission company and the lead inter-connector in Africa,” he says, “By building

centred, result-oriented and accountable system.

And through this the role of the Ministry of Energy plays an important role.

“The Kenya Vision 2030 has identified energy as a key foundation and one of the infrastructural “enablers” upon which the economic, social and political pillars of this long-term development strategy will be built,” Dr. Mativo says.

and operating a national electricity transmission network that is

“The successful implementation of the Flagship projects

reliable, efficient, effective, safe and environment-friendly through

highlighted in the Vision will greatly depend on supply of adequate,

innovative and best practices and to promote regional power trade

reliable, clean and affordable energy,”. In particular, the demand for

for socio-economic development.”

electricity will increase since it is a prime mover of the commercial sector of the economy. The level and intensity of commercial energy

VISION 2030 Following the expiry of the Economic Recovery Strategy (20032007), Kenya’s Development Agenda is now anchored on the

32 | Endeavour Magazine

use in the country is a key indicator of the degree of economic growth and development.

Therefore, the energy sector is expected to remain a key player

move. he first move.

A brand A ofbrand Larsenof& Larsen Toubro&Limited Toubro Limited

Revolutionizing power infrastructure Building landmarks, setting benchmarks Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is an Indian multinational engaged in technology, engineering, construction, manufacturing and financial services with over USD 15 billion in revenue. Recognized by Forbes as one of the Most Innovative companies in the world, L&T is also ranked 4th in the global list of Green Companies in the industrial sector by the Newsweek magazine. A strong customer-focused approach coupled with strict adherence to global HSE standards and a constant quest for top-class quality have enabled L&T sustain leadership in the business sectors it operates in for over 75 years.

We build the projects that build the nation L&T Construction is the construction arm of L&T. Ranked among the top 30 global contractors by Engineering News Record; L&T Construction is India’s largest construction organization offering EPC solutions with single-source responsibility for executing large industrial and infrastructure projects from concept to commissioning. L&T Construction straddles seven related businesses – Buildings & Factories, Transport Infrastructure, Heavy Civil Infrastructure, Power Transmission & Distribution, Water Smart World & Communication, Metallurgical & Material Handling and Geostructure.

Powerful canvas of EPC solutions L&T’s Power Transmission & Distribution (PT&D) Business is a leading EPC player in the field of Transmission & Distribution offering integrated solutions and end to end services ranging from design, manufacturing, supply, installation and commissioning of transmission lines, underground cable networks (both power and control), substations, distribution networks, electrical and instrumentation works for power, process and infrastructure projects, both in domestic and international markets.

Apart from its own advanced facility for manufacturing transmission lines in India, L&T has in-house tower testing facilities and an exclusive substation automation system simulation lab that facilitates delivering customized solutions for a range of customers. On the renewable energy side, PT&D provides turnkey EPC services for projects on photovoltaic and concentrated power plants.

A growing track record L&T’s international track record in the power sector covers over 20600 ckm of transmission lines of various voltages up to 800kV; more than 585 AIS/GIS substations including India’s first 1200kV AIS and 765 GIS as well as 29380 MW of E-BoP for thermal power plants. Currently, L&T is executing several high voltage projects covering substations, power transmission lines, EHV cabling and E&IC works for infrastructure projects in UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Africa and Malaysia.

Expanding beyond frontiers L&T’s unique combination of engineering, design, and procurement and construction expertise has set benchmarks in capacity, complexity and speed of execution. Through its dedicated business segments, L&T is well positioned to provide single-window solutions to meet the complex power infrastructure requirements across diverse frontiers.

L&T in Africa Larsen & Toubro having entered into African market in the early 2014 has made significant breakthroughs and is currently executing few 400 /220kV substation project in Algeria and has recently bagged an order to construct a 400kV substation in Malawi on turnkey basis .We are also executing a part of the key power corridor project in Kenya for a 500kV HVDC transmission Line connecting Ethiopia & will benefit both the countries with an increased electricity supply to Kenya at lower cost and with enhanced revenues to Ethiopia through electricity exports

Rahul Sikka Head – Africa PT&D Business Larsen & Toubro Africa is witnessing rapid economic expansion fueled by ambitious infrastructure investments into a number of sectors including energy, power generation, transmission and distribution. We at Larsen & Toubro, are keen to become a key partner for executing quality projects in the field of power transmission and distribution for our customers across the continent

Power Power Play Play

With With our our EPCEPC solutions, solutions, youyou always always win.win.

ExecutingExecuting power transmission power transmission and distribution and distribution systems for systems the core-sector for the core-sector is not child’s is not play; child’s but play; at L&T but Construction, at L&T Constructio as we makewe it seem make effortless. it seem effortless.

That’s because That’s because we have we set have up transmission set up transmission lines across linesthe across mostthe treacherous most treacherous terrain; terrai ca answeredanswered the needsthe of needs complex of infrastructure complex infrastructure projects and projects built and an impressive built an impressive track record track in record many countries in many countries includingincludin pl UAE, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait,Saudi Oman, Arabia, SaudiAlgeria Arabia,and Algeria India.and India.

Ou L&T’s International L&T’s International track record trackinrecord this sector in thiscovers sectorover covers 20600 overckm 20600 of transmission ckm of transmission lines of various lines of voltages various voltag alw up to 800 upkV, to more 800 kV, than more 585than AIS/GIS 585 AIS/GIS substations substations includingincluding India’s first India’s 1200 first kV1200 AIS and kV AIS 765 and kV GIS 765as kVwell GIS as we

Larsen & Larsen Toubro&Limited Toubro Limited 4th Floor, Shk. 4th Floor, Abdulla Shk.Building, Abdulla Al Building, Qasimi Al Street, Qasimi Al Street, Mahatta, Al Mahatta, PO Box – 63671, PO Box Sharjah, – 63671,UAE Sharjah, UAE Mr. Rahul Mr. Sikka, Rahul Head Sikka, - Africa Head(PT&D) - AfricaTel.: (PT&D) +971Tel.: (6) 5+971 17 29 (6)00 5 17 Fax: 29+971 00 Fax: (6) 5+971 75 04 (6)59 5 75 04 59 E-mail: rahulsikka@lntecc.com E-mail: rahulsikka@lntecc.com

www.Lntecc.com www.Lntecc.com

on, s 29380asMW 29380 of E-BoP MW offorE-BoP thermal for thermal power plants. powerWe plants. are also We are the also largest thesolar largest EPCsolar player EPCinplayer India and in India our and our in; apabilities capabilities include in-house include in-house engineering engineering for utilityfor scale utility photovoltaic, scale photovoltaic, rooftop and rooftop concentrated and concentrated solar power solar power ng lants, micro-girds plants, micro-girds and smart-grids. and smart-grids.

ur unique Ourcombination unique combination of engineering, of engineering, design, procurement design, procurement and construction and construction expertiseexpertise will ensure willthat ensure you that are you are ges ways a always step ahead a step in ahead the game. in the Now, game. make Now, themake first move. the first move. ell

A brand A ofbrand Larsenof& Larsen Toubro&Limited Toubro Limited

KETRACO

in tackling such challenges as reduction of poverty as per the

National Flagship Projects and key support initiatives that need to

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and overall improvement

be undertaken to address the challenges.”

in the general welfare of the population.

KETRACO contributes to the national infrastructure and

For this, the Ministry of Energy will play a facilitative role in

energy sector support initiatives through the development of a

energy supply, by creating an enabling environment for private

new and robust national grid system and in line with its mandate,

sector-led growth through policy formulation and development

the company has identified for implementation on priority basis, a

of an appropriate legal and regulatory framework and oversight

total of 1,471km of 132KV lines, 645km of 220KV lines, 608km of

responsibility.

400KV lines and 686km of 500KV HVDC lines to be implemented

Guided by a vision of an “affordable quality energy for all

over the next three to four years.

Kenyans” and while realising its mission to facilitate the provision

The company has, under the Energy Sector Recovery Project

of clean, sustainable, affordable, reliable and secure energy services

(ESRP), a major component in “Distribution reinforcement and

at low cost,while protecting the environment, the Ministry will also

upgrade” to be implemented over a period of four years, which

play a contributory role towards the achievement of Kenya Vision

targets electricity provision to one million households over the

2030 by enhancing power generation capacity, increasing access to

next five years, at an estimated cost of KShs.84 billion. The project

electricity, development of new and renewable sources of energy,

will target major trading centres, secondary and primary schools,

ensuring security of fossil fuel resources and capacity building of

community water supply works and health centres.

the energy sector.

Alongside them, Kenya Electricity Transmission Co. Ltd will also be contributing towards Vision 2030.

The 132KV and above transmission lines planned for implementation will reinforce and upgrade the infrastructure. The reinforcement and upgrade is aimed at improving the quality and

“Kenya Vision 2030 identified challenges that needed to be

reliability of supply, reducing system losses and increasing access

addressed in the energy Sector,” Dr. Mativo says, “And outlined the

to electricity services, especially in urban and peri-urban areas. The

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36 | Endeavour Magazine

company will also undertake the implementation of the 330KV

meet the increase in demand. The company will particularly identify

transmission line between Arusha and Nairobi, which is being

more transmission line projects that will serve the projected power

undertaken jointly by the Kenyan and Tanzanian Governments,

supply equitably and in a holistic manner. Since electricity access

with the funding already obtained.

is fundamental for development and achieving the Vision 2030,

Developing links between power generators and the distributor (KPLC) to produce renewable energies that can continuously be

KETRACO’s contribution to the development of the Master Plan will be critical.

harvested because they are cleaner and inexhaustible in supply is also an essential component of facilitating access to affordable

PROJECTS

energy. This will relate to the Olkaria IV appraisal drilling of six

The challenges facing the power sub-sector include a weak

wells, in which about 70MW of electricity of renewable energy will

power transmission and distribution infrastructure, high cost

be generated, as well as the 150MW of wind power that will be

of power and a low per capita power consumption and low

generated from wind.

countrywide electricity access.

The above initiatives by KETRACO are incorporated in the

These transmission lines and associated sub-stations will be

National Electricity Supply Master Plan, which will identify

financed by the exchequer, development partners, internally-

new generation and supply to ensure that dependable national

generated revenue, financial institutions and public-private

electricity supply is tripled in the next 10 years from the current

partnerships (PPPs). Management of resources will be guided by

1,050MW to 3,000MW by the year 2018. This will play a key role

operational rationalisation and modernisation of key processes,

in meeting the power needs of an expanding economy and the

while cost saving measures will be deployed to strengthen the

Vision 2030 Flagship projects. The National Electricity Master Plan

company’s financial resource base.

will identify the power projects to be initiated in the first mediumterm plan (2008-2012) to ensure an adequate supply of energy to

“These projects will have a significant and beneficial impact on all of Kenya,” he finishes.

Experience in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas

Endeavour Magazine | 37

38 | Endeavour Magazine

C.O. WILLIAMS CONSTRUCTION LTD WWW.COW.BB 1 246-436-3910

THE EARTH MOVED WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

From humble beginnings come earthshattering organisations and that is C.O. Williams Construction Ltd in a nutshell.

Endeavour Magazine took a closer look to find out more about this exciting operation.

Endeavour Magazine | 39

C.O. WILLIAMS CONSTRUCTION LTD

Founded back in 1960, C.O.Williams Construction was a small but

mighty operation that offered straightforward earth-moving and agricultural assistance, all with the help of a single tractor. Though a modest beginning, it allowed for the development of key values that are still present in the operation today.”

S

tarting small can be of great benefit, as customers can organically develop lasting relationships built on trust and recognition of jobs well done and from there, numerous new

and often larger opportunities can present themselves. That is exactly what happened for C.O.Williams Construction (COW) and in 1970, the company was incorporated.

Still working alongside its longstanding and widely recognised slogan of “We’ll move the earth to please”, COW is now recognised as one of the Caribbean’s most trusted, respected and sought after civil engineering and highway construction organisations, with offices in Barbados, Antigua and St. Lucia.

With a huge portfolio of services on offer, COW has welcomed both major Government and business contracts as well as residential clients and covers a wide range of activities including, but not limited to; earth-moving, road building, resurfacing, quarrying, landfill construction, tennis courts and driveways. But that’s not all the company can offer.

With an asphalt and quarries company welcomed into the family, COW has become a major player in the asphalt and aggregate production industry. Making in excess of 35,000 tons of aggregate every month and 36,000 tons of asphalt a year, they have certainly made their mark.

40 | Endeavour Magazine

Our asphalt is produced under vacuum process conditions to ensure a high quality product, utilizing heavy fuel oil as feedstock. The plant processes 1000 barrels per day, producing a 50:50 ratio of Penetration Bitumen and Heavy Vacuum Gasoil. Other grades of asphalt produced are Cationic Emulsions, Cutbacks and Performance grade Bitumens.

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Telephone: (246) 434 - 0237 Tel./Fax: (246) 434-0255

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Telephone: (246) 434 - 0237 Tel./Fax: (246) 434-0255

info@asphaltprocessorsinc.com asphaltprocessorsinc.com Endeavour Magazine | 41

C.O. WILLIAMS CONSTRUCTION LTD

It’s incredible to think that a small company, sporting just one

that can be managed simply and autonomously, if necessary.

single tractor could have come so far, in what feels like a very short

Equipment rentals is one arm and looks to be a hugely successful

space of time. Of course, we know that 55 years isn’t exactly a flash

enterprise, in part, thanks to the ongoing uptake in developments

in the pan, but still, to have diversified and expanded to such an

and construction in the region. Next comes the large Government

extent is an impressive feat.

and business contract arm.

Having identified a gap in the market, COW offers a wide variety

It says a lot about any company when local Government is

of construction-industry support services, such as equipment

willing to work with them and in the case of COW, this is a regular

rentals and is affiliated with numerous respected companies

occurrence, thanks to their timely approach, client-centric outlook

throughout the region, making it something of a one-stop shop

and a dedication to completing tasks not just to the standards

for all your needs. In fact, the list of equipment available to hire

required, but in excess of them. The COW yardstick of excellence

does make it seem unlikely that anyone else would ever be needed.

is not to be underestimated and is directly responsible for the

They can offer everything from bulldozers and rippers through to

continued provision of major services.

hydraulic excavators and compressors and everything in between.

While smaller companies will be satisfied with only offering

Strangely though, there is no sign of that first lone tractor on their

residential services, COW has aimed far higher, while still keep its

hire sheet!

feet on the ground and taking care of those clients that helped to

Seemingly comprising of three main arms, COW has diversified

get them to where they are today. No job is too big, but equally, no

enormously, but then focused in on sub-sections of their industry

task is too small or beneath the inclusive team, so while one day

42 | Endeavour Magazine

boulder walls and gabions might be being added to a luxury new build, the next day could see a driveway resurfacing task being the top priority, ahead of coastal reclamation the day after that. It’s this kind of varied portfolio that reassures clients that this is a company entrenched in hands on experience, history and old fashioned values of customer service and craftsmanship and not just a quick start up operation that has seen a potential for profit.

In fact, this is exactly what separates COW from its competitors; a deep seated and genuine desire to do more and better. The apathy that has infiltrated so many modern businesses has been demonstrably shut out of COW and in its place stands a team of experts that are ready to help. Humble beginnings are nothing to sneer at, as they develop a good-natured tenacity that few other life experiences can and in the case of COW, it’s clear that from

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Endeavour Magazine | 43

44 | Endeavour Magazine

SUPER STAR FORWARDERS WWW.SUPERDOLL-TZ.COM 255-22-2860930

INDUSTRY SUPERSTARS WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

Making a name for themselves in the competitive industry of transport logistics, Super Star Forwarders Co are crossing new territories to become the go to provider of reliable fuel and cargo delivery. Endeavour Magazine spoke with Pradeep Kumar to find out more.

Endeavour Magazine | 45

SUPER STAR FORWARDERS

Founded in 1991, Super Star Forwarders Co (SSFC) have made no

bones about approaching the transport logistics industry with a ‘can do’ attitude and thought it started life not too long ago, it has fast become one of the leading fuel and general cargo transport solution providers. Keen to add to the portfolio of services, SSFC has branched out into cargo clearing, as well as haulage, which offers specialised sugar cane transportation to the biggest sugar mills in Tanzania.

P

radeep Kumar expanded, “SSFC has been in the transportation

“To save customers money for each unit of cargo delivered.”

business for more than three decades in East and Central

Speaking about the day-to-day activities of SSFC, it becomes

Africa. Since its formation, the company has been growing

clear that this is not a one trick pony operation, in fact, the company

stronger and stronger and to date is among the leading haulers of

has worked with some large names and as part of important

containers, equipment, fuel and general cargo in the East, Central

projects, making it clear that the reputation they want to establish

and Southern Africa region. SSFC has also recently registered its

is already firmly in place. If you need something transporting safely

outfit in Zambia in the name of Superstar Forwarders Zambia

and on time, you go to SSFC. Pradeep expanded on the regular

Ltd. Our huge fleet of trucks operates mainly from three East and

activities undertaken,

Central African Countries namely Tanzania, Kenya , Uganda and Zambia.”

“SSF has been certified under ISO 9001 -2008 for the quality standards maintained in the transport logistics operation and for

Operating in accordance with core values of honesty, integrity,

a very long time, has been providing services to international and

ownership and innovation, SSFC has a vision statement in place

national organisations such as UNHCR, World Food Programme

that effectively sums up just how ambitious the team is as they

(WFP), Food Security Department, The Red Cross and Red Crescent

have a desire,

Society for the transportation of containers and general cargo. In

“To be the best quality logistics service provider in the East and Central African region.”

The ambitions don’t stop there, however, as the mission is a far more outward facing,

46 | Endeavour Magazine

Tanzania, we are the exclusive transporters for Total Tanzania Ltd, for its domestic and cross border fuel deliveries. We also provide fuel transport solutions to Puma Energy, Trafigura, Total Uganda Ltd, Coca Cola Kwanza Ltd and Oryx Tanzania Ltd. Similarly, we

SUPER STAR FORWARDERS

have been partnering for project cargo business for with road

to the stringent ISO 9001-2008 standards, which means that the

contractor firms such as the Konoike Construction Company Ltd

company invests significant time and money into training and staff

and mining firms such as Kahama Mining Corporation.”

development. With a firm belief that manpower is the cornerstone

With no signs of slowing down, the transportation industry

of any successful business, SSFC has a strong organisational

must be buoyant, as appose to so many markets that have been hit

structure in place to support and nurture developing talent, while

by bouts of financial instability. Pradeep explained,

always looking to impart more knowledge and opportunities to all

“As investment and business in Africa is growing rapidly, the transport logistics industry is experiencing positive growth. Cross

employees. When it comes to driving, there are no shortcuts and Pradeep explains the rigorous training scheme,

border business in East and Central Africa has improved and this

“In conjunction with its safety-oriented operation and embracing

has become the backbone of the transport logistics industry in

of technology and innovations, SSFC ensures comprehensive in-

the region. The regulations existing in different countries is one of

house training is given to all its employees, particularly its drivers

the challenges faced by cross border business and harmonisation

and technical personnel. For driver training, the company has

of these regulations will bring massive results to the region and

retained the services of an in-house APTH certified trainer (APTH

transport logistics industry as a whole.”

is a institute endorsed by a consortium of fuel companies including

What a refreshing attitude! Though there are still hurdles in the

Total, BP and Shell), who conducts regular defensive driving

way, SSFC can see past them, to a brighter and more profitable

courses. It is compulsory for all drivers to attend the training at

future. Perhaps this is the reason for its unparalleled climb to the

least once a year. We have a state of the art facility for conducting

top, or maybe it is thanks to the team of committed staff that it has

all kinds of training.”

in place.

300 strong, the staff body at SSFC are all duty-bound to adhere

48 | Endeavour Magazine

With talented, knowledgeable staff on board and a clear need for the services SSFC provide, it is just simple logic that draws

customers towards them, surely? No, it’s the reassurance that

recognised growth strategy and it is clearly still working today.

this is a company that knows exactly what the customer needs,

Looking ahead, SSFC have some exciting new development son

wants and expects and will deliver on all these expectations, within

the pipeline, all of which are geared towards the next chapter and

budget. Customer service is high on the agenda at SSFC, with

further growth,

new ideas constantly being brought in to improve the customer

“New state of art facilities in Zambia will improve service

experience and help the company to monitor what could be done

capabilities to our customers in Zambia and DRC and we will be

better. Pradeep expanded,

able to provide more effective and comprehensive service to the

“SSFC is focusing on a high-end customer market, which

mining firms in the region too. We will be providing new training

requires customised, quality and safety oriented logistics services.

for staff, which will improve the productivity and effectiveness of

To achieve this, we have set up a high quality organisation with state

our manpower and finally, investment in a new fleet with the most

of art vehicles and facilities. In striving to achieve the best quality of

modern technology and impressive safety features will help SSFC

service, the company provides an all round package solution which

and its customers to improve standards even further. This move is

offers daily reports to the customer, new truck trailers, dedicated

also in conjunction with the commitment we make to customers to

operation staff, a web-based truck tracking system, highly skilled

always strive for continuous improvement.”

drivers and periodic service reviews.”

With momentum behind them and innovative plans ahead,

In addition to this, SSFC helps customers to find new business

there is no doubting that SSFC will keep on trucking into a profitable

through statutory authorities, so as to streamline the logistics

2016, with a burgeoning customer base and committed staff. The

involved. It’s this dedication to concentrating on the niche customer

future really does look bright for this industry leader.

market that is helping SSFC to raise its profile and stand above its competitors. Targeted new business acquisition has long been a

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engines@scaniatz.com Endeavour Magazine | 49

50 | Endeavour Magazine

ALLIED CATERERS 001 868 669 0329 WWW.ALLIEDCATERERSTT.COM

AN ARMY MARCHES ON ITS STOMACH WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

Understanding that, especially in the offshore industry, the physical and indeed psychological wellbeing of any staff member begins with a suitably well balanced diet there is one company in Trinidad and Tobago that has garnered this niche industry and provided a peerless level of quality and service. Jack Slater of Endeavour Magazine had the chance to speak with General Manager of Allied Caterers Trinidad, Gillian Huggins.

Endeavour Magazine | 51

ALLIED CATERERS

With over 35 years in business, Allied Caterers Ltd, Trinidad’s premier industrial and events caterer, has grown with their industry working at a pace to keep ahead of the competition and make full use of their experienced and well trained staff. Services on offer range from supplying airlines, as well as the offshore industry.

“O

ur company is well known for high quality and full

with a reputation for getting results that not only meet the high

service catering,” Gillian tells us, “We pride ourselves

standards of the company, but surpasses them.

on providing, to our clients, a culinary experience that is

second to none.”

“I have a passion for giving back,” Gillian reveals, “If you’re going to succeed you have to exceed the expectations.”

Gillian Huggins, General Manager of Trinidad comes with 23 years of experience in progressively challenging positions from administration through to organisational and business

THE STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

development and finance and accounting in commercial, industrial

“The industry is competitive at the moment,” Gillian tells us,

and state enterprises. Her specific areas of expertise include

“But we do have the edge. It takes a great deal of coordination,

operations review and analysis, review and analysis of work flows

planning and logistical activity. We ensure a high quality of service

and procedures and development of business and strategic plans.

by adhering to our strict policies and standards that permeate all

Approaching her work with a keen strategic mindset, she has experience in three main areas of the food industry; flavour manufacturing, snack manufacturing and catering services.

sectors of our business, including the airlines and the offshore business.”

“Two primary examples, if we were to look at the airline industry

“I have a passion for catering and event management,” she

is how the menu is cycled every three months, with food needing

reveals, “Over the years I’ve been blessed to be able to work in

to be of a high standard, while still falling within the load (weight/

varied and diverse scenarios and have learned a great deal.”

specification) required for the aircraft. United Airlines audits us

Holding a BSC (Hons) in Industrial Management from the university of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Gillian, who is also a

every month to ensure strict adherence to every step of the food preparation, through to delivery on board the aircraft.”

member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

“Offshore is a completely different scenario, as we’re not

(ACCA) is a woman with a great deal of determination and set to

catering for passengers but for people who live there. Their needs

lead by example.

are completely different. They need healthy, well-balanced meals,

In India she underwent intensive training at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute, both on a macro and micro scale, before

so we consistently provide them with a menu, submitted a month in advance to be approved by the offshore installation managers.”

joining Allied Caterers TT in 2008 as Financial Controller. Promoted

Allied Caterers also offer hospitality services to the offshore

to General manager in 2011, she is recognised as a valuable asset

industry. Keeping the rooms, bed sheets and furnishings clean for

52 | Endeavour Magazine

ALLIED CATERERS those living there. Offshore work has a reputation for involving long

A training matrix has been put in place to keep the staff up

grueling hours in, often, unsavoury conditions, so a price cannot be

to scratch and as Allied Caterers is part of the Goddard Catering

put on the psychological impact of coming back to a clean room

Group and, by extension, Goddard Enterprises Ltd., employees

with fresh bed linen.

benefit from promotion, career development and mobility not only

The continuous push to establish footholds in applicable areas of their industry, ie. catering, hospitality and event management

within Allied Caterers LTD but also within the group.

“We place a high value on experience,” Gillian Huggins.

has benefitted Allied Caterers greatly. They have an established monopoly on the flights coming in to Trinidad and are the preferred service provider for offshore oil production platforms in their region.

With clients including BPTT, Repsol YPF, BHP Billiton, British Gas Trinidad and the National Gas Company.

STAFF

ACCOUNTABILITY. Everything that Allied Caterers Ltd does is audited and thoroughly checked over and unlike many companies, they are entirely focused on the quality and standard of their products, preferring to have a reputation for that than one of market dominance.

The impressive and flawless reputation of Allied Caterers, and

“Nothing is perfect,” Gillian reminds us, “But if even little

the strength of their name, would not be possible if not for their staff.

accidents are allowed then they can quickly accumulate into

Of the 400 plus employees who work with Gillian, either at their plant

major issues if you’re not accountable enough to fix it at the

in Trinidad or in the kitchens on the offshore rigs, each one is provided

start. Our quality and safety managers work closely not only with

with all the tools they need to develop themselves professionally.

our customers but also with our staff, to see how things can be

“We see employees as our most valuable asset,” Gillian explains, “I work with people. I’ve seen how so many people, be they entrepreneurs or our staff, possess the diligence, the drive and ambition to succeed but lack the guidance. I wanted to ensure we provided them that.”

54 | Endeavour Magazine

improved and if accidents have happened how best to safeguard against them.”

NEW DEVELOPMENTS 2013 Customers demand high quality at the best rates and Allied Caterers plans to further meet this conundrum through business expansion and strategic alliances that will increase not only their footprint in the market but also their service abilities.

“Business expansion is priority for 2015,” Gillian affirms, “We have a good position in the offshore oil production industry but we are aiming to get into drilling because it would be a plug and play scenario. We believe we can offer a farther reach for this industry and would like to have a solid hold on it, as we have on the airlines.”

Innovations within the food business are also a focus for Gillian this year, as one of the mechanisms for expansion.

“Whenever there is a shutdown at a platform, for maintenance, we fly food in on a daily basis,” she explains, “This is refrigerated to keep it fresh and we have a particular brand of oven that we utilise to reheat the food on the platform. This is all in aid of serving safe meals. Development in this area will be a major factor in the upcoming year.”

“At the core of everything are our quality and standards,” Gillian concludes.

“

We see employees as our most valuable asset.

I work with people.

I’ve seen how so many people, be they entrepreneurs or our staff, possess the diligence, the drive and ambition to succeed but lack the guidance.

I wanted to ensure we provided them that.”

Endeavour Magazine | 55

56 | Endeavour Magazine

SANBS WWW.SANBS.ORG.ZA 0027 11 761 9000

THE EASIEST WAY TO SAVE A LIFE WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

Having featured the South African National Blood Service several times in the past, Endeavour Magazine has witnessed its growth and establishment as a major force for the procurement, storage and delivery of blood in South Africa.

Endeavour Magazine | 57

SANBS

There can be no compromise when it comes to the quality of blood; nothing can be allowed to remain lax or unattended and if SANBS stands for one thing it is safety and quality. Providing the source material not only for the fight against blood diseases such as HIV, but also the life-saving gift for accident victims and new mothers, this organisation is responsible for saving lives.

R

ecently undergoing a change of leadership with a new CEO,

donors while the white donors decreased marginally from 48% to

Trevor Vroom, stepping up the plate to lead the business

47%.”

ahead into the new year and beyond with a fresh direction and

Founded in 2001, SANBS has grown impressively in the last

approach, SANBS is looking forward with praise and promise. Yes,

12 years and stayed at the very cutting edge of the technology

there is a fresh direction with changes to marketing and procedure

available to their industry. Utilising high-tech facilities and the most

but as a keystone company in a sector with many dependents,

stringent safety procedures to protect both donors and staff, they

there a number of things that will not change.

are seen world over as the leaders in their field. And as a not-for-

“The changing donor demographic if not managed correctly

profit organisation, which is free from shareholders, they are able

could see reductions in blood donations,” Trevor says, “Placing both

to re-invest any surplus made in profits back into the organisation

patients and the financial well being of SANBS at risk. This is why

to continue improving their service.

things need to evolve.”

It is a machine, which relies on donors and public campaigns

Considering that blood supply is the single most used resource

to keep the pulse moving, requiring a constant drive to keep

in every hospital worldwide it is easy to forget that it has to be

people aware of the need for blood that keeps every one of the

donated. With some South African cities sitting dubiously in the

2400 people working for SANBS very busy. The campaigns need

top five of the most violent cities in the world and with 16.6% of the

to deliver the message of the incredible need for donors, while at

country’s adults have HIV you can immediately see the challenge

the same time evoking a positive message that will attract them

that this organisation faces.

back. There is an aspect of segregation that some people feel about

However, a reliable supply of blood means that patients can

giving blood if they suffer from any number of blood ailments that

undergo surgery, women in labour can receive blood transfusions

can afflict people, but the science involved in treating blood is the

and victims of accidents or violence can get the emergency

very best available.

treatment they need. Tying together South Africa’s medical and

Donated blood does not go from one person directly into

emergency care system, the South Africa National Blood Service

another, because when somebody requires blood they often

(SANBS) acts as the guardian responsible for the collection,

require only one element of it. There is a lot more happening in

screening and distribution of the blood in South Africa.

your blood than you are aware of and the science used to separate

“SANBS has performed well during the reporting period,” Trevor

the individual parts means that a pint of blood can be used not only

explains, “Whole blood collections achieved 98% of target with

to save a life, but to conduct important research in a laboratory or

three provinces exceedinf their targets.”

stored and added to a different donor’s blood to help in medical

One of the key strategies has been to increase the black donor base from 35% by the end of the previous financial year. This target was exceeded by 3% and black donors now make up 38% of our 58 | Endeavour Magazine

and scientific endeavours. Everyone can be a donor and it is one of the easiest ways you can help save a life.

Heading into their summer and Christmas Period, SANBS are

SANBS

bracing themselves for one of their busiest times. On both sides,

about blood donation and in turn inspiring them to encourage their

campaigns to bring blood in are matched by the public need for

parents to donate blood. The winter season campaign encourages

blood coming out and Trevor Vroom has his work cut out for him.

blood donors and potential blood donors to make time to donate in

One of the most reliable campaigns, that is rolled out across

spite of the cold weather conditions, which may affect their health

30 branches nationwide, makes use of many mobile blood banks

and lifestyles. The youth campaign aims to educate youth from

stationed in shopping centres, holiday resorts and secondary

the age of 16 to understand the value and importance of donating

schools. By making it as convenient as possible for people to say

blood, so that they can continue with the culture of donating blood

yes. This is also supported by the Government, who supports these

later in their lives”

missions with backing for their campaigns. This has enabled them

South Africa is a diverse country and one of the most complex

to gain 20% more donors than they had in 2001 when they were

social structures in Africa. With 11 official languages and nine

first founded and this marked increase represents not only the

provinces, a vast landscape of cities and rural areas to contend

success of the campaigns but the increase in the education of the

with, the planning of campaigns has to be down to the smallest

donors themselves.

margin and yet remain flexible to handle any eventuality.

“The duration of the campaigns range from a few weeks to a

“Each campaign is planned on a targeted and segmented

year, depending on the focus and implementation period of the

basis, where the strategy, history, goals, plans, and targets of each

campaign,” explains Thapelo Mokoena the marketing director at

campaign are taken into consideration,” Thapelo explains, “We

SANBS, “The goals of the campaign also differ: For example, the

rely on a mixture of creativity and strategy, including information

festive season campaign is meant to remind and mobilise blood

gathered through customer surveys, research, and direct contact

donors to donate blood during the festive period, and not only

with blood donors.”

concentrate in their busy festive lives.

The schools campaign is directed at educating school pupils

62 | Endeavour Magazine

Thapelo goes on to explain, “The best areas are the urban areas with good facilities and better living conditions, whilst the worst

areas are the rural and poor areas with minimum or no facilities, as

explains, “And the improvement and more focus on the management

it will be difficult for any individual to donate blood on an empty

and treatment of deferred blood donors, that is, blood donors who

stomach characterised by poor nutritional conditions.”

cannot donate due a condition at the time of donation such as low

As mentioned, the level of education also plays a role in

iron levels.”

influencing the donor profile, he goes on to say, as the people who

It’s also a matter of earning trust with the people of South Africa

understand the importance of blood donation would be more likely

and as we highlighted last year the two blood screening facilities in

to donate blood.

Johannesburg and Durban are some of the best in the world and

Ultimately, this is the main aim of the campaigns. With a

it is possible to screen every bag of donated blood for infection

population of 49 million inhabitants, in 2012 only 442,000 were

using state of the art testing technology. It is an expensive but vital

regular blood donors. The World Health Organisation estimates

component of the service that SANBS offers.

that only around 1% of the population give blood in most countries

Like a perpetual wheel, the need for blood supplies will never

and South Africa are not far from that. A combined approach of

stop and SANBS will hold this mantle for a long time. Ultimately it

education and availability is needed to bolster the blood supply.

is something that everyone should be involved with. If you don’t

Otherwise there could be a repeat of the 2011 crisis where a

give blood, you should.

shortage of blood had a knock-on effect for the entire medical

“Global readers can get involved through encouraging their

industry in SA. In the last article, we focussed on the importance of

friends and families to donate blood,” Thapelo informs us, “And

blood donors in SA and how different times of the year affected the

helping us to spread the education message regarding blood

supply of blood to those who need it, especially for women giving

donations.”

birth in hospitals.

“Improvements that have taken place include developing mechanisms for minimising blood wastage at hospitals,” Thapelo

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Endeavour Magazine | 63

2015/12/14 4:02 PM

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AUTOMOTIVES VOLVO AND MICROSOFT ARE MAKING THE FUTURE OF CARS TOGETHER WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

66 | Endeavour Magazine

V

olvo Cars, the premium carmaker, will work together with

or get a better understanding of the features, services and options

Microsoft, the leading platform and productivity company, to

available,” said Björn Annwall, Senior Vice President, Marketing,

jointly develop next generation automotive technologies.

Sales and Service.

The two companies today revealed how Microsoft HoloLens,

He added that HoloLens technology might also liberate dealers

the world’s first fully untethered holographic computer, might

from more traditional sales environments and allow them to take a

be used in future to redefine how customers first encounter and

car configurator out on the road in small Pop-Up stores, shopping

explore a car, as well as how cars might be bought and sold in

malls or on the high street, opening up new sales channels and

future.

introducing cars to a far larger potential audience.

Areas of future collaboration between the two companies

At the HoloLens demonstration today, participating journalists

could include autonomous driving technologies and the utilisation

were also given a mixed reality preview of Volvo’s new S90 premium

of data generated from connected cars to create new services.

sedan, which will be unveiled in reality at the North American

Today’s HoloLens demonstration was conducted at Microsoft’s

International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

global headquarters in Redmond, USA and showed how mixed

Today’s event offered an indication of the potential of mixed

reality might be used by customers to configure cars in three

reality to transform the relationship between the customer and

dimensions. With HoloLens, a powerful, wearable computer,

the car. Journalists were able to experience Volvo’s new sedan and

holograms are mixed into the physical world.

its latest autonomous driving technology in 3D before the car has

“HoloLens offers the freedom to create a bespoke experience

even been built and launched.

which customers can steer themselves. Imagine using mixed reality

“We are thrilled to be working with Volvo Cars to reimagine

to choose the type of car you want – to explore the colours, rims,

what is possible in car design, discovery and purchasing.

Endeavour Magazine | 67

We are excited to be at this intersection of technology and human-centric design with Volvo,” Scott Erickson, Senior Director, Microsoft HoloLens at Microsoft Corp.

Today’s demonstration marks the beginning of longer-term cooperation between Volvo and Microsoft that will embrace a range of new technologies, all of which have implications for the automotive industry.

One area of focus will be autonomous driving. Volvo Cars is a pioneer in car safety and is leading the way when it comes to connected cars and autonomous driving. It has announced a programme called Drive-Me, in which 100 self-driving and connected cars will be given to real customers on real roads around the Swedish city of Gothenburg by 2017, as part of the world’s largest autonomous driving experiment.

Other areas of cooperation are expected to include how information gathered by cars and their drivers can be used to enhance the driving experience and the possibility of using predictive analytics to improve safety.

“We are extremely happy to innovate with Microsoft in the field of future mobility,” said Klas Bendrik, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Volvo Cars. “Today’s technology will allow us to achieve not only a more sustainable and crashfree future but also new benefits for our customers and society.

Together with Microsoft we aim to pioneer in this field.”

68 | Endeavour Magazine

NEW MANDATE TURNS CALIFORNIA INTO LARGEST US MARKET FOR ZERO EMISSION VEHICLES

E

xpansion of charging infrastructure will be the single largest factor influencing ZEV adoption, finds Frost & Sullivan

Reducing upfront purchase costs and expanding non-monetary incentives will widen the potential customer base for ZEVs. A state-

California is on the verge of becoming the largest market

wide Government parking policy providing parking benefits at

for zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) in the United States, steered by

state-owned properties and buildings is already encouraging ZEV

the state’s increasingly stringent ZEV mandate. The directive lends

sales. Access to transparent and informative purchase processes

a holistic perspective to the adoption of ZEVs, chalking out a plan

and high-occupancy vehicle lanes will turn consumer sentiment

for raising consumer awareness, building required infrastructure

positive.

and offering special permissions such as lane and parking access.

“Hydrogen fuelling infrastructure is another priority investment

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Strategic Analysis of

that will fast track the migration to ZEVs,” advised Kaippalli.

California Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate—Going Forward with

“Constructing renewable energy charging spaces will also promote

Lessons from the Past (https://www.frost.com/ne7e), finds that as

the use of ZEVs in California.”

of January 2015, California accounted for 40 percent of ZEVs in the

Strategic Analysis of the California Zero Emission Vehicle

United States. The next set of ZEV requirements will take effect in

Mandate - Going Forward with Lessons from the Past is a market

2017, through 2025. As a result, ZEV sale units that stood at close

insight that is part of the Intelligent Mobility Growth Partnership

to 60,000 units in 2014 are expected to grow to 1.4 million units

Service programme. This market Insight discusses the future of

by 2025.

the California ZEV mandate. It details the standards, requirements,

“The stringency of California’s mandate will steadily go up in

compliance options and phase-in roadmap of the mandate. The

terms of the required proportions of ZEVs in fleets, changing the

study offers strategic conclusions for stakeholders. The insight also

mix of cars on sale in the state,” said Frost & Sullivan Intelligent

delves into the electric vehicle miles travelled (e-VMT) proposal

Mobility Senior Research Analyst Sudeep Kaippalli. “Meanwhile,

supported by a compliance case study.

support and incentives from the Government will follow at a slower but significant pace.”

Endeavour Magazine | 69

70 | Endeavour Magazine

ASIA PLANTATION CAPITAL WWW.ASIAPLANTATIONCAPITAL.COM 0065 6222 3386

SUSTAINABLE GROWTH IN GROWING SUSTAINABLY WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

How do you save the world? You show businesses how to make profits by doing so. There is a kind of poetry in it.

Established officially in 2008, although operating privately since 2002, Asia Plantation Capital now has plantations and agricultural projects on four continents with operational projects at various stages from start-up to fully operational plantations and farms and reported revenue of US$64.7 million.

Endeavour Magazine | 71

ASIA PLANTATION CAPITAL

For over 10 years, the company has acted as owner and operator of a diverse range of commercial plantation and farming businesses globally by providing sustainable forestry and agricultural land acquisition and development services to the global forestry and agricultural sector.

A

ccording

to

the

“Forest

PriceWaterhouseCoopers,

Financing”

opportunities

report in

by

- close to a railway hub and deep sea port facilities - was carefully

forestry,

and painstakingly selected, with logistics very much at the forefront

agricultural and plantation ownership have changed over

of the decision making process.

the last decade, to become part of both large and small investors’

Illustrating the company’s careful and meticulous planning,

portfolios. There has also been a change in perception. Having

this facility is also strategically and conveniently located in close

previously been considered an alternative investment, they have

proximity to Singapore - a country currently ranked as one of Asia’s

become more mainstream and are now an essential component of

biggest Agarwood import and export centres - with more than

many institutional and pension growth funds.

US$1.2 billion in estimated trade per annum (according to official

With this in mind, Asia Plantation Capital is at a position that is

reports), which presented Asia Plantation Capital with a leading

stronger than most as it owns its freehold and long-term leasehold

competitive edge in terms of its access to a significant market on

plantations. As such, the wholly owned land portfolio is free from

its very ‘doorstep.’

bank debt and has been purchased by the company’s own funds.

The company is also heavily involved in the manufacturing

Speaking with Steve Watts, CEO of Asia Plantation Capital of

of structural construction boards and flooring produced from

Asia, he reveals that APC is one of the world’s fastest growing

the group’s bamboo plantations that are now being used in the

plantation management companies and that they are leading

construction of sustainable homes as part of the companies’ joint

the way in such areas as sapling cultivation and forestry growth

venture with EcoTechAsia.

while simultaneously pioneering inoculation methods, harvesting

Sustainable plantations and farms that create sustainable

techniques, distillation methods and product processing, “The

products for the rapidly expanding numbers of environmentally

scope of our activities allow many key skills and talents to rise to

conscious consumers worldwide drive these businesses and ensure

the surface,” he says, “Which allows us to not only turn a profit

that the group remains fully vertically integrated throughout the

for us and our partners but also to make a meaningful economic

product supply chain.

benefit to the local communities.”

Asia Plantation Capital offers plantation management services,

A key component to the fast and undeniable success of this

providing plantation owners the option of having their plantations

company is the strategy with which Asia Plantation Capital has

managed using the latest scientifically proven processes and

taken in tackling the industry. Steve explains that they have

techniques researched and developed by APC and its Global

strategically established a diverse range of stand-alone businesses

Scientific Advisory Board. Plantation and biological assets currently

through which they are able to best harness the strength of the

owned and/or under management on behalf of private clients, are

many sectors found within agriculture. These include the use of

in excess of US$600 million and are forecast to rise to more than

pure Oud oil from Agarwood trees to produce fine perfumes for

US$1 billion over the next decade.

the international fragrance industry; manufacturing products for

Steve makes it clear however that APC does not provide

the pharmaceutical sector; construction of sustainable homes;

investment advice and is not authorised to do so and that all parties

plantation and agricultural specialist management, and tree

considering entering into long term forestry and farming projects

nurseries for local communities to access.

seek independent advice from reputable advisors.

Earlier this year in fact, Asia Plantation Capital opened the largest Agarwood-processing factory in South East Asia. Occupying

LOOKING AFTER THE COMMUNITIES

a brand new 44,000 ft2 unit in the Masai Industrial Park, the multi-

Steve explains that it is APC’s mission is to become the leading

million US dollar investment is integral to their strategic expansion

provider and operator of sustainably managed forestry and

of its Malaysian plantations and production capacity. The location

agricultural plantations and this includes the whole project from

72 | Endeavour Magazine

ASIA PLANTATION CAPITAL

evaluation all the way through to specific plantation acquisition

East and West and strengthened the ties that APC share in Europe,

and development.

another major agricultural sector.

“We believe that corporate responsibility is not simply about

Their award-winning, vertically integrated business model and

securing profit for shareholders and clients, but also involves a

its unique ‘From Soil, to Oil, to You’ story has been making waves in

positive contribution to society and the environment,” he says,

Europe and this comes as no surprise taking into account the rapidly

adding, “With local people at the heart of our operations, and

rising number of groups travelling to Southeast Asia from Europe to

sustainable practices adopted throughout our agroforestry, we are

visit the company’s plantations, factories and retail outlets.

a positive example of the ‘people, planet, and profit’ concept that is inspiring modern, sound business practices today.”

Steve says that over the past few months, Asia Plantation Capital has had the privilege of welcoming and hosting some of Europe’s most influential investment and fund managers, state officers and

DEVELOPMENTS Sustainability goes hand in hand with transparency and APC is

private bankers for a ‘show and tell’ at its Southeast Asian facilities.

One such group was the Geneva Economic Delegation, who visited

always appearing in the news, with their name being mentioned

Asia Plantation Capital’s Singapore office and its partner, Fragrance

on business feeds across Asia and Europe and always with

Du Bois’ flagship boutique at The Fullerton Hotel, on the 11th of

remarkable projects that are changing communities, economies

October 2015.

and industries. Whereas some businesses push forwards in a single

Heading the Swiss group was Pierre Maudet, Chief of the

straight line, Asia Plantation Capital are thrusting out in many

Department of Economy and Security of Geneva Canton, Michael

different directions, leveraging the strength and capabilities of their

Kleiner, Economic Development Officer at State of Geneva, Pierre

associated businesses. Steve chose to highlight the latest project

Poncet, President of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Geneva

the company is involved with, which has bridged a gap between the

and Vincent Subilia, Deputy Director, Head of International Affairs,

74 | Endeavour Magazine

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Geneva, along with a group

product seen in the exquisite perfumes at the luxurious boutique,

of 25 other distinguished guests.

and ultimately, the on-going commitment to sustainability. It’s an

The delegation was in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to identify potential opportunities and to better understand

unusual combination that makes it a genuine, vertically integrated and unique sustainable business opportunity.”

the workings and dynamism of the Southeast Asian business

He continued, “I believe that this visit is just the start of

environment, with a view to maintaining and further developing

a budding relationship. On behalf of the Geneva Economic

favourable economic relations between the two countries.

Delegation, I would like to thank Asia Plantation Capital for a

Singapore is acknowledged to be Switzerland’s most important

wonderful experience. It was unfortunate that we have had such

trading partner in Southeast Asia, due to an existing agreement

a tight schedule,” he concluded, “but we are certain that we will be

within the European Free Trade Association.

back to visit the plantations in Thailand and the factory in Malaysia,

In his welcome speech, Stephan Leterrier, Swiss Business

to encounter the full ‘From Soil, to Oil, to You’ story.”

Development Manager of Asia Plantation Capital, introduced the

“Our usual plantation trips are mostly held with our Asian-based

company to the delegation with emphasis on the four P’s, namely;

plantation owners and clients,” Steve says, “But over the past few

Population, Planet, Plantation Tour and Profit, the elements that

months we have seen an exponential growth in hosting European

reflect Asia Plantation Capital’s ethos. Shortly after addressing his

groups from countries such as France, Switzerland and Germany.

colleagues, Pierre Maudet concluded by suggesting the addition of

We are extremely proud to say that this is a proven result of the

a fifth P, for Perfection, in Asia Plantation Capital’s business model.

hard work that our global teams have contributed to the underlying

“We were extremely impressed by the amount of knowledge

success and growth of the company. I am also certain that we will

and quality details Asia Plantation Capital presented to us,” said

be expecting more visitors from all around the world, who will be

Kleiner, “from the extensive industry expertise, to the sensual end

eager to be part of our sustainable story.” Steve concludes.

Endeavour Magazine | 75

76 | Endeavour Magazine

BRITISH PETROLEUM TRINIDAD & TOBAGO WWW.BP.COM/EN_TT/TRINIDAD-AND-TOBAGO.HTML 001 868 623 2862

A LASTING LEGACY WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

BP Trinidad and Tobago has long been one of the leading oil and gas production companies in its region, but where some companies might simply sit back and hope that a great reputation would keep them at the top, things work a little differently here. Endeavour Magazine took a closer look at this impressive firm to find out more.

Endeavour Magazine | 77

BRITISH PETROLEUM TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

Holding exploration and production licenses that cover

904,000 acres off the east coast of Trinidad, these is little question as to how BP Trinidad and Tobago (bpTT) got to where it is now.

O

perating in the region since 1961, thanks to their heritage

local level, bpTT has been proactive in contributing to the local

companies, which include Amoco Trinidad Oil Company and

employment figures,

BP Amoco, bpTT produced its first crude oil in 1972 and hasn’t

“bpTT believes that the key to long-range sustainability is

looked back since, but the company isn’t boastful about its success,

building local expertise in all areas of the national petroleum industry

“We are now the country’s largest hydrocarbon producer,

– from exploration for oil and gas to the design and construction

accounting for more than half of Trinidad and Tobago’s national

of platforms and the installation of pipelines. We continue to

production of oil and gas. Overall, our operations are responsible

develop local capability through our investments in education and

for the employment of a growing workforce both directly and

enterprise development. bpTT facilitated the birth of Trinidad and

indirectly through contractors and independent operators. Natural

Tobago’s local offshore platform fabrication industry through the

gas accounts for much of bpTT’s total hydrocarbon production.”

extensive use of in-country expertise to build the first offshore

Part of the BP Group, bpTT has a great legacy behind it, but is

platform ever designed and constructed with over 40% local input.

consistently seeking to make a positive contribution of its own, an

Following the commissioning of the Cannonball platform in 2005,

attitude and ambition that has directly contributed to it becoming

four platforms – Mango, Cashima, Savonette and Serrette – were

one of the leading organisations in the region’s energy sector. With

also locally designed and constructed with more than 80% of the

13 active offshore production platforms, the company accounts

labour performed by Trinidad and Tobago nationals.”

for an impressive 60% of the nation’s oil and gas production, with

Large corporation reputations do not apply here! There is no

a large proportion being exported as LNG. The remainder is kept

desire to muscle in on a burgeoning local industry and overpower

locally for use as fuel or industry feedstock.

it with large budgets and an imported workforce, instead, bpTT has

An operation as large as BP naturally has a huge bank of staff and globally, it is estimated that around 80,000 people have found gainful and fulfilling employment with the group. On a more

78 | Endeavour Magazine

sought to benefit the local region, but not only through employment opportunities, “In the field of social development, bpTT works closely with

BRITISH PETROLEUM TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

community organisations, the people and the Government,

industry that will always be a concern is the environmental impact,

creating mutually beneficial relationships. Our strongest focus

but with a firm grasp on their social responsibilities and a clear

is on interventions in education, arts and culture, environmental

understanding of the stewardship that we are all bound by, bpTT

preservation, enterprise development and capacity building.

has a policy in place,

We are, for example, closely involved with the development of

“We are, of course, committed to safety in our operations and

national skills in engineering, petroleum geosciences and other

protection of the environment. Our commitment may be summed

areas of study at the University of the West Indies (UWI). Another

up simply: no accidents, no harm to people and no damage arising

outstanding example of our company’s commitment to education

from the environmental impact of our operations, through on-

is the Mayaro Resource Centre, a former employee recreational

going training programmes and the reduction of waste, emission

facility which has been converted into a virtual campus, addressing

and discharges.”

the needs of the Mayaro community to tertiary levels.”

While this is a welcome attitude, the company doesn’t simply

Essentially, if you are looking for gainful employment that

overlook matters that are on a more grass roots level. Committed to

will bring a longstanding, successful career, ripe with progression

protecting the environment as a whole, bpTT has been explicit in its

opportunities, bpTT is willing to help you on your path, from

desire to make a real and tangible difference in its local community,

university and beyond. Not many companies can tell you that and

“bpTT’s approach to Corporate Social Responsibility is driven by

mean it, but this is an organisation that is always looking forwards

the company’s aspiration, which calls on it to deliver extraordinary

and to the future. If there is a new solution, bpTT will discover it. If

business performance, take part in the development of Trinidad and

there is a better way to do something, bpTT will include it in their

Tobago and impact the lives of every citizen. In areas of education,

processes. It’s as simple as that.

arts and culture, enterprise and manpower development and the

One aspect of the oil and gas exploration and production

80 | Endeavour Magazine

environment, bpTT has established mutually beneficial relationships

with the Trinidad and Tobago public, strategically focused on the

USA for the engineering, procurement and construction of the

long-term development of the country.”

jacket and topsides of the new Juniper platform to be located off

Don’t be fooled into thinking that this is merely corporate talk though, as they go on to expand,

the south east coast of Trinidad. The contract also includes the offshore installation of subsea equipment for the Juniper project.

“In our quest to contribute to the sustainable long-term

bpTT facilitated the establishment of Trinidad and Tobago’s local

development of Trinidad and Tobago, we have not forgotten our

offshore platform fabrication industry through the extensive use

humanitarian responsibilities to the local community and bpTT

of in-country expertise to build the first offshore platform ever

has a long history with Habitat for Humanity Trinidad and Tobago

designed and constructed with significant local input.”

(HFHTT). With a shortage of affordable housing in the country,

Maintaining a firm grasp on the industry and promising

bpTT first partnered with HFHTT in 1998 to build houses in the

extensive new opportunities for Trinidad and Tobago, Norman

Mayaro/Guayaguayare area.”

Christie, President of bpTT, concluded by saying,

Always committed to keep moving forward, what does the

“The construction of the Juniper facility in Trinidad and Tobago

future hold for bpTT? Without a doubt, more CSR initiatives that

will allow for the leveraging of local capabilities in fabrication and

continue to set them apart from competitors and traceable success

other energy services for the long term benefit of the local energy

in their field, but more than this, an exciting contract is being

sector. We are pleased that local companies and local labour can

fulfilled,

continue to benefit along all stages of project development.”

“BP announced today that it is moving forward at pace with the award of a key contract for the development of the Juniper

Now that really is a legacy company with a finger on the pulse and its heart in local regions.

project. Following the announcement of the sanction of the Juniper project in August 2014, BP has awarded a contract to Technip

With

Endeavour Magazine | 81

82 | Endeavour Magazine

PNG POWER WWW.PNGPOWER.COM.PG 00675 324 3200

KEEPING THE LIGHTS ON WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

Papua New Guinea relies largely on hydro-electric power and PNG Power Limited (PPL) supply over 74,000 people in the country, relying heavily on both thermal and hydro plants for their power generation. However, with a stronger than ever El Nino effect, the area has been struck hard putting the region into the worst drought in two decades.

Endeavour Magazine | 83

PNG POWER

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill warned of an escalation of unfavourable

conditions across the rest of Papua New Guinea as the El Nino strengthens over the next few months and said, “This drought has the potential to be worse than 1997 and 1998,”

T

his has not only placed a dire threat to the agricultural sector

for the reforms in the electricity sector and the restructure of PPL

but a huge responsibility onto the shoulders of PPL, who are

(PNG Power) is to introduce reliable and affordable power supply

the main power utility of the country who supply energy to 19

to at least 90 per cent of the population, consistent with the goals

provinces.

of Vision 2050.”

In January 2015, a state of emergency was declared for the

PPL has hydro and thermal electricity generating plants in 19

utility, a result of a number of mitigating circumstances through

provinces of Papua New Guinea all and apart from the 7 connected

which El Nino was only one part and as the first major move

by the Ramu Network, they work in isolation as individual cells.

since this happened, Papua New Guinea’s electricity sector made

According to the Asian Development Bank, Papua New Guinea

a number of key appointments at PNG Power, which included

currently has power generation capacity of around 580MW, but

appointing John Mangos, who was the former Digicel PNG Chief

will need an estimated 2000MW of installed capacity by 2030 to

Executive officer to Executive Director of PNG Power.

keep pace with Government targets.

John, who was Government appointed due to his impressive

Minister Micah also stated that approval had been given for new

record in bringing Digicel from ground zero to holding 90% of the

hydropower stations to be built at Edevua (Brown River), Gembogl,

mobile communication market in Papua New Guinea, explains that

Kiburu, Tua River, Wara Simbu, Daewoo Lae, Hela and Puanda.

his role is to assist the PPL executive management in its executive

The Papua New Guinea Government signed an agreement

duties and responsibilities, “Providing a mentorship role to bring in

with Italian construction firm, Salini-Impregilo, to jointly develop

modern management practises working together with the board.”

the 1800MW Karamui dam project in Simbu Province. This follows

“The state of emergency was announced in January this year

a recent deal with ExxonMobil to buy gas from the PNG LNG

in a bid to fix a list of concerns, one of which is to fix the revenue

project for local power generation. The PNG Government has also

problems faced by PNG Power,”

announced a 10-year electricity infrastructure development plan.

It is a compound problem that affects PNG Power. Lacklustre

In another move, the Government has made a significant

management from previous directors when it came to revenue

change at the top of the Independent Public Business Corporation

collection together with a the worst drought in years and a

(IPBC), which oversees all state-owned enterprises, including PNG

heavy reliance on hydro generated power means the company

Power. Garry Hersey is to replace Managing Director Wasantha

is in a position where it has large obligations to fulfil and needs

Kumarasiri, who has headed the IPBC since early 2013.

a management leader who is able to take the reins and steer the beast in the right direction.

For a 60-day period, Micah had extraordinary powers to take companies and individuals to court for non-payment of bills and illegal use of electricity. He said that a major recommendation of the report was the restructure of PPL, which was viewed ‘as a wholesome approach to improving and strengthening of the provision of electricity services’.

“The SOE [State of Emergency] Report also recommended and was approved by cabinet of major projects that will progress the development of electricity in PNG,” Micah said, “The ultimate goal 84 | Endeavour Magazine

THE SITUATION Despite remarkable economic growth that the country has achieved in recent years, Papua New Guinea is faced with a chronic shortage of electricity, to which the aggressive drought is significantly aggravating.

“Power demand outweighs power supply in growth rate,” John reveals, “According to our research, the country’s peak power demand is expected to increase to 347 MW in 2025,” (to lend some perspective, in 2012 the demand was 210 MW), he continues, “Under the given circumstance, it is critical to implement measures

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Endeavour Magazine | 85

PNG POWER

to cope with the increasing power demand to promote investment,

improved power stability that can boost economic activities as well

economic growth and ultimately to achieve poverty reduction

as people’s welfare and livelihoods in the region,” John attests.

through economic growth.”

Hydro accounts for more than 40% of the energy output, with 38% coming from thermal as in diesel fire power stations. The remaining installed capacity was constituted by geothermal and natural gas power plants. Of this total installed capacity nationwide, 295 MW belongs to PNG Power Limited, comprising 148 MW of hydro (50%) and 137 MW of thermal (47%) power plants. The remaining installed capacity belongs to mining and manufacturing industries, as well as 150 to 200 small rural electricity systems (called “C-Centres”) that are operated by local Government authorities.

According to the PPL Annual Report 2009, hydropower serves base load in the Port Moresby, Ramu and Gazelle Systems. However, most of these hydropower plants are more than 30 years old and have not been properly maintained due to the previously poor financial situation of PPL. As a result, power outages have been prevalent and increasing for many years and the total hydropower generations are estimated to be lower than 30% of the total annual electricity generation in PNG. There are two major power systems in operation in PNG generating as much as 90% of the country’s electricity. One of which is the Ramu System covering much of the Momase and Highlands Region. The Ramu system, however, is said to have serious problems with its power transmission lines. According to John, the Ramu transmission lines fail to meet the N-1 criteria, one of the international standards for quality transmission lines.

And as such, PPL advised that majority of the 1,706 unserved energy incidents that occurred in 2010 is attributed to this power transmission lines.

“The Ramu transmission lines are literally lifelines indispensable for the city of Lae, which is the commercial capital of Papua New Guinea,” John highlights, “And in this respect, they have a vital role to play to keep major industrial and manufacturing activities alive there.”

Therefore, the Ramu Transmission System Reinforcement Project aims at stabilising the electric supply to Lae and its neighbouring areas. The project is composed of the transmission line component and the substation component. For the transmission line component, more than 130 km overhead 132 kV transmission line will be installed from Taraka to Singsing Substation. For the substation component, rehabilitation of Ramu1 switchyard, Singsing, Erap, and Taraka substations, and installation of telecommunication system connecting substations will be carried out.

“Upon completion of the project, the Ramu system will have

86 | Endeavour Magazine

SUPPLY Papua New Guinea’s topography offers another challenge, which has hampered the development of a national grid system as well as considerable distances between various towns and load centres. PPL operate three separate urban grids and 14 other independent provincial systems. In addition, there are a number of C-Centres and privately owned facilities in rural areas. The three separate urban grids operated by PPL include Port Moresby System which serves the National Capital District, the commercial, industrial and administrative centre of Papua New Guinea as well as the surrounding areas in the Central Province with a total capacity under the Port Moresby System of 116.2 MW, comprised of the Rouna Hydro Power Stations, Moitaka thermal power station and Kanudi Power Station, which is diesel and privately owned.

There is the Ramu System as discussed above which serves the load centres of Lae, Madang and Gusap in the Momase Region and the Highlands centres of Wabag, Mendi, Mt Hagen, Kundiawa, Goroka, Kainantu and Yonki. Economies based on mining, oil, gas,

coffee, tea, timber and industrial productions. The main source of generation is the Ramu Hydro Power Station with an installed capacity of 75 MW, and a run-of-river Pauanda station in the Western Highlands Province with 12MW installed capacity. Power is also purchased when required from the privately owned Baiune Hydro Power Station at Bulolo in Morobe Province and varies between 1 to 2 MW depending on availability. Transmission line outages, energy and peak demands are met by diesel plants at Madang, Lae, Mendi and Wabag, which serve as stand-by units.

Then there is the Gazelle Peninsula System, which serves the townships of Rabaul, Kokopo and Keravat to service Gazelle’s economy based on copra, coconut oil, cocoa, timber and fishing.

The Gazelle Peninsula system is powered by a 10MW hydro power system at Warangoi, Ulagunan Diesel Power Station with 8.4MW, and 0.5MW from Kerevat Diesel Power Station.

“PNG Power Limited has a history that goes back to the colonial days under the Australian Government,” John says, “Its predecessor, the Electricity Commission was set up in the sixties, so there is a historic reason to keep supplying.”

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POTRAZ WWW.POTRAZ.GOV.ZW 263 4 333032

CALLING FROM AFRICA WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

With Internet access in Africa at an all-time high it is surprising to find that some countries are still struggling to get their people online and relying heavily on the local telecommunications businesses to achieve the impossible with very little governmental support.

Endeavour Magazine | 89

POTRAZ

It is a classic story; companies need to be connected with other

companies with as much speed as possible, instantaneously in fact, for them to be able to conduct business. Import, export and basic trade today happens at an instantaneous level, as fast as a person can point and click and if a company is unable to offer this they will always suffer for it. However, to achieve this requires infrastructure and while these country Governments lean heavily on their businesses, they are expecting the impossible as long as they don’t make concerted efforts to create the required infrastructure.

T

his is one of the many challenges that African countries

At a worth of $24 million, the first phase of the project had eight

have faced over the last two decades. In South Africa the

terminal sites and three repeater sites, while the second phase was

Government stated that a demand for increased broadband

targeting a total of 43 sites. The target was to reach all underserved

connectivity and projects like West African Cable Systems (WACS)

areas in Zimbabwe, which had been targeted and prioritized are

have been put in place to ensure that high speed Internet is

remote rural areas.

Amongst the challenges found here was that while operators

provided to everyone who wants it by 2020.

Without a doubt, the technology advances that have had

were happy to cooperate and share the available infrastructure

the biggest effect on business have been communication based.

many new projects were hampered by old design which were

Globally, the telecommunications industry is worth trillions and

originally not designed to carry more than one operator at a time.

creates the very foundation for business and social communication

Another issue was inadequate backhaul infrastructure. Fortunately,

that we all rely on.

the project was funded by the Universal Services Fund (USF), a

In Zimbabwe, one of the countries lagging behind, POTRAZ

fund that sees generation from all telecoms operators paying in

of

an amount equal to 2% of their revenues every year. Another lucky

Zimbabwe) is responsible for the postal and telecommunication

turn was that POTRAZ was put into control of the above fund which

industry, effectively influencing everyone in the country, individuals

ensured that the available money went to the right destinations

and businesses and taking on the mantle of this insurmountable

instead of being rerouted to different areas that have nothing to do

challenge.

with telecommunications, infrastructure or connectivity.

(Postal

and

Telecommunications

Regulatory

Authority

POTRAZ is tasked with ensuring that all people in Zimbabwe are adequately provided with postal and telecommunication services; a monumental task considering the population is estimated to be almost 13 million, spread over an area of nearly 400,000 square kilometres.

AFRICAN INDUSTRY Interestingly, in 2012, professional services from KPMG published a report following the company’s Telecoms Professional at Innovation Africa Digital Summit 2012. The report made it clear that Africa is one of the most attractive markets for telecoms

RURAL INVESTMENT POTRAZ has identified that building telecommunication services in rural areas of the country is a major priority. Three

organisations.

COMPANY REPORT

years ago, in 2012, the regulator announced that it would install 54

In Zimbabwe it is estimated that just 16% of the population

cellular base stations in remote areas across the country by 2014.

are Internet users and while this is a vast increase from a figure of

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POTRAZ

just 0.4% in 2000, it is still a figure that POTRAZ would like to see

competing on brand leadership, operating models, growth strategies,

increased.

network synergies and footprints. Consumers increasingly demand

The functions and powers of POTRAZ are guided by Section

enhanced converged services and operators are under pressure

Four of the Postal and Telecommunications Act (Chapter 12.05)

to be ready for change. Since Africa is made up of 55 individual

these functions include: ensuring that reasonable demands for

countries, the regulatory environment is compatible to that of

postal and telecommunication services are satisfied, promoting

Europe. When combined with an industry in transition from voice

and encouraging the expansion of postal and telecommunications

to data, the mobile market in Africa is far more complex compared

services, furthering the advancement of technology relating

to other industries.

to postal and telecommunication systems and services and

Only those

organisations

that

have

streamlined

their

representing Zimbabwe internationally in matters related to postal

operations are well capitalised and have a sound strategy in place

and telecommunication services.

will be positioned to succeed in such a challenging and complete

Considering these functions are in place, why does the country still have a relatively low Internet penetration rate?

environment.

Considering the fact that Zimbabwe still has a long way to go

Could it be because POTRAZ still charges US$2-4 million

to achieve penetration levels similar to leading African nations, it

dollars for ISP to obtain a license? Considering the fact that in 2009

seems that mobile Internet access and mobile telecoms will be the

there were 28 official ISPs in a country, which is still developing its

markets for POTRAZ to monitor and encourage as these hold key

connectivity technology industry, it looks as though the price tag is

growth potential- especially for Internet penetration figures.

not turning companies away.

The KPMG report suggests that complexity of the market is often a challenge especially for foreign investors where telecommunication firms are forced with accelerating complexity

92 | Endeavour Magazine

“Mobile data and broadband technologies are increasingly being used as a substitute for poor or non-existence fixed-line infrastructure in Africa,� says the KPMG Report.

INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE While broadband Internet penetration is low compared to international statistics, mobile penetration and tele-density grew again last year. A POTRAZ report suggested that the country’s tele-density rate was no over 100% and mobile penetration now at 97%. Tele-density measures the number of active mobile phone SIM cards and lane lines as a percentage of the country’s total population and these stats will be encouraging to POTRAZ. Many people cite the country’s change to a dual currency system in 2009 as something that helped to stabilise the economy as a driver behind the increases in statistics. NetOne, one of the country’s leading telecoms providers has seen its mobile subscriber base grow significantly since 2009 and recently demonstrate how well the industry is performing by completing a $45 million service improvement programme where they installed over 300 base stations across the country, helping to improve services for its customers.

NetOne managing Director Reward Kangai said that “These

are a number of problems that were beginning to emanate from the use of equipment, but I am happy that the replacement of the old equipment has been moving quite well.”

He added, “In addition to that we have extended our Internet 3G and also the new base stations will provide Internet access in the various areas that we have covered with this equipment, supplied by Chinese company Huawei technologies.”

If the upsurge in data service uptake across rural areas is considered they have definitely been moving in the right direction and POTRAZ is continuing to see tremendous progress in utilising the USF that operators have been contributing. What POTRAZ has done is taken that money and put base station towers where operators can go and install equipment.

It is widely acknowledged that ICT is the engine that drives the economy and that the Government needs to put much more investment into the ICT sector in terms of the infrastructure required in order to make ICT services, like the ones POTRAZ are pressing, abundantly and readily available.

new 350 base stations are going into new green field sites and also replacing old equipment that we had, particularly in Harare. We should see a tremendous improvement of quality of service. There

Endeavour Magazine | 93

94 | Endeavour Magazine

BEEKMAN GROUP WWW.BEEKMANGROUP.COM 27 39 688 5000

SETTING THE STANDARD FOR VACATION PROVIDERS Head Office in Port Shepstone KwaZulu-Natal

WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

The Beekman Group has gone from strength to strength for one reason; they care about their customers. Not in a standard, it’s good for business way, but in a focused and genuine sense, with their well being and happiness firmly at the front of company priorities. Endeavour Magazine spoke with John Beekman to find out more about this ‘customer first’ pioneer.

Endeavour Magazine | 95

BEEKMAN GROUP

The Beekman Group is a holding company for a huge number of

successful interests, but it all started back in 1970 when John and the late Bram Beekman founded Beekman Brothers and felt confident about branching out and growing their brand to include property development.

1982 saw their first timeshare property completed, at Banana Beach and four other Suntide resorts soon followed.

W

e asked John to explain the key focuses back in those early days, “It started off with timeshare development, but we identified the limitations in conventional timeshare

and diversified our portfolio with the addition of a Points-based product, The Holiday Club™, which paved the way for many more years of success in the leisure market.”

Many more years is right, but not by sitting back and hoping that success would simply come to them. In fact, the group has diversified into a huge number of relevant interest areas including, but not limited to; vacation management services (resort and vacation management), Vacation Compass (an IT management system), iExchange (timeshare exchange provider), Beekman Managed Portfolio (select properties exchange network), Anytime Holidays (holiday rentals), Body Bliss Day Spas™, residential property development and commercial property ownership. With such a wide range of commercial interests, it would be easy to assume that the focus has shifted from customers, community and staff, but that is demonstrably not the case.

John tells us about the importance of community and how open communication is considered to be a cornerstone of good business

John Beekman

practice at The Beekman Group,

96 | Endeavour Magazine

“The Beekman Group is committed to being a responsible and contributing corporate player in the leisure industry in Southern Africa. Our strategy for community investment is therefore designed to advance the relationships between our resorts, our developments and our other subsidiaries with the communities in which they operate and to be seen as an added platform to

communicate our brand values and vision to our stakeholders. This

for over 15 years and 8% of our employees who have with us for

is not just good for our reputation - which is built on what we do as

more than 20 years.”

part of the communities in which we live and work - but it is also the right thing to do.”

The reason for this extraordinary staff retention is that at every level, from ground up, the Group seeks to involve team members

That is the key difference between The Beekman Group and so

in company-wide initiatives, especially those concerning the

many other organisations the world over. They act the way they do

environment. With a firm belief that an investment in the earth is

not because it’s good for business, but because it’s the right thing

equal to an investment in the future, The Beekman Group has been

to do. How many companies can you genuinely say that about?

proactive in its desire to contribute to ecological charities, but are

Perhaps it’s the family ties and values that permeate every facet of

also planning some initiatives a little closer to home,

the organisation keeping it grounded and focused on what is truly important, but either way, it is clearly a company of its word, as staff retention rates are excellent and with little under 1,000 team members onboard, this is critical for company longevity,

“Our new focus is for the entire Group – at all resorts and Head Office – is to go Carbon Neutral.

We have commissioned energy audits at the various resorts including monitoring and implementation. Our first audit was

“Since our Head Office is based in Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-

done at Cayley Lodge (Winterton) and although our existing green

Natal, away from the traditional city centres, the area creates a

projects showed a very real saving already, a further possible

great lifestyle opportunity for staff to work and live at and it shows

energy saving reduction of approximately 65% has been identified.

in our retention rates.

These audits and energy-saving initiatives will form part of an

Countrywide and at Head office 66% of employees have been

exciting new process with the end result being a solar farm that

with us for five years or more. This includes 35% of employees who

will generate enough power to easily satisfy the Group’s energy

have been with us over 10 years, 17% of which have been with us

requirements.”

 www.windovert.co.za  0861 00 22 75 Endeavour Magazine | 97

BEEKMAN GROUP

There is that underlying concern and duty of care for staff

This is not where the comprehensive customer care ends,

coming out again and it was further reinforced by Wayne Beekman,

however, as John goes on to tell us how The Group is constantly

Group Director, at the Green Roof opening,

seeking out opportunities to engage with customers, via a multitude

“We are equally committed to protecting our environment, as

of mediums, to find out if and how they can improve their products

we are to enriching staff welfare. This was a magnificent project

and services. With a 48-hour response mandate in place, coupled

that catered for reaching both these objectives.”

with the new instant feedback platform that allows queries to be

With economic downturns and unexpected fiscal turbulence

handled in real time, customers are left with no doubt that their

having been a major player in recent years, most industries appear

thoughts are being treated with the utmost consideration. This

to have taken a knock, but the leisure industry appears to have

is also reflected in the after-sales programme, which again, asks

weathered the storm better than most, as John explains,

for feedback about the service provided. We didn’t feel that we

“One would think that increasing economic pressures would

needed to ask what strategies are in place to keep The Beekman

lead to a steep decline in holiday-makers but we’ve seen nothing

Group ahead of their competition, as we think we already know

but a steady increase. Sure, people may choose to holiday closer to

why they are lauded as such industry pioneers, but John was keen

home or go for shorter periods, but there is definitely still a strong

to draw our attention to their cutting edge nature,

holiday culture in South Africa. Currently, we’re refocused on the

“We employ industry-leading technologies that provide self-

customer journey, as people need to de-stress and find a way to

help services to our members, allowing them the freedom to

spend quality time with their loved ones, so we are busy improving

make bookings and manage their account online. This ensures that

the technology behind our product offering in order to ensure

the member doesn’t need to wait in a call queues to speak to a

that our members and owners have a seamless dream holiday

consultant. Through strategic alliances, we’ve been able to give our

experience from start to finish.”

customers a wider variety of inventory to choose from and at a

Beekman Managed Portfolio’s High-End Property Development Choices

98 | Endeavour Magazine

better cost point. Our business model also allows our customers to structure their holidays around the time that suites them.”

Promising to further improve customer and staff experiences alike, these new initiatives are firmly geared towards the people

If there was any doubt at all as to how the Group has risen

that matter most and it’s refreshing to see such changes being

to such heights within the leisure sector, they can now, officially,

put into place, regardless of financial expenditure. Determined to

be cast aside! With a heritage for providing exemplar service and

be even more member-centric and supportive of their staff, The

experiences behind them, what lies ahead for The Beekman Group?

Beekman Group has committed a lot of time and investment to

2016 is just around the corner, so we wanted to find out what plans

2016 already,

were in place for the New Year,

“Our entire IT development team, most of the upper

“We have three main initiatives coming up. At our Head Office,

management and all key staff are all dedicated – it’s a massive

we’ve been involved in various internal improvements to the

drive and we believe it to be a game changer, so the investment

facilities and also plan on expanding the current building to include

in time and money has been large. On the resort side, our major

more underground parking as well as conference facilities. Also,

maintenance and refurbishment plan for 2016 alone comes to

we’re in the process of rolling out our Vacation Compass software

R53.8 million.”

to the Australian arm of The Holiday Club™.

Having spoked with John and gained a good understanding of

And finally, we’re in the process of improving all members’

the values underpinning the company, we know that will not be

holiday experiences – from the moment they start searching for

an unwilling investment and that if it will bring about improved

the destination up until the moment they arrive home after their

customer and staff experiences, it will have paid for itself in no

holiday. What this means is that all members will be assured of

time.

the same standard of service in amenities, facilities and guest experience whenever they stay at any of our resort developments.”

The family-run business with over 10 years experience in professional and reliable projects that include tiling, painting, plumbing, electrical and building work on the South Coast of KZN

Te l : 0 3 9 3 1 5 7 5 0 5 F a x : 0 8 6 5 4 4 3 4 1 5 E-Mail: clynch@mweb.co.za P. O . B o x 8 9 1 M a r g a t e 4 2 7 5 3 Lugano Drive Uvongo 4270 Endeavour Magazine | 99

100 | Endeavour Magazine

RAND MUTUAL ASSURANCE WWW.RANDMUTUAL.CO.ZA 0027 86 022 2132

SETTING THE FOUNDATION FOR ANOTHER 120 YEARS WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

For over 120 years, the South African mining industry has been mothered by Rand Mutual Assurance who have become the industry administrator of choice, providing worker’s compensation for mining industry employees injured during the course of their employment.

Endeavour Magazine | 101

RAND MUTUAL ASSURANCE

Mining makes up one third of the market capitalisation on the JSE

(Johannesburg Stock Exchange) and is one of the root industries on which the South African economy is based. It is central to the South African economy and Rand Mutual has grown and development with it since the company’s founding in 1894.

C

EO Jay Singh explains, “At the time there was no injury

components - medical aid, injury while on duty and a disability

insurance cover for those working in the new gold mining

calculation resulting in a lump sum or pension,” he says.

industry,” he says, “But there was a demand and the only

“COID says that a pension should be based on a person’s salary,

country in the world that offered workers compensation was in

but the salary is capped at R26,000 per month. We’ve taken the

Germany.”

cap away and will base the pension on your actual salary even it is

Although safety standards have been improving for miners

it R1 million a month rather than the minimum of R26k.”

year-on-year, the industry is still considered one of the most

“We’ve created a lot of value-adds, COID doesn’t cover travel to

dangerous, with 84-recorded deaths in 2014 alone. It is Rand

and from work and we’ve added that as a product. If you’re injured

Mutual’s responsibility to ensure the safety of these workers across all areas including the companies mining coal, diamond, chromite, vanadium and the platinum group metals.

THOROUGH COVER Rand Mutual’s license is granted in terms of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Disease Act COIDA. Implemented in 1946, the Act makes it compulsory for employers to contribute to insurance employees against potential injuries and Rand Mutual is the body responsible for administering to this directive.

“As a mining worker you can choose to buy your cover from the Government or from Rand Mutual; just like in construction where you can choose the government or FEM,” explains Jay, revealing that in effect Rand Mutual’s greatest competitor is the Government itself.

Dealing exclusively with large corporates, their client list is packed with industry leaders and global majors, such as Anglo Gold Ashanti, Anglo Platinum, Anglo American as a whole, Harmony Gold, Lonmin and BHP Billiton.

while going to work or coming home from work or travelling on business then we can provide that cover too - this is particularly significant in South Africa where a lot of people travel by Taxi.”

A LITTLE EXTRA To underpin Rand Mutual’s general assurance offering by managing pensions, RMA Life Assurance Company (RMA life) was established and recently celebrated its first decade of caring for its disabled pensioners by a way of a mobile clinic that travels the length and breadth of Southern Africa.

Working with its prosthetic partner, Merissa Nel and Associates, Rand Mutual has completed 10,000 prosthetic reviews through its mobile clinic since it began the service, helping beneficiaries in rural, remote areas who otherwise may not be able to assess the right care.

CROSSING BORDERS Jay says that over 160 staff work for Rand Mutual and six offices

Jay goes on to reveal that in order to keep their competitive

in total are overseen around the country, with three satellite offices

edge, Rand Mutual tailors its offerings to the varying needs of their

in the Eastern Cape, Mozambique and Lesotho, from its head office

impressive client list, “We have to make sure we pay at least what

in Johannesburg.

the legislation says. So we have built other products around COID,

“In South Africa and neighbouring countries most of the miners

for example our workers compensation scheme has a number of

come from very rural areas; rural parts of South Africa and rural

102 | Endeavour Magazine

RAND MUTUAL ASSURANCE

parts of neighbouring countries and that is why we have a number

understanding motivations and doing analysis and signing up half a

of small or satellite offices.”

dozen. This year we expect to take on at least 100,000 lives.”

Migrant workers make up a significant number of the employees

In terms of expanding the company’s footprint further into

working in the mining sector in South Africa. With workers

sub-Saharan Africa, Jay explains that there are a great deal of

travelling from Lesotho, Botswana, Mozambique, Swaziland and

Governmental complexities to be taken into account, “As an

Zimbabwe, insurers have to find ways to manage the complexities

example, if we were to offer our products in Zimbabwe, the

that this creates.

Government would insist that the money didn’t leave Zimbabwe

“Looking after cross border workers and ex workers is fairly

and would have to be insured with a local insurance company. We

complicated,” explains Singh, “For example, if there is a mining

would also need to prove that this type of insurance is not already

accident, the widow may not fully understand she is entitled

available in the country.”

to receive benefits. It is our responsibility to find and identify

He says that while there are many plans for the future, that

the widow, make sure that there is no fraud and pay her. And

some things benefit from more research than others and that some

the difficultly, so often, is in tracing the dependents and the

areas simply are not ready for such advancements.

beneficiaries.”

PEAKS AND TROUGHS GROWTH AREAS

Rand Mutual business had grown parallel to the nation’s mining

The South African Government may hold the title as Rand

industry over the years, “pre-2008 we may have had 90% of the

Especially when it comes to improving national welfare insurance

gold. Six or seven years ago it was in decline while platinum was

PRESCIENT AFRICA EQUITY ucits MULTI-CURRENCY AFRICA FUND Mutual’s main market competitor but their goals are the same and mining business and we would try to convince the remaining 10% growth Providing to long-term recent times have brought aboutinvestors a need to be access engaging together. to join us.African There’s quite a bit of. diversity within mining; look at Prescient provides investors access to opportunities to buy long-term African growth. The Prescient Africa mechanisms, particularly its IT system.

Equity UCITS Fund gives international investors the opportunity to invest in Africa at reduced valuations “It is a key area for us in terms of expansion that surrounds while keeping their assets offshore. The multi-currency fund means that investors can invest in the fund the licensing of our systems,” Jay explains, “We’ve built a COID using the U.S. dollar or Euro as Prescient has various fund classes. system and the Government does the same things as us but their

fund system is not the best, so see that as a Thecompensation Fund maintains minimum levels ofwediversification and potential market.” liquidity risk management by adhering to the UCITS IV regulated This scheme could easily be marketed throughout Africa fund framework. as there isn’t a good system anywhere on the continent that

INVESTMENT MANAGEment

+27administers 21 700 3670 | info@prescient.co.za workers compensation benefits |aswww.prescient.co.za efficiently. As such the Government are already piloting a number of Rand Mutual’s IT

Prescient is a multinational business whose operations in financial and information management services span Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe,11/30/15 Australia 3:39:19 PM and Asia. Headquartered in Cape Town South Africa, Prescient provides a globally competitive offering to clients across a range of financial disciplines.

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the system.

Rand Mutual is a company that prides itself on being

Prescient Found Endeavour Africa Ad.indd 1

technologically forward and has improved upon its online platforms over the past year to offer several new functionalities and services to stakeholders and continually pursues opportunities to license its IT systems to third parties.

In other areas of development, a parallel focus for growth at the company is an extension of its COID license to include the metal sector as they have been operating more or less as an exemption from current legislation and until last year this was on the basis that they could provide this service only to the mining industry. Jay says that it was an obvious move considering what they were able to offer with the mining and that they should replicate that within the metal industry too.

“Replicating our business model into another sector is the quickest and easiest way to expand, potentially increasing the 400,000 lives we currently insure by 600,000,” he says, “We have already started making presentations to the bigger potential clients, 104 | Endeavour Magazine

Prescient is at the forefront of investment management, providing innovative solutions to assist all our clients in achieving their investment objectives in Africa and globally.

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growing like crazy. Since 2008 platinum has not grown, but the coal

invoice. Then of course we have financial people, administrators

industry has. The international demand for coal is so great that no

and IT people. Our IT people are highly skilled. We do all of our IT

one country can meet it. As a result we have seen a lot of new

development in house.”

employees in the coal-mining sector. So growth in one industry offsets a decline in another.”

“It’s like any other company; we have a cross section of skills.

The main difference is our medical expertise and the training that we provide in that regard. For example; our doctors are trained and understand occupational health but we skill them in terms of

PEOPLE POWER Jay emphasises that Rand Mutual’s employees form the backbone of its company and are the basis for its success. The company’s employees have a wide range of skills across all the areas it services, especially regarding the medical nature of the company.

“We have people who assess a disability, maybe people who have been in a mining accident and are injured. For this we have medical doctors gaining an occupational health qualification. They will measure disability and review our patients. Supporting these doctors are senior nurses.” He explains.

“We employ people to capture claims who are usually

worker compensation, legislation and all the systems that go with it too.”

He explains that they offer training to all the mining houses that are covered and the labour organisations because it is very important that they understand the benefits, so when there’s a query they know exactly how to report it.

120 years have seen a great deal of change to the industry but by staying ahead of the game and looking to always develop those keen relationships Rand Mutual are set to be shaping the next 120 years too.

more junior in their roles but need an understanding of medical terminology. If there is a claim, our people can quickly relate to the injury, when they are capturing the claim or processing a doctor’s

PRESCIENT’S MULTI-CURRENCY AFRICA FUND International investors can now invest in Africa Prescient provides international investors with: • Access to long-term African growth • Access to African listed equity markets outside South Africa, including London listed African companies • An opportunity to invest in Africa at reduced valuations • Ability to invest U.S. Dollar or Euro.

INVESTMENT MANAGEment

+27 21 700 3670 | info@prescient.co.za | www.prescient.co.za PRESCIENT GROUP OFFERING: INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT / F U N D S ER V I C E S A N D A D M I N IS T R AT I O N / S TO C K B R O K I N G W E A LT H M A N AGEM EN T / CO R P O R AT E A DV IS O R Y / R E TA I L A N D I N S T I T U T I O N A L R E T I R EM EN T A N D I N SU R A N C E PR O D U C T S AU T H O R IS ED F I N A N C I A L S ER V I C E S PR OV I D ER

Prescient I.M. Endeavour Africa Ad.indd 1

Endeavour12/2/15 Magazine | 105 3:49:49 PM

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SHANTA GOLD WWW.SHANTAGOLD.COM 255 22 260 1831

DIGGING DEEP WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

A forerunner into the markets of gold exploration, mining and development, Shanta Gold has carved itself a reputation that has expanded beyond the borders of Tanzania. Under the leadership of a new CEO, great things are to be expected from them in 2016. Especially as they have set themselves as a company of doers and not just big talkers.

Endeavour Magazine | 107

SHANTA GOLD

Having sat on the London Stock Exchange’s Alternative Investment

Market since 2005, the company is concerned primarily with mining and site development and exploration and has always focused its efforts within Tanzania, a country located within Africa that is renowned for its goldyielding potential.

O

f course, breaking into the gold mining industry was never

steps to upgrade the mine’s production capacity to an impressive

going to be a small investment endeavour and shortly after its

83,000 ounces a year.

creation in 2001, Shanta spent over US$ 4.5 million acquiring

Discussing other markets that the company is involved with, it

gold properties in Tanzania with a principal focus in the Mgusu and

becomes clear that focusing on one specialty is considered to be

Simba Nguru projects, which sit in the northern and central parts

of the utmost importance and today, Shanta Gold is an East Africa

of Tanzania respectively, as well as three projects in the country’s

focused gold production company, nothing else. The operations

Musoma district.

are located in Tanzania where investor-friendly mining laws and

Getting the company off to a fantastic start, these locations

favourable tax rules have enabled the industry to become one

provided Shanta with opportunities to generate significant interest

of the fastest growing sectors. Tanzania has developed a solid,

as well as contributing to the accruing of an impressive reputation

sophisticated infrastructure system of roads, rail networks, ports,

within the industry. However, as with all forward thinking and

two international airports and good telecommunications.

progressive organisations, these locations were gradually phased out in favour of a new mine.

Over the years, Shanta Gold’s focus has shifted to the New Luika Gold Mine located in the Lupa Goldfields district in South Western

Despite having become Africa’s third largest gold producing country, Tanzania remains under-explored in comparison with other gold producers of its size and there has therefore a high potential for future discoveries.

Tanzania and the Singida mine (currently in the development stage)

Thanks to a firm direction and a strong location, Shanta Gold

located in Central Tanzania. In addition to this, we are examining

is in a privileged position whereby it can concentrate solely on its

properties covering over 1300 km2 in the underexplored ex-

current operations and upgrading systems for higher yields at lower

colonial mining areas of the geologically rich Lupa Goldfields

cost. A natural concern for any organisation, this might seem like a

surrounding the New Luika Gold Mine.

logical process but it becomes a necessity when an understanding

Having bought the New Luika mine, Shanta efficiently pushed it

of the gold industry is acquired. Having suffered a dramatic cut in

into production in 2012 and it is now considered to be the flagship

value (reportedly the worst for 30 years), gold, and subsequently

mine of the entire organisation. Unwilling to merely continue at the

the gold industry as a whole, is only now beginning to recover.

same production levels however, Shanta is currently undertaking

In a bid to further aid the sector, unprofitable mines have been

108 | Endeavour Magazine

BC Mining Limited Plot 1401E Chole Road Msasani Peninsular Dar es Salaam info@bcmining.net

BC Mining is a local Tanzanian company providing contract mining services and mining infrastructure development. Having completed all the mine infrastructure, in February 2013 BC Mining began with the opencast mining contract at Shanta Gold’s New Luika project. Our Management Team have successfully managed an average production volume of 300,000 bcms per month, which has been consistently achieved with a 90% equipment availability during this period.

Proud to be partnering Shanta Gold on their Journey

Bamboo Rock Drilling provides complete drilling solutions to the exploration and mining sectors on surface and underground mining operations. We are currently providing services to Shanta Mining Company Limited at their New Luika Gold Mine for blast hole, grade control, geo-tech and exploration drilling.

Block F10, Tirdo Complex Kimwiri Road, Namanga Dar es Salaam +255 755 367 371 darren@bamboo-rock.com

SHANTA GOLD

eliminated and mergers put in place to help investors see a return on their financial injections.

Unsurprisingly, this enlightened attitude towards staff is accompanied by a stringent welfare policy, and the company as a

Turning to the topic of staff, there is an underlying theme of

whole is deeply committed to the safety, health, and welfare of our

sustainability that permeates every facet of personnel accruement

employees, contractors, management and visitors to their worksites

and development. The company carries an objective to train and

in Tanzania where they maintain a policy of zero tolerance of any

employ local residents, thereby yielding direct and sustainable

negligence of health and safety best practices. Education, training

benefits to the local communities as well as the company. Over

and on-going communication has proven to be key to ensuring

90% of the organisation, and all major contractor’s employees,

an injury-free workplace and the promotion of safety. Beyond

are Tanzanian nationals, half of which are permanent residents of

preventative measures, they have also built an onsite health clinic

the local villages.

at the New Luika Gold Mine, lead by a physician with international

Despite already aligning with these impressively conscientious

medical training.

principles, Shanta has gone one step further by acknowledging the

With fantastic locations, a clear focus and a healthy, committed

importance of effective training and development, The company

workforce in place, the future must promise even more success

has instituted various training and development programs in an

for Shanta Gold and sure enough, there are plans for exciting new

effort to upgrade the skill level of all employees. The goal is to

projects. An underground study is underway at the New Luika mine

have a workforce where each individual takes full accountability

and its initial findings indicate underground mining, in conjunction

for his/her and work colleagues’ safety and the critical role he/

with plant expansion, will be viable. With the Life-of-Mine and

she plays in the success of the company. We recognise that staff

plant extension plans at New Luika due to be published in the late

development is critical in assuring the company’s in-country, long-

part of 2014, Shanta Gold has the potential to grow to a 140,000oz

term development strategy and that individuals are empowered

producer in the short to medium term.

to develop their skills in relation to the requirements of their roles.

110 | Endeavour Magazine

With demonstrable growth and development

potential within its grasp, Shanta does not neglect its other sites and with confidence levels at an all-time high, thanks to the underground study, the transition depth from open cast to underground at Bauhinia Creek has been established, allowing the new pit design to be completed. This will ensure continued access to high-grade resource. Additionally, the Singida project continues to focus on resource evaluation and relocation.

Despite exciting prospects ahead of it, Shanta Gold is not a company to risk its viability and hard-earned reputation chasing potential endeavours and continues to primarily focus on the New Luika’s life-of-mine extension and expansion project. With the livelihood of a large workforce and the sustainability of the locality in mind, the company is considering alternative funding options for the Singida Project in order to not place undue stress on the company’s financials. Combined, these elements paint the picture of a highly successful, responsible and long-term operational

Despite exciting prospects ahead of it, Shanta Gold is not a company to risk its viability and hard-earned reputation chasing potential endeavours and continues to primarily focus on the New Luika’s life-of-mine extension and expansion project.

organisation, making Shanta Gold a glittering example of business acumen and adaptability in an uncertain financial market. A rarity indeed.

Endeavour Magazine | 111

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DAIMLER FLEET MANAGEMENT WWW.DAIMLERFLEETMANAGEMENT.CO.ZA 0027 86 132 4653

CUT OUT THE HEADACHE WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

In South Africa, outsourcing the management of a fleet has become a welcome alternative to keeping it in house and is removing many of the headaches that used to be an assumed part of having a fleet.

Endeavour Magazine | 113

DAIMLER FLEET MANAGEMENT

Founded in 1998, Daimler Fleet Management South Africa (DFM SA) has established itself as one of the country’s leading fleet management companies, providing a full array of fleet management products and services to its customers, guided by a common philosophy forged around the surreptitious management of risk.

P

reviously known as Debis Fleet Management, the company initially ran services such as IT and finance, but has since directed 90% of its activity towards fleet maintenance and

management, a small percentage still remains with vehicle financing.

Supported by the weight of a powerful player in the automotive industry DFM SA is a subsidiary of Mercedes Benz Financial Services South Africa, the largest financiers of Mercedes Benz vehicles in South Africa and forms part of the globally recognised Daimler Group, based in Germany. The Daimler Group manufactures brands such as Mercedes Benz and comprise of Daimler Financial Services and Daimler Fleet Management.

WHAT THEY DO AND WHAT THEY OFFER Within South Africa alone, DFM manages over 170,000 vehicles and efficiently runs more than 10,000 Full Maintenance Lease contracts in its area offices in all nine provinces. Through its national presence, DFM SA strives to provide excellent customer service and 24 hour assistance with a continuous focus on improving operating activities through reasonable pricing and customised products in mobility solutions.

As a statement from the DFM SA website reveals, DFM SA promises customers the benefits of “‘controlled and lower fleet running costs,’ as Daimler Fleet Management we innovate to resolve fleet management problems before they present themselves.

We understand the importance of accurate fleet management reporting, extraordinary customer services and together with world class processes we are able to deliver a seamless mobility solution for your business.”

114 | Endeavour Magazine

DAIMLER FLEET MANAGEMENT

“As the customer you benefit from being able to budget the

and maintenance under the Full Maintenance lease (FML) product.

fixed costs of your fleet by removing the unseen costs such as

It also includes vehicle tracking, abuse management, utilisation

financial fluctuations, fleet admin, breakdowns, lost productivity

management, roadside assistance and service scheduling.

IS YOUR FLEET GEARED

and vehicle depreciation. As a professional fleet management

DFM also provide Ad-Hoc Rental as part of its Passenger

company Daimler Fleet Management’s experience in these areas

Car Fleet Management, providing flexible back up for a fleet by

will ultimately benefit you through controlled and lower fleet

providing replacement or top-up vehicles. These include luxury

running costs.”

and chauffeur-driven vehicles from the Mercedes Benz stable.

FOR PERFORMANCE?

Over more than a decade, DFM SA has provided an abovethe-expected service, offering cutting edge fleet management

The Ad-Hoc Rental service is a one way rental option and includes insurance.

solutions to a wide array of customers and has since diversified

To and stand outservice and drive your operation The Third final in DFM’s Passenger Car Fleet

its offering to manage sizeable fleets. Today there is a focus on a

Managementclimate, is Luxuryfleet Fleetowners Solutions, whereby DFM will supply need to partner

bespoke offering for three specific groups, including passenger cars commercial vehicles and Government fleets.

forward in today’s tough operating

a customer with the ideal luxuryfleet fleet management from their wide range of a premium provider.

Mercedes-Benz products on Full Maintenance Lease FML. DFM will arrange and provide the vehicle maintenance as well

PASSENGER CAR FLEET MANAGEMENT Through the three alternative services of a Corporate Company Car Programme, Ad-Hoc Rental and Luxury Fleet Solutions, DFM

MiX Telematics is a leading global

as vehicle tracking.

Added benefits package include abuse provider of fleet andof the mobile asset management,management utilisation management, roadside assistance and solutions delivered as

Software-as-a-Service, or SaaS, to service scheduling.

Its Corporate Company Car Programme offers customers the latest

customers in more than 120 countries.

We help companies across diverse reduce risk, enhance COMMERCIALindustries VEHICLES to FLEET MANAGEMENT safety and boost their efficiencies.

Understanding the ‘commercial vehicles’ covers a wide span of

vehicle from the Daimler stable as well as branding of the vehicle

fleet needs and vehicles, DFM SA’s Commercial Vehicle service has

SA offers individuals and companies the use of a vehicle but not the responsibility or risk of ownership. All for a fixed monthly rate.

For more information contact us at fleetsa@mixtelematics.com

www.mixtelematics.co.za

MiX Telematics is a leading global provider of fleet and mobile asset management solutions delivered as Software-as-a-Service to customers in over 120 countries with more than 523,000 subscribers globally (June 30, 2015). The company’s products and services provide enterprise fleets, small fleets and consumers with solutions for safety, efficiency, compliance and security. MiX Telematics has a network of more than 130 fleet partners world-wide.

116 | Endeavour Magazine

been tailor made for truck operators ensuring that they too can

FleetBoard offers market-leading standard equipment and

get the best out of their fleet. There are three programmes in this

telematics-supported Internet services at an international flat-rate

section: the Mercedes Benz CharterWay, Fleetboard and BBEEE

charge.

The final service is DFM SAS BBEEE Finance Scheme,

Finance Scheme.

The Mercedes Benz Charter Way is a flexible mobility solution

whereby DFM SA provides financing to Small and Medium

that promises to get the most out of a fleet and its service offering

Enterprises, SMRS and emerging truck operators on a FMI Basis.

starts with a basic service only contractor (CharterWay Service

Financing services include, vehicle selection, vehicle tracking and

BestBasic) and ends with a lease and maintenance offering (Charter

monitoring, management reporting, driver training, diver behaviour

Way Maintenance Leasing Complete).

management and fuel fraud management.

The top of the range product includes full leasing, maintenance and repair on Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles. Customers also

GOVERNMENT FLEET MANAGEMENT

benefit from enhance cash flow in their business as no deposit is

Thanks to a long and peerless history of supporting local

required up-front and there are no unforeseen costs in terms of the

Government in achieving service delivery goals; the diversity of

daily maintenance of their vehicles. Flexible contract terms, ranging

vehicles in these municipalities range from refuse compactors to

from 24-60 months are offered.

metro police response vehicles DFM has successfully embarked

DFM SA promise that with CharterWay your biggest concern

on tendering for a number of municipalities across the country.

is “driving your truck while we worry about the maintenance and

Remaining an industry leader in fleet management solutions for

servicing of your truck for you.”

over a decade and under the watchful eye of managing director

The second service in the Commercial Vehicles Fleet

Prudence Seepi, the company aims to continually transform and

Management programme is Fleetboard an all-in-one package

streamline the business in order to continue satisfying customers

helping high-performance trucks optimize their efficiency. Daimler

nationwide.

IS YOUR FLEET GEARED FOR PERFORMANCE?

To stand out and drive your operation forward in today’s tough operating climate, fleet owners need to partner with a premium fleet management provider.

MiX Telematics is a leading global provider of fleet and mobile asset management solutions delivered as Software-as-a-Service, or SaaS, to customers in more than 120 countries.

We help companies across diverse industries to reduce risk, enhance safety and boost their efficiencies.

For more information contact us at fleetsa@mixtelematics.com

www.mixtelematics.co.za Endeavour Magazine | 117

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INLAND OFFSHORE CONTRACTORS LTD 001 868-677-2093 WWW.IOCLTT.COM

DEFINING THE OIL INDUSTRY WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

A family business, Inland & Offshore Contractors Ltd was established in 1996

by CEO and Founder Phillip Pollonais and his two sons, Scot and Jason. It’s become a true story of courage and family strength, where the patriarch of the family and business sold the shares he had in another business to set up on his own, with his boys. What began as an oilfield service company, with just a couple of trucks, transformed into a company comprising of a fleet of 40 boats and an expansive fleet of trucks for moving oilfield equipment around Trinidad & Tobago.

Endeavour Magazine | 119

INLAND OFFSHORE CONTRACTORS LTD

Divided into three main departments, IOCL focusses on marine

transport, inland transport and pumping and hydroblasting. The marine department supplies crew boats and platform supply vessels for transporting personnel, fuel, water and oilfield equipment to offshore platforms in the waters around Trinidad & Tobago, while the trucking department includes tractor trucks, trailers and hydraulic crane trucks which work with the companies that operate land rigs and move their oilfield equipment around.

“I

n our pumping and hydroblasting department we have

mechanics, electricians and a vehicular body repair shop to support

high-volume pumps that provide pumping services and

their trucking department.

high-pressure water blasting, which work with offshore rigs,

providing high-pressure water blasting from 10,000 to 40,000 psi.”

THE STATE OF THE OIL INDUSTRY The price of oil has dropped dramatically and while this has created a sluggish pace for the industry, it has become the time

He goes on to add that in assuring quality service to their clients, they also endeavour to ensure that their staff are sufficiently skilled and experienced, “All our positions have minimum requirements for hiring that maintain a standard of quality even upon entry into our team,” he says, “Subsequent to this we have ongoing training especially in the area of HSE and Marine certification.”

when businesses have focussed on development and internal

At IOCL, all applicants have to meet certain basic requirements,

growth. IOCL, who have always had a positive and strong-headed

especially with regard to positions in their operational departments,

approach to business, are taking things in their stride.

which help to ensure that they are capable of completing the tasks

“Our market comprises the local and foreign companies that

assigned. Their training is ongoing and with good reason, as with all

operate within our country’s oil and gas industry. Despite the

industries requiring a high level of experience and understanding

price drop, the industry is still considerably active at the moment

for machinery, being the best trained is never a hindrance.

and we hope it will continue to be for the near future. We have

With this in mind, staff are encouraged to develop their skills

contracts for our vessels with most of the major players such as

and to gain new ones; Phillip explains that his company’s success is

Petrotrin — which is our national oil company —BHP Billiton, and

attributed to the two way road that is the commitment and skill of

Baker Hughes. Our trucking department has an existing contract

all of their employees and the company’s similar dedication to them.

with EOG Resources too.”

With this in mind they give full support to each staff member’s

Of course, the opportunities aren’t limited to Trinidad and

personal development, “We work with them to aid in their career

Tobago and there’s so much going on in the area that the Inland &

advancement and we encourage employees to continue learning

Offshore Contractors Ltd is looking at further expansion.

because it increases the effectiveness of not only themselves but

Phillip says, “There is a high level of activity occurring in the

the organisation as a whole.”

Suriname/Guyana region and we are seeing growth opportunities.”

Even with growth and development, Inland & Offshore

With 300 employees, Phillip explains that, presently, the

Contractors Ltd is very aware of the needs of each and every one

workforce is a mix of permanent and non-permanent professionals,

of their clients and due to the nature of operations within the oil

“Since our marine department is our largest business operation, the

industry in which they operate, these clients have come to expect

majority of these staff are employed in this area,” he says. Apart

a level of service that is reliable and essential, while also adhering

from managerial and administrative staff, they also have their own

to HSE standards and guidelines, “We work very hard to develop

120 | Endeavour Magazine

Industrial Marine Service

A Division of IAL Engineering Services Ltd. A member of the Tucker Energy Services Holding Ltd. Group

DISTRIBUTORS FOR:

Endeavour Magazine | 121

INLAND OFFSHORE CONTRACTORS LTD and maintain close and amicable relationships with our customers,” he says, “So we are always knowledgeable of their needs and

He adds with deep respect and gratitude, “Our major suppliers have also always been very supportive of us.”

expectations which enables us to better serve them. We believe that in the provision of quality service we will be able to maintain those business relationships and stay ahead in the transport industry.”

As one of the major players in this market, Inland & Offshore Contractors Ltd has a number of strategies in place to ensure things continue that way. Of this, Phillip says, “This we can attribute our success to the dedication of our management and staff in the provision of quality service and equipment. We believe in continuous improvement so we are always upgrading our asset base and seeking ways to better ourselves.”

There are always three main pillars of business; customers and employees are the pair that everyone is aware of but the third and often time most vital, are the suppliers. For IOCL, the relationships with their suppliers is just as important as those with their customers and Phillip highlights how the flow of information from clients helps them communicate better with their suppliers in regard to their internal needs, “Today we have several major suppliers locally and internationally who are very familiar with our business operations and this helps in communicating clearly with them,”

122 | Endeavour Magazine

2016 IOCL’s main focus for this year is to continue upgrading their fleet of equipment to include newer and more marketable equipment, as Phillip explains, “We believe that this objective will help us to remain operational and marketable in the long term,” he adds that he would also like to add another newly built platform supply vessel to their fleet this year, although the downturn in the oil industry has forced them to take a more conservative approach to investments of this kind.

“Apart from additions and upgrades to our existing fleet of equipment, one area in particular we are looking at for business growth is the development in the energy industry taking place in neighbouring Guyana and Suriname,” Phillip says, “We foresee a lot of opportunities arising in that region for our marine transport business and have already been hired for a few short term contracts over there. We hope that the development of the oil and gas industry over there will continue to create a demand for our services and broaden our market.”

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LAXMANBHAI CONSTRUCTION LTD WWW.LAXMANBHAI.COM 254 20 341474

DEDICATED TO LEAVING A LASTING AND PROMISING IMPACT WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

From humble beginnings in 1953, Laxmanbhai Construction has matured rapidly to become one of Kenya’s premier construction specialists operating across the full sector domain and doing so on an international scale.

Endeavour Magazine | 125

LAXMANBHAI CONSTRUCTION LTD

Dedicated to leaving a lasting and promising impact on the

world, this company has engrained its reputation into the East African construction industry. This was the vision of Founder Laxmanbhai Bhimji K. Raghwani who, six decades ago, embarked on the company’s adventure through graft and values that are still strongly evident in the business to this day.

E

xpanding geographically and internally at a rapid rate,

line with the four aforementioned principles. They quickly became

Laxmanbhai developed to cater across not only the core

known for their can-do attitude, customer satisfaction, quality and

construction domain, but also across contracting, sales,

the ability to safely meet schedules.

machinery, maintenance and property development; based on

The ethos set the scene for its service diversification, as well

four guiding principles of care, entrepreneurship, collaboration and

as its geographic broadening as the business sought to fulfil its

integrity.

missions not just in Kenya, but also across the globe. Professionalism

Starting with a registered capital of KES 100,000 and just 30

and ethics became words all too synonymous with Laxmanbhai,

members of staff, by 1972, Laxmanbhai Construction Ltd was

complemented by a strict and ongoing adherence to the very latest

enjoying global growth in India, the UK, Seychelles and Mauritius

consumer trends in the wider industry. Never underestimating the

as well as gaining recognition in the construction industry as a

importance of understanding their markets and the construction

company with punctuality, a collaborative approach and high

industry, as well as appreciating the needs of their clients, which

quality standards. The rapid growth continued through the late

reinforces their search for value and certainty, the highly skilful

1980s and well into the 1990s, despite the worldwide recession

project teams of Laxmanbhai deliver superior knowledge about

and today the Laxmanbhal Group has more than 13 shareholders and is among the top construction companies in the country, setting the standard of quality over three generations with the aim to continue building client’s visions by delivering excellence.

the latest trends in construction through in-depth reporting and exploration.

Everything they do is critically appraised and combining this client commitment with the inevitable experience that can be refined over six decades in the industry, a winning combination has

SUPERIOR QUALITY Laxmanbhai Construction’s recognition incorporates not

been formed to make Laxmanbhai a customer of choice in each operating region.

only the Company’s competency in carrying out state-of-the-art

There is a culture in the company focussed on the ensuring

projects, but also a series of significant internal philosophies, in

the essential integrity of each job and the superior quality that

126 | Endeavour Magazine

LAXMANBHAI CONSTRUCTION LTD

has always been at the heart of Laxmanbhai Construction which

Marina complex in Mombasa utilising the very latest eco-friendly

has set them apart since day one and they still take pride in

methods; the 5 star Kempnksi Villa Rose Hotel in Nairobi; the 6 star

delivering unparalleled high quality workmanship and service and

Hemingways Hotel in Karen; a 100 perecent green United Nations

is determined to consistently exceed the expectations of not only

Building in Nairobi; 55 luxurious houses across 43 acres of land

their clients and the industry in everything they do but also to push

to form Kihingo Village in Kitisuru; and two innovative academic

the Company’s quality standards higher.

institutions in Karen and Mombasa respectively.

The success of each of these is testament to the Laxmanbhai

REALISING POTENTIAL Perfecting internal principles and philosophies is one thing, but Laxmanbhai has never had any problem in backing up its visions with tangible evidence and construction prowess.

With a proven track record to deliver end-to-end construction and property solutions across a broad range of sectors - including high rise towers, banks, schools, hotels, retail outlets, apartments, commercial buildings and industrial outlets - the sustainability achieved through completing projects to bespoke requirements has compounded its commitment to excellence and innovation.

Over the years, Laxmanbhai Construction’s most esteemed completed projects comprise an array of iconic builds across the Nairobi City skyline including the contemporary English Point

tel +2 54 email 722 708 85 1 bobby @jand u .bix Rd. P.O .B Nairob ox: 45268-0 0100 i

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workforce that has long been proud to be affiliated with the organisation; their loyalty repaid by the company through its skills development dedication. Clearly, hiring the right skilled staff and training them for their career development makes good sense for business as it fuels the strength and innovation of the future of the company.

ESSENTIAL INVESTMENTS The underpinning theme evident throughout Laxmanbhai builds both past and present, is one of innovation with the progression of the construction industry mirrored by the company’s own ability to adapt its operations over the years.

A fleet of sophisticated plants and modern equipment

complements this philosophy, extending from earthworks, concrete, finishing and aiding machinery.

for better methods of carrying out projects.

Resources are becoming increasingly scarce within the natural

Their fleet includes specialised concrete pumps, concrete

environment and the company is participating in collaborative

batching plants, earthmoving scraper fleets, trucks, excavators,

research into eco-designs and coming up with sustainable solutions

tower cranes, mobile cranes, slip-form equipment, welding

and leaning heavily on their six decades of experience.

machines, hydraulic breakers, air compressors and generators that

Two key initiatives laid out for immediate future will see

allow us to offer tailored and continuous on site service wherever

Laxmanbhai Construction taking strides to reduce on-site

the customer projects may be located across Kenya.

accidents via a comprehensive and complex health and safety effort to achieve zero environmental incidents, in ensuring that

ENHANCING CAPABILITIES Based on both domestic and international market research, future capital expenditures are set to comprise a new document control system in order to become a paperless office, the development of an aluminium and glass fabrication arm to venture

each project is executed in a manner than minimises the company’s green impact.

Both are indicative of the company’s adherence to the very latest industrial trends and the ongoing willingness to not just meet these requirements but to surpass them.

into curtain walling, and a further acquisition of joinery machinery to prepare for more major fit-out jobs.

A consistent willingness to evolve and expand can be witnessed in everything Laxmanbhai strives towards; whether that’s externally and via its extensive, charitable corporate social responsibility efforts, or from an operational standpoint and its continuous search

Endeavour Magazine | 129

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TSAKOS COLUMBIA SHIP MANAGEMENT WWW.TCSM.GR 0030 210 94 74000

ALL ABOARD WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

Tsakos Columbia Ship Management Company is in a league of its own when it comes to the provision of crew and technical operations management services. So much so, in fact, that over 70 vessels are currently making use of their abilities, with many more set to join the fleet.

Endeavour Magazine spoke with Capt. Panagiotis Drosos to find out just how they are managing to stay nautical miles ahead of their competition.

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TASKOS COLUMBIA SHIP MANAGEMENT COMPANY TSAKOS

One of the largest ship operators in Greece, Tsakos Columbia

Ship Management Company (TCM) is well versed in its industry, providing not only technical management but also operational support and crewing resources to a multitude of high profile vessels, which include tankers, dry cargo and container ships capable of transporting 7 million deadweight tons.

T

he question is, how did this company get off the ground and into the sea? Capt. Panagiotis Drosos offered to explain, “TCM was established in 2010 with principal offices in

Athens, Greece. The company constitutes a joint venture between the Tsakos and Schoeller Groups and combines the considerable management and operational expertise and professional skills of the two groups, both in ship management and client service.”

With impressive legacies standing at the back of TCM, it is no wonder that in a short time, they have come to be a principal leader in their industry.

“The company has been a frontrunner in building strong leverage from the alliance’s arising synergies. This allows us to build upon our competitive advantage, within the maritime industry, as a preferred partner of choice with a solid track record for providing reliable and quality transport services. We remain firm in our commitment to a quality client service with the utmost regard for safety and environmental compliance. Nothing has changed in this respect, ever, since the establishment of the company.”

It’s clear this is a company that is as focused, as it is expert, so with that in mind, we have to wonder if they ever have plans to diversify their service portfolio, or if they have already. We are told that TCM is explicitly involved in the technical management of a wide range of vessels, but that outside of the shipping core business itself, there is scope for more development,

132 | Endeavour Magazine

TASKOS COLUMBIA SHIP MANAGEMENT COMPANY TSAKOS

“The Tsakos Group is diversified into other investment areas

range of activities starting from recruitment and selection to the

from shipbuilding, ship repair and ferry services to oil exploration

deployment, training and on-going management of officers. Finally,

and real estate, agriculture, forestry and renewable energy projects

commercial management services are handled too, with marketing

along with cultural, educational, philanthropic and charity activities.”

and accounts all brought under one roof.”

Suddenly, TCM’s stratospheric rise to prominence becomes a

Diversification aside, this is an organisation that clearly likes

little more understandable as it is clearly part of a larger group that

to busy. While lesser competitors may only seek to offer technical

not only seeks to impress with knowledge and expertise, but also an

management services, or crew provisions, TCM takes everything

undeniably ambitious thirst. How else could five short years have

in its stride and makes this one-stop approach look simple to

yielded such impressive success? The answer is simple; it couldn’t.

accomplish.

Day to day, we wanted to know what the core activities of this

With financial turbulence having plagued all industries for a

impressive industry giant are and Capt. Drosos was happy to oblige,

number of years, shipping has not been able to avoid the choppy

“Technical management and maintenance services are our first

waters of instability. In fact, maritime transportation has been hit

specialisms, which aim to maintain vessels in optimum operational

harder than many with countless blue chip companies being forced

efficiency and robust condition while ensuring full compliance

to close their doors. There is light at the end of the tunnel however,

with current and upcoming international and national rules and

as recent improvements in the tanker sector are bringing a little

regulations as well as owners and charterers’ requirements.

more buoyancy and helping to offset the depression in the bulk

Crew management is also key for us and relates to a broad

and container sectors. Though it’s sad to see so many companies

134 | Endeavour Magazine

suffering due to the worldwide economic crashes of recent years,

range of activities within education, research , industry awareness

one thing is for certain; those who have the will and experience to

& community support and the Maria Tsakos Fundacion, which was

survive, do and TCM has unequivocally.

founded in Montevideo more than 35 years ago, continues, with

Perhaps this ability to survive and thrive comes from the set up of the business itself, with clients recognising that there is something special about this firm. We asked Capt. Drosos what makes TCM unique from its competitors,

enormous success, to support the promotion of the Hellenic spirit in S. America.”

With this knowledge firmly in the front of our minds, we barely need to ask TCM how they feel about their staff, as we already

“Our industry is not a simple business. To us it’s a way of life and

know they will be thought of as so much more than just an

calls for commitment, consistency and quality around the clock,

efficient resource. With thousands of experienced and able crew

amid a highly competitive, cyclical and demanding global arena.

at their disposal, of various nationalities and cultures, the company

An industry of such characteristics demands alertness, continuous

describes its people as its most valuable asset.

improvement, agility and full commitment to excellence.

“The fundamental driving force for our company’s success is

What distinguishes us is that we have one firm belief; that

our people. Our company’s progress goes hand in hand with our

corporate responsibility is an integral part of our business and our

people. In this respect we always aim to attract, develop and sustain

culture. In this respect the Tsakos Group has established two non-

the best-qualified personnel available to manage and operate our

profit foundations. The Maria Tsakos Foundation – International

fleet and associated activities. To do this, we build on our people,

Center of Maritime Research & Tradition undertakes a diverse

committing to foster initiative and develop human potential.”

Endeavour Magazine | 135

TASKOS COLUMBIA SHIP MANAGEMENT COMPANY TSAKOS

It’s so much more than just a policy that looks good on paper.

acknowledged to be a struggling industry full of competition?

TCM genuinely cares, nurtures and encourages its people, safe in

“Our challenge is to grow in a sustainable manner and to

the knowledge that when they thrive, so too will the company. That

abort complacency. Establishing a culture of awareness, alertness,

is why a training centre has recently been established, kitted out

competency and commitment to continual improvement requires

with the very latest technology designed to train the highest elite

constant training, thorough performance monitoring and the

of on-board and ashore personnel. How many companies make

appropriate procedures to be in place. At TCM, we have established

such a huge commitment to their teams?

a management system that is based on the principle of continual

A finely honed team of professionals in place, TCM is free to

improvement. The main overall objectives are to ensure flawless

turn its attention to the task of keeping clients happy, so we asked

operations with zero accidents and zero pollution. This is carried

what policies are in place,

out by instilling and maintaining a strong safety and compliance

“We would sum it up as follows; we give full commitment to

culture, maintaining a working environment where risk is properly

solid and consistent performance in providing reliable, safe and

managed and reducing our environmental impact by increasing the

environmentally conscious maritime transport services.”

energy efficiency of our operations.”

The rest is simple. When you offer and provide the best and

It’s not so much a case of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ as ‘when

most sustainable services around, you are guaranteed to win

it’s working well, just tweak it’. Already a hugely successful and

repeat clients and the lion share of available contracts. It seems

unique organisation, TCM doesn’t need to make drastic changes

like such a simple formula, but perhaps TCM are on of the few

to retain its prominent industry position, it simply needs to keep on

global organisations that are truly making it work, but what of the

sailing into the future.

future? How does TCM plan to stay ahead in what it has already

SETELHELLAS HAS BEEN CHOSEN FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ITS MARITIME ICT SOLUTIONS ON TSAKOS COLUMBIA SHIP MANAGEMENT S.A. FLEET SetelHellas was formed in 2007, targeting in the continuous provision of novel Maritime ICT solutions. Today is an undisputed leader of sustainable innovation and technology, aimed at optimizing vessel’s performance and operational efficiency.

Utilising the latest technologies, the Company provides a suite of digital solutions able to create value from information, accelerating the “Smart-Ship” development. SetelHellas’ installed base constitutes the ultimate proof of success in providing a holistic approach. It is no coincidence that the most prominent companies, such as Tsakos Columbia Ship Management (TCSM), put their trust to our company.

TCSM, after an extended evaluation, has chosen SetelHellas to deploy to its fleet the Custom Tailored Intelligent Vessel™ Suite. The new technological set-up will be used to provide a Reliable and Robust Operation, as well as Remote Administration and Control through the award winning SmartBox-V™ Network Intelligent Device.

136 | Endeavour Magazine

GADGETS

Timex Iron Man Watch

You really can’t go wrong with a Timex watch. With the modern millennial in mind, their watches are designed to keep pace with our busy lifestyles, adding to them rather than taking away. Functional

Welcome To The World’s Most Supercharged Messenger Bag For Commuters

and aesthetic, you can always tell that a great deal of thought goes into each and every one of their devices.

Quite a lengthy intro, but it’s important to make that clear when

The ability to charge a smartphone or iPad without resorting to

discussing the small but genius functions of the Timex Run x50

plugs and power cables is just one of a series of impressive features

IronMan wristwatch. An athlete’s addition, this wrist watch come

in the incredibly stylish C-Series accessories collection launched

heart monitor is perfect for those of us seeking to smash through

today on Kickstarter. Read more...

our fitness plateaus. While many watches may let you monitor

The project is a clever hybrid of the Super Charged Urban

your heart beat, the Timex Ironman communicates with a heart

Messenger Bag, Smart Wallet and Urban Mini Bag. The Messenger

monitor for the most accurate measurements of heart rate, blood

Bag and Smart Wallet both contain the world’s first-ever dual

pressure and pulse while also calculating calories.

wireless Qi receiving and transmitting power source to charge

What I particularly liked was one of the simplest features; the

iPhones and iPads using wireless technology. The Urban Mini is

size of the buttons. Understanding that this was a time piece that

a smaller, more versatile saddle bag, which can also be worn as a

had to be functional and hardy, the watches buttons are large

cross-body bag for off-bike excursions.

and spaced enough so that I could make use of them while I was

The Kickstarter campaign is live now; it lasts for a month and

running on the treadmill, doing push ups or in between heavy bar

backers will receive up to 60 per cent off to reward their support in

bell sets where my fingers were shaking.

helping bring the C-Series to market.

Hardy as well, taking more than its fair share of knocks, the

The co-ordinating bags and wallet are the brainchild of London

watch is made for the brutal rigours that can be found in today’s

based George Powell, 33, who regularly experienced the frustration

fitness orientated world.

of dashing off to work without having charged his gadgets the night

A few points; I did find the instructions less than helpful when

before.

it came to connecting it to the heart monitor and had to go to

“I part-cycle to work and there was no way I could charge my

Youtube to see how to do it and it does not stay charged for very

phone or my tablet en-route without stopping into coffee shops or

long, requiring daily recharging. With its computing functions this

searching for available plug sockets,” he said. “The other half of my

shouldn’t be a surprise, but as a watch, you want it to stay on your

journey was on public transport and instead of being able to prepare

wrist as long as possible without having to clip it into the socket.

for work electronically if my phone or iPad were down, which they

Because when you don’t have it, that’s when you need the time.

inevitably were mid-afternoon, it meant I went in to meetings half-

Otherwise, superb.

138 | Endeavour Magazine

prepared and having missed a lot of calls and messages. After work

Shark Tank’s Most Successful Inventor Crowdfunding New Wearable That’ll Ensure You Never Get Caught With Your Pants Down Again Founder of Scrub Daddy, Aaron Krause, launches a Kickstarter campaign for a belt that will charge your things, in collaboration with award-winning British creator of the Nifty MiniDrive, Piers Ridyard Aiming to address the 21st century fear that you will run out of power on your portable devices, the dynamic trans-Atlantic inventor-entrepreneur duo of Krause (Founding CEO of Scrub Daddy in the US) and Ridyard (Founding CEO of Nifty in the UK) have joined forces to create the innovative wearable tech house Ion Tech Wear (ITW). Their first product, which reduces - rather than adds to - the number of gadgets we have to carry around with us, launches on Kickstarter today.

Introducing the Ion Belt: a patented wearable device that safely and invisibly packs +/- 1.5 charges (3,000mAh) of mobile phone power into a belt you can wear every day. With its proprietary Encapsulpak™ technology, Krause and Ridyard have created a revolutionary new way to ensure the safety of lithium ion batteries while being worn on a person’s body. No more bulky and easy to forget battery packs and chargers. Just don’t forget your pants!

This handsome upgrade to your simple waist belt is compatible with almost any rechargeable device and boasts a speedy 1.5 hours I head to the gym needing a separate holdall for my shoes, towels

full charge/discharge time. Designed to make life as simple as

and clothes. I wanted to create one bag which was adaptable,

possible, the Ion Belt has a USB plug built right into its fine leather,

practical and functional to ensure I was free to move around and

so users can charge their devices straight from their pockets -

had what I needed to see me right through the day.”

anytime, anywhere. The buckle also has a low-profile USB plug

George teamed up with a luxury bag manufacturer and

built into it, so that charging the belt is as easy as charging a phone.

hardware company to design and produce the super-charged

Simply plug the belt into a wall adapter or laptop - no cord needed!

accessory collection for the urbanista on the move. The technology

Krause shot to fame when he appeared on ABC’s Shark Tank

involved in the C-Series accessory collection can be upgraded via

with his invention Scrub Daddy, which received investment from

the WiT software application, which, in turn, can be downloaded

business mogul Lori Greiner and quickly became the show’s biggest

via the App/Google Store.

success story. Soon after, Krause had a vision for the Ion Belt when

WiT power in the Urban Wallet is available with a super slim

he ran out of power while on a crucial business call. In January of

2,600mAh wireless Power source and a Qi Compatible Wireless

this year, Ridyard launched the luxury XOOsmartphone-charging

Charging Pad which allows the user to place the wallet overnight

belt on the London catwalk getting Krause’s attention and the

on the charging dock enabling the Power source to recharge to

two decided to found a start-up dedicated to making beautifully

keep powering the phone through the following day. The urban

designed wearable technology accessible to all.

Messenger includes a 20,000mAh Power source providing up to 10 full charges for smart phones and tablet on the move wire free.

Built to last using ballistic nylon, magnetic turn locks and LED

The Ion Belt is available for pre-order on Kickstarter for just $99 and will ship to backers of the project in June 2016.

Co-founder of Ion Tech Wear, Aaron Krause said:

lights the C-Series accessories integrates smart phone features

“After I lost a crucially important business call, I found myself

through WiT. This includes Find my bag, Find my phone and direct

carrying a bulky external charger with me at all times because the

access to the camera shutter for selfies, video record and voice

battery on my phone would drain so quickly. Then it hit me! I simply

memos – all at the click of a button.

need to integrate charging technology into something I already

Added Powell: “The strength of this collection is the fact it’s

wear - I thought: ‘How about a belt?’ After endless tinkering and

both stylish and practical. The bags also come with a five year

hundreds of design iterations, the Ion Belt was born to solve phone

warranty.”

battery problems for good.”

Endeavour Magazine | 139

UTA Student Looks To Make His Mastery Over Rubik’s Cube Profitable

Anthony Brooks, a University of Texas at Arlington business

Brooks’ latest feat was a second-place finish at the 2015 World

management major belongs to a growing corps of dedicated

Championship in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in July. He also finished third in

Rubik’s Cube enthusiasts who compete in “speedcubing” on an

the 2015 U.S. Nationals on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, in

international stage. It’s a hobby that has taken him throughout

August. His all-time best is 6.42 seconds at the 2014 Oklahoma

North America, South America and Europe. And it’s a hobby he

Open. At home, he’s solved the puzzle in less than 5 seconds.

hopes will yield a career eventually.

One of his cubing foes is Collin Burns, a 15-year-old Pennsylvania

The Texas native decided on UTA after studying which business schools in his home state had good reputations.

teen, who holds the world record at solving the 3D puzzle in 5.25 seconds.

“UTA had a great management programme,” said Brooks, who

Watching Brooks twirl the cube is like watching a concert pianist

has said that the business and entertainment aspects of the Rubik’s

tickle the ivories. He waits for someone to scramble the puzzle,

Cube appeal to him. Brooks wants to take what he learns in the

then studies it for 15 seconds or so, then twists, flips and turns

classroom and apply it to that Rubik’s Cube business/entertainment

the cube until all the tiles line up. The secret, he says, is viewing

model. “Plus, I wanted to come back to Texas after living in Michigan

the cube as individual pieces, rather than stickers and moving them

and the Northeast.”

into place until all the six sides are a solid shade. He makes it sound

The puzzle also has landed him in a Volkswagen YouTube

easy, but each time a cube is scrambled the game poses a different

commercial and attracted sponsors who have sent him to events

challenge. There are more than 43 quintillion ways to scramble a

around the globe. He has a YouTube video of his 6.42-second solve,

cube, the Rubik’s Cube website says.

a North American record at the time. Even though Brooks says

The origins of the Rubik’s Cube dates to 1974, when a young

anyone can learn to solve the Rubik’s Cube, few can compete at

Hungarian architecture professor, Erno Rubik, created what some

the world-class level that he’s attained.

describe as the best-selling toy ever. The puzzle was first called the

“It usually takes me three or four hours to teach someone how

Magic Cube but eventually took the name of its inventor. The cube

to solve the cube for the first time. Really, it’s a step-by-step logical

enjoyed a bump in popularity when it was featured in a scene from

process,” Brooks said. “I’ve just practiced more than most.”

the 2006 film The Pursuit of Happyness, when actor Will Smith

140 | Endeavour Magazine

solved the cube while riding in a cab. With more than 350 million Rubik’s Cubes sold, the puzzle’s popularity is astronomical.

Brooks doesn’t stick to the conventional when solving the cube. He’s solved the puzzle underwater while holding his breath,

Brooks began playing with the cube as a high school student

blindfolded and one-handed. Now, his base is The University of

in the Rio Grande Valley at the Science cademy of South Texas in

Texas at Arlington, but Brooks won’t stay here long. This semester,

Mercedes. He and his brother, Brian, who also is a speedcuber and

he’s competing in tournaments in Atlanta, Vancouver, Phoenix and

a UTA business freshman, spent an hour a day on the school bus

Portland.

from Ranch Viejo, their home, to school in Mercedes, and then back.

“In South Texas, you spend a lot of time on the road,” Brooks said. “I used that time to practice.”

After high school, Brooks attended college in Michigan.

“My obsession with in the cube died down a bit while I was up

“Sometimes it’s tough to juggle school and speedcubing, but certain memorisation techniques I’ve developed from studying the Rubik’s Cube have practical applications in the classroom,” Brooks said. “I’d say it’s helped overall.”

One of Brooks’ management professors, Marcus Butts, discovered him solving the cube after class.

there,” Brooks said. “Then I started working at the Beyond Rubik’s

“Anthony has a true entrepreneurial spirit,” said Butts, upon first

Cube exhibition in New Jersey. I was the Liberty Science Center’s

seeing his student’s cube prowess. “Anthony understands he need

speedcuber-in-residence while David Blaine was the magician-in-

to earn his degree and apply the principles he learns to his talent of

residence. Being exposed to world-class, close-up entertainment is

solving the Rubik’s Cube so quickly.”

what got me interested in the performance aspect of speedcubing.”

Companies are taking notice now, though, sending the UTA senior to competitions around the globe.

“Without significant prize money at most competitions, it’s always been about individual improvement and bragging rights,” Brooks said. “Now, these competitions are often a great excuse to explore a new area.”

Endeavour Magazine | 141

TRAVEL WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A DIGITAL NOMAD

BY WILL HATTON

142 | Endeavour Magazine

I

looked at him with poorly masked horror. A raise of £40 a

digital nomads do not actually run their own businesses but

month, after a year of breaking my balls working for a small

instead work for companies that do not require their physical

start-up company with a poor business plan. This was not

presence. Let’s be honest – unless you actually do something

what I wanted.

I had been fired from various roles in supermarkets and

other than typing, such as heart surgery, do you really need to be in an office, can you not work pretty much anywhere?

warehouses prior to this and here I was, designing holiday

So, how exactly does one become a digital nomad? Well,

itineraries from a depressing underground office in the UK.

there are numerous paths that can be walked but your best

Living the dream, I most certainly was not.

bet is to acquire a skill that you can sell without having a fixed

I liked my boss and I liked some elements of the job but

geographical location. The aim of the game here is to become

really, the open road was where I belonged. I had already

location independent. Blogging is a great way to start although

clocked up about five years of adventuring but I was desperate

it’s certainly not as easy as the Internet would make out.

to explore the world again. The problem was, I was getting older.

The good thing about blogging is that anybody can do it –

I no longer felt that it was cool to hit the road with no real plans,

it is after all just the recording of experiences. The bad thing

no real options. Often, when I ran out of money on my travels, I

about blogging is that pretty much everybody has a crack at

would pick up odd-jobs in farms, bars or hostels to keep myself

it at some point or another, so there is a lot of competition.

going but this wasn’t really what I wanted to do anymore.

Luckily, most people who try blogging give up when they do not

I needed a plan.

instantly become an internationally acclaimed super star…

Fast forward a year and I was living it up in Colombia,

If you have some business-sense behind you then you

working my ass off to launch my fledgling travel blog, The Broke

are ahead of 99% of other bloggers in the game. By treating

Backpacker and secure a steady online income. I was working

blogging as a business, which most bloggers do not, you will be

14 to 16 hours a day, seven days a week. My blog had been

miles ahead of the pack and in a prime position to corner your

live just six months and my savings were slowly trickling away,

niche. Another good option is to become an SEO expert or a

this seemed like a huge risk and yet, I was happy. I was building

technical consultant – these guys charge a fortune and this is a

something. My plan was in action.

skill, which, with time, can be learned relatively easily.

I knew that with hard work and savvy marketing tactics,

Others have found their path to digital nomadism lies in the

I could smash the blogging game. Today, I am blasting my

selling of products online as itt is, these days, relatively easy

way across Europe by thumb and preparing myself to cross

to set yourself up with an online store and to then arrange the

The Middle East and then Asia. I am on a two and a half year

drop-shipping of pre-existing products to your customers. You

adventure; crossing the world from the UK to Papua New

put in orders once you have a certain number of clients and

Guinea without the use of any flights.

receive a discount on the product as you are buying in bulk. You

My blog has been live for about sixteen months now and has been monetised for nearly a year. I have been published by The BBC, Business Insider, Yahoo Travel and numerous others.

In a good month, I turnover close to $5000.

never actually see the product and have very little to do with the delivery process… this can be surprisingly lucrative.

I have been a digital nomad for over a year now and I have no intention of ever working in an office, or ever working for

I work from cafes, trains, hammocks, tents, sofas, restaurants,

somebody else, ever again. My business has gone from strength

boats and wherever I find myself at the end of a days exploring.

to strength; the initial leap of faith was somewhat daunting and

I have, in short, become a digital nomad.

yet it was so worth it. I have numerous exciting plans for future

“A digital what?” – I hear you ask. A digital nomad, in a

business ventures and I intend on continuing to launch various

nutshell, is somebody who runs their business from a laptop and

businesses that can be run from a laptop, with a beer in one

can work from anywhere in the world. Digital nomads come in

hand. There are probably some disadvantages to being a digital

many shapes and sizes; bloggers make up only a tiny percentage

nomad but, to be honest, I can’t think of any. Work when you

of digital nomads and there are some true giants of the business

want, how you want, where you want. Working in an office, let’s

world who run their businesses from a laptop balanced atop

be honest; it’s out-dated. If you are in a position where you can

their knee whilst sipping a cocktail and watching the waves lap

seek location independence whilst continuing your current job

some golden shore in some golden land.

then seriously, go for it. If not, it’s time to start planning. Pick a

The advantages of being a digital nomad are numerous. For starters, you can work in cheap countries, meaning that your expenses are significantly less than in Europe or The USA. This

skill, hone it and prepare for a working life that is unbelievably rewarding.

Peace, out.

means you can stretch your online income further and reinvest profits back into your business rather than having to constantly dip into the pot to pay for rent, beers and car insurance. Many Endeavour Magazine | 143

PEER-TO-PEER ACCOMMODATION SERVICES CHANGE TRAVEL PATTERNS IN MANY WAYS

144 | Endeavour Magazine

H

ave

you

ever

used

Airbnb

or

other

peer-to-peer

accommodation services when travelling? If yes, you are likely

period of time. Financial savings - together with tips from hosts also increase tourists’ activeness in their destination.

to travel more than you used to, choose your destination from

From the viewpoint of destinations, the findings are extremely

among a wider set of alternatives and you are more active in your

positive. The availability of peer-to-peer accommodation services

destination.

in the destination increases the number of tourists, makes them

Peer-to-peer accommodation services such as Airbnb have changed travel patterns in many ways, according to a recent study from the University of Eastern Finland and Washington State University. The study provides new insight into how the availability

stay for a longer period and increases the demand for tourismrelated services and activities.

An extensive set of tourist data was collected for the study both in Finland and in the US.

and use of peer-to-peer accommodation services affect travel

In Finland, 1,246 persons took part in an online panel and 295

patterns. The findings were published in Journal of Travel Research.

of them had used peer-to-peer accommodation services. In the

The study found that tourists are interested in peer-to-peer

US, 799 persons completed an online survey and 155 of them had

accommodation services due to social and financial reasons.

used peer-to-peer accommodation services. The study focused on

Users of peer-to-peer accommodation services are often in social

respondents who had used peer-to-peer accommodation services.

interaction with their hosts, and peer-to-peer accommodation services are a cost-effective alternative to, for example, hotels.

The popularity of peer-to-peer accommodation services has witnessed rapid growth throughout the world. For example, Airbnb

Savings achieved by using peer-to-peer accommodation

offers accommodation services in 190 countries and in more than

services make it possible to broaden the selection of destinations

34,000 cities. There are over 60 million Airbnb users around the

and the number of trips, while the social aspects inspire people to

world and its popularity is not showing any signs of decline.

travel more in general and to stay in their destination for a longer

Endeavour Magazine | 145

BOOK REVIEWS

The Ethics Of War And Peace

By Helen Frowe

The Truth About Our Schools

By Melissa Benn and Janet Downs

When is it right to go to war? When is a war illegal? What are

Has comprehensive education failed? Do local authorities hold

the rules of engagement? What should happen when a war is over?

schools back? Do academies really raise standards? Whilst the

How should we view terrorism? The Ethics of War and Peace is

benefits of a genuinely comprehensive education system are well

a fresh and contemporary introduction to one of the oldest but

established, a series of untruths have unwittingly evolved into hard

still most relevant ethical debates. Helen Frowe explains the core

facts. Melissa Benn and Janet Downs are calling for us to urgently

issues in Just War Theory and chapter-by-chapter, examines the

challenge these unquestioned myths about state education in their

recent and ongoing philosophical debates surrounding such things

new book The Truth About Our Schools which is published today.

as theories of self defence and national defence, Jus ad Bellum, Jus

Benn and Downs reject the easy-to-swallow sound-bites made

in Bello, and Jus post Bellum, the moral status of combatants, the

by media and politicians alike. Instead, this meticulous examination

principle of non-combatant immunity, the nature of terrorism and

of our current school system reveals the truth of what really works

the moral status of terrorists.

- and doesn’t work - in modern education. “Never has it been more

Each chapter concludes with a useful summary, discussion

urgent to publicise the truth,”says Caroline Lucas, MP. “This hugely

questions and suggestions for further reading, to aid student learning

important book should be required reading for each new Education

and revision. The Ethics of War and Peace is the ideal textbook for

Secretary.”

students studying philosophy, politics and international relations.

146 | Endeavour Magazine

As Benn and Downs say, “Our aim was to look calmly at the

White Lies

By Christopher Driscoll

evidence. Comprehensive education has benefitted millions of young people. A good public education system cannot be run as if it were a business. There are interesting and productive approaches to teaching and learning that go beyond a one-sizefits-all traditionalism.”

“We hope readers of our book will come away with a far more nuanced view of our education system and what now needs to be done.”

The Truth About Our Schools is “a superb, crucial, blistering expose of all the myths about our education system that are all too often used to attack it,” says Owen Jones, Guardian columnist and best-selling author. Anyone who thinks that comprehensive education cannot deliver will have their beliefs shaken by this incisive book.

Responding to the growing visibility of mainstream violence directed at black bodies, White Lies: Race and Uncertainty in the Twilight of American Religion looks into the heart of whiteness and finds what so many women and men of colour have seen before: pain, death, and deception.

Part history, part philosophy, and part theology, Christopher Driscoll traces the shifting definitions of “white religion” from the nineteenth century up to the death of Michael Brown and other racial controversies of the present day. Due to this, Driscoll manages to draw “white religion” into focus in an effort to better address the ways in which whiteness functions religiously in America today.

In this book, modern philosophers and popular imagery are examined in order to isolate the instabilities central to a “white religion,” including the inadequacy of this framing concept as a way of describing and processing death.

Endeavour Magazine | 147