Europe & Middle East Outlook - Issue 22

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ISSUE 22

De Watergroep is taking 105 years of water provision in Flanders to the next level

BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDES 28

BIS / ECONOCOM 62 Technological innovation as a service

Azerbaijan & Cologne

ALSO FEATURING: A L P I Q

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F A C I L

MMH HOLDINGS LTD 78 Excellence in onshore and offshore support

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G U L F O O D

TOYODA GOSEI UK 94 Technology for a brighter global future

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G A S T E C H

Business Travel Guides

A complete guide to EME’s leading business travel destinations

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C O L O G N E

pitomising the very essence of an ideal Central European ‘city break’, Cologne thrives as the ultimate business travel

destination.

Offering economic facilitation and stress-relieving leisure in equal measure, Germany’s fourth most populated city has become a popular stomping ground for every strand of visitor: whether you’re a culture vulture, a partier, an executive, a historian, a foodie, a beer connoisseur or an art enthusiast.

Cologne envelops the Rhine River to the west of the country in the RhineRuhr region, and to add to its appeal even further it is renowned as one of the warmest areas of the nation despite its inevitable flood susceptibility.

For the casual tourist, its numerous eateries and bars, its relaxed and friendly

Cologne Already one of Central Europe’s most enigmatic and attractive destinations, Cologne hopes to continue enticing a vast range of conventions for the betterment of the city’s overall infrastructure Writer: Matthew Staff

people, its stunning architecture - chiefly epitomised by its world-renowned Cathedral - and its yearly winter markets make the city one of Europe’s most attractive. Yet, behind the beer and the culture, there is an equally significant sect devoted to business prevalence; making the overall culmination a business travel haven.

Head of Cologne Convention Bureau of the Cologne Tourist Board, Christian Woronka notes: “The framework

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conditions are extremely favourable: Cologne is located very centrally within Germany and Europe, and it can be very easily reached by every means of transportation; plane, train and car.

In addition, as a conurbation in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Cologne has strong economic sectors and tremendous economic clout, as well as a dense network of scientific and research institutions.”

He adds: “The University of Cologne is Germany’s biggest and second-oldest university, and since 2012 it has had the status of an Excellence University with numerous international research institutes. What’s more, we have the world’s seventh-largest city centrebased trade fair complex.”

Cologne houses a broad and varied range of meeting venues, comprising 169 conference facilities all-in-all (19

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event centres, 55 conference hotels and 95 event locations); amounting to more than 150,000 seats. A planned CONFEX Hall and additional array of five-star hotels in the coming years, as part of the Koelnmesse 3.0 project, will further compound the impetus too.

And naturally, such vast influxes into the city on an annual basis have a positive effect not just on the business community, but on every facet of the area’s diverse offering.

Woronka continues: “Cologne is an extremely lively metropolis that offers many opportunities to design attractive supporting programmes. This results in the very positive development of the overall number of overnight stays and of our congress and convention business.

The partners in the meeting sector work hand-in-hand to promote Cologne as a destination.”

FACTS & FIGURES

Area:

405 square kilometres

Population (2015): Currency: Time zone: Dialling code: Internet TLD: Climate: Highest recorded temperature:

1.06 million Euro (€) UTC+1/2 +49 .de Temperate-oceanic 38.8 °C

IMAGES COURTESY OF KÖLNTOURISMUS

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28 See page

Our Business Travel section not only gives executives the complete guide to the world’s most popular and populous locations, but also gives said locations the perfect opportunity to showcase their own businesses, events, venues and services to a truly international audience and readership of more than 395,000 each month.

To share in this unrivalled exposure and to put your own offering on our map, then please contact our Sales Managers, Joe Palliser or Ryan Gray to find out more.

joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 676

ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 672

W E L C O M E For Tomorrow’s Generation

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The opening publication of the year seems as good a time as any to reset, to refresh, and to glance ahead.

And in no sector is this better achieved in the modern climate than in the tech realm, via an always-prevalent focus on digitisation and its primary influence on De Watergroep is the business world. taking 105 years of water provision in Flanders to the To this end, the first EME Outlook next level of the year includes exclusive insights from Axios Systems and BIS; the latter Benelux-based entity looking forward with excitement following Econocom’s acquisition of the business last year.

The resultant proposition is one that is looking to offer the most advanced audio/visual solutions, as a service, in what is a globally unique model.

January’s headline act however, is a Company thriving in the same region as BIS, but certainly not in the same sector. Instead, De Watergroep is looking to leverage contemporary technologies in order to adopt a circular approach to utility operations and water provision in Flanders.

Focusing on system innovation and sustainability, the Company is proving that 105 years of operations in no way correlates to outdated processes.

“There is a transformation taking place in Flanders and we want to make sure we are taking the lead in driving it, not just reacting to it,” De Watergroep’s new CEO, Hans Goossens affirms.

Other industrial pioneers making a proactive start to 2018 include Al Faris Equipment Rentals, Tatra Trucks, Promat Middle East, Facil and Toyoda Gosei UK; while in the oil & gas domain both Njord Offshore and MMH Holdings Ltd continue to negotiate industry fluctuations to remain entrepreneurial and lucrative.

The latter Maltese enabler is especially playing a vital role in promoting energy-efficient solutions; as is Swiss electricity producer, Alpiq. Our front of book section relays MD, Christian Pluess’ analysis of the region’s hydro opportunities.

And finally, while much of Europe engages in ‘dry January’ following the holiday celebrations, such initiatives have never been Outlook’s style. And as such, we round off the issue with a post-party review of the continent’s best Oktoberfests, while also venturing into Cologne, where you go for business, but stay for the beer.

ISSUE 22

BUSINESS TRAVEL

GUIDES 00 Azerbaijan & Cologne

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BIS / ECONOCOM 00 Technological innovation as a service

ALSO FEATURING: A L P I Q

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F A C I L

MMH HOLDINGS LTD 00 Excellence in onshore and offshore support

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G U L F O O D

TOYODA GOSEI UK 00 Technology for a brighter global future

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G A S T E C H

EDITORIAL

Editorial Director: Matthew Staff matthew.staff@outlookpublishing.com Deputy Editor: Phoebe Calver phoebe.calver@outlookpublishing.com

PRODUCTION

Production Manager: Daniel George daniel.george@outlookpublishing.com Art Director: Stephen Giles steve.giles@outlookpublishing.com Advert Designer: Devon Collins devon.collins@outlookpublishing.com IMAGES: www.thinkstockphotos.co.uk

BUSINESS

Sales Director: Nick Norris nick.norris@outlookpublishing.com Operations Director: James Mitchell james.mitchell@outlookpublishing.com HEADS OF PROJECTS Joshua Mann joshua.mann@outlookpublishing.com Kane Weller kane.weller@outlookpublishing.com Stuart Parker stuart.parker@outlookpublishing.com Tom Cullum tom.cullum@outlookpublishing.com Training & Development Manager: Eddie Clinton eddie.clinton@outlookpublishing.com SALES MANAGERS Joe Palliser joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com Ryan Gray ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com PROJECT MANAGERS Callam Waller callam.waller@outlookpublishing.com Donovan Smith donovan.smith@outlookpublishing.com Jamie Sutherland jamie.sutherland@outlookpublishing.com Josh Hyland josh.hyland@outlookpublishing.com Richard Thomas richard.thomas@outlookpublishing.com Tom Arnold thomas.arnold@outlookpublishing.com Vivek Valmiki vivek.valmiki@outlookpublishing.com

ADMINISTRATION

Finance Director: Suzanne Welsh suzanne.welsh@outlookpublishing.com Office & Finance Manager: Sophia Curran sophia.curran@outlookpublishing.com DIGITAL & IT: Hamit Saka HELPDESK: James Le-May

OUTLOOK PUBLISHING

Managing Director: Ben Weaver ben.weaver@outlookpublishing.com Chairman: Mark Weaver

CONTACT

Europe & Middle East Outlook Woburn House, 84 St Benedicts Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 4AB, United Kingdom Sales: +44 (0) 1603 959 652 Editorial: +44 (0) 1603 959 655 SUBSCRIPTIONS Tel: +44 (0)1603 959 655 Email: matthew.staff@outlookpublishing.com www.emeoutlookmag.com Follow us on Twitter - @EME_Outlook Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/emeoutlook

Matthew Staff

Editorial Director, Outlook Publishing

Enjoy the issue!

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In this issue...

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NEWS

All the latest top stories from Europe and the Middle East

S P E C I A L F E AT U R E S

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FOOD & DRINK

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ENERGY AND UTILITES

Oktoberfests Across Europe Counting down the top five Oktoberfests outside of Munich The Power of Hydro Alpiq contributes to enhanced energy stability

S E C TO R

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F O C U S

MANUFACTURING

High-Performing Luxury Upping design and engineering excellence to the Gulf

BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDES

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AZERBAIJAN

From Strength to Strength

COLOGNE

Taking Centre Stage

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SHIPPING & LOGISTICS

SHOWCASING LEADING COMPANIES

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Tell us your story and we’ll tell the world

ENERGY & UTILITIES

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DE WATERGROEP

Lifting and Shifting Providing machinery for largescale industrial requirements

Today, for Tomorrow’s Generation A customised water service

MANUFACTURING

T E C H N O L O G Y

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TOYODA GOSEI UK

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FACIL

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DUBAI DRINK TECHNOLOGY EXPO (DDTE)

Boundless Creativity Technology for a brighter global future HIPER-Growth Flexible fastening solutions

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PROMAT MIDDLE EAST

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TATRA TRUCKS

AXIOS SYSTEMS

Premier Protection Exceeding the Middle East’s fire safety requirements Taking You Further The Tatra Concept

Created by Experts, Delivered by Experts, Creating Experts Driving rapid IT system management growth

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MMH HOLDINGS LTD

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NJORD OFFSHORE

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Oil & Gas’ Safe Haven Excellence in onshore and offshore support

Safety, Efficiency, Reliability Managing crew transfer vessels for the offshore wind market

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A Magical Fit Technological innovation as a service

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GULFOOD

BIS / ECONOCOM

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AL FARIS EQUIPMENT RENTALS

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JLT RISK SOLUTIONS Unique Specialists Secure, innovative and experienced

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The world’s largest food event channels thousands of new product launches

Bringing together innovators and operators from the Middle East’s beverage sector

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ENERGY FROM WASTE 2018

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EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OFFSHORE CONGRESS HUB (EPOCH)

Economic and operational best practice for successful energy from waste project delivery

BGS Group hosts the closed-door EPOCH in Rome this March

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GLOBAL SMART ENERGY SUMMIT

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MIDDLE EAST ELECTRICITY 2018

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3RD CDO CONCLAVE

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OIL & GAS UZBEKISTAN

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GASTECH 2018

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MRO MIDDLE EAST

Supporting the UAE’s Vision 2021 to make the UAE one of the most sustainable countries in the world

The region’s leading international trade event for the power industry Thriving in the era of a digital revolution The new business image of Uzbekistan

At the forefront of international gas, LNG and energy Business Success at MRO Middle East and AIME

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Outlook Creative Services Complementing the production of Africa Outlook, Asia Outlook and Europe & Middle East Outlook magazines, Outlook Publishing’s award-winning in-house team is now utilising these same specialist production skills to offer a full and bespoke range of editorial, design and marketing services via its new Outlook Creative Services division.

For more information on how we can work with you in providing a plethora of completely flexible and customisable production services, please visit www.outlookpublishing.com/creative-services

CONTACT DESIGN: Stephen Giles +44 (0) 1603 959 656 steve.giles@outlookpublishing.com

E D I TO R I A L : Matthew Staff +44 (0) 1603 959 655 matthew.staff@outlookpublishing.com

Devon Collins +44 (0) 1603 959 661 devon.collins@outlookpublishing.com

Phoebe Calver +44 (0) 1603 959 660 phoebe.calver@outlookpublishing.com

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ECONOMY

Almost Half of UAE Residents are Worried about the Cost of Living Being Raised by VAT Almost half of UAE residents are worried that they will not be able to afford the increased cost of living brought about by the country’s implementation of value-added tax (VAT), a survey from yallacompare, the Middle East’s leading comparison site, can reveal.

The survey, conducted in December, 2017, polled nearly 200 UAE residents, and found that 44.6 percent are worried about not being able to afford the increased cost of living as a result of VAT being added to products. More than half (51.8 percent) said they were slightly worried about the increased cost of living, but are confident they

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of consumer confidence is the extent to which people have been confident enough to make big-ticket purchases such as a car or a home.

What we found is that 32.1 percent of respondents admitted to having deferred a big purchase last year. Of those, less than half were confident that they would be in a position to make such a purchase in 2018.

While we don’t think that there’s been a sudden and dramatic drop in won’t feel many effects.

“The most surprising thing we found consumer confidence as a result of the VAT implementation, it is fair to with this survey was that only 3.6 percent of people are not worried at all say that there is perhaps a significant number of people who do have some about the increase in costs associated real concerns about their short-term with VAT. And 44.6 percent were so finances.” worried that they might not be able Rawling continued: “The fact that to afford the increased cost of living in the UAE,” said Jonathan Rawling, CFO the introduction of VAT should result in a more stable economy overall has of yallacompare. Now, we carried out perhaps been lost on many people. the survey in the run-up to Christmas, and at that time, many people may not But once the initial shock of consumer have been clear on exactly what would prices rising has worn off, we believe that the other benefits of VAT – such have been taxed, and how VAT would as improved government services and affect them, so that could well have greater business confidence – should been a factor in the responses. be clear to the majority of residents.”

“Obviously, a key indicator

GO TO WWW.EMEOUTLOOKMAG.COM/NEWS FOR ALL OF THE LATEST NEWS FROM EUROPE & MIDDLE EAST

EME FOOD & DRINK

Gulfood 2018 Mega Show to Consolidate UAE’s Lead Role in Global Food Agenda The 2018 edition of Gulfood, the world’s largest annual food and beverage trade event and the first major international food industry trade show of the year, will further strengthen the UAE’s lead role in setting the global food agenda, according to the exhibition organisers, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Citing the long-established reputation of Gulfood as a key driver in fostering innovation across the local, regional and global food and beverage supply chain, DWTC officials revealed on-site sales generated by 95,000-plus buyers and visitors at Gulfood 2018 - which runs from 18-22 February - will contribute heavily to a global food market expected to generate revenues of

MINING & RESOURCES

UK Funds Satellite Hunt for New Minerals The British Government has handed out £850,000 for research that uses satellites to identify deposits of minerals, including battery metal lithium, as part of efforts to bolster the economy after the exit from the European Union.

The project named the Satellite Applications Catapult is seeking to assess the quality of mineral structures, to ensure exploration spending is focused on the best deposits, by analysing satellite images of geology and vegetation, British miner Cornish Lithium, which is participating, said.

USD3.03 trillion by 2020, according to Research and Markets, a Dublin-based market research company.

“In attracting the Middle East’s largest trade industry audience, generating huge transactional volumes every year on the show floor, and setting global foodstuff commodity prices, Gulfood is the region’s premier food and beverage industry platform – it underlines Dubai’s leading role in the global food sector,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President,

Exhibitions & Events, DWTC. Following a successful debut in 2017, Gulfood 2018 will continue its sectorised approach to further increase accessibility and trading potential. Tens of thousands of finished food and beverages will be featured in halls dedicated to eight of the biggest commodity trading sectors: Beverages; Dairy; Fats & Oils; Health, Wellness & Free-From; Pulses, Grains & Cereals; Meat & Poultry; Power Brands and World Food.

Others involved in the project include the British Geological Survey, the Camborne School of Mines, which is part of Exeter University, and environmental consultancy, North Coast Consulting.

“We are very pleased with the results so far and we believe this research could lead to groundbreaking satellite applications for the exploration and mining industry,” Jeremy Wrathall, CEO of Cornish Lithium, which seeks to extract lithium from brine in Cornwall, southwestern England, told Reuters in an interview.

The British Government is counting on a low-carbon car industry to help sure up the economy after the country leaves the European Union.

It has said it will ban new petrol

and diesel cars from 2040, raising the prospect of a huge increase in demand for lithium.

Extracting lithium from Cornish brines has been considered too costly, but new technology can make it viable, analysts say, and Cornish Lithium says its project could benefit from the development of geothermal energy in the area.

GO TO WWW.EMEOUTLOOKMAG.COM/NEWS FOR ALL OF THE LATEST NEWS FROM EUROPE & MIDDLE EAST

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SPORT

Qatar says World Cup is on Track Despite Boycott Qatar is confident that it can host a successful World Cup in 2022 and preparations are fully on track after a boycott by its Gulf neighbours briefly disrupted supply lines last year, its foreign minister said recently.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said Qatar’s economy was now growing much faster than anticipated and the major gas exporter was well prepared to withstand the crisis in relations with its neighbours.

“We are confident we will host the best World Cup in the Arab world and it will represent the whole Arab region,” Sheikh Mohammed said in an interview during the World Economic Forum in Davos.

“The Government has already overcome the disruptions which happened to supplies at the beginning of the crisis and we have introduced alternative routes. There is no disruption at the moment,” he said, adding he had heard no signals from FIFA that it was planning to change the venue of the World Cup.

OIL & GAS

China says Sunken Iranian Tanker may now be Leaking Heavy Oil A sunken Iranian oil tanker may be leaking heavy bunker fuel as well as light oil off the east coast of China and the best remedy was to recover the vessel, officials said shortly after the incident.

It was unclear how much bunker fuel was left aboard the tanker when T R A N S P O R T

Ryanair Announces Plans to Double Capacity in France Ryanair plans to double its capacity in France over the next four years, to around 20 million passengers per year following its December decision to recognise unions for the first time, a senior executive said recently.

The Irish airline, which currently has no bases in France due to its strict union rules, hopes to set up one or two bases in the coming 18 months, Chief Commercial Officer, David O‘Brien said.

Ultimately Ryanair may operate out of four or five bases in the country, he added.

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it sank after being ablaze for days, but experts estimated it may have been carrying about 1,000 tonnes at the time of collision.

“There have been multiple appearances of oil slicks of different sizes and types at the sinking spot and nearby... the slicks exceeded 200 square kilometers,” Huo Chuanlin, of the State Oceanic Administration’s Ecological Protection Department, told reporters.

It was not immediately clear where the oil could wash up or the extent of the damage it could cause.

“We currently have just under 10 million passengers in France and I see no reason why that wouldn’t be doubled in three to four years as we open new bases,” O‘Brien told Reuters after the airline announced 10 new winter routes in the country.

The obvious candidates for bases include Marseille, Nantes, Toulouse and Beauvais, he said. Ryanair would consider Paris Orly airport if it lifts what O‘Brien described as “artificial restrictions” on capacity.

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EME F I N A N C E

BNP Paribas Frontrunner to buy Banco BPM’s Depositary Banking Business France’s BNP Paribas is the frontrunner to buy the depositary banking business of Italy’s Banco BPM, which could be worth around 200 million euros ($245 million), two sources close to the matter said.

The proposed sale falls under a reorganisation of financial holdings and capital management actions Italy’s thirdlargest bank is carrying out following

the merger last year that gave birth to Banco BPM. BNP Paribas Securities Services, fully owned by BNP Paribas, is the world’s fifth-largest custodian bank.

Back in 2010, BNP Paribas Securities Services bought the depositary bank of Banca Popolare di Milano, the Milanese lender which last year merged with Banco Popolare to create Banco BPM.

ECONOMY

Citi to Raise Pay for Women and Minorities in the US, UK and Germany Citigroup Inc will increase compensation for women and minorities to bridge pay gaps in the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany, as part of its annual pay process this year, the Wall Street bank said.

As part of the move, Citi also becomes the first big US bank to respond to a shareholder push to analyse and disclose its gender pay gap.

Citi said it had conducted a survey in the three countries, where it found that women and minorities are paid only slightly less than their male and nonminority counterparts.

O I L & G A S

Qatar Sees Stampede for Gas Projects to help Beat Crisis

T R A N S P O R T

EasyJet Aims to Double Passenger Numbers in Germany EasyJet aims to more than double passenger numbers in Germany to 18 million this year after taking over some of failed airline, Air Berlin’s operations at Berlin’s Tegel airport.

Domestic routes from inner-city

Tegel, which launched with a flight to Munich recently, are bulking up the British budget carrier’s business and putting it in direct competition for business customers with Lufthansa’s airlines.

“This is a key step for us. We will be Number One in the Berlin market,” easyJet Finance Chief, Andrew Findlay said.

EasyJet already flies from Berlin’s other airport, Schoenefeld, to destinations outside Germany.

US and European oil majors are piling in with offers to help Qatar develop new gas projects, the country’s Energy Minister, Mohammed al-Sada said, despite a protracted crisis in the Gulf region and pressure on firms to choose between Qatar and its neighbours.

“Both US and EU majors have shown great interest. We did expect this, but they surprised us on the upside by the degree of keenness,” said al-Sada, when asked whether firms had expressed concerns about potential pressure from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) not to cooperate with Qatar.

OPEC kingpin, Saudi Arabia and the UAE cut ties with Doha in June, saying Qatar backed terrorism and was cosying up to rival, Iran. Qatar rejected the accusation.

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TELL US YOUR STORY

AND WE’LL TELL THE WORLD E U R O P E & M I D D L E E A S T O U T L O O K is a digital and print product aimed at boardroom and hands-on decision-makers across a wide range of industries in the EME region.

With content compiled by our experienced editorial team, complemented by an in-house design and production team ensuring delivery to the highest standards, we look to promote the latest in engaging news, industry trends and success stories from the length and breadth of Europe and the Middle East.

Reaching a combined audience of more than 395,000 people, Europe & Middle East Outlook covers a full range of industrial sectors: mining; oil & gas; logistics; resources; manufacturing; construction; engineering; technology; food & drink; retail; finance; and healthcare.

In joining the leading industry heavyweights already enjoying the exposure we can provide, you can benefit from free coverage across both digital and print platforms, a free marketing brochure, extensive social media saturation, enhanced B2B networking opportunities, and a readymade forum to attract new investment and to grow your business.

To get involved, please contact Outlook Publishing’s Managing Director, Ben Weaver, who can provide further details on how to feature your company, for free, in one of our upcoming editions.

W W W. E M E O U T LO O K M A G . C O M Tel: +44 (0) 1603 959 650 Email: ben.weaver@outlookpublishing.com

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ACROSS EUROPE

As one of the largest festivals in the world, Oktoberfest’s popularity is spreading all across Europe and further afield Writer: Phoebe Calver

s you would expect with such a renowned festival, Oktoberfest has a long and illustrious history within Europe and of course its home, Munich.

The festival began in its simplest form in 1810 as part of the marriage celebration between Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony on 12 October that year.

Munich’s citizens were invited to a celebration of the royal event, which included a variety of activities spanning from horse racing to those which were designed specifically to boost Bavarian agriculture. The popularity of the event caused its continued growth over the years; today being recognised as one of the largest festivals in the world, attracting more than six million visitors globally every year.

With the event’s popularity at an all time high, we are looking at Europe’s top five Oktoberfests outside of Munich.

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O K T O B E R F E S T S

A C R O S S

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Norwich Norwich Oktoberfest celebrated a very successful first year in 2017, with OPEN Norwich’s iconic building - located on Bank Plain - being turned into a traditional German themed Bierkeller.

The theme was completed with authentic Bavarian beer on offer, as well as food and entertainment provided by classic German Oom-pah and Europop bands to bring forth the spirit of the event.

Running over the course of the first weekend in October, there are many options available to suit all requirements. Individual VIP tickets are available, as well as VIP tables for eight people, making it the perfect occasion to celebrate with friends.

Barcelona Barcelona’s tribute to Oktoberfest is organised in the purest German style, with free access to a wonderful selection of the best Bavarian gastronomy.

The festival lasts a total of 12 days located at the Plaza Universo de Fira Barcelona Montjuïc - and will provide live music, groups of polka and a DJ to accompany the festive cheer of the event. This provides the perfect setting to spend time with friends, family and colleagues, whether you’re a great brewer or are looking for a chance to experience the Oktoberfest atmosphere for the first time.

Glasgow Launched in 2013, Glasgow’s Oktoberfest is all about tradition, serving an incredible array of specially brewed Bavarian beer and well loved schnitzel, pretzel and bratwurst.

Perhaps one of the defining factors of Glasgow’s event is the atmosphere that it is able to create, matching that of the original and historic Munich. The event provides a wonderful atmosphere for colleagues, clients and friends to enjoy themselves.

You will be treated to a selection of bands from Bavaria, ready to entertain with a wide variety of songs and traditional oompa music.

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Gdansk From September to October every year, Brovarnia Gdansk fills its streets with an atmosphere that could rival that found in the well loved beer tents of Munich. This event proves that you don’t need to travel to Germany to experience the special feeling of being part of the biggest beer event in the world.

In-keeping with tradition, the staff are dressed in traditional outfits, serving Bavarian beer as well as an array of culinary specialities to get a real taste of the event. Alongside the beer and food, each evening over the course of the two months you will be provided with a wonderful mixture of live music to fully encapsulate the theme.

Stockholm In true Oktoberfest style, Stockholm’s beer tents are filled with traditional long tables and beer brewed especially for the event. Whether you are there to socialise or fully embrace the all singing and dancing atmosphere, you are guaranteed to have a truly unforgettable evening.

Entrance to the event is free, however if you are intending to bring a large group of friends or colleagues then it is a good idea to reserve a space with one of the many beer and food offers available.

Now in its seventh year the event is more popular than ever, constantly evolving ready to meet with the needs of its ever evolving audience.

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THE POWER

of Hydro

Alpiq’s Managing Director for Hydropower Generation, Christian Pluess, makes a case for hydropower in countering fluctuating electricity generation among current renewable power sources Writer: Matthew Staff

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E N E R G Y

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s a leading Swiss energy services provider and electricity producer, Alpiq is quite literally at the centre of power in Europe. Offering customers continentwide a comprehensive and refined array of energy management services for sectors including facilities management, transport technology, and industrial power; the Company caters for the entire value chain and subsequently enjoys a front-row seat to all the of major trends dictating not just European, but global energy demands at present.

“Alpiq stands for individually customised, future-oriented solutions that are economical, reliable and sustainable,” explains Managing Director of Hydropower Generation at Alpiq, Christian Pluess. “In Europe, Alpiq leads the way in the marketing of flexibility, both for its own flexible Swiss hydropower portfolio and for its customers’ decentralised energy generation units.

U T I L I T I E S

Alpiq is also trading on the European energy exchanges and its portfolio of structured products and services complete the wide spectrum of solutions and services.

Digital solutions and systems from Alpiq optimise the energy flow between energy producers, prosumers and consumers. Thus, the Company makes a significant contribution towards the stabilisation of the electricity grids and increases the energy efficiency of industrial facilities and large-scale consumers.

EME Outlook took the chance to discuss with Pluess the role that Alpiq plays in Europe’s energy sector, as he pinpoints the benefits of hydropower as a flexible and renewable power source.

EME Christian Pluess (CP): Hydropower is the origin of Alpiq. For more than a century, the Company has been using its hydropower plants to secure Switzerland’s energy supply with flexible, climate-friendly and efficient electricity. In Switzerland, Alpiq manages more than a dozen of the most powerful hydroelectric power plants in the country, such as Grande Dixence (2,000 MW) which is the highest gravity dam in the world.

The Alpiq Group is headquartered in Lausanne and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. Approximately 8,500 employees work every day in the service of its customers.

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EME Outlook (EME): Over the past few years, what have been the main continuous improvement strategies and philosophies of Alpiq Group in the field of hydropower?

CP: The Hydropower business has, over the past several years, been exposed to decreasing market prices.

In Switzerland, hydropower also faces an asymmetrical regulation and can therefore not be operated sustainably. As a consequence, we have two main strategic directions for our hydropower unit in the recent years: lean and very cost effective organisation; and optimal use of our very flexible production portfolio.

As Alpiq has a large portfolio of mainly storage plants in various climatic regions of the Swiss Alps, we focused on high availability and low cost operations of our assets, while ensuring the security of people and goods, which remains one of our highest priorities.

EME: In response to what key, ongoing industry trends have these improvement strategies been implemented?

CP: Key trends include decarbonisation, decentralisation, and digitalisation. One example regarding the latter sees Alpiq work on fully digitising the hydro value chain with the goal of further reducing O&M costs through e-monitoring and predictive maintenance; as well as increasing the revenue through further optimisation of the plant’s usage.

EME: Can you please talk me through some of the main projects you have undertaken in recent times in the field of hydropower to this end?

CP: We recently completed a 480MW pumped storage plant - Forces Motrices Hongrin-Léman - in 2016; a €300 million project delivered on time and in budget. In order to further reduce costs without increasing the risks we achieved ISO 55001 (asset management) certification - the first

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“As Alpiq has a large portfolio of mainly storage plants in various climatic regions of the Swiss Alps, we focused on high availability and low cost operations of our assets”

utility in Europe to do so - and we introduced a performance-based maintenance philosophy step-by-step.

On this basis the O&M costs could be substantially reduced, while ensuring the security of people and goods.

Looking forward, in 2018 there is one major project in our pipeline: the completion of our biggest project, a 900MW pumped storage project, Nant de Drance, which will be one of the largest in the Alps. The commissioning phase will start in 2019.

EME: Significantly, from your vantage point, what do you feel are the primary challenges facing Europe from an energy and power perspective at present?

CP: In spite of the energy transition, the coal price still determines the wholesale prices for electricity. The costs of Swiss hydropower must compete with the variable costs of the fully written-off coal-fired power plants in Germany, because these are price-determining in Europe.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVID PICARD

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In addition, every European country safeguards “its method” of generating electricity using appropriate interventions; in the meantime, hundreds of protectionist measures are in force within the European Union.

In short, the genuinely “liberalised” market does not exist, neither in Europe nor in Switzerland.

EME: Ultimately, what do you believe the core strengths of hydropower to be and what role do you

feel it could and should play as an energy source in Europe’s future energy supply strategy?

CP: Hydropower is a flexible and renewable energy source, free of CO2.

The flexibility of hydropower plants, in particular pumped storage power stations, is a strong asset for Europe’s security of supply and grid stability.

Pumped storage power stations represent an indispensable complement to the new renewable energies. It is essentially an energy

Alpiq offers customers continent-wide a comprehensive and refined array of energy management services

reservoir that can be fed into the grid at any time and offers an immediate and effective solution for the mitigation of energy shortages and the storage of surplus electricity. In the face of the continued growth of fluctuating electricity generation from wind and solar plants, such solutions are indispensable in order to maintain the stability of the Swiss and European grids.

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High-Performing

LU X U RY

Motors S.A.L became the first developer of high-performance luxury sports cars located in the Gulf when it was founded in 2012, catering to a select market of ultra-high net worth individuals.

During the past five years the Company has set its sights on becoming a fully integrated highperformance luxury sports car producer, with a range of services that span car design, manufacturing and research & development.

The basis of W Motors was born

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W Motors S.A.L is introducing its new flagship showroom concept, developed through its ever evolving partnership with ICONIQ Motors Writer: Phoebe Calver

in 2006 from a young automotive design students dream to create the first Arabian supercar, and from a small office in Beirut, Ralph R. Debbas launched his project that would go

onto realise that dream.

Coming from a family of industrialists, Debbas was surrounded by an entrepreneurial environment from a young age and was encouraged to dream big. After achieving a degree in Design at the Lebanese American University, he continued his studies in England at the Coventry University School of Art and Design.

Debbas remained in Europe after his studies, working on several award-winning concepts and gaining invaluable knowledge and access to the automotive industry.

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After receiving many accolades for his impressive work within the industry, Debbas was equipped with the necessary skills to launch his own company in Beirut on 11 July, 2012 in one of Lebanon’s most prestigious locations - Sursock Palace.

The Company opened its doors in style with an invite-only event that housed many international industry players, setting a precedent for the future success of the Company.

Despite the aforementioned early success for W Motors, in order for it to become the symbol of luxury it was aiming to, the Company needed to be housed in a place that shared the same ideals as the brand. Following on from this realisation, the leadership team decided to move the Company headquarters to Dubai.

In its present day form the Company is led by an extremely experienced management team, all of which have an exceptional knowledge of car design, development, sales and marketing.

The Company has established itself through proven unparalleled technical and production partnerships with leading automotive engineering and technology companies around the globe.

‘The Company has established itself through proven unparalleled technical and production partnerships with leading automotive engineering and technology companies around the globe’

Flagship showroom

W Motors is showing no signs of slowing down when it comes to its innovative spirit, recently working with its Tianji-based partner named ICONIQ Motors on the opening of their first flagship showroom.

The showroom which is located in the premium district of City Walk in Dubai - described as an “urban living” destination by Meraas - is nestled within the prestigious neighbourhood which provides the perfect combination of luxury living, shopping, entertainment and wellness options.

The new flagship showroom concept was developed around W Motors and ICONIQ lifestyle values and will offer a space not only to exhibit

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the latest creations penned by the W Motors team, but also a combination of lifestyle products and art pieces from around the world.

A true reflection of W Motors values and aesthetics, this new space was conceived and developed by iMagine Interior Decoration LLC, who have successfully combined functional design with artistic craft to create a unique environment enabling guests from all around the world to immerse themselves in W Motors exceptional

universe. It is within an art gallery ambiance, that the brands’ guests can enjoy a private coffee break while admiring the exclusive vehicles exhibited at the showroom.

“This new flagship showroom is a giant step for W Motors, finally giving us the opportunity to share with the public our world and to permanently display our creations,” stated the CompanyIt is during this flagship showroom private opening event, that the global premiere of W Motors

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latest creation took place, the most awaited Fenyr SuperSport, in its final production version, in front of regional and global press members as well as select international VIPs. Designed by W Motors and engineered through the help of illustrious partners worldwide, Magna Steyr Italy and RUF Automobile Germany, the Fenyr SuperSport focuses mainly on performance, speed and driving pleasure without compromising its inherited luxury.

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‘In addition, the famous Fast and Furious 7 Lykan HyperSport was also exhibited in the showroom’

The heart of this machine is a one-of-a-kind flat 6-cylinder 3.8 litre twin turbo, mid-rear engine, 800 horsepower and 1,000 Newton-Metre torque with a 7-speed double clutch transmission.

Talking about the new vehicle unveiling, the Company stated: “the Fenyr SuperSport is the most incredible car ever produced so far.”

Gathered guests were also able to witness exclusively the regional

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premiere of the ICONIQ Seven in both its Premium and VIP editions after their successful debut at the acclaimed Shanghai Auto Show earlier this year.

Designed by W Motors design studio in Dubai, in collaboration with its partner ICONIQ Motors, the two fully electric MPVs are developed around the passenger with the purpose of bringing the latest in comfort and connectivity.

The ICONIQ Seven Premium Edition brings incredible features when it

comes to passenger comfort, a key characteristic since the car was fully developed around the passenger’s experience while the VIP Edition being the ultimate version of the Seven platform, is the most sophisticated and refined fully electric MPV ever created, a combination of luxurious materials, advanced technology and unseen customisation levels in its class.

“Today marks a huge milestone for the ICONIQ story, we are thrilled to

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open our first showroom and design studio,” said the Company. ICONIQ will surprise the Chinese market by incorporating supercar styling and aesthetics DNA into an electric vehicle.”

In addition, the famous Fast and Furious 7 Lykan HyperSport was also exhibited in the showroom.

Both partners have also unveiled the “L5 Autonomous Concept” targeted for Expo 2020 in Dubai. This advanced

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Level five vehicle, which is currently in its development stage through the help of world-class engineering and technology companies, such as AKKA Technologies along with several other multinational partners, will be launched mid 2018 in a first demonstration version, to be fully functional for the most anticipated Expo 2020.

“We’ve got a great team here, and it’s an exciting time for us. The investment into the ongoing L5 project

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further highlights our dedication to giving consumers the very best experience and has allowed us to improve the level of products and services we offer,” concluded the Company.

Throughout the event, guests relished exquisite cocktail canapés carefully crafted by Chez Charles catering company while enjoying lounge music in the private courtyard area of the showroom.

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AZERBAIJAN After many years spent rebuilding its reputation, Azerbaijan is emerging as an elite tourist destination and the perfect meeting ground for business travel Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Joe Palliser et on the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan is widely considered a part of both Europe and Asia.

Azerbaijan is known as the ‘Land of Fire’ and includes ancient historical empires intertwined with the modernity of a nation that is undergoing a rapid transformation.

The capital city, Baku provides an eclectic mixture of architectural phenomena from the likes of Paris and Dubai and is rapidly changing. Surrounding the old city centre are beautiful mansions and pedestrian streets lined with trees and exclusive boutiques, all of which adds to the unique feel that the city holds.

The country’s capital has developed a reputation for its romance in the past, however, recently business travel has boomed with thanks

to numerous new developments.

In the past decade in particular vast numbers of new and modern towers are beginning to dominate the skyline, bringing forth a new wave of architectural masterpieces.

Tourism remains an important part of the economy in Azerbaijan, despite war and the fall of the Soviet Union in the 1990s causing some damage to the country’s reputation as a tourist hotspot. Over the past few years the Government of Azerbaijan has set out to develop a reputation as an elite tourist destination, with the aim of making it a top contributing factor to the economy.

This focus on tourism has provided excellent opportunities for business in the country and looking forward, it will likely be a huge part of the future of Azerbaijan.

FACTS & FIGURES

Languages: Capital: Area:

Azerbaijani Baku 86,600 square kilometres

Population (2014): 9.762,000 Currency: Azerbaijan Manat (AZN)

Time zone: UTC +4 Dialling code: +994 Internet TLD: . az Climate: Continental

influenced climate

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The Business End SINCE THE Country gained independence in 1991, it has gone onto become a member of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Islamic Development Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

With thanks to the push from spending in 2007 and the subsequent demand growth, inflation rates reached 16.6 percent and incomes climbed up to 29 percent. Despite the positive growth experienced in terms of income, Azerbaijan demonstrated signs of ‘Dutch Disease’, due to the

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fast-growth of its energy sector that caused inflation that would make non-energy related exports more expensive.

The country’s chronically high

inflation was controlled by the end of the 2000s though, leading to the exciting launch of the new Azerbaijani manat which proceeded to cement the economic reforms that had been put in place in the country. This combined effort towards building stability led to Azerbaijan being named one of the top 10 reformers in the Doing Business Report by the World Bank in 2008.

Azerbaijan’s number one export is oil, and despite a decline in 1997, the country’s supplies have grown year-onyear since that point in time, adding to the economic strength of the country.

For more information and reservations T: (994 12) 310 0009 E: central.reservation@absheronhotelgroup.com

Boulevard Hotel Baku • 818 comfortable rooms and suites • 1.300 m2 pillar-free ballroom and 6 breakout rooms • 3 Conceptual restaurants with summer terrace • Wellness & Spa with 25 m indoor swimming pool W: boulevardhotelbaku.com

Intourist Hotel Baku • 150 elegant rooms and suites • Multifunctional meeting room up to 50 guests • Eastern European restaurant with terrace • BAR51 - A modern urban & social spot in Baku • Fitness studio and Spa W: intouristhotelbaku.com

Pik Palace Hotel Shahdag • 167 Grand deluxe rooms and suites • Azeri and Italian dining venues • Magnificent pillar-free Ballroom up to 500 guests • Wellness & SPA with heated outdoor pool unique in the region W: pikpalaceshahdag.com

Park Chalet Hotel Shahdag • 164 country-style rooms and suites • Magnificent views over the surrounding mountains • Fully equipped meeting room filled with day light up to 260 guests • Alpine cuisine Grill & Bar W: parkchaletshahdag.com

Bilgah Beach Hotel Baku • 176 rooms and suites and 14 private villas • Grand Ballroom and multipurpose meeting venues for up to 600 person • Family Waterpark and private beach • Extensive dining choices W: bilgahbeachhotel.com

A Z E R B A I J A N

Azerbaijan National Tourism Pr

Fuad Naghiyev

THE NATIONAL Tourism Promotion Bureau is a subordinate of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture of Azerbaijan, established by the President of Azerbaijan in December, 2016.

The organisation was formed with the aim of creating an international image for Baku, achieved through coordinating a tourism marketing strategy and enhancing the satisfaction of tourists, as well as the country-wide tourism potential.

Fuad Naghiyev, Director of the National Tourism Promotion Bureau, discusses how his team of professionals are creating new partnerships and tapping into promotional opportunities worldwide.

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EME Outlook (EME): How would you say Azerbaijan has developed in recent years as a new tourist destination? What are the key reasons behind its growing appeal?

Fuad Naghiyev (FN): Azerbaijan is a country located at the crossroads between east and west with its capital Baku having modern infrastructure and ancient rich historical sites and with regions encompassing fascinating nature and national parks.

It is partly because of this exposure that Baku has received the lion’s share of Azerbaijan’s global tourism recognition, with an analysis of recent trends showing that Azerbaijan’s tourism sector as a whole is on the rise.

Azerbaijan has simplified the visa regime for more than 90 countries, and now you can apply for an e-visa and get it online in just under three hours. Alongside that, the prices for hotels and hostels have become even more attractive for the foreign visitors due to the devaluation of the national currency.

Baku Eye

EME: What are the future plans of the Bureau in terms of the development of the tourism industry in the country?

FN: By 2020 the main bulk of the Bureau’s activity will be focused on the capital city Baku; at present - jointly with local and foreign companies - we are working on the Baku city branding to make it more recognisable all over the world and develop it as a tourist destination that would be interesting travelling and learning more about.

Azerbaijan’s strategic vision for 2020 is to develop Baku into a major tourist destination, realising

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the tourist potential for the entire country, establishing a favourable environment and infrastructure for the development of tourism industry, as well as increasing the level of satisfaction among tourists.

By 2025, the country aims to be one of the most preferred 20 tourist locations and increase the number of indicators of effective use of our existing tourism resources. For this purpose, Azerbaijan will launch highly targeted and well-governed branding campaigns in key demand cities and countries and popular online platforms.

EME: What makes Azerbaijan especially interesting for tourists?

FN: Azerbaijan is one of the cradles of the modern civilization that unifies the east and the west, Europe and Asia, a place where ancient traditions and modern values meet. Baku is a roaring capital city reflecting in the blurry waters of the Caspian Sea and is a completely new destination for

many neighbouring and remote tourists to get away for a weekend.

Baku Puppet Theatre

tourists, which will definitely conquer their hearts.

Baku is a city of contrasts and always has something new to discover, and increasingly, Baku is becoming known as a tourist destination. Mature travellers and young backpackers are coming to explore Baku in greater numbers.

Over the last decade, Baku has expanded tremendously with a number of skyscrapers, shopping malls, restaurants and hotels. Tourism in Baku is booming so much that it’s becoming a popular destination for

EME: Lastly, what would you say your main tactics are when it comes to attracting the attention of tourists to the country?

FN: Every traveller can find something close to their heart in Azerbaijan. First, the rich historical, cultural and natural heritage of the country attracts visitors from all over the world. Our historical monuments, ancient culture attract tourists. On the other hand, Azerbaijan is a modern country and the tourism infrastructure has developed very well here. Our excellent cuisine, beautiful climate, and hospitable people make it very appealing to tourists.

The country also offers both climactic and terrain diversity with thanks to its mountains, warm sea and medicinal hot springs to name a few. Tourism is definitely a priority a present for state policy, and holds great promise for economic development moving forward.

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Out & About WITH THANKS to its historical and cultural heritage, Azerbaijan has remained incredibly popular as a tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. With thanks to its untouched nature and ancient architecture, the country has always been a firm favourite amongst worldly travellers, however, now it is moving into a new era with a focus on business.

Not only is the hospitality of a globally high standard, Azerbaijan’s unique cultural offerings, cuisine and infrastructure offer the perfect backdrop for a buzzing business hub.

Between 2010 and 2016, the country was in the top 10 for growth in visitor exports, showing the potential it has to offer moving forward in terms of growth.

With the introduction of Fairmont and the Absheron Hotel Group, the country is able to provide top class hospitality to business travellers and tourists alike. Alongside the numerous appealing offerings available for modern business-related needs, Azerbaijan also offers a spectacular array of activities that will give you a feeling of the old country. Its selection of monuments, museums and preserved natural areas such as Sirvan National Park and the Mud Volcanoes that remain incredibly popular at all times of year and for every type of tourist.

Heydar Mosque, Baku

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Turning Moments into Memories About the hotel This luxury 5-star hotel in the Flame Towers architectural complex-one of the most grandiose structures in the city of Baku, which has become the symbol of Azerbaijan. The complex is located in a prestigious area of the town and differs with its charming panorama view of the Old city and Baku bay.

Accommodation There are 299 guest rooms and 19 luxury serviced apartments in the hotel. Each guest room has spa-like marble bathrooms, exclusive bed and bath accessories/toiletries from the brand Le Labo Rose 31, highspeed Internet, LCD TVs, coffee machines and much more.

Facilities Two floors - 3600 sqm spa center ESPA-biggest one in Azerbaijan (treatment rooms and VIP rooms, indoor and outdoor pool with sea view, hammam, GYM, yoga, and meditation studio, health cafe). 11 meeting rooms and 2 ballrooms for social events, valet parking 24-hour concierge and business center, laundry, babysitter services, car rental and hundreds of other services to meet any guest’s needs.

Fairmont Gold Lounge Located on the 19th floor, Fairmont Gold Lounge offers guests exclusive services and privileges, including deluxe buffet breakfast, evening snacks and drinks, detached Check-in/out zone and separate personnel, welcome cocktail, snacks, and fruit in guest rooms on arrival.

Restaurants and bars Le Bistro with exquisite merge of French, Italian and local cuisine, Nur Lounge with a wide range of cocktails and hookahs and The Jazz Club with an admirable interior, live music, and panoramic view.

Flame Towers, 1A, Mehdi Huseyn, Baku, Azerbaijan, AZ1006 | Tel: (+ 994) 12 565 48 48 | baku@fairmont.com | www.fairmont.com

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Outlook Recommends “If you’ve never been to Azerbaijan, prepare to be astounded.”

- Azerbaijan Convention Bureau

HOTELS Fairmont Flame Hotel

Fairmont’s hospitality has been extended to Baku with its five-star luxury hotel, Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers. Guests will be treated to the some of the city’s most exquisite dining experiences, ranging from a chic bistro, to juice bars and fine dining.

The hotel also provides more than 2,500 square metres of function space, making it the perfect host for business travel in the region. Surrounded by the latest technology, service that is second to none and luxury transportation through the business district, you will find your stay both convenient and extremely enjoyable.

Absheron Hotel Group Absheron Hotel Group (AHG) is a young hotel management company operating in Azerbaijan, establishing a world-class portfolio of hotels with the aspiration to become the market leader. AHG is building upon the remarkable tourism development in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

At present the Company manages two five-star deluxe hotels located in the resort area of the Shahdag Mountain Resort, named Pik Palace Shahdag and Park Chalet Shahdag.

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AHG has three hotels located in the capital, Baku, named Boulevard Hotel Baku, Intourist Hotel Baku and the Bilgah Beach Hotel. The Company’s newest boutique, Dinamo Hotel, in Baku is currently under development, and will open its doors mid 2018.

With its exceptional hotel portfolio, the Group aims to exemplify a unique selection of diversified hotel concepts where each property has its own distinctive positioning, spirit and audience with a strong emphasis on personal touch and authentic Azerbaijani hospitality.

Excelsior Hotel and Spa Baku

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MUSEUMS

LEISURE

Heydar Әliyev Cultural Centre

Şirvan National Park

Yarat Contemporary Art Centre

Mud Volcanoes

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Fountains Square

BY DRONQQO - TEMPLATE:SALYAN, CC BY-SA 3.0

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Da Massimo Baku Vapiano Nargiz Restaurant

PHOTOGRAPHY: GULUSTAN

SHOPPING

Park Bulvar 28 Mall Port Baku Mall

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Baku port

PHOTOGRAPHY: ARAZ YAQUBOGLU

PHOTOGRAPHY: GULUSTAN

Transport Links

Baku’s new red buses accept prepaid cards for travel

Baku Metro

London taxi cabs have been recently introduced in Baku

TRANSPORT WITHIN Baku in particular is very advanced and accessible; for the majority of services you will pay cash as you depart. A recent introduction to the capital city is the new red buses that accept prepaid BakiKart credit for usage.

Brought into action in September, 2015, BakiKart is available for purchase from metro stations and bus stops spread throughout the city.

At present there are two versions of the card available, dependent on the amount of time you will be spending

in the city during your visit. The plastic coated card is available for reuse and the disposable paper option is available for up to four journeys. At present the system is only available for use on either the metro or newer red buses, however, looking forward towards the development of tourism in the country, it is looking likely that the system will be extended in the future.

During your stay if you find yourself with some spare time for exploring, the metro provides the perfect link

between the old city and suburban areas. With reasonable fares and the ability to use BakiKart, the metro provides a quick and easy way to see more of Azerbaijan on your travels.

Taxis also provide a relatively easy mode of transport when it comes to finding your way around the city with speed and ease.

The vast majority of taxis are not metered and will often demand a minimum fare, so bear that in mind when planning your journeys.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: UREK MENIASHVILI

Landmark Attractions Palace of the Shirvanshahs

“While looking for information about Baku sightseeing, one of the first attractions that will draw your attention will surely be Shirvanshahs’ Palace… Shirvanhahs’ Palace was built in 15th century by Shirvanshah kingdom who ruled mostly in the current territory of Azerbaijan in 861 - 1538. Shirvanshahs literally means “the kings of Shirvan”. Shirvan was the main territory and the first capital’s name of the kingdom. After frequent earthquakes happening in Shamakha - second capital - the capital was moved to Baku.”

- www.bakuexplorer.com

Fazil Labarynth

PHOTOGRAPHY: FRANZFOTO

“Over a dozen close-packed grave sites from the 2nd to 7th centuries BC have been excavated but left exactly as they were found with pots, talismen and the bones of sacrificed animals in situ. One can almost ‘feel’ the evolution of humanity in the space of 70m as you walk through the little brick-vaulted catacomb created for the site’s protection… This place has been a lifetime endeavour for two local archaeologists, who open the site by appointment, best arranged through the Şəki tourist office.”

- Lonely Planet

Maiden’s Tower

“The Maiden Tower is a Baku landmark, a much loved symbol of the city and of Azerbaijan. It looms dark and enigmatic, looking out to sea from the southern edge of Baku´s old, walled city, the Icheri Sheher. The origins of the tower are shrouded in mystery - no-one knows for certain when it was built or what it was built for or even how it acquired its name Maiden Tower (Qiz qalasi).”

- visions.az

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pitomising the very essence of an ideal Central European ‘city break’, Cologne thrives as the ultimate business travel

destination.

Offering economic facilitation and stress-relieving leisure in equal measure, Germany’s fourth most populated city has become a popular stomping ground for every strand of visitor: whether you’re a culture vulture, a partier, an executive, a historian, a foodie, a beer connoisseur or an art enthusiast.

Cologne envelops the Rhine River to the west of the country in the RhineRuhr region, and to add to its appeal even further it is renowned as one of the warmest areas of the nation despite its inevitable flood susceptibility.

For the casual tourist, its numerous eateries and bars, its relaxed and friendly

Cologne

IMAGES COURTESY OF KÖLNTOURISMUS

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Already one of Central Europe’s most enigmatic and attractive destinations, Cologne hopes to continue enticing a vast range of conventions for the betterment of the city’s overall infrastructure Writer: Matthew Staff

people, its stunning architecture - chiefly epitomised by its world-renowned Cathedral - and its yearly winter markets make the city one of Europe’s most attractive. Yet, behind the beer and the culture, there is an equally significant sect devoted to business prevalence; making the overall culmination a business travel haven.

Head of Cologne Convention Bureau of the Cologne Tourist Board, Christian Woronka notes: “The framework

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conditions are extremely favourable: Cologne is located very centrally within Germany and Europe, and it can be very easily reached by every means of transportation; plane, train and car.

In addition, as a conurbation in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Cologne has strong economic sectors and tremendous economic clout, as well as a dense network of scientific and research institutions.”

He adds: “The University of Cologne is Germany’s biggest and second-oldest university, and since 2012 it has had the status of an Excellence University with numerous international research institutes. What’s more, we have the world’s seventh-largest city centrebased trade fair complex.”

Cologne houses a broad and varied range of meeting venues, comprising 169 conference facilities all-in-all (19

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event centres, 55 conference hotels and 95 event locations); amounting to more than 150,000 seats. A planned CONFEX Hall as part of the Koelnmesse 3.0 project, as well as the possibility of an additional array of five-star hotels, will further compound the impetus too.

And naturally, such vast influxes into the city on an annual basis have a positive effect not just on the business community, but on every facet of the area’s diverse offering.

Woronka continues: “Cologne is an extremely lively metropolis that offers many opportunities to design attractive supporting programmes. This results in the very positive development of the overall number of overnight stays and of our congress and convention business.

The partners in the meeting sector work hand-in-hand to promote Cologne as a destination.”

FACTS & FIGURES

Area:

405 square kilometres

Population (2015): Currency: Time zone: Dialling code: Internet TLD: Climate: Highest recorded temperature:

1.06 million Euro (€) UTC+1/2 +49 .de Temperate-oceanic 38.8 °C

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The Business End GEOGRAPHICALLY - and traditionally - in competition with neighbours, Düsseldorf, there is a certain amount of sharing that occurs in terms of regional prosperity, but the aftermath of numerous significant historical events have contributed more favourably to Cologne in terms of its modern infrastructure and economic influences.

Benefitting from a large market structure, the city became a dominant media base over the decades, while its academic acumen transcended into a positive reputation for fields including research, history, cultural studies and, later, finance.

“In addition to the city’s existing amenities such as event locations, hotels and infrastructure, the Cologne

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Convention Bureau specifically publicises Cologne’s areas of expertise in the fields of science and business,” Woronka adds as a prime example. “That mainly includes our local sector expertise in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, the services sector, machinery and plant construction, craft workshops and the games industry.”

Numerous internationally significant companies have leveraged Cologne’s business prominence, including the REWE Group, TÜV Rheinland and Deutz AG. Once again though, an element of touristic enjoyment is never far away from the economic cycle, as one of the city’s leading exponents, Kölsch breweries epitomises all too tastefully.

The beer producer contributes to Cologne’s status of boasting the highest pub density, per capita, in Germany; inserting the final link between business and pleasure that keeps the city ticking over.

From parmesan cocktails to salmon martinis: Germany’s top bar Little Link

It’s the basic idea behind every cocktail: Various components combine to create something completely new. This idea is the basic concept of one of the most exciting bars in Germany, Little Link in Cologne.

The idea is even reflected in the name: The “little link” refers to the connections that are created here – “between classic and modern, elegant and casual, kitchen and bar,” as the menu says. But what does this mean day to day? “When they come here, guests can look forward to classic drinks and excellent spirits as well as modern cocktail interpretations,” says owner Stephan Hinz.

“Modern” is a real understatement, because

what Hinz creates with his team at the inhouse bar laboratory pushes the boundaries of the bar. A classic on the menu is the By Sea By Land. A gin is flavoured for this drink with the finest salmon using the sous vide process, and then it’s mixed in the glass with dry vermouth, essence of hay and olive soil.

Whether sweet potato, goat cheese or asparagus – modern techniques and finely balanced recipes expand the bar’s taste palette with astonishing effects. Naturally, shakers and mixing glasses wouldn’t cut it.

Instead the bar employs cold drip, rotary evaporators, dehydrators or smoking guns.

“It’s exciting to try new things, but we make sure that the effect is not just a gimmick. It

enriches the drink or has something to do with its history,” Hinz explains.

In any case, the bar is well thought-out.

The menu is no exception. Instead of classic cocktail categories, the drinks are divided into fictitious countries, including the United Gindom or the Highball Highlands.

The guests are invited to go on a trip using their orders. This stays true down to the basic idea: Just as ingredients from all over the world combine to make something completely new, the culinary journey makes links between traditions and cultures.

Despite modern ingredients and techniques, Little Link’s concept is endearingly oldfashioned.

Maastrichter Straße 20 | 50672 Köln | +49 162 7833366 | bar@littlelink.de | www.littlelink.de

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Cologne Convention Bureau

WORONKA’S AFOREMENTIONED emphasis on event locations, hotels and infrastructure is critical when honing in on the business side of the Cologne coin. And few have been more influential in harnessing the potential of the city to this end than the Cologne Convention Bureau as he, and Director of Conventions & Marketing at the Cologne Tourist Board, Stephanie Kleine Klausing discuss.

Stephanie Kleine Klausing (SKK): Cologne has always been a prominent trade fair location, but over the years the convention business has also become increasingly important. As a result, we decided to establish a separate unit called the Cologne Convention Bureau (CCB) within the Cologne Tourist Board. This unit began operating on 1 August, 2008 in order to market Cologne specifically as a destination for congresses and conventions at the national and international levels and to build up a broad network of partners within the city.

EME Outlook (EME): Since inception, how has the Cologne Convention Bureau developed and progressed in terms of its key objectives and the messages it tries to get across?

SKK: We are proud of the very

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good development of the Cologne Convention Bureau, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year. A broad network of approximately 150 partners has taken shape over the years. These partners cooperate closely with the CCB to market Cologne as a destination for conventions and congresses. The networking events we organise twice a year have become a well-established component of the meeting sector in Cologne, and they are greatly appreciated as an opportunity for knowledge sharing among professionals.

Christian Woronka (CW) adds: The services offered by the CCB include a specially developed website, locations.Cologne, which has been expanded over the years

and is designed to be an event planner that is specially oriented toward the meeting sector. The range of services on offer at this responsive website involves all the partners of the CCB. An additional service is the Meeting Point Cologne, which started out as a simple catalogue of locations but has developed into a high-quality magazine. In addition to providing facts and figures, we use this magazine mainly to tell stories about Cologne as a congress destination, offer examples of best practice, include news about science and research and present interviews with interesting personalities.

The Cologne Convention Bureau has also adopted the German Convention Bureau’s strategy of emphasising specific areas of expertise. In addition to the city’s existing amenities

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such as event locations, hotels and infrastructure, the CCB specifically publicises Cologne’s areas of expertise in the fields of science and business.

Especially with a view to international marketing, the CCB has formed a close partnership with the neighbouring city of Düsseldorf through ‘KölnDüsseldorf – The Meetropolis’, a promotional project of the European Regional Development Fund (EFRE). The aim is to use synergies in order to establish a favourable market position for these two major cities along the Rhine.

EME: Taking a more general industry stance, how would you evaluate the tourism sector in Cologne now compared to its condition when the Convention Bureau began?

SKK: In 2009 we introduced a regular process of market research in the congress sector, and since then we’ve been receiving valid data to work with.

Back in 2009 we registered 41,500

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events with 3.13 million participants.

By 2016 those figures had already increased to 48,700 events with 3.82 million participants. There has also been a positive overall development in overnight stays by tourists, from 4.3 million overnight stays in 2009 to approximately six million in 2016.

Congress and trade fair participants and business travellers account for a large proportion of overnight stays in Cologne. Thanks to the activities of the CCB in cooperation with its partners from the sector and the areas of science and research, we’ve been able to attract many congresses and conferences to Cologne. Examples include the World Congress of the International Academy of Pathology, which was held in Cologne in 2016 with more than 4,000 participants;

the International Children’s Oncology Congress; and the International Society of Biomechanics in Sport Conference.

EME: Looking forward, if we were to speak again in three-five year’s time, what progress and development would you hope and expect to be able to report back, both in regards to the Cologne Convention Bureau, and to the business travel industry in Cologne as a whole?

SKK: We would be delighted if the planned CONFEX Hall is completed by then as part of the Koelnmesse 3.0 project, and if a number of new five-star hotels have settled in Cologne.

In addition, we would like Cologne’s popularity as a destination to continue, and we hope to attract interesting new conferences whose themes reflect the strengths of our city.

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Out & About THE 10TH gamescom trade fair; the Music Tourism Convention; the 19th International Congress of Classical Archaeology; the 33rd EEA Congress; the TimeRide VR Cologne; and Culinary Cologne - as well as the forthcoming Koelnmesse 3.0 - will all drive the city’s events, tourism and facility expansion strategy being implemented over the coming months and years.

And each new showpiece is music to the ears of Cologne’s tourism exponents. Areas of food & drink, hospitality, art & culture, nightlife, retail and museums thrive from the offshoots of business as international visitors arrive in their droves; just as eager to immerse themselves in the

‘As the city’s headline act, the 8,000 square metre Gothic masterpiece is poignant to visit, but is essentially a startling viewpoint from most corners of the CBD.’

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city’s offerings as they are to secure a new trade deal or supplier contract.

The post-war reconstruction has made Cologne the Rhineland’s cultural hub comprising more than 30 museums and hundreds of galleries.

Embracing architecture from both sides of the war, contemporary blends in with Romanic splendour seamlessly and are overseen by their commanding construct, Cologne Cathedral.

As the city’s headline act, the 8,000 square metre Gothic masterpiece is poignant to visit, but is essentially a startling viewpoint from most corners of the CBD. And this fortunately means that you can combine culture and spectating with the city’s other notable pursuit: drinking.

Cologne’s annual Trade Fair and months-long carnivals keep bars full and beers flowing all year round. And even if you’d prefer to save social frivolities for the evenings, the city’s nightlife never disappoints. Little Link Bar, the Hard Rock Cafe and the Cologne Ring would be enough to induce a morning-after boardroom meeting headache on their own, but it’s still advisable to explore a little further down the ‘Straßes’ nonetheless.

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Outlook Recommends “Cologne is an extremely lively metropolis that offers many opportunities to design attractive supporting programmes.” - Cologne Convention Bureau

NIGHTLIFE

HOSPITALITY

MEDIEVAL HOUSES

Steigenberger Hotel Köln

FOOD & DRINK Cologne City Hall Gürzenich Overstolzenhaus

Little Link Bar “Various components combining to create something completely new” is the premise behind one of Germany’s most exciting bars, Little Link Bar. Its name referring to the flavour connections generated, customers can “look forward to classic drinks, excellent spirits and modern cocktail interpretations”, owner, Stephan Hinz says. The thought-out menu optimises influences from around the world and spills over into its catering arm, Cocktailkunst. “Whether it’s for 10 or 10,000 guests, tailor-made to your event, Cocktailkunst combines the best ingredients with perfect service,” the Company says. “Look forward to infused spirits, aromatic essences, fragrant foams and extravagant visuals effects!”

Hard Rock Cafe Cologne The Cologne Ring 48

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The Kölsch Guys Brew House Tour ImhoffSchokoladenmuseum Eat-The-World Food Tour

ART & CULTURE Galerie Karsten Greve

RETAIL

MUSEUMS Romano-Germanic Museum Museum Ludwig The Museum Schnütgen Farina-House Fragrance Museum Kolumba

Hohe Strasse Schildergasse

LEISURE Kölner Zoo

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The landmarked Steigenberger Hotel Köln is located in the city center only minutes away from several important historical sites. Cologne’s famous cathedral and the Rhine promenade are a mere 20 minutes’ walk away. More distant hot spots can also be easily reached by using public transport.

Our 305 modern rooms, some with views over Cologne, are more than just a place to stay. Amenities include air-conditioning, satellite TV or cable connection, work desk, safe, minibar and coffee- and tea-making facilities.

Our facilities at Steigenberger Hotel Köln - Free WiFi - Central Location - Bar

- Meeting Rooms - Restaurant - Pets Welcome

Steigenberger Hotel Köln, Habsburgerring 9-13, 50674 Köln General Number: 0049 221 228 0 | Fax: 0049 221 228 1111 | @: cologne@steigenberger.com

www.koeln.steigenberger.com

Outlook Creative Services

Reservation: 0049 221 228 1717 reservations.cologne@steigenberger.com Meetings & Groups: 0049 221 228 1515 meetings.cologne@steigenberger.com Sales: 0049 221 228 1823 isabel.kroll@steigenberger.com

Outlook Publishing’s awardwinning in-house team is now utilising its extensive production skills to offer a full and bespoke range of editorial, design and marketing services via its new Outlook Creative Services division.

Located in the heart of historic Cologne, the Hard Rock Cafe offers locals and travelers alike a unique experience. Our Cafe is located in a walkable area just six minutes from the famous Cologne Cathedral and a sixteen minute drive from Cologne Bonn Airport.

Choose your favorite dish from our expansive menu, home-made and prepared with the freshest local ingredients, or explore our exclusive merchandise selection in the Rock Shop, Hard Rock Cafe Cologne has something for everyone.

Phone: +49 221 27 26 88 0 Cologne.SalesCoordinator@hardrock.com F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N V I S I T: www.outlookpublishing.com/creative-services

www.hardrock.com/cafes/cologne

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Transport Links

CONSIDERING THE German flag carrier, Lufthansa has made Cologne its base over the years, it comes as no surprise that the city thrives as one of Germany’s leading transport hubs; the Konrad Adenauer Cologne/Bonn Airport front and centre of this status.

The likes of Ford and Toyota have similarly capitalised on Cologne’s infrastructure and location in setting up headquarters there. So, inevitably, the quality of transport in the city lives up to its cachet.

Historically is has always been an important trade city across land, sea and air; its Rhine-adjacent proximity adding a further string to this bow.

In recent years, infrastructure has understandably switched focus to the road network; so much so in fact, that it is one of the most car-friendly cities

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in the country. Much like Scandinavia, many German hubs have looked to promote cycling as the foremost mode of internal transport, but the car still holds sway in Cologne and finding a reputable rental company upon arrival wouldn’t be the worst idea.

Alternately, if your travels are a little broader, then taxis can be backed up by the extensive and expectedly reliable rail offering.

Facilitating not just insular movement but national, and even continental, migration, Cologne once again flexes its central muscles.

Connections to Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Paris and even London are now a possibility; ultimately reaffirming the city’s role as one of Europe’s most significant touristic and business linchpins.

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Landmark Attractions Cologne Cathedral

The 12 Romanesque churches

Groß St. Martin, St. Maria im Kapitol, St. Andreas, St. Aposteln, St. Ursula, St. Pantaleon, St. Gereon, St. Kunibert, St. Georg, St. Severin, Sankt Maria in Lyskirchen and St. Cäcilien make up the so-named 12 Romanesque churches.

Cologne Tourism Board details: “The churches were repeatedly altered through the centuries, and some of them were severely damaged during World War II... The successful juxtaposition of new elements, modern art, first-rate restorations and historic art and architecture fascinates the general public as well as the experts.”

KölnTriangle

“As far as the eye can see... the unique view from the KölnTrianglePanorama promises not just a special visual feast, but a treat for all the senses: feel the wind high above the rooftops, hear the muted sounds of the pulsating metropolis on the Rhine and let the vast expanse make an impression on you!

“Discover Cologne and its surroundings – with a direct view of the neighbouring Cathedral – in a way you’ve never seen it before!”

- KölnTriangle Panorama

Groß St. Martin

Medieval City Gates

Of the initial 12 medieval city gates that once graced and guarded Cologne, only three remain: Eigelsteintor, Hahnentor and Severinstor.

“With the Severinstor, the Eigelsteintor and the Hahnentor, three of the total of twelve city gates from the mediaeval city fortifications (1180 - 1220) have been preserved and are still used today for various purposes. The smaller Ulrepforte and restored sections of the city walls are found along the Sachsenring circular boulevard,” Cologne.de explains.

“Cologne Cathedral is a building of superlatives that is the centre and hallmark of this city on the Rhine. The cornerstone of this Gothic cathedral was laid on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary on 15 August 1248... Today the cathedral is Cologne’s secondtallest structure, surpassed only by the telecommunications tower.

The cathedral covers almost 8,000 square metres of floor space and can hold more than 20,000 people. Due to the building’s impressive Gothic architecture, the shrine of the Three Wise Men, the outstanding stained-glass windows and the many other important works of art, UNESCO declared Cologne Cathedral a World Heritage Site in 1996.”

- Cologne Tourist Board

PHOTO: HANS PETER SCHAEFER

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is a leading business-to-business publication promoting and showcasing the leading companies across an array of sectors in the EME region.

Appearing in both digital and print, the publication is aimed at boardroom members and hands-on decision makers, reaching a combined audience of more than 395,000 business executives.

Every other month we feature leading companies and business executives by profiling their operations and success stories. Covering areas of best practice, capital investments, the supply chain, innovation and continuous improvement, we aim to promote all that is good about the industry and the region, with your company taking centre stage throughout it all.

Producing business profiles across the full range of sectors and every corner of the continent, Europe & Middle East Outlook is the platform to promote your business success.

Read on for this month’s profiles.

Phoebe Calver, Deputy Editor phoebe.calver@outlookpublishing.com

If you want to enjoy the exposure and coverage we can offer, please feel free to contact us to discuss the opportunity further.

Tell us your story and we’ll tell the world.

Matthew Staff, Editorial Director Tel: +44 (0) 1603 959 655 matthew.staff@outlookpublishing.com

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Tomorrow’s Generation T O D A Y, F O R

volution for any company is of course a necessity, but evolution in the midst of an industrial, technological and regional transformation and a shift in customer expectations is a different proposition altogether. However, with more than 100 years of experience in Flanders, Northern Belgium, De Watergroep is rising to this exact challenge, driven by a new CEO who is keen to balance a century of reputation with the most forwardthinking of strategies.

Founded in 1913, the autonomous public water company is the biggest of its kind in the region, catering for 1.3 million connections across 180 municipalities, and serving more than 3.5 million customers. With a pipeline network of 34,000 kilometres and an annual production of 127 million cubic metres of water, the scale of De Watergroep is unquestionable, but rather than perceiving the Company as untouchable, new CEO, Hans Goossens instead intends to leverage this influence to make the business more relevant and advanced than ever before.

“I have a background in the chemicals industry but I noticed that Flanders, and indeed the rest of Europe, is in for a time of change and transformation, which I think is better handled by a newcomer in the water business, rather than by someone who has been in the system

De Watergroep is adopting a circular approach to system innovation and sustainability in order to take 105 years of water provision in Flanders to the next level Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Richard Thomas for too long,” he introduces. “There is going to be a decade or more where the water sector is really going to be a challenging but attractive working place, so I have spent this first year addressing the structure of the business, the technologies in operation, and the way we both use and waste water.”

Initially thriving as a drinking water company, De Watergroep as a whole has expanded and diversified over the past two decades to become a leading integrated water entity.

The growth within the drinking water market is driven by an organic process of consolidation in Flanders whereby 11 Flemish municipalities have been taken over from a water distribution perspective since 1 January, 2018 alone.

Subsequently inheriting as many

as 184,000 customers, the trajectory is clearly positive, but it also makes the aforementioned requirement to improve operations all the more critical.

“It is very important for us to guarantee a 24-seven reliable, continuous service,” Goossens emphasises. “It’s not the type of playground where you adopt a trial and error strategy and see where it ends.

“But at the same time, being static or only implementing minor adjustments is not good enough.

So that means we need to bring in a spirit of being open to change and innovation while looking over the fence and working with other sectors too, in order to bring a sense of entrepreneurship back to De Watergroep.”

Hans Goossens, CEO

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Societal mission

Additional to the Company’s core drinking water division, growing markets also include customised water treatment, engineering consultancy in the water cycle, and sewerage systems and wastewater treatment.

The Company’s expertise in a broad range of technologies is fit for implementation on both the regulated and the non-regulated markets, with a strong focus on circular systems. On an annual basis, De Watergroep produces seven million cubic metres of process water, made to measure the needs of various types of industrial customers.

The Company has also set up a partnership with sewage treatment company, Aquafin, offering wastewater management services to cities and municipalities. And to cater for such diversity, job one for Goossens has been to overhaul the Company’s internal structure; transforming the business from a geographically organised structure to a process-driven organisation.

“For historical reasons, every province within De Watergroep’s distribution area has its water service, supported by our HQ in Brussels. But this model will change in accordance

with our business processes, streamlining operations to address areas of production, distribution, business support and commercial,” Goossens explains. “This complete overhaul has not yet finished but has begun well.”

The reason for the ideologies’ immediate success is largely due to the retention of De Watergroep’s values, mission and vision; even while structural elements are being transformed around them.

Goossens continues: “A mission or vision doesn’t have to be changed just because there is a new CEO, but what we have done is hire a new HR Director with the aim of clearly ramping up our human resource strategy.

“Being a public, partially Government-owned, Company, there is a need to modernise the personnel statute and to ensure the focus is on the profile of the Company, instilling a societal mission and clear purpose in each individual. A dynamic HR policy is a strong tool to meet the dynamism of the markets.

“People recognise themselves in that purpose in knowing what needs to be done to provide customers with water, 24-seven.”

AVK VALVES Optimise your water supply Water is a scarce resource that we need to secure for the next generations and a growing population. Reducing water leakages is an important task to avoid non-revenue water; water that has been produced by the water companies but never reaches the customer.

Therefore, AVK offers solutions to reduce water loss. Together with De Watergroep, the Company contributes to optimise water supply management.

Choosing AVK products of high quality ensures durability and low cost for the long-term.

Read more at www.avkvalves.eu

FERRANTI COMPUTER SYSTEMS

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n association with De Watergroep, Ferranti Computer Systems has installed a SCADA system to monitor pipelines, pumps and control stations in order to secure reliable availability of the water supply. Any errors or malfunctions can be detected in advance, ensuring the smooth running of operations.

The Company has great expertise in the energy and utilities industry; not only in SCADA systems (as demonstrated at De Watergroep), but also with its meter data management and customer information solution, MECOMS, which is a software solution built on top of Microsoft technology.

De Watergroep has become a leading integrated water entity over the past two decades

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www.ferranti.be

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OPTIMIZE YOUR WATER SUPPLY

AVK BELGIUM NV www.avkvalves.be info@avkvalves.be

Ferranti Computer Systems is an Antwerp-based system integrator and software developer which has grown into an inuential player with offices around the world. Ferranti was founded in 1976 and is member of the Nijkerk Group since 1994.

The main business lines are MECOMS™, a software product for energy and utility companies, FrontForce, a solution for emergency services, Ferranti ICT which provides infrastructure, cloud and security solutions and Ferranti SI which delivers real-time solutions e.g. SCADA, dynamic traveler information systems.

Ferranti has been delivering successful IT projects for more than 40 years and is regularly promoted from mere supplier to strategic partner. We aspire to be a partner who thinks together with the customer to achieve objectives and grasp opportunities. www.mecoms.com

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Circular model

Internal refinements and external process improvements are not mutually exclusive, however. While Goossens is inevitably striving to improve both strands, there is an intrinsic link between the two, and while the former overhaul is ongoing, the latter is already being implemented as De Watergroep looks to embrace digital transformation and a circular ideology.

Trends including water scarcity, sustainability, circular systems for industrial application, online data recording, and the reduction of wastewater flows are joined by a plethora of sewage treatment concerns and regulated drinking water complexities; all of which need to be mitigated by the use of more advanced technologies such as IoT, smart distribution, smart metering and the removal of pollutants.

“It’s important that we keep our

“Innovation is essential in order to keep the lead in the sector, and we believe circular systems will become increasingly important for all strands of customers.”

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focus on water through the leveraging of technological knowledge we have developed,” Goossens affirms.

“Innovation is essential in order to keep the lead in the sector, and we believe circular systems will become increasingly important for all strands of customers.”

34,000 kilometres of distribution pipelines is a tremendous amount to be affected by such changes, but as the technologies and processes become more efficient, so too will De Watergroep’s ability to renew and expand its assets.

The CEO adds: “From a hardware perspective, there is the need to make sure the traditional model is kept in good shape but at the same time invest more and more in circular models; beginning with living areas and flats and offering circular assistance in order to reduce the need for freshwater by as much as 60-70 percent.

ITINERIS

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tineris’ UMAX solution combines a feature-rich CIS with the benefits of being built on the Microsoft Dynamics 365 platform, delivering scalability, flexibility and extensibility.

The Company has a long history building successful technology partnerships with leading utility organisations around the world.

This experience includes successful installations of UMAX as well as application design, customisation and management services for utilities such as De Watergroep, Dunea, Gazprom, The City of Baltimore, Boston Water, Eneco, and more.

The Company’s employees bring a significant wealth of experience in electric, gas, heat and water utilities.

T +32 9 386 01 02 E contact@itineris.net

www.itineris.net

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Itineris’ UMAX, a unique CIS/ERP solution built for modern utilities on Microsoft’s flexible, integrated enterprise platform Dynamics 365.

Itineris NV • Xavier De Cocklaan 24 • 9830 Deurle • Belgium • www.itineris.net

GP Electronics provide excellent solutions for your flowmeter, signal conditioning, pressure, level, temperature and energy applications.

Strong in watermeter applications, both in totalisation and automatic reading solutions.

With outstanding service a Company priority, we have been partners with De Watergroep since 1999.

We keep your process running

Geldenaaksebaan 15 3001 Leuven, Belgium

T: +32 16 31 42 42 F: +32 16 29 19 43

E: info@gpelectronics.be www.gpelectronics.be

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With the digital tools becoming available now, there is more potential than ever before to fast-track De Watergroep ahead of the industry curve

“As a result, we transform from being a seller of water, to a company that offers the availability of water, as a service. We make sure the water is there and make sure we have new technologies to maintain that status.”

New laboratory equipment, membrane technologies and smart systems have already aided aspects of water extraction and treatment, softening, data analysis, and international trend monitoring; and with the digital tools becoming available now, there is more potential than ever before to fast-track De Watergroep ahead of the industry curve.

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Taking the lead

...we transform from being a seller of water, to a company that offers the availability of water, as a service

The concept of international monitoring is especially pertinent, despite the Company’s largely local outlook. Flanders remains an overriding priority, but De Watergroep’s mission is to bring global best practices to the region.

This aids the Company’s overall, non-profit-driven purpose and its encompassing focus on delivering efficient 24-seven services to inhabitants of the territory for an as low as possible water tariff. Although De Watergroep is a public company, it is fully self-financing.

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EME “...there is a need to modernise the personnel statute and to ensure the focus is on the profile of the Company, instilling a societal mission and clear purpose in each individual.”

“I’d like to see our business model transforming as a result of being a circular system-oriented water company.”

“It’s important that we keep our focus on water through the leveraging of technological knowledge we have developed.”

Having realised this vision though, and with one eye already glancing over at international influences, there has also derived an organic potential to conduct operations across a broader footprint too.

“Recently, we have developed activities abroad and already have overseas customers,” Goossens details. “We are building a new water production plant in Commewijne in Suriname and we are offering consultancy services for the expansion of drinking water production and distribution in the city of Mysore in India.”

De Watergroep balances and assesses the risk of its efforts for each international opportunity so not to dilute its overall business model. But by migrating sensibly into these more commercial consultancy-based realms, the width of operations is vaster than ever before; a notion completely in-keeping with Goossens’ and the Company’s overall goals moving forward.

“For sure we want to see the further expansion of our business, based on circular systems,” he concludes. “This can transpire across both industry and domestic water segments and I’d like

to see us double that business over the next five years.

“In turn, I’d like to see our business model transforming as a result of being a circular system-oriented water company. There is a transformation taking place in Flanders and we want to make sure we are taking the lead in driving it, not just reacting to it.”

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B I S / E C O N O C O M

BIS and Econocom can look forward to a future of sustainable growth as they look to offer the most advanced technologies, via a unique user focused model, to as large a demographic of customers as possible Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Jamie Sutherland

A MAGICAL

ollowing an Econocom acquisition of the Company in May, 2017, BIS has begun to lay the foundations for a concerted pioneering of a technologydriven business model that has so far been unseen on a continental - or indeed global - scale.

Combining BIS’ technical engineering expertise, Benelux reputation, and extensive audio-visual (AV) experience with Econocom’s financial engineering expertise, global stature and innovative technological outlook; the culmination has found a never-explored before niche

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Jean Pierre Overbeek, CEO, BIS

which is set to bring ultimate usability to the user.

Addressing not just AV technology implementation but each solution’s integration into the wider office or building environment, the Econocom|BIS amalgamation negates the need for ongoing technological replacements for customers and instead takes the responsibility off each user’s shoulders through an ‘as a service’ model.

But while, for the industry, this is a novel concept, for each of the two protagonists, it represents a complete matching of ideologies and outlooks.

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BIS CEO, Jean Pierre Overbeek introduces: “BIS (Business Information Systems) was founded in 1983 and over the years has shifted to being a multimedia system-integrating company. In recent years especially, we have migrated ourselves to become a knowledge partner involved in all aspects of AV in Benelux; optimising our wholly in-house approach to become innovators in everything we do.

“It’s a fantastic industry to work in as it’s so dynamic and fast, and we are seen as the biggest and best in the region at keeping ahead of all trends

Yann Toutant, CEO, Econocom

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and knowledge; even before the exciting Econocom acquisition which took place last May.” Econocom CEO, Yann Toutant picks up: “As such, BIS was an ideal addition to the Econocom portfolio. There was a synergy, and we were in discussions for two years in harmonising our rationale prior to the acquisition’s completion.

“Specialising in leading technology for 40 years, we have established ourselves in 19 countries by managing the ownership of IT solutions of our customers like a car lease company would do for company cars. Around

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Driving Human-to-Human Connections With agile working on the rise, it is key to have smart technology solutions that foster teamwork and productivity.

At the heart of the agile work revolution are the technology solutions that open the doors to better ways for employees to connect, share and collaborate. In addition to audio calls and content-sharing, video conferencing is seen as an essential tool for breaking down communication barriers and fostering human-to-human connections.

Download the global workplace survey at

www.polycom.nl/workplace-survey

B I S / E C O N O C O M

10,000 devices are out on contract every single day so we are a massive player in the market, but there is something significant about the Dutch market in particular that fits in with both ours and BIS’ specialties.”

As a service

The technology industry is so fast moving that devices, services and solutions can become outdated and even obsolete in less than three years, making the purchase of numerous devices an unappealing proposition to businesses. Giving customers more flexible usability is therefore a hugely attractive option for such entities, especially in a region that continues to drive a vast portion of these technological innovations, such as Benelux.

Toutant continues: “Customers don’t want to lease or buy; they want to use! So our ‘as a service’ model involves us keeping ownership of the technology while continuously delivering services, maintenance, updates and support; to make sure every aspect of responsibility is taken away from the customer.

“In the Netherlands, they still use the buy model as part of a maintenance contract, but not in an

BIS Vision Wall’s 82-inch video conference monitor

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‘as a service’ model and this is what we can now offer alongside with BIS. We offer AV solutions, as a service.”

The key word to address is ‘collaboration’. Collaboration not just between Econocom and BIS but with each and every customer to make sure that device usage is consistent, suitable, standardised and in-keeping with each entity’s needs and office environment.

“In the Netherlands, businesses lease their office building, employees drive a leased company car, and they use software and data functions for monthly fees. So why not offer a service which allows them to focus on their own core businesses rather than technologies which are constantly changing?” Overbeek asks.

“What we want to do is combine the technical engineering expertise we have in-house at BIS with the financial engineering expertise within Econocom, and what we have done over the first six-seven months since the acquisition is build an organisation which enables customers to benefit from those two competencies.”

Taking ownership

Consequently, the past half-year has comprised a conjoining and

manifesting of teams across BIS and Econocom geared towards serving more than 5,500 customers with the best possible expertise and business model to address the circular economy and the notion of ownership.

“Who takes ownership of a device once the technology leaves the manufacturing plant? We do! It’s all of the technologies, all of the assistance, and maintenance, and education, and tools. But none of the responsibility for the customer,” Toutant affirms.

As Overbeek adds, it focuses on the concept of providing experiences rather than products, and it goes beyond just the device’s consideration too.

“We can essentially deploy an entire meeting room or building to complement an AV solution or suite; and we do approximately 5,000 installations a year, all varying in scale and applications,” he explains.

“Our interior design team design the rooms and provides the end users with a picture, not just of their new AV assortment, but of their entire environment.

“This is a completely different approach in our industry. On the business side, we do everything inhouse and with our additional ‘as a service’ model, we remain the owner of it all - asset management, tech lifecycle, servicing and maintenance etc - making the user feel entirely comfortable at all times.”

And this naturally synergises with Econocom’s long-held belief of how this customer-provider relationship should work. It’s long been the international heavyweight’s differentiator and is now BIS’ as well.

The model is a differentiator for two reasons: one, it fills a gap that neither manufacturer nor supplier is able to fulfil in the traditional value chain.

And two, it is occurring in one of the most technologically forward thinking regions in the world, therefore keeping the business and its customers wholly ahead of the curve.

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usinesses are relying on technology to boost their productivity and are looking to create smart workplaces in an effort to maintain their competitive edge.

Technology could also isolate workers, so it’s time we recognised that collaboration and teamwork drive productivity. According to a survey, 63 percent of workers want access to unified communications for this very reason.

Human-to-human connections are enabling workforces to be more agile and make faster decisions by connecting from any location with anyone. Continued innovation in technology is driving the development of the smart workplaces that businesses and workers desire.

Interoperability of systems is important as it is not uncommon for businesses to have geographically dispersed teams, with team members connecting from different systems or types of devices.

Organisations, including Polycom customers, are saying that their ability to offer workplace flexibility is one of the main factors when it comes to attracting and retaining top talent.

Using the right collaboration technology in the smart workplaces is an inevitable course to success.

Marco Landi, President, Polycom Asia Pacific, Europe & Africa

For smart workplaces to really work, there also needs to be a cultural shift in attitude and approach to how people work and collaborate. By measuring performance based on results, and not hours worked, employees are reassured that management knows clocking in from nine to five does not always equal a good work ethic.

Underlying this shift in work culture is technology. The right collaboration technology is required to enable disparate teams to collaborate, and employees to have the same access to resources as if they were in the office. A realistic meeting scenario in the 21st century includes a mix of attendees connecting through a variety of technologies including video, audio and collaboration software, as well as in person.

Quality meetings depend on quality technology: how well the group can hear each other, see each other, annotate content in real time, keep track of and build on their ideas. One of the fundamental elements for the success of smart workplaces is how well the ecosystems connect to each other.

Marco Landi, President

T +44 (0) 1753 723568 E contact_polycomeurope@polycom.com

www.polycom.co.uk

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BOSE® PROFESSIONAL

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he design and installation of high quality sound systems is essential for creating optimal working environments in which employees can work comfortably and effectively.

For more than 22 years, BIS has been working with Bose Professional to meet the needs of demanding professional audio applications for their customers.

Recently, Bose Professional launched its latest innovation, EdgeMax™ in-ceiling premium loudspeakers with PhaseGuide® technology, combining coverage patterns of larger surfacemount speakers with the aesthetics of in-ceiling models.

This and other new technologies from Bose have been adopted by BIS to serve their customers with the latest audio innovations.

A beautiful high-end boardoom with VC, dual screen, furniture and lighting

Toutant says: “Customers don’t want to buy, they want to use. But traditional distributors and suppliers are stuck between manufacturers who just want to empty their stock as soon as possible and customers who don’t necessarily want to buy devices. So they end up with lots of goods on their balance sheets, which is a huge risk.

“Our ownership management approach carries the same risk but we mitigate it with the service we provide.

And we provide it to a customer base worth focusing on. You should always keep an eye on what’s going on in Holland, technologically, as it’ll usually be what is going to happen in Europe and the rest of the world thereafter.”

Homogenous solutions

As a facilitator of this innovation, BIS’ vision is directly correlated to what the market needs. The Company was acquired by Econocom less than a year ago, and after a few months they collaborated in combined offerings.

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E pro_nl@bose.com

https://pro.bose.com A plethora of Dutch organisations are already exploring the ‘as a service’ solution for its AV assortment; interest surpassing what either Overbeek or Toutant could have imagined prior to the acquisition.

Areas of healthcare, retail, education, logistics, corporate and even governmental bodies are among the most familiar customer demographics, but the emphasis is always on being opportunity and application driven, rather than market driven. If the demand is there, then it’s on BIS’ shoulders to formulate the most bespoke and tailored AV solution, regardless of sector.

“We’re not just dealing with different technologies but are dealing with different requirements and different applications from different sectors for these technologies,” Overbeek adds. “As a starting point though, we have identified seven core markets and for those seven sectors we have the solutions - both technological and financial - to cater appropriately.”

SMS MEDIA SOLUTIONS

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e work closely with our partners in a joint imaginary organisation. This makes us fast and flexible. Both our suppliers and our distributors are more like co-workers and we always want to find the long-term win-win for all.

And for the past 15 years, we have both had great growth and made good money for everyone; including the end users, of course!

T: + 46 8 448 26 60 E: info@smartmediasolutions.se

www.smartmediasolutions.se

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New EdgeMax™

in-ceiling premium loudspeakers with PhaseGuide® technology

PROFESSIONAL

EdgeMax™ in-ceiling premium loudspeakers feature proprietary Bose PhaseGuide® technology to create a new category that combines the room-filling coverage patterns typical of larger surface-mount speakers with the architect-preferred aesthetics of in-ceiling models.

For more information please contact: pro_nl@bose.com or visit the website: https://pro.bose.com

www.smartmediasolutions.se

With a focus on design and user-friendliness, SMS Smart Media Solutions manufacture and market high-quality stands, mounts, and casings for displays, projectors, and other media devices. Our solutions are used in a wide range of industries – from retail and public spaces to education, hotels, trade shows, and media.

We have developed three product categories that make it easier for you to find or create the product you need.

The Core category consists of products for standard applications that are all ready to ship.

With Advanced you get products and solutions that can be adapted to the situation and the environment to blend in and pop out.

Tailored is for those who want complete freedom to work with our engineers and create exactly the products that they are after.

T: + 46 8 448 26 60

E: info@smartmediasolutions.se

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Boardroom with 95-inch interactive display and ClickShare integration

These solutions inevitably incorporate the most contemporary of technologies and software, but also strive to adhere to the most pressing of industry trends.

Cybersecurity, efficiency, sustainability and cost-effectiveness are just a select few of these trends but once again, the core focus is on embedding the end service into each customer’s overall work environment.

Overbeek continues: “We enable customers with an overall roadmap and a tech refresh solution over multiple years, and we believe in offering homogeneous solutions so

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It’s ‘plug and play’, not ‘plug and pray’. It’s matching a technology to an environment in order to activate a business

that users become familiar with their entire suite.”

Toutant affirms: It’s ‘plug and play’, not ‘plug and pray’. It’s matching a technology to an environment in order to activate a business. That’s why we don’t talk about one room or one fragmented technology offering. We talk about the whole infrastructure dedicated to technology in the company.”

A magical fit

The in-house starting point has been pivotal in facilitating BIS’ initial outreach to the market since last May, and indeed its former business model

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“Technology only becomes interesting when it provides the service, experience and emotion you expect it to provide.”

“It’s a fantastic industry to work in as it’s so dynamic and fast, and we are seen as the biggest and best in the region at keeping ahead of all trends...”

“We offer solutions as a service and take responsibility for the whole solution starting with a screen installation but then also even looking after the content that will be displayed on the screen.”

prior to the acquisition as well. And embedded within that successful model is a commitment to human resources which has been recognised in these early months via the hiring of a new and experienced HR professional.

An inevitable increase in employee numbers will occur in the months to come, and just as it is important to inform and educate customers, it is equally significant to keep each new member of staff in line with the wider organisation’s ethos.

“We take risks with our model so we need the right people within the Company to lessen those risks. We

offer solutions as a service and take responsibility for the whole solution starting with a screen installation but then also even looking after the content that will be displayed on the screen. This again increases our risk ratio and customer satisfaction levels, but when carried out well, it also increases the value of the whole offering,” Toutant details.

Exceeding expectations is a strategic objective of the Company’s efforts and customer-focused remit; even incorporating training and usage adoption plans for the bigger projects as part of the service.

EME “After sales is every bit as important as the initial sale within the ‘as a service’ approach,” Overbeek elaborates, “and we foresee the combination of everything revolutionising the industry”.

He continues: “As passionate entrepreneurs we like to surprise our ecosystem with our as-a-service solutions. The industry might be hi-tech but the route to market and the B2B concept is quite traditional. If you look at Netflix or Uber etc, everything is going back to ‘pay as a service’ and with IT being the fourth utility, we don’t see why technology can’t be offered in the same way too.”

Always having the right service at the right time is the overriding benefit from such a methodology, showcasing innovation and flexibility in the business model as well as in the devices themselves.

Toutant concludes: “The Econocom umbrella is only going to spread wider in the future, but this particular acquisition was - if I was to summarise - a magical fit.

“Technology only becomes interesting when it provides the service, experience and emotion you expect it to provide. With Econocom and BIS together, we are able to bring customers that magical combination of digital finance and digital technology, with us taking full responsibility for everything else.”

BIS BV info@bis.nl www.bis.nl Tel: +31 (0)180 486777

Econocom Netherlands B.V. info.nl@econocom.com www.econocom.nl Tel: +31 (0)30 6358333

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Created by Experts, Delivered by Experts,

Creating EXPERTS

Axios Systems is changing how ITSM is viewed in the Middle East, providing a unique and flexible service for its customers Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Jamie Sutherland

ormed in 1988 by the co-founders Ailsa and Tasos Symeonides – the latter an initial contributor to the foundation of Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) - Axios Systems has consistently remained at the forefront of service management technology.

In the present day it is predominantly recognised by many analysts as one of the leading vendors, including a top ranking from Info-Tech, and has been included in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for the past 15 years.

“One of our first customers in the region was a major Oil & Gas organisation, which proved to be a very large project and provided a foundation to access the potential of the market space in the Middle East,” begins Glyn Yates, Regional

Director for Middle East at Axios Systems. “From there we were able to truly open up our corporation in the region and our customer base has been growing year-on-year, which is a wonderfully positive validation of what we are trying to achieve.”

Enhanced coverage and capabilities

The Company’s success in the region can be demonstrated by its evergrowing market share, building new customer relationships gained from both legacy and emerging players within the Middle East due to its innovative approach.

“We are still relatively young in this market and therefore are continuing to enhance our coverage and capabilities,” explains Yates. “At present the Company is still on a strong growth plan and trajectory and we hope to remain this way for many years to come.”

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amkeen Technologies is a Saudi Government Company with the vision to be the “Preferred IT Service Provider for Government Sectors”. Our aim is to enable and enhance Saudi Government digital businesses. The Company provides the following products and services: • Business automation • Business applications • Infrastructure services • Information security services • Consultancy services • Project Implementation services • Sustainable PPP Solutions • Open Source Technologies • Data management

Axios Systems’ introduction to assyst

For Axios, technology is only half of the proposition that it provides to customers and it strives to maintain this innovative approach within the market.

“It took some time for the market to adopt this new kind of industry method as they aren’t used to companies coming in and saying we won’t show you anything first,” continues Yates. “Instead we choose to get an in-depth understanding of customers’ business requirements and how we can build a solution package around that.

“We could have come into the market and delivered the standard functionality demonstrations, but instead we decided to try and mature both the market and our customers to more of a business and outcome discussion first.”

In order to achieve this change, the Company has optimised its people

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and technology to be able to handle the demands placed upon them.

This approach to the market and its company ethos has enabled Axios to work with entities such as Dubai Police, aiding them in their duty to remain at the forefront of citizen services.

“Dubai Police are incredibly forward thinking and we are now heavily involved with the Department of Artificial Intelligence,” affirms Yates.

“Using this approach, many of the partnerships being forged in Dubai are in support of this thinking, be that in their approach to technology or ethos and thinking.”

Industry leader

Axios is ahead of the curve in terms of its vision for the future of IT service management and is gaining momentum and support with each passing day; however, it is still encountering hesitancy as some customers are not ready for such a change in thinking.

Tamkeen Technologies is committed to establishing, developing and maturing clients’ IT operations in line with service management best practices and industrial standards such as ITIL and ISO 20000. The service covers the setup, enhancement and transformation of ITSM from the dimensions of processes, people and technology. The aim is to enable our clients to realise direct benefits to their businesses through highly efficient and effective IT services.

Our relationship with Axios goes back to 2015 and we have gone through multiple successful implementations, where we are seeing increased demand for ITSM services in the KSA market.

As part of the 2030 vision and the NTP2020, Government institutions are Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx required to transform their services and increase their efficiency. Investing in ITSM setups and increasing maturity levels of current services is necessary for clients to run their IT services in an organised manner to attain high performance.

Tamkeen Technologies is investing in this strategic partnership with Axios and is working jointly to address market demand. Tamkeen Technologies considers this relationship with Axios as a solid part of its overall investment in ITSM services in KSA.

www.tamkeentech.sa Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

Your Trusted Digital Partner

Innovative

Flexible

Customer Centric

Service Driven

Transparent

SAMPLE PRODUCTS WE HAVE DEVELOPED FOR OUR CLIENTS

Unit No 26, Riyadh 12244, 2392 7235, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia T: +966 9200 23600 | F: +966 112 896582 E: info@tamkeentech.sa www.tamkeentech.sa

To Enable and Enhance Saudi Government Digital Businesses

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Axios is regarded as one of the leading vendors currently operating in the service management space, and this is predominantly due to its incredible ability to form these strong partnerships with customers to both educate them and ultimately help them achieve their vision.

“An example of this is through the deployment of a customer success programme, which provides a constant engagement between Axios and our customers in the pursuit of their strategy achievement,” explains Yates.

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recent example is the ability to provide local language services, which is important for a global solution that can be utilised in multilingual regions.

“Then of course there is our key differentiator. As a principle vendor we scope, design, optimise, support and manage any deployment. One point of contact across the entire engagement.”

The Company uses its industry experience to really understand what an organisation is trying to achieve, and the needs that they require. Axios aims to map out how its technology can enable customers and advance

Our One Solution approach, assyst, is designed & built to transform IT departments

technology-focused into business-focused customer service teams Axios Systems’from One Solution approach D igit al HR M

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Supplier Management

SVC Portfolio & Design Policy Governance Audit & Compliance

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Financial Management

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Optimized Support Asset Lifecycle Management

CMDB

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Knowledge Management

License Metering & Cost Controls

Workflow

Asset Management

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Service Modeling

Software Management

Service Catalog

Change

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Problem Alert Service Mapping

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Event Management

Power Management

Security Operations Orchestration & Automation

Capacity & Availability

Configuration & Patch Management

Axios Systems’ One Solution approach, ‘assyst’, is designed and built to transform IT departments from technology-focused into business-focused customer service teams

EME companies forward to a greater IT maturity level.

Organic growth

To this day the business still remains 100 percent family owned, providing the various sections of the Company with great flexibility in strategy and innovation investment.

Yates adds: “This has enabled us over the years to take more of a holistic approach in terms of the way in which we present ourselves in a market, and the way in which we are able to support our customers moving forward. “assyst has been under continual development for the past 30 years and has adapted to the many challenges of the industry in that time,” Yates describes in reference to one such solution. “We haven’t had to go out and acquire technology, nor have we had to bolt anything on to our platform. Instead we listened to our customers and implemented new features as required. Throughout this upgrade cycle, assyst has always maintained stability and compatibility across the solution.”

Alongside the organic growth of its portfolio, the Company has expanded the capabilities of its ITAM (IT Asset Management) which has been integrated with both operations and service management in a move to match the natural progression of the market.

“We have a fully developed our delivery model with both an OnPremise and SAAS offering to ensure that when our customers are ready for migration, we will be able to meet any of their unique requirements,” concludes Yates. “At present in this region there is still a little scepticism about moving to cloud - predominantly for data sovereignty reasons - and we are working tirelessly to offer the capabilities that mean we can support our clients as and when they are ready.”

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Safe Haven The Mediterranean Maritime Hub in Malta serves as a safe operational haven bridging Europe and North Africa, courtesy of MMH Malta Ltd; the facilitator behind the regions’ one-stop shop industry enabler Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Josh Hyland

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reviously known as Ablecare Oilfield Services Group Holdings Ltd (AOSG), a successful 2016 tendering process delivered by the Maltese Government saw MMH Malta Ltd initiate its vision to develop, manage, and operate the facilities at the former Marsa Shipyard in Valletta Port; transforming them into the now-known Mediterranean Maritime Hub (MMH).

Primarily providing manpower, support, drilling operations, rig project management, logistics expertise, terminal and yard operations, procurement, engineering and facilities management to Malta, the Mediterranean, and North Africa; MMH now leverages experience and industry knowledge from a host of contributing entities made up of former businesses, while also developing its MMH

EME Academy to prepare for industry trends of the future.

Deputy Chairperson, Angelique Maggi introduces: “The 2016 opportunity to develop the Mediterranean Maritime Hub has led MMH to reassess its operations as well as to consider potential new markets in the light of the new resources and resulting capabilities, and also to rebrand itself because of this acquisition. These actions ensure that MMH is able to keep offering its clients the expected level of engagement and resulting service level expectations which are one of the Group’s fundamental differentiators in this sector; permitting the Group to be in the market position which it is today.

“Our head offices are based in Malta, which is found in the centre of the Mediterranean along the main shipping routes linking three continents: Europe, North Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Being the nearest point to the North African mainland we offer a base facility to service offshore drilling contractors, oil operators and transhipment operators operating within the Mediterranean and North African regions.”

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MMH with its holistic service offering including the aforementioned MMH Academy all contributes to the end Mediterranean Maritime Hub unit; thus facilitating the most complex and most rudimentary of tasks required within the offshore sector.

Maggi continues: “Today’s MMH business offerings are diverse in nature, relevant to several distinct markets and thus require a widespread and a multi-skilled workforce and able facilities so to effectively deliver the products and services which meet and exceed client expectations. We also strive to develop MMH’s organisation by working on adopting a relatively strenuous but effective ‘just-in-time’ model approach to prepare, rampup and control its own resource capabilities and resulting capital expenditures.”

Client satisfaction

Ultimately, MMH’s approach ensures a one-stop shop service remit epitomised by the numerous stakeholder relationships entered into to compound its network and portfolio. The body’s suppliers, service providers, strategic partners and adjoining MMH strands combine to guarantee controlled, quick, quality service delivery and definitive client satisfaction.

MMH Malta epitomises this ethos virtue of its ‘fit for purpose’ supply chain support, integrated service provision, project planning acumen, repeatable and reliable service support, and regional reach; as an indictment of the overall MMH USP. “Client Satisfaction is key to a longterm successful business and MMH strives to build relationships with its

Chairman, Paul Abela founder of the business and Maggi’s father, can be attributed with MMH’s long-term vision and strategy.

Implementing a succession plan for the business, Abela’s establishment of an accomplished team is set to ensure business continuity and client reassurance in the future. This was his message: “In 2016, the Maltese government entered into a 65-year emphyteutic grant with Ablecare Oilfield Services Group to develop, manage, and operate the facilities at the former Marsa Shipyard in Valletta Port, transforming them into the Mediterranean Maritime Hub...

In order to ensure a seamless and holistic supply chain, the Group’s subsidiaries, Mainticare Ltd, Ableman International Ltd and the Ableman Academy, have been amalgamated into MMH Malta Ltd, a single, integrated organisation which is customer-focused and easy to access.

MMH supports both the marine and the oil & gas sectors, plus inherits an established reputation for service and quality from its predecessors. MMH will build on this reputation to expand the scope of services offered, and ensure that MMH excellence is available to your organisation, wherever you are operating in the Mediterranean.

The Mediterranean Maritime Hub will take the Mediterranean marine, oil & gas industry to new levels of efficiency and competitiveness.

MMH is your versatile and highly capable delivery arm in the Hub. We look forward to introducing you to MMH.”

PORT LOGISTICS OPERATIONS LTD The Business of Fostering Relationships New year, new targets, new challenges.

Putting the client at the very heart of its operations, Port Logistics Operations provides a 24-seven service based on excellence, punctuality and value for money; and on a continuous search for increased efficiency and enhanced teamwork.

Port Logistics Operations’ Managing Director, Noel Galea stresses that “more than service provision, we exist on the development and nurturing of relationships. Excellent relationships with our clients enable us to empathise with their real needs and be partners in their quest for success”.

Its wide array of conveyance services include the delivery of provisions, transportation of lubrication oil in drums, affecting crew changes and personnel transfers, delivery of ship spare parts, transport of medical supplies and personnel, delivery of port services, provision of garbage disposal, as well as transfers of mooring masters and cargo samplings, satisfied by a fleet that is the largest in Malta.

In particular, Port Logistics Operations supplies a reliable service to MMH Malta Limited that includes the transfer of personnel and delivery of spare parts.

Through continuous staff development and investment in infrastructure, Port Logistics Operations has reached a level Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx of servicexxxxxxxx and expertise thatxxxxxxxxx is second to none. Working in-sync with industry requirements and proactively meeting challenges is key to the organisation’s target to reach and maintain leadership in the local and offshore waters conveyance operations.

Here’s to an exciting and successful year for all of us!

T +356 9943 4010 (24h) T +356 2124 1319 (office hours) E info@plomalta.com

www.plomalta.com

Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

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clients, to understand their needs and requirements, and to offer an integrated solution made up from its own capabilities and those of its clients and providers. This ensures successful work execution through a unified and collaborative approach,” Maggi explains. “We strive to be considered as an extension of our clients thus assuring that clients’ interests are safeguarded. This is a core foundation on which long lasting relationships are built.”

The Hub itself serves as a similarly streamlined facilitator in Valletta’s Grand Harbour; its diverse offerings leaving no stone unturned when it comes to client satisfaction while also focusing on value-add propositions that help to make operations more efficient and to bring costs down.

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Maggi continues: “The Mediterranean Maritime Hub is a 42-acre port facility complete with the hinterland areas, yards, sheds, engineering workshops and office facilities. With its ISPS certification and ongoing actions to implement the Freezone status, the Hub is an industry facilitator and provides a safe haven for those working within the site.

“It’s a unique facility - a national asset for which we have the responsibility and obligation to develop and maintain to high standards; and it remains one of our major differentiators.”

Core foundation

MMH’s other differentiator emanates from its family-owned status and subsequent culture. Both adaptive and adoptive, the model is based on trust and strong relationships which transcend throughout every division and every employee.

“This results in a situation where business wide - family members and employees work together in the same environment and have equal work opportunities,” Maggi emphasises.

“Such a model has yielded a positive impact on our clients, who ultimately experience the same care and attention that only a family model can provide.”

This family-driven ethos and commitment to succession planning also drives entrepreneurial decisionmaking and quick, proactive investments as evidenced through a host of facility upgrades.

FCM TRAVEL SOLUTIONS

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CM Travel Solutions is a global corporate travel management company with offices in more than 90 countries having been recognised as the world’s leading travel management company for five consecutive years.

Our objective is simple: to provide you with better travel ideas for greater savings.

Every office shares one business DNA which is based on the same philosophy and culture. You will receive professional and reliable assistance from teams that believe in a local, flexible and personalised service.

Through our purchasing power, global reach and relationships in place with key stakeholders, we also promise our clients savings in return.

T +356 23456789 E info@mt.fcm.travel

https://www.mt.fcm.travel So far, these have included substantial funds into dredging of the sea area, increasing the draft to 10.5 metres; resurfacing and paving works; upgrading of underground services; a new entrance area to accommodate enhanced security and customs amenities; a three-storey car park; an upgraded quayside area; improved office spaces; and further investment in the training facility with the setup to host Well Control and CompEx courses.

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Your Corporate Travel Partner all over the world FCM Travel Solutions is one of the world’s largest leading corporate travel management providers offering complete end-to-end travel management services. FCM’s network now covers more than 90 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and the Americas.

FCM HEAD OFFICE Ewropa Business Centre, Dun Karm Street, Birkirkara Bypass, Birkirkara BKR 9034 Malta www.fcm.com.mt | www.mt.fcm.travel info@mt.fcm.travel | +356 23456789

Peppin and CABS+ are the solution for your transport needs, with a modern fleet of over 60 vehicles: • Chauffeur driven cars • Mini vans

• Wheelchair accessible vehicles • Luxury coaches

CONTACT US NOW! Peppin Transport 67, Triq Birzebbugia Hal Ghaxaq - GXQ 1634 Malta Tel: 00356 21808805 00356 99474904 Email: info@peppintransport.com www.peppintransport.com

CABS+ No. 4, Margaret Mangion Street St. Julians STJ 1380 Malta Tel: 00356 21801801 00356 99215286 Email: info@cabs.com.mt www.cabs.com.mt

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“The total investment so far has been circa €25 million, and it contributes once again to the central aspect of MMH’s culture to positively contribute to our clients’ operations,” Maggi says. “This year, we are also embarking on the installation of an 800 tonne travel lift to cater for maintenance works on larger vessels which require to be done in the dry.

“Additional investments include the widening of the existing dock - from 50 to 85 metres - to improve the berthing facilities at Valletta Port; which will accommodate larger drill ships and vessels.”

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Fit for purpose

MMH is subsequently able to relocate, operate and expand its capabilities according to clients’ requests, and this has led to projects being undertaken in a host of countries in the region whereby the Company was able to set up shop in a transparent manner meeting all FCPA requirements to prepare for clients’ operations.

“This has always been done with the highest level of integrity and always by meeting and exceeding the stringent compliance requirements that this industry demands,” Maggi assures.

“On site, we have resultantly worked on rig maintenance projects hosted at the facility, as well as stewarding drill

pipe and riser inspections and repair in line with OEM specifications, and also the assessment and execution of marine vessel maintenance works.

“We are currently the logistics base for Technip FMC, who are working on a project, offshore, in Libya. For the past 17 years we have also been offering concerted support to our clients through our recruitment arm.

In fact we have a pool of trained candidates who are readily available and carefully selected to meet clients’ requirements.”

A core MMH specialty is being able to provide clients with full crews to man-up a rig at the start of a new drilling campaign.

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“Additional investments include the widening of the existing dock - from 50 to 85 metres - to improve the berthing facilities at Valletta Port...”

“We have successfully supported projects in North Africa and our services included local recruitment undertaken by teams on the ground...”

“Our recruitment work practices have recently been certified to be fully compliant with the Maritime Labour Convention...”

Maggi continues: “From experience, we factor in a contingency too, so our clients don’t go short-handed and costly delays are avoided. Our attention to detail includes actively assisting crew with transport, accommodation and joining instructions.

“Local content is often a critical project component. We have successfully supported projects in North Africa and our services included local recruitment undertaken by teams on the ground using MMH and its attendant resources to provide assessment support and training if required.”

An additional, significant, investment has also seen the establishment of the Centre of Excellence which “offers

like-minded collaborative organisations and entrepreneurs the opportunity to make use of a ‘fit for purpose’ maritime and oil & gas-focused facility, strategically located within Valletta Port at the crossroads of the industrious Mediterranean basin. This offers the opportunity to offer clients a responsive, efficient and effective planned and unplanned inspection, maintenance and repair service capability”.

Maggi adds: “The synergies created through the presence of this diverse maritime and oil & gas business community within the Hub ensures that clients can benefit and make use of a holistic service benefiting from such a service during all the stages of a vessel’s lifecycle.”

Management commitments

MMH is committed to achieving the highest standards of technical support and safe operation. Consequently, MMH is also committed to achieving and sustaining the highest recognised international standards for the services and support it provides.

MMH is accredited to the ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System and OHSAS 18001:2007 Occupational Health & Safety Management System. Its commitment towards QHSE is thereby assured by the continuous monitoring and improvement of regular DNV audited and certified management systems.

MMH’s HSE function is as pivotal as any arm within the organisation,

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compounded by ISO18001 certification, and has recently manifested through two years of being LTI free.

“This achievement is only possible due to the commitment of the management and the dedication of the employees,” Maggi expresses. “Similarly, regarding the environment aspect of HSE, we work in line with ISO 14001 and constantly encourage employees to take measures which safeguard the environment; keeping in mind that due to past incidents, the oil & gas industry has become highly regulated and encourages all those working in this industry to follow high standards.

“Our recruitment work practices have recently been certified to be fully compliant with the Maritime Labour Convention, a legal instrument promoted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) which sets out seafarers’ rights to decent conditions

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“Apart from investing in infrastructure, MMH is also investing in the people associated with the Hub”

of work. We are also TRACE certified which means that we are in compliance with US FCPA legislation. This gives peace of mind to our clients.”

Another milestone includes the award given by Malta Customs to designate MMH as an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO). The certification reflects MMH’s compliance to the strict customs criteria, demonstrated by quality, compliance and trustworthiness in the international supply chain.

A recent initiative in which MMH participated was the ‘European Week for Waste Reduction’ initiative.

Aligning perfectly with MMH’s own CSR values, its resultant environmental management system and plan encourages re-usage, recycling and reduction across its workforce and operations; promoting the wider campaign in order to broaden the awareness further.

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A safe operational haven

MMH’s aforementioned Academy represents one of the more innovative and poignant features of the organisation’s overall CSR strategy, staying true to the element of a business that helps to instil each and every tactic, solution, investment and improvement: i.e., its employees.

“Apart from investing in infrastructure, MMH is also investing in the people associated with the Hub,” a recent article stated.

Maggi added: “The MMH Academy was created in 2015 to provide holistic training solutions to the industry and to deliver a competent workforce, enhancing clients’ operational reputations and commercial bottom lines. The Academy is crucial to the Hub’s operation as it readies our workforce with the right safety culture, knowledge and skills. After

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all, our people are a key element in making the Hub project a success.”

It also aids in the monitoring of and adapting to the most pressing of industry trends. In recent times these market requirements have included efficiency and automated aspects of operational excellence; enhanced HR and training procedures; consolidation based on Malta’s advantageous positioning between two continents; transparency; occupational health & safety; and of course the previously focused-upon topic of the environment and climate change.

Many, including the latter, are driven not just by internal continuous improvement tactics, but by wider regulatory requirements driven by intercontinental, governmental bodies; and this is why MMH’s reputation across both regions as

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a reliable, certified and trustworthy contributor to the oil & gas industry will prove all the more pivotal in order to achieve both the organisation’s and the regions’ sector ambitions in the years to come. “[In the next three-five years I would hope and expect to see MMH progress] via a mature and diversified organisational service offering through ourselves and strategic alliances - to meet the requirements of a diverse marine, oil & gas market,” Maggi concludes. “We remain open for collaboration with key players in this industry to forge strong alliances; we will look to strengthen the Hub’s supply chain through these alliances; and we welcome industry players to visit the site and to make use of a unique facility that serves as a safe operational haven bridging Europe and North Africa.”

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SAFETY, EFFICIENCY,

RELIABILITY Njord Offshore Ltd. has built a reputation of excellence for its safe, fast and multipurpose fleet of vessels operating within Europe Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Josh Hyland

ased in Tendring, UK, Njord Offshore Ltd. is widely recognised for its work in managing crew transfer vessels for the offshore wind farm sector, extending its operations throughout Northern Europe.

The Company delivers exceptionally high standards of service through close

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attention to design and maintenance of its vessels, all of which are operated by a selection of well trained and proactive crews. This is compiled by a team of experienced shore-side engineers that are able to provide 24-seven technical support throughout the Company’s works in Europe.

“All of the vessels within our fleet are classed with an IACS member,

as well as being purpose built for offshore wind farm crew transfers,” explains Tom Mehew, Managing Director of Njord Offshore. “Each vessel is built in order to cope with a wide range of duties, with passenger comfort and transfer capabilities remaining our key focus at present.”

At present Njord Offshore’s fleet consists of 15 transfer vessels, all of

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which are working on offshore wind farms throughout Northern Europe; the Company subsequently having carried out more than 250,000 successful transfers across 500,000 miles.

The Company is making serious waves in the industry, attracting large-scale investors that will aid it in achieving a wider global reach.

“PSA Marine - a Singaporean based

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company that exclusively controls all pilotage in Singaporean waters - has recently invested in Njord Offshore,” continues Mehew. “We believe that together our companies will be able to easily develop our services within the European market, while also looking at possible expansions into the APAC region in the near future.”

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Fleet development

With the offshore wind market currently pushing further offshore, the Company’s fleet needs to ensure it is developed enough to meet the additional demands that will be placed on its vessels.

Mehew adds: “At present we are building larger vessels, all of which have a larger range, cargo capacity,

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CARMET MARINE

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armet Marine employs a core management team with more than 40 years’ experience in the marine engineering and shipbuilding industry, and its available facilities make it an ideal choice for vessels to slip for services such as general maintenance, mechanical and hull repairs, vessel refits, wash down, repaint and any other requirements for class surveys.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Carmet Tugs, a long standing family company with a reputation for honesty and integrity, the Company is operated with the same principles in mind.

T 0151 363 3998 E marine@carmet.co.uk

www.carmetmarine.co.uk transfer capacity and redundancy.

“At all times our principle motivation is to fulfil the ever-changing logistical requirements for our clients, while making sure that we retain a core focus on safety and reliability in all of our vessels.”

In such a saturated industry, the offshore service provided will only be as good as the vessels that a Company can bring forward, and as good as the crew that operates them. Maintaining the vessels to the highest possible class and having well trained, happy and motivated staff is core to the provision of good service and that is something that the Company is always striving to improve upon.

“Thanks to our hard work over the years, we now operate one of the largest fleets of IACS classed offshore wind farm transfer vessels in the market,” Mehew describes. “Although a portion of the fleet is now on longterm contracts, we still maintain a number of vessels for on-the-spot

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assistance that is required by ad hoc construction and campaign work.”

To this end Njord Offshore will be taking delivery of two next generation 27 metre (m) Quad IPS Z-Bow 24 pax CTVs in spring, 2018, taking its already impressive fleet of CTVs to a total of 17.

“These new vessels have all been designed and built to meet a similar design to our current 26m Quad IPS vessels, but with a few new innovative design features,” explains Mehew.

“We believe that these vessels are ideally suited to meeting the everincreasing demands of our industry, where it is continuously looking further offshore and upping the difficulty level.”

Adapting operations

The predominant bulk of Njord Offshore’s work is carried out in and around the UK and Northern European waters, however, the Company is always on the lookout for new areas in which to expand its portfolio of CTVs.

“...we now operate one of the largest fleets of IACS classed offshore wind farm transfer vessels in the market.”

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OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE SHIP BUILDING AND SHIP REPAIR INDUSTRY

Carmet Marine Limited Riverbank Road Bromborough Wirral, CH62 3JQ

T: 0151 363 3998 F: 0151 328 1212 E: marine@carmet.co.uk

www.carmetmarine.co.uk

INFINITE SOLUTIONS FOR THE OFFSHORE INDUSTRY

Dan-Bunkering, a leading bunker supplier to the offshore industry, creating customized solutions in port and offshore, supplying oil rigs, supply and construction vessels, cable layers, seismic vessels and crew boats.

EVEN REMOTE AREAS ARE WITHIN OUR REACH With years of experience, close cooperation with our clients, a fleet of tankers and a wellestablished in-house chartering department, we offer unique supply solutions, optimizing our clients time and operation.

dan-bunkering.com

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A proven track record of success

It is hoped that the aforementioned new regions of operation will help to strengthen the relationships Njord Offshore already has with its client base, while also attracting potential new customers in these areas.

“This is impacting where we decide to place our investments moving forward,” adds Mehew. “We strongly believe that investing in technology will be able to bring efficiencies in vessel operations forward, and have therefore moved our vessel reporting to tablet-based reports, this is with thanks to cloud-hosted management systems.

“It is our plan that in the near future we will be able to provide our charterers with immediate access to this system with real-time statistics on the vessels’ operations. Our main focus is to simplify operations for our crews by providing them with a more organised backend solution for project management.”

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Our main focus is to simplify operations for our crews by providing them with a more organised backend solution for project management

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“We are incredibly proud of the comprehensive and reliable services that are on offer to our customers...”

Driving innovation

Local focus

Sourcing local content and crews for its vessels has proven to have a number of advantages for Njord Offshore over the years, and with a proven track record of success it is something that it aims for where possible.

“By utilising local crew members,

we have found we are not only contributing to the local community around us but also benefiting from low travel costs, quicker travel time and access to local contracts,” continues Mehew. “This can prove to be an advantage for some vessel maintenance jobs, while also aiding us in building longstanding partnerships.”

The people employed to work within the Company are an increasingly important factor; with the constant cost of offshore wind, in order to provide good value, Njord constantly has to search for the right people to build programmes and drive on innovation.

“We are incredibly proud of the comprehensive and reliable services that are on offer to our customers and, coupled with the ability to provide a fresh approach to the changing requirements of the offshore wind sector, it really sets us apart,” concludes Mehew. “Currently we have a few projects in the pipeline that we are very excited about and know that moving forward we are becoming one to watch in the industry.”

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Boundless

Creativity

One of the contributing factors in Toyoda Gosei’s success is the unwavering respect it has garnered from its customers over the years, achieving excellence through an innovative approach to the global market

“We honour both the letter and spirit of the law through communitybased contributions and activities and contributions to the industry we operate in,” continues Green.

“Our Company has also dedicated efforts to creating a more prosperous Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold society that supports environmental oyoda Gosei UK is built “Alongside our extensive R&D work, preservation. upon five pillars that we hold the importance of respect for “With these aims for prosperity, have led it to great the individual in high regard,” explains we also make continuous efforts to success over the years, Steve Green, Site Manager at Toyoda ensure steady growth as a global and created a reputation Gosei UK. “With thanks to the innovative leader by strengthening our corporate that is second to none in the industry. thinking displayed by individuals within structure.”

Through delivering constant our team, we have built a mutual level of As a part of its mission to hold customer satisfaction the Company has trust between our employees and the its position as a global leader, the been able to provide both products and management staff.”

Company has worked to create a services that are of exemplary quality As a globally recognised corporation, strategy for its 2020 Vision. Of course it and reasonable price; both of which it is increasingly important for the is to be expected that one of the main having been achieved through advanced Company’s reputation and standing contributing factors to this mission is research & development (R&D) and that it strives to be a trustworthy and the ability to deliver the highest level product engineering. respected corporate citizen. of customer satisfaction to its clients

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Innovative employees combine to create market-leading solutions

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MANKIEWICZ

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raditional German paint manufacturer, Mankiewicz is a leader in the production of both solvent-based and water-dilutable high-tech coating systems for industrial series production; supplying its products to various sectors including machine construction, capital goods, automotive, aviation, railway, medical, technology and yachts.

Worldwide more than 1,300 staff members are committed to the realisation of “Coating Concepts of the Future” and the high quality of products and processes is guaranteed by a quality management systems and certifications including ISO 9001, ISO/ TS 16949,EN9100, ISO 14001, ISO 50001 and successfully audited according to VDA 6.3.

T +44 116 2 84 77 80

www.mankiewicz.com

worldwide, as well as firmly establishing robust manufacturing sites.

“We are working towards achieving the development of unrivalled technology for environmental conservation, energy saving and safety systems,” adds Green. “This is all compiled by the collective consolidation of our business foundations within growing markets, strengthening the Toyoda Gosei Group as a whole.”

Pioneering spirit

Toyoda Gosei was initially established as a part of the Nagoya Rubber Company in 1949 in Japan, firmly cementing its foundations within the creation of rubber technology and weather-strip parts in its early days.

Between 1957 and 1960 the two plants, Harui and Inazawa, were opened in Japan and introduced injection moulding machines with a standardised, integrated manufacturing system.

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“Our Company were pioneers of steering wheel manufacturing through producing products made from polypropylene,” Green affirms.

“In 1970 the formerly known Nagoya Rubber Company became Toyoda Gosei, the origins of which were deeply rooted in the region famous for Sakichi Toyoda - the founder of Toyoda Industries.

“The Japanese word, ‘gosei’ means synthesis, which is an aspect that the Company wanted to reflect within the name to highlight its principles of creating new automotive parts with high functionality and unbeatable quality.”

The UK branch was opened in 1999 and is included within the Company’s collection which now boasts sites in 18 countries and regions, with 67 group companies worldwide and 36,000 employees that are successfully producing Toyoda Gosei’s functional components, interiors and exteriors, safety systems, LEDs and general industry products.

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Mankiewicz UK LLP, Unit 26 Ashville Way, Whetstone, Leicester, LE8 6NU T: +44 116 2 84 77 80 | F: +44 116 2 86 72 59 | www.mankiewicz.com

Harnessing the unlimited potential of chemistry to create a prosperous society

Chemistry, Innovation, Dreams – Three keywords represent the targets and ambitions Mitsui Chemicals Europe is driven by day by day.

Mitsui Chemicals Europe GmbH Oststr. 34 40211 Düsseldorf Germany T: +49 211 17332 0 F: +49 211 17332 701

www.eu.mitsuichem.com

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Necessary skill

In order to retain the success rate of the many branches of the Company that came before Toyoda Gosei UK, it has made a marked effort to attract, retain and motivate the number of quality professionals necessary to meet its objectives.

Green adds: “At Toyoda Gosei UK, based on our current succession plans, our policy is to try to encourage internal career progression where possible, before then looking to recruit externally.”

At present the Company is placing a marked focus on providing transparent, effective and efficient process and procedure in order to support the business structure over a sustained period of time.

“The success of seeing this through lies with finding people that possess the necessary skill, expertise and qualifications to continuously deliver the organisation’s objectives,” explains Green. “This is all while also finding employees that can make a positive contribution to the fundamental values and aims of Toyoda Gosei UK.” The aforementioned quality within each employee that continuously proves to be a linchpin in the Company’s success can be found in all products, whether they relate to safety, comfort, design or key functionalities.

Green explains: “We ensure that this quality is achieved through extensive and rigorous performance testing during the development stages, as well as employing the dedication of all workers to successfully create a production process that enables quality to be built into every product.

“Our unfailing commitment to ensuring quality has earned Toyoda Gosei UK the trust of many major Japanese, American and European automakers over the years.”

Now as a manufacturer that specialises in rubber, plastics and LEDs, it has reached a stage of skill and precision that enables the Company to deliver

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“Our unfailing commitment to ensuring quality has earned Toyoda Gosei UK the trust of many major Japanese, American and European automakers over the years.”

“We ensure that this quality is achieved through extensive and rigorous performance testing during the development stages...”

“This reputation has enabled us to steadily invest in research & development production and technology facilities that will ensure our customers’ ever-changing requirements continue to be met.”

“At Toyoda Gosei UK, based on our current succession plans, our policy is to try to encourage internal career progression where possible, before then looking to recruit externally.”

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top-class value-added products at every stage of the production process.

Global reputation

With thanks to Toyoda Gosei’s global network and reach, the Company is able to ensure that locally-based sales and engineering operations are located in close proximity to customers. When also taking into account the top-class production and delivery systems it possesses, Toyoda Gosei UK is a highly stable partner.

Green states: “This reputation has enabled us to steadily invest in research & development production and technology facilities that will ensure our customers’ ever-changing requirements continue to be met.”

During the past 66 years, the

Moving forward we will continue to develop cuttingedge and leading technologies that enable us to deliver the highest levels of quality, innovation and customer satisfaction

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Company has grown to become one of the most successful global suppliers, delivering on its promise of quality time and time again. With its innate nature to constantly reach from improvements to quality and with the availability of the best possible products, it is moving from strength to strength.

“Moving forward we will continue to develop cutting-edge and leading technologies that enable us to deliver the highest levels of quality, innovation and customer satisfaction,” concludes Green. “Our innovative spirit will spur on our drive to become a truly global supplier of choice within the market, delivering the best possible satisfaction to our customers for many years to come.”

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HIPER-Growth Happy Together, innovative, passionate for solutions, entrepreneurial and respectful are the core values that have helped drive Facil’s international growth in the fastener solutions market over the past 17 years Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Tom Arnold

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EME he challenge to expand at an exponential rate while maintaining core, intricate, refined values is one that very few businesses even have the luxury to negotiate, but it in fact defines the evolution of international fastener solution specialist, Facil.

Borne from the minds of French fastener manufacturer, A. Raymond and German bolt and screw producer, KAMAX; the resultant joint venture manifested upon the turn of the millennium and was kick-started courtesy of the most prestigious of initial clients.

“A. Raymond and KAMAX at the time were supplying to Ford of Europe, who in 1999 voiced the wish to find a supplier that could supply the bulk of fasteners needed; so by joining forces, they were able to supply Ford with many different fastening commodities through the Facil venture,” recalls Vice President, Marketing for Facil, Pieter Houben.

“At that moment a new company was started and we initialised very entrepreneurially in 2000 supplying to Ford at their site in Genk.

“Basically working out of a container on the parking lot of Ford with 10-15 people, we have since grown to now operate across 17 locations worldwide and after 17 years, have recently surpassed the €400 million threshold.”

Such drastic and rapid growth can inevitably be attributed in some part to the Company’s successful partnership with Ford over the years, but ultimately derives from the business’s ability to offer a turnkey service - as per the automotive giant’s initial request and Facil’s two mother companies.

Houben continues: “It really is the full service. We’re not just supplying fasteners but we’re stepping into the early development phase of a car, working side by side with engineers on location - and designing fasteners according to each customer’s specific needs.

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The Auto-Fasteners philosophy is simple Auto-Fasteners provides a highly responsive flexible fastener and small parts distribution service to automotive OEMs and 1st Tier manufacturers. Auto-Fasteners capitalises on the benefits of global sourcing in order to meet the highest quality OEM standards at the most competitive prices.

Auto-Fasteners supply of some of the World’s leading automotive OEMs in; Car, Truck, Off-Highway and Motorcycle.

We also supply a wide range of Automotive Tier 1 suppliers.

AFL METAL FASTENERS Bolts, Screws, Nuts, Washers, Studs, Pins, Spacers Clips.

We supply just-in time scheduled volumes for serial vehicle production and on demand supply for the automotive aftermarket.

Product Range Auto-Fasteners are specialists in sourcing and supplying customer bespoke automotive standard fasteners, small engineered parts and small component assemblies.

AFL PLASTIC FASTENERS Clips, Ties, Clamps, Holders, Saddles, Mounts, Bases, Cleats, Straps, Grips.

KITTING & ASSEMBLIES AFL are able to undertake simple manual assembly and kitting of automotive fasteners and small parts here in the UK.

+44 (0) 1926 814600 enquiries@auto-fasteners.com www.auto-fasteners.com Auto Fasteners Ltd, Global Distribution Centre, Holywell Business Park, Northfield Road, Southam, Warwickshire, CV47 0FP. United Kingdom

AFL SMALL PARTS Springs, Bars, Tubes, Die-Castings, Forgings, Blanks, Inserts, Plugs, Stampings, Weld-Parts, Latch Strikers, Bushings, Sleeves, Grommets, Gaskets.

F A C I L

“We needed structure, we needed processes and we needed a motto,” Houben says. “That motto was ‘One Facil’. We had different geographies and different customers, but the philosophies never swayed and the production line never stopped.

“Being operationally efficient and championing operational excellence was pivotal as demand can be different per region, per customer, or even per site, so we had to be able to tailor operations to deal with that.”

2011 saw the dynamic change once again upon Facil’s acquisition of American business, Flexalloy to become a provider of fasteners to Daimler Trucks in North America. Chinese car OEM, Qoros soon followed in 2013 to open up the Asian market too. And as each high profile customer expands in their own right, Facil remains flexible enough to follow; thus broadening its own footprint in the process.

The Company has consistently remained at the forefront of trends, optimising the full end-to-end life of the fastener

“Perhaps our most significant advantage though is that we are able to source and purchase at the best total cost for the client. Despite both mother companies being state-ofthe-art manufacturers, we are able to utilise a global sourcing network of 600 suppliers in order to always find the best solution for the customer.”

The balance and options available to Facil are strengthened even further by the flexibility of both mother companies, whose family-owned cultures emanate through to their brainchild to the benefit of the entire value chain.

And ultimately, it allows the Company to remain at the forefront of trends and continuously ahead of the curve; optimising the full endto-end life of the fastener - from design to assembly - with all the latest technologies and developments in tow.

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Facil’s journey began with Ford

One Facil

Remaining entrepreneurial and agile amid an ever-expanding business is no mean feat, but is the combination that continues to attract some of industry’s most prominent OEMs. From Ford, Volvo Trucks soon came calling, and as the workload became tougher, Facil continued to pull its socks up higher to go that extra mile, and to continue exceeding expectations.

“For example, we’ve recently followed Volvo to Japan,” Houben adds. “We’re there because Volvo is so impressed and positive about our relationship that they keep adding new plants and production sites to our package. So we cater to their needs, and make sure we remain entrepreneurial enough to react to such opportunities quickly when they arise.”

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ince 2007, Auto-Fasteners Ltd has brought flexible service, utmost quality, and competitive prices to a host of household-name OEMs and automotive heavyweights via its best-in-class fasteners.

With an initial aim to satisfy demand for a more flexible and cost-effective approach to aftermarket supply among automotive OEMs, the business has evolved into a globally prominent operator serving both commercial and passenger strands, contributing directly to Tier 1 supply chains.

Globally sourcing, stocking and distributing OEM and TS16949 quality fasteners, small parts and engineering components, the resultant portfolio serves as a turnkey, customisable product range to suit all needs, sizes, specs and customer niches.

AFL Metal Fasteners, AFL Small Parts, AFL Plastic Fasteners and Kitting & Assemblies AFL make up the overall portfolio, and the culmination of Auto-Fasteners’ divisions is an all-encompassing one-stop shop for customers who have become a great source of pride to the Company’s business and staff.

“As a relatively young company, to receive the approval, accolade and support of some of the world’s leading automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers is humbling,” the business affirms.

Key attributing reasons to this 10-year success include: • Providing a genuinely fresh and innovative approach to tackling age-old supply problems • Being highly flexible and responsive; never fearful of a new challenge • Having a ‘can-do’ attitude to meeting Auto-Fasteners customers’ needs and expectations • Travelling the world to find service and quality-orientated fastener and small parts manufacturers

• Placing product quality at the forefront of everything • Believing that exceptional service is the norm, not the exception On the service side, such values are applied more concertedly and structurally across global sourcing, quality control, stock management, kitting and assemblies, product packaging and the supply chain via its international logistics strategy.

And proof of the success throughout each strand is typified by the list of names gracing Auto-Fasteners’ customer base over the years: Volvo, Bentley, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover, Vauxhall, Audi, VW, Scania, Renault Trucks, Autoliv, Visteon, Terex and Triumph just a select sample across its car, truck, supply chain, off-highway, and motorcycle demographics.

“Our OEM automotive customers expect nothing less than 100 percent zero defect quality products and services direct to their production lines,” the Company states as an indictment of the relationships enjoyed with such elite names. “Our fully inspected and tested fasteners, engineered small parts and assemblies are delivered in approved customer containers, labelled accurately and delivered just-in-time.

“We work closely with our customers to help bring about cost reduction from re-sourcing to more efficient and effective suppliers backed by our world-class supplier management and service standards.”

T +44 (0) 1926 814600 E enquiries@auto-fasteners.com

www.auto-fasteners.com

F A C I L

A global picture

From a supplier and customer perspective, the willingness to expand and diversify brings evidential reassurances, but it also facilitates a lot of Facil’s own internal development simultaneously.

Being operational on so many continents enables the business to foresee certain trends, technologies and consumer preferences ahead of time, before subsequently implementing them across other presence points.

“For example, the electric vehicle market is stronger in Asia so there is a huge emphasis on lightweight materials. However, many Chinese suppliers are not quite at that level yet, technically, so Chinese startups are using European suppliers who are at that development stage - like us instead,” Houben details. “Then, from the west, we are able to see a more global picture of sourcing options before cross-selling across regions; and that’s the advantage of being global - your viewpoint becomes a complete picture rather than regionally dependent.”

New solutions

Astuteness across fastener usage trends is even more significant at present as Facil not only looks to diversify its solutions range, but also its customer demographic. Leveraging the same approach and skill sets that have served the car and truck domain for so long, the Company is also now on hand to cater for the rail sector, as well as construction and agricultural vehicles/machinery.

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We encourage people to bring their own ideas, to feel free in expressing those ideas, and even to fail as that’s ultimately the only way to create good, new ideas

For each and every strand though, the attention to detail remains the same and the focus on efficiencies stay consistent. Reduced bulk sizes, concerted weight reductions, more advanced technologies, more refined research & development, and deeper analysis tools are all being leveraged to tweak the end fastener.

“No matter how heavy the vehicle, fuel emissions, efficiencies and sustainability are hot topics; even on a fastener level,” Houben affirms. “And to anticipate and improve upon these needs, we continuously design and develop new solutions. This can revolve around the fastener and its application, or even in terms of ICT and the analysis tools we use so that we can predict the cost of materials prior to sourcing, to aid logistics efficiencies too.”

Technologies such as RFID and augmented reality are used to harness new and improved logistical solutions to facilitate enhanced efficiencies for the customer, and can be attributed in large to the levels of technological excellence and idea-fostering that occurs within Facil.

Houben continues: “We have

extremely flexible people which is what’s needed, and we look to hire talented, ambitious, hungry people that help keep that entrepreneurial spirit in the Company, but that we also give a lot of responsibility.

“We encourage people to bring their own ideas, to feel free in expressing those ideas, and even to fail as that’s ultimately the only way to create good, new ideas. In turn, each employee feels enriched and encouraged to explore what they can achieve and contribute to a growing business. And as such, many people have worked their way up the Company and have already been present at Facil for 15 years.”

HIPER fasteneers

Providing the best possible environment for such bright minds to flourish has recently been compounded by a complete refurbishment of Facil’s HQ, complemented by an ongoing assurance of the highest class facilities and state-of-the-art equipment.

Complementing investments and improvements to the Company’s

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structure has been Facil’s step into the world of ecommerce in order to simplify the ordering process for some customers; all with the support of strengthened data analysis that has helped to create more comprehensive and statistically-based price points, logistics solutions and material procurement figures.

“It’s all about getting more information and understanding customers better, and optimising big data will allow us to do this more accurately in the future,” Houben explains. “It will also help to facilitate our other ambition which is to continue growing of course. We are very active in the automotive and truck markets but see huge potential with large Tier 1 suppliers, as well as in the

Internal processes have been improved by utilising new technologies

rail sector where there is huge demand for high quality fasteners.

“And for each and every customer or supplier, improving our internal processes and by using new technologies, we’ll be able to provide them with information quicker; while also reducing our own stock levels as a consequence of reacting more accurately to demand in real time.”

Despite every diversification, advancement, progression and expansion though, the chief differentiator today remains what it always was: a cemented set of morals filtered down from a mother company partnership steeped in family values and entrepreneurial flair.

Houben concludes: “The values we strive to and live by are driven by our people - the ‘HIPER fasteneers’. This stands for Happy together, Innovation, Passion for solutions, Entrepreneurship and Respect.

“Together they encourage us to retain a feel good factor within the business, to think ahead of the industry curve, to go the extra mile, and to stick together. And this helps us perform to our best, and achieve the best possible results for our customers.”

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Premier Protection Promat has proudly developed a reputation of international quality in sophisticated fire safety systems over the past six decades Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold

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EME s recent events all over the world have shown, the impact of fire can cause complete devastation to human life, landscapes and property. The effects on communities and economic prosperity can continue extensively for many years after the event, inspiring companies such as Promat to create a service that provides optimum levels of fire safety and a positive influence on the environment.

Over the years Promat has developed extensive testing and a record of successful systems, all of which are now synonymous with international standards of quality and which set the benchmark for regulatory authorities.

The sophisticated fire science technology currently being demonstrated by the Company sets it apart as a global leader, with a worldwide network attained via parent company, Etex, and a deeply-rooted presence in 42 countries.

“We have achieved a reputation of international quality with our tried and tested products and systems, all of which work effectively throughout building and construction projects, marine and prominent oil & gas platforms,” begins Mark Lavender, Managing Director at Promat. “The past six decades have positioned us with the knowledge to provide in-depth expertise and protection to our customers, utilising our unrivalled knowledge centre.”

As a subsidiary of the Etex Group - a Belgian industrial set - Promat Middle East is supported in providing a broad and comprehensive range of passive fire protection and installation solutions to be applied throughout buildings, infrastructure and tunnels, as well as aforementioned industrial projects.

At present the Company is located in Dubai, with operations based within a 50,000 square foot manufacturing

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alabora Europe has more than a 50 year history in the supply of high quality crude / raw vermiculite. When you choose Palabora as your partner, you’ll benefit from high-class product stewardship, fast delivery and assured quality. Our vermiculite is rigorously tested and analysed by independent laboratories to ensure consistent high quality.

We are committed to mining responsibly and are ISO 9001:2008 and 14001:2004 accredited so you can be totally confident in the product you’re purchasing.

We are proud and grateful of our long and successful relationship with Promat.

Our product is an ingredient in one of their cement-based sprays, applied to fire resistant materials; just one of the responsible end-use applications of this versatile industrial mineral.

T +44 (0)1252 917340

www.palaboraeurope.co.uk plant in the Dubai Investment Park.

This extensive facility has enabled Promat to provide products and services to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and the wider Middle Eastern and African regions.

Developing unique solutions

Two of the most prominently recognised products created by Promat are the spray fire rated material (SFRM) and Promat worldwide solutions, both of which have been put through their paces and today are effectively working throughout construction projects in the Middle East.

Lavender affirms: “The impeccable range of high-level quality fire protection that we are producing includes a variety of fire rated ductwork, compartmentation, structural protection, fire stopping and multiple tunnel applications for underground structures.

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“For us the most important aspect of our work is providing our customers with sustainable fire protection and high performance installation solutions, both of which will secure lives.”

After such a long and successful period of time as leaders in the industry, Promat is continuing to develop unique solutions through deploying a team of highly qualified experts. The aforementioned team are tasked with creating new products and the next generation of existing products, enabling the Company to consistently improve on its already impressive offering.

“With thanks to these efforts, we are currently able to offer a wide variety of associated products as well as our more traditional selection,” explains Lavender. “These products include fire-stopping products, fire protection mortar, pipe collars for combustible PVC pipes, fire rated mastics, fire-resistant glass and many more.”

Creative working environment

“In the past couple of years in particular, we have witnessed a significant growth in the building construction segment,” continues Lavender. “When taking into consideration the fact that prominent events such as Dubai Expo 2020 and Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup are just around the corner, we are upping our game even more.

“However, there is a real juxtaposition within the industry; on the one hand we have the thriving building construction and on the other, a flat oil & gas industry.”

A key factor in Promat’s adaptability and ability to succeed is its human capital, which always provides it with strength and a competitive advantage in the market.

“It is a matter of standard policy that we place a high priority on recruiting, developing and retaining outstanding people to work within our Company,” adds Lavender. “As part of our

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The leading supplier of crude vermiculite Vermiculite is a hydrated aluminium-iron magnesium silicate, similar in appearance to mica.

It’s also a naturally occurring mineral possessing desirable properties and is thus utilised in an array of industries and markets globally. Palabora crude vermiculite is mined in South Africa and consists of golden/brown flakes graded by size. When subjected to intense heat it expands rapidly into concertina shaped particles many times their original volume, this produces exfoliated vermiculite utilised in most end use applications.�

Exfoliated vermiculite is light-weight and intrinsically fire resistant, this makes it an ideal ingredient in spray or trowel applied fireproof coatings / cements and in manufacturing of plasterboard

Palabora Europe Limited, Sequel House, The Hart, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7HW | Tel: +44 (0)1252 917340 | www.palaboraeurope.co.uk

Univar is a world leader in the distribution of chemistry and related products and services.

Univar is more than just a distribution company; we’re a global partner to our customers and suppliers dedicated to: Earning customers for life Using our global network to provide market insight and expertise to grow our customers business Uncompromising safety and compliance Creating enduring supplier relationships Providing an innovative suite of value-added services

www.univar.com

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Staffed by a dedicated collection of technical speciallists

While Promat is predominantly renowned as a specialist in fire protection for tunnels and other underground structures, our developing expertise in high performance installation (HPI) is now considered second to none

retention strategy, we are committed to the principles of providing a safe, fair and diversified workplace.

“It is also ever-increasingly important to us to shape an inspiring and creative working environment in which enthusiasm and spontaneity are both respected and balanced.

Naturally this environment is able to function smoothly with thanks to exceptional leadership, as well as teamwork in which our staff are able to expand their skills and take on new opportunities.”

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Second to none

Mark Lavender, Managing Director

With its current role as the world’s leading passive fire protection solutions provider, Promat and its legendary research & development (R&D) programmes are widely renowned as industry benchmarks.

During Promat’s 60 years of operations it has accumulated, published and made available its test data which provides it with undeniable proof of its recognition as a global leader in the creation of sophisticated fire science technologies.

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Fire safety event

“We are staffed by a dedicated collection of technical specialists and highly qualified design and engineering personnel,” states Lavender. “All of our R&D initiatives are coordinated alongside our marketing department operations and management; all of which ensure exceptional products, systems and build integration to meet increasingly specific fire protection needs.”

Promat has a well established reputation for bringing forth high levels of quality fire performance

and risk accountability, in regards to many different varieties of fire rated ductwork allowing the Promat engineers to create a broad crosssection of specific fire conditions which allow them to test to rigorous international and local standards.

“While Promat is predominantly renowned as a specialist in fire protection for tunnels and other underground structures, our developing expertise in high performance installation (HPI) is now considered second to none,” concludes Lavender.

“This involves the development of new technologies and other micro-systems in order to create cutting edge fire protection, often in conditions that would more often than not jeopardise the installation.

“This is enabling us to match the required growth needed for this region, leaving us with tremendous potential to focus on investment and growth in the future. I hope that in time we will be launching new product ranges to continue meeting the demand, as well as entering into new market segments in time.”

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Tatra Trucks has a long-standing tradition of excellence and innovation, leading the way for European vehicle manufacturers Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold

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ith a history that dates back to 1850, Tatra Trucks can boast one of the longest and proudest traditions in automotive manufacturing the world over.

The Company began when Designer, Ignác Šustala, began to work on the production of carriages and wagons in Kopřivnice, a town in the MoravianSilesian region of the Czech Republic.

Almost 30 years later railway carriages were added to the Tatra’s portfolio, and in 1897 it produced the first passenger vehicle named Präsident.

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“A milestone year for our company came in 1923, when our Designer, Hans Ledvinka, devised a chassis system that would go on to become the central backbone of our Tatra vehicles today,” explains Radek Strouhal, Chief Executive Officer at Tatra Trucks.

“Today this system is known as the Tatra Concept and it provided us with a pivotal turning point in the manufacture of our vehicles.”

Moving into the 1930s, Tatra was the first company in the world to produce and sell passenger vehicles with aerodynamic bodies, in addition to its

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trucks, rail vehicles and sport aircraft.

Strouhal continues: “After the second World War we became a major manufacturer of heavy trucks for civil and military use in Czechoslovakia, supplying tens of thousands of vehicles to countries in almost all continents.”

However, in 1998 the Company’s production of passenger vehicles came to an end, and since that point in time it has been focusing exclusively on the production of trucks and special vehicles for the civilian market and army.

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SEPSON Heavy duty winches for all kinds of applications Sepson’s winches are built for professional use in tough conditions.

The winches are used on rescue and recovery vehicles, cargo trucks, trailers and heavy equipment transporters, armoured fighting vehicles, offroad vehicles, tractors, loaders and earthmovers, fire engines, high tension line stringing rigs and many other applications.

A global supplier of reliable, dependable and uncomplicated vehicle-mounted winches, the Company is always at the forefront with competent and innovative development of world-class hydraulic winches and systems for civilian and military users worldwide.

Product characteristics ensure exceptional performance

www.sepson.se

Tatra chassis

At present the vast majority of developmental work is focused on adapting the unique concept of the Tatra chassis, including its swinging half-axles and all-wheel drive.

“The characteristics of our chassis provide our Tatra vehicles with exceptional performance, both in rough terrain and on road,” adds Strouhal. “The off-road capabilities for our trucks are legendary thanks to the many years of development that have gone into them, while also being incredibly reliable for our customers.

“Supporting this is the fact that we are the only manufacturer of commercial vehicles that has been able to supply customers with trucks that comply with the Euro 5 emission standard, by equipping them with an original air-cooled engine of our own design.”

The biggest change for the Company in recent years - in terms of vehicle development - has been the launch

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The only commercial truck manufacturer in compliance with Euro 5 emission standards

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RELIABLE, DEPENDABLE AND UNCOMPLICATED

World Class Winches

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of the Tatra Phoenix Euro 6 series, complete with Paccar engines in 2015.

These vehicles are now the Company’s top-of-the-line product range for the EU markets.

“Alongside the addition of our new series we have also implemented changes to the backbone of our vehicles, a key part of all Tatra’s model series’,” affirms Strouhal.

“The newly implemented design of the backbone is stronger and has a longer life; this will contribute to even higher durability and longevity of our vehicles, strengthening our reputation for the production of indestructible machines.”

Major market trends

After many years within the industry, one of the major trends affecting the Company at present is the necessity to reduce its production costs and the subsequent associated increase in cooperation between automotive

www.sepson.se

We ensure that this legacy and tradition is carried forward through our employees, both new and old

manufacturers.

“In reaction to these new influences - including the globalisation of automotive component production we have started to work with DAF in the field of engine and cabin deliveries for our Tatra Phoenix model series,” states Strouhal. “Most recently in 2017 we invested a substantial sum into the upkeep of our machine tools, particularly in the field of machining of gears in the drive system.

“As a direct result of these investments, we have not only seen higher productivity but also an increase in the quality and accuracy of machining.”

Alongside the upkeep and investment into the Company’s technology, it is currently in the preparatory phase of a project that will see the complete renovation of its production facilities. Given the huge scope within this project, it is expected to start in 2019.

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“We are a very traditional brand with a lot of history, which will be reflected in these overhauls in the near future,” continues Strouhal. “We ensure that this legacy and tradition is carried forward through our employees, both new and old.”

Future development

Alongside Tatra’s impressive influence on the manufacturing industry as a whole, it is also trying to swing some of this influence to shine a light on corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives close to home.

“We are committed to supporting

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children’s activities and sports within our region, be that hockey, football or judo predominantly,” explains Strouhal.

“Another example of our work in the past has been the organisation of an annual competition for students and the public; both are encouraged to design the future form of our Tatra vehicles, with the winner gaining the opportunity to work for us.”

In attempts to contribute to greater road safety the Company has also worked in cooperation with the Autoclub of the Czech Republic, where it has prepared courses that teach safe and economical driving to the masses.

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“As well as our external work, we are also working with grant programmes on several projects that link to the rich history of the Company,” adds Strouhal. “These have included a project to build a new Tatra Museum and to renovate the exceptional historical express train, Tatra 68 Slovenska Strela, with its unique aerodynamic design produced in the 1930s.”

The construction of the aforementioned museum has been approved and the renovation project is set to start later this year, and it is hoped the project will contribute

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to the preservation of the unique technical monuments and vehicles related to the history and development of the Company.

“There are many exciting developments for us at Tatra, and I’m looking forward to seeing them come to fruition, particularly the planned reconstruction of our factory,” concludes Strouhal. “I believe this will significantly improve the working conditions of our employees, while also enhancing the overall image of the Company moving forward as a modern and progressive manufacturer with an exceptional history.”

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Specialists JLT Risk Solutions is leveraging its Northern European expertise, and indeed the wider JLT Group’s experience to meet ever expanding and diversifying demands Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Stuart Parker

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alling under the umbrella of one of the world’s largest insurance brokers, JLT Risk Solutions - as a strand of JLT Northern Europe - continues to serve as a regional and global pioneer across areas of credit and political risk management.

The aforementioned parent organisation, JLT Group PLC is one of the most renowned names across the world of finance with more than 10,600 employees situated across as many as 135 countries; and for Northern Europe, the journey began in earnest in Sweden in 1997.

JLT Risk Solutions AB Partner, Magnus Lindgren introduces: “Our core areas of insurance intermediation

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are in crime & liability risks, credit & political risks, property & business interruption, construction, and life science. In addition we specialise in affinity, with specific focus on insurance for banks and other financial institutions as well as insurance relating to mergers and acquisitions.”

With a core client base comprising businesses with specific insurance needs in conjunction with complex risk profiles, the need for a reliable, experienced and established solutions provider is paramount, and it is resultantly the Company’s believe that risk mitigation should be provided by market-leading specialists such as JLT. “This prerequisite is facilitated by the fact that we only operate in areas where we are or can become market

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leaders,” Lindgren adds. “This is most certainly true within the field of credit, political and security risk where we have some of the most experienced people in the region at staff and board level. JLT in Stockholm was the original pioneer with regards to the first facultative collaborations between the private credit insurance market and the Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) around the world.

“Our long experience in the field has rendered us the title Group Centre of Excellence for this practice, which continues to be a very active area almost two decades later.”

Recognised as leaders across success parameters including sector knowledge, cost-effectiveness, policy

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advice, business understanding and customer service, JLT Risk Solutions in Northern Europe continues to achieve excellence; striving from a unique platform of being able to offer the most comprehensive surety and bond solutions in the market.

“When placing credit & political risk, we have access to more than 70 insurers globally, benefitting especially from our London team being one of the largest Lloyd’s brokers in the field and our strong Asian team accessing local markets for a very dynamic region,” Lindgren affirms.

Economic climate

Over the years, JLT has put a lot of emphasis on solving traditional issues that numerous clients face in the credit insurance domain. Meeting banks on common ground and providing products that are useful from banks’ perspectives was a key starting point for this; while on the export side, the Company has enabled a smoother and faster process to obtain cover for important and exposed contracts.

Quote speeds are of course facilitated by JLT’s global presence and it’s ‘seen it all’ experience base, while the business’s role as a practice leader for the public sector is another differentiator driven by its unrivalled workforce and subsequently flexible, global outlook.

“Political risk is high in many areas around the world, and the uncertain economic climate results in increasing credit risks,” Lindgren offers one particular trend that JLT’s flexibility is countering at present. “This in turn, has resulted in more and more exporters re-evaluating their credit policies and the way they view their exposure. As a direct consequence, the financing banks are also looking with increased interest into the private market for credit and political risk insurance as an alternative to the ECAs. “Whole turnover credit insurance, where exporters insure all of their

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When placing credit & political risk, we have access to more than 70 insurers globally, benefitting especially from our London team being one of the largest Lloyd’s brokers in the field and our strong Asian team accessing local markets for a very dynamic region

exports, has never really picked up in the Nordic region and particularly not in Sweden. Instead we see a large pick up in the interest for the more tailor-made single risk credit insurance, where the exporter selects the projects and contracts to insure on a case-by-case basis.”

For the Nordic region specifically, the increased demand for faster service and enhanced innovation is combining with two additional trends which continue to elevate credit insurance’s importance for banks.

Lindgren continues: “Basel, CRR and other regulatory issues limiting the risk the banks can keep on their own balance sheet and increasing the capital allocation costs, have brought

credit insurance to the attention of the large Nordic banks. Hence, all the large Nordic banks are discussing how and when to use credit insurance for supporting capacity, concentration and capital allocation issues.

“Further, the extremely competitive global environment makes credit terms and financing crucial commercial tools when competing for international contracts. This often stretches beyond what the ECAs can and are allowed to support, and turns the focus of exporters and banks to what private insurers can offer. The Nordic banks are increasing their use of the private insurers in order not to lose these export contracts to continental or UK-based international banks who

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Outlook Publishing’s awardwinning in-house team is now utilising its extensive production skills to offer a full and bespoke range of editorial, design and marketing services

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Cover trade risks the world over

via its new Outlook Creative Services division.

Atradius trade credit insurance can protect your business from financial loss caused by risks of non-payment.

For risks that cannot be covered by traditional trade credit insurance, our Special Products unit can offer you a highly tailored and global approach.

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N V I S I T: www.outlookpublishing.com/creative-services

For more information, contact Jesse van Cleef Special Products Executive Manager jesse.van.cleef@atradius.com www.atradius.com

are more acquainted with the private market.”

business terminating in that region.

Further, the continental European Swiss, German and French insurers are A specialist also becoming increasingly active and Ultimately, both exporters and banks form a viable complement to Lloyd’s. have become surprised at the speed of “The local insurers in each country the private market and the competitive usually focus on larger insurance conditions on offer. programmes for short trade credits, Additionally, with more and more but it is our impression that their industrial services being performed mandate to do longer credit risks and on-site or outsourced overseas, credit look at single situations is increasing.” protection once again takes on a However, when addressing bonds new dynamic more in-line with the and surety, the situation switches, and private market; namely epitomising sees local providers taking a proactive the overriding role that globalisation is role in offering alternative bank playing in the financial sector. guarantees.

And, as Lindgren emphasises, there Again though, JLT remains flexible isn’t a better, more representative, enough - despite its size - to serve global credit and political risk entity clients in an entrepreneurial and than Lloyd’s. bespoke way no matter what the “Consequently this is where we demand is; an ability that derives from eventually place most of the policies,” its primary role as a specialty broker. he explains. “However, for Asian risk As such, JLT will look to continue there is a strong local market emerging capitalising on Nordic banks’ more which is an excellent complement for expansive usage of credit & political

risk cover, meeting demands from small, medium and large banks and exporters alike in order to lead the direction of the industry in Northern Europe in the future.

“We only focus on areas where we think we can perform worldclass services, courtesy of our highly skilled and experienced specialists; rather than generalists,” Lindgren concludes. “In credit & political risk, there simply are no bread and butter cases. Every contract is unique to its content, geography, size and tenor and needs to be treated as the unique transaction it represents. Our brokers need to understand and manage the implications of the export, credit risk, the financing and the commercial terms, regardless of industry and geography.

“When dealing with the heart of your business, namely your customer contracts, you do not want a generalist but a specialist!”

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D SHIFTING l Faris Equipment Rentals celebrated its 25th year of operations in 2017, having experienced a meteoric rise to the top of a competitive industry.

In 1992 - shortly after the first Gulf War - the Company opened its doors with one second-hand truck-mounted crane and one trailer, tapping into the opportunity for re-growth within the UAE by capitalising on the need for construction and infrastructure equipment.

After celebrating a quarter of a century in the industry, Al Faris Equipment Rentals is looking forwards with plans for expansion into new regions and markets Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Eddie Clinton

“Since the early days of our Company, we have grown to become the largest crane management fleet in the region,” begins the Director at Al Faris Equipment Rentals, Keonne Pinto. “In 25 years we have grown to obtain mobile cranes of a 700-1,200 tonne capacity, enabling us to meet the requirements for the vast majority of jobs within the industry.

“Building a trusted reputation through exceptional service delivery over the past quarter of a century within the UAE has ensured we are very well established; enabling us to branch into other markets of interest moving forward.”

Within its highly developed service offering over the years, Al Faris has defined itself, with a main area of focus being the provision of 24-hour operations at its in-house workshop.

“Any breakdowns can be dealt with in a short space of time, which is incredibly important to our customers in the oil fields that require very fast turnaround times,” explains Pinto. “We realised very quickly that any downtime would be costing companies a lot of money, therefore we provide them with a service that will save them money and strengthen our relationships.”

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A L

F A R I S

E Q U I P M E N T

Branching out

Over the years Al Faris has undertaken many major projects, massively increasing its expertise and appeal to customers within the market and further afield.

“Perhaps one of our biggest projects, completed in 2009, was the Dubai Metro, where we worked as one of the key crane rental companies involved,” continues Pinto. “We have also been invited back to work on the current expansion of the Metro system, reaffirming our relationship and dramatically increasing our portfolio’s strength.”

The Company’s main focus for projects over the first 20 years of its tenure has been on the UAE. However, in 2010 it decided to expand into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has proved to be a large market with a lot

R E N T A L S

of the requirements the Company is able to provide.

Pinto adds: “We were especially excited to branch out into Saudi Arabia, as we knew that there were a plethora of oil & gas related jobs there ready for us to tap into.

“Slightly more than seven years later we now have around 600 employees on the ground within Saudi Arabia, and more than three times that located within the UAE. Our main focus still remains within the UAE as we know the market very well and the requirements that we need to meet; that being said we have also carried out some jobs in Bahrain and Oman in order to test the potential within those markets.”

Alongside its testing work within the two aforementioned countries, the Company is also looking into African and Asian emerging markets where

there is a lot of potential within the energy division moving forward.

Technological investments

Alongside studying and testing the best possible regions to branch into, the Company has also been focusing a lot of its energy on technology investments. The main bulk of this investment has been based on equipment, employees and internal infrastructure.

“Even during the recession in 2008, we have remained resolute with the promise to ourselves of consistent investment,” explains Pinto. “We were one of the only companies in the region that was still able to put money into new equipment and technological opportunities.”

More recently, Al Faris became the first company in the region to purchase

“Even during the recession in 2008, we have remained resolute with the promise to ourselves of consistent investment.”

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S H I P P I N G

&

EME

L O G I S T I C S

Wire Rope Lifting Equipment Third Party Inspection Services

Powered Lifting Equipment

Attachment Points / Shackles

Manual Lifting Equipment

Hydraulics / Industrial trucks

Load Suspension Equipment

Cargo Lashing

Lifting Slings

All Range of Lifting Gears

Fall Protection Systems

Certification of Persons

Personal Protective Equipment

Worldwide Quality Training

Crane Ropes / Wire Ropes

Third Party Inspection & Certification Services

P.O.Box; 92607, Abu Dhabi Tel: +971-2-5504443 Fax: +971-2-5504434 AbuDhabi@CarlStahl.ae

the heaviest available mobile crane, weighing 1,200 tonnes.

Pinto states: “We were also the first Company to acquire a selection of LTR mobile cranes, a collection of which we are working to increase at present and which enables us to reach very complex locations for our customers.”

In terms of the more recent technological investments, the Company has implemented a more unified internal infrastructure. This has enabled operations - including payroll, HR and workshops - to be more streamlined, reducing downtime and creating better coordination within its internal structure.

Pinto continues: “In terms of our human capital and the investments that we have made there, we still focus our efforts on providing a very rigorous recruitment process in order to help us ensure that we are finding the right people to join the team and to help drive us forward.”

Industry adjustments

As seen by many companies globally within this industry, there has been a slowdown for oil & gas companies and this has been especially apparent in Abu Dhabi.

“This slowdown has resulted in some of our jobs being pushed back, predominantly due to costcutting,” adds Pinto. “At present this is noticeably reducing competition within the market as it is becoming

P.O.Box; 26607, Dubai Tel: +971-4-3333494 Fax: +971-4-3333489 Dubai@CarlStahl.ae

www.carlstahl.ae

a less viable option that it has been previously.

“Presently we are focusing our energy on infrastructure and civil engineering projects, which are in great supply and growing within the UAE region in particular.”

In every aspect of the Company’s operations it provides complete turnkey solutions to clients; not only contributing equipment for jobs, but becoming involved throughout the entire process, from the very beginning in terms of planning, right through to job execution.

“With thanks to our complete design and engineering team and inhouse facilities, our service capabilities have increased dramatically which cements our position as a market leader,” concludes Pinto. “Looking forward I hope that we will continue to develop this reputation, alongside building a larger fleet while we work on expansion in other regions.”

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GULFOOD

E V E N T

F O C U S

The world’s largest food event channels thousands of new product launches FOLLOWING A RECORD 2017 edition that welcomed in excess of 97,000 visitors across one million square feet of exhibition space, Gulfood - the world’s largest annual food event - is placing innovation at the heart of its 23rd edition.

As the global F&B community gears up for this principal opportunity to source the latest and best products at the best price, Gulfood is promising a wave of new services and innovations to reflect changes in consumer demand. The fully booked-out event will once again welcome more than 5,000 exhibitors showcasing products across eight primary market sectors.

In total, buyers can look forward to meeting more than 1,000 new-toshow food & beverage producers that

Event Details WHEN: 18-22 February WHERE: Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE CONTACT: gulfoodmarketing@dwtc.com WEBSITE: www.gulfood.com

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have been hand-selected to deliver greater volumes of consumer-oriented products. These include health and wellness categories such as organic and sugar-free plus third-wave coffee varieties and new taste and texture innovations across the board.

Gulfood Innovation Awards finalists will also form an integral part of the Innovation Zone showcase, with 2018 award winners being announced during the prestigious annual awards ceremony. Additional networking features include a series of government-accredited fringe seminars running throughout the exhibition plus live pitch demonstrations from some the most exciting global startups on the scene.

Gulfood Visitor Tickets went on sale at www.gulfood.com in December.

Visitors who book before 1 February 2018 will save AE$ 150 against the standard onsite price, paying just AE$ 250 until the deadline expires.

Convenient flight and accommodation packages are available through Official Gulfood Travel Partner, Alpha Tours.

International visitors should contact anisa@alphatoursdubai.com or call +971 4 701 9111 for details.

For more information about participation at the show, please e-mail: gulfoodmarketing@dwtc.com.

As part of our ongoing commitment to help you get the most out of your event, we are pleased to include your show details, at no cost, on our online calendar at dwtc.com. One of the corporate website’s most popular sections, with online traffic exceeding

300,000 page views during peak season, this is a highly effective and complimentary avenue to generate significant awareness with your audiences.

Please provide the information requested below so we can ensure your event is available online as soon as your contract has been signed and information has been provided through our venue sales team. We update content on a weekly basis and would appreciate if material is provided as per our requirements, in order to reduce turn-around-times.

GULFOOD. BIG ON TRENDS.

18 - 22 February 2018 Dubai World Trade Centre

TASTES. TRENDS. TRADE.

EARLY BIRD OFFER ENDS 1 FEB 2018 SAVE AED 150 ON YOUR TICKET AT GULFOOD.COM

Organised By

Supported by

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Category Sponsor Meat & Poultry

Category Sponsor Beverage

Registration Sponsors

PreRegistration Sponsor

Carrier Bags, Pens & Visitor Invites

Carrier Bags Sponsor

Lanyards Sponsor

Visitor Badge Pouches Sponsor

Official Publisher

PANTONE 1795 CVC PANTONE 362 CVC PROCESS BLACK 100%

Official Knowledge Partner

Exclusive Official Publication

Official Chefs Magazine

Official Regional Magazines

Official Media Partners

Exclusive Online Media Partner

Exclusive Regional Online Media Partner

Official Airline Partner

Official Courier Handler

Official Travel Partner

DUBAI

DRINK

TECHNOLOGY

EXPO

E V E N T

(DDTE)

F O C U S

Bringing together innovators and operators from the Middle East’s beverage sector

Event Details WHEN: 27 February - 1 March WHERE: Dubai International Convention 7 Exhibition Centre, Dubai, UAE WEBSITE: www.drinkexpo.ae

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DUBAI DRINK TECHNOLOGY Expo (DDTE) is a premium specialised event for the beverage industry in the Middle East. The event exclusively caters to innovations in beverage processing systems, productions, filling & packaging, logistics, and storage for non-alcoholic beverages and water.

The event attracts qualified regional beverage manufacturers to the show.

The 10th edition of DDTE will continue its tradition of bringing together the operators of the Middle East beverage plants with suppliers to conduct meaningful business. DDTE has become the most important meeting place for operators throughout the Middle East, African, Mediterranean and Asian countries since 2008.

ENERGY

FROM

WASTE

2018

E V E N T

F O C U S

Economic and operational best practice for successful energy from waste project delivery Event Details WHEN: 28 February - 1 March WHERE: etc.venues, County Hall, London, UK WEBSITE: www.efwconference.com

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THE 2018 EDITION of the highly influential Energy from Waste Conference will be taking place on 28 February-1 March at etc.venues, County Hall in Central London, UK. With UK waste industry is facing a series of ongoing challenges from Brexit, devolution and the volatile state of British and European politics, the 14th annual Energy from Waste Conference will be an ideal forum to explore and debate these issues, and to identify opportunities for growth.

Held in association with Recycling Waste World magazine, the conference offers an extensive programme designed to promote discussion and debate among the international energy from waste industry, thought leaders and key decision makers.

The opening keynote will be delivered by CEWEP President and Indaver CEO, Paul De Bruycker. He will deliver an overview of the global energy from waste market.

Conference highlights include a panel debate discussing finance strategies for successful project delivery, a review and discussion of where EFW stands in the circular economy, heat networks review and a session that will look at skills, training and diversity in the EfW industry.

The event includes an impressive lineup of renowned international speakers, with input from technologists, academia and industry. The programme hosts professionals representing Andusia, Eunomia, Suez, Wood plc, BTMU, Ramboll and Technik Gruppe plus many more.

Delegates will also have a choice of seminar streams covering subjects including Myth Busting: what is the secret of getting the Environmental Permit, business plan best practice for successful project delivery, developments in heat networks and gaining local authority planning permission.

Delegates are also invited to attend an exclusive site visit to the London’s largest EFW plant. The site is operated

by Cory Riverside at Belvedere on the banks of the River Thames. Delegates will have the opportunity to see technology in action and discover how Cory uses the river as a green highway to deliver the capital’s waste to site.

In association with

magazine

27 February - 1 March 2018 | ETC. Venues County Hall, London The premier conference driving new technology discussion, operational efficiency, best practice and compliance in the global energy from waste sector.

Meet with an international audience of more than 250 of the sectors’ thought leaders and key decision makers for unrivalled senior-level industry debate.

Join the discussion and debate covering: Labour relations Environmental permit myth busting Residues of EfW EfW in the circular economy Project finance Contract planning and best practice Featuring: One-to-one meetings Exhibition of leading industry suppliers

NEW FOR 2018 e

An exclusive sit visit to Cory Riverside Energy, London

Book online now: www.efwconference.com

EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OFFSHORE CONGRESS HUB (EPOCH)

E V E N T

F O C U S

BGS Group hosts the closeddoor Exploration and Production Offshore Congress Hub in Rome this March

Event Details WHEN: 5-6 March WHERE: Rome, Italy WEBSITE: http://oilepoch.com/

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BGS GROUP HOSTS the Exploration and Production Offshore Congress Hub between 5-6 March, 2018 in Rome, Italy. The closed-door format gives a direct access to 200-plus decisionmakers, including representatives from: • Exploration & production companies • Drilling contractors • EPC contractors Among confirmed speakers and delegates are Statoil, Hellenic Petroleum, Subsea 7, TechnipFMC, Halliburton, Schlumberger, European Commission and many others.

All represented companies work internationally.

The business programme comprises sessions dedicated to

offshore in Mediterranean and West Africa; offshore drilling and subsea engineering; safety, environment and health issues, and others. For a full programme, please contact the organiser.

During the Congress, participants might have pre-scheduled B2B meetings that allows to plan negotiations with highly-demanded companies beforehand, save time and be introduced to the required people by a personal manager. For this purpose, a special calm zone is organised.

Another option to bring back home new business leads is to become an exhibitor. Due to the limited competition policy, one sector could only be represented by one company.

Thus, you would not have competitors around you. What is more, all printing, shipping and installing of roll-up banners is done by the organieers to facilitate your participation.

To get more information, visit our website www.oilepoch.com or phone +31 20 80 87 321.

For readers of January issue, a special discount is available by promo-code ‘Outlook’ - just notify your manager. The discount cannot be added to any other price reduce options.

GLOBAL

SMART

ENERGY

SUMMIT

E V E N T

F O C U S

Supporting the UAE’s Vision 2021 to make the UAE one of the most sustainable countries in the world Event Details WHEN: 6-8 March WHERE: Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE WEBSITE: www.globalsmartenergy summit.com

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LEVERAGING DUBAI’S HUB location and ambition to become the world’s most sustainable city, Middle East Electricity is building on previous years’ conference content and seminar streams and is proud to launch the region’s first Global Smart Energy Summit, taking place 6-8 March, 2018 at Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE. In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Global Smart Energy Summit will support the UAE Vision 2021, to make the UAE one of the most sustainable countries in the world and the Dubai Plan 2021 which will propel Dubai to be among the world’s smartest and most energy efficient cities.

The Summit programme will take a deep dive into technology as it is the critical link between energy services, access and affordability. Disruptive trends and new technologies are the driving force behind innovative initiatives that are helping governments manage demand, diversify energy sources and secure their energy supplies.

The Global Smart Energy Summit is a truly global event that will unite and facilitate discussions among government energy sector leaders, regulators, utility companies, contractors, consultants and energy end-users for three days of dialogue, thought leadership and networking with smart energy pioneers from across the world.

6 - 8 March 2018

DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE UAE

@MIDDLE EAST ELECTRICITY 2018

FACILITATING ENGAGED CONVERSATIONS ON THE KEY TRENDS AND ADVANCES IN SMART ENERGY FEATURING GLOBAL KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

JB STRAUBEL Co-Founder & CTO Tesla Motors

ANDY KARSNER

Former Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy US Department of Energy

KIRK BORNE

Data Scientist & Former Data Archive Project Scientist NASA

The Global Smart Energy Summit is a truly global event that will unite and facilitate discussions among government energy sector leaders, regulators, utility companies, contractors, consultants and energy end-users for three days of dialogue, thought leadership and networking with smart energy pioneers from across the world.

700+

140+

delegates

speakers

100

content sessions

9

programme themes

www.globalsmartenergysummit.com REGISTER NOW

using code GSESOP for an exclusive 15% discount E: register-mea@informa.com T: +971 (0)4 407 2511

Smart Lighting Partner

Silver Sponsors

Exhibitor

MIDDLE

EAST

ELECTRICITY

2018

E V E N T

F O C U S

The region’s leading international trade event for the power industry

Event Details WHEN: 6-8 March WHERE: Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE CONTACT: info@middleeastelectricity.com WEBSITE: www.middleeastelectricity.com

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HOSTED BY THE UAE Ministry of Energy and based in Dubai, Middle East Electricity is the region’s leading international trade event for the power industry, with dedicated product sectors for power generation, transmission and distribution, lighting and solar. The event serves as the global focal point for the power and solar industry in the region, allowing visitor and exhibitors to conduct business, exchange ideas and network at the highest level.

Each year Middle East Electricity welcomes more than 1,500 international exhibiting companies and more than 21,000 senior level industry decision makers from 130 countries across the MEA region and the rest of the world.

The event serves as the world’s leading platform for the power industry to come together, conduct business, share ideas and network at the highest level. Middle East Electricity drives innovation in the international industry by providing a forum for the world’s thought leaders, government policy makers, academics and senior executives to meet and discuss the latest issues and challenges faced by the power sector.

Visitor profiles include: distributor/ agent of products & services; manufacturing; contracting/ installation; energy supply; transmission & distribution; consultancy; project managemen; retail; facilities management; utilities/ municipalities; real estate/community development; research & development.

Exhibitor profiles include: Power generation; transmission & distribution; installation; regulators; energy utilization; renewable energy; utility/government; nuclear energy; manufacturers; distributors/agents.

Middle East Electricity serves to energise the industry through the expansion of knowledge, playing host to three days of exclusive conferences and workshops.

As part of the exhibition’s commitment in supporting the development of the industry, Middle East Electricity features ‘Future Generation’, a competition for undergraduate and postgraduate engineering students in the UAE. The competition invites students to present their ideas for energy efficiency or alternative energy with the hope of winning an award from either a panel of judges or the “People’s Choice Award” as voted for by visitors to the exhibition.

For further details on the exhibition, conference or Future Generation, please contact info@ middleeastelectricity.com or visit: www.middleeastelectricity.com.

THE MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA'S LEADING INTERNATIONAL TRADE EVENT FOR THE POWER INDUSTRY

POWER GENERATION

TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION

LIGHTING

ENERGY STORAGE & MANAGEMENT

SOLAR

6 - 8 MARCH 2018 DUBAI, UAE ENERGISING THE INDUSTRY

The region’s leading platform for the power industry to conduct business, network and discover the latest trends.

REGISTER ONLINE NOW FOR FREE ENTRY +971 (0) 4 336 5161

info@middleeastelectricity.com

HOSTED BY

EXHIBITION PARTNER

Co-located with

GLOBAL SMART ENERGY SUMMIT

www.middleeastelectricity.com

STRATEGIC PARTNERS

POWER GENERATION SPONSOR

INFORMA ENERGY EVENTS

ENERGISING THE INDUSTRY

PLATINUM SPONSORS

SMART UTILITY PARTNER

GOLD SPONSORS

CO-LOCATED WITH GLOBAL SMART ENERGY SUMMIT

ORGANISED BY

3RD

CDO

CONCLAVE

E V E N T

F O C U S

Thriving in the era of a digital revolution

Event Details WHEN: 7-8 March WHERE: Dubai, UAE WEBSITE: www.cdoconclave.com

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TODAY’S DIGITAL CONSUMER demands a more interactive and personalised experience. An organisation’s success depends on its ability to execute the right strategy. With the increasing adoption of disruptive tech like IoT, AI, ML, advanced analytics and the cloud, enterprises across the Middle East are re-engineering business processes to achieve both cost effectiveness and competitive advantage.

For companies to succeed in the digital era, the role of a Chief Digital Officer (CDO) is arguably the most essential role. It is essential to have a digitisation plan to respond to the disruption and retain the competitive edge.

2018 will bring the 3rd edition of the

Chief Digital Officer (CDO) Conclave.

Since its inception, the Conclave has been focused on addressing the key challenges and opportunities presented by the digital era. It has been paramount in guiding the organisations across the Middle East through their transformation journey.

The Conclave’s theme for 2018 will focus on “Bridging the Digital divide” and will feature key topics for the industry such as IoT, ML, big data and advanced analytics as game changers; integrating the online and offline experiences seamlessly and boardroom strategies for a mature organisation-wide digital paradigm among others.

Digital experts such as Didier Bonnet, Senior VP & Global Practice Leader at Capgemini Consulting, Gopi Krishnan, MD & CIO at Al Hilal Bank and Vineet Goenka, Member of the Task force IT Ministry of Road, Transport & Highways and Shipping, Government of India will be a part of the speaker panel at the conclave.

Having hosted participants such as Microsoft, Oracle, SAP and PwC in the past, the 3rd edition of CDO Conclave will bring together more than 250 digital leaders from various industries across the Middle East.

To honour the leaders who have excelled and set a benchmark as Chief Transformers in their respective organisations and roles, the conclave will also host the 3rd Digital Excellence Awards.

Register now to reserve your seat: www.cdoconclave.com/register

OIL

&

GAS

UZBEKISTAN

E V E N T

F O C U S

The new business image of Uzbekistan

Event Details WHEN: 16-18 May WHERE: Tashkent, Uzbekistan WEBSITE: www.oilgas.uz

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ARE YOU LOOKING for new markets? It is the best time now to focus on Uzbekistan; the country located at the heart of Central Asia.

Thanks to several significant reforms adopted by the new Government, and further major changes in the investment climate, Uzbekistan becomes the centre of attraction.

The 22nd annual Global Oil & Gas Uzbekistan/OGU 2018 Exhibition and Conference will once again gather representatives of industry companies, departments, business community and key experts at the professional stage. It is the key event in the oil & gas sector of Uzbekistan to be held under the official support of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Uzbekneftegaz JSC.

The experience of previous years demonstrates that Oil & Gas Uzbekistan, the International Exhibition and Conference, has gained the confidence among the leaders of the oil & gas sector engaged in implementation of large-scale investment projects.

The business programme of Global Oil & Gas Uzbekistan/OGU includes discussions in the format of technology conferences, roundtables and seminars, which will provide an excellent opportunity to expand business relationships, find new partners, and establish business contacts with the world-renowned companies of the oil & gas industry in Uzbekistan.

The exhibition and conference will enable assessing the current state and prospects of the modern oil & gas industry: exploration projects; alternative and renewable energy projects; oil & gas equipment production projects; attraction of direct foreign investments aimed at deep processing of hydrocarbon raw materials; key field development plans and exploration solutions; important projects and prospects of the gas petroleum and petrochemical industry.

The Organising Committee of Oil and Gas Uzbekistan, the International Exhibition and Conference - Global Oil & Gas Uzbekistan 2018, invites oil & gas companies and related industries to participate in the events scheduled from 16-18 May, 2018!

GASTECH

2018

E V E N T

F O C U S

At the forefront of international gas, LNG and energy

Event Details WHEN: 17-20 September WHERE: Barcelona, Spain WEBSITE: www.gastechevent.com

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FOR MORE THAN 45 years, the Gastech exhibition and conference has been at the forefront of the international gas, LNG and energy industries.

This world renowned event is regarded as the most significant meeting place for upstream, midstream and downstream gas and LNG professionals, where they convene to do business.

Gastech has fast become a next generation energy event, hosting major NOCs, IOCs, integrated energy companies, global utilities, EPC contractors, shipbuilders, pipeline companies, manufacturers, technology providers and service companies; all of whom play an active role in the global energy value chain.

INSPIRE & CONNECT W I T H T H E G LO BA L E N E RGY BUSINESS LEADERS

T H E L A R G E ST GAT H E R I N G O F T E C H N I C A L & CO M M E R C I A L GA S , L N G A N D E N E R GY P R O F E S S I O N A L S I N 2018 W I T H :

50,000 SQUARE FEET OF EXHIBITION SPACE

30,000 ATTENDEES

3,500 CONFERENCE ATTENDEES

350+ SPEAKERS REPRESENTING THE GLOBAL GAS & LNG VALUE CHAIN

SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT AND LEAD THE DEBATE

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS 23 FEBRUARY 2018

DMG237

28 STRATEGIC AND 82 TECHNICAL SESSIONS TO CHOOSE FROM, FOR THE FULL LIST VISIT WWW.GASTECHEVENT.COM//EME1

DMG237

MRO

MIDDLE

EAST

E V E N T

F O C U S

Business Success at MRO Middle East and AIME MRO MIDDLE EAST and the co-located AIME closed with a considerable attendance of 4,541 trade visitors across the two-day events at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chief Executive and Chairman of Emirates Airline & Group officially opened the event before touring many of the 320 stands to greet exhibitors.

“The Middle East is a high growth region and there is a lot of focus and attention on the MRO industry,” said Amir Emam, Senior Strategic Marketing Manager at Honeywell Aerospace.

“Given the exponential growth of the MRO market in the region, as well as aircraft connectivity, it is the ideal place

Event Details WHEN: March 2018 - February 2019 WHERE: See list shown right WEBSITE: events.aviationweek.com

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to see our partners and customers and demonstrate our dedication to the market.”

New this year, Airline Engineering & Maintenance: Middle East served as the conference portion of the event and took place as precursor to the exhibition on 22 January. The one-day conference was attended by key stakeholders in the aviation aftermarket to network and discuss emerging opportunities in the Middle East.

Conference speakers included: • Ziad al-Hazmi, CEO of Lufthansa Technik Middle East • Abdulla H. Al-Hudaid, VP M&E, Jazeera Airways • Aqeel Al Zarouni, UAE General Civil Aviation Authority • Ashwani Sharma, VP Engineering & Quality Manager, Air Costa • Frederic Dupont, VP Technical Sales, Etihad Airways Engineering • Guillaume Mille, Head of Flight Hours Services Sales, Airbus • Arun Kashyap, Head of Engineering and Maintenance, SpiceJet Airlines • Yasin Birinci, Production Planning and Control Director, Turkish Airlines Technic

AIME and MRO Middle East provided a platform for business deals among exhibitors and attendees, with Safran in particular signing agreements with Kuwait Airways and Egyptair on the opening day.

“MRO Middle East is a great forum for meeting the regional carriers and the MROs and has always been a successful show for us. We have had some excellent meetings,” said Jim O’Sullivan, VP Sales & Business Development EMEA at HEICO Aerospace Parts Group.

The event also featured HMG Aerospace’s Inflight IFEC Pavilion which hosted the annual Inflight IFEC Awards with SAUDIA claiming the prestigious “Inflight airline of the year” title for the first time.

AIME and MRO Middle East will return to Dubai, UAE at the DWTC on 11-12 February, 2019. To learn more visit mromiddleeast.aviationweek.com

Upcoming Events

MRO East Asia March 7-8, 2018 | Hanoi, Vietnam MRO Americas April 10-12, 2018 | Orlando, FL Military Aviation Logistics and Maintenance Symposium April 10-11, 2018 | Orlando, FL Engine Leasing, Trading & Finance May 2-3, 2018 | London, UK ap&m Europe May 30-31, 2018 | London, UK MRO BEER Baltics, Eastern Europe & Russia June 6-7, 2018 | Ljubljana, Slovenia Aero-Engines Europe September 12-13, 2018 | Hamburg, Germany MRO Europe October 16-18, 2018 | Amsterdam, The Netherlands MRO Asia-Pacific November 7-8, 2018 | Singapore MRO Middle East February 11-12, 2019 | Dubai, UAE

To learn more about attending, sponsorship and exhibiting visit

events.aviationweek.com

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