Endeavour Magazine September 2017

SEPTEMBER 2017

www.endeavourmagazine.com

KISHUGU Taming The Flame CHELMSFORD STAR CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY A Cooperative Approach

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EDITOR’S NOTE Heads of Departments Managing Editor Alice Instone-Brewer editor@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Director Alex Hilling-Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com

A

s is often the case, August 2017

avoiding their copies of Dr Strangelove;

was predicted to be the end of

Hurricane Harvey left many in the Southern

the world. If you’re reading this,

American states without homes or shelter,

congratulations - we survived (yet again!).

whilst excessive monsoon floods have

This most recent of far-fetched end-of-

caused even greater devastation across

Editorial Research James Lapping james@littlegatepublishing.com

world claims lined up with August 21st’s

much of South Asia; divisions and violence

Black Moon total eclipse, with the theory

still exist throughout the Middle East,

Project Manager Steven Weller steveweller@littlegatepublishing.com

claiming that the End would be Nigh two

including the continued isolation of Qatar;

days later. The cause of our demise? The

and let us not forget Barcelona, as 13 lost

Project Director Jason Gilkes jason@littlegatepublishing.com

planet ‘Nibiru’, or Planet X, crashing into

their lives and over one hundred were

our own. Fortunately, according to NASA

injured in the most recent of the terrorist

Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com

and other credible scientists, the planet is

attacks occurring across Europe.

completely fictitious, but that didn’t stop

It may be no Planet X, but last month

Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com

some people getting nervous! The theory

certainly made it hard to feel optimistic.

hinged on numerology and various biblical

However, as our closely-connected world

Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com

verses, and had been ‘predicted’ several

keep reminding each other, wherever there

times in the past – all, obviously, with no

is conflict, fear or hatred, there is a stronger

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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results.

outcry of love. This month, we spoke

However, these thankfully empty claims

with author and photographer Anthony

weren’t the only hot air August subjected us

Osmond-Evans, whose new book looks to

to, nor the only cause for pessimism. The USA

promote pluralism and tolerance through

has been performing a full-scale historical

a compilation of stories from living global

re-enactment this month, taking the art to

heroes, aiming to show the good that exists

new levels by simultaneously recreating early

beyond barriers around the world.

1930s Germany, the 1980s Cold War and

As people of every persuasion seem to

their country’s long and troubling history of

be gathering into ‘sides’, it may help to

racial tensions. The increasingly concerning

remember all of the figures who have

atmosphere of intolerance gained a focal-

achieved change through peace, love and

of view expressed in articles by attributing

point in Charlottesville, in a display that left

communication with their ‘enemy’.

writers and/or in advertisements included in this

the world and America alike shocked and

we move into September, let us all stand

saddened. The only thing more unsettling

up against hate, with our arms and minds

living or dead is purely coincidental. Whilst

than the Confederate and Nazi flags proudly

open to speak with each other about how

every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of

displayed at the march is the knowledge

to move forwards, instead of striking each

that this is far from the only fear-fuelled

other back. We may hate certain ideas, but

publishers for loss arising from use of information

racist incident happening in the country,

we must strive not to hate those who think

published. All rights reserved. No part of this

purportedly the land of freedom and equal

them if we ever want to see true change.

publication may be reproduced or stored in a

opportunity.

Happy September, and in the words of Bill

Meanwhile, a shouting match between the

& Ted: Be excellent to each other (and party

the publisher.

USA and North Korea has some people

on, dude!)

Copyright © Littlegate Publishing Ltd 2017

eyeing do-it-yourself fallout bunkers and

Sales Manager Emlyn Freeman emlynfreeman@littlegatepublishing.com Head of Editorial Research Paul Bradley paulbradley@littlegatepublishing.com

Littlegate Publishing Ltd does not accept responsibility for omissions or errors. The points

magazine do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Any resemblance to real persons,

the information contained within this magazine, no legal responsibility will be accepted by the

retrievable system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of

As

ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

Endeavour Magazine | 3

CONTENTS

KISHUGU FEATURES

GAMEWATCHERS 4 | Endeavour Magazine

16 Diageo Guinness Cameroun

Raising A Glass 24 Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society

A Cooperative Approach 30 Wellocks

A Taste Of Perfection 40 Gamewatchers Safaris

Kenya’s Game-Changers 48 Kishugu

Taming The Flame 54 Natural Flora

Natural Treasures 58 USE-IT

Waste Not, Want Not 64 Sunbird

Giving The Region Wings 74 Novopro

From The Ground Up 80 Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V.

Refining The Future

CHELMSFORD STAR CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY ARTICLES

6 7 8 10 11

Business Headlines Middle East Africa Asia Americas Europe

12

Focus Anthony Osmond-Evans – Heroes

38 56 94

Amazing World Diamond City: The Pit of Wealth The Hungry Ghost Festival The Third Thumb Project

70

Automotives Citroen Spacetourer Flair XS BlueHDi 150

ADWEA Endeavour Magazine | 5

BUSINESS HEADLINES MIDDLE EAST THOUSANDS OF TOYS AND COSMETICS RECALLED IN ABU DHABI Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC) on Sunday announced the recall of 2,363 products in 21 categories, including

toys,

electrical

appliances,

cosmetics, cigarettes and tobacco products.

The recall was an outcome of the inspection campaigns on controlled products carried out in the first half of 2017, during which QCC inspectors examined a total of 36,291 products from 852 establishments.

Following the results of the inspection campaigns,

suppliers

of

the

products

voluntarily withdrew those that failed to meet relevant safety and quality requirements.

As part of the inspection drive, 12,038 toys

from

319

establishments

The Innovation Challenge includes a

interests in sisterly Saudi Arabia to finalise

five-week program that allows start-ups to

their situations quickly before the border

compete in presenting their business ideas,

crossings are closed after the Haj,” he posted

as well as creating solutions to deal with

to his 306,000 followers on Twitter.

various challenges and tasks inspired by real-world scenarios.

The Salwa checkpoint is the only land crossing between the Saudi and Qatar

The finalists will showcase their solutions

borders. It closed on June 5 when Saudi

at the FinTech Demo Day in Abu Dhabi to a

Arabia, alongside Bahrain, the United Arab

panel of industry experts. Each finalist will

Emirates and Egypt, severed diplomatic and

benefit from mentoring sessions and other

trade relations with Qatar. Saudi Arabia also

forms of support, as well as having their

banned the entry of Qatari nationals into the

expenses covered by the competition.

kingdom unless they are going for Umrah or

Two

Innovation

Challenge

winners

Haj.

will be announced on 22 October 2017.

However, on August 17, the Salwa

These winners will have the opportunity to

crossing was opened for Qataris going to

demonstrate their solutions at the upcoming

Haj or with interests in Saudi Arabia.

Global FinTech Hackcelerator in Singapore.

However, the crossing will be shut down a few days following the end of the six-day

were

Haj season.

examined including cotton toys, water toys, puzzles, audio, video and motor games,

EGYPT TO PAY ISRAELI FIRMS $3 BILLION OVER NATURAL GAS HALT

colouring toys, handicrafts, disguises and masks. Inspectors examined the toys for the GSO conformity marking and other relevant

Two Israeli companies are due to receive

details and warning information.

$3 billion in reparations for losses they

The campaign also targeted electrical appliances

including

air

sustained when Egypt cut off supplies of

conditioners,

natural gas to Israel in 2012.

refrigerators, washing machines, televisions,

Last year, the two Egyptian companies

cooking equipment such as water boilers,

were

frying machines, grills and ovens as well as personal care products such as razors,

checked,

in

to Israel fell apart in 2012 due to attacks

QATARIS URGED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CROSSING OPPORTUNITY

on the country’s pipelines. The interrupted supply led the IEC to use more expensive fuel until local suppliers could fill the deficit.

Shaikh Abdullah Bin Ali Al Thani has urged

Egyptian Natural Gas and Egyptian General

fellow Qatari citizens who had interests and

Petroleum Corporation were ordered to pay compensation on these losses.

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and

property in Saudi Arabia to take advantage

KPMG are working together to launch the

of the opening of the Salwa border crossing

first ever FinTech Abu Dhabi Innovation

between the two countries.

Challenge.The challenge aims to enable

billion

Egypt’s 20-year agreement to sell gas

included 10,844 tobacco products from 309

LAUNCHING FINTECH ABU DHABI INNOVATION CHALLENGE

$2

this year.

which

establishments.

pay

ruling, which was rejected by a French court

A total of 13,409 products from 224 were

to

Corporation. They appealed against the

among others. establishments

ordered

compensation to state-owned Israel Electric

Shaikh

Abdullah

the company that built and operated the

had

previously

pipeline, saying the company failed to pay it

start-up companies to access industry-

successfully

lighter

for gas they had supplied. EMG countersued,

leading technology and solutions, in order

restrictions on Qatari pilgrims and visitors to

asking $3.56 billion in damages, saying the

to aid these blooming companies in tackling

Saudi Arabia.

Egyptians had cancelled their contract with

the competition and challenges that face a new business.

6 | Endeavour Magazine

“Dear

negotiated

The two companies have sued EMG,

Qatari

brothers

for

and

sons…

I urge those who own property or special

EMG illegally.

AFRICA NIGERIA’S BUHARI DELIGHTED AT IMPROVING ECONOMY Nigeria is in its second year of recession and has been contending with a currency crisis and dollar shortages brought on by low oil prices. It is one of the most highly populated countries in Africa.

However, oil prices have risen since 2014, aided by peace talks which brought a halt to the destruction on energy facilities in Niger Delta. Nigerian stocks have risen as a result.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari. who last week returned to Nigeria after three

won by 1.4 million votes. At least 28 people

The

recent

tragedies

have

raised

were killed in violence following the result,

concerns over the dangers of mining in

many of them shot by police during protests.

South Africa. The country has several

The protests have raised fears that major

similarly deep mines, with workers operating

political violence could destabilise Kenya as

at depths of up to 4 kilometres beneath

it did following a disputed election in 2007.

the surface. However, the industry has

The Supreme Court said it would allow

marginally reduced the number of miners

Odinga’s National Super Alliance (NASA) and

killed, with a record low of 73 registered last

Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party limited access to

year compared to 77 in 2015. These figures

the Independent Electoral and Boundaries

are still concerningly high.

Commission’s electronic devices to verify

This tragedy is part of a troubled history

who had used the devices and accessed the

of occurances for the Kusasalethu mine,

servers, in the hopes to put a rest to the

which has a recent history of strikes and

continued conflict.

labour violence protesting the conditions for the country’s miners.

months in Britain on medical leave, declared that he was “pleased with the progress being

KENYA CRACKS DOWN ON PLASTIC BAGS

made on different fronts.”

He told the officials that “reviving the economy was one of the major planks on

Kenya has passed the world’s strictest

which the campaign of his party, the All

law on plastic bag use; any Kenyans

Progressives Congress, was based” and

producing, selling or even using plastic bags

“expressed gladness that things were looking

can now face imprisonment of up to four

up after two years”.

years or fines of $40,000.

However, the country’s Labour Party

40 other countries have either banned,

have critisised the statement, saying that

limited or taxed the use of plastic bags,

little has changed recently except for Buhari’s

including China, France, the UK, Rwanda,

health, seeing the statement as premature

and Italy. However, Kenya’s stance carries

and claiming there was little to prompt it.

the strongest sanctions by a long way.

Plastic bags cause many environmental

KENYAN ELECTION CONTROVERSY CONTINUES

problems. In particular, they end of in the sea, killing fish and seabirds. Being ingested by fish also means that the bags enter

Following accusations from opposition

human food.

leader Raila Odinga’s that President Uhuru Kenyatta’s

organisation

hacked

Kenya’s

recent election, the country’s Supreme Court has ordered the election commission to

The new law will allow the police to

THIRD TRAPPED MINER DIES AT SOUTH AFRICAN HARMONY GOLD MINE

allow the opposition access to its computer

A third miner has died at a South African

servers and electronic devices used in the

gold mine operated by Harmony Gold, and

counting of votes.

two more remain missing after they were

Investigations into the election have previously shown a failed attempt to hack

trapped underground following an earth tremor.

the polls, but no evidence that the result was

The Kusasalethu mine is one of the

indeed compromised. The agreement from

world’s deepest mines, reaching down to

many is that President Uhuru Kenyatta’s

depths of over 3 kilometres (1.8 miles).

victory is genuine. However, continued

“Search and rescue efforts will continue

accusations have resulted in street violence.

to recover the remaining two trapped

Official figures show Kenyatta to have

approach anyone carrying a plastic bag, but plans are to phase enforcement of the law in by first focusing on manufacturers and suppliers.

It took Kenya three attempts over ten years to pass the ban. There are fears that whilst larger companies will be able to provide paper and cloth alternatives, poorer traders will be hit hard by the effects. There are also concerns over the loss of jobs and business, as Kenya is a major exporter of plastic bags to the region.

employees,” Harmony said in a statement.

Endeavour Magazine | 7

ASIA NORTH KOREA THREATENS NUCLEAR TEST; USA THREATENS RETALIATION North Korea dismissed warnings by U.S. President Donald Trump that it would face “fire and fury” if it threatened the United States, outlining a detailed plan for a missile strike near the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam.

The US has also stated that it will treat any missile aimed at its territory as a provocation, even if launched as a test.

North Korea’s rapid development of nuclear missiles capable of reaching U.S.

pressure on North Korea. Meanwhile, four

Syngenta are expected to remain the same.

South Korean fighter jets bombed a military

It is also anticipated that the company will

firing range on in counter-demonstration of

face rapid growth for its products in China.

military force to North Korea. However, the

Mr Ren said on the acquisitions; “Our

state has announced that it will not respond

vision is not confined to our mutual interests,

to sanctions or threats.

but will also respond to and maximise the

Global markets have reacted to the escalation by buying ‘safe-haven’ assets such

interests of farmers and consumers around the world.”

as gold, the Swiss franc and the Japanese yen, expecting domestic investors to bring large amounts of currency home in these uncertain times.

60 CHILDREN DEAD IN ALLEGED INDIAN HOSPITAL OXYGEN CUT

soil has fuelled tensions that erupted into a

A hospital in India has been accused of

war of words between, causing wide-spread

failing to provide enough oxygen after 60

concern. World stocks fell as a result of the

children died on its wards in five days.

Baba Raghav Das Medical College said

tensions.

Guam is home to about 163,000 people

34 babies died at the hospital’s neo-natal

and a U.S. Navy installation that includes a

intensive care unit. 12 died because of

submarine squadron, a Coast Guard group

encephalitis, and the rest died of other

and an air base.

unspecified causes.

The planned path of the missiles would

Local media have claimed that some of

cross some of the world’s busiest sea and air

the deaths were due to a shortage of oxygen

traffic routes.

which occurred after a supplier withdrew equipment as a result of unpaid bills.

North Korea’s announcement came in reaction to the US’s annual drills on South

Parents of at least 35 of the young

Korean soil, and follows two successful tests

patients have agreed that the oxygen supply

of an intercontinental missile in July.

NORTH KOREA’S LAUNCH OVER JAPAN ESCALATES TENSIONS

CHEMCHINA OFFERS $43BN IN THE COUNTRY’S BIGGEST FOREIGN TAKEOVER

to the children’s ward ran out, claiming that patients’ families were given self-inflating bags to help the children breathe.

However, officials have claimed that the

China National Chemical Corp, a state-

deaths were due to natural causes, including

Following threats to send missiles to

owned Chinese company, is set to buy Swiss

District Magistrate Rajiv Rautela and hospital

Guam earlier in the month, North Korea

pesticide and seed giant Syngenta for $43bn

doctor Kafeel Khan.

fired a ballistic missile over Japan’s northern

(£32.6bn). If the acquisition goes ahead, it

Prashant Trivedi, the state’s top health

Hokkaido island into the sea early on

will be the biggest foreign takeover yet from

official, admitted there has been a problem

Tuesday.

a Chinese firm.

in the pipeline which supplied oxygen.

North Korea has conducted dozens of

Monsanto, a US company, had a larger

However, it has been claimed that the

ballistic missile tests under young leader Kim

offer of $47bn turned down by Syngenta’s

deaths were routine for a hospital of its size,

Jong Un, but firing projectiles over mainland

board last year. However, it is not anticipated

with 10-20 deaths recorded a day. Officials

Japan is rare. The test was one of the most

that they will return with this as a counter-

also stated that 60-70 patients are put on

provocative from the state so far, hot on

offer, but will instead explore other takeover

oxygen every day, and claimed that if the

the heels of escalating threats between the

opportunities.

supply had faltered, more deaths would

country and the US.

Most of Syngenta’s management team

have occurred.

“North Korea’s reckless action is an

are set to keep their positions under the new

The government of Uttar Pradesh’s

unprecedented, serious and a grave threat

ownership, as well as four of the company’s

ordered an investigation to settle the

to our nation,” Japanese Prime Minister

current directors. Whilst the company board

dispute, and opposition parties are using the

Shinzo Abe told reporters.

will of course be chaired by Ren Jianxin,

tragedy as ammunition to accuse the ruling

chairman of ChemChina, operations for

party of negligence.

Japan and the US have agreed to increase 8 | Endeavour Magazine

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B r I S T O w g r O u P. C O m

AMERICAS CHARLOTTESVILLE: UNITED NATIONS WARNS US OVER SUPREMACIST RALLY A United Nations committee issued a so-called ‘early warning’ over racial tensions and the contributing conditions in the USA, and has urged the Trump administration to “unequivocally and unconditionally” reject discrimination.

The warning comes following the events in events in Charlottesville, where civil rights activist Heather Heyer was killed when a car rammed into a group of people protesting against a white nationalist rally.

The rally’s participants carried burning torches and displayed Nazi and Confederate flags. Unlike many protests around America of late, most of which have involved people of colour, the white supremacist rally was not met with police resistance.

In the past decade, the only other countries issued with an early warning of this nature from the UN were Burundi, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Kyrgyzstan and Nigeria.

“We

are

alarmed

by

the

racist

demonstrations, with overtly racist slogans, chants and salutes by white nationalists, neo-Nazis, and the Ku Klux Klan, promoting white

supremacy

and

inciting

citizens and companies are no longer permitted to do business with these firms.

been extended eastward along the coast of

Security Council’s unanimous vote, including

Louisiana and a storm surge watch has been

Russia and China, in favour of further

issued, the impacts of winds and storm surge

sanctions against Pyongyang.

are expected to be secondary compared to

A move intended to increase pressure

President Trump and the First Lady are

whose relationship with America has grown

set to visit the region, beginning by visiting

tense over the President’s communications

Corpus Christi in Texas for a briefing on the

with North Korea. They have called on the

relief efforts, followed by a tour around the

US to “immediately correct its mistake”.v

region to the emergency operations centres.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson

The President will not visit the worst-hit

expressed confidence that North Korea

areas, as is customary, so that his visit does

would continue to show restrain, and talks

not interfere with busy relief efforts.

may be possible between the two countries in the near future, adding; “We have had no missile launches or provocative acts on the

TRUMP TO RE-MILITARISE POLICE GEAR

part of North Korea since the adoption of

President Trump plans to reverse the Obama administration’s limits on police

the UN Security Council resolution.”

The situation between the US and North

equipment, which would once again give

Korea was created by a series of missile

the police forces access to high-calibre

tests carried out by North Korea, and their

weapons,

threat to launch nuclear missile at Guam

armoured vehicles and other surplus military

in retaliation to scheduled US-South Korea

equipment.

military drills. US President Donald Trump has made a counter-threat at North Korea.

that the president has allowed the “darkest forces in America” to undo years of progress on civil rights.

The US has imposed sanctions on a dozen Russian and Chinese companies and persons accused of assisting North Korea’s

The limits to such equipment were put in places after multiple incidents of violent

force used on black Americans, many have criticised the removal of these limits. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) said the move

STORM HARVEY FLOODS TEXAS TO LOUISIANA

was part of the Trump administration’s “open effort to escalate racial tensions in

Thousands of Americans have evacuated or abandoned their homes after being hit by

our country”.

The announcement of this decision comes soon after the white supremacist

Storm Harvey. to

march in Charlottesville, which unlike many

provide enough aid and shelter to those

recent protests, was not met with any

affected by the storm. Officials estimate that

police force. This discrepancy has provoked

30,000 people will need shelter. However,

concern and criticism from much of America.

Local

US SANCTIONS CHINESE AND RUSSIAN FIRMS OVER NORTH KOREA

heavily

In view of the rising cases of fatal police

criticism after he blamed “both sides” for the former Vice President Joe Biden has written

launchers,

particularly protests held by racial minorities.

widespread

events in Charlottesville. Amongst his critics,

grenade

police responses to peaceful protests –

racial

the warning. faced

that of the rains.

on North Korea has instead angered China,

Crickley, chair of the committee that issued Trump

While tropical storm warnings have

The sanctions come following the UN

discrimination and hatred,” said Anastasia

Donald

as well as affecting Mississippi and Alabama.

authorities

are

struggling

they have said none seeking refuge would be turned away.

The

announcement

also

follows

pressure on the Trump administration from

The National Hurricane Center has

national police organizations, who called

described the conditions as “catastrophic

the president to make good his promise

10 companies and six individuals have

and life-threatening flooding”. The disaster

to undo this executive order made by this

been included in the sanctions. American

has impacted homes from Texas to Louisiana,

predecessor.

nuclear weapons programme.

10 | Endeavour Magazine

EUROPE HYDROGEN FUEL TO BEGIN TESTING IN UK In an attempt to cut its carbon footprint, the UK is looking to run tests in 2020 to trial the use of hydrogen as a cleaner alterative gas fuel for the country.

The UK currently has a high gas usage, and the fuel powers many of the country’s cookers and heating systems.

The trials will be carried out by Cadent, who run the connections to half of the UK homes on gas. Initial trials will take place in the cities of Liverpool and Manchester.

Britain, but the NCA have now said that this

charged with membership of a terrorist

figure is only a small fraction.

organisation and murder.

“We’ve been shocked by the extent of

Salah

al-Karib

has

been

detained,

further

investigations,

it,” said Will Kerr, NCA officer in charge of

pending

such cases. “This is a growing problem. This

Mohammed Aallaa was released on bail.

is 2017, this is not acceptable in any way, shape or form.”

Kerr said the crime gangs could make up to $700 a day from each woman exploited

while

According to Houli Chemlal, the group’s plans were scaled back when a house packed with bomb-making equipment blew up the day before.

for prostitution, and estimated that there

On the day of the attack on Las Ramblas,

were 46 million victims generating half a

Barcelona, a van was driven at speed down

trillion dollars a year for organised crime

the boulevard, killing 13 and injuring more

gangs.

than 100.

Assailants killed a total of 15 people,

The tests are part of an ambitions £600m

including the stabbing of a driver whose car

project geared towards the country’s carbon

was commandeered shortly the event, and a

footprint reduction.

car attack in Cambrils hours later.

The company will focus on industrial

Two members of the cell were killed in

users in sectors such as chemicals and oil

the Alcanar explosion, and six were later shot

refining, because using 100% hydrogen

by police, including five after the Cambrils

requires new boilers to be installed.

attack.

However, hydrogen will also be blended with methane and piped to millions of

BRITISH BANKS SET TO CLOSE RECORD 762 BRANCHES THIS YEAR

homes, which Cadent believe can be done without harm to household utilities.

The Liverpool-Manchester area was

Banks and building societies in Britain

chosen because it represents around 11% of

have been shutting branches at a rate of

Britain’s industrial sector, thus reducing the

around 300 per year since 1989, a trend

number of boilers that need to be converted.

which has accelerated in recent years as lenders respond to pressure on profits.

The lenders are looking to cut costs

MODERN SLAVERY IN THE UK HIGHER THAN POLICE THOUGHT

by promoting online business rather than bearing the expenses of physical outlets.

Cases of human trafficking and modern

Royal Bank of Scotland is set to close

slavery are higher in the UK than they had

244 branches this year, Lloyds Banking

previously thought, the National Crime

Group will shut 195, HSBC 117and Barclays

Agency (NCA) has revealed. This includes cases of forced labour, sexual exploitation and domestic servitude.

The main culprits behind this trafficking

BARCELONA VAN ATTACK HAD BEEN PART OF LARGER PLAN, CLAIMS SUSPECT

are international gangs, according to the

The cell behind the Barcelona van attack

NCA, and the problem is said to have

had planned to use explosives against

affected every large town and city across

monuments, including the city’s famous

the country.

Sagrada Familia church, a suspect has told a

The Agency said there were currently

Madrid court.

300 live police operations into forced labour,

Mohamed Houli Chemlal is one of four

sexual exploitation and domestic servitude.

surviving suspects of the recent Barcelona

Previous estimates suggested there were up

terror attack who gave evidence.

to 13,000 victims of these types of crimes in

He and Driss Oukabir have both been

90 - 100.

Britain will only have 8,000 physical bank branches by the end of the year. Whilst this will have limited impact on some customers, it could have a heavy impact on older citizens or those in poor internet signal areas.

Lawmakers and campaigners are also concerned that banks’ most financially vulnerable customers will suffer. On top of this concern, more branches appear to be being closed down in low-income areas, where their need is arguably greatest.

Endeavour Magazine | 11

FOCUS ANTHONY OSMOND-EVANS – HEROES

F

rom entertaining the heads of industry to documenting some of the most beautiful destinations in the world,

Anthony Osmond-Evans has built enviable careers for himself. A blend between good fortune and old fashioned hard work has seen

the

writer/photographer/publisher

travel the world and rub shoulders with legends along the way. Now, he is looking to turn his experiences towards something that will not only commemorate, but inspire, real change.

Anthony Osmond-Evans is best known for his stunning coffee table books, including China the Beautiful, The Magic of Monaco and, most recently, The Spirit of London for the 2012 Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. His books, which have sold over 100,000 copies to date, document the history and aesthetic of locations around the world, featuring Osmond-Evans’ writing and mainly his own photography. He is currently working on three new ventures, the most ambitious of which is still in the planning stages and would be a marked departure from his previous work, but is already receiving enthusiastic backing and support.

We spoke with the author about how his series had come about. Surprisingly, Osmond-Evans’ career didn’t begin in publishing, photography or writing; in his twenties, he cut his professional teeth by marketing whisky for The Distiller’s Group, a venture that saw him stationed for a time in Hong Kong. It was here that he contracted the travel bug, a fever that would grow for 12 | Endeavour Magazine

some years before it would take him back

Osmond-Evans on to other marketing and

to Chinese shores. “I got my first taste of

PR work, until he set up his own company

China, and I knew that one day I’d have to

called Good Connections. The company

go back there and photograph it,” Osmond-

served as a networking third-party, receiving

Evans recalls. “I didn’t know when or how or

advances from a pool of companies with

why, but it had been in my mind from those

which to wine and dine the heads of industry

early days.”

and promote these clients’ services. “What

“I’ve always been one to grab an

I’d achieved was to be working as an agent,

opportunity, and that very much comes from

as an ambassador, for some twelve different

my great hero, a photographer called Henri

disciplines within the service industries.

Cartier-Bresson. He had the eye: his images

They were large firms, and they all provided

were all about capturing the moment. His

services to companies like the electricity

famous quote was, ‘If it grabs me, I grab it.’

board - big firms working for big companies.”

Life’s a bit like that for me - if an opportunity

Through working in this way, Osmond-

comes up, I grab it.” One day, this attitude

Evans was mingling with an upper-echelon

would lead Osmond-Evans back to the

of business contacts. “I was just about old

country that had captured his heart, though

enough by then to have the clout to meet

it would take him via an unexpected route.

and talk to a head of industry, because no-

Working with The Distiller’s Group led

one wants some whippersnapper!” It was

Anthony Osmond-Evans & Sylvia Loch inspired Osmond-Evans; after seeing it could be done, he went after his own project – and travelled back to China. “I covered a lot of Labastide de Levis

China, including the Tibetan Plateau and Tibet, as I had done in the ‘80s. This sounds a bit arrogant, but they were pretty good pictures!” His first personal project, China the Beautiful, became a reality.

Now,

Osmond-Evans’

line

includes

numerous titles, some commissioned and others his own ventures. To fund his personal

unexpected turn, and the skills he had learnt

projects, he approaches sponsors, again

would start to enable the dream that was

pitching the endeavours as purchasable

cooking away at the back of his mind.

corporate gifts. Sponsoring companies put a

FW de Klerk

through these contacts that his life took an

“The first person who gave me a book to do was Sir John Baker, or John Baker, as he was then.” Baker was the head of the Central Electricity Generating Board, which

certain amount of money towards the project and receive a certain bulk-order of books in return, which they present with their own messages and dust-covers to those of their

had recently been split into three companies

whether his friend could put a book together

choosing. It is an approach developed out

and opened onto the public market. Post-

for him, and just like that, a new career was

of Osmond-Evans’ earlier career days, and

split, Baker headed the company known

seeded. The commissioned project would be

as time passes and marketing changes, it

as National Power, and worked with

a coffee-table book of cityscapes and other

continues to work.

Osmond-Evans to navigate their new need

examples of lights at night across England,

For China the Beautiful, Osmond-Evans’

for publicity.

Wales and Ireland, where the company

success in finding Chinese and China-related

operated. “The company was called National

sponsorship was aided greatly by the book’s

Power, so we called it National Lights.”

foreword, written by former British Prime

“In that time, I had gotten to know John Baker very well - terribly nice man, charming wife. I used to show him pictures, such

National Power used the books as gifts

Minister Sir Edward Heath, who had built

as pictures of where I’d been travelling.’”

and marketing tools for their stakeholders,

good relations with China during his time at

Impressed by these images, Baker asked

suppliers and potential clients. This idea

Downing Street. “He was highly respected, Endeavour Magazine | 13

and the fact that he was associated with my book meant that I must be OK too.”

Osmond-Evans was able to approach Heath via a mutual contact: this was typical of the way in which his history in networking would open doors, and once it began, it was a spiralling process. “I travelled a lot, I met people, I continued to meet people, and it has very much a snowball effect.” It was also a process aided by Osmond-Evans’ membership in several key clubs, including the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the famed Explorers Club in New York and Glyndebourne.

Today, Osmond-Evans lives in Suffolk with his girlfriend, Sylvia Loch, the world’s leading author on dressage, where they co-habit with their horses, dogs, barn owls, hedgehogs and a rather luscious vegetable garden. It’s an enviably idyllic setting, and whilst the two writers focus on different topic areas, the mixing of creative minds allows them to spark ideas off one another and keep each other motivated.

For Osmond-Evans, this motivation is to create something that will live on after him. He is currently working on several publications, including one on the legends Mother Teresa

of Las Vegas and another on Hull, named the UK City of Culture 2017. As well as these, the photographer is planning a very different project: the book’s working title is Heroes, and the subject will be just that – 50 heroes, living around the globe today, photographed and interviewed to produce

opportunity to photograph two years before

where

an inspiring collection of true stories.

she passed away. Despite the controversies

explored. It is a concept Osmond-Evans

Whilst speaking with them, the author also

that exist around the saint, she inarguably

encountered in Lisbon, Portugal, whilst

plans to ask interviewees who their heroes

made a vast difference for the dying poor

speaking with the Ishmali Cultural Centre.

are, to further expand the narrative and

in India with the opening of her hospice

The Ishmali are an Islamic group of over 15

see who has inspired the actions of these

in Kolkata: whilst she is not one of the 50

million followers, led by H.H. Prince Shah

great figures.

living heroes to be included in the work,

Karim Al Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, with a focus

Some of the confirmed participants

Osmond-Evans will feature her portrait and

on helping others and cultivating an attitude

for Heroes are people Osmond-Evans has

write about the very special experience he

of acceptance.

already been fortunate enough to meet

had listening to her; “She spoke for nearly

Heroes will combine a range of figures,

during his work and travels, including FW

an hour, and all the time she was holding

from Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai

de Klerk, the former South African President

onto my hand – clasping it between her two

for her bravery in the face of the Taliban,

who was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace

tiny hands. It was one of the most significant

to British entrepreneur James Dyson for

Prize alongside Nelson Mandela for their

moments of my life.”

his generosity and support towards the

differences

are

celebrated

and

combined efforts in ending apartheid. The

This new project has been inspired in

future of the British design engineering. A

book’s foreword will even feature the late

part by the idea of pluralism – the coming

spectrum of causes and walks of life will be

Mother Teresa, who Osmond-Evans had the

together of different cultures and faiths,

included – the only heroism excluded will be

14 | Endeavour Magazine

Rice Worker Bali military triumphs, not as a comment against

streak in me. I was a bit ‘Bertie Wooster’

the author; “And I’d like to do something

the military, but because this would distract

growing up - I’d turn up in these countries

eminently worthwhile with my time - to get

from the author’s specific definition of ‘hero’

in a panama hat and a nicely cut Savile Row

my message out there.”

within the book. “We will feature a photo of

suit and so on, but life isn’t like that. It’s

a pregnant mother - all mothers are heroes.”

rough. I’ve been lucky, but for a great deal of

gentleman, entrepreneur and a true artist,

the world, it’s tough.”

and Heroes is a labour of love for the author.

Collecting these diverse heroes from

Anthony

is

a

mixture

of

English

around the world is, for Osmond-Evans, an

In the wake of the world’s current

It is a work in progress and the gears are

attempt to show the common good that goes

turmoil and political drama, Osmond-Evans’

beginning to turn, with several sponsors and

beyond nationality or faith. He hopes that it

proposed book seems perfectly timed:

participants already on board. He estimates

will not only inspire readers with the stories

on the one hand, we are making leaps in

that the project will be complete by 2019;

it will contain, but also inspire conversation

acceptance, communication and equality

“The main thing now is to get a major

between groups and help people to see the

un-paralleled in human history, whilst on the

sponsor for the book. It will involve a lot of

good that exists across borders and barriers.

other hand we are seeing a pendulum swing

travelling and a lot of photography. Once

This raising of awareness has been a motive

back towards extremism in a move that is

we’ve got this major support, then we can

behind all of his global publications, but it

ripping across the globe, and bringing with it,

go out and fulfil the dream.”

coming to a head in Heroes:

an increasingly loud rhetoric of us-vs-them.

“I have quite a strong humanitarian

“I’m turning 74 this year,” reflection Endeavour Magazine | 15

DIAGEO GUINNESS CAMEROUN WWW.DIAGEO.COM // 237 6 72 84 69 09

RAISING A GLASS For a company that’s only 20 years old, Diageo has a long and rich history behind it. Representing brands whose founders date back to the 1700s-1800s, they understand the importance of legacy – both honouring the ones that have been left to them, and bearing in mind the one they will leave.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

DIAGEO GUINNESS CAMEROUN

As a Group, they are building more than just profits and

sustainable business: for their clients, they are creating a culture and experience, and for their employees and the areas they impact, empowered futures. We spoke with Kimani Kirore Mwaura, Managing Director of Guinness Cameroun S.A, a subsidiary that goes above and beyond even the Group’s expectations to protect and give back to their country with every aspect of their business.

G

uinness Cameroun SA (GCSA) has its origins on Africa’s shores,

Integrity Commitment Team Spirit

when at the start of the last century, merchant ships from the UK and Ireland would bring Guinness with them as they

crossed the sea. “Cameroonian consumers immediately fell in love with the ‘black stuff’”, Kimani tells us with a grin. The dark beverage

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became an instant hit, and the demand for supply remained until 1967, when GCSA was finally founded. In this year, the first deposit opened in Limbe, and in 1969 a brewery was built in Bassa, Douala.

One year later, the first bottle of Guinness® was brewed. With the demand already in place, the brewery had a solid foundation from the get-go, and Cameroon is now Guinness’ fifth largest market in the world, with 35 distributors and partners covering the

www .mult

iprints

a.com

national territory.

Part of GCSA’s strength, on top of the strong demand, is the solid network they operate within as a part of the Diageo family: whilst GCSA operates locally, the Group has a global footprint, with a presence in 180 countries. Every year, Diageo produces more than 6.5 billion litres of their brands, from more than 100 manufacturing sites in 30 countries, and their products selling in 180. All of this is achieved by over 33,000 employees worldwide. When Diageo formed in 1997, Guinness were one of the first brands to join it as

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18 | Endeavour Magazine

a subsidiary. Today, the Group is a world leader in premier drinks, representing not only beers but also some of the top names in wines and spirits. Under their umbrella, they represent 29 of the top 100 most popular spirits in the world, including names like Smirnoff®, Johnnie Walker®, Baileys®, Gordon’s®, Tanqueray®...

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each brand was founded decades or centuries ago by an innovative

provide the best-quality products at affordable prices, and through

entrepreneur, and it is that history that informs and inspires

a strong ethical policy.

Diageo’s emphasis on integrity today. In their own words, they are a

“To support our ambition in Cameroon, Diageo has recently

“business built on the principles and foundations laid by the giants

granted us an important investment to carry out a capacity

of our industry.”

expansion,” explains Kimani, “Which will increase our beer

Looking at that line-up, many if not most of us will see at least

production in the coming year.” Part of this expansion is an

one name that evokes synesthetic memories of a good drinks

innovation known as the CUBE. “We just invested £3 million in the

on great nights; the music we hear and the faces we remember

first ever portable spirits packaging and bottling line in Cameroon

may vary, but the feelings are similar - they are deeply rooted in

and the sub-region.” The ultra-modern packaging line, which is

many of us, our relationship with certain beverages and the parts

christened the CUBE, blends and bottles GCSA’s mainstream spirits

they play in our social lives summed up in a brand. Like any truly

– “Brands with strong heritage, high quality liquid and distinctive

successful marketer of lifestyle products, Diageo knows that it is

packaging.” The CUBE’s efficiency will allow Guinness Cameroun

this emotive response they are selling as much as their beverages;

to produce their brands at a lower cost and a higher capacity,

it is an experience, and one that, because of their entrepreneurial

enabling them to satisfy a growing market. “The CUBE will provide

‘ancestors’, they are dedicated to promoting responsibly. Kimani

our consumers with a variety of mainstream spirits, meeting the

shares this sentiment, knowing that GCSA’s customers are part

needs of a growing middle class with first-class quality brands.”

of a much larger story; “People celebrate with our brands, and by

“In July 2009, we started the distribution of spirits brands and

doing so become a link in a chain that connects rivers and fields,

became a Total Beverage Alcohol company with the responsibility

distilleries and breweries, transport networks, the hospitality

of 22 markets in Central and Western Africa,” Kimani tells us with

industry, and the people who work and live around us.”

pride. Today, Guinness Cameroun go beyond the “dark stuff” to

This focus on community is key for Kimani and Guinness

produce and/or distribute many brands; as well as Guinness®,

Cameroun. GCSA is working tirelessly to be a significant part of

Guinness Smooth®, the non-alcoholic Malta Guinness® and

Diageo’s legacy and ongoing narrative, as well as creating their own;

Harp® Premium lager, they also cover ‘Ready to Drink’ mixers

“We strive to become the most trusted and respected consumer

Smirnoff Ice Red®, Smirnoff Ice Double Black®, Smirnoff Ice

products company in Cameroon.” They are pursuing this goal in

Electric Ginseng® and Orijin®, as well as multiple spirits such as

two ways – through expansion, to give them the ability to readily

Johnnie Walker®, Baileys®, Smirnoff® Red vodka, Smirnoff®,

DIAGEO GUINNESS CAMEROUN Gordon’s®, VAT 69®, Dimple®, White horse®, Cîroc®, Gilbey’s®

take is that any good business leader earns the followership of

and a lot more. “The depth and breadth of our portfolio is second to

his fellow employees by demonstrating clarity and being a fixed

none. Our strength lies in our scale, and our desire to continuously

reference point for vision. As a leader, I need to model trust and

improve our performance. “

respect, ignite pride and belief in what we do, raise aspirations and

As well as increasing the production of these current brands,

celebrate success.”

Guinness Cameroun is using the CUBE to take on a new name;

Guinness Cameroun employs over 400 talented members of

“After the launch of Orijin Bitters® a few months ago, we have

staff. “Our success as a business depends on the success of our

proudly launched Black & White®, the first ever Scotch Whisky

people.” Despite stereotypical notions that beer is a ‘man’s’ drink,

bottled by Diageo in Africa. Although we have imported and sold

the company actively encourages women to apply for roles within

the brand since 1970, we seized the opportunity to finish and

their company. GCSA’s goal is to reach 50% female employees,

bottle the Scotch whisky ourselves.”

which they are striving for not through ‘minority hires’, but through

Kimani took over the role of Managing Director at Guinness

inviting women to participate in their honest meritocracy. As

Cameroun in April 2016. He had previously worked for another

well as promoting women, the company hopes to promote young

Diageo subsidiary in Kenya, East African Breweries Limited, so

people and support them as they begin their career journeys.

when it comes to approaching leadership at GCSA, he knows how

They are working towards this through internships and training

to encourage his people the Diageo way. “The constraints of a

programmes, particularly aimed at generation Y, who the company

fast-moving consumer goods organization are such that you need

believes represent the future of the company, if they can gain a

to find the right balance between openness, empathy, rigor and

foothold on the industrial ladder. “We provide support so that

direction. It all refers to Diageo Leadership standards, which are:

all our employees can be responsible for their own growth, and

winning through execution, shaping the future, inspiring through

we ensure that everyone receives continuous and constructive

purpose and investing in talent. Having said that, my personal

feedback.” When hiring, the company is open to applicants whether

20 | Endeavour Magazine

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OUR POLICY TOWARDS DIAGEO GUINNESS CAMEROON

OUROUR POLICY TOWARDS POLICY TOWARDS DIAGEO GUINNES DIAGEO GUINNESS CAMEROON

Created in August 2002, CAPITAL RH is an Employment Company specialized in Recruitment, Placement and Management of Temporary Workers, Training etc. Our Headquarters is in Douala, Cameroon. To build a Created in August 2002, CAPITAL RH is an Employment Company specia progressing business and play a significant role in the success of our client DIAGEO GUINNESS CAMEROON, we have always made sure to: and Management of Temporary Workers, Training etc. Our Headquarters is i

Created in August 2002, CAPITAL RH is an Employment

progressing business and play a significant role in the success of our client DI REDIFINING MEDIA COMMUNICATION Company specialized inand Recruitment, Placement and 1. Act in accordance with the highest standards of personal professional integrity. we have always made sure to:

Earning brands significant and impactful Temporary Workers, Training etc.

To of 2. Conduct our business Management activities with integrityof and ethics and within the framework of business policies our clients. meet1.the needs of our clients in relation with long-term awareness and visibility through revolutionised Act in accordance with the highest standards of personal and profession 3. Respect and continue to comply with the DIAGEO Code of Business Conduct. workers, CAPITAL SERVICES, an incorporation CAPITAL 2. Conduct our business activities with integrity andof ethics and within the fr media strategy, planning and media buying RH, was created in 2008. Our Headquarters is in Douala,

To care for the needs in manpower our of our client, we keep a rigorous recruitment process as to workers to clients. place, either for temporary jobs (12 months maxi) CAPITAL RH or for with long term jobs underCode CAPITAL 3. Respect andunder continue to comply the DIAGEO of Business SERVICES, the incorporation of CAPITAL RH.

Co OUR POLICY DIAGEO GUINNESS C Cameroon.

For us TOWARDS to build a progressing business and

Created in August 2002, is an Employment Company specialized in play a significant roleCAPITAL in the RH success of our client DIAGEO

To care for the needs in manpower ofthe ourtargets, client,aswe keep a rigorous recrui Through various ways, these are equipped and encouraged to reach as highly and workers Management of Temporary Workers, Training etc. Ourwell Headquarters is in Doua place, either in forour temporary jobsclients, (12 months maxi) under CAPITAL RH or fo motivated to give their best.

Our transparency dealings with workers and job seekers has progressing business and play a significant role in the success of our client DIAGEO widely publicized our fame in matters of ethics and integrity.of CAPITAL RH. SERVICES, the business incorporation

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233 43 87 11/ 699 45 client, 86 08 we | Email: To careTel: for (+237) the needs manpower of our keep ainfo@capital-rh.biz recruitment these workers areinequipped and encouraged to rigorous reach the place, either for temporary jobs (12 months maxi) under CAPITAL RH or for long t targets, as well as highly motivated to give their best.

SERVICES, the incorporation of CAPITAL RH.

Our transparency in our dealings with clients, workers

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Endeavour Magazine | 21

DIAGEO GUINNESS CAMEROUN they speak English or French, to further empower the Cameroonian

Cameroonians. On top of this, the company recognises its

people and make the most of the local talent at their fingertips.

responsibility to address not just the impact of its manufacturing,

“We’re here to co-create a future and a culture that is known for

but the social impact of its products. This not only includes work

the consistency of its performance, just as much as it is known for

to promote the importance of sober driving, responsible retailing

its brands - its focus on people and its purpose.”

and alcohol awareness in young people, but also extends to

As well as protecting and empowering the future of their employees and communities, Guinness Cameroun are committed to

the company’s efforts to reduce the production and selling of illicit products.

Diageo’s drive for environmental sustainability; “Our Sustainability

It is always satisfying to witness ethical practises being

& Responsibility (S&R) Strategy encompasses the actions Diageo

rewarded with success. The Cameroonian beer market is entering

takes every day to support every link in this chain, in every country

a segmentation stage, with aggressive competition between

it operates in. We call this celebrating life, today and tomorrow.”

established

This S&R Strategy focuses on three key areas: Alcohol in Society,

Cameroun SA is well positioned to stay on top, not only through

Community Empowerment, and Water & the Environment. Their

its guarantee of a top-quality product, but through this ethical

water programme follows the Diageo Water Blueprint, which aims

involvement with its employees and communities. “We work hard

to prevent the depletion of natural resources, limit contribution to

to make the most of life, to be the best we can be at work, at home,

climate change and avoid the damaging of any species, habitats

with friends, in the community and for the community. Our values

or biodiversity - ambitious and commendable goals! However,

are not just words on a page - they underpin our business and guide

the company doesn’t stop here – as well as limiting their negative

how we work.” We’ll drink to that!

and

emerging

companies.

However,

Guinness

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22 | Endeavour Magazine

CHELMSFORD STAR CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY WWW.COOP.CO.UK

A COOPERATIVE APPROACH The Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society is a cherished part of the Essex commercial landscape, but don’t be fooled by wellstocked shelves, great prices and professional staff, as there is far more setting the society shops apart from competitors. Endeavor Magazine spoke with Barry Wood, CEO of the Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society, to find out more about his passion for the company he represents and what makes it so special.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

CHELMSFORD STAR CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY

Let’s go back in time to 1867, when Chelmsford initiated

its first Co-operative society. That’s where our story begins, with pioneering people looking for a more inclusive, fair and respectful way to interact and trade and these ethics and interests have been preserved throughout the centuries. That’s right; we aren’t simply talking about decades here, but centuries of amazing heritage.

B

raintree had a society as well, back in the day, but transferred

continues to meet the needs of its members and continues to

its engagements to Chelmsford in the 1960s, allowing for a

seek new challenges to increase and strengthen its trading and its

natural expansion that now includes convenience food stores,

membership bases.”

travel agencies, department stores, funeral directorships and even property rentals. The Society says that;

Let’s talk about Barry Wood for a moment. Here is a man and a retail professional that has no interest in switching allegiances and

“The aim then was to supply goods to the general public via a

has enjoyed climbing to the top over the past 30 years, so what

membership scheme which cost £1 to join – a large sum in those

is it that keeps him at the Chelmsford Star Co-operative? For one

days and yet today it still only costs £1 to join most retail societies,

thing, he has always seen a future with the company, thanks to

including ours. Members were also entitled to receive a proportion

a nurturing and inclusive sense of community and he enjoys the

of the profit from their purchases, which was returned to them in

sense of stewardship that comes with his role;

the form of a dividend, and this is still the case.”

“As a company, we remain focused on our members are

When Barry Wood started with the company, 30 years ago as

thinking, rather than simply chasing short-term gain. We are

a Saturday-boy, there were more societies in existence, but over

focused on protecting the legacy and ethics of cooperatives for

the years, many smaller ones have found themselves struggling to

future generations, so there is a really underlying sense of longevity

continue, which has led to them being absorbed, but there is one

in any role here. Governance is increasingly important in today’s

thing to remember; all shops remain independent. This means that

society and those of us here are aware of working for an ethical

community involvement can remain the guiding influence, without

entity and wanting to do so for a long time.”

national or overarching principles getting in the way. The mission

Speaking of the community that Co-operative workers enjoy,

statement of the Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society really does

which is tantamount to a family; let’s have a look at the way that

speak volumes about just how important an intrinsic connection to

the Society seeks to give back to shareholders, staff and local

local people is;

communities.

“Our mission is to work together, giving life and meaning to

Any retail outlet measures its success in terms of balanced books,

the Co-operative difference by trading ethically in order to share

but this is no ordinary operation. Here, success is also measured in

our success and serve, support and sustain local communities.

terms of how local producers are supported, how many dividends

With stores located throughout Chelmsford, Braintree and the

can be given back to members and how much revenue remains

surrounding areas including south and mid-Essex, the Society

within the community. Using local suppliers, wherever possible,

26 | Endeavour Magazine

CHELMSFORD STAR CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY has led to the Chelmsford Star Co-operative estimating that 33p

£2.50 out of our profits for every £5 earnt. Barrow Farm Riding

of every £1 spent stays within the locality and profit payouts are

for the Disabled has earned the most so far and we have been

exceptionally special as well.

exceptionally proud to support them.”

Consumers have become a little jaded in recent years and

With an open and honest approach to profit sharing in place,

unsurprised when large organisations seek to pay top-bods

it should come as no surprise that working for the Chelmsford

exorbitant bonuses, but the Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society

Star Co-operative is something of a pleasure. Currently 900 team

looks to maintain a legacy, by offering modest bonuses, regular

members-strong, the staffing body is impressive and constantly

Member dividends and benefits to members. In this sense, Barry

supported to be the best that it can be. With those showing signs

sees himself as something of a custodian, ensuring that Chelmsford

of talent being encouraged to ‘hit the ground running’ and plenty of

Star’s good name is protected and the community benefits continue;

career opportunities springing up, thanks to recent expansion plans,

“There are a number of things we do for charity. Firstly, we

Barry encourages people to see a job with the Chelmsford Star Co-

nominate a ‘charity of the year’ which is chosen by our employees

operative as a potentially lifelong career. When you consider that a

and run events in order to support it. We look for a local, deserving

large percentage of the current workforce is made up of students,

cause and encourage the public to get involved, by displaying

this really could be a viable option for those seeking a rewarding

collection buckets and promoting fundraising events. Secondly, we

and exciting opportunity.

have our Community Card scheme. Since 1999, the Community

Looking to the future, Barry is excited, and with good reason. The

Card scheme has been in operation, whereby genuine local charities

Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society is seeking opportunities to

and community groups can apply to join and on acceptance, are

expand into London, by snapping up shops as soon as they become

given a number of cards to give their supporters. When a supporter

available, thanks to enviable relationships with local agents. Don’t

swipes their card, they earn points and these are converted into

go thinking that an indelicate approach is being taken though, as

money. We give £5 for every 1000 points earned we add a further

that simply wouldn’t be on-brand. Instead, independent shops

“We are proud to be associated with Chelmsford Star in supplying both the food & non food retail stores”

www.unishop.co.uk 6-8A, Takeley Business Centre, Dunmow Rd, Takeley, Bishop’s Stortford CM22 6SJ, UK sales@uni-shop.com • 01279 870333 28 | Endeavour Magazine

that are at risk of closure due to retirement, or other reasons, are being taken over with a sensitivity and tact that is far beyond most commercial groups and, where possible, existing staff members are retained; “The way we look at it is that there are Co-ops nationwide, but we know our local area better than any large corporation can, so we can really benefit communities with our specialist knowledge. We know what people need and where and because of this, we want to give back, in a viable and appropriate way. Of course, we need to be commercially successful, but not for gravitas, but to be able to deliver on our ethics and promises. We need profit in order to be able to use it responsibly and in a way that is special and unique to Co-op; for the benefit of the people that helped us garner it.�

With new stores being taken on, existing premises enjoying serious renovations and an innovative end-to-end point of sale system in place, the Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society looks set to stride into the future with assured aplomb. After all, it has been in place for 150 years already and by staying true to the founding principles of returning money to shareholders and communities alike, we see no reason why it won’t be enjoying extensive success

MOSAIC PR & DIGITAL provides

integrated marketing services to both public and private sector clients across the UK. We are proud to support Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society and serve our local communities together.

May your star shine brightly for another 150 years.

in another 150.

Endeavour Magazine | 29

WELLOCKS WWW.WELLOCKS.CO.UK // +8444 993 444

A TASTE OF PERFECTION In the British food world, the Wellocks name is synonymous with freshness, reliability and quality. We spoke with company CEO, James Wellock, about his experience growing up with the company in its early years, and how it has boomed into an unrecognisable success under his management.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

WELLOCKS

James Wellock’s first taste of the food industry was working for his father in Lancashire. Richard Wellock had built his living supplying potatoes to local fish and chip shops, having sold up his stall in Skipton Market to focus on this more profitable side of the vegetable trade. As the company grew, he invested in three wagons and began supplying to local green grocers around the area.

J

ames grew up helping his father as-and-when, and after

with 15 employees. Under James’ management and leadership, the

college, his joined the business full-time. Traveling to

company has now exploded into a national network, delivering to

Manchester at midnight, bartering for produce at the city

every corner of the country, and those 15 employees have grown

marketplace, he thought to himself, there had to be a different way

into 470. Wellocks travel over 110 routes, delivering straight to the

of doing things. “The salesmen felt like they wanted to rip me off,”

door, whether that door is at the foot of Cornwall or the height of

James, now the company CEO, recalls. “That was when we started

Scotland. In total, Richard Wellocks’ three wagons are now a fleet

buying from local farms.”

of 120 vehicles, delivering daily to 1,500 kitchens.

This move would be a more dramatic change for the company

Wellocks’ customer base are now restaurants and hotel kitchens

than James or his father realised; cutting out the middle man

– a marked step up from their original clients, and a customer-base

allowed Wellocks to access fresher, higher-quality produce at a

that demands reliability, range and quality. They broke into this

time when supermarkets were beginning to sweep through the

market when James saw the supermarket threat growing; “One

greengrocer trade. The availability of supermarket products would

of the things we identified in the ‘90s was that the greengrocer

leave competitors needing an edge – and Wellocks would have that

side of things was dying out. Almost over-night, one of the good

edge:

greengrocers we knew started selling pre-prepared vegetables to

“It was a big win for us. We were saving money in various ways.

compete. I got together with my dad and we said, ‘We need to buy

You’re cutting out the middle man, so you cut out their wage, as it

this business,’ so we did. One of the partners is still with us.” These

were, but more importantly, we were getting a consistently better-

prepared vegetables, along with the freshness and consistent

quality product. It was a different selling point, without question.

quality of Wellocks’ good, made the company a double-threat and

When I started delivering to green grocers in Yorkshire, they’ve

allowed them to appeal to the chef market. The Northern company

historically always bought out of their local markets. We could top

later ventured their services south when one of their customers, a

this by delivering fresher products straight to their door.” Amazingly,

Michelin-star chef, relocated, and their reach grew from there.

in a time where independent businesses were falling victim to large

“I had a vision of wanting to be the best. Originally it was to be

wholesale companies, this small family business was able to stand

the best in the North, and quickly that changed to being the best

up and stand out; “We took the wholesale market on and won.”

in the UK.” In striving for this vision, James knew that customer

When James’ father retired, he inherited the business, then 32 | Endeavour Magazine

experience was key. “We give the customer the service, no matter

6 years ago Soledad flew over to introduce herself and her extra virgin oil to me and Jonny. We were gobsmacked how good it was! From this point we formed a partnership and have never deviated away form championing her oil.

You could say that Special Branch was born in this partnership as we talked about how could you improve upon perfection, since our first meeting they have put their heart and soul into breaking the boundaries on extra virgin olive oil production” For more than 200 years, Finca Duernas has been growing the very best olives to offer a truly unique extra virgin olive oil.

PREMIUM EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OILS FROM CÓRDOBA, SPAIN

200 YEARS IN THE MAKING  fincaduernas.com

Endeavour Magazine | 33

WELLOCKS what. We’ve bent over backwards for customers, and that aspect of

for any department to make a mistake”, James laughs. This includes

the business has never changed.”

their own online order system which, as of this year, shows chefs a

“We’re essentially a massive logistics company – one that

live update of their stock availability, giving customers the ability to

needs to take orders from around the country and deliver in a

select their own alternatives and plan their spending accordingly.

timely manner, predominantly around the breakfast period the next

“It’s in clear black and white - they’ve got absolute clarity, and so

morning.” This fast turnover, and the high demand for accuracy that

have we. There’s no answer phone message with a chef clattering

comes from high-quality kitchens, meant that in order to succeed,

pots and pans in the background, or a thick Highlands accent no

Wellocks’ logistics needed complete efficiency; “People ask us,

one can understand! There’s no grey areas, which means we’ve got

‘What is local? How do you define local?’ For us, it’s the 24-hour

no excuses.” The company has also developed a picking system that

turn-around from growing it in the fields to delivering it in the

marries with the online orders, selecting every product by barcode

kitchens the next morning. The crux is to make sure that there’s

and assigning these to barcoded trays, which are in turn assigned

only three people in the supplier chain: the producer, us and the

to a customer. The system reduces the possibility for human error –

chef.”

essential in a vast operation with Wellocks’ fast turnover.

So how does the company efficiently manage a fleet of their

This attention to detail and stress on perfection is present at

size? Everything is monitored and run from an in-house system,

every level of Wellocks’ operations. “We look at every part of the

developed and maintained by their team of IT staff. “We have

operation, and how we can make that part the best it can be.” This

software that can track every vehicle every minute of the day. Each

attitude extends right down to the appearance of their fleet: “We

vehicle has fully surrounding camera systems - in the cab, out the

don’t call them drivers, we call them Delivery Reps. They have

front, down the sides, on the back - so we know what the vehicle is

to wear a shirt and tie, and polished boots. The vehicles are all

doing, where it is and if it is being treated properly.”

polished too, every week, and they’re washed and sanitised every

“We’ve been trying to develop a system that makes it impossible

34 | Endeavour Magazine

day.” Wellocks even service their own fleet, to monitor the quality

of the repairs and get the vehicles back on the road as quickly as possible.

“I think of delivery like a can of coke – you walk up to a drinks machine, put your coin in, a can drops down and you walk away happy. We’re trying to deliver that experience for 6,000 products.”

Whilst every aspect of the business is important to James, he knows what it is all about – the food. The company is constantly adding to their wide range of products by broadening their already extensive supplier chain, but more than this, working closely with certain producers to create unique, stand-out products.

“We’re very proud of them all, but there’s certain products that are special to us. We wondered how to get this across to a prospective customer, and so we developed Special Branch.”

Special Branch is a list of around 100 products that Wellocks have developed in collaboration with their manufacturers. “For example, we worked really closely with a supplier who told us that she wanted to create the world’s best olive oil, and we backed her. Over a six-year period, she’s put some ground-breaking new procedures in place, and her product’s actually been named the best organic olive oil in the world.” Thanks to their involvement, Wellocks now

The company was established in the early 1960’s. Since then, the familyrun business has been a motor for the production of apples and pears in the Loire Valley (France). All our growers share the same targets of sustainable production, high quality standards and customer service.

The fruits are grown in France and the company is capable to supply a wide range of products along the year.

More than 20 varieties of apple and pears are grown, packed and sold by the company, including the Antarès® apple and the Sweet Sensation® pear.

have exclusivity for this top-tier olive oil in the UK. “We’re always

20 varieties of apples and pears

Expertise over the year

Comitted to sustainable development

France... www.apple-bird.com France - Tél + 33 (0)2 41 29 22 22 - www.levergerdelablottiere.fr Endeavour Magazine | 35

WELLOCKS developing more products like this – they improve our product range and set us apart.”

confident when ordering the product.”

From local fish and chips shops in Lancashire, Wellocks’

Despite developing their reputation through local foods, as

customer list has become a who’s who of the UK’s culinary circles.

Wellocks have expanded, so has their reach. Their supplier network

“We supply the vast majority of Michelin star kitchens in the UK,

now includes companies from most of Europe, South America and

5-star hotels, country gastro hotels and pubs – even races courses

America, as well as Thailand and Kenya. Even in their over-seas

and premier league football clubs, including Man United. Basically,

ingredients, Wellocks emphasise the importance of freshness;

if you went anywhere in the country, we could recommend the best

“We’re the only UK company that air-freight limes in from Mexico

places to eat.”

every week. They leave Mexico on Saturday and we pick them up

Wellocks’ expansion as a company has been extraordinary,

at Heathrow on Monday.” Instead of a lime several weeks old by the

growing not only in size but in the products, services and sheer

time it reaches a chef’s kitchen, they can rely on Wellocks’ reaching

quality they offer. It has taken financial gambles, an entrepreneurial

them in a matter of days. “You can imagine the difference in the

mind and consistent hard work, but the CEO’s work ethic and

zest and flavour. There’s a uniqueness there that sets us apart.”

attention to detail has kept the company reaching for a high bar

Wellocks have even started to produce their own international

and delivering a reliably remarkable service. Speaking with James,

foods, which again stay as authentic as possible. For example, their

it sounds like he isn’t planning to rest any time soon: “We’ll

pasta range is made with all-Italian machinery and ingredients, right

continue to look for more special branch products, develop our

down to Italian eggs and flour. However, you can still enjoy their

delivery routes and look at expanding the customer base.” With

year-round seasonal ravioli ranges, which include British favourites

this determined work ethic, it seems Wellocks will only continue to

such as asparagus ravioli when the vegetable is in season. “We’re

grow from strength to strength. “Without a doubt, there’s still a lot

looking to give chefs better quality than what they could make in

more that we can do.”

the kitchen, as well as a consistency in quality that leaves them

ETHICALLY FARMED

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36 | Endeavour Magazine

www.thetomatostall.co.uk hello@thetomatostall.co.uk +44(0) 1983 866907 The Tomato Stall, Wight Salads Nursery, Main Road, Hale Common, Arreton, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 3AR

AMAZING WORLD DIAMOND CITY: THE PIT OF WEALTH

I

f one were to stand on the edge of Mir

due to its settlement-sized footprint. It is

- during the large Amakinsky Expedition in

mine and look down, one could easily

the forth deepest hole in the world and the

Yakut ASSR. Each was awarded the Lenin

think they were stood at the mouth of

second largest excavated site, out-done

Prize, Russia’s highest honour, for the

Hades itself. Over a mile across, the pit at

only by Bingham Canyon Mine. Mir mine

discovery, and no surprise; at the height of

first appears to be a giant, obliteration-of-

is located in eastern Siberia, a dominating

operations, the mine produced around two

the-dinosaurs sized crater, but on closer

presence next to the teetering town of Mirny,

million carats of rough diamonds a year.

inspection it seems far more surreal: ledges

which was first settled by prospectors after

At the time, this represented 23% of the

spiralling down and around the sides of the

the deposits’ discovery in 1955. The mine

world’s rough diamonds, with the largest

conical chasm make it resemble a whirlpool

is valued at £13billion, which represents

discoveries the size of golf balls. One of the

of stone – an unnatural Charybdis to

the combined value of the diamonds it has

better known prizes from ‘Diamond City’

somewhere not of this earth.

already yielded and those that are thought

is the Olonkho diamond, 130.85 carat and

to still remain within the stone.

worth around £250,000.

Appearing not unlike The Dark Knight Rises’ underground prison, this 1,722 ft.-

Mir’s diamond deposits were originally

The conditions at Mir mine are as

deep hole is in fact the site of a once-great

discovered by three geologist - Ekaterina

punishing as the pit is vast. The region where

diamond mine, aptly dubbed Diamond City

Elagina, Uri Khabardin and Viktor Avdeenko

it stands is subject to some of the world’s

38 | Endeavour Magazine

harshest weather conditions; winter can last up to seven months, when temperatures can drop as low at -40 degrees Cᵒ. It can get so cold that car tyres and steel shatter and oil freezes! If these conditions weren’t apocalyptic enough, the pit is so wide and deep that it is said to create its own air vortex, and has been thought to have pulled passing helicopters down into itself! Thankfully no

ground would turn to slush. Because of this

apprehension once this haunting context is

fatal crashes have been caused, but the

slush, the main processing plant had to be

added to its already foreboding presence.

threat has been taken seriously enough that

built 20 km away from the mine.

previous air-routes over the mine have been cancelled or re-directed.

The mine is currently owned by Russian

However, the results were well worth

diamond company Alrosa. Whilst full mining

these trials: the riches yielded by Mir mine

operations ended in 2001, a series of

of ‘Diamond

were great enough to help transform the

underground tunnels continue to produce

City’ was gruelling work, especially in the

USSR in the wake of WW2. Under Stalin,

valuable results. Plans have been proposed

winter months (which filled over half of the

these diamonds largely funded the re-

for the site, including a dome-covered,

calendar year). The ice would be so thick and

building of the country and helped to create

submerged city, but whilst companies are

the rock below so hard from the cold that jet

the global player that Russia became - a

still able to extract even a faction of the

engines were used to melt and blast holes in

mixed blessing and curse, as they also funded

diamonds that still lurk under the stone, it

the permafrost, and dynamite was then used

Stalin’s activities and the atrocities that took

seems unlikely that these plans will make it

to break apart the rock’s surface and loosen

place under his rule. Whilst an important

to reality any time soon!

the below kimberlite ore. Even during the

site for Russia’s history and economy, one

brief summers there was little relief, as the

can’t help but view the shaft with a little

Retrieving

the

riches

Endeavour Magazine | 39

GAMEWATCHERS SAFARIS WWW.PORINI.COM // +254 774 136523

KENYA’S GAME-CHANGERS Fancy an adventure? For over 25 years, Gamewatchers Safaris have been arranging ‘authentic’ safari experiences in Kenya and beyond with a focus on responsible tourism. This awardwinning tour operator isn’t just working to reduce their impact on the land – their business model is actively engineering and funding its protection. We spoke with Dr Mohanjeet Brar, the company’s Managing Director, to learn more about their mission.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

GAMEWATCHERS SAFARIS

Over a million tourists visit Kenya every year. Of this

number, the vast majority have travelled to the East African country for the same reason: safari. Kenya’s vast unspoiled spaces and huge diversity of wildlife are renowned, and as the ever-profitable tourism industry continues to conquer the globe, demand to experience the country’s beauty rises. However, this rise brings with it increasing concerns over the impact that the industry has on local communities and environments.

K

enya’s National Parks and Game Reserves only cover about

the importance of the money and jobs these tours brought into

8% of the country’s landmass – a low percentage by global

the country. They wanted to protect the land, and the tours it

standards. This low percentage carries two risks: firstly, the

supported, for the long-term, not only for the good of Kenya’s

more choked with tour-groups these parks become, the worse

wildlife but for its communities as well.

the experience becomes for both the wildlife and the visitors

Their plan was simple: to lease land and protect it as a

themselves. Secondly, as the human population grows, expanding

conservation area, thus keeping developers at bay and providing

amounts of unprotected land may fall to the demand for housing

real benefits to the communities that own the land. The creation

developments, shopping facilities and roads.

Approximately

of these unofficial national parks would increase the percentage

70% of Kenyan wildlife lives outside of these national parks and

of protected land for wildlife in Kenya, and carried the bonus of

reserves - land that has no legal protection against potentially

providing an authentic “away-from-the-crowds” tourism experience

environmentally devastating developments.

for their tours. The company wanted to provide their visitors with

Gamewatchers Safaris are working to change all this. Rather than enjoying the country’s views and wildlife at the expense of its

something authentic, closer to nature, and in partnership with the local communities, which enriches the guests’ experience.

ecosystem, Gamewatchers found an ingenious way for their tours

By signing long-term leases with the communities for this

to directly support it. Dr Brar explains; “A long time ago, when

protected land, Gamewatchers are fully committed to their mission.

the population was smaller, it was less crucial to protect the land

They financially support their conservation efforts with the same

through conservancies because there were very few people living

amount month by month, regardless of how well their business

in those open spaces, but all that has changed very fast. So, over

fares, meaning the support doesn’t drop in the slow seasons.

twenty years ago, our Chairman and Founder, Jake Grieves-Cook,

The first conservancy area was leased in 1997, twenty years ago;

realised that we needed to come up with a solution before it was

13,000 acres of land in the Amboseli eco-system. Following its

too late – before the land was all fenced homesteads, towns and

success, a new site of 8,000 acres was established – the Ol Kinyei

golf courses. The way we wanted to do that was through tourism.”

Conservancy in the Mara eco-system. Today, this conservancy

Rather than working to reduce tourism, Gamewatchers wanted

is now 18,700 acres. The number and size of Gamewatchers’

to utilise and reform it. The company was passionate about the

conservancies – and the Porini camps found within - have grown

experiences they had been offering to visitors, and also knew

many times since then, and with it, their levels of business. The

42 | Endeavour Magazine

GAMEWATCHERS SAFARIS company puts the land and low-impact tourism before maximising

affair with Kenya’s natural beauty, and the now father of two wants

their profit - they limit tour group sizes using the model of one

to ensure a future where his children can share his experiences.

guest tent per 700 acres in the conservancy, with a maximum of

However, for Gamewatchers, preservation isn’t just about the

12 tents to any one camp. Even so, with their growing land and

land – it is also about preserving the local culture and working

popularity, their annual funds have raised enough to pay over US$

respectfully with the local Maasai people. Every conservancy

1 million a year back into the land, three years in a row. On top

area that the company has taken on was chosen by the Maasai

of caring for the land, this money also goes towards supporting

landowners; the locals elected to move from these areas voluntarily,

local communities, such as the company’s recent push to replace

in order for the land to be protected and, in turn, for them to profit

potentially deadly kerosene lamps with solar-powered alternatives

from the jobs this created.

or paying bursaries to cover the school fees for children of the local community at Ol Kinyei.

“Our whole concept is very much a partnership with them. It’s not us coming in and say, ‘Hey, this is the way it’s going to happen.’

Rather, it is us coming as investors, sitting around under the tree and

This level of long-term financial commitment goes beyond

sharing the proposal and its benefits with them.” Gamewatchers

good business sense – it shows a passion for the world that they

currently employ about 280 staff. 95% of those employed in the

are sharing with guests, and an honest desire to protect it. We

conservancy and camps are hired from the local communities, with

asked Brar where he got this passion; “I’m 4th generation Kenyan.

community staff having the opportunity and training to rise to

My great grandfather came over in the 1890s when Kenya was

camp managers and beyond within the company. “As a company

a British colony. I grew up in nature. We used to go walking and

with a strong focus on bringing benefits to local communities, we

see elephants near our backyard. We were surrounded by forests,

believe that one of the best ways to do this is through employment,

so I grew up appreciating nature and loving it, and I wanted to do

which gives a cash income directly to the individual families. So,

something that helped preserve it.” Brar’s childhood gave him a love

we employ community landowners and many that have not even

44 | Endeavour Magazine

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Endeavour Magazine | 45

GAMEWATCHERS SAFARIS completed high school, and train them on how to be waiters, store

“The difficult thing with development is its negative impact on a

keepers, room stewards, safari guides, rangers etc. We’re very

culture’s way of life. However, in ecotourism, unlike other kinds of

proud that we now have many community members who are at the

development, culture is actually a benefit. If you work in a factory,

management level as head guides, managers and senior wardens.

your culture has no value, whereas with ecotourism, culture has a

“The community are very much on board. They’ve seen the benefits. At first, they were sceptical, but we’ve been building that relationship, and I think like any relationship, as it builds, it builds that trust, and it is much easier moving forwards.”

huge value. Our guides are able to share that culture with guests and are able to be proud of it.”

Tours vary to meet the needs of different holidaymakers, from gentle-paced drives for photographers and bird-watchers to more

The company may be a key asset to the Maasai people it

adventurous expeditions for eager travellers. Gamewatchers also

employs, but this relationship is far from one sided: guests of

cater to a range of ages, though they do not allow children under

Gamewatchers staying at their Porini Camps receive the double

eight due to the unfenced nature of their campsites, where wildlife

benefit of a crowd-free safari experience, and also the chance to

is likely to wander through at any time. Their biggest markets are the

immerse themselves in Maasai culture. The company’s friendly staff

US and UK, with India quickly rising to third place; to cater to their

pass on Maasai stories, teach their names for constellations, give

global audience, the company has guides and sales team members

lessons in archery and are genuinely passionate that guests leave

who can speak Spanish and French, as well as sales offices around

having a great time and making new friends. When people leave,

the globe to provide local contact and support.

they rave about their guides as much as the nature itself:

Political turmoil has at times been a deterrent to travellers

“If you go on Trip Advisor, a lot of the comments we get are

considering whether or not to visit Kenya in past years. However, as

actually about the staff in the camps. A lot of them have more

terrorism becomes a tragically common worldwide phenomenon,

Facebook friends than I do –they’ve made friends from all over the

Brar feels that people’s perception of his country is changing;

world and keep in touch.

“Terrorism is no longer a Kenyan problem – it is happening to

46 | Endeavour Magazine

everyone in their own backyard.” As well as this perception shift, Brar has noticed a rise in traveller conscientiousness, especially in the millennial market, which now accounts for a large portion of his customers. Holiday-makers are growing more concerned about the effect they have on the countries they visit, and are no longer content to turn a blind eye to awkward truths - Brar hopes this trend bodes well for the growth of his company. Currently, around 30-40% of travellers chose Gamewatchers because of their ethical approach. From the way trends are changing, this statistic should only rise. “Authenticity is extremely important for them, and giving back is just as important. So, I think this is something we’re going to be able to continue growing.”

Challenges for the company continue – in particular, land prices are going up as land use options for landowners increase. However, since Gamewatchers began investing in conservancy, the idea has caught on, with multiple companies and even celebrity figures such as Richard Branson eagerly getting involved. It seems that their passion over the last twenty years has created something selfsustaining, and in turn, given the gift of safety and sustainability to the lives and land it protects.

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Endeavour Magazine | 47

KISHUGU KISHUGU.COM // +27 13 741 6400

TAMING THE FLAME Last year, Endeavour spoke with Kishugu, South African masters in combating unwanted fire. In particular, Kishugu specialize in suppressing wildfire and preparing others to do the same. We decided to catch back up with CEO Chris de Bruno Austin to see what was new for this heroic company.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

KISHUGU Following the inspirational mantra, “For the Greater

Good”, Kishugu have pooled their knowledge and talents towards the battle against fire since 2003. A South African company, Kishugu now teach fire management not only in their own nation, but wider Africa and even overseas. They believe in preparation and fire prevention, and when this isn’t enough, rigorous and thorough plans to halt flames in their tracks as soon as possible. Their planning and expertise is extensive – and it needs to be.

s Kishugu know all too well, disasters do happen. In June this

A

Part of Kishugu’s efforts to prevent and limit tragedies such

year, people the world over watched in horror as wildfires tore

as Knysna is the continued training of government officials. The

through the coastal town of Knysna, found east of Cape Town

company recently partnered with the Japan Forest Technology

on South Africa’s famed tourist trail, the Garden Route. 10,000 of

Association (JAFTA), who were looking to help promote fire

the town’s 77,000 residents had to be evacuated and at least 150

management in Africa. The programme, Prescribed Fire Operations

properties were destroyed. These fires were spread, in part, by a

Training, looks to equip the Southern African Development

savage storm that hit the Cape Town area following hot on the

Community (SADC) secretariat and member states with the

heels of a drought. This deadly combination of factors seemed like

knowledge to sustainably manage forest conservation and wildfire

a nightmare, but it is exactly this sort of emergency that Kishugu

prevention in their states. Kishugu’s role in this programme covers

prepare for. We asked Chris de Bruno Austin, company CEO, about

the ‘integrated fire management and trans-border issues’ elements

their involvement during the crisis:

of the course, following off the back of their work with SADC

“Kishugu is the proud implementing agent for the award-

delegates as a part of their three-phase ‘Forest Conservation and

winning South African Government’s Working on Fire Programme

Sustainable Management of Forest Resources in Southern Africa’

(WoF). The WoF Programme is the most successful job creation

project. Again, this seeks to help delegates reduce wildfire damage

and skills development programme in the history of South Africa.

in their own countries.

WOF is an Expanded Public Works Programme, funded by the

Willie Buchner, CEO of Kishugu Training, elaborated on the

Department of Environmental Affairs, to help fight unwanted

training provided; “Essentially, the purpose of this course is to

veld and forest fires in South Africa. 497 firefighters from the

enable the delegates to coordinate controlled burning operations

programme, as well as 20 Management and Incident command

according to a fire prevention plan.

personnel, were deployed from across South Africa to assist with

“You could say we are in the infancy of this project, which we

the raging wildfires in Knysna. The aviation component consisted

hope will lead to greater awareness about wildfires across Southern

of Spotters, Air Tractor 802’s and Huey helicopters.”

Africa – and perhaps even further North.”

One of Kishugu’s most vital branches, Kishugu Training, work

Careful

operations

conducted

with

well-informed

risk

with their WoF firefighters to train them specifically to suppress

management is the crux of Kishugu’s training. As Chris explained,

veld and forest fires. As well as working with these firefighters, they

“The concept of risk management underpins all decisions in fire

also train government personal, forestry operators and commercial

management. It involves research, risk profiling and balancing.

landowners so they have the knowledge needed to protect land

You have to balance the likely occurrence of a fire against the

and prevent these fires starting in the first place. Fortunately, when

consequences should one occur. It takes economic, environmental

this isn’t enough, the brave personnel they have equipped are

and human risk all into account.

ready are step in.

50 | Endeavour Magazine

“We understand that fire management planning is a long term,

KISHUGU integrated process depending on many factors. It is a process that

training and insight around the globe. They are spreading the

evolves over time and adapts to changing conditions.” Some of

implementation of their own successful model: Integrated Fire

the varying factors on a risk profile could include weather, climate

Management (IFM). IFM Solutions involve an integrated range of

change, fire-trends, fuel types and veld age and type, as well as

initiatives, checks and actions to monitor, prevent and combat

local fire history and urban edge activities. They must also take the

fire. Included in this vast range are fire awareness and prevention

availability of resources into account, so that plans do not rely on

programmes, risk mapping, hazard identification, resource sharing

routes, equipment or services that aren’t there.

and coordination, fire detection, fire suppression, fire damage

As well as careful plans and expertly informed personnel,

rehabilitation and research at a local, provincial and national

technology plays a major role in Kishugu’s methods. The company

level. This hefty package represents Kishugu’s thorough and well-

constantly re-assesses its technology to make sure that they stay

researched approach to wildfire after 30 years of experience, and

ahead and are using the best tools that could be at their disposal.

despite its density, they are adapting these solutions to apply the

Some of their key pieces of equipment include the well-named

world over.

FireHawk system – a network of rotating high definition digital

“We are confident in our products, services and solutions - we

cameras set up to cover large areas of forest. The FireHawk can

know that, if implemented correctly, IFM can solve a myriad of fire-

detect and recognise fire, smoke and glow, and can differentiate

related problems. By continuing to share what we know, Kishugu

between the three. If it spots a fire, it raises an alarm, allowing

can serve the greater good by saving more lives, properties and the

responses to start racing to the area before a wildfire has been

environment.”

able to begin. This time-saving technology could prevent a forest

To increase the reach of their knowledge, the company offers

fire all together, or at least means that a fire does not need to

online training courses. However, when working internationally,

reach emergency status before it is detected. This system works

they know that country-specific content needs a more personal

in conjunction with FireFly software, which allows people on the

approach; Kishugu take the local cultures into account, making sure

ground to access the FireHawk footage in real time.

to involve them in their adaptation process. Rather than dictate,

Kishugu do not only work locally – instead, they offer their

52 | Endeavour Magazine

they want to ensure that they produce something that is not only

best suited to the local people’s needs, but will be accepted in a

through the introduction of exotic and invasive plant species.

crisis. “Community buy-in is extremely important for a successful

In Kishugu’s global expansion, they are focussing their attention

IFM Solution, and one should never underestimate the value of

on areas that suffer from high rates or high risks of wildfire, including

indigenous knowledge.” The company’s IFM Solutions can be

South America and Southeast Asia, as well as Canada and the USA.

adapted to suit varying factors and needs, ranging from national,

“Due to climate change, more fires occur. Many countries

regional and local governments to fire protection associations,

followed a reactive approach to wildland fires and spent millions of

large-scale commercial forestry operations and private land owners.

dollars on suppression, before they got introduced to IFMS. Now,

It also needs to be adapted to meet country-specific legislation, but

more and more countries realise the importance of proactive fire

the core principles stay the same. The company outlines these core

management: IFMs’ proactive approach save money and reduce

components as:

the damage to the environment, property and even lives.”

Reduction: mitigating and managing the start and spread of unwanted fires.

•

• •

Response:

Kishugu have seen the effects of climate change first hand – the disasters in South Africa last June were just a taste. Now,

accurate

in September 2017, we are seeing the watery fallout from our

information and the correct resources to an unwanted fire

coordinated

actions

to

bring

changing planet, but Kishugu know that we haven’t seen the last of

without delay.

these crises’ fiery counterparts.

Readiness: activities developed to mitigate and manage

“Climate change is a growing threat - it holds severe

the start and spread of fires.

consequences and should not be ignored,” Chris stressed.

Recovery: Rehabilitation of the burn areas.

“Governments, environmental agencies, large landowners and members of the Disaster Management sector have to take a

In this final point, Kishugu display that their involvement in a crisis doesn’t end once the fires die. The dangers of a fire go beyond

proactive approach against unwanted wildfires spiked by climate change, to prevent an increase in fire-related disasters.”

the immediate damage caused; other issues include soil erosion and potential longer-term damage to recovering crops and ecosystems

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Endeavour Magazine | 53

NATURAL FLORA

NATURAL TREASURES

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

I

n matters of romance, certain classics will always hold true.

Flowers and jewellery are gifts we keep coming back to, and with good reason: they are beautiful, personal, and they serve no

practical use except to celebrate the person they are given to. We purchase these small treasures to show how treasured someone is to us – but is tradition enough? To truly make a romantic gesture, showing genuine thought and care behind the gift, we often find ourselves searching for something more.

Natural Flora have the answer. The Indian company sells stunning gilded flowers, fruits and other trinkets from the natural world, all coated in 24kt gold, silver, platinum or copper. Their gifts combine the elegance of nature with the eternity of precious metals. As well as classic roses, their most popular flowers include orchids, pansies and even various varieties of leaves.

In total, the unique company offers over 60 different gilded products, electroplated in the metal of your choice. Their greatest

their gilded offerings, the company are also offering luxury items

sellers are, unsurprisingly, their golden long-stemmed roses; the

such as all-natural hand-carved soaps, aptly in delicate rose and

flowers are freshly cut before being dipped into the 24kr metal,

orchid designs.

preserving the flower at the peak of its beauty.

Natural Flora are a small team that look after each other. As

Natural Flora was founded in 2004 by Sachin Sakhuja. The

well as regular training days, the staff enjoy group Yoga sessions to

company operates out of New Delhi; most of their clients are well

keep themselves peaceful, stress-free and in the best mindset to

established companies in India and abroad, although they do also

work. This tranquil working environment will assist them in the near

sell to individuals on the hunt for that perfect present. In total, they

future – Sachin has ambitious goals for his company, particularly in

currently export to over 60 countries.

increasing their global reach:

The road has not always been a simple one. We spoke with

“We are planning to expand our business into new countries,

Sachin about the company; “I started Natural Flora after learning

as well as aiming to break into the national market by tapping up

the tricks of the International Trade, and having experienced many

established firms and companies. We are also collaborating with

ups and downs. There had been instances where my team and I

duty-free stores at major international airports worldwide. We

felt that we were at the end of our journey, but dedication and

are also coming up with our own logistics and distribution centres

choosing the right paths led us to our success today. My team and

in Europe and USA, and we are already in process of opening up

I stand together, and we are all proud to be a part of Natural Flora.”

our sales stores in USA & Germany by April 2018, and Canada by

In terms of competition, the company’s biggest rivals are

October 2018.”

Chinese merchants, who are notoriously hard to compete with on

As Sachin describes it, Natural Flora turn “breath-taking flower

price. However, Natural Flora pride themselves on their quality,

stems into lifelong treasures.” These unique gifts come from the

both in their production and the materials they use. Their R & D

heart of India, reflecting the country’s taste for all things decadently

team are constantly working to expand and improve their product

beautiful, and should speak straight to the hearts of whoever you

range, and have an exciting new line already in mass-production

are shopping for. Flowers fade, but Natural Flora sell memories that

ready for Diwali/Christmas 2017 and Valentines 2018. On top of

will last forever – who can put a price on that?

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AMAZING WORLD THE HUNGRY GHOST FESTIVAL

A

utumn sees the world around us change from sunshine to darkness, shortening our days and draining nature’s vibrant

palette to muted greys and browns. As the pale, chilling limbo of winter approaches, we can’t help but huddle a little closer together whilst our minds turn to thoughts of the macabre. Many cultures have created festivals to light up the dark during these autumn months, as we start to reflect on an idea we attempt to downplay the rest of the year: death, and more importantly, the dead.

In Mexico and South America, November kicks off with the colourful Dia de los Muertos, created through a combination of Aztec and Catholic traditions, whilst many other countries sharing this Catholic influence mark All Hallows’ and All Soul’s Day. In certain Western cultures, this religious observance has interbred with pagan celebrations of the Fae, leading to the creation of Halloween, when both the dead and the magical supposedly draw closer to the land of the living.

In China and much of Asia, a similar celebration falls earlier than all of these: the Hungry Ghost Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of ‘Ghost Month’, which usually falls in September through the Chinese lunar calendar. Whilst in many ways this spooky-sounding festival resembles Dia de los Muertos in particular, its origins are completely separate.

Unlike other Asian festivals honouring deceased ancestors, Ghost Month is thought to be a time when the realms of the living and the dead exist closer together, making 56 | Endeavour Magazine

it is possible for spirits to visit their families.

were alive. Today, this has become a more

The idea comes from Taoist and Buddhist

whimsical tradition – a way of showing love

traditions, based on a time of the year when

and respect for those who have passed

the Buddha and his disciples would meditate

by leaving smalls gifts and gestures. Of

deeply and so bring the two worlds closer

course, there are always plenty of sweets

together. Monks then used this proximity as

and delicious food left over for the living to

a time to intercede on behalf of the dead,

enjoy!

to ease their experiences in the afterlife; as

As well as leaving small plates of food,

a part of this, food was left as offerings for

families will host large dinner parties, with

‘hungry’ spirits who were unable to eat as

empty chairs left for relatives who are no

punishment for mistakes made when they

longer with them. Entertainment is also

put on for the ghostly guests, from small

King in the hope that he will protect their

things back far enough, these celebrations

household parties to large cabarets and

homes by making sure that dead that visit

all came from a single source – or perhaps

concerts, with theatres keeping the first few

them are behaving themselves! Celebrations

they just reflect our shared fascination with

rows of seats are kept empty and numbers

also include the burning of incense and joss

the supernatural, as well as our ongoing

dedicated to any who dead who may be

paper, and releasing miniature paper boats

love for those who have passed on. These

watching. In China, effigies are built out of

and lanterns on the water, to symbolises

celebrations brighten the night as the

colourful paper or Papier-mâché depicting

guiding lost ghosts and spirits back to the

seasons get darker, and are a lovely, candy-

mythical figures such as the Ghost King – an

afterlife.

coated excuse to make something fun out of

intelligent outcast who, after he died, was put

It’s curious that separate cultures can

in charge of keeping the ghosts of the world

develop such similar traditions from entirely

in order. People leave offerings to the Ghost

different backgrounds. Perhaps if we trace

something scary, and help those who have left us to feel a little closer in the process.

Endeavour Magazine | 57

USE-IT WWW.USE-IT.CO.ZA // + 27 31 7652349

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT They say that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.

This couldn’t be truer than when talking about USE-IT, the veritable Wombles of South Africa’s NGOs. USE-IT research waste to develop new uses for the things we throw away; we spoke with Chris Whyte, USE-IT’s Managing Director, to learn more about the group’s current projects and their vision for the future of the South African recycling sector.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

USE-IT USE-IT’s mission is a simple one: to prevent wastage.

They aim to achieve this goal by adding to the technology, facilities and interest in South Africa’s recycling arena. To do so, they are committed to researching waste materials in search of new uses that will justify further investment in their recovery and re-processing, as well as working to develop new methods and innovations to improve efficiency in the growing sector.

U

nlike similar NGOs, USE-IT work with all types of waste, from

and sectors are already a financial gamble for businesses - a

the organic waste that is utilised by bioenergy plants (such

problem that is impacting green economy solutions the world over.

as wood, garden clippings, food, sewage sludge, agricultural

Where there is not legislative support, this hurdle becomes even

waste and industrial food and beverage processing waste), to less

greater. However, municipalities and local government bodies

commonly used forms of ‘rubbish’ such as tyres, electronic waste,

are beginning to get involved; “We are now seeing a more open-

demolition waste, chemical waste, hydrocarbon waste and packing

door policy with the government, and currently there are active

materials. As Chris Whyte explains; “Essentially, anything that is

and exciting initiatives bringing the government sector and private

currently considered waste is what we would consider potential

sector together to work towards unlocking these issues, and to

resources to unlock the green economy.”

pave a way forward for a more enabling business environment.”

As well as trying to create a greener future, USE-IT hope to

As this business environment changes, USE-IT hope their

create jobs, both in a direct sense through their operations in

research and development will have prepared the way for a slate

South Africa, and in the long-term as their research develops new

of innovations. One of the key areas the company are looking to

industries and processes. In a country with 27.7% employment (a

develop is the recycled plastics arena, which is gradually beginning

statistic that is believed by many bodies to actually be much higher),

to pick up speed. Their aim is to convert plastics into a liquid

this is as important a goal as USE-IT’s main mission.

energy that is able to replace fuels for lighting, cooking and even

“The current state of the recycling and waste beneficiation sector

generators which are heavily used throughout Africa’s more remote

could at best be considered ‘emerging’”, says Whyte, referencing

locations. This energy would be created from plastics that would

national statistics that show South Africa recycles less than 10% of

have otherwise polluted African waters, and its recovery and

what it sends to landfill sites. USE-IT’s research aims to find new

processing is estimated to create thousands of jobs nation-wide.

and viable uses for this waste in order to divert large amounts of it

USE-IT are also proud to be embarking on the construction of

away from landfill and towards a productive alternative. However,

their greatly anticipated Hammarsdale Waste Beneficiation Centre:

whilst progress is slow, Whyte is confident for recycling’s future,

an eco-industrial hub centred on recycling and waste beneficiation

claiming that in certain areas, healthy, ambitious growth is starting

activities. “This is a green industrial development designed with

to occur. “Recycling is certainly growing, and as the success of the

green intentions. It will be the first of its kind in Africa, and has

sector starts to impact significantly on the GDP, as we expect it to

recently attracted the attention of the national government, who

do, then we should see exponential growth.”

now want to drive this forwards as a priority project,” Whyte tells

Currently, one of the largest challenges facing the sector is

us proudly. This project has been in the works for several years,

a lack of supporting legislation; “There are huge challenges and

with legislative and planning delays slowing the process down

obstacles facing the sector. Legislation, regulation and compliance

every step of the way, but USE-IT’s frustration finally seems to be

has not really kept pace with it, and under the current framework

at an end.

doing business in this sector is difficult.” Developing technologies 60 | Endeavour Magazine

With challenges facing the developing sector, it is key for USE-

Endeavour Magazine | 61

USE-IT IT and similar companies to work together and pool their resources.

organisation we have assisted, established, facilitated or developed

“In terms of what we do at USE-IT there really is no competition.

becomes part of our partnership network, and this expands

There are other agencies across South Africa where there is an

continuously.”

overlap in what we do, but because of the emerging state of the sector we all find that collaboration is better than competition.”

As Whyte said, this pool keeps growing. “We work with everyone from individual community members to cooperatives,

These collaborations are not just with friendly rivals, but with

Enterprise development, SMME’s, large corporates, public sector,

investors and supporting partners who believe in what USE-IT are

civic organisations and other NGO’s.” As well as conducting their

doing. These partnerships are particularly crucial when there is a

own research programmes, the company provides and analyses

lack of national legislative support. “USE-IT is nothing without its

data for other companies, provides policy advice, assesses market

partnerships,” agrees Whyte. “Our strongest relationship is with

needs, offers training, and even offers support to groups trying to

the eThekwini Municipality, who currently provide the bulk of our

leverage their own project funding. Finally, they use their ever-

operational funding and support us in any way they can when it

expanding contacts to offer networking between companies,

comes to dealing within the complex quagmire of ‘administration’.

laying foundations for the future of the country’s recycling not only

They have provided back-up and support with co-financiers and

through the research they conduct, but through the relationships

provided guarantees and structures when we leverage external

they enable.

funds…We could not have gotten to this point without them.”

Personnel-wise, USE-IT is only a small entity, with four

USE-IT’s other key partners include the National Treasury,

permanent staff and eight staff currently contracted on particular

through their support with the Jobs Fund, and the DBSA and

projects. However, in an emerging field, an economic approach to

Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) via the Green Fund.

research pays – in the past eight years of operations, the company

“We have had some great partnerships with other funding agencies

has consistently shown the eThekwini Municipality an impressive

such as TIKZN, SEDA, SEFA, NYDA, Invotech, TIA and other

1500% return on their investment and created more than 2400

NGO’s like LifeCo, Sophia Foundation, Waste Knot, KZN Recycling

jobs in the sector. “There are no other companies in the world

Forum and too many others to mention. More importantly, every

who can claim to achieve what we have done with such limited

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resources, but it does take its toll. We are currently stretching out

On top of their numerous projects, the prolific and apparently

to find additional resources to take some of the pressure off the

never-sleeping USE-IT are trying to fund a media project that they

current team. Unfortunately, in this industry it is relatively easy to

hope will educate the population on issues of recycling, sustainability

fund project developments, but nobody wants to fund operational

and green business. The project will be a TV documentary series

costs.”

titled The Green Journey. “The concept is to not only highlight the

There may be pressures, but Whyte and his team take great

problems we are facing nationally, but to showcase the current

satisfaction from seeing what their work can achieve. As well as

solutions we have. We want to raise awareness of the opportunities

the Hammarsdale Waste Beneficiation Centre and their work in

that are available for unlocking the green economy in this country

plastics, the company is currently securing finances for their glass

and creating many thousands of jobs. This will extend beyond

recycling initiatives, which they predict will create jobs in each

waste to also showcase energy, water, food, education, health,

province. Currently, the glass recycling sector lacks facilities, which

infrastructure development and community upliftment.”

in turn makes the process non-profitable: USE-IT’s work has shown

USE-IT are a small team with giant plans, and so far, they’ve

that over 30 products currently imported or created with mined

shown that they have the drive, organisation and ability to pull

materials in the country can in fact be made from recycled glass,

them off. Whyte seems tireless as he talks about the future,

which greatly increases its perceived value and makes this a sector

propelled by passion for his country and for what his group are

worth further expansion. They have also created Africa’s first

doing: “USE-IT has not even scratched the surface of the market

5-Star rated EcoStandard building product from recycled materials,

opportunities in recycling and waste beneficiation yet, and we plan

using the waste soil and rubble that currently fills up 40% of their

aggressive expansion in the coming years. We are trying to secure

landfills. Their impressive portfolio hasn’t gone unnoticed. “In

the resources we need to drive this expansion, and after eight years

January this year, we were selected as one of the top six global

of continued success, we have the track-record to prove that we

finalists in Circular Economic Development by the World Economic

can do it and the model to show that this works.”

Forum’s Circular Awards. It was an honour to be ranked amongst the world leaders in what we do.”

Endeavour Magazine | 63

SUNBIRD WWW.SUNBIRDGROUP.CO // +44 207 297 0364 // +27 11 082 8500

GIVING THE REGION WINGS East Africa has long been known to stand on rich land, yet extraction of these resources has been fraught with difficulty for the region’s population. Finally, the area has reached a tipping point where investment and interest outweighs these challenges, and the countries are set to face an industrial and economic boom – if the companies are able to form and embrace the opportunities.

The Sunbird Group want them to do exactly that, and they’re here to help.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

SUNBIRD

The Sunbird Group was founded in 2014 by Michael

Aldridge and William Sykes, both old hats at seeding enterprises in Africa. Likewise, all the Group’s key stakeholders have a history of working within the region, or a passion for seeing it flourish. This team works in conjunction with industry leaders in the UK who are committed to East Africa industry and living, including Arthur Andersen, Morgan Stanley, KPMG, PwC, Kroll and Carillion.

T

ogether, the Group works to support East African industry by

of the ten fastest growing economies in the world were in Africa.

bringing world-class standards in construction and services

Three years later, now is a pivotal and delicate time for the East

to emerging projects. It focuses on construction and support

African industry sector: Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique,

services, assisting in the building, running and blossoming of

Uganda and South Africa were and are all experiencing high levels of

companies across South and East Africa. They achieve this for

foreign investment, creating a ripe environment for new companies.

and with young or growing companies, offering assistance either

These investments followed the discoveries of various natural

through the services that their subsidiaries provide, or by partnering

resources, sparking not only interest, but the eager construction of

with these newer companies on joint-ventures.

new infrastructure capable of supporting the latest in 21st century

Whilst the Group’s head office is in London, they have five

industrial practices. East Africa reached a point where it no longer

office sites across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. More importantly,

needed to rely on foreign aid, the level of investment becoming

though, is that their subsidiaries are locally based, hiring in the

sufficient to overcome the challenges presented by the region’s

regions and working closely with the communities around them,

conditions: all that is needed now, Sunbird believed, was a little

be it a busy urban project or a business in the remotest of rural

push.

locations. Their mission is to not only see their own companies

The Sunbird Group wants to see this influx not only inject

grow within the Group, nor the companies they work alongside,

new life into East African industry, but as a result, permanently

but the entire East African region. As they state themselves;

improve the lives of the region’s local people. To ensure this, as

“We’re committed to Eastern and Southern Africa and its

well as working to support new companies, they also work within

evolution as a major hub for business. We know it in depth and in

these communities, developing the infrastructure needed to raise

detail - from the physical landscape to the local business customs.

living standards. Whilst employment and enterprise is needed to

We’re perfectly positioned to help companies of all sizes as they

economically improve an area, Sunbird do not want to put the

establish themselves and grow their businesses.”

cart before the horse; they know that without workers having the

By injecting essential expertise and financial support into projects that are still putting down their roots, Sunbird hope to

basic essentials of healthcare, education and of course shelter, a company or area cannot achieve improvement in the long-term.

see a stronger new wave of industry emerge. They believe that the

Whilst established and run by a strong combination of industry

potential and opportunity was already there – in the year they were

experts, Sunbird didn’t automatically have the influence and market

founded, 2014, the IMF World Economic Outlook found that six

position required to carry out all of the change they wanted to see.

66 | Endeavour Magazine

SUNBIRD Between 2012-2014, they worked to strengthen their position

are a part of Sunbird’s overarching mission to support African

by expanding their supplier and content networks, building

development, each using their unique tools and expertise.

connections and studying what was needed in the region. Since

Sunbird Asset Finance provides capital to a wide range of

2014, they have won major construction, property and support

property development projects, giving East African companies the

services contracts with a variety of businesses, both regional and

financial flexibility and backing they need to get their dreams off

multinational.

the ground. Not only this, they support projects at every stage of

Many challenges face these developments. For one, the region’s

the development process, from securing plots of land to offering

six countries occupy highly diverse types of terrain, meaning that

advise during construction, and even the lease or sale of a property

standardized solutions cannot be applied to all operations. This

once completed.

is where companies need not only technical support, but sound

Meanwhile, Sunbird Developments project manage their own

advice. Thankfully, knowledge and knowledge-based growth is the

developments, individually or in partnership with other developers,

cornerstone of Sunbird’s operations, covering not only in-depth

taking a well-researched and risk managed approach to their

understanding of the landscape, but analysis of market’s subtleties

builds. Finally, once a project is complete and your business is

and their client’s own requirements, in order to suggest the best

up and running, Sunbird Facilities Management will provide and

solutions and path forwards.

manage hard and soft services to assist your operations. They offer

However, Sunbird’s support is delivered in a variety of ways.

this support to all brands of business, from office work through

The Group’s umbrella covers many companies, mostly working

to heavy industry, and even remote rural endeavours. Whatever

in the arenas of design and construction, but also branching out

you are undertaking in East Africa, Sunbird Group have your needs

into finance and even crisis training. Out of a total of eight, the

covered.

group’s three major subsidiaries are Sunbird Asset Finance, Sunbird

Some of the Group’s successes to date include several world-

Developments and Sunbird Facilities Management: all three

class mining facilities, established in Tanzania and Mozambique.

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68 | Endeavour Magazine

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Locals in these areas have literally been sitting on gold mines, without the reliable resources to access and prosper from the resources at their feet. Coal is another extremely valuable resource that can now be mined, and the recent discover of hydrocarbons in Kenya suggests that this area could eventually become a major oil producer. With all this potential finally able to be tapped, it is predicted that by 2040, Sub-Saharan Africa could have the largest proportion of economically active adults in any major market. This is an incredible statistic, and one that would change the global face of East Africa for the foreseeable future. If the Sunbird Group get there way, this prediction will soon become a reality, and they’ll be there every step of the way.

Endeavour Magazine | 69

AUTOMOTIVES CITROEN SPACETOURER FLAIR XS BLUEHDI 150

M

PVs

(Multi-Purpose

Vehicles)

or

minivans have been around for years, but they haven’t been as popular in

the UK as some countries. However, with their wide variety of uses, they are on the increase as the vehicle of choice amongst families. With their cavernous space and the upright driving position, they make for a very comfortable place to be. I really enjoy this style of driving and for several years an MPV was my only mode of transport.

The Spacetourer has great curves and a big, bold presence on the road, but don’t be put off by its size, as it is actually shorter than an Astra Estate.

The Citroen offers four engine choices in 1.6 or 2.0 litre diesels, all featuring their blueHDi technology. They are either available as a six-speed manual or, if you purchase the 2.0 litre diesel, there is an automatic option.

All engines are strong pulling from low revs to around 4,000 max., but they don’t have much more to give thereafter. These aren’t racy engines, but they are good plodders

which could tilt and give more than enough

lengths, with the XS at 4.6m, the Medium at

connected with a nice clunky gearbox.

leg room for everyone. There are no lap

4.94m and finally the big brother XL at 5.3m

These cars come with a standard seat

belts here - each seat is full size and comes

long. They are all 1.9m tall, meaning they are

configuration for five people – however,

equipped with a three-point seat belt, plus

multi-story carpark friendly.

you can change this up to fit your needs,

plenty of head room for all.

We had the base-level car, which

with the ability to add an extra row of seats

This MPV has a very comfortable cabin

and accommodate up to nine people. The

and is friendly to use, with everything fitted

generously

obvious compromise for this is you reduce

in the correct place. There are loads of cubby

comes with cruise control, parking sensors, a

your boot space. Our Spacetourer had two

holes and cup holders, exactly where you

full-sized spare wheel, DAB radio, Bluetooth,

front seats and two rows of three seats, all of

need them. The Spacetourer comes in three

and automatic headlights and wipers. One

70 | Endeavour Magazine

even with standard features was already equipped:

the

Spacetourer

you don’t have to open the whole tailgate.

Every new Citroen car has the benefit of

Our vehicle did come with the 360-degree

a three-year warranty package, plus a 12-

camera, and I would strongly recommend it,

year anti-perforation warranty and a paint-

as it made parking a doddle.

year paint warranty.

The

official

fuel

figures

for

the

Overall, the Spacetourer is a mile-

thing I think this model misses is a nice

Spacetourers are economical, returning

munching,

leather-bound steering wheel - this is the

around 45-54 mpg. Ours delivered slightly

spaciously seat up to nine people, whilst

part of the car you are in contact with all

less than this, but the driving we undertook

also able to be easily changed into a van

the times, and for this vehicle, I don’t think

was a lot of stop and starting in the city,

for transporting large cargos. It is fun and

a plastic steering wheel is good enough.

followed by a longer, fully laden journey

incredibly easy to drive. It is no wonder that

There are optioned extras available, such

with eight adults, neither of which help

sales of MPV’s are sky rocketing - they are

as a motorized side door that opens when

fuel consumption. However, none of our

such a flexible and amazing vehicle to use,

you waggle your foot under it, a panoramic

seven passengers complained about being

and Citroen have more than met the mark

roof, head-up display, 360-degree reversing

uncomfortable! Once we were on the open

with their awesome Spacetourer.

camera and an opening rear window so that

road, we saw the MPG go much higher.

practical

vehicle

that

can

Endeavour Magazine | 71

Making life easier for fleet managers everywhere

NOVOPRO WWW.NOVOPRO.CA // +1 514-286-0004

FROM THE GROUND UP If you’ve never needed the services of a project management operation, you won’t have experienced the genius that is NOVOPRO; a Canadian-based company that makes industrial project planning look like a walk in the park. Endeavour Magazine got up close and personal with the team to find out exactly why everyone could benefit from their services.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

NOVOPRO

If project management sounds like a dark art to you,

you’re not alone; gone are the days when it simply involved delegating the overseeing of progress to someone with a different coloured hardhat.

T

hese days, project management is a complex, specialist

years of experience, engineers at NOVOPRO have acquired the

undertaking that can mean the difference between a

knowledge and expertise necessary.”

logistically difficult, time-consuming and expensive idea being

Don’t be bowled over by technological knowhow just yet though,

made feasible, or simply being relegated to the pile of impossible

as while this is an impressive knowledge base all on its own, the

dreams. Speaking about the company itself, the team at NOVOPRO

team at NOVOPRO are just as well versed in other fields. The list is

revealed that;

seemingly endless, but includes magnesium and potash industries,

“We specialise in developing, engineering and managing projects

life sciences, environmental engineering, research & development

and related technologies as applied to the mining and metallurgical,

and, to top it all off, public institution projects. It wouldn’t be a

mineral processing, chemicals and life sciences industries. We have

stretch of the imagination to assume that there is nothing the

been involved in assisting clients to develop a number of projects

team doesn’t know, but what are the day-to-day specialisms of

from inception and feasibility, through to financing, implementation

NOVOPRO? They are actually split into three disciplines; project

and finally, start-up. Our experience has been gained through the

development, project management and project engineering.

development of projects ranging in capital scope from $500,000 to $800million.”

There’s certainly no doubting the impressiveness of those figures, and given the technical nature of the industries that

Project development might sound like a fancy way of saying planning, but in reality, there is far more to it: “Conceptual

design

and

feasibility studies,

programme

NOVOPRO works alongside, it seems a fair assumption that every

development, preparation of capital and operating cost estimates,

member of the team is highly qualified and continually supported,

financial model simulations and assistance in obtaining project

in a bid to remain at the very top of his or her game. The truth is

financing.”

even more complex than you might already assume:

Project engineering focuses far more on the design elements

“For projects in the mining and metallurgy sector, a requirement

involved in new industrial projects, including technical drawings

for processes and technological development and adaptation is

and 3D modelling, but it really is at the project management phases

required, which are based on local raw materials and site conditions.

that NOVOPRO comes into its own:

A sound knowledge of the major players with regards to available

“One of NOVOPRO’s core competences is project management,

technologies and related equipment is also essential in designing

which in every project, has the most potential to determine the

production plants that are cost-effective and reliable. Through

outcome in terms of successful implementation. The lessons learned

76 | Endeavour Magazine

NOVOPRO over the years have provided the managers at NOVOPRO to use

projection, managerial procedures, and other requirements that

sound methodology and diligence in making recommendations for

drive a project as it unfolds. This grants us the required skills when

decisions to be made by the client. Providing the correct information

interfacing with clients and assisting them in the decision-making

at the appropriate time is what is essential for a sound decision

processes.”

to be made and project management ensures this and therefore,

There is the crux of the matter: clients HAVE to be able to trust

drives all other disciplines to produce the tools required for the

their project management professionals to act as representatives

project to run safely, on time, and on budget. Considering project

and stewards. It’s not enough to simply take an objective look at a

management as the key ingredient in developing and implementing

company’s modus operandi and attempt to copy it, as an intrinsic

projects, NOVOPRO has made a point of emphasising this aspect

immersion into the culture, beliefs and ambitions of a client is the

of its capabilities by choosing skills within our team members, in

only way to truly work alongside them. This is vital for their benefit,

order to render efficient and effective services in every field.”

which is exactly why NOVOPRO does it, every time.

There’s a lot of ‘team’ talk going on here, and that is important,

We can’t doubt the heritage, expertise and success of

given that NOVOPRO seeks to create a cohesive and integrated

NOVOPRO, but what does the future hold? Naturally, a huge

collaboration with clients. It’s not a case of ‘them and us’, but ‘we’,

number of projects are on going, too many, in fact, to talk about

as soon as NOVOPRO has been commissioned to undertake a

all of them, but a notable addition to the portfolio is a contract

contract;

with Valleyfield Fertilizer Corp., as Jay Hussey, Vallyfeild’s President

“NOVOPRO works closely with the client and other consultants

confirmed;

as one close-knit team, the client’s interests always being regarded

“NOVOPRO will represent Valleyfield’s interests in advancing

as our primary objective. Having worked closely with and as

the project through to full production, including activities being

consultants, we are well aware of all operational aspects of projects

performed under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction

such as project control, cash flow forecasting, scheduling, manpower

contract awarded to SNC-Lavalin. Once complete, the Quebec-

78 | Endeavour Magazine

-2000

ertech.com a.com based SOP facility will be the first in North America to utilise the proven Mannheim Process. Quebec-based NOVOPRO has a proven track record in our particular segment of the fertiliser industry and a depth of skill sets that will serve to protect our interests as we proceed through the technical and construction phase of the project.”

Endeavour Magazine will be watching closely, to observe how NOVOPRO continues to set itself apart from competitors, while operating on a global scale and maintaining close-knit relationships with clients. This might not sound like a manageable task, but never forget that NOVOPRO oversees seemingly impossible projects every single day.

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Expect Big Things for your Potash Projects with Veolia’s HPD® Technologies.

WATER TECHNOLOGIES

USA Tel: +1 815-609-2000 www.veoliawatertech.com hpd.info@veolia.com Endeavour Magazine | 79

STAATSOLIE MAATSCHAPPIJ SURINAME N.V. WWW.STAATSOLIE.COM // 597 499649

REFINING THE FUTURE Staatsolie Suriname has made an impressive name for itself within the oil and energy industry, thanks to focused leadership and a refreshing attitude to remaining adaptable in a turbulent marketplace, so Endeavour Magazine spoke with Rudolf Elias, Managing Director, to find out what the future holds.

STAATSOLIE MAATSCHAPPIJ SURINAME N.V.

Founded on December 13th 1980, Staatsolie Suriname

(Staatsolie) is a state-owned company. While there is no denying that Staatsolie is a commercially run enterprise, there is also an important element of institutional function at play as well, making this a truly versatile and diverse operation. The question is, what are defined as Staatsolie’s main activities?

“C

ommercially, Staatsolie is involved in the exploration,

are right now, we invest in production and exploration as a good

drilling, production, refining, marketing, sales and

return locally outweighs increased risk, for us.”

transport of crude and refined products, as well as the

Don’t you find this approach refreshing? Whereas commercial

generation of electricity. In its institutional function, Staatsolie acts

enterprises throughout the world are normally looking to expand

on behalf of the State in assessing Suriname’s offshore hydrocarbon

as soon as possible, often at the detriment of service standards,

potential,

companies,

Staatsolie is confident that focusing its attention at a local level at

negotiating petroleum contracts and monitoring the execution of

attracting

qualified

international

oil

this moment is the key to continued reliability and success. There is

such contracts.”

such an inherent understanding of the instability of the oil industry

Essentially, if there is an activity that is in any way connected to the energy industry in Suriname, you can be assured that Staatsolie

that unnecessary risk is simply not an option right now, with serious austerity measures being taken instead:

is involved and operating with the best interests of the area at its

“The plummeting of world market oil prices in 2014 and 2015

core, but the commercial aspects really are worth noting as well.

has continued. The price of a barrel of Saramacca Crude even

Selling premium gasoline and diesel, fuel oil, bitumen, electricity

dropped to US$16 in January 2016, the lowest level in years. In

and bunker services, both locally and regionally, the company has

order to cushion the effects of the falling international oil prices

an impressive impact on a number of industries that have come

since 2014, several austerity measures were taken. The first half

to rely on Staatsolie. Thanks to its professional demeanor and a

of 2016 was one of the toughest periods in Staatsolie’s history.

deep commitment to clients, industries including manufacturing,

Recovery of oil prices, next to the austerity measures taken, created

agriculture, fishing and power generation have all come depend on

more breathing space in the latter half of 2016. Prospects for this

Staatsolie, but we wanted to know whether these services might

year are positive since the oil prices are recovering, the refinery will

be offered a little wider afield. That’s the question we posed to

be producing more premium products and there will be revenues

Rudolf Elias, Managing Director.

from the Merian gold mine, in which Staatsolie has a 20% stake.”

“That’s a difficult question to answer at this time in the oil cycle.

It really is enlightening to encounter an organization that seeks

Of course, we would like to expand into new areas, but the further

to make no bones about the stress it has been placed under, and

you go, the more risk you take. With local prices being what they

the team divulged further:

82 | Endeavour Magazine

“Staatsolie is the national oil company. There are no other

crafted an enviable reputation in the petroleum sector over the last

operators in the local petroleum sector (production and refining).

36 years, through an in-depth understanding of market conditions

Still, we must consider the challenges for operating in the current

and continued supply of high quality products, professionals are,

international and local business environment. Internationally,

naturally, keen to work for this seemingly future-proofed set-up

these challenges are in terms of the oil prices and competition in

and that’s not something that Staatsolie will ever take for granted:

attracting partners for offshore exploration. With the diminishing

“Staatsolie currently employs around 1,000 people. Based on

influence of the OPEC on the oil prices, we can expect ongoing

the belief that people are key to the company’s success, Human

volatility. We are very much aware that we must tune our business

Resource development is a vital aspect of our business practices.

to the ongoing volatility. That’s why we strive to stay in the lowest

Training for staff is aimed at the development of knowledge and

cost quartile of oil producers. Also, the precarious economic

skills in a way that is beneficial for both employer and employee.

conditions in Suriname pose a challenge.”

We promote as much as possible from within, but for certain

So many other companies might have opted to simply ‘power through’ a period of financial turbulence, but Staatsolie has set itself apart by directly tackling it and the rewards are starting to

specialized skills we have to seek candidates outside the company.”

Rudolf was keen to emphasize that employees at Staatsolie should enjoy as much satisfaction from their roles as possible:

speak for themselves. Had austerity measures not been taken,

“Our staff members are a real valuable part of the company,

this could have been a very different article, but thanks to strong

because of their intellect. In the coming year we would like to

leadership, industry expertise and a savvy approach to investment,

do everything to educate our team and to focus on our younger

Staatsolie is ready for the next chapter.

members, as they will be the individuals carrying the company

So, what will keep Staatsolie operating on a higher level than

to the next level. We put a lot of our effort into our young

its nearest competitors? The answer is a simple combination of a

intellectuals, by exposing them, amongst others through extensive

stellar reputation and an incredibly talented body of staff. Having

training and even internships abroad , to expand their horizons.

Endeavour Magazine | 83

STAATSOLIE MAATSCHAPPIJ SURINAME N.V. We aim for a sense of purpose when our staff comes to work and in

move forward and tackle industry turbulence head on, as the

return, we facilitate them so they can return home with a sense of

infrastructure already in place, completed refinery expansion and

accomplishment every day.

dedicated team have combined to create a genuine force to be

With the future of the company looking to be in fantastically

reckoned with. Rudolf seems keen to lead Staatsolie into the future

well-equipped hands, we wanted to know what other steps are

with a positive mindset as well, as he concluded the interview by

being taken to keep up with demand for products. A key project

stating that,

looks to have been the extensive refinery expansion project, which

“By 2020, we will have a company with, more than ever, happy

was completed in 2015. When we say extensive, we really do mean

people who have an extraordinary sense of accomplishment. We

it as this one project expanded the refining capacity from 7,200 to

will grow to a value that is far bigger than it is today, as I strongly

15,000 barrels of crude material per stream day. With exciting new

believe that in the coming three years, we will find oil offshore,

developments on the horizon, it was a prudent move two years

together with our partners. This will change the history of the

ago, as the company is in an enviable position now:

company and Suriname. We will find it and when we do, we will

“We have a number of future projects that are being tackled right now. Onshore, we have a 141 well-drilling program to boost the crude production back to 17,000 barrels per day, as in 2016, the crude production had declined. We are keen to attract one or two farm-in partners for the exploration in nearshore blocks and in the offshore we are looking to close two Petroleum Sharing Contracts (negotiations ongoing) in 2017.”

There can be no doubting that Staatsolie is ready to

84 | Endeavour Magazine

float 10-20% of shares into the market and enjoy real success.”

AMAZING WORLD THE THIRD THUMB PROJECT

C

ontemporary author Jess C. Scott

3-D printed body that can be moved and

re-imagined the prosthetic arm as a piece

once wrote; “The human body is the

controlled through pressure pads in your

of jewellery, and ‘The Bone Knitter’, which

best work of art.” However, the non-

shoes. However, this thumb isn’t created

knits casts over broken bones using all-

conformist writer, whose genres include

to replace one that’s missing – it’is worn

natural materials. The Third Thumb was

urban fantasy and cyberpunk, may well

on the other side of your hand, and instead

inspired when Dani looked up the definition

approve of the medical creations by designer

of re-creating an action that human beings

of ‘prosthesis’ and found it means “to add; to

Dani Clode. The most recent of these

can do, it allows the hand to do things it

put onto”, rather than to replace. This raised

innovations is the Third Thumb Project,

never has before. Dani says of her design;

the question for Dani: why are prosthetics

which takes the idea of prosthetics to a new

“It is part tool, part experience, and part self-

only used to replace, and not also to extend?

level and raises questions about the limits

expression.”

of ‘ability’ and the human experience in the

“The Third Thumb aims to challenge

Dani has previously invented several

the perception of prosthetics, creating a

other aesthetic and innovative additions

shift from medical device to positive body

The Third Thumb Project is the design

to the world of prosthetics and medical

image statement.” This aim is similar to that

for a prosthetic thumb with a dextrous

technology, such as ‘Synchronised’, which

of ‘Synchronised’, but of course, it takes

modern age.

86 | Endeavour Magazine

a prototype, Dani is keen to explore its aesthetic potential, to “create a catalyst for society to consider human extension, framed in an approachable, accessible design.” Said simply, if one can market the Third Thumb as a fashion statement the way we regard glasses or watches, or as fashionable body modification similar to piercings and tattoos, then this currently alien or medical-seeming idea can become an accepted part of everyday life, and one that people are keen to invest in, play with and use to express themselves.

The Third Thumb won the Helen Hamlyn Award for Creativity and has already become an internet sensation. People seem to be things a step further. “When we reframe

shoes, under the toes, which send signals

enjoying the thumb both for its look and

prosthetics as extensions, then we start

to the thumb via Bluetooth. Using the feet

for the extra abilities it can give: if nothing

to shift the focus from ‘fixing’ disability,

for control was inspired by the amount of

else, it allows us to experiment at using a

to extending ability.” The Third Thumb’s

interaction

already

body that is different to the one nature

existence is a dialogue about augmentation,

existing between our hands and feet, which

gave us, inviting further innovations into

and a visual discussion about the limitation

are capable of working together without

augmentation and challenging humanity to

– or lack thereof – on extending the human

requiring too much focus. The technology

take itself to the next level.

‘body’ further in the future.

may change in time, but what this project

The thumb’s motors are controlled by two pressure sensors fitted into your

and

communication

has done is introduce a new idea.

Whilst the third thumb is currently

You can find out more about the Third Thumb Project and Dani Clode’s other designs at www.daniclodedesign.com Endeavour Magazine | 87