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JUNE 2013

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2 | Endeavour Magazine

EDITORIAL Heads of Departments Editor in Chief Daemon Sands daemonsands@littlegatepublishing.com Head of Editorial Don Campbell doncampbell@littlegatepublishing.com Editorial Research Manager Alex Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Director James Martin jamesmartin@littlegatepublishing.com Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com

J

une is a prestigious time of year,

latest vehicles available today for the

not only because we officially

humble executive and are looking at

know that we definitely survived

new and interesting ways to break the

the December 2012 end of the world

speed limit in the future.

but also because most British people

Businesses world over report profit

celebrate summer as the second

soaring profit margins during Summer

coming of Christ. Spring explodes

months as well as fewer absenteeism

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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into colour and hay fever sufferers

as if the sun has a revitalizing effect

give tissue retailers their second

on the human condition. So soon we

annual boom. If you’re in the Southern

forget that humans have evolved

Hemisphere it’s the dry season and

with the need or Vitamin D which

things become far less interesting.

promotes testosterone production

For this month we’ve searched the

which increases the drive to succeed,

world over and as usual we have

to be better.

brought you the best of the best.

For those readers who see June as the

Littlegate Publishing Ltd does not accept responsibility for omissions or errors. The points of view expressed in articles by attributing writers and/or in advertisements included in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this magazine, no legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising from use of information published. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrievable system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher.

Copyright © Littlegate Publishing Ltd 2013

We have been honoured by the

winter break, I wish you all the best and

opportunity to be involved with the

hope that your winters are suitably

Not On Our Watch Charity and look

mild, but if like me, you are entering

forward to more opportunities to be

into summer I would advise you to

involved in the future.

take a copy of Endeavour Magazine,

The office has been awash with

find a hammock, put up your sandals

gadgets for our new gadget section.

and enjoy making a shadow.

Donnie Rust and Alex Smith have been testing the duelling efficiencies of a Sonic Screwdriver Vs a Kymera Wand (Harry Potter fame).

We’ve spent far too much time testing the full potential of some of the

Endeavour Magazine | 3

CONTENTS

FEATURES

34

Makgetsi Construction Deliverying Civil Works Projects

38

West Africa Tire Services LTD When The Earth Moves

42

Kuwait National Petroleum Company Mega Investment In Kuwait

48

Arawak Cement Company Mixing It Up, Keep It Strong

54

Amsteele Systems Stress Without Suffering

58

Amalgamated Security Services Ltd Comprehensive Protection

66

Parmalat SA Dairying To Succeed?

74

Switchboard Free A Free Switchboard Replacement

78 34 Makgetsi Construction 4 | Endeavour Magazine

Veridial

16 Not On Our Watch

16 A Challenge Cast For You Bikers

ARTICLES

6

Human Genocide? Not On Our Watch

22

Gadgets

10

I Want My Giant Robot!

24

Business Headlines

12

Upgrading Our Tech, Upgrading Our Lives, Upgrading Our Kids?

82

Biztainment Headlines

14

Volvo XC60

88

Show Of Hands

16

A Challenge Cast For You Bikers

90

Book Reviews

20

Yamaha YZF-R1

Endeavour Magazine | 5

HUMAN GENOCIDE? Not On Our Watch The Situation So many of us are shuttered, closed up and kept in the dark when it comes to the horrors that our fellow humans face in countries and continents not so far from our own homes. If we were watching a film, the vast majority of us who choose to turn our backs to the suffering of children, would be villainized and rightly so because once you know the truth, deciding to not act, makes you part of the problem and not part of the solution.

I had the pleasure of speaking with a pair of remarkable women 6 | Endeavour Magazine

BY DON CAMPBELL

who have chosen to encourage people into positive action. What they showed me was a brazen and enlightening truth that made me look at myself and ask whether my priorities were in the right place.

NOT ON OUR WATCH - A Book That Opened Eyes The NOT ON OUR WATCH PROJECT is a powerful humanitarian mission aimed at ending mass atrocities around the world. Utilizing the influence of artists, activists and cultural leaders they provide

“Do not get attached to the world as it is.

Because the world is changing.”

Jerry Weintraub

Not On Our Watch focuses global attention and resources towards ending mass atrocities around the world. Its most recent efforts have included funding the implementation of The Satellite Sentinal Project—an innovative early-warning satellite monitoring system—to draw widespread and meaningful notice to Sudan and Southern Sudan, supporting schools in the Darfur-Chad region, supporting emergency relief efforts in the wake of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, and funding medical and educational efforts in the Burma region.

lifesaving

humanitarian

Not On Our Watch encourage

starvation of entire nations

to create much more significant

assistance and protection for

governments and those in power

and the unnecessary deaths of

change than we are, but this is

those

to take immediate action to

children is not the responsibility

not true. And the message that

protect those in need, to stop

of world famous actors or human

everyone can make an important

Founded by A-List celebrities

mass atrocities and giving a much

rights activists it belongs to each

difference to someone’s life has

Don Cheadle, George Clooney,

needed voice to the victims of

of us at every level of society.

been brought to us by Heloise

Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, David

this crimes.

who

are

vulnerable,

marginalized and displaced.

Pressman and Hollywood Film Producer

Jerry

Weintraub,

When we look at celebrities

Agelou and Prudence McNellis.

However, ending the horror

we imagine that they live in a

“I really wanted to continue

of war crimes victims, the

different world to us and are able

doing some charity work as I Endeavour Magazine | 7

always have since a very young age and I knew that through the powerful racing world I could make a difference to those suffering

in

Sudan,”

Heloise

Agelou of Agelou Horse Racing LTD reveals, “And the partnership provided a unique opportunity for us to make a real difference by combining our skills, networks and experience.”

“Being

a

voice

in

the

racehorse industry that people listen to Heloise was the perfect partner,”

Prudence

explains,

“Having read the book ‘Not On Our Watch’ by Don Cheadle and John Prendergast, I knew that I could help give a voice to the people of Darfur.”

The Not On Our Watch Race day and Fundraiser on the 15th

“I knew that through the powerful racing world I could make a difference to those suffering in Sudan.” - Heloise Agelou

June will create an atmosphere of positivity instead of guilt

artists. To finish the day there

Every guest will be going there

Prudence brought to the event

and is a celebration of people’s

will be an evening party at The

with a spirit of open minded

the experience of high-end event

willingness to help others. It’s a

Brompton Club with a line-up of

giving.

management, her network of

day of horse racing, socializing

entertainment with International

with celebrities, a live auction

DJ’s, Fashion Show and some

and performances by guest

famous live artists performing.

High Profile guests and extensive

Doing Their Bit

fundraising experience.

People are either talkers or

“I have spent years being

doers. Heloise

involved

and Prudence

fundraising,” Prudence explains,

are definitely

“I feel it’s part of my DNA and

the

when I read the book Not On

latter.

in

charities

“When I read the book Not On Our Watch it struck me as more a calling to help rather than an inspiration. I saw no choice in the matter.” - Prudence McNellis

8 | Endeavour Magazine

and

When we look at celebrities we imagine that they live in a different world to us and are able to create much more significant change than we are, but this is not true. And the message that everyone can make an important difference to someone’s life has been brought to us by Heloise Agelou and Prudence McNellis.

Our Watch it struck me as more

recognition of their corporate

a calling to help rather than an

support to the charity was the

involved in the horse racing industry.”

“We believe the most important result from this event would be

inspiration. I saw no choice in the

key,” Prudence tells us, “By also

exposure to the world on the issues of genocide that still happen in

matter.”

giving the public an opportunity

2013,” Prudence explains, “We need to encourage the world to work

Working together, Heloise

to be a part of the fundraiser

together with the people in power who can stop these atrocities and

and Prudence Co-Founded Not

and reward them with a day of

massacres from happening. If we can make a small difference, there is

On Our Watch race day event.

entertainment and the chance

always the ripple effect.”

Heloise delivered the perfect

to bring together like minded

location and setting, a fabulous

people.”

“The strength of the charity comes from the conviction of its main founders who include the likes of Jerry Weintraub, George Clooney,

horseracing day, combining the

Bringing together likeminded

Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, John Prendergast and Don Cheadle,” Heloise

who’s-who of the horseracing

people to create opportunities

says, “For them this is about stopping genocide, full stop, and for us

world, including jockeys, owners

and

too.

and sponsors. Drawing from a

become a very well used tool of

circle of influential people who

Prudence.

significant

change

has

Prudence’s company Prudence Production has taken on the task of organizing the production of both the race day and the after party to

favour her opinion she provided

“A common friend thought

the leverage to bring in the names

that we should meet as he

“This event is about creating a memorable experience for the

that would attract attention. The

believed there were some great

guests, “ Heloise concludes, “And most importantly, raising awareness

ultimate aim was to create a day

synergies between us. I have

and money for a truly worthwhile cause.”

to give a voice to the Not On Our

always loved horses and spent

Watch mission and at the same

many days at the races, when

time invite companies to get

I met Heloise she gave me an

involved in sponsorship.

insight to the world of racing

“Offering the opportunity

and I loved her knowledge, this

of brand exposure and the

inspired me to become more

providing the guests a day of excitement and fantastic entertainment.

Donate: http://bit.ly/18DP3rk Endeavour Magazine | 9

IGiant WANT MY Robot!

WRITTEN BY DONNIE RUST

It will come as no surprise to anyone that Japanese scientists and engineers have come together and made themselves a giant robot suit that you can specifically use to fight against other people wearing a giant robot suit in the calm, genteel streets of Tokyo.

I

think this is a good thing.

Honestly, I expected the

future to be different than it

has turned out to be. Don’t get

and a lab coat who spends every

Japanese style have invented.)

morning sucking on lozengers so

But Donnie, you ask, why are giant robots a good thing?

he can get that real shrill note in his crazy-villain laugh. I hope

me wrong I’m thrilled about the

I want a robot war. I want

he spends billions of illegally

accessibility of the bulk of the

a complete, allout slugfest of

gained funds to create a version

world’s information through my

giant robots battling it out in

of said robot that is a hundred

phone, about biofuels, medical

the world’s biggest cities. A

feet tall (33 meters) and shaped

improvements and the ease with

steampunk brawl of sparks,

like a human would be shaped,

which I can order anything at all

screeching metal and flying

with rockets, lasers, guns and big

online. But, and I cannot stress

sidekicks. I want to know what

robotic hands that convert into

this enough, I have been waiting

it’s like to be a giant robot that

plasma canons.

for the robots.

gets thrown bodily through a

Seeing that strolling through

building and I feel that until I get

Tokyo and swatting fighter jets

to use a cruise liner as a sword

out of the sky would be a Youtube

that I’m just missing out.

video I would watch again and

I see Light Sabres being invented,

invisibility

cloaks,

cloned animals, cloned humans,

10 | Endeavour Magazine

engineers in good old-fashioned

holographic entertainment, bio-

And I’ve always believed that

again and again, I would even

suits and even Spider-Man gloves

if any nation were up for the

follow that scientist on Twitter,

and at last, we have something to

challenge of creating something

completely

be proud of: robot suits.

completely

Following evil villains” rule.

unnecessary

for

ignoring

my

“no

(Not bothering to discuss

the sake of the glory of creating

Then I would send him an

the likes of Iron Man, of whom

something with a billion moving

email saying DON’T GO TO

I have a deep affection for,

parts it was the Japanese!

AMERICA, because everything

but alas his suit pales into the

You know that someone is

happens to the Americans, a

realms of just too convenient

going to buy it and I hope that it’s

giant, Japanese robot would be

when placed upon against the

a villain. I hope he’s a skinny guy

lost within the crowd of robots in

robot monstrosities that these

with mad grey hair, a monocle

New York. He’d have to contend

A robot war would generate jobs while potentially sorting out the whole issue of overpopulation in some of our busiest cities.

with The Avengers, Godzilla and

a series of gears and levels can

The Transformers…

you?

…Okay, I would send an

Repair and maintenance as

email to the evil Japanese genius

well, an entire fresh industry of

telling him, begging him to take

robot maintenance, repair and

his giant robot to America with

cleaning would pop up to get rid

the specific intention of finding

of the bits of debris and dirt that

the Transformers robots, every

would accumulate in the joints of

one of them and pummelling

said robot. All those broken brick,

them into scrap!

crushed furniture and messy

It would demand, for giant

human remains would have to

robots, a race to get the biggest,

be scraped out of the nooks and

baddest machine, similar to the

crannies to make sure that things

technology drive seen in Formula

run smoothly.

One, but just fun! Thousands

Efficiency you see, this is

of people would have to be

the key here and the

employed to properly build a

Japanese are perfect

hundred foot robot that was

for this. Them and

shaped like a human and able to

the Germans.

fight like one too. Hydraulics and

Boom,

German

steel wouldn’t be good enough,

giant robots! Imagine

not nearly when you consider

the

the amount of funding it took to

Japanese

make THE WHITE ROBOT walk

would be all glowing

up the stairs!

lights,

So engineers would have

designs,

the

robots

A steampunk brawl of sparks, screeching metal and flying sidekicks. I want to know what it’s like to be a giant robot that gets thrown bodily through a building and I feel that until I get to use a cruise liner as a sword that I’m just missing out.

neons,

spinning dials and

carbon-

rave music while the German

It would create entirely new

reluctantly and fear and then

nanofibers which are lighter than

design would be regimented,

industries focussed around how

with open arms. They changed

steel and basically indestructible,

bare bones and terrifying. The

to build giant robots that still

our cartoons first and now they’ll

and

optics

Japanese robots would be the

look like giant humans and walk

change our world.

would be used to replace simple

Samurai of the robot world

like giant humans because facing

The question is not about

electrics because we’re dealing

but the super ninja robots

irrationally difficult challenges is

whether or not you should want

with very fast conductivity of

will definitely come from the

what engineering is about!

a giant, robot that you can sit

moving parts here. Computer/

Germans who’ll just be about

brain interfacing would have to

winning.

to

mass-produce

enhanced

fibre

The wonderful thing? It is

in and steer and fight with. The

happening; the Japanese have

only question is whether or not

So, in conclusion a robot

proved themselves to be the

you want it to be made by the

control and motability factor

war would generate jobs while

kings of making insanity into a

Japanese or the Germans?

because, let’s be realistic here,

potentially sorting out the whole

reality, and we as a world will

you can’t expect someone to

issue of overpopulation in some

ultimately embrace it, as we do

fight and steer a giant robot with

of our busiest cities.

with all things Japanese, at first

be used to deal with the whole

Endeavour Magazine | 11

WRITTEN BY DAEMON SANDS

UPGRADING OUR TECH UPGRADING OUR LIVES UPGRADING Our Kids?

Are we following a tradition of education that relies too heavily on the opinions of those in charge and too little on what is actually going to be useful in the future? Have teachers today become government funded day carers for children?

And could we be selling our children short and capping their potential by not preparing them for the environment they will find themselves in the future?

T

hese are the questions

politicians are still businessmen

that are being asked

responding to the demands of

because they are the

their voters and voters today

most relevant. In a future which

are parents who don’t want their

is going to be relying more

children to be more computer

heavily on the internet than

literate than they are. It is not as

ever before, that will be more

simple as this, but a generation

connected than anything we’ve

of people who did not grow

ever imagined and will provide

up in the new millennium are

more opportunities to generate

making the choices, considering

wealth, why are children in

how recent studies have shown

primary and secondary school

that children today learn in a

not being taught basic online

different way than previous

skills as a compulsory and

generations, to the extent that

necessary subject?

the development of their brains that,

has altered to accommodate

apart from the private schools,

for the online universe where

government schools fall under

they spend almost all of their

the realm of politics, because

time. Brain wiring is a big thing

for all their pimp and pomp

when it comes to education and

It

12 | Endeavour Magazine

is

unfortunate

the proof will be in the different educational system that the children of today will implement when they are in office and start running things.

But why do we need to wait for these things to be done by them?

Last month we interviewed Dan Anahory, a 19 year old who has set up a company and made half a million pounds in a handful of months, working one hour a week. By his own edification what he’s done was easy- and would seem easy to almost any child who has grown up with the intrinsic understanding of the internet as most kids have today.

But most of them don’t know they can. When you imagine the benefits of an entire generation

Why is every child not being forced to sit and learn how to put together a business, how to become an entrepreneur, how to run a business, how to get an idea and make it work? How to make a lot of money - be it online or offline - but how to make money at least.

understanding how to monetize the internet, understanding how to generate money from almost nothing, quickly, cleanly and

to decide, what subjects should be sacrificed so we can fit into the

especially today, from Internet

reliably and how that could help

curriculum the subject of Internet Monetization? I don’t know, but I

Monetization.

the economy, doesn’t it make

can guarantee that there is one that can either be completely replaced

All I’m saying is that the

sense to tell them? To train them?

or developed to improve and it’s probably already happening, there

people who are controlling the

I am not a teacher, nor do I

are probably students out there who are learning Business at school

educational system should take

run the education system of any

and benefitting from it. I hope so at least, I would like nothing better

a look at the future and decide

country but I’ve seen businesses

than to be proved wrong on all of this and I welcome anyone to show

how they want the kids of today

that have been failing to turn

that what I’m suggested is already happening.

to be educated. What will really

to

online

and

Which brings me to the next point. Why is Business in all of its

be applicable? How long do we

headliners.

formats, including Internet Monetization (for the sake of argument

pander for traditional subjects,

Like any subjects there would

let’s say people are ahead of me on this) still a chosen subject? Why is

traditional notions and systems

be those who excel and those

it not compulsory? Why is every child not being forced to sit and learn

of teaching when they’ve proved

who do not, those who are more

how to put together a business, how to become an entrepreneur, how

to be redundant?

likely

suddenly

to

monetization become

architects,

to run a business, how to get an idea and make it work? How to make

Like I said, I hope that I’m

farmers, miners and teachers

a lot of money- be it online or offline- but how to make money at least.

proved to be wrong and behind

but a general understanding

Mathematics, physics, chemistry and languages are the subjects

the current times. I truly do,

of online monetization would

students complain about the most but in the majority of schools

because I don’t want to be right

benefit everyone because even

they’re made to study them because we know these will develop their

when it comes to us equipping

those sectors mentioned will be

brains in the best way and provide them with opportunities. I’ve met

our children with the best way to

changed by it.

many people who haven’t ever needed to make any conscious use

use spears when what they need

are

of maths or chemistry- but I have yet to meet someone who would

to know is how to build rockets.

redundant? That’s not for me

not benefit from some understanding of business management and,

What

become

subjects

Endeavour Magazine | 13

VOLVO XC60

BY LISA RAYNER

The day was what can only be described as the first day of spring with glorious unbroken sunshine, blossom in the air and the sound of song birds. It was beautiful and after one of the longest and coldest winters ever recorded here in the UK, it would have taken a lot to dampen my day. As I took delivery of a Volvo XC60 R-design I knew my day was just getting better and better. The R-design gives the XC60 a sporty make over and ours was in a Rebel Blue which you either love or hate. Personally I thought it was stunning. From the front to the back the XC60 is very impacting from its simple front grill to its nicely aggressive lights. She sits on lovely big alloys with good ground clearance.

I

am yet to have a bad Volvo to review, long gone are the days of the

excellent features. There’s a rear camera with projector lines and

boxy 240’s. Recently we have reviewed the XC70 which is one

distance markers, lane departure warning beeps which had everyone

of my preferred all time family cars, the XC90 whilst in need of

in the car humming the theme to the Lone Ranger each time they

updating is still very good and the S60 which is a real contender for

came on, it’s exactly the same beat as the start of it however they can

the fleet drivers. The XC60 is no exception to this.

be turned off if irritating. It has blind spot monitoring system which as

Inside the Volvo the interior just oozes style and is very well put together using lovely materials. I liked the sloping dash and the centre

light coming on rather than having to crank you head around to check out the blind spots before maneuvring.

control. The main dash instruments are bright and clear and have a

With the long suspension travel and very good ground clearance

wonderful floating needle on both the speedo and rev counter over

the XC60 would make a good off roader however most people will use

the brushed blue aluminium dials. A full length panoramic sun roof

this on the road where it excels. Motorway cruising is easy and silent

really lightens up the interior and is one of my favourite features. It

with that sweet engine. The sound when gunned is awesome; this is a

has satnav, bluetooth telephone and digital audio source so is very

very good engine with a very appealing tone.

welcoming. The seats are very comfortable as is the ride.

Safety is paramount with any Volvo and this one has numerous 14 | Endeavour Magazine

The XC60 we had was a 6 speed manual with the D5 2.4 diesel engine. This D5 is a five cylinder engine and it is so versatile it offers

Safety is paramount with any Volvo and this one has numerous excellent features.

There’s a rear camera with projector lines and distance markers, lane departure warning beeps which had everyone in the car humming the theme to the Lone Ranger each time they came on.

power and torque beyond its

behind traffic. It has a Collision

than any other Volvo or its

great these new Volvos are. In

capabilities and I must say again

warning

will

competitors I have driven and I

my experience Volvos are simply

sounds simply fantastic.

bang on the brakes if it senses

guess that is exactly the point of

stunning vehicles. again Volvo!

system

which

It has adaptive cruise control

an impact ahead and it has a

this car. It looks just great and

so you can set the speed and the

warning light bar projected on

is a real drivers car. I will soon

car will slow and speed up to

the wind screen.

do myself out of a job here as I

that speed whilst keeping safely

This car turned more heads

Well done

could simple copy and paste how Endeavour Magazine | 15

A CHALLENGE CAST FOR YOU BIKERS

BY STEVE WARMAN

Mid May in the UK should be reliably warm, traditionally threatening rain, but at least warm. This year it’s been bitterly cold, still with the threat of rain, but bitterly, cruelly cold. I know this better than most as I spend two days on an open airfield in Norfolk taking an advanced motorcycle course.

F

or many years I was a keen motorcyclist but stopped riding due

can be had on two wheels. There was another reason, other than

to my young family. So in my wisdom I decided that I would

annoying my better half, for buying a bike as my eldest boy is nearly 17

return to riding after some 6 years to the disgust of my wife.

and seems to need his mum and dad less and less and the gap between

Sure that she thinks I’m reliving my irresponsible 20’s and trashing the

us is widening on a daily basis. Like his dad he’s been bitten by the

countryside, she was quoted saying that I was only a ponytail and a

motorbike bug and biking is the direct link I have with him and it is

Ferrari away from a full mid-life crisis!

pulling us back together.

Despite this, only a biker will understand the enjoyment that 16 | Endeavour Magazine

So! Being the good example, I bought all the responsible stuff such

as helmet, gloves, leathers, boots, ninja mask and then looked to find

grey skies and I started to question my decision.

a suitable ride, however my gear had left little money in the coffers.

Hopping off my bike to consider my options I was met by a very

Not wanting to be completely excommunicated from my wife I had

jolly and chatty Irish man called Tom, who ran the show. He was so

kept to a budget. Cheap and cheerful was the order of the day and

energetic that my first impression was of a man with an unhealthy

after much searching and with the help of a good mechanic friend of

relationship to caffeine, my second that he could just be one of those

mine we sifted through the dogs and has-beens and found an old and

annoying people who is enthusiastic all the time. Soon, I realised he

unmolested example of the much admired Honda CBR600f. I owned

was so jolly because he knew what was coming and how happy his

and adored one of these some 15 years ago and it was a reunion with

students would all be throughout the day.

an old friend.

At 42 and with a young family, I am very aware that this rekindled

Tom Killeen is founder of i2i and is passionate, welcoming and friendly, immediately putting me and the others on the course at ease.

passion must go hand in hand with safety at all times and I was really

The Motorcycling Handling course 1 is designed to prove to the

surprised at how nervous this once very capable rider was under

students that bikes are very stable vehicles against popular belief

heavy breaking and cornering, both fundamental and important

and explain why they don’t want to fall over in corners. It looks at

aspects of riding a motorcycle. Whilst chatting to a friend who has

how they can be safe under very hard braking even in the wet and

been riding for years, he mentioned a course he attends every year to

how quickly they can stop. We also looked at slow handling in traffic,

brush up his skills. This sounded like just what I needed, a refreshers

hazard avoidance and non-avoidance.

course. The very next day I booked myself onto the i2i Motorcycle handling 1 course.

I am not going to divulge the entire course as I wouldn’t do it justice however I do need to say how incredibly eye opening it was.

Arriving early on Thursday the 16th of May at Tibenham airfield

There were 12 bikers with a very varied array of experiences. Some

in Norfolk I found it to be typically airfieldish, very open with nothing

with only a few months on a bike and to others who had ridden all their

to break the wind. Add this to the frigid temperatures and the murky

lives. There were even a couple like me with kids who were older and Endeavour Magazine | 17

felt it was time to let the craving of motorcycles retake them. To keep

we have been riding so wrongly

they would have been amazed

such a spectrum of abilities interested for the day meant offering new

in the past.

to see all the smiles. There were

information which is a difficult thing to accomplished with seasoned

hadn’t

simple too many smiles from

riders, in fact it would be nothing short of a miracle, but Tom achieved

been sitting facing the wrong

these freezing cold riders, me

it with class.

way or closing our eyes around

being one of them. We all couldn’t

corners however most of us are

shut up about how different our

excitement from the day took over and kept us warm. Tom said that

self-taught.

The general rule

rides home were. In my case I

the worse the weather got the better the day would be as usually cold,

of thumb in biking is to pass the

had come to the course on an old

wet days are a riders nightmare and are associated with less grip and

tests and then ride picking up

CBR600F which was outdated,

he loved to dispel this myth.

good and bad habits. Riding is

heavy and had lost its ability to

Tom is a very engaging talker and a genius instructor. Of the

a hugely complex subject that

corner. After a day with Tom and

things he showed us was not rehashing of things we already knew

Tom explained in simple and

without him touching my bike, he

or had forgotten, I genuinely think we were learning new methods

extremely

methods

had magically turned the CBR

and techniques to ride our bikes correctly. Tom changed the way we

to get us more fluid and less

into a thoroughbred motorcycle

were riding and everybody I spoke with on the day couldn’t believe

panicky and through repetitive

which was lighter and more agile

training inspired confidence and

than I could have ever wished for.

retention.

The cornering was awe inspiring

Quickly the weather worsened, and, became irrelevant as the

Don’t

worry,

we

effective

Some of us had booked to come back the next day for the

18 | Endeavour Magazine

and the brakes, nothing short of phenomenal.

i2i Motorcycle handling 2 course

He explained it was all about

which is a more advanced course

me as the rider, those bad habits

including

braking,

coming through, my techniques

braking in bends and advanced

advanced

and confidence had been all

cornering. I turned up to another

wrong. The bike could always do

very jolly and animated Tom on a

what it was designed to do; it was

cold, if not colder morning than

me that was the limiting factor!

the previous one and again lots of

Daft as it sounds but I was using

warm coffee was made available.

the handle bars at the wrong

If an outsider had joined us

angle which when used how

they were planned lightened

6.00am to come to work and

will ride away with a load of “Oh

the steering, stopped my wrists

whereas before if it was raining

Yeah, that makes sense” and “I

aching

bike

I would shy away and jump in my

never knew that” moments.

Under

car, now I am straight on the bike

and

made

the

incredibly responsive.

Tom’s instruction I learnt how to

with a manic smile.

If

you

think

you

know

everything about motorcycling

brake correctly. Surely braking is

To his credit, Tom was the

riding then I challenge you to

simple, you either pull the brake

first to say that any course is

go on this course and not to be

lever or stamp on the pedal. No,

better than no course to become

surprised and delighted.

no,no!! How the brake is applied

a safer rider and I am sure all

if you are new or getting back

is essential, and which brake

courses have their merits. For

into biking, get on this course

as there are two? I bet most of

me I have come away from

and you will learn priceless

you think you know the answer

the i2i courses a much more

information that you can use

to this however my guess is you

confident and safer rider who

every day, increase your skills

don’t. I couldn’t believe how

understands the capabilities and

and confidence and be safer. You

dangerously I’d been riding my

limits of his motorcycle. I know

will get the very best from your

whole life.

that the bike wants to go around

motorcycle life.

Also

Now I can stop any bike in

corners and will sort itself out of

Finally I want to say well done

a heartbeat safely and corner

most problematic situations. I

to Tom and his volunteers. It was

like an experienced rider should.

learned safety procedures that

a true testament to the courses

I’m not going to give away any

could one day safe my life and I

that Tom organises and runs,

“secrets” because there aren’t

had a whale of a time learning it

that on each day he had some of

any, it’s simple physics, experience

all. So this course is not just for

his previous students turn up to

and practice and you need a Tom

us born again bikers like me but

help out for free.

to walk you through it.

anyone who wants a cracking

Since these courses I yearn

day with like-minded people and

to ride everywhere. I get up at

I am confident any level of rider

For further information or dates email info@i2imca.com

Endeavour Magazine | 19

YAMAHA YZF-R1

BY JIM DIAMOND

Day one In this month’s issue we have chosen to test a thoroughbred heavy weight. A true legend for any motorcycle fan the Yamaha YZF-R1 was first launched in 1998. I find it hard to believe that it has been some fifteen years since the R1 first appeared. Back then the Honda’s CBR900RR Fireblade ruled the roost and nothing could come near its awesome combination of light weight and strong power output.

Kawasaki had tried with its ZX-9R and Yamaha with the FZR1000R but these were bloated heavyweight bruisers in comparison to the Fireblade. So Yamaha did something groundbreaking that blew the Blade out of the water. The R1 was produced, a genuine 150 HP superbike in a tiny sub-600cc chassis package. It was the innovative design of putting a 150 HP engine into a chassis smaller than most 600s but how did Yamaha do it? The motor was made more compact by moving the gearbox up and behind the cylinders. Previously, engine designers simply laid the crankshaft, gearbox input shaft and output shaft all in a line, making the engine long.

Yamaha says their R1 is the top selling 1,000cc class supersport model and still the shining star in the Yamahas range.

20 | Endeavour Magazine

The bike was updated in 2012 and given new and improved traction controls. Although Yamaha is no stranger to traction controls this is the first traction control system that is suitable for Superbike level. They have succeeded here with an advanced six-stage system that is superbly intuitive compared even to the well-known market leaders. The system is much smoother than the latest from Kawasaki and others. The clear advantage of having four cylinders instead of two means it is much more fluid and smoother to run than Ducati’s bikes, which use only two.

I first rode this R1 on a very wet day which helped demonstrate how well the traction control system works. I experienced almost no slippage apart from a flashing telltale illumination light which appeared as a warning. The Expansive Electronics System also comes into play when correcting wheelies, and on reducing the traction control level from six down to four this feature becomes deactivated, instantly making a noticeably greater field for the allowable slip.

To test out the amazing wheelie and slip control, I went to my local disused airfield and found a loop of the runway where this was easy for me to achieve. With level six of the controls in action, the flashing

light occurred, and I noticed

described as wonderfully and

When braking very hard, the rear

an inconspicuous amount of

smoothly controlled

of the bike is still well controlled

slip before the front of the bike began to lift and the wheelie

Day two

thanks to a slipper clutch.

The R1’s special qualities

control took over. Performing

My next day had dried out so

come from its amazing engine

exactly the same test at level four

I was given the opportunity to

capabilities, great ergonomics

of the traction control system

see what she was like in better,

and a superbly detailed level

resulted in the rear of the bike

dryer conditions. Despite my

of finish.

slipping very slightly before

obvious delight in the new

produce a rather special and

coming smoothly under control,

traction control system, perhaps

charismatic bike which has a

allowing the R1 to raise its head

the best feature of the R1 is the

superb and sexy finish that is a joy

on exit. There was little need to

engine which has an expressive

to behold for any bike enthusiast.

experiment with lower levels of

quality that both feels fantastic

traction control as the ride at

when riding on track and has an

level four was very satisfactory

effortless power when riding

for my needs and for those of

on the road. The R1’s braking

most riders that I could envisage.

capabilities are awesome with

The rear wheel slip can only be

its excellent six piston calipers.

All these combined

Endeavour Magazine | 21

THE KYMERA MAGIC WAND

By Alex Smith

F

RRP: £49.95 Available from: www.thewandcompany.com

or the last few weeks

flick of the wrist and an ’Expelliarmus’ you can turn devices on and off,

program The Kymera Wand to

I have been dazzling

the volume up and down, switch devices and change channels.

control different devices around

friends with the Kymera

Aimed at a very specific market The Wand is a suitable replacement

Magic Wand, a very cool gadget

for the basic remote control and if you’re a fan of the Harry Potter

from The Wand Company.

Universe the novelty does not wear off.

my house.

I confess I am a Harry Potter Geek as is my other half so the

A very well manufactured

Arriving in a well packaged box and looking like it had been

device has taken pride of place

piece of kit it looks like it could

purchased in Ollivanders, The Kymera Wand arrives with a key

in my living room, whenever a

actually be Harry’s wand and

instruction manual explaining how to control and program the wand.

guest comes round I keep finding

is designed to

be used as a

There are 13 different wand actions you have to learn and it

universal remote, where with a

took me about an hour to fully master these but once I had I could

THE SONIC SCREWDRIVER

By Donnie Rust

T

o those within the fold of the Doctor Who Universe, I am a clear and obvious fan, and The Sonic Screwdriver by The Wand Company is the closest thing I’ve got to being an actual

Time Lord; don’t you worry I will be sending my picture to the BBC with demands to become the next incarnation of The Doctor.

myself pulling it out of the box as it is such a fun item to use.

RRP: £59.99 Available from: www.thewandcompany.com

them and say, “Tell no one.”

As one of a dozen uncles it’s a race to be the favourite.

family quiet while I’m watching my favourite sci-fi series.

The inventors of The Kymera

The Sonic Screwdriver can

Wand and the Sonic Screwdriver

be programmed to match the

have appeared on Dragon’s Den

Working alongside the BBC, The Wand Company has designed

signals of any remote control

and have seen their gadgets

this sonic screwdriver as an exact replica of the one used in the current

and using a patented gyroscopic

experience a boom of popularity

series starring Matt Smith and this is an absolute must-have for the

device inside a series of hand

driven by the undying dedication

die-hard Doctor Who fan as there is nothing more satisfying than

gestures will create a command.

of Harry Potter Fans and fans of

watching your niece and nephews who are carrying on the fan-ship

You can change channels, change

The Doctor. A brilliant invention

star gobsmacked when at the family reunion you arrive in a suit and

devices, volume correct and

it has the unique ability to renew

pull out your authentic Sonic Screwdriver, turn on the television for

even turn off the television when

the childhood dream of turning a

them, or change the channel, or the volume or any remote controlled

necessary.

corner and seeing a blue police

device in the house only to put it back inside your suit jacket look at

also making a system to keep my

22 | Endeavour Magazine

Hopefully

they’re

phone box.

ACER ASPIRE S-7

By James Martin

T

he

Acer

is

possibly

Aspire the

Retails at: £1250 + VAT

S-7 best

old fashioned laptop, originally

Its compact, lightweight design makes it very easy to use on the go if

a

version

you’re a commuter and the touch screen capability makes navigation a

more

convenient

compromise between a

of a bulky desktop computer,

synch. Whether preparing an email or working on spreadsheets typos

tablet and a laptop. For a while

has become the slow paced

are rectified with a tip of a finger instead of a cumbersome mouse or

I’ve not been using my laptop at

grandfather of the software

an unresponsive finger pad.

home, with the convenience and

family; best left in the corner of

speed of a smart phone or tablet,

a room, in a bag, gathering dust.

It is how it brings Windows 8 to life that I am most impressed with.

Scrolling through the start menu by swiping the screen with a finger is

firing up the old home-computer

The great thing about the S-7

absolutely fantastic. Couple this laptop with your Office 365 account

has become a laborious task

is that it has the accessibility of a

and your office really does become mobile, efficient and convenient.

reserved for the odd something

laptop with the ease of a smart

A must have for a businessman that finds himself on the move and a

that is beyond the realm of my

phone. You open the laptop and

brave step into a future where more and more offices are becoming

other handheld devices. This

with a swipe of a finger you’re

an extension of the home.

drives home the fact that the

logged in and up and running.

RRP: £19.99 Available from: Amazon & MenKind

THE iWALLET

By Tyler Harrison

F

ed up with bulky pockets? Welcome to the iWallet.

An obvious disadvantage with this product is it won’t provide any

Gadget manufacturers Thumbs Up UK have created a

protection for the front of the Iphone screen, but the design allows

very unique wallet which also acts as a case for your Iphone

for good cover to the side and back of the Iphone. Users should bear

4/4s/5. Attached to the back of the jet black casing is an intelligently

in mind that if your phone is lost or stolen, the iWallet and all its

designed bifolding wallet which has 3 slots for your credit/debit cards,

contents will be gone too which shouldn’t deter any of you potential

and a further transparent slot opposite which is perfect for your

buyers, just something to bear in mind.

driving licence. There’s one more discreet ‘pocket’ which can be found

The million dollar question, will the iWallet replace my current,

directly behind the 3 card slots which is certainly big enough for a few

everyday wallet? For me personally, no, however the iWallet is perfect

folded cash notes, receipts, or a handful of coins.

for weekends and evenings out when all you need to carry is your

The iWallet is surprisingly slim and compact, adding very little

driving licence and credit card (and of course your Iphone!) I will also

bulk to the Iphone and most importantly, it doesn’t hinder any of

willingly use this product in the summer months when my suit jacket

the phones functions. The build quality is definitely satisfactory,

will be left at home leaving me with limited pocket space. Overall I am

the carbon fibre effect finish does add a hint of professionalism to

very happy with the iWallet, it’s a very solid and useful product with

this product although a slightly higher quality leather finish would

only a handful of cons.

undoubtedly add more class to the iWallet.

Endeavour Magazine | 23

ARE YOU JOB SEEKING RIGHT?

BY JACK SLATER

“Having deeper knowledge about the competition is essential to identifying the best matches that truly match your experience, salary, and pedigree, enabling job seekers to focus on only the right jobs.”

T

heLadders sheds light on the “black hole” of job seeking using state-of-the-art eye-tracking technology that reveals jobseeker behaviour and answers the age-old question of “Why

Didn’t I Hear Back?”

According to a new study announced today by TheLadders, job seekers spend less than 60 seconds reviewing a job posting before deciding to apply or pass. The online job-matching service conducted the study using “eye-tracking” technology to determine what information professionals deem important, how they read listings, and whether competitive information helps them make better choices when applying for jobs, diminishing the “black hole” of the job search process.

Despite job seekers self-reporting that they spend up to 10 minutes reviewing a job description to determine whether they are a fit, the results revealed that they devote only 10 percent of that time assessing an opportunity. However, with the introduction of TheLadders Scout, a competitive-analysis tool that provides job seekers with an anonymous overview of who else applied for that same role, job seekers were significantly better at determining if they were a good “fit.”

“Job seekers and hiring managers alike share a problem with job listings – job seekers apply for jobs they don’t fit, leaving hiring managers with applications that don’t fit the bill,” said Alex Douzet, CEO and co-founder of TheLadders. “There is so much finger-

24 | Endeavour Magazine

pointing in the job search,

most time reviewing (in order):

user-experience

mostly by job seekers who think

The Job Title; The Company;

and

that

Job details (salary and recruiter

data provided by its nearly 6

information)

million members to educate

overwhelmed

recruiters

and faulty application software are the factors behind them

However,

with

research

analyses

quantitative

the

the company about current

never hearing back. However,

TheLadders Scout, job seekers

behavioural trends in the job-

our eye-tracking study shows

looked at: Competitive analysis;

search

that job seekers simply need to

Qualifications; Company; Job

uses this research to improve

take a better look in the mirror

details (salary and recruiter

the customer experience and

– and better understand their

information) and finally Title.

provide expert advice to the

process.

TheLadders

competition – before they even

“Being at the forefront of the

think of applying to that next job.”

job search for almost a decade,

Using eye tracking, a scientific

I constantly hear job seekers

members, TheLadders is the

technique

that

marketplace.

With

nearly online

6

million

implements

complain about the ‘black hole’ of

premier

technology to analyse where and

the application process, causing

service, committed to finding

for how long a person focuses

them frustration from feeling

the right person for the right job

when

digesting

job-matching

information,

overlooked by employers,” said

since 2003. With a unique suite

TheLadders simulated the way

TheLadders Job Search Expert

of personalized products and

that job seekers viewed free job

Amanda

resume services, the company

listings, both with and without

deeper knowledge about the

helps

competitive data and monitored

competition

to

with employers and recruiters

their behaviour. Highlights from

identifying the best matches that

more effectively and efficiently.

the findings conclude that when

truly match your experience,

Originally recognized as the

competitive analysis is offered

salary, and pedigree, enabling job

leading job-matching site for

(i.e., TheLadders Scout), job

seekers to focus on only the right

high-earning

seekers are 35 percent better

jobs.”

TheLadders

at determining a good “fit” and

is

“Having

essential

seekers

connect

professionals, expanded

its

eye-

services in fall 2011 to all career-

tracking technology, TheLadders

driven professionals. In doing so,

at any level, job seekers choose

analysed professionals during

the more than 36,000 employers

ones well outside their range.

a week-long period in March

and

In one part of the study,

2013. The quantitative study of

TheLadders to source qualified

“gaze tracking” technology was

job-seeker behaviour, including

candidates, now have access

used to create a heat map, which

eye-tracking

heat-map

to professionals at all levels,

illustrated how much time job

images, is available for download

free of charge. TheLadders is

seekers spent looking at each

at TheLadders Blog.

headquartered in New York

listings, participants spent the

On

sophisticated

job

when able to apply to any job

section. With conventional job

Using

Augustine.

an

and

on-going

basis,

TheLadders conducts primary

June book reviews

recruiters

that

use

City. For more information, visit TheLadders.com.

Go to page 86 for our latest book reviews.

Endeavour Magazine | 25

BRAIN FITNESS EXERCISE WORKS CROSSWORDS DON’T

BY DR. HENRY MAHNCKE

A study published today pitted a commercially available brain fitness exercise against crossword puzzles. Researchers at the University of Iowa, reporting in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE found that the group using the computerized exercise for just 10 hours had significant gains in cognitive function, while the group doing crosswords on the computer for an equal amount of time had no significant improvements.

on their own at home against users in a supervised setting, and users spending varying amounts of time on the brain fitness exercise.

The researchers separated 681 generally healthy people into four groups. One group was given computerized crossword puzzles, while the other three groups did the brain fitness exercise in different settings – on their own at home, in a supervised setting, or in a supervised setting with four extra hours of “booster” training.

Researchers also compared participants aged 50-64 against those

“I

aged 65-plus. t’s the ‘use it or lose it’

The game-like exercise was originally developed with funding from

phenomenon, with a

the National Institutes of Health and is now commercially available

twist,” said the study’s

from the brain fitness company Posit Science. Users train their brains

Fredric

by dividing their attention between a task in the center of the screen

Wolinsky. “We learned that

(identifying which of a pair of similar vehicles were displayed for a split

what you are using matters.

second) and a task at the periphery (locating a target road sign on the

Here, the exercise designed

periphery displayed for a split second among distractor images). As

by

lead

researcher

Dr.

delivered

users get answers correct, the images flash for shorter and shorter

significant gains that generalized

periods of time, the images get more and more similar, and the objects

to daily life, and the crosswords,

in the periphery move further out with more distractors. The exercise

which a lot of people have

is designed to simultaneously improve processing speed, attention,

placed their faith in, showed no

working memory, useful field of view, and other executive functions.

neuroscientists

measurable benefits. “

26 | Endeavour Magazine

Researchers found that the exercise users showed significant

The study also broke new

gains across all these cognitive areas. When measured a year after

scientific ground in comparing

being trained, they retained significant improvements, which were

older and younger users, users

equivalent to what an average person at these ages is expected to

The Budd Group Celebrates 50th Anniversary The Budd Group, a Winston-Salem based

our employees, provides growing value for

facilities services company, is delighted

our shareholders, and contributes to our

to be celebrating 50 years of taking care

community.”

of business. Through the years, as the

Richard Budd had just graduated from High

family-owned company has grown across

Point College in 1963 when he bought a

the Southeast, they have held fast to a

struggling janitorial supplies company in

commitment to excellence while embracing

Winston-Salem. When a client asked if he

the

could provide the cleaning crew to go with

technological

and

environmental

changes needed to stay ahead.

the supplies, Budd said, “Yes.” When another

“I’m very thankful for our wonderful clients

client asked if they could mow the lawn at

and employees, as well as the communities

headquarters, Budd said, “Yes.” Security

where we work, who have allowed us to

followed in a similar manner, and today

reach this milestone,” CEO Joe Budd said.

the Budd Group employs more than 5,000

Clients range from colleges, universities and

people through ten regional offices.

school districts to hospitals, corporate offices,

With operations extending from West

manufacturing facilities and homeowners

Virginia to Florida, The Budd Group provides

associations. All benefit from the company’s

integrated, environmentally sound facility

mission statement: “The Budd Group strives

solutions, including janitorial, maintenance,

to be a God-honoring company of excellence,

landscaping and security services.

which delivers facility-related services and products that meet our customers’ needs, offers opportunities for development for

lose in cognitive abilities over a

the studied exercise. “Numerous

period of nearly seven years.

studies have shown our exercises

To most people it is probably

on the aging brain has been done in populations aged 65 and older,

surprising that just 10 hours

function, but that those gains

researchers were particularly interested in whether gains would be

of brain exercise can deliver

translate

daily

as great in a younger population. One theory held that since older

gains that are measurable at

tasks, as well as improved

people had greater cognitive decline, they had a larger opportunity

all a year later,” said Wolinsky.

mood,

functional

to improve than younger folks who might hit a ceiling on how much

“You certainly would not expect

independence

various

they could improve. While another theory observed that the greatest

that

measures of quality of life.”

from

physical

exercise.

only

improve

Since most of the research on the impact of cognitive training

cognitive

Yet, here we saw gains of 1.5 to

not

is good, and getting in more hours each week is even better.”

to

common

confidence,

Researchers

and

gains are made by those who make it deepest into the stimulus sets

wanted

to

and that younger people might make it further and have greater gains.

6.6 years across the different

determine if more training would

Dr. Wolinsky noted that the researchers were somewhat

standardized tests.” Gains of that

result in greater gains.

The

surprised that there was no difference between the group aged 50-

magnitude are consistent with

sub-group of participants that

64 and the group aged 65 and older in their ability to make large gains.

other studies of Posit Science

received an extra four hours of

exercises published in scientific

training posted greater gains.

“This suggests that as with physical exercise, anyone can improve at any age,” said Dr. Wolinsky. “And, as with physical exercise, why

and medical journals, including

“There are now some 70

would you wait until you are old to get into better shape?”

gains of about 10 years noted

published journal articles on

Researchers were also surprised that people who did the exercises

immediately after training.

the multitude of benefits from

on their own at home did just as well as people who did them under

“This is consistent with past

training with our exercises,” said

supervision. This indicates that the training can be widely deployed at

studies that show our unique

Dr. Mahncke. “Once again this

low cost and to remote areas.

approach to brain exercises

study confirms that more exercise

The exercise used in the study is marketed by Posit Science as

drive changes that generalize

is better. We recommend fitting

“Double Decision” on its online BrainHQ platform. Try it for free online

to daily life,” said Dr. Henry

brain exercise into your life much

or download it from the app store (search for BrainHQ) - the Double

Mahncke, CEO of Posit Science,

like physical exercise. A minimum

Decision exercise along with 19 other exercises can be accessed for a

the commercial distributor of

of 30 minutes three times a week

monthly subscription of $14 or annual subscription of $96.

Endeavour Magazine | 27

ACCORDING TO FOA:

INSECTS = A SUSTAINABLE FOOD SOURCE

I

nsects are often considered

health benefits as insects are

1900 of the 1 million known insect species are consumed by humans.

scary

alien-looking

high in protein, fat and vitamins.

These include beetles, caterpillars, bees, wasps, ants, grasshoppers,

however a new book released

and

Can be eaten whole or ground

locusts and crickets.

by the Food and Agricultural

into a powder or paste and

Organization (FAO) says that

incorporated into other foods.

“If we think about edible insects, there’s a huge potential that has essentially not been tapped yet,” Ms. Muller said. “Most [insects]

beetles, wasps and caterpillars

“Insects are not harmful to

are just collected and there’s very little experience in insect farming,

are an unexplored nutritional

eat, quite the contrary. They are

for example, which is something that could be explored in view of a

source capable of addressing

nutritious, have a lot of protein

growing population.”

global food insecurity.

and are considered a delicacy in

According to the book, which was launched at the Forests for

The book, “Edible Insects:

many countries,” said Eva Muller,

Food Security and Nutrition conference in Rome, farming insects

future prospects for food and

the Director of FAO’s Forest

for human and animal consumption is particularly relevant at a time

feed security “, stresses the

Economics, Policy and Products

of population growth and the rising middle class have increased the

nutritional value of insects and

Division.

demand for food while simultaneously harming the environment that

the benefits that insect farming

Although

not

staples

Western

cuisine,

insects

By 2030, over 9 billion people will need to be fed, along with the

environment and the increasing

supplement the diets of some 2

billions of animals raised annually for food and as pets. Meanwhile,

demand for food worldwide.

could potentially have on the

of

enables its production.

billion people and have always

land and water pollution from intensive livestock production and

Despite personal taste FAO

been part of Asian, African and

over-grazing are leading to forest degradation, thereby contributing

says an insect-rich diet has many

Latin American diets. Of the

to climate change.

“Domesticating and rearing insects can help sustain insect populations while also helping counter nutritional insecurity and improve livelihoods,” said Afton Halloran, a consultant for the FAO Edible Insects Programme. “Farming insects has a huge global potential for both animal feed and food production. We are already seeing producers creating animal feed from insects and research.

And development is occurring around the world in order incorporate insects into menus and processed foods.”

Insect greenhouse gas production is lower than that of livestock.

For example, pigs produce 10-100 times more greenhouse gases per kilogram than mealworms.

Insects also feed on bio-waste, use significantly less water than livestock and can be farmed more easily, the book states. Insect farming could also offer important livelihoods to people in rural areas as minimal technical or capital expenditure is required for basic harvesting and rearing equipment.

28 | Endeavour Magazine

“Consumer disgust remains one of the largest barriers to the adoption of insects as viable sources of protein in many Western countries,” Ms. Muller said in an interview.

“Nevertheless,

history

has

shown that dietary patterns can change quickly, particularly in the globalized world.”

However there is interest in incorporating insects into their diets.

“We

have

already

seen

cookbooks show up that offer recipes on edible insects, and there are a few restaurants in capital European cities that actually offer edible insects on their menus,” she said. “I don’t

IS THE INDIAN Guar Gum Gold Rush OVER?

T

he leading India-advisory firm - Three Headed Lion Inc.

the

(THL) - announces the release of its strategic update to the

encountered at export ports with

2013 Guar Gum Report: INDIA and all signs indicate that

greater capacity constraints or a

the Guar Gum fever that seized the market last year has abated.

farmers must also be taken into

founder and of Three Headed Lion. “There is a sense that the ‘Guar

consideration or will they once

Gum Gold Rush’ is over. After a short rally during December 2012

again prefer growing guar over

prices of guar seed and guar gum were relatively stable during the

other competing crops in larger

first quarter of 2013, and there are signs of downward pressure on

numbers?

prices.” demands continuous close monitoring of developments on the

an in-depth analysis of the state

ground to better predict pricing and supply trends as 2013 season

of the guar gum supply chain in

unfolds. Matin says that there are several unknowns that could

India by providing intelligence on the availability of guar seeds to meet guar gum demand, guar gum processing current

risks to supply and price

may eventually develop a taste

of guar gum.

for them.”

Throughout

Insect trading is thriving

year,

in cities such as Bangkok and

insects for their Sunday lunch within the next decade, the potential of insects is huge and we hope that slowly but surely this potential will be realized,” Ms. Halloran said.

key

readiness and current

are not used to eating insects

see families in the West eating

demand,

industry trends, logistics

change, so even the cultures that

“Although it is unrealistic to

capacity

and production target,

now loves sushi, things can

the human diets.

2013 Guar Gum

Report: INDIA report provides

of eating raw fish, and everybody

required to incorporate fully into

The

The opaque nature of guar gum’s supply chain in India still

nobody in Europe would think

however there is a lot of progress

major security breach.

Gum industry in India,” explains Javed Matin, chief analyst and co-

remember that 20 years ago

Either as a stable or a snack,

issues

The current state of the

happens very quickly, but if we

demand from urban consumers.

labour

“We view the current cycle as a turning point for the Guar

expect it to be something that

Kinshasa and there is high

potential

THL

the

continues

to monitor the guar have a significant impact to the stability of the guar market.

gum supply chain and publish

“Companies must still be wary and ask the right questions to

updates to the key indicators at

avoid surprise. These include questions include whether the nexus

critical junctures to provide an

between influential traders and processors will once again influence

assessment of how the market is

guar gum prices this year, if the Indian regulator, Future Markets

evolving by providing real-time

Commission (FMC) will allow future trading of guar on Indian

information, sound and timely

commodity exchange? Does FMC have the mandate and ability to

expert analysis & judgment on

check insider trading, cartelization and price manipulation if guar

developments and issues that

gets relisted on the exchange and is the government contemplating

impact India and the global

policy changes for guar gum?”

economy. They offer robust

Other things to consider are the socio-political-security trends

understanding of India’s risk

that have the potential to impact the movement of freight from

environment through political,

guar gum processors to the export ports in India and of course

economic and societal lenses.

Endeavour Magazine | 29

T

he acquisition of SSS

solid production platform. To me

marks a key step for

it marks the beginning of a new

SES in its strategy of

era in a sustainable utilization

pioneering large-scale seaweed

of the sea to the advantage of

farming due to SSS’ position as

environment, climate and job

Denmark’s leading commercial

creation.” Financial terms of the

producer of seaweed for fish and

agreement were not disclosed.

livestock feed on a sustainable

SES holds a patent for the

basis. It also puts them in the

first modern structure to enable

position to work together to

the cultivation of seaweed on

increase production to 100,000

an industrial scale, known as the

tons by 2017 and to improve and

Seaweed Carrier. SSS has been

adapt the technology to the local

involved in seaweed cultivation

environment.

since 2007 using traditional

Seaweed cultivation brings along

Seaweed Farming

many

environmental

rope-based technology

production and

has

several

benefits. In Denmark, seaweed

concessions along the Danish

is now becoming recognized as

coast.

a filter for cleaning up excess

SES believes the Seaweed

TOMORROW’S BIG BUSINESS

nutrients from fish farms and

Carrier,

pollution from land.

structure holding vast quantities

a

alternative crop for energy, feed,

sustainable source of biomass

fertilizer and bulk chemicals

Based in Trondheim, Norway, Seaweed Energy Solutions AS (SES) announced last month that it has reached an agreement to acquire 100% percent of Denmark’s Seaweed Seed Supply AS, a move that sharply reinforces SES’ position as Europe’s leading player in large-scale seaweed cultivation for renewable energy and other uses.

for fuel, feed and other products

because it makes large-scale

- and we will make the ocean

production commercially viable.

cleaner at the same time”, said

They have built a seaweed

SES chief executive Paal Bakken

breeding centre and hatchery

as he announced the deal at

in Norway and is currently

the

carrying out cultivation tests at

30 | Endeavour Magazine

“The

deal

in

sail-shaped

of seaweed plants, is the key

ambition

to seaweed’s potential as an

SES’

to

seaweed

International

large

Denmark

reinforces develop

a

as

Seaweed

Symposium in Bali.

various locations off the coasts

SES is currently seeking

of Norway and Portugal. SES has

investors for its technology

a cooperation agreement with

development and its plans to

Norway’s Statoil and support

increase production in Norway

from its shareholder Stolt Sea

and Denmark.

Farm, a leader in aquaculture.

“SES’ technology will help

This year, SES was granted

fill the knowledge gap, making

two large projects sponsored by

the business model that I have

the Research Council of Norway

pursued for years very strong”,

with a total budget of 6 million

said SSS chief executive Rasmus

euros, bringing the company’s

Bjerregaard. “The agreement

portfolio of EU and Norwegian

will boost the large production

government supported projects

potential in Denmark using SSS

to 14.7 million euros.

BARRICK GOLD SHARES DROP

R

etreating

by

1%

in

reaction to news that

while the Company continues

the company had settled

to explore further the potential Primary Porphyry target.

a dispute with the Dominican

The company has reviewed

Republic over its Pueblo Viejo

several engineering and design

mine. Barrick said after eight

firms

with

gold

production

months of negotiations during

design

which time DR customs officials

and operational expertise and

halted shipments from the mine

is reviewing a short list prior

on two occasions it has agreed

to engaging the design team. relationships currently enjoyed

lease agreement. company

announced

The world number one gold

the economic benefit to the DR

miner’s troubles started earlier

government of the changes over

in April, even before the drop in

the 25-year life of the mine is

the gold price

approximately $1.5 billion and

But the world number one

include a 50-50 split of cash

gold miner’s troubles started

flows from 2013 to 2016, a

earlier in April, even before the

change to how the net profit

drop in the gold price when work

interest (NPI) is calculated, a

at its Pascua Lama mine in Chile

reduction in depreciation rates

was halted by a court order over

and the implementation of a

fabrication,

Orofino intends to continue the

in principle to amend its special The

facilities,

environmental concerns.

OROFINO GOLD GROUP TARGETS IMPROVED GOLD RECOVERY SYSTEMS

with

government

agencies,

the

local

communities, as well as current production teams and will involve these

groups

in

all

major processing and production

planning

decisions.

Forward-Looking Statements These statements are not guarantees of

Barrick

and most controversial project

and 40% by fellow Canadian

ever, is expected to cost as

O

Goldcorp was built for $3.7

much as $8.5 billion from initial

Colombia, a current hot spot

due to many risk factors that

billion and holds 15 million

projections of $3 billion. First

for large Gold/Copper porphyry

affect the industry the Company

ounces of reserves, making it one

production was expected mid-

systems, with the occurrence

operates

of the biggest gold mines in the

2014, but that deadline now

of the very high grade gold vein

world.

seems unlikely.

systems in the central part of

graduated minimum tax based on metals prices.

straddling

Pueblo Viejo, which is 60% owned

by

Construction of the mine

operator

Argentina,

the

border

Barrick’s

with largest

rofino Gold Corp is pleased to announce that

development

it

has

projects

Gold in

future

performance

and involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to

predict.

Actual

results

could vary materially from the description

contained

in

and

herein

other

risk

factors listed from time to time in the Company’s Securities and Exchange

Commission

(SEC)

It is expected to contribute

The Toronto-based company

the Senderos de Oro project and

an average of 625,000-675,000

has recovered somewhat after

with many small scale grinding

elsewhere. The forward-looking

ounces of gold per year to

hitting 20-year lows in April, but

and amalgamation mills in-place.

statements contained in this

Barrick in its first full five years

filings under “risk factors” and

is still down nearly 40% year to

Orofino Gold is planning to

press release speak only as

of production at all-in sustaining

date and is now worth just under

design a central processing and

of the date on which they are

costs of $500-$600 per ounce.

$21 billion on the Toronto big

recovery facility that is modular

made, and the Company does

board.

in design and will be capable

The stock has been the

not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking

hardest hit in a beaten down gold

That’s down from a peak of

sector following the dramatic

almost $55 billion in September

grade material to produce up to

circumstances after the date of

2011.

100,000 ounces of gold annually

this press release.

slide in the gold price last month.

of

processing

enough

high

statement to reflect events or

Endeavour Magazine | 31

Marking THE OCCASION

BY LANCE VAN DE WESTHUIZEN

T

his

year

reopening

saw of

the Hotel

Riu Nautilus following

a

complete

renovation

swimming pool.

What’s more,

from 1 April, the Hotel Riu

that

Nautilus is marketed as ‘Adults

Showcasing

Only’, joining the Riu Don Miguel

the modern style which RIU is

in Gran Canaria and the Riu

introducing in all new projects,

Palace Macao in Punta Cana.

ended in March.

32 | Endeavour Magazine

restaurants, gardens and the

the hotel has invested 5 million

The hotel, with free wireless

euros into making this particular

internet access in the lobby,

offering “Adults Only”.

offers 293 modern and spacious

The Riu Nautilus, situated in

rooms. RIU’s new style in décor

Torremolinos (Andalusia, Spain),

is predominantly white with

reopened on 1 March presenting

touches of colour in purple

RIU’s new style in décor, which is

shades

more modern and bright, as well

straight, simple lines. The rooms

as new facilities and services.

also boast new features such as

The

flat-screen TVs with access to

hotel’s

comprehensive

renovation

included:

rooms,

bathrooms,

communal

areas,

and

furniture

with

international channels and fully renovated bathrooms.

The hotel’s dining options have been extended thanks to the addition of ‘Olé’, a restaurant serving up Andalusian cuisine, and which guests must book in advance. The menu presents specialities from southern Spanish cuisine with a modern twist, whilst its daring décor completes the experience. The main restaurant continues to offer a vast selection of international cuisine in its buffet, open for both breakfast and dinner. The Riu Nautilus also offers guests a poolside Snackbar, not to mention the elegant lobby bar showcasing a new terrace, which is a modern, attractive space, ideal for enjoying an evening drink.

RIU has redesigned the communal areas with a new pool, to come into line with the latest outdoor trends. Meanwhile, for the colder months, an indoor heated pool has been built with a jacuzzi. The hotel also includes a new gym and a massage service available.

The Riu Nautilus is situated 2 kilometres from the centre of Torremolinos and 700 metres from the port and the commercial district with its bars, restaurants and shops. The extensive seafront is all that separates it from the beach.

Endeavour Magazine |33

MAKGETSI CONSTRUCTION 0027 15 306 0023

34 | Endeavour Magazine

DELIVERYING COMPREHENSIVE CIVIL WORKS PROJECTS THROUGH EMPLOYEE AND COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT WRITTEN BY CHRISTOPHER DAVIES

Since its inception in April 2005, Makgetsi Construction has been the number one choice for private institutions and local municipalities for almost 10 years.

Endeavour Magazine | 35

MAKGETSI CONSTRUCTION

Based in Trazneen, the wholly black-owned company provides various construction services such as land development, general housing, water and sewer reticulation, training and communications, community facilitation and capacity building.

M

akgetsi Construction’s Managing Director Manthata Makgetsi Lordwick Samson and CEO Mahalefa Reginah Sekibela are proud of the company’s market position, but

still recognise the importance of its employees, the wider community and industry associations.

“We are extensively involved in civil works and now have developed interests in social upliftment, empowerment and the transfer of skills to communities,” they say. “The company interacts, networks and forms joint ventures and consortiums with other groups, organisations and companies with a view to skills transfer.”

The importance of relationships For Makgetsi Construction, forming connections and entering into partnerships is not limited to just one particular project. Networking and collaboration is a common occurrence that not only promotes best practices for the company, but also results in successful projects, completed on time to the highest standards possible.

“We form linkages with complementary professionals in multidisciplinary projects and are committed to long-term relationships with clients based on excellence, professionalism, honesty, as well as shared expertise,” note Makgetsi and Sekibela.

“We provide total quality, cost-effective and timely solutions, and products to satisfy the business needs of its customers.”

36 | Endeavour Magazine

Latest developments

Development

Makgetsi Construction also strives to stay ahead of the game when it comes to current trends, with

construction

Board

Ronnie

Khoza said that it was important

legislation,

technological advancements and quality control being three areas of particular importance.

“The company professes good civil works, integrity, efficiency and the use of appropriate cutting-edge technology to yield the most cost-effective results in all assignments,” according to Makgetsi’s directors.

for women like Sekibela to take

advantage

of

existing

opportunities and build a solid infrastructure for South Africa.

National

Bank

in

Limpopo,

emphasised the growing power of women in various professions and echoed the principals that has made Makgetsi Construction so successful. “Cultivating a good relationship with your relationship manager is one of the most critical ingredients of Lois Hardy, the Speaker of Polokwane

In recognition for its industry

called

municipality,

women

also

like Sekibela “the true nation-

completed projects, Makgetsi

builders of our country through

Construction

your efforts in building houses,

has

received

impressive

accolades

over the past few years. The

roads

and

The global population is expanding at an unprecedented rate and is projected to top 9 billion by 2050…

With half the world’s population living in urban areas, our ability to deal with fast-increasing levels of urbanisation must rank as one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. Connecting with each other between cities is becoming a tremendous challenge.

We at Lafarge Readymix, offer, especially, transport infrastructure solutions, improving connectivity with the development of bridges and tunnels, roads and railways, airports and stations. We have the requisite knowledge and expertise to deliver highly innovative and customised construction solutions to overcome the challenges associated with large-scale urbanisation. Our materials, services and innovative building systems are contributing to building more connected cities.

Lafarge… Building Better Cities!

Lafarge South Africa • Tel: 0860 LAFARG/0860 523 274 • Fax: 086 631 0006 • www.lafarge.co.za

entrepreneurs

influence, market position and

several

more connected cities

Happy Ralinal, head of First

your business,” she said.

Award winning

Building Better Cities

other

forms

of

infrastructure.”

company was the 2009 CIDB winner in the under 6CEPE category

for

the

Limpopo

Provincial and two years later, won Builder of the Year at the 2011 SACA Awards.

Testament to the company’s faith and belief in employee power, Makgetsi’s very own Mahalefa

Reginah

Sekibela

has

received

industry

also

acknowledgement.

In

2009,

the company’s CEO received an

Excellence

Construction

Award for

in

medium

contractor businesses.

At August

the

ceremony

that

year,

Looking forward The looks

future bright

Construction,

certainly

for

Makgetsi

who

recently

secured a contract to upgrade the

Limpopo

Highway

for

Greater Tzaneen Municipality.

If the company continues to work closely with the local community, carries out work to the same exacting standards and receives recognition from those in authority, success is all but guaranteed.

in

various

industry professional praised the

influence

women

had

in a difficult and technically challenging

workplace.

CEO

of the Construction Industry Endeavour Magazine | 37

WEST AFRICA TIRE SERVICES LTD 00233 277 311 266 WWW.RAMAMOTORS.COM

38 | Endeavour Magazine

WHEN THE EARTH MOVES WRITTEN BY COLIN GIBSON

Earthmoving equipment requires specialist tyres, and in the growing West African mining sector, a specialist supplier is expanding to fulfil these needs.

Endeavour Magazine | 39

WEST AFRICA TIRE SERVICES LTD

Established in 1985, Rana Motors & Metal Works has become a household name in Ghana as the country’s Kia distributorship and also the distributor of Goodyear Tyres. The company is also an authorized distributor for Ashok Leyland Gensets from India as well as being a supplier of industrial products, cranes and heavy machinery.

More

40 | Endeavour Magazine

recently,

however,

as

ted quite heavily into the whole

Ghana has evolved from its early

range of tyres that are used

dependency on timber and co-

within the mining sector and in

coa to a mining-dominated eco-

parallel to support the field we

nomy, Rana Motors has used its

invested in service provision,

Goodyear connections to good

too. We started off in a small way,

effect and has evolved itself into

supplying just one mine, but now

a high class supplier of tyres and

we have reached a stage where

services for earthmoving equip-

we are supplying most of the

ment.

mining companies within West

“About ten years ago we decided

Africa.”

to get into mining tyres in a big

The company now supplies tyres

way,” says Vibi Chandra, regional

and services from Ghana all the

manager for West Africa. “We

way up to Mauritania, with es-

already had the distributorship

tablished offices in Burkina Faso

for Goodyear, and Goodyear is

and Mali and another about to

one of the world’s top three in

open in Sierra Leone in the next

tyres for earthmoving equip-

two or three months. But al-

ment, so we decided we should

though the name Rana is well

try to build something very pro-

known in Ghana it is not known

fessional in this market.

in other countries in West Africa.

“Until we came onto the scene,

“So we decided to rename the

the entire earthmoving tyre sec-

West African operations of Rana

tor in West Africa consisted of

Motors as West Africa Tire Ser-

one UK-based supplier and ser-

vices,” explains Chandra. “So

vice provider who took care of

today West Africa Tire Services

the whole business. So we inves-

is the general distributor for

Goodyear earthmoving tyres all over West Africa.”

Investment in tyres for earthmoving equipment is not for the fainthearted, however. As a composite tyre distributor West Africa Tire Services will carry stock all the way from forklift tyres to those fitted to the biggest mining trucks. “On average we would stock roughly 70 to 80 lines of tyre sizes, and each of those sizes may have two or three different types of tyres, so effectively we would have something like 200 or 300 different tyres in stock.” At an average cost of $20,000 to $30,000 per tyre, that’s a sizeable investment in anyone’s book.

“We are now considered to be one of the top suppliers of earthmoving tyres in West Africa and now we want to raise our game to world class standards,” says Chandra, “so we’re now looking at how we can get better in the field of tyre management, etc.

“In order to give a complete package to a client we try and work from a solution providing angle,” he explains. The original model in the mining industry was for the mining companies to fit their own tyres, but it takes special knowledge and expertise to fit and maintain these kinds of tyres, and that’s how the company got into the business of tyre management services. “It’s essential that these tyres are looked after from the time they are fitted until they are ready for the scrapyard.

We undertake this responsibility through our tyre management units.

They fit the tyres, keep the rims clean, maintain the right inflation pressures, monitor the tyres for pressure fluctuations and check for abnormalities, so the tyre management units take care of the tyre from the cradle to the grave.”

Finding skilled employees has been one of the company’s major challenges, and it still depends on expatriate staff for technical expertise.

“It’s difficult to get local people with experience so we recruit young people and teach them how to do the job properly from the beginning,” says Chandra.

Africa is full of challenges and another one is logistics. Sometimes there are delays getting goods moving out of the ports, and that has a knock-on effect on the level of stock that has to be kept. Supplying tyres from Ghana to other countries in West Africa is not always straightforward either. “There’s no standardisation of customs formalities between countries in West Africa,” says Chandra, “and that causes problems too.”

In terms of the company’s future development, however, Chandra is in no doubt that earthmoving tyres are the way forward. “We believe that economies in West Africa are going to continue to be mining intensive for the foreseeable future,” he says. “Countries in West Africa are blessed with huge reserves of gold, iron ore, bauxite and uranium and we don’t see any slowdown in the sector.

“The multinational mining companies who are operating in West Africa expect world class standards from their local suppliers and service providers, so we see plenty of opportunities for us to expand. Our target is to be recognised as a world class service provider, to bring ourselves up to the standard expected by the multinational mining companies in other parts of the world.”

Endeavour Magazine | 41

KUWAIT NATIONAL PETROLEUM COMPANY 00965 23989900 WWW.KNPC.COM

42 | Endeavour Magazine

MEGA INVESTMENT IN

Kuwait

WRITTEN BY COLIN GIBSON

As part of a major $40 billion government investment plan in Kuwait’s oil and gas industry, the refinery at Mina Al-Ahmady is undergoing further expansion and modernisation

Endeavour Magazine | 43

KUWAIT NATIONAL PETROLEUM COMPANY

You can’t overemphasise the importance of oil to the Kuwaiti economy. Kuwait’s proven crude oil reserves are estimated to be roughly ten percent of the world’s total, an extraordinary proportion for a relatively small country. All natural resources in the country are the property of the government, and oil revenue contributes 80 percent of government revenue, approximately half of the country’s GDP and something like 95 percent of its export revenue.

E

stablished in 1960, KNPC is the refining and marketing arm of

technology, and significantly increased the overall capacity of the

Kuwait Petroleum Company (KPC), currently operating three

plant. Two years later the Mina Abdullah Refinery modernization

refineries (Mina Al-Ahmady, Mina Abdullah and Shuaiba), an

project (MAB) was completed, resulting in a state of the art plant with

LPG plant, a suite of filling stations and five marine export facilities.

a sizable capacity increase and improvements in product quality.

When KPC was formed in 1980 to bring all state-owned oil

With its mission still being to maximise the value of Kuwaiti

companies under one entity, KNPC became a subsidiary. Within the

hydrocarbons, KNPC is currently implementing a $40 billion

first twelve months the oil sector in Kuwait was restructured, with

investment plan across a range of distinct projects including a new

KNPC becoming responsible for the oil refining and gas liquefaction

refinery in the Zoor region of the country, a new depot at Matla, a

industry in addition to the marketing of petroleum products in Kuwait

permanent LPG import terminal and a clean fuel project.

through its chain of filling stations.

The new refinery and the new depot are long term projects

Within a few years, plans began to be implemented to modernise

scheduled for completion towards the end of the decade, but there

and expand the refining industry in Kuwait with multi-billion dollar

are several smaller but no less important projects reaching completion

projects to revamp Mina Al-Ahmadi and Mina Abdullah Refineries. By

in the next couple of years. A number of these are at Mina Al-Ahmadi,

1984 the Mina Al-Ahmadi Refinery Modernization Project (RMP) had

the largest of Kuwait’s three refineries.

already been completed, and this was supplemented by the Further

Mina Al-Ahmadi Refinery (MAA), located 45 km south of Kuwait

Upgrading Project (FUP) in 1986. The two projects effectively created

City on the Arabian Gulf, was built in 1949 to supply the local market

a modern new refinery with optimal configuration and advanced

with gasoline, kerosene and diesel. After its two major modernisation

With its mission still being to maximise the value of Kuwaiti hydrocarbons, KNPC is currently implementing a $40 billion investment plan across a range of distinct projects including a new refinery in the Zoor region of the country, a new depot at Matla, a permanent LPG import terminal and a clean fuel project.

44 | Endeavour Magazine

Endeavour Magazine | 45

KUWAIT NATIONAL PETROLEUM COMPANY

and upgrade projects in the

profits and ensure a stable

1980s, it is now undergoing

market for the three refineries’

serious expansion once again,

output. This project also sought

but this time in relation to liquid

to increase the share of light

petroleum gas production (LPG).

and medium products of the

The

Refinery

distillation process to minimize

Modernization Project (RMP)

the share of fuel oil in the end

was

to

output, resulting in a higher

provide local and world markets

return from the crude oil refining

with

processes.

basically low

intended

sulphur

content

petroleum products, and to

Now it’s the turn of LPG

reduce dependence on gas as

to enjoy the benefit of serious

fuel,

and

investment. Gas liquefaction at

more stable fuel to the country’s

Mina Al-Ahmadi went on stream

power generation plants.

in 1978 with three identical

providing

The

46 | Endeavour Magazine

MAA

cheaper

Further

Upgrading

facilities (known as trains) for the

Project (FUP) was the result of

extraction of propane, butane

a more comprehensive review of

and Kuwait natural gasoline

the future of petroleum product

(KNG). The plant also consists

markets, in order to maximize

of storage tanks divided into two

tank farms. The greater portion of the LPG plant production is now being exported to the world market from the south pier of Mina Al-Ahmadi which is connected to the plant by a pipeline network.

A contract was signed in July 2010 with South Korean contractor Daelim for a fourth gas plant train, which is due to be completed next March.

Costing an estimated $1134.9 million, this fourth GPT will be

tanks on the South LPG Tank

integrated with the existing

Farm by adding geodesic domes

three trains to process both gas

and replacing floating roof seals.

and condensates for the refinery,

The project started in April 2010

with a capacity of 805 million

and is expected to be completed

SCF (standard cubic feet) of

in March 2015 at a cost of $1367

gas per day and 106 thousand

million. Another Korean firm, GS

barrels per day of condensate.

Engineering & Construction, is

The three existing trains

the main contractor.

have a total capacity of 1680

Another project at Mina

MMSCF per day (560 each). A

Al-Ahmadi, also scheduled for

fifth gas train project is currently

completion by March 2015, is the

in the design stage. In view of this

installation of a new unit for acid

expansion, tankage capacity is

gas removal, and a revamp of the

highly critical for KNPC in order

existing AGRP train. The new unit

to accommodate the extra gas

will run at an average rate of 146

production.

million SCF per day and 39 BPSD

A new North LPG Tank

of condensate and the existing

Farm project therefore involves

AGRP unit in the refinery will be

building new LPG tanks to cater

revamped to equal the capacity

for the fourth and fifth gas

of the new unit. The project will

trains and to allow simultaneous

also conform to KPC’s strategy

loading of two LPG tankers at

to reduce gas flaring to less than

the same time with the same

one percent. The estimated cost

product.

objective

of the project is $899 million,

of the project is to reduce

with Tecnimount SPA of Italy the

emissions from existing KNG

chosen contractor.

Another

Endeavour Magazine | 47

ARAWAK CEMENT COMPANY 001 246 439 9880 WWW.ARAWAKCEMENT.COM.BB

48 | Endeavour Magazine

MIXING IT UP, KEEP IT Strong WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

The aim is always to be a company where the attainment of excellence through continuous profitability, production efficiency, ethical leadership and mutual trust are hallmarks of the business. This is the mandate of Arawak Cement. We caught up with General Manager Rupert Greene to talk about how it all came about.

Endeavour Magazine | 49

ARAWAK CEMENT COMPANY

“We wanted customer appreciation, honesty and fairplay to epitomise every aspect of our service,” Rupert Greene tells us.

A

decisive internal focus ensured that the employees became the ultimate focus of Arawak Cement, which is fitting really as a long held belief in industry is that a company’s focus on

employees directly relates and influences the focus on customers. For Arawak Cement, as a dynamic member of the TCL Group of Companies the employees are empowered, highly trained and indoctrinated into a high culture of loyalty and commitment to teamwork. This is a trend that seems to be intrinsic within this region of the world where much attention and time is placed into looking after the staff, more so than in other companies and certainly other countries an understanding that creating loyalty is a two way street.

“It’s important that we work together as a unified team who are sensitive to the three main pillars,” Rupert expresses, “Family, community and environment.”

The genesis of the Arawak Cement Plant was the Bergstrom study of 1973, commissioned by the Government of Barbados and Guyana.

The feasibility study was reported in 1976, which included details of geological and geo-technical assessments of the proposed limestone,

“The kiln was reactivated in April 1997 and the project was an outstanding success, completed within budget and on time. The reactivation of the plant back to a full manufacturing operation, contributed greatly to reducing unemployment and the staff contingent jumped from 65 to more than 300 during the project phase and now has more than 250 permanent workers employed now.”

50 | Endeavour Magazine

Endeavour Magazine | 51

ARAWAK CEMENT COMPANY

clay quarries and the intended plant site. Due to the subsequent

Having seen the potential

completed within budget and

withdrawal of the Guyana Government, talks were initiated with the

and recognizing the importance

on time,” Rupert tells us, “The

Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the project

of the company, Arawak Cement

reactivation of the plant back to

was eventually approved by both Governments as part of a Bilateral

Company Limited was purchased

a full manufacturing operation,

Agreement dated April 1978.

by the TCL Group in March

contributed greatly to reducing

The turnkey contract to supply, erect and commission the plant was

1994. Following a financial and

unemployment and the staff

awarded to the Austrian Company Voest-Alpine in December 1980.

administrative restructuring of

contingent jumped from 65

Financing agreements were established with Orion Bank of London,

the company a new management

to more than 300 during the

in April 1981 and Arawak was subsequently incorporated under the

approach was taken as well as

project phase and now has more

Companies Act of Barbados as a Limited Liability Company jointly

the introduction of progressive

than 250 permanent workers

owned by the Government of Barbados (51%) and the Government of

levels of accounting, human

employed now.”

Trinidad and Tobago (49%). In April 1984, the cement manufacturing

resourcing

reporting

The reactivation also meant

facility was commissioned and production subsequently began. The

systems, a complete turnaround

that Arawak could re-enter the

plant operated from 1984 to 1991 as a full cement production facility

of

was

export market after an absence

manufacturing its own clinker.

financial

and

fortunes

instigated within one year of

of six years which is a major step

All success stories have to leap their fair share of hurdles

purchase. At the same time, work

in re-establishing their presence

and Arawak Cement endured a period where they encountered

started in earnest on a BDS$13.6

as a major player in the market.

substantial losses and under a unanimous shareholders agreement,

million kiln reactivation project.

The Arawak Cement plant is

“The kiln was reactivated

located in Checker Hall, St. Lucy,

grinding circuit supplying cement for the domestic market up to 1994

in April 1997 and the project

on the northern tip of the island

when a decision was made by the owners to sell the company.

was an outstanding success,

and very close to the coastline.

E10001-M1-Z52-V1-7600

the decision was made to close the kiln. The plant operated as a

siemens.com/mse

Service for the Metals Industry

Answers for industry.

52 | Endeavour Magazine

“Our primary activity is the manufacture and sale of Ordinary Portland Cement,” Rupert explains, “Current production is at 360,000 tonnes per year.”

ACCL commissioned the use of a new solid fuel supply system in 2007. Pet Coke was identified as the most economical and reliable alternative for kiln firing at ACCL after the curtailment of its orimulsion supply from Venezuela. The first year of operating the kiln using 100% Pet Coke was 2008.

Getting ahead of their competition the company has made significant steps to keep themselves as environmentally conscious as possible, incorporating important energy saving measures into their

“For over 30 years, Diproinduca has helped steel mills and

already malleable personnel culture.

mineral processing companies around the world increase implementing

profitability while lowering their carbon footprint by

programmes to manage, as much as is possible, energy use across

empowering them with long-term, comprehensive

the plant,” Rupert stresses, “Without compromising the quality of the

solutions that focus on the bottom line and the

product produced. In addition we are working towards developing

environment. By combining its expertise in the recovery,

export capabilities, in an effort to increase sources of revenue.”

recycling, distribution, and disposal of waste and by-

“Arawak

Cement

remains

committed

to

Being one of the companies who are driving the growth and

products, Diproinduca offers a “one-stop” solution for

development of their industry, the mantle of responsibility has landed

your waste management needs and a source for low-cost,

firmly upon their shoulders. Fortunately, the foundation that the

high-quality raw materials.”

company stands on is as firm as the products they manufacture.

Toward a cleaner planet

Products & Services

At Diproinduca our vision is to be an international leader in providing a cost effective, all inclusive service that converts industrial waste and by-products into saleable or disposable products.

(Iron Ore & Steel Industry) Cold Briquette Iron • Iron & Steel By-product Recovery • Environmental Remediation Services • Vessel Loading Services • Clamp Shell Rental •

www.diproinduca.com | info@diproinduca.com | +1 (905) 709 6275 CANADA • TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO • USA • BARBADOS • VENEZUELA • CHILE • MEXICO

Endeavour Magazine | 53

AMSTEELE SYSTEMS 0027 11 827 6721 WWW.AMSTEELE.COM

54 | Endeavour Magazine

STRESS WITHOUT SUFFERING WRITTEN BY COLIN GIBSON

Licensed by two world renowned authorities in prestressing applications, Amsteele has a legacy of highly visible construction projects in southern Africa.

Endeavour Magazine | 55

AMSTEELE SYSTEMS

With operations in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, Amsteele Systems has served the construction industry in Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands with proven solutions to geotechnical, civil engineering and building projects.

Quote

A

of

msteele’s

core

significant portfolio of completed

business is the design,

projects over the years, with

supply and installation

post-tensioned slab applications

pre-stressing

including

both

systems,

bonded

and

parking

garages,

offices, residential complexes,

un-bonded systems for building

shopping

and civil structures. The company

hospitals, airport terminals and

is active throughout Southern

sports stadiums. Civil projects

Africa

completed

include bridges, reservoirs, silos

projects in Namibia, Botswana,

and general heavy structures.

Mozambique, Swaziland, Angola,

Complementary to the pre-

Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe,

stressing systems Amsteele also

Kenya and Mauritius.

offers products and services in

and

has

Amsteele was formed by the merger of two former leaders

in

the

centres,

hotels,

geotechnical, heavy lifting and steel construction systems.

prestressing

Post-tensioning is a method

sector in South Africa in 2000—

of reinforcing concrete or other

Amalgamated Prestressing and

materials

Steeledale

Systems—although

steel strands or bars, typically

the company’s origins can be

referred to as tendons. Post-

traced back to 1969 in the

tensioning applications include

shape of CCL Stressing (South

office and apartment buildings,

Africa) the original forerunner to

parking

Amalgamated Prestressing.

on-ground,

The company has built a 56 | Endeavour Magazine

including

stadiums

with

high-strength

structures,

slabs-

bridges,

sports

and

water

tanks.

In many cases, post-tensioning allows construction that would

The

Mandela

10-storey building with four

otherwise be impossible due to either site constraints or architectural

Bridge in Johannesburg features

levels of underground parking,

requirements.

DSI stay cables installed by

three levels of retail shopping,

Amsteele Systems.

entertainment and restaurants,

Steel reinforcing bars (rebar) are typically embedded in concrete

iconic

Nelson

to limit cracking, but rebar is a “passive” reinforcement; it carries

One of Amsteele’s recent

no force until the concrete has already deflected enough to crack.

flagship projects is the central

Amsteele offers a full range

Post-tensioning tendons, on the other hand, are considered “active”

terminal building at OR Tambo

of services from supply only or

reinforcing. Because it is prestressed, the steel is effective as

International

in

equipment hire to full execution,

reinforcement even though the concrete may not be cracked. Post-

Johannesburg. The multi-level

including planning, design and

tensioned structures can be designed to have minimal deflection and

terminal

specification

cracking, even under full load.

the international & domestic

works and equipment, budgeting

terminals

the

and final quotations. It can

companies, CCL Stressing Systems of Leeds in the United Kingdom

airport flow, linking them to

also manufacture and supply

and DSI (Dywidag Systems International) of Munich, Germany. The

a public transport centre and

temporary

ability to offer the technology solutions of both of these licensing

the Gautrain Station, which

equipment where required. The

authorities and component manufacturers gives Amsteel a distinct

is directly connected to the

company has a network of in-

advantage in the South African construction market.

terminal. Departure activities

house and external engineers

are primarily on the upper level

and

with Arrivals on the ground.

southern Africa.

Amsteele is licensed by two world renowned prestressing

To put this into context, CCL’s South African operations supplied the prestressing solution to the Foreshore Freeway viaducts in Cape Town in the mid-1970s – and the legacy of this operation now forms part of Amsteele Systems.

Airport

building in

line

integrates with

and three levels of offices.

of

temporary

structures

technicians

and

throughout

Another is the Cape Quarter Extension in Cape Town, a

CCL’s unbonded single strand tendon system is quick to install, requires no grouting, and is able to cope with irregular slab shapes.

Metals Centre’s unique claim to fame: Being able to supply various sections and extrusions of both ferrous and non-ferrous metals in many different sizes and formats, including cutting these to size, all under one roof.

Single wire strands of 13mm or 15mm diameter are coated with permanent corrosion inhibiting grease and encased in high density polyethylene (HDPE) sheathing, continuously extruded over the entire strand length to form a single strand tendon. Tendons are laid in the slab according to specific profiles before pouring the concrete.

The grease reduces friction and allows (with the sheathing) for free relative movement of the strand with respect to the surrounding concrete during stressing. Both grease and sheathing provide longterm corrosion protection to the steel. The strands are individually attached at both ends to CCL unbonded mono strand anchorages that are embedded in the concrete to transfer compression to the slab after stressing.

CCL’s bonded systems incorporate groups of three, four, five or six strands contained within a tendon in a flat duct anchored at each end

Our main product items include: Aluminum • Copper • Brass • Stainless Steel • Mild Steel • Bronze • Fuel Rail Extrusion Our laser and waterjet cutting service will make light work of your precision cut components.

by CCL flat anchorages. The tendons are laid in the slab according to specific profiles before pouring concrete. Ducts allow for free relative movement of the strand with respect to the surrounding concrete during stressing.

After stressing the strands individually with CCL hydraulic jacks

Everything “metal” that you may need we have, under one roof... ready to be cut-to-size and delivered to you.

and attaching them to the anchorages, the ducts are filled with cement-based grout that fully bonds the strands to the concrete through the duct wall and all along the length of the tendon. The grout creates an alkaline environment around the steel for permanent corrosion protection.

DSI has been operating in Germany since 1927, and offers a complete product line in strand post-tensioning as well as stay-cables.

011 493-4930 www.metalscentre.com

18 John St Unit C1, John St Warehouse Selby ext. 11, 2001, Gauteng

Endeavour Magazine | 57

AMALGAMATED SECURITY SERVICES LTD 001 868 626 2775 WWW.ASSL.COM

58 | Endeavour Magazine

COMPREHENSIVE PROTECTION AND SECURITY SOLUTIONS across the Caribbean

WRITTEN BY CHRISTOPHER DAVIES

Established in 1983, Amalgamated Security Services Limited (ASSL) has been fulfilling the security needs of the business, private and government sectors throughout the region for thirty years.

Endeavour Magazine | 59

AMALGAMATED SECURITY SERVICES LTD

With a vast portfolio of products and services which includes human and asset protection, electronic security, integrated systems, vehicle tracking, off-site data storage, human guarding and cash services to name but a few, ASSL provides the customer with comprehensive security solutions.

H

eadquartered in Macoya, Trinidad, ASSL has more than 3,000 employees, a fleet of 250 vehicles and strategically positioned offices throughout the Caribbean.

Unique selling point With a far-reaching footprint, a dedicated workforce and numerous security solutions, Regional Development Director Brian Ramsey believes that ASSL differentiates itself from other security providers for various reasons.

“There is not one single unique selling point, in fact there are several,” he asserts. “If a customer comes to us because they need a solution such as guarding services, he or she is also aware that with issues like cash, employees or investigations, they can turn to us. It gives customers an assurance that we are a security one-stop-shop solution.”

ASSL is also devoted to answering difficult customer questions whatever the particular problem might be. “Even if we don’t have the answers or resources in-house, we have relationships with 60 | Endeavour Magazine

AMALGAMATED SECURITY SERVICES LTD

associations and institutions to find a solution,” notes Ramsey. “We have highly responsive management teams, in St Lucia, Barbados, Grenada and Trinidad, whose primary focus is on customer satisfaction and quality assurance.”

Industry specific services With a customer base that includes hotels, schools, residential properties and financial institutions, ASSL is able to provide tailormade security services for various industries. “Our staff have the experience of dealing with a wide variety of situations and customer types,” notes Ramsey. “Our guarding operations are responsible for the protection of more than sixteen billion US dollars annually.”

With an in-depth understanding of the region, ASSL is on-hand to provide extensive protection for the most significant industries.

“Tourism is of particular importance on many of the islands being the main foreign currency earner and employing a large segment of the population,” adds Ramsey. “We provide hotels with international best practice with an understanding of Caribbean circumstances.”

ASSL’s strong and long-lasting relationship with regional governments is also testament to the company’s professional

62 | Endeavour Magazine

business operation. For many years, ASSL has provided services that include cash handling, response and patrol, electronic security and prisoner transportation.

Secret to success In addition to being well and truly dedicated to its customer base, ASSL also believes in employee empowerment. Numerous members of staff have been with the organisation for an extremely long time and ASSL recognises this loyalty, helping the workforce progress and increase their skill set. This is one of the many reasons why ASSL has

Sagicor Life Inc. is proud to be associated with

remained successful for several decades.

Amalgamated Security Services Limited (ASSL).

“Our objective is to have staff that are committed both to ASSL

Sagicor offers a wide range of financial services

and the customer and who believe the job provides them with a long-

including life and health insurance, annuities, pensions,

term future,” notes Ramsey. “We therefore are not only concerned

property and casualty insurance, residential and

with the recruitment process but also with the employee’s welfare.

commercial mortgages as well as investment services.

“We make the effort to upgrade the skills of an individual in the

Both companies strongly believe that our employees

organisation. Because of training, there are opportunities to improve,

are our most valuable asset. Sagicor is pleased to be

so employees stay with us. We have an extended institutional memory

ASSL’s provider of choice.

within the organisation that helps us in situations we have faced before. This is one reason for the success of the business.”

Endeavour Magazine | 63

AMALGAMATED SECURITY SERVICES LTD

Employee recognition It is also important for ASSL daily

to

acknowledge

contribution

the

employees

are making, which is why the company

holds

an

annual

awards ceremony exclusively for “Employees want to feel the

management

So much so that ASSL believes

recipients, but also to the wider workforce, that ASSL recognises hard

this new form of protection can

work and endeavour.”

be yet another security service

Along with awards handed out to long serving personnel and

the company provides to its

outstanding employees at this year’s suit and tie gala event, ASSL’s

clients. “We have recently sent

workforce also enjoyed entertainment from singers and comedians.

staff abroad to be trained and certified as examiners. So we

Recent developments One of the most significant recent developments for ASSL has

members of staff. that

award ceremony is there to demonstrate, not only to the winning

and

can now offer these services in recruitment exercises or for investigation purposes.”

been the introduction of polygraph testing. “In certain instances, it is very difficult to tell if someone is telling the truth,” asserts Ramsey. “So

The future Looking

“Our systems and methods of operation, the way we interact with customers and build relationships is something we can take elsewhere and use in successfully building a business elsewhere.”

believes

its

forward, knowledge

ASSL and

expertise of security services has huge potential in markets outside of the Caribbean. This wealth of experience is easily transferable

organisation

appreciate

their

efforts,” reveals Ramsey. “The

64 | Endeavour Magazine

one thing we have done internally is polygraph testing and we now

and can be of huge benefit to a

recognise the value of this method.”

brand new customer base.

Ramsey says: “Our systems

slowly building our investigative

and methods of operation, the

capacity which began last year,”

way we interact with customers

says Ramsey. “We also expect

and

our services for burglary and

build

relationships

is

something we can take elsewhere and use in successfully building

fraud will be expanded.

“Computer

forensics

and

a business elsewhere. We have

networking security is going

found that our methods of

to become a big part of our

operations are different to other

business as well. We are not yet

businesses in the market. Our

sure whether this will be through

customers see these differences

organic growth or acquisitions,

and how they are beneficial.”

but fully expect this will feature

ASSL has been monitoring

in our business portfolio within

markets in South America for

the next five years,” concludes

several months and is now in the

Ramsey.

regulatory approval process for a new venture in Guyana.

Besides

expansion

in

www.cmrtt.com

Based in Marabella, the petroleum capital of Trinidad, we supply a wide range of quality office and school products with value for money in mind.

The company has been in operation for the past twenty (20) years and has gained extensive knowledge supplying large state and private sector organizations.

868-658-2166 4 Reserve Road Marabella Trinidad

a

regional sense, the company is also looking to grow its range of products and services. “We are

Proudly supporting Amalgamated Security Services

Vehicle Maintenance For Increased Reliability

“Our objective is to have staff that are committed both to ASSL and the customer and who believe the job provides them with a long-term future.”

1B Munroe Road, Cunupia, Trinidad W.I. T: +1 868 291 5444, +1 868 693 2908 F: 18686931079, E: peakperf@tstt.net.tt Endeavour Magazine | 65

PARMALAT SA 0027 21 809 1400 WWW.PARMALAT.CO.ZA

66 | Endeavour Magazine

WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

Over the last handful of years Parmalat SA has been the pioneering hero of the dairy industry, successfully overcoming a number of hurdles that would have ended less dedicated, focussed and confident businesses. With new developments taking place year upon year, this major player in the South African Dairy industry has stayed ahead of the game throughout. We spoke with Operations Manager Riaan Van Greuning about some of the reasons for this continuous growth.

Endeavour Magazine | 67

PARMALAT SA

“Focusing on day-to-day operations and time management has made a huge difference to our fortunes,” Riaan explains, “Flavour extensions for current products to help keep consumers interested and a pipeline of new products coming in means that we have a very strong and clear idea of where we’re going in the future.”

W

ith a strong research and development department working together with the marketing team to establish the continuous

current and future tastes of customers, things would seem to be looking very rosy for Parmalat following a period of deep concern for the brand in the wake of the European scandal that hit the news. On a global scale it was the biggest milkshake of the time, Parmalat went into administration and in the ensuing turn-around strategy South Africa emerged among the core operations.

“Since then we have grown from strength to strength and remain very strong. Following that we became a subsidiary of the French group Lactalis and we have adopted a number of their procedures and approaches with fantastic results,” Riaan attests, “We are now exposed to and have the opportunity to work with international product specialists, and there’s a lot of focus on Parmalat and the growth in all parts of Africa.”

68 | Endeavour Magazine

Endeavour Magazine | 69

PARMALAT SA

One of the things that Lactalis has offered is a new model on day to day operations. This fresh perspective has offered them a new course of efficiency and productivity.

New product development Well known for its award-winning cheeses marketed under the Parmalat, Simonsberg and Melrose brands, iconic flavoured milks like Steri Stumpie and a range of yoghurts and long-life milks, butter, ice cream, cream and fruit juice, there is still an uphill battle in the South African market to overcome traditional tastes and concepts.

“Dairy consumption in SA is less than it is in other parts of the world, like Europe, Australia and North America,” Riaan explains, “Cheese has been for a long time a mainstay of our business but one of the biggest pushes we have at the moment is in the area of flavoured milk.”

“Flavour extensions, product changes, revamping of packaging and a pipeline of ideas and developments are important to keep the consumer interested,” Riaan explains, “But we have also invested a substantial market capital into flavour milks and yoghurts. Now that we have the additional

70 | Endeavour Magazine

know-how and the intellectual

and flavoured milk consumption.”

property we are more able to

As

operations

manager,

produce top end products with

Riaan Van Greuning’s role has all

an above standard quality at

of the South African production

affordable rates.”

plants reporting to him. Although

The challenge is that with

he may not be directly involved

milk, the per capita consumption

in

remains low, and this has been

the products he is the one

put down to the communication

responsible for turning ideas into

to the public on the benefits of

a reality. He accredits the hard

dairy products. One of the ways

work and wise advice from their

that Parmalat South Africa is

new partners for the success.

the

development

behind

approaching this is by engaging

“The Lactalis approach is one

with South African companies

of openness,” he explains, “They

on the importance of dairy

see the development and growth

consumption on a day to day

of an industry as important to

basis.

everyone within that industry

Strategies customer

here surveys,

include

and so don’t hold anything

new

back when giving advice and

marketing techniques and a

assistance.”

major focus on flavoured milk and the yogurt market. “Recently we have launched a number of new products and have more on

Optimizing ourselves

the way. Overall we are looking

Already exporting through its

to new innovations and creating

agents to other African countries

new energy around yoghurt, milk,

from Lesotho to Ghana, Parmalat Endeavour Magazine | 71

PARMALAT SA

SA have products reaching out

part of their new approach there is a constant question of how they

a global benchmarking system

to the Far East including China

can do better, a determined kaizen philosophy.

called ‘Twenty Keys’ aimed at

and it is a complex chain of dairy

Now, this is not a new mentality for them, Parmalat has always

engaging and training employees,

farmers, factories, warehousing,

striven to improve themselves and this constant quest has created

speaking a common language

distribution hubs and a delivery

excellent supplier/customer relationships benefitting from a loyal

throughout the business, and

fleet of 300 trucks that support

staff force and clients including the likes of Shoprite, Checkers, Pick

Riaan believes this has been a

this fast growing machine. But as

‘n Pay and Woolworths. However as input costs continue to rise

component in their subsequent

as much as 9% a year and raw

“Some of this may sound basic.

taken a strategic change to help

But if you want to implement

reduce internal costs so as not to

something at a shop floor level

effect external prices.

where for example literacy and

“One thing we will never

numeracy is a problem, these

lower is our quality,” Riaan

tools are extremely important

emphasizes strongly, “So we’ve

since they use pictures but also

looked at new ways to increase

world class practices. I see huge

internal efficiency and when

improvement in many of the

Lactalis came on board we were

keys and we are sharing these

able to introduce a fresh model

successes with other companies.”

of employee engagement.”

In 2010 Parmalat introduced

72 | Endeavour Magazine

and prominent success.

materials rising up to 20% it has

Aligned with this and against the national backdrop of major

skills shortages, Parmalat has

every step of their process

created a large, well-structured

from the farming, to their

development programme for its

manufacturing and production,

2,000 employees which has had

to marketing, packaging and

a positive effect on efficiency

logistical delivery.

improvement.

The

inward

“How can we capitalize on focus

and

milk? This is the question we

development has not stopped

are asking ourselves at every

simply at employee training but

step now,” Riaan says, “It is one

has taken on a whole new level of

of the key thrusts behind all of

scrutiny.

our latest developments and will

“One of the key things that we are doing is identifying and

be a key component to further enhance our future direction.”

researching every component of

“Improvement, development

milk and its production,” he says,

and growth this is what we’re

“To remain the leaders we need

about,” Riaan concludes.

Whilst Parmalat is known for dairy innovations and quality, Ecolab is committed to enabling customers produce safe, high quality products that exceed customer expectations whilst improving operational performance

and

environmental

stewardship.

Ecolab, as a preferred supplier of cleaning and disinfection products and services, enables Lactalis

to be ahead of our competition

best practice by fully supporting the “Group Lactalis

and the whole way is to have

Indirect Purchasing Charter for Quality and Food

a better understanding of our

Safety”.

product.”

This has had them analysing

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Contact us at +41 44 877 2000 or visit our local websites at www.ecolab.com for further information.

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Endeavour Magazine | 73

SWITCHBOARD FREE 0207 965 7333 WWW.SWITCHBOARDFREE.CO.UK

74 | Endeavour Magazine

A FREE SWITCHBOARD REPLACEMENT FOR BRITISH SMES WRITTEN BY DONNIE RUST

A UK company supports UK business by offering a free service to replace costly switchboards. Never miss a call again.

Endeavour Magazine | 75

SWITCHBOARD FREE

There has been an unprecedented shift in the UK business market with increasing demands being placed upon SMEs and other small enterprises to outperform each other. With this in mind it reaches a point where a small to medium sized business owner simply cannot afford to miss even one phone call.

“A

looking

client

telephone number in minutes

a

number rings out and nobody

which will answer the phone

answers they’ll just call up the

with a polite and professional

online often has the choice of

second company or the third

introduction message, then the

several different companies from

until they get a response and

real gem of this service kicks in.

their very first Google search,”

then they probably won’t look

You can nominate a number

Matt explains, “For the customer

back. SwitchboardFREE makes

of recipient landlines or mobiles

the difference in service between

it possible to get the pickup and

this number diverts to; the

the company that appears first

answer service without having to

Service tries your numbers in

and the company that appears

install or establish an expensive

turn until it finds you so you

second on a search is negligible.

switchboard service.

can answer. If you do, you get

particular

for

first company but the telephone

service

The deciding factor comes down

Typical of the team at Liquid

a message saying you have

to which company answers the

11, this system’s genius is in its

SwitchboardFREE call at which

phone first.”

simplicity and applicability. You

point you can accept the call or

the

sign up to SwitchboardFree and

send the caller to voicemail and

potential customer calls up the

you’re given a live switchboard

all the time your customers are

In

76 | Endeavour Magazine

potential

other

words,

if

listening to some up-to-date hold music. Even if your customer hangs up you’ll get an email with their number or voicemail if left. There’s even a Free App that knows where you are and redirects your calls based on your geographical location. It’s like having your very own PA or virtual receptionist.

The free numbers on offer aren’t some premium rate numbers either, the 084 numbers are all charged at the standard call rate and you can get standard landlines or 0800 with all the same bells and whistles, but at a charge.

“This service becomes very useful when put into practice and the benefits are seen most by people who have an established need for a switchboard system but lack the funds to set one up,” Matt indicates, “It’s a real business class service that ensures you stay in touch with your customers all the time.”

Illustrating the dedication Liquid 11 has to supporting small to medium business empires, this service has been made available to companies in the UK for free. All you have to do is go to the website www.switchboardfree.co.uk and become a member.

“A bit of patriotism goes a very long way,” Matt concludes, “When you’re starting out in business you never know which call will be the most important of your career.”

Endeavour Magazine | 77

VERIDIAL 0044 207 965 7333 WWW.VERIDIAL.CO.UK

78 | Endeavour Magazine

WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

Liquid 11 launches the simplest user-friendly verification programme to screen incoming website memberships for false, bot signups and to spearhead the collection of responsible data for website owners.

Endeavour Magazine | 79

VERIDIAL

A UK business has launched a new product as an answer to the fast growing need of businesses to have increasingly available and trustworthy data. The product VERIDIAL is set to become one of the “must have” tools for growing businesses worldwide.

Quote

“O

nline security goes both ways,” Matt Rayner Operations manager, explains, “Potential members looking to join a company want to know that they

are joining a website where their data is secure and at the same time those running the website want to know that their members are who they say they are.”

By general standards a web presence is essential for any businesses looking to grow and client inter relations is expected and more relevant than ever in this day and age. A subscriber-base to a website is still the most efficient manner of achieving this and with that you need to bring customers to a website and have them log in.

This may seem like a straight forward thing to achieve, but anyone with a busy website that has a membership/subscription option on it will be able to attest how quickly and frequently that membership is abused by false or inaccurate details, bots or spamming programmes.

“Security, confidence and ease-of-use should be fundamental to any website sign up and this is what we’re trying to achieve, “Matt points out, “Veridial differs from standard authentication systems by physically dialling either the client’s landline or mobile number and then audibly relays their unique pin number to them. This PIN number is then input in real time and verifies the existence of that member. At all times the request is answered immediately, on any phone and there’s no electronic copy of the PIN number which can be intercepted or copied. It is as close as we can get to actually calling the person up directly”.

80 | Endeavour Magazine

Responsible Data Collection The additional benefit of Veridial is the collection of responsible data. For users, they can choose to receive news, updates and offers via a SMS. This becomes especially beneficial for companies selling or promoting goods or services. A new deal or opportunity can be made readily available to the user without them having to check their emails.

“If you really need to connect with all of your customers then SMS is king. Spam and over marketing is ruining email communication,” Matt continues, “The internet is awash with redundant inboxes that have become clogged up with social network updates and spam.

Veridial ensures all your customers mobile numbers are 100% accurate and you can therefore connect with all your customers when it really matters.”

VERIDIAL has been seeing a lot of attention lately in the press thanks to its innovative and simple approach to security and has clearly been the answer this industry niche has been waiting for. It is the Kevlar game changer of the online security industry, boosting confidence and efficiency.

For more information on Veridial visit www.veridial.co.uk

Endeavour Magazine | 81

COLLEGEHUMOR LAUNCHES NEW GAME !

BY JAIME MARSANICO

Bearshark B

earShark, CollegeHumor’s first foray into handheld video gaming, is inspired by the six-episode CollegeHumor Original animated series BearShark, which debuted

on Nintendo Video for Nintendo 3DS earlier this year, and first originated as an article series on CollegeHumor.com in 2010. The hit series comes to life in the single-player, infinite runner-style game as BearShark players run, jump and swim for their lives as clumsy Steve, racing to infinity through an endless gauntlet on land and sea with a

Ground-breaking comedy brand CollegeHumor is pleased to announce the release of BearShark, a new game created exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS system.

This is a continued partnership for the two brands, which have previously teamed to create and distribute animated 3D series on Nintendo Video for the Nintendo 3DS system. The BearShark game, inspired by the CollegeHumor Original animated series of the same name, is available for purchase in the Nintendo eShop today.

bear and shark tag-team hot on his heels. With characters that look just like their original cartoon counterparts, BearShark features a brand new scoring feature on Nintendo 3DS that keeps count as players use Steve’s trademark jump to avoid dangerous obstacles and the diabolical machinations of Bear and Shark–all conceived by CollegeHumor writers.

“This release of the BearShark game is another excellent example of the new and innovative ways we are reaching our audience— wherever they are—as CollegeHumor continues growing as a multi-media, multi-platform studio,” says Paul Greenberg, CEO of CollegeHumor Media. “And we’re also very lucky to have the chance to keep working with a terrific partner like Nintendo.”

The release of the BearShark game continues a positive collaboration

between

Nintendo

and

CollegeHumor,

which

previously brought the widely popular and on-going Dinosaur Office and BearShark original series to Nintendo Video. The two are among the most widely-viewed content on Nintendo Video.

“It’s great to see new properties break on Nintendo 3DS. CollegeHumor is really embracing the unique entertainment proposition of the Nintendo 3DS platform,” says Tony Elison, Nintendo of America’ssenior director, Network Business. “The game continues the same outrageous fun of the video series that has garnered more than three million views on Nintendo Video in a matter of weeks.”

To mark the release of the game, Nintendo will rerun all six episodes of the BearShark series on Nintendo Video and CollegeHumor will kickoff “BearShark Week” – rerunning the original “BearShark” cartoons that inspired the Nintendo 3DS video series and game.

82 | Endeavour Magazine

your electrical connection

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As a market leader in the distribution and trade of electrical goods, Voltex is perfectly positioned to drive the development and implementation of technologies which can achieve this. That’s why we are ensuring continent-wide adoption of our sustainable and environmentally-friendly services and technologies.

Be a part of a greener and more energy efficient Africa. For all your electrical requirements, visit our website www.voltex.co.za for your nearest outlet.

www.voltex.co.za Endeavour Magazine | 83

Top 10 Mistakes

PEOPLE MAKE WHEN TRYING TO BECOME PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS There many things you need to know and do in order to become successful in the music industry.

But there are many pitfalls on the path to success and that is particularly true in the music industry.

After mentoring many musicians who are developing their own music careers, I see the same false assumptions, problems and mistakes appear again and again. Here is the list of the top 10 mistakes that can hold your career back.

Mistake #10 – NO IMAGE: Most musicians (and bands) severely underestimate the importance of their image. Yes, music is about ‘music’, but music business success is about a total package that includes music, image among other things that need to be fully developed and integrated in a congruent way.

Mistake #9 – ALL TALK: Trying to ‘get your name out there’.

Although a main goal of most musicians and bands it is the wrong approach to start with. Before trying to be seen and heard as much as possible, it is more important to focus on ‘converting’ people who hear and see you into actual fans. This ‘conversion’ is the first key to your promotional success and NOT getting seen or heard as much as possible.

Mistake #8 – BELIEVING ONLINE HYPE:

Social

media websites are an important tool but are ONE piece of the online music marketing puzzle. Music industry companies (record labels, artist managers, booking agents, etc.) are more interested in the popularity of YOUR website and not how many friends you have on YouTube, Facebook or any other website that you do not own and control. Want to impress the industry with your band’s promotion?

Build your website traffic.

Mistake #7 – NO CAREER FOCUS:

Not investing

enough time into building your music career. Most musicians spend most of their time on music, but put very little effort into the many other critical elements needed to make it in the music business. If you are already a talented musician, you should invest at least 50% of your time into starting or advancing your music career. If you are still developing your musical skills, you should still invest around 25% of your ‘music’ time into building a future music career.

Mistake #6 – YOUR ENVIRONMENT:

Surrounding

yourself with people who are negative, lazy and lack ambition will end your dreams. If you are very serious about becoming a professional musician and building a great career in music, you must surround yourself with like-minded musicians.

Mistake #5 – LACKLUSTER STAGE PRESENCE: Many musicians, who are not yet in a good band, put off developing their live performing and stage presence skills. This is a big reason 84 | Endeavour Magazine

why talented musicians don’t get into really good bands that they audition for. Your music may be good, but a live ‘show’ requires more than great music. If people only wanted to hear the music, they would listen to you at home. Both fans and record labels want (and expect) to see a REAL show. You will be forgotten quickly without it.

Mistake #4 – QUANTITY OVER INTENSITY: The ‘number’ of fans you have should always be your secondary focus if you want to become successful in the music industry. The fact is, it is not the number of ‘fans’ that matters most but the number of FANATICS which will contribute more directly to your success or

current relationships you have now and will develop in the future.

your lack of it. This is particularly true in the beginning of a band’s

You don’t want to simply know people or be known, you want people

music career. Learn to convert your existing fans into raving fanatics

who know you to have a real deep connection with you so that you

and the number of your overall fans will increase through powerful

are always on the top of their mind when opportunities present

word of mouth.

themselves. Ask yourself, “What can I do right now to deepen my

Mistake #3 – NOT ENOUGH MONEY: Like it or not, it

existing relationships further on an ongoing basis?”

takes money to build a music career. Even if other people/companies

Mistake #1 – PRE PACKAGING AND PITCHING:

are paying for your record, tour support, merchandise, etc. you still

Having a fundamental misunderstanding about what record

need to have the freedom to pursue opportunities as they come.

companies look for - and expect from new bands. This is a huge

Sadly, many musicians miss opportunities because they can’t afford to

topic, but in a nutshell it’s very useful to think of record companies

take advantage of them. In addition to a decent income, you also need

like a bank that lends money to people or small businesses. Record

the flexibility of being able to take time away from that income source

companies make most of their decisions about whom they will work

to go into the studio, go on tour, etc. It is a conundrum that has to be

with and what the terms will be in much the same way that a bank

solved. That is why learning how to teach guitar is such a great way

will determine who they will loan money to and what the terms of the

to achieve both if you learn how to become a highly successful guitar

loan will be. Both record companies and banks basically want to see

teacher.

3 things:

Mistake #2 – SHALLOW MUSIC RELATIONSHIPS:

1. How much value do you bring to the deal right now.

There is an old expression, “It’s not what you know, but who you

2. How much risk do you bring with you right now.

know.” In music this is often modified to, “It’s not who you know, it’s

3. How much potential value and risk might you bring to them in the

who knows you.” The truth is, it’s not about either. The most important

future after they invest in you.

aspect of connections within the music industry is how deep are the

If you want to buy a house, the bank wants to know a lot about the specific house you want to buy and even more about you. Record companies are the exact same, they want to know about your music, your talent and your band, but they also care as much about you and your band as people. What about YOU would make a record deal a good or bad investment for them.

About the author: Tom Hess is a highly successful guitar teacher, professional touring guitarist and recording artist. He mentors musicians online to develop their own professional music careers and provides free music career resources: tomhess.net

Endeavour Magazine | 85

LOOKING TO KICKSTARTER TO RAISE FUNDS. 10 STEPS TO DOING IT RIGHT

BY NAEL MARCUS BOLANDERS

V You have a brilliant idea for a new product but are lacking in funds; however you’ve heard about Kickstarter and how since launching in 2009 it’s helped over 40,000 projects raise more than $600 million (£386 million). With figures like that and ease of access it’s the perfect platform for you to raise the capital you need to get your product out.

ery soon the biggest

funding before the deadline, it

issue comes in creating

continues to accept donations up

a compelling campaign

to the deadline.

that could draw in enough capital

So the trick is not to aim too

to get things started. Here are

high, don’t aim to retire on this

10 areas to look at before you

but focus on making enough

get started.

money to manufacture, package

1. How should I explain my idea on my Kickstarter project page?

and ship your product. “Also, that Kickstarter collects if your project is funded,” Cebulski says,

Aimee Cebulski, author of

“Amazon also charges additional

Kickstarter for Dummies says

Kickstarter payment processing

that defining exactly the scope

fees of up to 3 to 5 percent, so be

and purpose of your project is

sure to account for those, too.”

crucial. Know exactly what you

3. What sorts of rewards should I offer my backers?

need the money for, how it will be used and explain why.

“Being

86 | Endeavour Magazine

budget for the 5 percent fee

vague

about

the

“Rewards are often what

specifics of your project --

motivate people to back your

everything from what inspired

project,

you to create it to what the

make them as creative and

finished product will be -- is a

personalized as possible,” says

huge mistake,” Cebulski says.

Cesar Kuriyama, a visual effects

2. How much should I put my goal at?

artist and TED speaker whose

so

you’ll

want

to

Kickstarter project, an iOS app

To ensure the security of the

called 1 Second Everyday, raised

platform, Kickstarter is all-or-

nearly $37,000 more than its

nothing crowdfunding. IN other

$20,000 funding goal last year.

words if you fall even a dollar

Kickstarter rewards cannot

short of your total funding goal

be cash and look at instead as

at the deadline, you won’t collect

products

any money and none of your

valued between $1 and $10,000.

backers will be charged. On the

On

flip side, if your project earns full

offered several tiers of rewards.

his

and/or campaign

experiences Kuriyama

The backers who pledged $1 received the 1 Second Everyday app.

Those who pledged $150 or more received the various rewards that were given to lower-level supporters -- such as their names in the

8. Which project category should I enter?

app credits and exclusive access to a private Facebook group -- plus

Your project must fit into

a private invitation to an open bar “thank you party” at Kuriyama’s

one of the 13 main categories:

home. His biggest backer received all available rewards and a promise

art,

from Kuriyama that he would fly anywhere in the U.S. so they could

fashion,

meet in person.

music, photography, publishing,

comics, film,

dance,

design,

food,

games,

“I was careful to choose rewards that had a personal touch and

technology or theater. There

created more value for my backers and not more work for me,”

are now also 36 subcategories.

Kuriyama says. If you can’t afford to offer one-of-a-kind personal

For example, if you’re trying to

experiences, you might simply offer rewards produced by the project

crowdfund a smartphone stand,

itself, such as DVD copies of a film or T-shirts.

your project would probably fit

4. How can I increase the likelihood that Kickstarter will accept my project?

into the design category and the product design subcategory and

Kickstarter’s official guidelines suggest that you demonstrate the

would show up on both pages.

status of your project with technical drawings, CAD designs, photos,

9. How often should I update my backers?

videos and sketches, “along with a prototype demonstrating the product’s current functionality.”

Read the guidelines carefully, and then read them again, Kuriyama

You can update backers as often as you like on the

says. “And revisit them often because they evolve and change every

latest

so often.”

and milestones. Some project

5. Should I create a video for my Kickstarter campaign?

creators update backers once

project-related

events

a day, while others do so once a

Videos aren’t required, but Cebulski, Kuriyama and Kickstarter

week. You can choose whether

itself recommend using them. Projects that include a video are

updates can be viewed publicly

50 percent more successful than those that don’t, according to

on your Kickstarter project page

Kickstarter.

- or only by backers.

The best videos are short, personal and passionate, whether they’re professionally produced or shot on a smartphone. Tell the human side of the story behind your project in the first 20 seconds

10. How do I build and submit my Kickstarter project?

of your video, which generally shouldn’t last more than two minutes,

Go to Kickstarter’s Start

Kuriyama says. Briefly discuss what inspired you to create the project,

page and select “Start Your

why it should be funded and what stage it’s currently at.

Project.” This is where you will

6. How should I publicize my Kickstarter campaign?

build and tweak your project before launching it.

Once you’re ready to launch your project, it’s time to spread the

First, choose an interesting

word in your personal, and professional networks, both online and off.

title that’s simple and easy to

Kuriyama says he avoided mass emails and opted instead to write

remember.

Next,

upload

an

dozens of personalized emails to friends, family, colleagues and tech

image that best represents your

industry influencers, introducing his Kickstarter project while also

project and provide a specific

inquiring about his recipients’ lives and careers. “The key is to be

project description. Finally, enter

warm and personal, like you’re talking to them in real life,” he says.

a brief bio of yourself with links

You can also consider drafting a press release about your campaign

to your Twitter feed and website.

to send to local print, TV and radio media, as well as online media and

It typically takes only a few

bloggers who write about products like yours.

days for Kickstarter to review

7. Can I choose how long my Kickstarter project will last?

your project and decide whether

Kickstarter campaigns last between one and 60 days. How long

to accept it. If it gets declined, Kickstarter

will

sometimes

yours runs is up to you and you set your own start and end dates.

explain why. You can appeal the

Kickstarter recommends running your project for 30 days or fewer

decision or revise your project

because month-long campaigns have the highest success rates.

and resubmit it.

Endeavour Magazine | 87

Show of Hands

BY DONNIE RUST

HOME GROWN INTERNATIONAL HEROES

M

ay 10th, Cromer Pier extends forth from the cliffs of

“The first one was at the Pavilion, Cromer Pier in 1998 and

Cromer like a gift towards the horizon where the dusk

attracted a lot of attention,” Scott reflects, “Since then we’ve

has painted the sky in shades of blues and pink. The

established it into a three day event which has sold out well ahead of

fifteenth run of Folk on The Pier has been sold out now for a week

time.”

however when I arrive at the pier entrance with my photographer

Shrugging about selling out Scott cares more for the enjoyment

in tow I’m surprised to see that the pier is practically empty. At first

of the guests during the night. The sales account for a total of 3000

I wonder if we’ve come to the right place and panic because I’ve come

tickets over a three day period, an incredible accomplishment for

to interview the headlining band Show Of Hands and can’t do that if

what is a niche music industry.

I’ve driven to the wrong location!

Scott Butler, founder and owner of Deckchair Productions is behind Folk On The Pier and has for over a decade been promoting the folk rock industry successfully into what has become one of the largest folk-rock events in the UK. 88 | Endeavour Magazine

“Many of the people at the festival today came last year and the year before,” Scott points out, “And will be back here next year.”

Drawing from a pool of the best folk bands and musicians, one of the stars are the headliners Show of Hands.

Suffering a bit from hero worship I find myself sitting in the

dressing room opposite Steve Knightley, a man with a spread of

where Steve left off, “Traditional

their audience more dedication

stubble, unruly backswept hair that keeps falling in front of his face

folk music didn’t happen on a

than they receive.

and a West Country brawl. Typically, my mind blanks the moment I

stage it happened in the crowd

And what advice would these

get to speak with him and what I ask is barely coherent. Steve, who has

and we knew that we had to

icons give to bands today who

no difficulty memorizing the little details about people, instantly puts

engage

are looking to make the jump

me at ease with a smile and makes himself a cup of tea as if he has all

Before these social networking

the time in the world.

with

our

audience.

from amateur to professional?

sites took off we used to email

“Being seen,” Miranda says,

“We’ve always had a presence online,” he says, “Which as a grass

out to over ten thousand people

“Anyone can get an online

roots regionally sourced business model, came about because no

at a time, but now it’s easy to

presence now and you have to

management company were interested in investing in us, nobody

communicate

social

forget about sending out samples

cared about giving us a chance commercially so it developed as a

sites. It’s interesting to see how

to people for gigs because it’s

strategy to survive.”

our fans have started talking

redundant now. Get online. Get

amongst themselves. Getting

on Youtube, whether you’re in

involved.”

a studio or in a field. Get your

Despite everyone having some sort of online presence many bands don’t have one and they don’t make the effort to impress upon fans through platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Youtube.

on

the

A fan of Show Of Hands

guitar, sing, get recorded and put

“It’s hilarious to be perceived as cutting edge, when this is just a

would recognize the cohesion of

cottage industry that has just grown purely by the hard work of the

the traditional folk sound with

“Anyone who is going to

bands and the commitment of the fans. But at any point you’re really

the influence from the modern

give you a gig is less interested

just trying to survive and when you look back retrospectively there

generation, with songs revolving

in your ability to sing and more

seems to be that decision to go on this path to get here,” ‘here’ being

around gambling, politics, the

interested in your presence

one of the biggest UK folk bands in action today, “But it’s really just a

financial sector and online habits.

on stage,” Steve adds, “How

case of doing everything and seeing what works.”

it on Youtube.”

“Traditional folk has always

you relate and work with your

Now, there have been many opportunities for Show Of Hands

been my background,” Steve, the

audience will determine your

to cash in and become a product of another record company since

key songwriter, explains, “And

popularity every time.”

they’ve filled out the Royal Albert Hall three times..

in traditional folk music there

After over an hour on stage,

“There is a lifestyle that we’re not willing to give up,” Steve points

is no ego, you’re telling a story,

after they’ve had us all singing

out, just before Phil Beer and Miranda Sykes join us in a storm of

playing a character. Our songs

along to our favourite songs

friendliness and smiles that is quite surprising. Phil Beer founded

may have a modern edge, but

each of the members appears in

Show Of Hands with Steve, a giant of a man with an infectious laugh,

future listeners will think it’s old

the forecourt, signing CDs and

Miranda, their red headed jazz standing-bass player and harmony

fashioned.”

practically swimming through

singer is a striking beauty who talks with the same witling tones as she sings.

Phil, who has been a professional musician the longest continues

A strong business strategy exists

in

the

liaising

and

communication and in showing

their fans. I’m not surprised to get a text from Steve telling me to have a safe trip back to London.

Endeavour Magazine | 89

#9 New York Times Bestsellers List: My Greek Drama

by Gianna Angelopoulos

M

y

Greek

and

happened in 2000, when slow progress and gridlocked bureaucracy put Athens in danger of losing the Olympic Games. Under her

Olympic Effort to Bring Glory

leadership, Athens made up for lost time and gave the world what IOC

to

President Jacques Rogge called: “an unforgettable dream Games.”

One

Country

Love

(Greenleaf

Book Group) by Ambassador Gianna Angelopoulos brings us

President Bill Clinton calls My Greek Drama, “…a useful guide for those who seek to transform lives, organizations, and even nations.”

a compelling story of how one

Greenleaf Book Group is a publisher and distributor best known

woman saved the 2004 Olympic

for its innovative business model,distribution power and award-

Games.

winning designs. Named one of the fastest growing companies in the

Going beyond memoir this is

United States by Inc. magazine, it has represented more than 1,000

a wide-ranging, no-holds-barred

titles, including more than 20 that have hit the New York Times, Wall

exploration of political challenge,

Street Journal or USA Today bestseller lists. You can learn more about

success,

Greenleaf on its website www.greenleafbookgroup.com and blog

and 90 | Endeavour Magazine

Ambassador Angelopoulos provides an in-depth account of what

Woman’s

Her

Life,

Drama:

failure,

ultimate

betrayal redemption.

www.bigbadbookblog.com.

The Nightclub Scene and DJ Rivalries Form the Backdrop to a New Sultry Lesbian Novel: Journey to Ibiza by Fire De Ville

T

he steamy love story of Natalie and Victoria that started in

and yang tattoos, and a cavalcade

“To Love a Woman or Butterflies… Butterflies… Butterflies…”

of characters with names like DJ

evolves to tell the tale of Rita and Maggie in the second lesbian

Boobs, DJ Fat Cat Daddy, and a

romance novel from author Fire De Ville, “Journey to Ibiza.”

Set amidst the intoxicating world of big city nightclubs and DJ

bitchy thieving DJ Jules.

“Journey

to

Ibiza”

is

rivalries, “Journey to Ibiza” begins with a chance encounter between

published by Friesen Press and

Maggie, a struggling DJ, and Rita, a budding music producer, thanks

is now available for Kindle and in

to a partially hidden hat. The chance encounter soon evolves into a

soft cover and hardcover directly

deep friendship, the discovery of a mutual attraction to music, and a

from the publisher’s website and

“should she or shouldn’t she” take the plunge into a relationship at the

Amazon.com with prices starting

risk of ruining the friendship. Along the way, there’s a seemingly magic

at $5.99. Visit: firedeville.com

coin, a stolen remix of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” matching yin

to order.

Headsmash

by Vlad Yuvin

“T

he biggest graphic novel release of 2013” by Diamond Comics and the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2). The cover is created by renowned comics artist

and illustrator Tim Bradstreet (BLADE, THE PUNISHER, TRUE BLOOD). As the winner of multiple Eisner awards for Best Cover Artist, Bradstreet has created over 70 classic covers, including the 2006 Iron Maiden album cover ‘’A Matter of Life and Death.”

In collaboration with Arcana Comics, HEAD SMASH is a sci-fi, thriller, action story set in a fantasy filled, lurid city of Ares and centres on an orphan named ‘Smash’ who finds a safe haven with a brutal syndicate – The Horde. The thrilling graphic novel shares the ultimate story of betrayal, love, and loyalty. www.headsmash.net Endeavour Magazine | 91