Europe & Middle East Outlook - Issue 25

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ISSUE 25

Universal Robots has enjoyed an award-winning, ground-breaking 12 months as its enabling and empowering ethos leads to increased market dominance

BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDE 20

Montenegro: Climbing the Global Ladder

FACIL 72 Flexible fastening solutions

GCC INTERCONNECTION AUTHORITY 90

Leading the development of an efficient power market

VESTFORBRÆNDING 98 Innovative energy production facilitates a sustainable society

ALSO FEATURING: OMAN OIL MARKETING COMPANY | EXMAR | TAWSEEL ECOMMERCE GROUP

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W E L C O M E Innovative sustainability

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It’s fair to say that two key, ever-present themes in EME Outlook over the past 12 months have revolved around innovation and sustainability. Driven in large part by our extensive analyses of manufacturing and energy industries, the two notions become one this month courtesy of a host of industry leading players.

Headlining the issue is the familiar sight of Universal Robots. Almost a year ago to the day we were introduced to the Danish robotics specialists, and after this year’s conversation with CTO, Esben Østergaard it’s clear to see that the Company’s pioneering of the collaborative robots domain has paved the way for a burgeoning new sector.

A raft of budding competitors are now following the manufacturer’s lead, but via a plethora of new and upgraded products - and compounded by stronger market understanding - UR has a tighter robotic grip on the sector than ever before.

“We had no idea quite how good it would be to make robots that were easy to move around and that were flexible enough to deploy into existing factory lines,” Østergaard replies when asked about the progression of Universal Robots’ product range. “[Our] new collaborative (e-Series) robot platform includes technology advances that enable faster development for a wider variety of applications.”

Continuing in the innovation corner, exciting and expanding aircraft manufacturer, Aero Vodochody introduces us to its own origins, and we look forward to a similarly poignant catch-up with the Czech enterprise next year.

Meanwhile, on team sustainability, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, GCC Interconnection Authority and Vestforbrænding showcase their commitments to domestic and international efficiencies. The latter in particular actually merges innovation and sustainability in order to reinvent the Danish population’s approach to waste management, recycling and energy distribution.

Rounding up the issue, Oman Oil Marketing Company and Exmar compound the above themes in the oil & gas domain, and we log back in to Tawseel Ecommerce Group’s success story in Kuwait.

Conversely, it is with sadness that both myself and Phoebe Calver will be logging out of EME Outlook’s journey from August, with this being our final publication as Editorial Director and Deputy Editor, respectively. Thanks to all who have worked on, collaborated to and read the magazine over the past four years, and we now look forward to joining the ever-expanding army of subscribers in the future.

ISSUE 25

Universal Robots has enjoyed an award-winning, ground-breaking 12 months as its enabling and empowering ethos leads to increased market dominance

BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDE 20

Montenegro: Climbing the Global Ladder

EME

FACIL 72 Flexible fastening solutions

GCC INTERCONNECTION

AUTHORITY 90 Leading the development of an efficient power market

VESTFORBRÆNDING 98 Innovative energy production facilitates a sustainable society

ALSO FEATURING: OMAN OIL MARKETING COMPANY | EXMAR | TAWSEEL ECOMMERCE GROUP

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 PROJECT DIRECTORS Joshua Mann joshua.mann@outlookpublishing.com Tom Cullum tom.cullum@outlookpublishing.com HEAD OF PROJECTS Kane Weller kane.weller@outlookpublishing.com TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Eddie Clinton eddie.clinton@outlookpublishing.com SALES MANAGERS Joe Palliser joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com Jordan Levey jordan.levey@outlookpublishing.com Ryan Gray ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com PROJECT MANAGERS Callam Waller callam.waller@outlookpublishing.com Donovan Smith donovan.smith@outlookpublishing.com Johan Brorsson johan.brorsson@outlookpublishing.com Josh Hyland josh.hyland@outlookpublishing.com Lewis Bush lewis.bush@outlookpublishing.com Richard Thomas richard.thomas@outlookpublishing.com Thomas Arnold thomas.arnold@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

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 and all the best!

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In this issue...

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NEWS

All the latest 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

16

ENERGY

Europe’s Top 10 Executive Eateries Fine dining on the continent The Carbon Production Transition Creating new goals in the aftermath of the Paris Agreement

S E C TO R

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F O C U S

CONSTRUCTION

Infrastructure Goals Russia transforms its built environment for the World Cup

BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDES

20 32 40 4

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MONTENEGRO

Climbing the Global Ladder

HUNGARY

The Perfect Formula

MYKONOS

The Island of the Winds

EME 46

H E A L T H C A R E

SHOWCASING LEADING COMPANIES

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Tell us your story and we’ll tell the world

MANUFACTURING

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Enabling and Empowering The robotics revolution continues

ENERGY & UTILITIES

90

72

GCC INTERCONNECTION AUTHORITY

Interconnecting Our World Leading the development of an efficient power market

98

VESTFORBRÆNDING

The Value of Waste Innovative energy production facilitates a sustainable society

HIPER-Growth Flexible fastening solutions

106 80 86

TENAGA NASIONAL BERHAD (TNB)

AUTO RIBEIRO LDA

Quality, Safety, Innovation Making a difference since 1976

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CONTAMINATION EXPO

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FLOOD EXPO

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MARINE & COASTAL CIVIL ENGINEERING EXPO

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OMAN OIL MARKETING COMPANY

Driven by Diversification Innovative, energetic and Omani

EXMAR

Leadership Through Innovation Creating economically viable solutions for the energy supply chain

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TAWSEEL ECOMMERCE GROUP Reactive Retail From strength to strength

Finding the solutions to protect our environment

The largest flood exhibition and conference in the world

Transforming the efficiency and outcome of coastal and marine engineering projects

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RWM

142

THE BIG 5 QATAR

144

ECOMMERCE AWARDS

146

AUTOMA CONGRESS

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AUTUMN FOOD SHOWS

150

GULFHOST

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ELECTRICX

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HI EUROPE

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GLOBAL POWER & ENERGY EXHIBITION (GPEX) 2018

Better, Brighter Reimagining the future of utilities

MINAFIN/MINAKEM

Dedication to Fine Chemistry Challenging chemistry in pharmaceutical manufacturing

The Road to Success Your satisfaction is our goal

E V E N T F O C U S

UNIVERSAL ROBOTS

FACIL

SITCO PHARMA

The biggest recycling and waste event in the UK Preparing for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Qatar Vision 2030 Highlighting some of the best online retailers, companies, agencies, innovations, products and campaigns Analysing the efficient use of digital technologies in oil & gas

The Speciality Food Festival, SEAFEX Middle East and yummex Middle East make up this year’s event assortment The complete hospitality equipment sourcing expo for the Middle East, Africa and Asia North Africa’s leading power exhibition and conference Showcasing innovative products for the retail sector

Spearheading a more sustainable, low-carbon and smart energy system

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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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OIL & GAS

Iran’s Rouhani Hints at a Threat to Neighbours’ Exports if Oil Sales are Halted President Hassan Rouhani appeared to threaten to disrupt oil shipments from neighbouring countries if Washington presses ahead with its goal of forcing all countries to stop buying Iranian oil.

The comments, published on Iran’s presidential website and partially repeated at a later news conference in Switzerland, could be open to

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interpretation. However, when asked whether he intended to make a threat, Rouhani declined to provide a clarification.

Iranian officials in the past have threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil shipping route, in retaliation for any hostile US action against Iran.

“The Americans have claimed they want to completely stop Iran’s oil exports. They don’t understand the meaning of this statement, because it has no meaning for Iranian oil not to be exported, while the region’s oil is exported,” he said.

The United States pulled out of a multinational deal in May to lift sanctions against Iran in return for curbs to its nuclear programme.

Washington has since told countries they must halt all imports of Iranian oil from 4 November or face US financial measures, with no exemptions.

The Iranian president is in Europe to gather support ahead of a meeting later this week between Iran and the five global powers that are still party to the 2015 nuclear deal.

The five other powers have all said they still support the deal despite the US decision to withdraw. Iran has asked the European countries to come up with a new economic package to offset the US sanctions and preserve the accord.

“At the meeting, which will be held at the request of Iran, foreign ministers of Iran and five world powers will discuss a proposed European package and measures to protect the agreement,” Iranian state news agency, IRNA reported.

The signatories to the deal, minus the United States, have been working on a ministerial meeting in Vienna for weeks and the date has slipped several times since preparations began.

Since President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw in May, calling the agreement deeply flawed, European states have been scrambling to ensure Iran gets enough economic benefits to persuade it to maintain the nuclear curbs required in the deal.

But so far it has proven difficult to offset the impact of continued US sanctions, with European firms reluctant to risk far-reaching US financial penalties to do business in Iran.

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

EME ECONOMY

Three Quarters of Big UK Firms are Downbeat on Brexit A record 75 percent of major British companies are now pessimistic about Brexit, adding to signs of anxiety around the economy as Britain’s divorce with the European Union draws near.

Weak investment and waning expectations for sales marked Deloitte’s latest quarterly survey of chief financial officers (CFOs), watched by the Bank of England as a gauge of business confidence.

The proportion of CFOs who said Brexit was likely to hurt the business environment was up from 68 percent in the previous Deloitte CFO survey published in April.

With nine months to go until Britain leaves the EU, Deloitte said more large British companies than at any time since late 2012 had adopted

a defensive financial strategy.

The accountancy firm’s report chimed with a Lloyds Bank survey last week that showed optimism across British businesses about the outlook has faded to its lowest level this year.

Britain will leave the European Union in March, 2019 but a transitional trade agreement has still to be finalised amid disagreements among Prime Minister Theresa May’s team over Britain’s future relationship with Europe.

Last month, multinational companies Airbus and Siemens warned

their investments in Britain could be at risk if Britain leaves the EU without a deal. They directly employ about 30,000 people in Britain.

“Uncertainty about the timing and the nature of the Brexit settlement has added to CFOs’ worries about the final destination of the Brexit process,” Deloitte Chief Economist, Ian Stewart said.

“The boost to CFOs’ spirits we saw in the last survey, following the announcement of the Brexit transition deal, has been short-lived.”

patients suffering from sleep apnoea, fibromyalgia, chronic pain and multiple sclerosis, the report found.

Britain’s interior ministry ordered a review into the medical use of cannabis last month after a 12-yearold’s cannabis-based epilepsy medicine was confiscated by officials, prompting a national debate about the use of the drug.

The case captured headlines when the medicine was confiscated from the boy’s mother at Heathrow Airport as she returned from Canada where she had bought the medicine.

The Government was forced to use an exceptional power to release the medicinal oil back to her however after the boy was admitted to hospital suffering from seizures.

Last month, Canada became the second country in the world to fully legalise marijuana, ending 90 years of prohibition, and in several countries, including Germany, Italy and Denmark, its use with a prescription is legal.

Britain’s Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs will now consider in the second part of the review whether changes should be made to the classification of these products on an assessment of “the balance of harms and public health needs”.

HEALTHCARE

Britain Moves Closer to Legalising Medicinal Use of Cannabis Britain moved a step closer to legalising the medicinal use of cannabis after a report concluded there are benefits for patients as the Government reviews the rules to allow drugs derived from the banned plant.

Professor Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer for England, said in the report there is conclusive evidence that cannabis can help people who suffer from chronic pain, multiple sclerosis and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

There is also some evidence that cannabis can improve the sleep of

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

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ECONOMY

Challenges Remain to Greece’s Long-term Debt Sustainability Greece exits its third international bailout in August, but without further debt relief it may not be able to sustain market access in the long run.

Greece and its European partners agreed last week on a set of debt measures to help the country emerge smoothly from the programme. The deal significantly improved mediumterm debt sustainability but “longer prospects remain uncertain”, the IMF said.

The Fund said that European assumptions on Greece’s future growth were “very ambitious”, and those targets, along with an aim to run large primary fiscal surpluses, would make it difficult for Greece to sustain market access over the long run.

The Fund also warned that Greece’s unfinished reform agenda, mainly to make its public sector more efficient and open up product and labour markets, will hamper faster growth.

The Fund projects that Greece’s economy will expand by two percent this year and 2.4 percent in 2019.

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ECONOMY

Full Trade War Threatens a 2008-style Recession A full-scale trade war would likely be as devastating for the world economy as the 2008-2009 recession, warned France’s Council of Economic Advisors, a body which gives input to the country’s Prime Minister.

The United States and China could see a permanent loss of three percent of economic output and the European Union (EU) four percent in the case of a full-blown trade war.

It defined a generalised trade war as a 60 percentage point hike in tariffs on manufactured goods and restrictions on services among major trade partners.

The Council of Economic Advisors’ Chairman, Philippe Martin said tariff hikes of that magnitude were on par with increases seen during the 1930s. By comparison, tariffs are currently less than three percent on average in the United States and the EU. However, the EU should not accept future deals unless the partner country has ratified the Paris Climate Accord and OECD standards for closing cross-border corporate tax loopholes.

S P O R T

Froome Cleared by UCI in Doping Case Chris Froome is free to race in this year’s Tour de France, after cycling’s world governing body cleared the four-time winner of any wrongdoing over his positive test for an asthma drug.

Froome, 33, had tested positive for excessive levels of Salbutamol following a urine sample at last September’s Vuelta a Espana.

“On 28 June, 2018, World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) informed the UCI that it would accept, based on the specific facts of the case, that Mr Froome’s sample results do not constitute an Adverse Analytical Finding,” the International Cycling Union (UCI) said in a statement.

“In light of WADA’s unparalleled access to information and authorship of the salbutamol regime, the UCI has

decided, based on WADA’s position, to close the proceedings against Mr Froome.”

In a release of its own, WADA said it accepted the UCI’s decision and it would not appeal the ruling which they believed to be “the right and fair outcome for what was a very complex case”.

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

EME POLITICS

O I L & G A S

German Coalition is Safe Despite Migration Row

Can Saudi Arabia Pump Much More Oil? The leader of Saudi Arabia has assured US President Donald Trump that the Kingdom can raise oil production if needed and the country has two million barrels per day of spare capacity that could be deployed to help cool down oil prices to compensate for falling output in Venezuela and Iran.

Either way, the Kingdom, OPEC’s biggest member, can barely raise output by one million bpd to 11 million bpd and even that would be difficult, according to industry analysts who forecast a further oil price rally due to a lack of new supply.

T R AV E L & T R A N S P O R T

Air France-KLM says its Search for New CEO is Continuing Air France-KLM said that its search for a new Chief Executive was continuing, adding it hoped to reach a decision “as quickly as possible”, amid a backdrop of concerns by

some shareholders over the process.

The airline has been hunting for a new boss to fill a gap left by the abrupt departure of Chief Executive, Jean-Marc Janaillac in May after staff rejected a pay proposal aimed at ending a series of strikes that have resulted in heavy losses.

Interim CEO, Anne-Marie Couderc told the SNPL pilots union earlier this month that a decision could come in early July.

German Chancellor, Angela Merkel played down a bruising dispute about immigration policy with her Bavarian allies, saying in a televised interview that the row did not risk the stability of her coalition Government.

“I can’t promise that there won’t be disputes again about other issues, as this is usual when a government includes three parties,” Merkel told ARD television when asked if her coalition would last a full four years. “…I firmly expect and I’ll do my part to ensure that we do our government work in a good way, and not only now but also in the coming years,” she said.

F I N A N C E

‘Staggering’ Bank of England Expenses Shock MP The Bank of England has paid out “staggering” sums on expenses to two members of its Financial Policy Committee (FPC).

US-based policymakers Anil Kashyap and Donald Kohn had between them accumulated £390,000 in travel expenses over two and a half years, said Simon Clarke, a Conservative lawmaker on the Treasury Committee.

Clarke said this echoed 2009 when politicians’ extravagant expense claims sparked outrage across Britain, which at that time was in the middle of a recession.

Late on Tuesday, a BoE spokesman said further checks into Kashyap’s £11,000 expense claim showed it covered two trips from Chicago to London, rather than one as the central bank had initially reported.

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EXECUTIVE EATERIES Recent years have witnessed European restaurants soar to the top of the list in terms of the most prestigious places to eat in the world Written by: Phoebe Calver

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n recent years, restaurants in Europe have become the most desirable places to eat in the world. In particular we have seen restaurants in Spain and France taking a leading position, with an incredible show of variety and ingenuity in each restaurant’s dishes.

Here are our top 10 executive eateries, providing you with the perfect mix of eclectic and modern fine dining.

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El Celler de can Roca Girona, Spain

Not only is this restaurant the best in Europe, but also recognised as the best in the world thanks to its culinary wonders created by the Roca brothers.

The restaurant was founded in 1986 and with its three Michelin stars, it hasn’t moved far from the top spot since fruition.

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal London, UK

The self-titled restaurant is now run by Blumenthal’s protégé, Ashely Palmer-Watts. Within the Knightsbridge restaurant you will find the recognisable style of Blumenthal, through dishes stemming from the country’s culinary history.

Noma Copenhagen, Denmark

The very modern and ‘cool’ Noma is located in the trading district of Copenhagen in what was once the trading district.

The restaurant provides a modern take on Nordic cusine, with the name itself stemming from a combination of the Danish words for Nordic and food.

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Mirazur Menton, France

The stunningly placed Mirazur allows you to relax and look out to the Mediterranean, while enjoying the culinary delights of Chef Mauro Colagreco.

You will find hints of his home, Argentina in the food, while perfectly incorporating contemporary French cooking.

The Ledbury London, UK

Located in Notting Hill, The Ledbury has found great success since it was opened in 2005.

The food on offer there is regularly described as genius and a feast for the senses, while being rated as the best place to eat in London by many.

Piazza Duomo Alba, Italy

Piazza Duomo has been a labour of love for Enrico Crippa, located in Italy’s Piedmont region.

The area is famed for its food and now with three Michelin stars, the restaurant is the star of the show.

Vendome Cologne, Germany

For many years Germany has been working its way up the ranks in terms of popularity of its culinary prowess. Leading the way has been Joachim Wissler, Head Chef at Vendome.

Not only will you be delighted by the food available, but also the spectacular views of Cologne Cathedral.

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Aqua Wolfsburg, Germany

Based in Wolfsburg in Germany, Aqua is situated next door to the main Volkswagen factory, which makes it perhaps one of the more intriguing and less conventional locations of any restaurant.

Chef Sven Elverfeld has based his dishes on a philosophy of updating ‘peasant’ dishes, creating perfection in every meal that has led him to achieve three Michelin stars.

Le Calandre Padua, Italy

Astrance Paris, France

Astrance is located in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, serving food with a distinctly Eastern flavouring.

Chef Pascal Barbot, is recognised as the leading lights in French cooking right now, with his take on traditional flavours with a twist of ingenuity that is unforgettable.

Perhaps one of the more traditional of our top 10 restaurants, the food available at Le Calandre shows deeply rooted touches of classic Italian food.

The restaurant has remained in the same family since it was created in 1981, now under the ownership of Max Alajmo, the youngest chef ever to receive three Michelin stars.

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P R O D U C T I O N

T R A N S I T I O N

The Carbon Production Transition

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n the current climate, the technology being deployed by the global cement industry can only deliver 50 percent of the CO2 savings required in order to achieve the Paris Agreement goal of keeping the global temperature rise well below two degrees.

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The World Cement Association is urging the industry to focus on innovation, taking the fight to climate change Written by: Phoebe Calver

A significant technology gap has been revealed for the cement industry to address, especially if it wants to transition towards low carbon production, while helping to achieve a carbon-neutral built environment.

Existing CO2 emission mitigation technologies are typically adopted

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too slowly, resulting in only a gradual decrease in carbon emissions that are associated with production processes and product end-uses.

Based on the results of its conference, the World Cement Association (WCA) will develop a climate change action plan, highlighting clear and tangible actions for transition towards low-carbon production.

Bernard Mathieu, Director of the WCA Climate Programme, comments: “The Global Climate Change Forum made clear the importance of stimulating innovation if we are to have any hope of achieving the Paris climate goals. What has been very positive to see is the enthusiasm

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among our members for sharing knowledge and best practice, and we will continue to focus on being a platform for change, delivering concrete action against the climate challenges of today and tomorrow.”

The World Cement Association (WCA) is urging the global cement industry to increase efforts to adopt new technologies faster and put greater focus on innovation in order to make crucial progress on reducing CO2 emissions.

This is the key message from last week’s WCA Global Climate Change Forum in Paris, where WCA President Zhi Ping Song told members: “no more words, but actions are needed.”

“Since inception the World Cement Association has championed greater collaboration and higher standards across the sector globally”

EME Delegates also heard that current technology being deployed by the sector worldwide can only deliver 50 percent of the CO2 savings required to achieve the Paris Agreement goal of keeping the global temperature rise well below two degrees.

The WCA Global Climate Change Forum also heard that existing CO2 emission mitigation technologies are typically adopted too slowly, resulting in only a gradual decrease in carbon emissions associated with production processes and product end uses.

“The Global Climate Change Forum made clear the importance of stimulating innovation if we are to have any hope of achieving the Paris climate goals,” said Bernard Mathieu, Director of the WCA Climate Change Programme. “What has been very positive is to see the enthusiasm among our members for sharing knowledge and best practice, and we will continue to focus on being a platform for change, delivering concrete action against the climate challenges of today and tomorrow.”

Based on the results of the conference, the WCA will develop a Climate Change Action Plan, which will be published in September. The focus will be on clear and tangible actions for transition towards low-carbon production and will also identify successful approaches to contribute to a carbon-neutral built environment.

“Since inception the World Cement Association has championed greater collaboration and higher standards across the sector globally,” said Emir Adiguzel, Chairman of the World Cement Association.

“There are few areas where this is more important than tackling climate change, and we are proud to be stepping forward to lead our industry towards a more sustainable future.”

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Infrastructure

GOALS Russia’s flexible steel-framed football stadiums ensure a sustainable, post-World Cup sporting legacy Written by: Abi Grogan

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ollowing on from the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia is playing host to the 2018 football World Cup. Global sporting events such as this are massive undertakings, representing huge challenges for a nation’s transport, tourism and sporting infrastructures.

With one million tourists expected to visit the country across the four-week tournament, Russia has laid on more than 700 trains that are free to use for ticket-holding fans. These trains will move the supporters across the more than 5,500 kilometres of railway lines that connect the various stadiums.

This year’s football tournament, which has featured teams and visiting

VTB Arena fans from 32 countries, has also become one of the driving forces behind a boom in infrastructure and construction projects across the 11 Russian host cities.

In 2015, to meet this growing demand for construction, a new steelworks plant in Chelyabinsk was opened. In addition to its work for World Cup projects, the JV Konar-Cimolai foundry provided the steel for the 462-metre high Lakhta Center in St. Petersburg – Europe’s highest building – as well as an elegant steel pedestrian bridge in Chelyabinsk.

The stadium preparations made the most of Russian steel to ensure the

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COPYRIGHT, COURTESY OF WORLD STEEL

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Fisht Olympic

Luzhniki Moscow

ongoing sustainability of the venues post-World Cup. The Fisht Olympic Stadium, named after Mount Fisht in the Caucasus mountain range, combines steel underpinnings with other materials to give it a flexible format.

An 11,000 square metre steelsupported structure acts as the roof for this impressive stadium, allowing light shows to be projected through its translucent shell.

With 8,000 tonnes of reinforced steel dedicated to just the roof and rigging, it’s a stadium that has been

built to last, but not entirely in its present state. Its initial use at the 2014 Winter Olympic in Sochi was for 40,000 observers, but the removable steel roof makes it an adaptable and extendable venue.

The addition of outdoor seating at either open end of the stadium will increase its capacity to 47,000 for the FIFA World Cup, before shrinking to around 25,000 for Russian domestic football games after the international tournament ends.

Fisht Stadium isn’t the only structure to be influenced by the sporting stadium industry’s trend for reconfiguration. Reminiscent of the Bird’s Nest stadium in Beijing, the steel-latticed Volgograd Arena will hold more than 45,000 spectators before being scaled back to a 35,000-seat venue.

The VTB Arena was originally included in the bid for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, with the stadium slated to host the opening game. Though it was subsequently dropped by the Russian Football Federation as a host venue, it too has enjoyed a renovation.

Designed by Dutch architect, Erick van Egeraat and Russian architect, Mikhail Posokhin, it was built on the demolished foundations of the historical Dynamo Stadium with an overarching, unique steel structure

Lakhta Centre used to frame the seating bowls, concourses and super trusses at the building overhangs.

Its capacity is 27,000, with a possible reconfiguration of up to 45,000 spectators. With a nod to its longevity, the steel was specially coated with an anti-corrosion primer based on activated zinc to ensure long-lasting protection against the extremes of the harsh Moscow climate.

These transformable structures are the result of some of the most cuttingedge engineering and design concepts, but there’s a more traditional message of ‘make do and mend’ behind these innovations, ensuring the 2018 World Cup is in keeping with modern society’s shift towards recycling and sustainability.

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M O N T E N E G R O

MONTENEGRO ince 3 June, 2006 Montenegro has sought to stamp its independent identity on the world, and as word of its beauty and industriousness continues to spread, the country is well on its way to making its own history.

That fateful day more than 10 years ago signified Montenegro’s official parting from Serbia and thus its formal independence. ‘Crna Gora’ (in

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Montenegro is a country very much in its infancy, but is leveraging an abundance of natural appeal to catch up with the rest of the continent’s touristic prevalence Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Ryan Gray

Montenegrin) - translated as ‘black mountain’ - could now forge its own path in the world.

Inevitably and unashamedly influenced by neighbours that it had been enveloped among for so many years, there hasn’t been a need for any drastic veers away from established cultures and values. But from an economic perspective, it has meant that decision-making and successes can now be celebrated as solely theirs.

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Engulfed by Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Servia, Kosovo and Albania, you would be forgiven for thinking that this region is still much of a muchness when it comes to touristic appeal and business credentials. And in large part, you’d be right. But this is certainly not a negative connotation.

Rather, it sheds light on the general appeal that this Balkan region now enjoys, as swathes of holiday makers and business professionals - especially from Central Europe - branch out to the East.

Upon their arrival, each visitor is met by some of the continent’s most stunning and diverse natural splendours. From overwhelming

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mountain tops, to mysterious gorges, with pristine coasts and forests in between, Montenegro may indeed share much of its physical make-up,

history and culture with its neighbours, but boasts an abundance of attractive qualities beyond that.

FACTS & FIGURES Capital: Languages: Area: Population (2017): GDP (2015): Currency: Time zone: Dialling code: Internet TLD:

Podgorica Montenegrin 13,812 square kilometres 642,550 $11.381 billion Euro (€) UTC+1 +382 .me

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Spice up your event.

A new destination.

Come and play.

THE CHEDI LUÅ TICA BAY MONTENEGRO TIVAT 85323 RADOVICI T +382 (77) 200 100 F +382 (77) 200 105 info@chedilusticabay.com www.chedilusticabay.com

M O N T E N E G R O

The Business End AS PART of the country’s evolution over the past 12 years especially, there have understandably been a few ‘tickboxes’ to complete as it seeks to make a mark on the world and its various influencing organisations.

In June, 2017 one such box was ticked as the country became a member of NATO, while Montenegro has also been in negotiations with the EU for the past six years with a view to becoming a fully-fledged member by 2025.

From an economic standpoint, these developments will aid the country’s appeal on the global landscape, and from a trade and FDI perspective.

In turn, it is then hoped that its own

internal business streams will diversify.

At present, the economy is largely service-based, en route to becoming a market economy. Annual GDP figures are rising exponentially but this isn’t surprising given its nascence. And despite it not yet being an EU member, it has already adopted the euro.

In typically unhelpful fashion, the economic crash in 2008 didn’t do much to aid its initial growth, but after a number of years of recovery, there is now reason for optimism. And with the country traditionally reliant on FDIs anyway, there is a hope that once its own domestic channels have improved, a positive overall outlook can be formed.

Cathedral of St. Tripun, Kotor

Herceg Novi Town

Fisherman at Petrovav

Budva Town

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KOTOR Montenegro Cen t u r ie s Young

Stari grad 315/ Old Town 315 85 330 Kotor, Montenegro tel/fax +382 32 322 886 +382 32 325 947 tokotor@t-com.me www.kotor.travel www.tokotor.me

M O N T E N E G R O

Outlook Recommends “Bursting at the seams with majestic mountains, breathtaking beaches and larger-than-life locals, minuscule Montenegro proves once and for all that good things do indeed come in small packages.” - Lonely Planet

HOSPITALITY

NATURE

The Chedi Luštica Bay Situated in the stunning Luštica Bay, this five-star hotel is the epitome of how far Montenegro has come in recent years as it establishes itself as a tourism hub. Set on the front of the marina, the views looking out are every bit as refined as the luxury you TOURISM BOARDS find when looking in. Described as a “refuge” that’s very much how The Chedi feels as its comforting interior, Kotor Tourism Board its practical facilities and its beachfront pool offer an ideal setting within As one of the country’s most popular walking distance of the town’s equally regions, Kotor is a prime example of attractive dining and entertainment how the Montenegrin Government is offering. striving to capitalise on the country’s touristic appeal. Channelling that vision through the Kotor Tourism Board, Hotel Eleven the organisation has the privilege of directing visitors to the best hospitality, dining, entertainment and HISTORY activity options; with a host of travel awards and accreditations emphasising Cathedral of Saint its expertise.

Tryphon Our Lady of the Rocks (Škrpjela) Savina Monastery 26

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National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro

Jaz Beach Zla Kolata Lake Biograd Black Lake Velika Plaža Tara River Canyon

NATIONAL PARKS

Durmitor National Park Biogradska Gora Lovćen National Park Lake Skadar National Park Prokletije National Park

SPORT & LEISURE Žabljak ski resort

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Outlook Creative Services

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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 via its new Outlook Creative Services division.

Hotel Kangaroo Budva has spacious well-furnished rooms suited for all kinds of travellers, only 202 m from the beach and a short walk from Budva’s historic quarter.

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

+382 33 458 653 | reservations@kangaroo.co.me

| www.hotelkangaroo.me

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M O N T E N E G R O

Out & About ONCE IN the country, whether it’s for business or general sightseeing, Montenegro has been relatively fortunate in terms of not having to build a completely fabricated tourism infrastructure. This derives from the fact that the majority of its attractiveness comes from the country’s natural make-up. Obviously within the cities and in Podgorica especially, levels of cuisine and entertainment can be leveraged, but its likely that most visitors will put on their hiking boots and go exploring during their downtimes.

It is the diversity of its landscape that appeals most. Dissecting the Balkan Peninsula and the Adriatic Sea, the mountains, lakes, gorges, forests, wildlife and general biodiversity that

formulates the country is unparalleled for such a comparatively small area.

As such, by 2009, Yahoo Travel had already listed Montenegro among its Top 10 Hot Spots; as the second fastest growing tourism market in the world at the time. Joined since then by Croatia, Bulgaria, Slovenia and Serbia in the region as highly soughtafter destinations, the Government of Montenegro is well aware of the potential that its landscape holds if leveraged correctly. And in that recognition, numerous initiatives have been implemented to make tourism a major contributor to the economy; optimising the resources available, such as Jaz Beach, Buljarica, Velika Plaža and Ada Bojana.

Merging with these physical

ventures is an equally appealing culture embedded into the general day-to-day life of Montenegrins.

Shaped by its diverse and complex history, the resultant museums, restaurants, streets and even people represent a friendliness, humility and innocent newness that makes your stay a pleasing one.

Canyon Nevidio, Savnik

Biking Durmitor, Susica kanjon

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Canyoning Skurda

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Transport Links

Boka Boy Kotor

Budva town

LIKE MUCH of Montenegro’s non-natural, built-up elements, its transport infrastructure is still a work in progress. While you can reach everywhere relatively seamlessly via an extensive road network, the actual quality of these roads fall short of the motorways you might be used to in Western and Central Europe. That being said, the coverage of these roads makes up for it.

Mountains Durmitor, walking on the skirts

Internally, all natural attractions can be reached more simply than you might imagine. While internationally, the roads then form a ‘backpacker’s ideal trail to other European routes.

Similarly effective on this scale are the country’s rail routes, which emanate from Belgrade in Serbia. Serving both commuters and trade channels, the trains, planes and boats that enter the country are becoming more and more

frequented, and in turn, more and more investment is being pumped into their development.

In 2008, 1.1 million passengers passed through Podgorica Airport and Tivat Airport, but with this number steadily increasing ever since, Montenegro is responding in kind; building its transport network in the same way as it’s building its tourism infrastructure.

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M O N T E N E G R O

Landmark Attractions

Budva

“Budva is the metropolis of Montenegrin tourism thanks to the great number of beaches and hotels that make this the most desirable tourist destination. Apart from its natural beauty, its bay islands and beaches, Budva is rich with historic monuments.

From best events to best hotels, from best restaurants to best night clubs… everything can be found in Budva, and everyone can enjoy a great holiday.”

– Visit Montenegro

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Bay of Kotor

“With its mountainous backdrop, beautiful blue waters and medieval and Ventian-era settlements, this butterfly-shaped bay is the jewel in Montegro’s crown,” – Jane Foster, Telegraph Travel

Bobotov Kuk

Lake Skadar

“In many ways, Lake Skadar is the essence of Montenegro. While it’s the coast that gets the majority of the attention, that only makes up a small part of Montenegro. When you step away from the sun-drenched beaches and coastal villages, you’ll see a country that’s based on a simple way of life… This is everything that the Lake Skadar region represents. And it’s here you’ll be able to get a taste of the real Montenegro.” – Montenegro Pulse

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TOMA KOMA - @FLICKR: HTTPS://WWW.FLICKR.COM/PHOTOS/97240609@N05/

“Bobotov Kuk is still one of Montenegro’s highest mountains and due to its beautiful location in the rugged mountain scape of Durmitor National Park, it is definitely worth a visit. There are numerous hikes in Durmitor National Park but the one up Bobotov Kuk is the ultimate one. The summit of Bobotov Kuk is one of the highest in Montenegro and you are supposed to have a breathtaking view from up there. Your eyes wander from Bosnia and Herzegovina all the way to Albania.” – Travel Pixelz

H U N G A R Y

HUNGARY lthough striking in its own right, Hungary will provide you with more of a gentle view to enjoy.

However, it is in the cities that you will really see the grandeur of the country’s architecture, providing an endless array of beauty and intrigue wherever you turn.

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Hungary’s continental appeal has shot to the front of the grid, virtue of its subtle but extensive offering Writer: Phoebe Calver Project Manager: Joe Palliser

Upon a trip to Budapest in particular, you will find everything from Roman ruins, baroque churches and art nouveau bathhouses, as well as the city’s world-famous churches that attract tourists from all over the world.

Not only is the country incredibly warming to visitors, but it will also provide you with a myriad of ways

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to spend your free time. Its food remains one of the most formidable and sophisticated styles of cooking to be found in Eastern Europe, with its reputation for food dating largely back to the late 19th century.

Despite a lul in its culinary prowess during the period of time under communism, the array of cuisine options in Hungary are once again commanding attention, as are the nation’s wines.

As a country on the whole, it still holds onto its rich folk traditions, with the beautiful folk paintings found on the walls and ceilings of churches in the Bereg region – where the country

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really comes to life artistically.

A slightly more modern tradition comes in the form of the Grand Prix, taking place at the Hungaroring since it was created in 1986 and growing more and more popular with every passing

FACTS & FIGURES

year.

Hungary offers many widely varying and diverse destinations to explore, with low-lying mountains, lakes and rivers, small hidden villages and large expanses of cities.

Capital: Languages: Area: Population (2016): Currency: Time zone: Dialling code: Internet TLD: Climate:

Budapest Hungarian 93,030 square kilometres 9.818 million Forint UTC+1 +36 .hu Humid continental

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H U N G A R Y

The Business End ON THE whole Hungary is a relatively affluent country, with a high-income mixed economy, a skilled labour force and the 16th lowest income equality in the world to boast.

With that in mind, Hungary attracts foreign direct investment with ease, aided by its long history of successful tourism, voted the world’s 13th most visited tourist destination previously.

Among the country’s visitors, 98 percent of them come from inside of Europe, most of which will arrive by car.

Hungary’s most popular tourist season arrives between April and October, at which point Budapest becomes a hot-bed of tourists

exploring the wonders the city has to offer.

Budapest’s rise to popularity truly arrived in the 1990s, with its main attractions in the city including Buda Castle, the Hungarian National Gallery and the Parliament.

Despite the prowess of Budapest among tourists, it has numerous attractions that are well worth exploring. At present it is estimated that Hungary has approximately 1,300 thermal springs and a third of those springs have been utilised to create spas, promoting a culture of relaxation when you visit the country thanks to this innovative step.

Fisherman Bastion in Budapest.

It is a terrace in neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque style situated on the Buda bank of the Danube, on the Castle hill

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Out & About

Buda riverside with restaurant ship on Danube river, Budapest

King Saint Stephen statue against the Liberty Bridge over the river Danube

AS PREVIOUSLY mentioned, you really will be spoilt for choice when it comes to how and where to spend your time in Hungary.

Depending on your travel requirements, the hotels available provide exceptional service and comfort during your time away from home. The La Prima Fashion Hotel Budapest for example, is a four-star hotel that is perfect for business and

leisure travellers alike, providing them with an ideal city centre location, hightech facilities and gym.

Similarly, when it comes to deciding on where to eat, you are completely spoilt for choice. Restaurants such as Baraka, Varosliget and Caviar & Bull, will provide you with a real insight into what Hungary can offer in the culinary stakes. Whether you are after a fine dining experience, or would like to

immerse yourself in the culture and atmosphere in a street café, there truly is something for everyone.

No matter how busy your schedule during a trip to Hungary, find time to take in some of the country’s history.

Depending on where you will be based there are an array of monuments, museums and churches that will take your breath away and provide you with a real look into the country’s culture.

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H U N G A R Y

Outlook Recommends ‘A slightly more modern tradition comes in the form of the Grand Prix, taking place at the Hungaroring since it was created in 1986 and growing more and more popular with every passing year.’

HOTELS

La Prima Fashion Hotel Budapest

LANDMARKS

RESTAURANTS Baraka Varosliget Café & Restaurant Caviar & Bull

Memento Park Hungarian State Opera House Liberty Monument

RETAIL Mercure Budapest Buda

MUSEUMS Castle Museum Museum of Fine Arts Hungarian National Hotel President Budapest Museum 36

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Szimpla Sunday Farmers Market WestEnd City Center Arioso

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The Grand Prix Hungary Grand Prix History

The Country hosted its first Grand Prix in 1930, however, following on from the building of the Iron Curtain, the sport didn’t return to the country until the 60s.

In the early 1980s, negotiations began with the Soviet Union for racing to be held in Moscow, but it was in the summer of 1983 that the attention of decision makers began to turn to Budapest as the perfect location in a bid to put the country firmly back on the motorsport map.

A new circuit was built in a valley – that would go on to be known as Hungaroring Circuit – 19 kilometres outside of Budapest, providing the perfect spot to hold the Grand Prix due to its natural vantage points.

HUNGARORING FACTS:

The Hungaroring race track in Mogyoród, Hungary where the Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix is held

The track is renowned for its ability to create extremely entertaining races, with its tight and twisting laps testing the drivers’ abilities to the max.

Track in Detail

The track was built in record time, taking approximately eight months and provided the sport with a venue that had easy access to most city centre hotels.

Since its opening event, the race has always received excellent attendance from local fans, partly due to the fact

that approximately 70 percent of the track is visible form any point – which has afforded the circuit the name ‘the shallow plate’.

Over the years the track has been consistently improved and reconstructed and now it’s top-class infrastructure meets with the strict requirements of Formula 1, while also providing a popular event for testing and being one of the safest racetracks in the world.

Hungary Grand Prix tickets are still available at time of publication.

Lewis Hamilton has won the Hungarian Grand Prix a record five times

GRAND PRIX Date: First Grand Prix: Number of Laps: Circuit Length: Race Distance: Lap Record:

27-29 July, 2018 1986 70 4,381 kilometres 306.63 kilometres 1:19.071 (Michael Schumacher, Ferrari, 2004)

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H U N G A R Y

Transport Links

Budapest trams carry almost 100 million more passengers annually than the Budapest Metro

Hungarian Parliament on the West side of the Danube, Budapest

HUNGARY PROVIDES a plethora of transportation options to meet with your needs during a stay there. As previously mentioned the popularity of traveling by car to the country is on the rise, however, there are many faster and relaxing ways to navigate the country.

If you will spend the majority of your time in Budapest, the intercity trains are recognised as the fastest mode

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of transport, as well as always being well maintained and clean for a very comfortable journey. All major cities are linked to Budapest through this line, at a relatively cheap rate and in comparison to a large proportion of Western European fares, the Hungary IC train is very reasonable.

Hungary’s national bus network is operated by a selection of 28 state-run companies, all of which are united under

the Volan Association. You will find that the connections available run at regular intervals, providing a more efficient and often quicker way to travel.

The majority of roads in Hungary are two lanes – apart from the more modern motorways – and the majority of main roads are in great shape and therefore easy to travel on should you decide to rent a car or drive as your mode of transport.

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Basilica of St Stephen

“St Stephen’s Basilica of Budapest is one of the most beautiful and significant churches and touristic attractions of the country. This is partly due to its historical heritage, of being dedicated to the holy king St Stephen who was also the founder of the Hungarian state, and partly to the architectural and artistic value of the building itself.”

– en.bazilika

Great Synagogue

“Budapest’s stunning Great Synagogue is the largest Jewish house of worship in the world outside New York City. Built in 1859, the synagogue has both Romantic and Moorish architectural elements. Inside, the Hungarian Jewish Museum & Archives contains objects relating to both religious and everyday life. On the synagogue’s north side, the Holocaust Tree of Life Memorial presides over the mass graves of those murdered by the Nazis.”

– Lonely Planet

House of Terror

“The headquarters of the dreaded secret police is now the startling House of Terror, focusing on the crimes and atrocities of Hungary’s fascist and Stalinist regimes in a permanent exhibition called Double Occupation. But the years after WWII leading up to the 1956 Uprising get the lion’s share of the exhibition space (almost threedozen spaces on three levels). The reconstructed prison cells in the basement and the Perpetrators’ Gallery, featuring photographs of the turncoats, spies and torturers, are chilling.” – Lonely Planet PHOTOGRAPHY BY TBACHNER - OWN WORK, CC BY 3.0,

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M Y K O N O S

MYKONOS

hile its historical significance is etched in every plinth, cliff face and monument, Mykonos’ present-day appeal doesn’t necessarily derive from these archaic attributes. Instead, these grand sights serve as a backdrop to an island that thrives on a very westernised culture based on eateries,

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Mykonos, like any Greek Islands, has been built upon a bedrock of historical significance, but is making its name virtue of more modern comforts Writer: Matthew Staff

bars, clubs, entertainment and holiday making. Part of the Cyclades, Mykonos sits between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos. Known as the Island of the Winds, its climate is as the name and its location suggests – Mediterranean heat with a coastal

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breeze coming off the Aegean Sea. And much like other Greek and indeed Spanish islands, the weather alone is enough to bring flocks of visitors to its shores each year, in search of a westernised style of hospitality; only in a more exciting setting.

Comparable to Santorini, Mykonos has consequently been able to hike its prices up as its touristic appeal has grown, but this will deter very few. As one of the hottest holiday destinations on the continent, Mykonos now thrives as an ancient location offering the most modern of holidays.

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FACTS & FIGURES Country: Languages: Area:

Greece

Population (2011): Currency: Time zone: Dialling code: Internet TLD: Climate:

10,134

Greek 105 square

kilometres

Euro (â‚Ź) UTC+3 +30 .gr Mediterranean

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M Y K O N O S

Outlook Recommends “Mykonos is the great glamour island of Greece and happily flaunts its sizzling St-Tropez-meetsIbiza style and party-hard reputation.” - Lonely Planet

HOSPITALITY

Cavo Tagoo Palladium Boutique Hotel Grecotel Mykonos Blu Hotel

RESTAURANTS

BEACHES

CULTURE AND HISTORY Panagia Paraportiani Archaeological Museum of Mykonos Folklore Museum Aegean Maritime Museum

Psarou Platys Gialos

Paranga Kalo Livadi Remezzo Uno Con Carne

RETAIL White Savvas Traditional Greek Products 42

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Ftelia Agios Stefanos Megali Ammos

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Out & About

AS YOU’D expect from a summer holiday hotspot, July and August in particular can be very crowded, with the nightlife at these times hitting peak popularity. It is therefore advised to try and arrange your visit between April and June when accommodation is cheaper and the weather is still inviting.

Upon your arrival, the options available to you are relatively simple, but this is an advantage when it comes to this style of vacation. In the capital, Chora - also known as Mykonos Town

- a maze of small lane-like streets are indicative of a typically beautiful Greek town; blending its traditional cultures and feel with the necessary tourist amenities that keep visitors flocking.

High-end brands join market-style outlets along the Cycladic streets, and the peripheral communities follow a similar thread. Ano Mera, Agios Ioannis, Agios Stefanos, Ornos and Platys Gialos all offer their own pieces of individuality to the overall melting pot; again leveraging the blend of old and new.

From a hospitality perspective, a host of luxury resorts, villas, apartments and hotels grace the island, including Cavo Tagoo which is one of many to incorporate Mykonos’ breath-taking views as part of its offering.

Then, after a long day of sunbathing and bar-hopping, the island serves a plethora of fine dining options; Remezzo and Uno Con Carne being among the most popular when it comes to sampling the local delicacies.

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M Y K O N O S

Transport Links

ROUNDING OFF the traditional island experience is the transport infrastructure, both in terms of reaching your destination and then getting around it.

Cruise ships, boats from mainland Greece and a host of direct flights from around Europe make accessibility as simple as can be, and travel certainly doesn’t become any trickier once on

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the island. That being said, it’s advised to be slightly tactical when arranging your ventures around the island.

Being such a small area, it really is beneficial to try and make it to places under your own steam where possible.

If drinks have been had, then there is a bus service on hand, but as far as taxis are concerned, ‘sparse’ is the most accurate description; only 30-40

actually being present on the entire island.

That leaves you with the option of either your own car or motorbike depending on the manner in which you wish to travel. A host of rental companies are on hand to facilitate both, and will give you a welcome freedom to explore both the old and the new at your own leisure.

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Little Venice

“Little Venice is one of the most romantic places in the whole of Mykonos. This neighbourhood is replete with elegant and gorgeous old houses that are situated precariously on the edge of the sea.

Many discerning travellers in the past have fallen in love with this charming quarter and its magnetic appeal.” – Greeka.com

The Windmills

“Come across any photographs of Greek windmills and they will almost certainly include the windmills of Mykonos. These iconic features of the Cyclades set above the island’s main port are a byword for romantic Greek holidays. They can be seen from almost every corner of Mykonos Town, staggered along the hillside ridge above the port and are the first sight to greet visitors arriving on the island by boat.” – Greek Island Postcards

Delos

“Nowadays, Delos reserves its uniqueness to the known world: nowhere else on the globe is there a natural insular archaeological site of this size and importance.

No other island on Earth hosts so many monumental antiquities from the Archaic, the Classical, and the Hellenistic periods. Delos is not a museum; Delos is not there to tell a story. Delos is history itself.”

– Visit Greece

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

EME OUTLOOK is a digital and print product aimed at boardroom and hands-on decision-makers across a wide range of industries in Europe and the Middle East regions.

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, EME Outlook covers a full range of industrial sectors: agriculture, construction, energy & utilities, finance, food & drink, healthcare, manufacturing, mining & resources, oil & gas, retail, shipping & logistics, technology and travel & tourism.

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. www. emeou tlookm

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ag.com

EME

eti

Opportu ng nity

ISSUE 25

U N I V E R S A L

winning, enjoyed an awardUniversal Robots has g months as its enablin ground-breaking 12 leads to increased and empowering ethos market dominance

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UNIVERSAL ROBOTS

The robotics revolution continues

Universal Robots has enjoyed an award winning, ground-breaking 12 months, attaining even higher market shares despite a rise in sector competition Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Tom Arnold

Enabling and

EMPOWERING GUIDE 20 BUSINESS TRAVEL Climbing the Global Montenegro: Ladder

ALSO FEATURING:

FACIL 72

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solutions

GCC INTERCONNECTION AUTHORITY 90 an efficient Leading the development power market

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98 VESTFORBRÆNDING production

Innovative energy society facilitates a sustainable

L ECOMM ERCE | EXMAR | TAWSEE TING COMPA NY OMAN OIL MARKE

lmost one year ago to the day, Universal Robots’ Co-Founder and Chief Technical Officer, Esben Østergaard shared the success story of a Company that had grown beyond its wildest dreams, as its strategic vision for the optimisation of collaborative robots reached the masses.

1

12 months on, this vision has reached further new realms, and following a period which has brought the Company awards, accolades, revenue growth, product innovations, network development and client expansions, the Company is enabling and empowering more than ever before.

“Since speaking to EME Outlook in 2017, we achieved the substantial,

tremendous growth that we were looking for and had planned for,” Østergaard affirms. “We are continuing to combine the best of both human and technological worlds; achieving that balance with new and improved products, as well as diversifications as seen through our UR+ service which now comprises more than 300 partners.

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“We remain market leaders and through the release of our new platform launched recently at Automatica in Munich, we continue to stay true to our vision which is to make robots that are easy to use, easy to move, and safe to be around.”

Ultimately, Universal Robots continues to raise the bar across

Esben Østergaard, Chief Technical Officer

all critical parameters of this collaborative robots evolution; reinventing what the industry perceives advanced robotics to be about – “enabling and empowering people”.

“Our Company is pretty unique in that we’ve always had a very strict focus on what we want to do in this regard, making robots easier for

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+44 (0) 1603 959 650 ben.weaver@outlookpublishing.com

www.emeoutlookmag.com/get-involved

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Universal Robots has enjoyed an award-winning, ground-breaking 12 months, attaining even higher market shares despite a rise in sector competition Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Tom Arnold

Enabling and

EMPOWERING lmost one year ago to the day, Universal Robots’ Co-Founder and Chief Technical Officer, Esben Østergaard shared the success story of a Company that had grown beyond its wildest dreams, as its strategic vision for the optimisation of collaborative robots reached the masses.

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12 months on, this vision has reached further new realms, and following a period which has brought the Company awards, accolades, revenue growth, product innovations, network development and client expansions, the Company is enabling and empowering more than ever before.

“Since speaking to EME Outlook in 2017, we achieved the substantial,

tremendous growth that we were looking for and had planned for,” Østergaard affirms. “We are continuing to combine the best of both human and technological worlds; achieving that balance with new and improved products, as well as diversifications as seen through our UR+ service which now comprises more than 300 partners.

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“We remain market leaders and through the release of our new platform launched recently at Automatica in Munich, we continue to stay true to our vision which is to make robots that are easy to use, easy to move, and safe to be around.”

Ultimately, Universal Robots continues to raise the bar across

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all critical parameters of this collaborative robots evolution; reinventing what the industry perceives advanced robotics to be about - “enabling and empowering people”.

“Our Company is pretty unique in that we’ve always had a very strict focus on what we want to do in this regard, making robots easier for

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AIRSKIN ® is a soft and pressure sensitive safety skin for robots that covers the entire machine as well as the tool. It allows you to rethink robot safety in new and unconventional ways beyond limiting power and reach or restricting access. This patented technology is ­available­for­UR­cobots­and­various­UR+­certified­tools.

AIRSKIN ®­offers­possibilities­for­demanding­use­cases­ that otherwise would not be feasible. It can be provided­as­an­OEM­solution­or­as­a­flexible­add-on­kit­to­ retrofit­existing­machines.

REMOVE THE FENCE

INCREASE SPEED FOR

EASY AND FAST

AND SAVE FLOOR SPACE

SHORTER CYCLE TIMES

RISK ANALYSIS

HIGHEST SAFETY

FAST INSTALLATION AND

AVAILABLE FOR

LEVEL PLe

MAINTENANCE

VARIOUS TOOLS

Blue Danube Robotics GmbH | +43 1 890 86 97–100 | sales@bluedanuberobotics.com | www.bluedanuberobotics.com

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people to adopt, and saving time and energy across factory floors,” he continues. “And the success of this consistent, unwavering strategy can be seen in our growth - explosive growth that totalled 72 percent last year, making it eight consecutive years of extensive double-digit growth.”

Striking a trend

As is the case with every innovator and pioneer, there is an element of reacting to consumer and industry trends when it comes to unveiling new products. But with Universal Robots’ established portfolio of flexible, durable and multi-functional robotic arms, it’s fair to say that the Company has actually pre-empted trends, rather than reacted to them.

“We had no idea quite how good it would be to make robots that were easy to move around and that were

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flexible enough to deploy into existing factory lines,” Østergaard explains.

“Initially we envisaged them being utilised by smaller Danish companies

looking for heightened adaptability and upturns in investment. But simultaneously, we ended up striking a trend whereby product lifecycles - and therefore factory line durations - were becoming shorter and shorter.

“Therefore, product turnover has got quicker and quicker as consumers increasingly demand new experiences, new products, new shapes and specifications.

This of course makes the prospect of having flexible robotics to aid the transition between factory settings and specifications so appealing.”

Although Østergaard stresses that there was an element of luck in aligning with this consumer trend, the ability to then capitalise on said trend was down to much more than just fortune. Flexible, automated, collaborative equipment has become the order of the day across a multitude

AIRSKIN® takes robot safety to the next level AIRSKIN®, a UR+ certified product, is a progressive safety technology for human-robot collaboration. It makes robots and tools safe and enables new types of applications.

AIRSKIN® is a patented and unique safety skin for various types of robots.

It enables humans to share the same workspace with much faster collaborative robots. Blue Danube Robotics offers AIRSKIN® as a complete solution for different types of robots and for stock or custom tools.

From fast robots to fast cobots With AIRSKIN®, robot manufacturers can offer their well-established robots on the cobot market. These new cobots do not require a fence and allow completely new fields of application. The soft sensor skin can also be retrofitted for existing robots and turns them into cobots, independent of payload or size.

AIRSKIN® is compatible with traditional cobots, allowing them to operate much faster. It enables shorter cycle times and thus an increase in productivity.

A paradigm shift in safe human-robot collaboration The pressure-sensitive AIRSKIN®-System covers the entire robot and the tool with a soft skin. The airtight sensor

pads continuously monitor and reliably detect internal pressure changes due to deformations of the hull. Any collision immediately triggers a safe stop signal to the controller and initiates the robot’s braking sequence. Remaining mechanical forces due to the stopping distance of the robot are absorbed by the soft padding. This ensures safe robot-human collaboration with significantly faster and bigger robots possible.

AIRSKIN® saves valuable floor space and allows users to create flexible robot applications that were not possible before. The possibility of running the robots significantly faster turns AIRSKIN®-equipped robots into the fastest cobots on the market. AIRSKIN® is certified as a safety sensor according to ISO 13849 PLe by TÜV Austria.

AIRSKIN® and UR+ This progressive but simple technology with its fast installation and maintenance, goes perfectly with cobots

by Universal Robots. As a UR+ certified product, AIRSKIN® is an ideal add-on to increase productivity by allowing the user to optimise floor space and shorten cycle times.

T +43 1 890 86 97–100 E sales@bluedanuberobotics.com www.bluedanuberobotics.com

FHS – THE FLEXIBLE HOLDER SYSTEM FOR DIRECT FASTENING

THE DESIGN MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE The FHS flexible holder system consists of two base bodies and a Velcro strip, available in various lengths. It is suitable for direct and secure mounting of lines, cables or protective conduits for dynamic loads on robots. Two base body options are available, which are suitable for use in three different applications:

FHS-SH base body

FHE base body

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APPLICATIONS

APPLICATIONS

APPLICATIONS

FHS-SH with system holder

FHS-UHE with one-piece universal holders

FHS-C without universal holder, with looped Velcro strip

Both base bodies are equipped with a red non-slip coating on the surface touching the robotic arm. This coating runs all the way from the bottom to the top side for the FHS-UHE and FHS-C bodies. Ensuring gentle support and slip resistance for the inserted conduits, lines and cables as well.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Slip-resistant coating ensures a secure hold without scratches!

Specially coated Velcro strips prevent slipping.

THE MULTITASKING-TALENT TWO BASE BODIES – THREE DIFFERENT APPLICATIONS:

FHS-SH

Flexible holder system with system holder (SH)

FLEXIBLE LINE ROUTING • For routing and stabilizing smaller cable packages • As original equipment and for retrofitting • For sliding or fixed assembly on the corrugated conduit • Strain relief with reducing cable wear

FHS-UHE

Flexible holder system with one-piece universal holders (UHE)

RELIABLE AND QUICK ASSEMBLY • Easy replacement of the corrugated conduit • Retrofitting, with low cable wear • “Captive“ clamping bracket, because of one-piece construction

FHS-C

Flexible holder with looped Velcro strip (C)

INFINITELY VARIABLE DIRECT CONNECTION • Secure and low cable wear direct connection without holder • Flat, compact design • Flexible lengths for various diameters of the robot arm, lines, cables and protective conduits • Without tools and loose components

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of sectors, but designing the perfect range of products to meet such a complex, niche requirement is a different prospect altogether.

The cobot market leader

The ability to then upgrade, refine and hone these products on an ongoing basis is testament to Universal Robots’ market-leading team, and has been epitomised over the past few months with its new, next-generation e-Series ‘cobots’.

“Our new product primarily shows our strengths in safety technology,” Østergaard says. “We are by far the leading company when it comes to safety functions for collaborative robots. At this point, we have 17 advanced safety functions, and they are all rated according to ISO 138491 which is elite performance level and a pretty big deal to have for any safety function; let alone 17. We are therefore fully compliant from a safety perspective.”

A Company statement read at the time of the e-Series’ unveiling: “The Universal Robots e-Series collaborative robots empower future-ready users with collaborative innovations, a human-centric user experience, and an ecosystem for every application.

“This new collaborative robot platform includes technology advances that enable faster development for a wider variety of applications.”

Improvements include the ability to economically address even more applications, thanks to greater precision and sensitivity provided by a built-in, tool-centric force/torque sensor; and as you’d expect from UR, convenience is unparalleled.

Convenience is unparalleled at Universal Robots

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READY TO USE ANYWHERE ACCESSORIES ANS ADD-ONS FOR EASY AND SECURE ASSEMBLY ON DIFFERENT TYPES OF ROBOTS

FHS-RS

Recirculation System

FHS EXTENSIONS The recirculation system can be installed as a simple and space-saving solution with a length compensation of 150 mm.

Quick and easy installation of the flexible holder system, for instance on a small robot without mounting options such as holes or threads.

CABLE PROTECTION

ROBOTIC

The Murrplastik name is also well known for cable protection conduit and fitting systems. We guarantee the highest of quality for our customers, manufactured in-house. User benefits and the system design are always our priority. Our product line offers a very compatible selection of threaded fittings, distributors and retaining brackets for every commercial conduit size.

Safety and protection of the resources are the main focus in energy supply systems. Well-thought-out components provide robots with the necessary freedom for high-speed work movements and precise repetitive task completion. Universal mounting hardware for all of the most popular robots can be combined into custom configurations, providing the necessary hold and protection for hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical components in the dresspack.

Cable protection conduits • Standard and special protective hoses and conduits in different colours, materials, sizes and corrugations • Detachably connected or closed variants Threaded fittings and connections • Threaded conduit fittings/ connections • Distributors/ connectors/ protectors/ threaded cable glands • Detachably connected systems and accessories Retaining bracket systems • Standard and heavy-duty variants (one-piece / multi-component) Robotic and handling systems • Outfitting systems, conduit harnesses (dresspacks) and accessories

The cable protection conduits developed by Murrplastik have been designed for complex robotic applications and can withstand the extreme loads and movements. Specially modified materials and specific hose geometries ensure a long service life.

We offer: • Innovative system solutions • Design, development and prototyping • Optimisation and documentation • Axes 1-7 • Spare parts, customer support and delivery worldwide For more information about our Flexible Holder system FHS - please visit our website www.mp.de

Dieselstraße 10, 71570 Oppenweiler-Germany, Phone: +49 7191-4820, www.mp.de

Ready to start production faster with the e-Series? We are.

robotiq.com

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“Our e-Series platform is leveraging our years of experience as the market leader within collaborative robots,” added Jürgen von Hollen, President of Universal Robots, in the release. “The ‘e’ in e-Series stands for ‘Evolution’ and it also underpins our key vision and overall product philosophy, specifically ‘Empowering people and making it Easy for Everyone’.

“End-users with complex applications and diverse or uncertain future needs will benefit from the e-Series platform and our unique Universal Robots+ ecosystem knowing that their investment will be able to grow with them as their needs change.

We enable innovative customers to rapidly drive adoption of automation technology into their businesses to maximise their competitive advantage.”

He concluded: “The global cobot market is expected to continue to be one of the key growth drivers in the automation market in the

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The global cobot market is a predicted key growth driver for the automation market

coming years. With the e-Series, my expectation is that we at Universal Robots will continue to leverage our position as the cobot market leader.

This, however, can only be done by staying ahead technologically.”

Pioneering work

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Universal Robots’ ground-breaking evolution

has been recognised by some of the industry’s most significant peers; most notably in recent times via the Manufacturing Leadership Council.

Representing more than 1,000 senior-level members from around the global manufacturing industry, UR was awarded Frost & Sullivan’s ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ award in the small/medium enterprise category.

Five Ways to Start Production Faster With UR+Robotiq Collaborative Robot Cell Robotiq offers tools and knowhow to simplify collaborative robot applications with the lean robotics methodology.

Minimising waste is an important aspect of lean robotics. Here are five ways to reduce waste during your cell deployment so you can start production faster: 1. Get the cell design right the first time. Kickstart your project at blueprints.robotiq.com for help converting your manual process into a robotic one. Our team will apply Robotiq’s decade of experience with collaborative robots to help you pick the right tools for your application.

2. Accelerate your robotic integration with downloadable, ready-to-use application programs. Our UR+ intuitive programming software is easy to use, even if you have no prior experience with robots.

3. Track your collaborative robot’s performance with Insights, our UR+ certified monitoring software. Set up custom KPIs to monitor trends and find areas to optimise, and get alerts about any defined event, like downtime, so you can get back in production sooner.

Adaptive Grippers are built to integrate with the Robotiq Wrist Camera and FT 300 Force Torque Sensor. Unlock even more industrial applications with Hand-E, the first electric gripper ready for the new Universal Robots e-Series.

Along with the popular 2F-85 and 2F-140, Hand-E completes Robotiq’s line of Adaptive Grippers, all of which connect to the e-SERIES wrist. They all operate with the same intuitive programming software, which gives the user full control over the gripper’s position, force, and speed.

A solution to the skills gap At Robotiq, we offer solutions to manufacturers who are struggling to recruit enough staff to meet the growing demand for their products. Some of them hesitate to put robots to work in their factories because robotic integration if often regarded as too costly and too complicated. We strive to make their lives easier; to show them they can do it on their own, but not alone, with the advice of our global network of robotics experts.

4. Measure the ROI from the moment you begin the collaborative robot project. This will keep you focused on raising the ROI by minimising waste throughout the cell deployment process.

5. Choose products that integrate seamlessly with each other. This will simplify the programming, which is key to getting a robot up and running quickly. For instance, Robotiq

www.robotiq.com

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SCHUNK

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CHUNK is a competence leader for gripping systems and clamping technology. More than 3,000 employees in nine plants and 33 directly owned subsidiaries ensure an intensive market presence. With more than 11,000 standard components SCHUNK offers the world’s largest assortment of gripping systems and clamping technology from one source. Since 2012, goalkeeper legend Jens Lehmann has been brand ambassador for safe, precise gripping and holding.

The robots work side-by-side with people

Østergaard received the accolade which represented outstanding manufacturing achievement, with the Leadership Council emphasising to him that Universal Robots is “pioneering work in creating and popularising collaborative robots, which are helping manufacturers of all sizes cope with intense cost pressures and customer demand for high mix-low volume production”.

Esben’s visits to the stage didn’t end there, as the Company also won the Collaborative Innovation Leadership award for the UR+ platform, and the Smart Products and Services Leadership award for its overall product portfolio.

Lastly, and certainly not least, he picked up personal recognition for Visionary Leadership for his efforts in transforming the Company, for challenging assumptions, and for empowering others.

As the most prestigious honour in the automation industry, the Engelberger

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Robotics award of course signifies the success of Universal Robots, but more directly Østergaard’s role in driving such a rise to prominence.

The President of the American Robotic Industries Association (RIA), Jeff Burnstein spoke at the ceremony: “His work in the field of collaborative robot applications has allowed robots to enter previously unthinkable sectors in just about every industry. Esben Østergaard’s emphasis on robots that work side-by-side with people and are easy to use has created enormous interest among many small and medium sized companies who never even considered robots

SCHUNK offers as the world’s first manufacturer a comprehensive range of standardised components for the 6-axis lightweight UR robots, which comprises both fields of application, gripping and changing as well as measuring forces and torques. SCHUNK is now offering an entire gripping system kit consisting of electrically and pneumatically controlled grippers, quick-change modules, and force/torque sensors that are specifically tailored to Universal Robots’ robot arms. SCHUNK is consistently pursuing the idea of simple automation as represented by UR in the field of gripping systems. In the first step the SCHUNK gripping system kit for Universal Robots robot arms will include: The multi-tooth guided and especially precise and powerful SCHUNK parallel grippers PGN-plus-P in the sizes 80 and 100, the multi-tooth guided centric grippers PZN-plus 64, the priceto-performance-optimised universal grippers JGP 80 and 100; the long-stroke grippers KGG 100-80 and PSH 22-1, the electric gripper for small components EGP, and the Co-act EGP-C, designed for collaborative applications.

SCHUNK GmbH & Co. KG Spann- und Greiftechnik Bahnhofstr. 106 - 134 74348 Lauffen/Neckar GERMANY T +49-7133-103-0 E info@de.schunk.com

www.schunk.com Follow us

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ASYRIL Intelligent flexible parts feeding for the next generation cobots Asyril, experts in flexible feeding systems, develops, produces and markets high performance flexible feeding systems for parts and components from 0.1 up to 150 mm in size. Their award-winning Asycube Series, designed for optimal surface distribution of bulk parts and precise part detection, is compatible with all kinds of parts, including highly delicate parts and complex geometries.

Asyril’s URCaps plugin, available on the Universal Robots+ Solutions platform, guarantees a seamless and fast integration of any Asycube in conjunction with any Universal Robot. The control menus are directly accessible from the teach pendant, making it easy to use and quick to implement.

Asyril URCap details can be accessed directly on the UR+ Solutions platform.

before. In a world that is increasingly characterised by people and robots working together, Esben’s pioneering technology advances play a pivotal role.”

The winner proudly responded: “I’m deeply honoured to win the award named after Joseph Engelberger, who revolutionised industrial manufacturing with robotics.

Engelberger’s view that a robot should be able to handle a range of tasks in a factory aligns with Universal Robots’ core mission, and I’m a great admirer of his work.

“We want to place control of factory automation back into the hands of operators. Instead of replacing people we want to give them a tool to do their work more efficiently. We want to remove them from working like robots to becoming robot programmers and handling more value-added tasks. Doing this will perhaps be the best long-term result derived from leveraging collaborative robots.”

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The hottest area in robotics

Going on to describe this era of manufacturing as the ‘5th industrial revolution’, Universal Robots will always have the honour of being a trailblazer and first to the punch in this sector. But amid an inevitably growing swathe of competition, there is now an additional pressure to not only innovate, but to do so quickly and ahead of the rest of the market. Østergaard says: “We’re seeing more and more people now becoming aware of the benefits of collaborative robots. At Automatica we had the most robots of any brand at the show and that’s pretty cool for a 13-year-old company. But what we also saw was the growing number of competitors which now amounts to around 40 looking to unveil similar products to us.

“Of course, that brings a challenge for us, but it’s also great in that it gives legitimacy to the market we’re trying to open up.”

Prospective clients will now see a

The Asyril URCap development marks a new phase in the long-term partnership between the collaborative robots manufacturer Universal Robots and the flexible parts feeding expert. Asyril CEO Alain Codourey: “We completely support UR’s philosophy to render robots more collaborative and safer for humans. We are delighted to be part of the UR+ Solutions platform, giving our clients a high-quality and hassle-free integration of our Asyril technology.”

Asyril is known for its unique 3-axis vibration technology, high-end industrial vision system and precision robotics.

Their extensive knowhow and patented technology has enabled key industry players in Europe, America and Asia gain competitive advantage and a fast return on investment.

Villaz-St-Pierre, Switzerland E sales@asyril.com

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SOLOMON

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olomon’s AccuPick features an advanced 3D vision system that enables robot automation to recognise and locate objects with high accuracy in a short timeframe.

By incorporating state-of-art AI technologies into a 3D vision system, AccuPick overcomes limitations of conventional 3D systems that rely on CAD model matching. The AI-based approach makes it easy for AccuPick to detect complex objects, or items without CAD files, even when they are posed in obscure angles or occluded by overlapping pieces, while significantly minimising the amount of time required for software to ‘learn to recognise’ the objects.

The use of deep learning technologies gives AccuPick the ability to simplify a complex robotic problem commonly known as random bin picking - a robot automatically picks objects thrown or dumped into a bin in unorganised fashion.

Collaborative robots are one of the most popular areas in robotics at present

host of operators driving the same benefits, making it an even more credible and believable proposition.

The pressure then comes in making sure you’re the chosen provider; a status which Universal Robots is confidently retaining. Østergaard continues: “Collaborative robots are probably the hottest area in robotics and we’re seeing lots of small new startups and companies from adjacent industries entering the space. In response, we have been continuously speeding up our processes for a while now in the knowledge that these competitors would be coming.

“We’re actually surprised how long it has taken for them to pick up, but we are prepared, and our recent launch of an even better collaborative robot shows how willing and ready we are to raise the bar.”

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AccuPick 3D has been deployed to solve complex bin picking tasks in different industries, including automotive, machine tending, packaging, and logistics.

Many customers choose to use AccuPick 3D together with the world’s foremost collaborative robot brand, Universal Robots, because of UR’s user friendliness and safety features. The synergy between UR and AccuPick 3D is best summarised by Universal Robots: “It has been a great experience to expand the Universal Robots+ ecosystem with an innovative and high-end solution like Solomon’s AccuPick. As a UR+ partner, the Solomon team has been dedicated to follow the same visions as UR: Lowering the barriers of automations, while working in a field of advanced vision.”

T +886 2 8791 8989 E inquiry@solomon-3D.com

www.solomon-3D.com

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PHD, INC.

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HD, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of industrial automation actuators, designed to help companies across all industries optimise their manufacturing processes. Our products consist of a full line of cylinders, escapements, grippers, linear slides, rotary actuators, clamps, multi-motion actuators, switches and sensors.

PHD has released new accessory for seamless integration of pneumatic grippers on collaborative robots.

The PHD Pneu-Connect™ connects directly to the tool port on the robot arm making it easy to attach a PHD pneumatic gripper to a Universal Robot (UR) brand cobot. The Pneu-Connect incorporates a built-in pneumatic directional control valve for opening and closing the gripper.

T +1 800 624 8511

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Universal capabilities

UR is not only having to accommodate a growing number of competitors, but also a growing clientele footprint.

A lot of new industries are realising the possibilities that cobots can offer; some, the Company could never have anticipated.

Fast food chains, for example, were expected and planned for, but restaurants’ usage of collaborative robots have been a pleasant surprise; as have construction sites, and even the aviation industry who now use such devices in the cockpits of aeroplanes as remotely controlled alternatives should the pilot/s become incapacitated.

“We really do serve such a diverse range of industries now,” Østergaard says. “We made a robot that has a small footprint, is easy to deploy and easy to build on top of in terms of tech. And that seems to have really hit the spot for a number of industries.

Perhaps it shouldn’t be so surprising

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given that we have robots in three sizes, and given they have the same six degrees of freedom that a human has.

The products have intrinsic universal capabilities and are therefore perfect for a lot of different applications.”

Traditionally, startups and new entrants to a tech-driven market can skip past older operators to the most modern solutions, but due to the footprint already established by UR, and the innovations still being explored for an ever-increasing market, the Company’s status as market leader looks safe for some time to come.

asks and expectations in the automation sector are becoming increasingly complex. SensoPart has therefore expanded its VISOR® series of Vision sensors to include a robotics specialist. Thanks to a URCaps software package, the VISOR® Robotic can communicate easily and directly with Universal Robot systems; ensuring fast and easy configuration of automation tasks.

These software packages from the UR+ programme enable direct data exchange with UR systems. The URCaps handle all the setup steps to ensure communication between the VISOR and the robot and provide prepared programme routines for calibration and pick-and-place tasks; aiding speed and flexibility levels.

www.sensopart.com

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Seamless Integration of PHD Grippers to Universal Robots ™

Pneu-Connect™ is a pneumatic end-effector system that provides seamless integration for Universal Robots and other collaborative robots at a third of the price of its electrical equivalents.

Pneu-Connect is easy to attach and control a pneumatic end effector to a Universal Robot utilizing on-board MAC directional control valves, requiring only a single air line and the tool port of the robot. The Pneu-Connect package includes the end-effector, a cuff that connects directly to the robot arm and “UR CAP” software—an application specific to the Universal Robot.

Watch the “PHD Pneu-Connect Overview” on the PHD, Inc. channel at youtube.com

To order a catalog and see more solutions, visit

phdinc.com/pneuconad 1-800-624-8511

P.O. Box 9070 • Fort Wayne, IN 46899 USA

Speak the same language as robots • VISOR® vision sensor for 2D robot applications • Easy interface with the robot • Finding parts with just a few clicks thanks to easy configuration

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ith its broad product range shown on UR+ Solutions website, the Zimmer Group offers the best possible solutions for individual needs. This starts with standard pneumatic and electric grippers to hybrid grippers with IO-Link and collaborative grippers for HRC applications.

All series’ include the embedded URCaps software which makes it even easier to operate the end-effectors.

With the four certified sectors, the Zimmer Group makes up the largest product profile of end-effectors on UR+ solutions website.

The highest number of recommended series’ (of all other manufacturers) shows the confidence and the strong partnership between Universal Robots and the Zimmer Group.

The Company has a carefully considered ethos

www.zimmer-group.com

Østergaard adds: “There is pressure to continuously innovate and develop for sure, but I believe we can do it. We have a really good team and despite the competition we still have more market share - around 60 percent - than the rest of the market combined, and our vision is to continue to dominate.”

Just getting started

The vision isn’t solely a managementdriven war cry, rather it is a considered ethos that emanates throughout all tiers of the Universal Robots hierarchy and over to each and every customer.

In the middle exists a team of the best and brightest engineers who enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship with a company that has provided them with the perfect platform to apply their ingenuity.

Compounding this asset is the Company’s proximity to a local university that is similarly focusing on robotics as an impactful frontier. Østergaard explains: “The university

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is doing a very good job expanding heavily into robotics, taking in more than 100 engineers every year. By anyone’s standards, that’s world-class and unparalleled, and provides us with a very advantageous breeding ground to source local talent and to give opportunities to young and talented robotics engineers.”

Expanding at a comparable rate to its HR operations is Universal Robots’ supply chain network, as Østergaard adds: “It’s super complicated when you achieve high double-digit growth for eight years in a row. It can be a challenge to manage the network as inevitably some suppliers won’t be able to hit those same growth figures in order to keep up.

“It’s an ongoing process but is an enormous opportunity for those who can match our development, and for those new partners that we continuously look out for.”

Essentially, all strands of product development, HR and the supply chain

need to grow in tandem, but this challenge is compensated by the business’s status as a provider, employer and partner of choice; an exciting organisation that attracts the right kind of people.

“The brand is now a well-known entity, and what sets us apart is that we created the market to begin with,” Østergaard concludes. “There were similar robots on the market when we started but they were not successful and didn’t gain traction. We made the market successful.

“Today, they all try to catch up with us but we still have the lead as we have the best products, the best distribution network and the best ecosystem.

“That being said, there is still a lot of potential out there to still go and capitalise on. Our strategy is of course to grow sales but to then do all the things required to make that happen. There’s still an enormous need for automation and the benefits of collaborative robots are really great, but the industry is really just getting started.”

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THE WIDEST AVAILABLE GRIPPER RANGE FOR UR+

THE KNOWHOW FACTORY

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GRIPPERS OF THE ZIMMER GROUP

Available as collaborative, electric, pneumatic and hybrid versions

www.zimmer-group.com

ProFeeder and ER5

Max Mobility and Flexibility

Perfect match.

Engineered by Schmalz, certified by Universal Robots: The new generation of intelligent, electrical vacuum generators ECBPi sets standard in collaborative robotics.

Ellegårdvej 36, DK-6400 Sønderborg Phone: +45 73 12 42 03 www.easyrobotics.biz

WWW.SCHMALZ.COM/ECBPI T: +49 7443 2403-201 J. Schmalz GmbH · Johannes-Schmalz-Str.1 · 72293 Glatten · schmalz@schmalz.com

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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 FLEXIBLE SERVICE

HIGHEST QUALITY

COMPETITIVE PRICES

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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DEDICATION TO

FINE Chemistry The Minafin Group is renowned across the globe for its quality service, flexibility and innovation within the development and manufacture of fine chemicals Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold tarting with a fundamental dedication to fine chemical development, the Minafin Group was established in 2004 with a small team of devoted individuals who have gone onto build a true success story in the industry.

Initially the Group set out to solely produce fine chemicals for the pharmaceutical market, however, over the years it has expanded its efforts into cosmetics and high-tech applications to meet the ever-changing requirements it is faced with.

“The industry has changed dramatically in the 15 years that we have been in operation,” explains Frederic Gauchet, the founder and Group President of Minafin. “Our customers are continuously varying, and we need to be adaptable to meet their needs as quickly as possible, while matching the evolution of our customer base.

“In order to meet these needs, we have upped the qualifications and competencies of people available to make the entire process a success; our people care intensely about their

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role within the Company, but also their impact of their work on the environment and the communities which host our facilities.”

With its current rate of expansion, Minafin places vast amounts of trust in its staff coming from all over the world to carry out the extensive developments it is involved in.

“Our customer base covers both global and international companies and therefore we are dedicated to the expansion of our global standing through the development of our worldwide company network,” continues Gauchet. “We will always find the best and most efficient outcome for our customers, which is achieved through our selection of complementary and synergetic business units within the Group.”

Group network

As part of the Minafin Group, Minakem operates as a contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), comparable to top-class companies in delivering services to the industry across its three manufacturing sites.

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EURO-INDIA CHEMS

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URO-INDIA CHEMS Pvt. Ltd is an export house firm based in Mumbai, partnering with factories in India to provide pharma raw materials (API and intermediates) requirements worldwide.

The Company’s consistent and reliable performances has meant that European & Latin American firms have been in touch to take advantage of its extensive experience and expertise.

The Company is always looking to expand its businesses into new markets and will always be pleased to respond to any new enquiries.

For any requirements, do send the enquiry with full product name, CAS number and approximate quantity and the Company will be pleased to assist.

Minafin invests heavily in its facilities

T 0091-22-66923581 E svivti@gmail.com

www.euroindiachems.com

“We look specifically at servicing demand for high-potency active principles,” describes Thierry Van Nieuwenhove, Chief Executive Officer at Minakem. “Our three manufacturing sites specifically target these projects, with a launch facility that incorporates our excellent research and development (R&D) services to ensure we are able to successfully launch of the actives principles of branded drugs.

“We have also implemented solidform labs that allow bespoke design of the solid active principle and is currently providing us with a unique selling point for the pharma factories within the market, therefore we are able to deliver something that many other companies are unable to.”

Alongside its extensive R&D work, the Company is focusing on continuous improvement in order to make sure that customer requirements are always met through its pharmaceutical developments.

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As part of the Minafin Group we are able to leverage an extensive network of knowledge to our advantage, while also enjoying the synergy that we have built to ensure exceptional service, innovation and continuous improvement for our customers at all times

Van Nieuwenhove adds: “Minakem provides one of the largest and most profitable segments within the wider Group and looks set to continue on as a major growth point.

“As part of the Minafin Group we are able to leverage an extensive network of knowledge to our advantage, while also enjoying the synergy that we have built to ensure exceptional service, innovation and continuous improvement for our customers at all times.”

Product classification

More recently Minakem has been investing heavily in new pipelines in order to support market growth, something that has been occurring at a rapid rate for the past two years in particular.

“Some of our most recent investments have been put in place to ensure that we have cemented a capacity to cope with the future demand put upon us by our customers,”

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Euro - India Chems P R I V A T E

L I M I T E D

Minakem’s reputed and trusted partner for last 10+ years - Specialising in Pharma Intermediates & catalyst raw materials from India.

- Alibaba Gold supplier status for last 9 years

OUR SUCCESS LIES IN DETAILS: • Providing the best products that are desired by its customers • Close inspection of the raw materials used in the production of the ordered product • Regular process check-up of the supplier factories • Ensuring final product quality, supported by independent lab reports for defined standards and buyer specifications • Product purchases are paid for in advance and therefore ensure priority in delivery • Committing to perfect delivery and supply logistics, including packing standards and freight economics for its associate buyer’s needs The Company provides a consistent and reliable service in delivery and quality, ensuring it is recognised as an excellent supplier in the industry.

T: 0091-22-66923581/0091-22-26374604 M: 0091-9833400658 E: svivti@gmail.com

Sister company of VeeVees Trade Impex

30 Avenue Mirabeau HEADQUARTERS: La Mède 13220 CHATEANEUF les MARTIGUES T: +33 4 4281 0872

www.euroindiachems.com

Bringing out the best in people... with an extra smile from within.

Our learning journeys create lasting behavioural change and amplify your people’s level of engagement.

krauthammer.com

Rue Gabriel PERI NORTH REGION: ZI La Samaritaine 59430 SAINT-POL-sur-MER T: +33 3 2861 7269

SCAFFOLDINGS INSULATION

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explains Van Nieuwenhove. “One of our developments has been on chromatography for specific purification of high potent pharmaceutical ingredients, using approximately nine million euros of investment to cover it.

“This is also aiding us in ramping up the bar in terms of product classification; where we originally only had the capacity to handle class five products suitable for most of the anticancer drugs, we are now pushing for class six in which you find cytotoxin-based drugs.”

At one of the Company’s sites based in Dunkirk it has added a new line of manufacturing, using multipurpose manufacturing capabilities has enabled it to see rapid development on projects thanks to the investment of more than 14.5 million euros.

“We also recognise the importance of pursuing analytical support and have subsequently been investing a lot of time and money in that area,” continues Van Nieuwenhove. “In

today’s market we have monitored our customers’ requests for the extension of support on the analytical side of our business, aiding them in fulfilling obligations with authorities in filing new drugs for commercialisation. We know that in a short space of time this will add significant value to both our portfolio and the ease with which our customers projects are carried out.”

Sourcing talent

When it comes to ensuring that the Company runs in a professional and unified manner, its people are one of

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the most important aspects.

“For us it starts with R&D, we aim to source the best talents while also finding those that will bring a unique perception to our business activities,” Van Nieuwenhove describes. “We focus on achieving a culturally diverse work place as a global entity, working on the continuation of establishing ourselves as a leader in the industry to aid us in attracting talent to our team.

“Recently we have been showing good progress in this area, while also increasing the available roles within our organisation. People want to

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belong to a success story, and at the Minafin Group we hope to be viewed in that manner.”

With such an entrepreneurial spirit in both a fast and agile company, Minafin and its subsidiary Minakem also ensures that once it has attracted the right talent, the process doesn’t stop there.

Van Nieuwenhove adds: “Once people are on board we invest greatly in their training throughout the year, continuing to develop their talent.

“Due to the fast evolution of our business and work, we are having to tackle increasingly complex and

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Thierry Van Nieuwenhove, CEO of Minakem

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technical issue and therefore we are having to provide high-quality education in-house.”

Moving forward, as well as increasing its capabilities through training and development, it hopes to double its size within the next decade.

“We don’t just want to be one of those companies that is number one purely down to size,” concludes Van Nieuwenhove. “We will work to remain at the forefront of our customers minds, providing them with the best possible service while actively expanding our footprint all over the world.”

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Quality, Safety, Innovation Auto Ribeiro now enjoys intercontinental saturation and a six subsidiary-strong structure, that together will facilitate some of the most socially significant manufacturing activities to come out of Europe Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Tom Arnold ver the course of more than 40 years, Auto Ribeiro has adapted to some of the most lucrative and challenging trends en route to compiling a comprehensive emergency and security vehicle portfolio; adjacent to a distribution network that covers three continents.

Initially tasked with manufacturing ambulances for the national fire department in its native Portugal, steady and concerted development from a volume and offering perspective was curtailed dramatically in 2008 as Europe’s economy crashed. However, as others around the Company fell by the wayside and strived for consolidation at best, Auto Ribeiro utilised its strong financial footing to address the challenge, while simultaneously spreading its risk should a similar event occur in the future.

“Before 2008 we worked solely in the Portuguese market but after the market decreased in 2008 we decided to spread our operations, to capitalise on our already big structure, and to explore other options.” As the new President, Mr Vítor Ribeiro went about creating a new long-term strategy to develop the Company.

A decade on, and this mission is both accomplished and still evolving.

Via its AR Hispania, AR France, AVM Dubai and ARCD Africa strands (and complemented by a host of supporting distribution partners to take the business even further afield), six divisions now epitomise the diversity achieved since then.

AREquipment provides and manufacturers medical devices which are sold to Auto Ribeiro’s competitors who then take products like stretchers and ambulance seats to market, apart from a wider portfolio of other

Auto Ribeiro is committed to innovation, development, safety and quality

medical equipment, today with a presence in 27 different countries.

ARAmbulance represents 60 percent of Auto Ribeiro’s activities with turnover increasing from €1 million to €8 million in recent times, and its market-leading vehicles distributed around the world.

ARSecurity then caters for the armoured vehicles market and is the only example where Auto Ribeiro deals directly with the end customer as opposed to distributors, in accordance with EU confidentiality regulations. Meanwhile, ARMobility involves converting vehicles like taxis for people with disabilities.

Rounding off the range is ARService which oversees all other strands of the Group, addresses aspects of quality control, and also comprises the Company’s vast aftersales operations.

“Our main differentiator comes from being this one-stop shop,” Mr Ribeiro sums up. “Previously, a customer would deal with a vehicle converter, or an ambulance provider, and then a stretcher provider, and then a seat provider, etc. But with Auto Ribeiro, they can deal with just one turnkey operator who has a network of partners already; giving us a massive advantage in terms of our capacity to produce a tailormade vehicle for any particular end customer.”

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Considered approach

Achieving such diversification is no mean feat, but to do so on an increasingly international scale is even more impressive. At present, in Central Europe, the Company is present in Portugal (enjoying an 80 percent market share), France (where ambulance delivery volumes will increase from 150 in 2017 to 300 in 2018), and Spain.

However, on the medical equipment side of things especially, this reach then broadens dramatically to incorporate the rest of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa - from this Central Europe location - virtue of the thirdparty partnerships and subsequent distribution channels secured.

Mr Ribeiro explains: “In each case we have conducted market studies to see where to invest and France and Spain were obvious choices from this perspective. Dubai came from a similar strategy, and now in Africa, via Senegal, we will from this September be able to cater for all French speaking countries on the continent from a 30,000 square metre facility that replicates our best-in-class production lines in Porto and Lisbon in Portugal.

“In Africa there are not currently ambulance builders so there is a

huge opportunity because even poor countries are investing in patient transport; especially with such dangerous illnesses like Ebola to contend with. There is now a conscious effort in Africa to invest in the primary emergency services and we saw the opportunity to be there and help this need.”

Consequently adopting 100 percent of the Senegalese market,

In Africa there are not currently ambulance builders so there is a huge opportunity because even poor countries are investing in patient transport...

such is its nascence, Auto Ribeiro is compounding its mere presence with a localisation strategy that will see it act as an indigenously sensitive entity. This ethos began in September, 2017 when an entire prospective Senegalese team was brought to Portugal for a year’s training, to prepare them for when operations open up back home in late 2018.

“Our approach is fully supported by the President of Senegal in terms of land, tools and employees, in the knowledge that our investment will aid employment rates and healthcare development in the country,” Mr Ribeiro elaborates. “And over the next five years, a similarly considered approach will see us expand into Morocco (delivering 100 ambulances), Greece (100) and Israel (50); to support our existing business which will rise to 500 ambulances to Portugal, the aforementioned 300 to France, 300 to Senegal, and 150 to Dubai.”

Innovative and flexible

A critical component facilitating every sector diversification or geographic expansion is Auto Ribeiro’s aftersales capabilities. And part of the Company’s willingness to increase its footprint

The Company has experienced massive expansion

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LIFT ME UP! YOUR NEEDS, OUR SOLUTIONS!

Auto Ribeiro has the capacity and the knowhow to achieve success

derives from this dedication to be as local as possible to each and every customer around the world; whether it’s been delivered via a distributing partner or directly.

Meanwhile, back at base, the Company’s talented and knowledgeable R&D and manufacturing team works on continuously improving Auto Ribeiro’s levels of innovation, so that each of the Company’s six subsidiaries can meet the needs of this ever-expanding clientele.

“In terms of products, AREquipment has launched an electrical foldable chair that moves up and down stairs, as well as an electrical holder which takes the manual labour out of moving a stretcher in and out of the ambulance,” Mr Ribeiro details.

“At ARSecurity, we have become more innovative and flexible with our armoured vehicles. And through ARAmbulance, we have worked a lot on what we call ‘ambulance

ITALY | info@marianilift.com | www.marianilift.com

curve, and often derive from an initial affiliation with Portuguese authorities and local universities which help to foster the best young talent in the industry. However, with it being such a niche industry, Auto Ribeiro then needs to go one step further to then give each individual much more bespoke, industryspecific training once within the confines On January 28, 1976, in Vila Nova de Gaia, a small companywasbornwithonly5employees.Almostfour of the business. decades back, this same company, is today the leader “By introducing them to the of the national market in the transformation of several way in which Auto Ribeiro works vehicles. specifically, people have the required connection’. This consists of a skills to follow our strategy as communication system which allows we push forward with our future a doctor or nurse at the hospital to goals,” Mr Ribeiro concludes. “These see and instruct what happens in the goals include becoming the leading ambulance en route to the hospital, ambulance manufacturer and provider aiding the initial treatment process in the private markets where we as well as time-to-department, to operate; with a vision of making 1,500 ultimately save lives.” vehicles a year.

New machinery and equipment at “We have the capacity and the each of the Company’s production knowhow to achieve that, and soon facilities in Porto, Lisbon, Dubai and soon we will have developed our already Senegal are being worked on around vast market footprint to deliver such the clock to keep ahead of the industry ambitious volumes.”

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A U T H O R I T Y

Interconnecting

Our World The GCC Interconnection Authority is inspired by the principles of the Gulf Cooperation Council, tackling the need to foster links in trade Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Richard Thomas

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E N E R G Y

&

U T I L I T I E S

EME s a result of the economic agreements between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States - signed by their Majesties and Highnesses - in 1981, a collective of committees were formed to administer and implement the power grid.

The idea of creating the power grid was fully conceived in 1986, at which point a study was conducted by a committee from the GCC countries in cooperation with the Kuwait Research Institute and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.

“The GCC Committee recognised the technical benefits of the project and undertook a feasibility update study in 1990, collaborating with the Gulf Investment Bank and Canadian based SNC-Lavalin,” explains Ahmed Al Ebrahim, Chief Executive Officer at GCC Interconnection Authority.

“This enabled us to determine the viability of our projects from both an economical and financial perspective, which inevitably led to the establishment of the GCC Interconnection Authority (GCCIA).”

Established in 2001, the Authority is a joint stock entity, owned by the six GCC member states with an authorised share capital of $1.4 billion and 1,100 shares divided across all states based on the general production.

Al Ebrahim continues: “Our board of directors is made up of 12 members, comprising two members from each state. The executive level is headed by myself, and supported by three deputies: Chief Network Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Business Support Officer.

“The Authority is made up of numerous levels, which include system operations, maintenance and asset management, market operations, telecommunication and an array of supporting functions such

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REMOTE EXPERT Making expertise available to the field remotely, enabling faster resolution of on-site issues

OPTIMIZED MAINTENANCE Automated inspection of towers using UAV and computer vision to drastically reduce maintenance time & cost

FACES Automated fault analysis & geolocation system for electric networks, allowing quick emergency response and fast restoration of power

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as finance, MIS, talent management and lastly strategy and business development.”

More than 10 years later, the market operations function was introduced and in 2013, a strategy & business development department was created in order to focus on the plans of the authority and management performance.

Long-term strategy

The Authority has worked tremendously hard since fruition to ensure it is consistently achieving its goals. In 2012 it embarked on a five-year long-term strategy in which there were eight strategic themes, comprising increased value for shareholders, increased revenue streams, expanding service offerings, achieving long-term growth, influence policy, enabling service delivery, attracting, retaining and developing human capital and developing a foster culture.

“We have accomplished numerous successful initiatives over the years, all of which have been accomplished with relative ease,” affirms Al Ebrahim.

“Some of these initiatives included the leading of the fibre optic cables with telecom companies, resulting in new revenue streams for us to branch into.

“We have also provided consulting services to regional utilities on various projects over the years, seeking out new routes that would enable us to expand the current power grid beyond the region.

“On the human-scale, I would say that GCCIA has been successful in the creation of a friendly working environment in which we can achieve success on these initiatives; introducing several programmes and activities that encourage organisational interaction.”

At GCCIA, the Company’s vision is to serve the GCC countries and beyond through leading the development of an efficient power market, while

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“We have accomplished numerous successful initiatives over the years, all of which have been accomplished with relative ease.”

“...I would say that GCCIA has been successful in the creation of a friendly working environment in which we can achieve success on these initiatives; introducing several programmes and activities that encourage organisational interaction.”

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ith today’s global energy sector undergoing constant change, Omexom works with its clients to deliver on the promises of the energy transition.

Omexom’s solution targets those who produce, transform and transport electricity, including local authorities. Omexom thus helps energy producers, grid operators and territories fulfill their missions whilst simultaneously navigating the evolving landscape. In the Middle East, Omexom actively supports the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) with innovative asset integrity services.

Omexom’s expertise in the field of power grids allows us to anticipate the impact of renewable energies. We then work to develop storage solutions, make smarter infrastructures and meet new consumption trends.

As a system integrator, Omexom assesses the individual needs of every customer, before selecting the best solution specifically for them.

Omexom remains totally independent when it comes to integrating technological options.

Located in 31 countries on five continents, from rural to major urban areas, Omexom helps promote access to electricity, ensure security of supply and develop sustainable energy.

Innovation for Energy Transition Driven by innovation strategy, Omexom is constantly looking for innovative solutions with start-ups, companies and academic partners to meet the challenges of energy transition.

Omexom has been working with start-up Sterblue, which offers an imaging solution for determining transmission tower corrosion.

Sterblue’s solution makes it simpler to carry out automatic visual inspections of wind turbines and power lines. The Company offers a comprehensive solution using drones, a docking station and online platform. From automatically generating flight paths to viewing and processing the data, Sterblue handles the complete value chain.

Omexom and start-up DCbrain have also a shared ambition. The partners aim to use artificial intelligence in the energy networks of tomorrow. The AI solution developed

by DCbrain optimises network flows, and is particularly relevant to electricity grids.

This opens exciting opportunities for energy transition when paired with Omexom’s energy infrastructure expertise.

Other innovations are also developed internally: for example, the Nomad Mapping System that provides highly actionable topographic data, in environments difficult to access. Carried in a LIDAR backpack, the Nomad Mapping System includes a GPS, an inertial measurement, two laser scanners and five cameras. The tool’s portability and ability to take readings inside buildings as well as outside make it something with a very wide range of applications.

For us, innovation means sharing and discovering new concepts and processes that deliver effective answers.

Omexom is a VINCI Energies brand.

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providing knowledge excellence in power systems integration.

“It is our aim to achieve a power market in the region, a project that is currently taking place,” adds Al Ebrahim.

“While this is constantly at the forefront of our minds here at GCCIA, we are also pursuing various opportunities that will link the power grid with neighbouring power systems. These systems include Kuwait, Iraq and signed MoU’s with Jordan, Yemen and Ethiopia.

“Other significant projects that are currently under development include

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the power storage project – a joint project with a regional utility – and as we speak we are implementing a quality management system to ensure all processes are up to the standard we hope to reach, in pursuit of attaining ISO 9001 certification.”

Preferred employer

As previously mentioned, at GCCIA there is a huge emphasis placed on human capital. Not only is the Company keen on hiring highly qualified talent, but also remain ardent

on retaining them.

In its current five-year strategy, there is one strategy in particular that stands out: the mission to become the preferred employer in the region – within the power sector – which truly highlights the importance of attracting the best industry talent, achieved by being the recognisably preferred employer in the region.

Al Ebrahim continues: “We are then able to retain them by supporting their professional development, working with each employee on a case-by-case

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“We are unique in the fact that the GCCIA is the first organisation to be jointly created by the six GCC member states, providing a highly successful outcome that included the cooperation council and its economic agreement from 1981.”

“We are unique in the fact that the GCCIA is the first organisation to be jointly created by the six GCC member states, providing a highly successful outcome that included the cooperation council and its economic agreement from 1981.”

“We stand as truly unique with our model of Hybrid Common Neighbour-toNeighbour link, as such a structure doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world...”

basis and creating a structured training and career development programme.”

Growing demand

With thanks to the growing demand for renewable energy in the GCC region at present, the GCCIA is eagerly working to expand its line of service through investing in the renewables business, such as solar farms, electrical vehicles and the growing need for cyber security.

“We are unique in the fact that the GCCIA is the first organisation to be

jointly created by the six GCC member states, providing a highly successful outcome that included the cooperation council and its economic agreement from 1981,” adds the CEO. “We are also able to distinguish ourselves on a global level through our topology, consisting of two basic types that join in the common link, known as a ‘hybrid link’.”

The hybrid link will be the way in which all countries are provided with direct access to any other system, with the exception of Oman, which will still require all transactions with the other

five GCC countries in order to use the power system.

“We stand as truly unique with our model of Hybrid Common Neighbourto-Neighbour link, as such a structure doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world and we believe that this will have a significant role in reshaping energy policies on a regional and global scale,” explains Al Ebrahim. “During the remainder of this year, we will revisit our long-term strategy in order to shift our focus to new trends and areas of interest for the next decade.”

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The Value of

WASTE Vestforbrænding’s responsibility as Denmark’s leading waste management company is being met by an unwavering commitment to social enrichment and engagement Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Richard Thomas

estforbrænding is uniting 19 Danish municipalities towards a common goal of energy efficiency and sustainable living as the market-leading waste management company continues to foster a harmonious “environmental circle”.

This circle begins in each household as residents are encouraged to sort their waste in the most suitable and conducive manner; is then put through the innovative and complex Vestforbrænding filter of energy production and distribution; before being pumped back into the same

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originating homes in the form of optimally efficient power.

Founded in 1970 on a non-profitcost-coverage principle, the Company has evolved according to this ideology ever since; diversifying its remit over the years to now comprise three core business areas in the form of waste management and recycling, wasteto-energy production, and energy distribution.

Having joined the business nearly four years ago, Chief Executive Officer, Peter Basland was and is still aware of the potential that Vestforbrænding has to enrich such a wide area, across and surrounding the area of Copenhagen.

“When I arrived at the largest, well-reputed waste-management and energy company in Denmark, I was pleased to get the chance to add to its ambitious and ‘think big’ ethos,” he says. “Our main objectives revolve around efficiency, curiosity and responsibility rather than solely profit. This encourages us to continue to be at the forefront of new developments and we are consistently anchoring our position as industry leaders. Furthermore, it reinforces our obligation to our owners - the 19 municipalities as well as the individual consumers of each municipality.

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e believe that easy access to data collection and visualisation leads to enhanced knowledge and better decisions.

This philosophy is the foundation of our work for utility companies like Vestforbrænding, providing them with best possible basis for their economic, technological and environmental decisions.

We are ARTOGIS a/s, a Danish company founded in 2001, focused on delivering technical IT solutions for utility companies.

The Company is addressing stringent areas of transparency, governance and compiance

Solutions comprise recycling centres and schemes as well as a selection of energy production and distribution options. And this flexible and dynamic capacity means Vestforbrænding is able to tailor different aspects to suit the specific needs of each community. As Denmark’s largest waste management and waste-toenergy company, it administers one million tonnes of waste and comes into contact with 25 percent of all household waste generated in the country.

“Of that waste, 62 percent is sorted for recycling, with less than one percent going to landfills, and the rest utilised for harvesting energy through incineration, from which 65 percent is allocated to our own district heating network,” Basland explains.

“Vestforbrænding is also Northern Europe’s largest supplier of wastebased district heating and supplies 64,300 homes with district heating and 168,000 consumers with electricity.”

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The environmental circle

Facilitating this level of coverage in the present day, Vestforbrænding is focusing on two core areas: addressing increasingly stringent areas of transparency, governance and compliance that come with a publicly owned company; and emphasising the Company’s unique value chain proposition.

However, if you rewind the clock to the 70s, the outlook was a whole lot different, as Basland states: “Generally waste was viewed as a problem rather than an inherently valuable resource, and our approach now is much more enlightened.

“We have become increasingly focused on creating solutions that reflect our commitment to the environment by returning recycled material to the product circuit and effectively recovering green energy from the residual waste.”

As such, recycling is the order of the day, and it begins at home, with users

Having used the first nearly 15 years of our Company’s life to visualise data primarily by using geographic information systems (GIS), we have for the past two-and-a-half years been expanding our software platform to include generic data collection from IoT (Internet of Things) devices (data robot factory), large-scale data storage (big data pools), data portals and business intelligence/analytics facilities.

Building on globally leading open source software technologies like QGIS and Geoserver for GIS purposes, PostgreSQL and MongoDB for data storage, CKAN for data portals and Sigfox for data communications, we strive to connect and integrate these elements into our own software platform: sago•fonto®.

Our mindset is based on the concepts of free and open source software, and on a vision to become a ‘global open source innovator - for the benefit of the world’s water and climate’.

The pillars of our Company are the 17 goals for sustainable development put forward by the United Nations. Here we are primarily focusing on goal number six (Clean Water and Sanitation) and number 13 (Climate Action); aiming to support these in the best possible way with our software platform to create maximum value for our customers.

T +45 75 53 73 93

www.artogis.dk

Global open source innovator …

for the benefit of the world’s water and climate!

A free it platform based on globally widespread open source technologies, that provides it-solutions within four technology areas….

Big Data Management

Geographic Information

• Network registration • Customer service • Asset Management • Maintenance

Internet-of-Things In a strong strategic partnership with

• Cost friendly • Long battery lifetime • Excellent coverage • Ideal for utilities and their extensive geography

Open Data Portals

Based on the world’s leading open source data portal

• Publish and find datasets • Store and manage data • Engage with customers • Customize and extend

Supporting our customers’ hard work to contribute to the United Nations 17 SDGs

T: +45 75 53 73 93 | www.artogis.dk

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provided waste collection systems that allow them to source separate household waste into different recyclable categories; paving the way for the Company’s more technical solutions to operate at an optimum level.

“Vestforbrænding’s evolution as a waste management and energy production company has very much been guided by our desire to elevate our environmental consideration in all aspects of our endeavours,” Basland continues. “We challenge ourselves regularly by asking how we can improve each step of the process in our value chain to be as environmentally-friendly as possible.

“In our nearly 50 years of existence, we have accomplished a range of goals that secure a circular business model and thus a harmonious balance with our surroundings.”

This circular approach alludes to perhaps the Company’s greatest

Vestforbrænding has exceptional technical expertise

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strength - its structure. Basland emphasises the strong levels of technical capability throughout every strand of the process, but it is Vestforbrænding’s organisation and set-up which lends so perfectly to a cross-municipality influence.

He elaborates: “We’re integrated into the 19 municipalities. Our success is securing the valuable resources and making sure they’re recycled, but by engaging citizens in the process. They understand the importance of sorting their waste in the right ways. So each individual household is where the story begins.

“Then we have a professional approach to putting the resources back into the environmental circle.

What doesn’t get recycled, goes back to our energy facility in the middle of this huge area that we cover. And we then distribute waste energy back to the same kitchen where the waste started its journey.”

INSATECH A/S Work smart Insatech A/S delivers quality products, solutions and services within the field of instrumentation and automation. As a professional partner we strive to create both economic value and growth for your company. This is done by forging close relationships and learning about your core business, which enables us to assist you with everything from optimisation of daily tasks and new projects to comprehensive tailor-made solutions.

These are some of the reasons why Insatech A/S has been a close partner to I/S Vestforbrænding for the past 30 years.

T +45 5537 2095 E mail@insatech.com

www.insatech.com

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Insatech offers a wide range of instruments, sensors and transmitters for: • • • • • • • • •

Analysis Flow Level Displacement Temperature Pressure and differential pressure UV water treatment Calibration equipment Control, safety, and shut off valves as well as desuperheaters • Systems for operation, regulation and data collection

We can help you before, during and after your purchase with everything from counselling, installation and start-up to service and calibration.

Contact

www.insatech.com

Meeting demand all year round

Delving more intricately into Vestforbrænding’s technical expertise, the ability to not just react to trends, but keep ahead of them, has been a critical factor in the Company’s success over the decades. Recently such trends have included improved collection and management techniques en route to the recycling stage; again initiated not directly, but by encouraging each user to assist with the process and learn about its importance themselves.

“Then, in our own facilities, the implementation of our new robotautomated sorting system makes the sorting of bulky household waste even more efficient,” Basland picks up.

“This system enables us to fine-comb bulky waste, ensuring that all materials suitable for recycling are done so before being sent for incineration.

“A further project that stands out includes a continuous focus on ‘bottom ash’ which are the remnants of the incineration process. By sorting

us at

+45 5537 2095 mail@ins atech.co m

“...the implementation of our new robotautomated sorting system makes the sorting of bulky household waste even more efficient”

recyclable metals and upgrading the residual material for use in construction of new roads, they are put to good use.”

Additionally, the Company is addressing how it handles ‘fly-ash’, the filtered by-product of the flue gas cleaning systems; once again ensuring that the amount of waste for landfills is kept to a minimum.

“The final trend or challenge we have to mitigate then comes from the difference in demography across our different areas of operation,” Basland adds. “Some live in flats in built-up areas, while others live in villas in more dilute municipalities, and we have to effectively serve each.

“This is where our flexibility and our diverse solutions come into play.

While automation plays a part, so too does the expansion of our district heating network, where we are looking into the potential of district cooling in collaboration with industrial partners.”

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Harnessing geothermal energy is also a potential for the future - hot water that can be pulled out of the ground and used as a renewable energy source. This is a trend which also alleviates one of the country’s biggest, and most unavoidable, challenges from an energy perspective.

“There is a massive difference between winter and summer here,” Basland reveals. “To balance production and meet demand all year round, we’re looking into storage of energy during the summer months where demand is not as high, and then meeting demands in the winter where it is.

“To combat this, we plan on investing in groundwater storage so that we can still produce lots in the summer, but then store it until the winter where demand is at its highest.”

A world-class process

Local ingratiation has been achieved both inside and outside of Vestforbrænding’s confines; evident initially across the Company’s valued and knowledgeable workforce, and equally across all aforementioned residents of the Company’s 19 municipalities.

For the latter, an educational centre authentically located in the heart of Vestforbrænding has been set up to foster the next generation of resource and energy-conscientious citizens; inviting children of all ages into this dynamic and interactive learning environment giving them the opportunity to learn the importance of recycling and - as they get older - the more sophisticated processes that drive sustainable society.

“More than 22,000 students came to our facility last year and it’s a great way of engaging future consumers who will hopefully support us as their favourite waste management and energy provider,” Basland states.

“Our established presence in the field of waste management relates not

Ultimately the Company will ensure it remains forward thinking and unique

demonstrating the unique features of Vestforbrænding’s value chain that contributes to a sustainable society,” Basland concludes. “In the just to our solid financial position, future we would like to strengthen but to this dedication to investing this value chain further through in the future, and our rich history strategic investments across the three as an environmentally considerate segments. Our waste management company.” operations will remain well ahead of Vestforbrænding is proud to be part EU targets, driven by new approaches of such a fundamentally important including bio treatment of food waste; industry and is privileged to be geothermal processes will bring a new influencing the industry, and society dynamic to our energy production; and for the better. Across each strand of with energy distribution, our district the Company’s unique value chain heating and district cooling networks, from waste collection to recycling, compounded by our groundwater energy production and distribution storage solution, will innovate the - the end goal of returning a highly process even further. valuable resource to the originating “Ultimately, this will all ensure dwellings continues to be realised. that we remain unique and forward“It all goes back to us being an thinking, all the while engaging citizens integral part of the municipalities we so they can understand and help drive cater, embracing the municipalities and these efforts.”

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Better

Brighter enaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) has both a rich and deep-rooted history in Malaysia, building the nation’s infrastructure even before the country received its independence.

With an incredible 67 years of experience, the Company has an impressive hold as Malaysia’s leading electricity utility and a strong presence throughout Peninsular Malaysia, Sebah and Labuan.

As Datuk Seri Ir. Azman Bin Mohd, the Company Chief Executive Officer goes onto explain: “The experience of working for TNB has led us towards building a performance and growth driven culture based on building trust and relationships, beginning our journey by looking at the respective strengths that already made us a great entity.”

Datuk Seri Ir. Azman Bin Mohd

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Tenaga Nasional Berhad aims to be among the leading corporations in energy and related businesses on a global platform Writer: Phoebe Calver Project Manager: Matt Cole-Wilkin

“If we were to go back in history and recall the development of Malaysia from a rural economy to what it is today, it is clear that by bringing electricity to homes, TNB was able to make a significant difference in the lives of people who before then have not had access to 24-hour electricity.

Imagine not being able to read books at night. With electricity, lives of people, families and societies have been able to change for the better and as TNB, we are so privileged to be able to serve people this way. My colleagues can tell you heart warming stories of how ordinary people react when they first experience electricity in their own homes, and how much of a difference in their lives this makes. With electricity, people have been empowered. Moving forward, we will continue to serve society by empowering them in different ways – electricity is and remains but one way of empowerment. With developments in technology, such as renewable energy, energy storage, connectivity,

data analytics, and the Internet of Things, we see even more ways of empowering people further. We also look within the organization and how we can even empower our employees through the use of technology in order to change the way we work, manage and lead; by given our employees new skills, new opportunities, and new exposures. These are the core building blocks of our aspirations in Reimagining TNB.” The vision for TNB is to not only be

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EME to increase both the efficiency and productivity of our service offering, while also creating a new product and services that lead to customer empowerment and satisfaction,” affirms the Company. “In the era of IoT that we are working in, we have to remain competitive by leveraging the latest technologies, capitalising on creativity and innovation in order to create business opportunities through establishing strategic affiliations and partnerships with industry leaders.” – Datuk Fazlur Rahman Bin Zainuddin, TNB’s Chief Finance Officer.

The energy sector is completely saturated with opportunities for a company such as TNB; at present there are three main utilities in Malaysia which include, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd and Sarawak Energy.

“We are proudly the largest industry player that serves 9.39 million customers in Peninsular Malaysia, with the important responsibility of providing electricity to the country’s businesses, homes and industries,” Datuk Fazlur adds. “Over the years we have ensured that the electricity industry that we support is always reliable, secured and that the platforms are on par with the other developing countries.”

External and domestic challenges

an ordinary electricity business entity, but also one that has the expertise and ability to offer several other services that may not even be related to the energy business.

“We have always aspired to be a globally renowned Company and at present are building the foundations, as well as putting in place the resources to carry our brand to the international stage,” continues the CEO. “We are well aware of the challenges facing us in regards to

There are a wide variety of challenges both externally and domestically that TNB has had to foresee over the technology disruptions, emerging years, and subsequently has provided it with extensive experience within market economies, greater demands from shareholders and customers the industry. The external challenges as well as increased competition faced are those that affect the global globally.” energy sector, for example economic shifts, technology disruptions, higher Capitalising on creativity shareholder expectations, increasing In the everchanging market of energy pressure for cost efficiency and & utilities, TNB needs to ensure that competitive intensity from regulators. it is keeping abreast of the endless “At present Peninsular Malaysia’s technological advancements occurring electricity supply industry is converging into quite the perfect at present.

“These advancements can be utilised storm,” continues Datuk Azman.

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“The electricity demand growth is forecasted to slow down to approximately 1.54 percent as we approach 2020.

“The main changes to the industry landscape are linked with the deregulation of the gas market, providing a first step towards marketbased pricing and eventually this will lead to the progression of the electricity market.”

Although Malaysia currently have the lowest electricity tariffs in the region, we are facing a challenge due to escalating costs of fuel.

The imbalance cost pass-through mechanism ensures that TNB remains neutral to the fluctuation of fuel prices but there is a need to communicate this more effectively to the customers.

We are also noticing greater Xxxxx demand for green energy, which calls xxxx xxxxx for decarbonization (reduction of xxxxx xxxx greenhouse xxxxxxxx xxx gas emissions by 70% by 2050) and decentralization (due to technological breakthrough leading to reduction in costs for solar PV and batteries).

When bearing these factors in mind in relation to the future of the Company, TNB has outlined its strategic direction as part of its reimagining that consists of four pillars. These pillars include future generation sources, grid of the future, winning the customer and future proofing regulations to embrace challenges with specific strategies to turn them into opportunities.

The reimagining of TNB will focus on shaping the Company into becoming one of the top 10 global utility companies in terms of market capitalisation by 2025.

( T N B )

reasonably robust financial position, with extensive manpower experience that means we are able to execute major initiatives and developments that require huge investment and commitment,” states Datuk Fazlur.

“However, we do have to remember that as a public listed Company, we are also answerable to our shareholders and stakeholders and obliged by our sound risk management.”

Says Hj. Jalaluddin Megat, “We are also guided by the reimaging of our TNB strategy, venturing into new businesses and opportunities beyond our conventional business and territories. As a result of this during the past few years, we have been able to expand our international footprint, establishing our name into countries such as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, India, Turkey and the UK.” From a domestic point of view, TNB is also venturing into adjacent businesses to the energy industry in the local market and other businessrelated services that provide them with more empowerment and options in Distinguishing factor the way that they consumer their daily With thanks to its extensive experience, electricity. the Company has developed into a top “Through our domestic and utility business in Malaysia, with its core international investments as well as business focusing on generation, grid operational cost efficiency measures, and distribution. we expect to increase our EBIT by 30% in “At TNB we are lucky to have a the next 3-5 years,” Says Datuk Azman.

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GVO Wind Bluemerang As a part of TNB’s journey to strategic growth, renewable energy has been identified as a key focus-point in cementing its position as an industry leader.

The acquisition of GVO Wind Bluemerang is part of the Company’s new target for renewables, both in terms of geography and technology as it is looking to make investments that offer stability in UK and Australian markets with growth potential.

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TNB Energy Strategy

As part of the Company’s 10-year strategy in the lead up to 2025, it is quickly showing signs of achieving the aspirations of becoming a top energy player globally.

The strategic plan has been formulated through the careful consideration of the four global trends seen dramatically impacting the utilities industry, comprising the shift in economic power to Asia, technology disruptions, the end of cheap capital and evolving regulatory developments.

TNB believes that these trends have the potential to substantially reshape the future of the Company, presenting many exciting opportunities and capitalising on the trends that will enable it to unlock new growth areas. The four pillars include: future generation sources, grid of the future, winning the customer and anticipating future regulations changes.

CEPSI

The Conference of the Electric Power Supply Industry (CEPSI) is recognised as one of the largest and most prestigious events in the electricity supply industry in the Asia Pacific region.

The first edition of the CEPSI event was held in Hong Kong in 1976 and has since been successfully organised biennially with the most recent even held in Bangkok in 2016.

CEPSI plays host to an array of power industry companies, utility leaders, industry professionals and experts from all over the world. The event provides a premiere platform for the to gather, exchange ideas and learn from each other, while also being a renowned avenue for industry players to showcase technologies, products and services.

The next edition of CEPSI 2018 will be hosted in Kuala Lumpur by TNB and held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia from the 17 – 22 September, 2018. The even is expected

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next three to five years it will have approximately 50 percent of its restructuring implemented.

“It will be exciting to see how TNB has fared since the strategy’s inception and how far we will have to go before we meet out objectives,” concludes Datuk Azman. “It is my hope that we will be able to achieve or even surpass the targets and aspirations set out in the strategy by that time, including becoming the ASEAN leader to host more than 2,000 delegates that in renewables, building profitable include high-profile industry CEO’s, key business in South Asia, Southeast Asia decision makers and C-Suite leaders and the Middle East.” who innovated within their respective The journey to the top entails a shift organisations. in mindset and culture towards a more performance oriented and adaptive Brand sustainability culture. “We are currently working As Malaysia’s leading utility company, towards ensuring that this culture is TNB is aware that its value not only lies imbibed by the staff and ultimately within providing access to electricity adopted,” Says Datuk Wira Roslan. to homes and businesses throughout At the same time, TNB have begun the country, while also adopting the process of communicating with sustainable practices and activities in customers and the public on how TNB its operations to improve societal and is progressively improving and easing environmental outcomes. the lives of customers through the “It is in this area that we are able imminent introduction of MyTNB, the to ensure the sustainability of our numerous payment channels available business, alongside the continued today, ultimately delivering customer growth and development of the empowerment. And TNB will continue community and people that we are to communicate as implementation of serving on a daily basis,” the Company the other new initiatives such as Smart explains. “As part of our efforts, we Meter etc. take place. have put in place a Green Policy that “It is my hope that we will have guides us in our efforts to minimise made all of our customers are digitally our environmental impact by adopting connected, receiving the opportunity sustainable practices,” Says Datuk Seri to access real-time services and Ir Azman customised products and enabling us TNB has also successfully been to build an even better reputation with expanding its portfolio of clean our clients all over the world,” power assets to now include two CEPSI is being regarded as one of ultra-supercritical coal-fire power the vehicles that embodies TNB’s plants, Manjung 4 and the recently aspiration by bringing the topic of commissioned Manjung 5, a large scale Reimagining Utility of the Future to solar plant, biomass power plant and the forefront and inviting the world’s two biogas power plants. best utility players and experts to Surpassing targets share, network and highlight the On the whole the Company is company’s goals, meet partners extremely optimistic about the future and set conversation going even as of both the industry and its operations, the company looks for like-minded hoping that moving forward in the partners from across the world.

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Driven by

DIVERSIFICAT Oman Oil Marketing Company’s localised commitment to customer satisfaction is now reaping rewards on a regional level as its diverse offering continues to open up opportunities Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Josh Hyland

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ince 2003, Oman Oil Marketing Company has evolved in line with enriching, responsible values in order to become the Sultanate’s fuel marketing leader.

Providing customers with a host of services that compare to anywhere in the world, the identity formed over the past 15 years now resonates on an international level, and since its share acquisition of BP Oman, the business has gone on to thrive as the only 100 percent Omani-owned fuel marketing entity.

“Oman Oil Marketing is a public listed company where Oman Oil Company owns 49 percent of the shares and the rest is owned by various shareholders,” further introduces Chief Executive Officer, David Kalife. “However, Oman Oil Marketing doesn’t solely market fuels, but instead has a wide range David Kalife, CEO of products and services.

“These additional company strands include direct bulk fuel sales to government and commercial sectors; shop, food and services attached to the Company’s service stations; lubricants; aviation refuelling; marine refuelling; and storage & distribution services.”

Diversification has formed a critical component of Oman Oil Marketing’s continuous improvement strategy, and in support of the business’s longterm objectives, the ever-expanding business unit portfolio has gone on to provide significant efficiencies across the overall Group strategy as knowledge-bases increase and the clientele broadens.

“While adhering to the best international practices, we innovate across more and better goods and services on a continuous basis,” Kalife

continues. “We are now located across the country with more than 200 service stations all over Oman and are also expanding regionally through the opening of our first service station in Saudi Arabia which is expected to be in the fourth quarter of 2018.”

Consequently, covering retail, commercial, aviation, marine and lubricants verticals, Oman Oil Marketing Company can truly promote itself as a one-stop shop; and such scope has inevitably transcended into a vaster geographic footprint and export reach too.

Kalife continues: “We are successfully developing our sales in all segments of lubricants and in new countries like Kenya, Qatar and Bahrain. In aviation we have been awarded the tender of Oman Air for two years. In commercial we are partnering with CC Energy and National Drilling Company; while we have also innovated through new solutions like mobile containers and more to be offered soon.

“For the marine sector we have provided bunkering services in the Port of Duqm since 2014, successfully supplying a wide variety of international marine customers, including commercial ships and military vessels.”

Better benefits

Every strategic expansion and diversification has derived from the business’s unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction, aiming to provide as much of a turnkey array as possible. Unrivalled quality of goods and services then seals the deal as far as custom is concerned.

Internal monitoring is compounded by external audits to ensure that this quality is achieved consistently; then complemented by a quality

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assurance unit which is responsible for overseeing all levels of operations.

“Customer-centricity is a strategy we applied in order to exceed customer expectation, walking the extra mile to fulfil the customers’ wants,” Kalife says. “We believe in diversifying services and exceeding customer expectations while leading the market through introducing new services to transform our service stations to a hub of services, so our customers can enjoy a diversified offering.”

Kalife goes on to emphasise the importance of becoming more technical and vigilant when it comes to analysing consumer trends; encouraging customers to participate in the OOMCO journey and choose it as their unique business partner.

On an internal note, such a proactive approach can be seen through its ongoing capital investments, most recently evidenced by eight new sites opened up in 2017, and an additional three existing sites being revamped.

“In 2018 we have opened five new sites so far, while nine service stations are under construction in different regions,” Kalife adds. “As part of our new SFS strategy Oman Oil Marketing Company has added new goods and

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services including the introduction of our ‘Ahlain Café’ as well as many quick service restaurants, car washes and numerous other services expected to deliver returns as they bring better benefits to our beloved customers.

“We spare no effort in innovating and introducing new services to our customers, and these have also recently included two-sided pumps at our service stations; mobile containers for commercial customers; the introduction of a new fuel called Ultimax (98 octane) offered only by us; and the introduction of a Café Amazon franchise whose mission is to provide customers with a unique coffee blend, and a variety of drinks and snacks in a green, relaxing environment.”

APEX MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

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pex Mechanical Engineering L.L.C was established in 1990 in the Sultanate of Oman.

The Company specialises in electromechanical works and is dedicated to carry out servicing, maintenance and equipment supply to companies within the retail fuel marketing arena.

As a member of the PETROLEUM EQUIPMENT INSTITUTE (PEI), the Company has the opportunity to access the expertise of several companies around the globe.

A complete one-stop shop

Oman Oil Marketing Company was also the first marketer to offer three solar service stations in recent months, with a further three earmarked for the remainder of 2018. The Company was the first among the fuel marketing industry to inaugurate a solar powered service station in Oman at Burj al Sahwa, linked directly to the electricity distribution network. In agreement with the Authority for

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Electricity Regulation (AER), the power generated from the service station’s solar panels can be powered back into the grid.

This not only demonstrates OOMCO’s widespread capabilities, but also its commitment to local enrichment; a notion that is also seen strongly within its local-centric HR strategy.

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PO Box 243 Azaiba Sultanate of Oman

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www.apex-oman.com Our Activity includes Supply, Installation & Maintanance of the following • Fuel dispensing Pumps • High Flow Fuel Pumps & Fuel Flow Meters • Fuel Hoses and Nozzles • Fuel Submersible Pumps • Electronic Tank Level &Leak Detection Systems • Fuel Station Hardware • Double Wall HDPE & Steel Fuel Piping • Electronic Pipeline Leak Detection Systems • Fuel Station related equipment

“We have 268 employees and an Omanisation rate of 84 percent,” Kalife affirms. “We believe in growing our employees’ skills through sound training programme, off the back of skill-gap analyses that is carried out on every individual.

“While some training programmes are executed by specialised training institutes we have also created our own Training Academy with both external and internal speakers, as nobody knows our job, challenges and the needs of our people better than we do. We also started online training programmes whenever deemed efficient for our colleagues, alongside a mentorship programme where general managers can guide mentees on a month-by-month basis.”

With heightened market prominence also comes increased responsibility from this corporate social responsibility perspective, but it’s never something that OOMCO has

hid away from. Rather, upliftment is a key pillar of the Company’s growth strategy; its SME partnerships and affiliations serving as an apt example of this local influence.

“We believe in expanding our network and being close to our customers by becoming the favourable destination for their requirements; offering a comprehensive set of services to be a complete one-stop shop,” Kalife concludes. “We believe

in differentiating ourselves by seeking excellence at all times in line with what our customers need.

“This will continue to be our philosophy moving forward and in conjunction with our 10-year plan we will look to develop projects both in Oman and abroad, for fuels, non-fuels and for lubricants, in order to improve OOMCO and to foster the next generation of Omani leaders through the diversity of our initiatives.”

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Leadership through

Innovation EXMAR’s mission is to serve its customers with innovative solutions in the field of offshore extraction, transformation, production, storage and transportation, by sea, via liquefied natural gases, petrochemical gases and liquid hydrocarbons Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Josh Hyland

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n an ever-changing world, EXMAR strongly believes that energy value chains require dynamic and innovative thinking to safeguard continuity in the exploration, processing, transport and supply of energy. This means offering its partners competitive stateof-the-art solutions. EXMAR sees progress along these energy value chains over time as a combination of creative ideas with solutions that are safe, efficient, feasible and sustainable.

EXMAR designs, builds, certifies, owns, leases and operates specialised, floating maritime infrastructure for this purpose. It aims for the highest

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standards in commercial, technical, quality assurance and administrative management of these assets.

The roots of EXMAR lie in the Boelwerf shipyard that was established in Temse, Belgium back in 1829. The Company’s evolution from that point onwards has been epitomised by innovations in the design of specialised vessels and floating terminals that facilitate and add value to the global energy supply chain.

At the beginning of the 1990s, EXMAR became a subsidiary of the publicly-quoted Compagnie Maritime Belge, entering LNG and offshore markets for the first time and growing its LPG midsize fleet to 23 vessels, as well as expanding its participation in both semi-pressurised and Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) markets with chartered tonnage and newbuilds.

EME The company, EXMAR NV, was publicly listed as a separate entity on the Euronext Exchange in 2003 with Chief Executive Officer, Nicolas Saverys at the helm. Since then EXMAR has evolved from being a transporter into a transformer of energy with numerous industry firsts in innovation. These include the world’s first regasification operation at sea (2005) and the world’s first commercial shipto-ship transfer of LNG at sea (2007).

By its very nature, the Company operates globally due to the trading requirements of vessel charterers. Historically EXMAR’s base has always been in Europe, with Belgium as its headquarters.

However, the Company has been present for decades in Houston, North America with the subsidiary EXMAR Offshore Company as well as in the Far East with the Hong Kong Office and now representation with its office in Shanghai.

Main Company activities

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): EXMAR LPG is a leading ship owner and operator in the transportation of liquefied gas products such as Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG, butane, propane and a mixture of both), anhydrous ammonia and petrochemical gases.

Nicolas Saverys, CEO

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SWIFT MARINE

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wift Marine is a dynamic company dedicated to the complex world of marine logistics with more than 80 employees.

The people within Swift Marine share decades of experience within the shipping industry and ecommerce marine solutions and have indepth global knowledge of custom procedures, arranging the last mile from port to vessel worldwide.

The Company is able to meet and adjust to the market demands, offering efficiency, competitiveness and high level of service, with the ultimate aim of becoming one of the leading companies in its field.

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www.swiftmarine.eu It owns one of the world’s largest midsize LPG fleets which plays a vital role in the worldwide seaborne transportation of petrochemicals.

EXMAR has been able to partner with oil and gas majors, as well as with the world’s largest gas shippers and traders thanks to close partnerships with blue chip customers that focus on mid-longterm charter agreements.

Unrivalled experience is applied to the management of a total of 11 FSRUs belonging to three different owners, and involvement in crew managing an operational LNG bunkering vessel.

Offshore:

EXMAR Offshore is dedicated to the ownership and leasing of offshore assets and providing floating solutions to the production, drilling, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): and accommodations market. This includes operating a variety of EXMAR is a leading player in offshore assets for both the EXMAR LNG shipping, regasification and liquefaction, having pioneered the Group and external client owners. ship-to-ship transfer of LNG at sea as EXMAR’s office in Houston specialises well as on-board regasification of LNG in the design and development of floating production systems as well as to feed onshore energy grids. EXMAR engineering services related to marine has now successfully designed and built two unique, barge-based floating vessels, ships and offshore units.

LNG terminals which will be used for It developed the uniquely scalable the import and export of natural gas.

OPTI® semi-submersible hull design for deployment on both OPTI®EX and Since 2005, EXMAR has retained its world-leading status in the handling, DELTAHOUSE Full Productions Systems operations and management of deployed in the Gulf of Mexico which complex terminals such as FSRU vessels. has proven economic benefits in the

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Transparency, Simplicity & Efficiency Swift Marine saves you time and minimizes your discrepancies by always offering you a clear and simple cost advice for every single move from door supplier to vessel’s deck.

We don’t create waves we create solutions

Growing Together in a SWIFT Logistics Partnership Exmar Ship Management (ESM) moves thousands of shipments of spare parts and supplies to both its fleet at sea as well as marine infrastructure, often located on shore at remote berths in developing countries.

After a trial involving several vessels and two purchasers during several months, ESM signed with Swift Marine in early 2018 for the provision of door to door logistics, clearance and warehousing services globally. Now it is rolling out Swifts online Navigator tracking and ondemand pricing and delivery system to all purchasers of the vessel-based fleet.

“As proven specialists of providing supply chain solutions by land sea and air of marine components and parts as well as supplies, we are consolidating our entire logistics activity with one point of entry at Swift Marine. This has really made the difference service-wise compared with other larger players.

We have chosen a company that is growing its activity with us and has demonstrated an ability to listen to

our needs and learn from mistakes together. They have also adapted their Navigator system so we can now optimize port calls better and create savings for our ship-owning clients through better stock and order visibility. This also allows our purchasers to focus on their core activity of getting best value from procurement rather than worrying about the logistics side”, comments ESM Logistics Manager, Dave Ariën.

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field. In general, EXMAR is one of the most important midsize vessel shipping company, with a fleet of 20 playing an important role in the global petrochemical industry.

Supporting Services: In addition to its core business activities, EXMAR has business interests in a variety of companies in the fields of ship management, specialized travel, offshore consultancy and supplies to the marine and offshore industry.

Innovative ability

The combination of engineers, naval architects, officers on board and technical staff on shore are constantly challenging convention and anticipating customer needs.

EXMAR continues to demonstrate its ability to deliver innovations to the energy supply chain which improve efficiency, bringing forth a healthy return on investment and which create

new market opportunities for our customers and long-term partners.

The approach towards long-term partnerships in the LPG sector through mid and long-term charter agreements with first class customers has already been alluded to.

With LNG and offshore, business partnerships with customers have spanned years or even decades which has allowed EXMAR to spearhead innovations in the oil and gas industry.

Two such relationships include the decades-long partnership with Excelerate Energy, with whom EXMAR jointly developed ship-to-ship LNG transfers at sea, on-board regasification and other major innovations which have enabled the import of gas into locations with the absence of landside terminal infrastructure.

The other is with LLOG Exploration, a private oil exploration company which partnered with EXMAR and others to commission and own/

operate the OPTIÂŽEX FPS system successfully before replicating the design to a much larger DELTAHOUSE FPS some years later.

The most recent development has been the announcement that EXMAR has executed a fully effective 10-year charter with Gunvor, for the provision of its FSRU (floating Storage and Regasification Unit) barge and related services in Bangladesh.

The EXMAR FSRU barge is currently at Keppel Shipyard undergoing site specific modifications after having been delivered from Wison Offshore and Marine in December 2017. The FSRU barge is expected to arrive in Bangladesh in the fourth quarter of this year and start operations after its full commissioning.

Increasing globalisation

Following an agreement reached with Statoil ASA (now known as Equinor) to commit to a long-term Exmar is making strategic investments for the future

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charter agreement, EXMAR will now invest in two environmentally-friendly newbuild 79,500m3 very large gas carriers powered by LPG. These will be delivered by 2020 and will be compliant with the most stringent NOx and SOx emission regulations.

With the increasing globalisation and internationalisation of EXMAR’s business, the Company has undergone rapid change to attract, develop and keep highly-talented people from all over the world.

At the EXMAR Group Headquarters located in Antwerp there are now over 17 nationalities working at the Company’s various subsidiaries.

Comparing the Headquarters staff by age group, there is an even spread between the ages of 20 and 60 years of age. This ensures continuity in terms of knowledge capital and creates project teams with a proper mix of younger and more experienced staff members, while also having virtual parity between male and female employees at headquarters, which is somewhat unique for the industry.

To further nurture and develop talent onshore, EXMAR sponsors

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Spearheading innovations

its personnel to take academic courses, including Master Degrees in Engineering, Business Administration and Information Management.

This forms part of the continuous improvement programme for its staff.

Senior EXMAR personnel regularly lecture at Maritime Academies, Universities and other education establishments. Young engineers and cadets serve on board EXMAR vessels or complete internships at EXMAR’s offices around the globe. EXMAR Ship Management has developed long-term partnerships with Mapua school and PHILCAMSAT training centre in the Philippines, as well as the Caribbean Maritime Institute in Kingston, Jamaica

and regularly recruits new talent from these institutions to its growing fleet.

Nicolas Saverys, Chief Executive Officer states on the EXMAR website: “EXMAR operates in a constantly changing world, with highly fluctuating energy prices, changing geopolitics, economic turmoil in many countries and international security threats on land and sea. It takes continuous improvement, creative thinking, being opportunistic at the right time and above all a strong belief in the future to stay on top of all this.

“It has always been in EXMAR’s DNA to be the first mover to adapt to changing situations, and to determine its own course.”

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Reactive

Retail Tawseel Ecommerce Group has enjoyed exponential growth over the past 12 months as internal technological advancements translate into strong business development Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Joshua Mann

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One of Kuwait’s most recognisable brands

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he past 12 months has seen Tawseel Group excel to new heights, virtue of the Kuwaiti ecommerce group’s commitment to continuous improvement and client-centric innovation.

With early success in the retail industry, Tawseel Ecommerce Group (Tawseel General Trading W.L.L) has evolved successfully over the past decade, the Company reporting last year that it was the nation’s largest online retailer, staying true to its local roots.

And now, as Chief Operating Officer, Frank Berger reports, the story has got a whole lot more positive still.

“I’m happy to report that all is well,” he says. “From a general business outlook, in the first half of 2018 we have seen no less than 50 percent growth across all of our platforms.

EME Though we continue to develop these capabilities, we have also implemented many technical goals that we set out previously. Successful implementation of AI and marketing automations on the platforms are just two examples.”

Across its five portals - Sheeel.com, Digumz.com, Thouqi.com, Berwaz. com and Taw9eel.com – Tawseel has developed to become Kuwait’s largest hyper e-store, comprised of more than 20,000 items when the Company last spoke with EME Outlook in 2017.

Back then, Berger revealed: “We are able to offer great deals on electronics, groceries, beauty, fashion, wholesale products and much more; all of our Taw9eel products are delivered within four hours of purchase.”

The Group has made profound efforts to ensure that it is constantly aware of its main competitive advantages and unique selling points, by asking itself a few questions to “From a general business outlook, in the first half of 2018 we have seen no less than 50 percent growth across all of our platforms.”

“We are able to offer great deals on electronics, groceries, beauty, fashion, wholesale products and much more...”

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consumers; to provide merchants and suppliers with the necessary tools and data to push target campaigns and attract new customers; and to perfect its last mile logistics approach.

A win-win situation

“We will launch initiatives and experiment with those and tweak them...”

establish if it is worth a company’s time: How could the Company improve and protect the product? How could it acquire more USPs? Where did the product go wrong and why?

“Our future plans are then based on the answers we get from these questions,” Berger continued. “We will launch initiatives and experiment with those and tweak them, either with the intention to launch them with full backing or dump them and learn from our mistakes.

“This is a tried and tested cycle in which we are honest with ourselves and nothing is too precious to be changed, improved upon or abandoned.”

In-keeping with this continuous improvement ethos, 2018 began with three overriding goals: to improve the stickiness of its platforms to

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“We have successfully rolled out AI into many parts of our platforms, however, we plan to take it a step further this year.”

A host of upgrades and enhancements have already occurred to this end to realise each goal. And simultaneously, Tawseel has laid out an aggressive feature rollout plan for its platform in order to remain at the forefront of technological innovation; and thus, edge nearer to achieving these three aforementioned goals “From a technological perspective, we have four areas of targeted investment this year; more AI and automation, a completely new loyalty programme, adoption of reactive commerce, and the rollout of AR assisted consumer experiences,” Berger lists. “We have successfully rolled out AI into many parts of our platforms, however, we plan to take it a step further this year. As for automation, we have been incredibly successful in marketing automation so far and we plan to run more targeted campaigns that help us and our suppliers reach the right customer at the right time.

“We have also started development of our enhanced loyalty programme.

This will allow us to connect all our platforms, and potentially third parties as well, to a single platform. The benefits to consumers will be above and beyond your average loyalty programme.”

A further interesting area of development is in reactive commerce, which will offer customers a more dynamic and real-time proposition when shopping online; offering consumers potential promotions and offers in reaction to their interest in a singular product.

“It’s a win-win situation - we increase the basket size and customers benefit from additional savings,”

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With it, we will have a more detailed insight into our last mile operations and our overall business decision process.”

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Great growth

In perfecting its internal structure, Tawseel is better equipped to prepare for and react to the the retail sector’s ever-changing trends; the first of which being the growing number of competitors entering the market.

Berger details: “These players are either new aggressive entrants with a unique disruption angle, major retailers switching focus online, or international ecommerce players expanding into the region.

“Secondly, as more players enter the market, customers demand more value for their spend, especially on the service side. This is precisely why we are investing heavily in loyalty and

last mile this year. Thirdly, more of the major suppliers are engaging with ecommerce at unprecedented levels, which is fantastic for us. However, they require a level of data sharing that allows them to accurately and precisely measure their ROIs.” Facilitating the ability to keep up with such complexities is a knowledgeable workforce armed with the requisite ecommerce skills to take Tawseel to the next level. As Berger has explained in the past, finding these skills is no easy task but thanks to a

concerted internal training programme and a can-do ethos that emanates throughout the Group, everyone and everything is now in place to drive another year of exponential growth.

“We have seen great growth and advancements in our offerings to a growing customer base,” Berger affirms. “And now, we want to make sure that our customers remain happy, that our suppliers continue to move goods robustly through our platform, and to ensure that our business goes from strength to strength.”

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The Road to

Success

SITCO Pharma abides by core values, principles and philosophies that were laid out at inception in order to remain at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s pharmaceutical industry Project Manager: Callam Waller

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audi International Trading Company Ltd, better known as SITCO Pharma, has been in operation since 1982, thriving as a social enabler through the distribution of pharmaceutical products in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The subsidiary is considered as one of the country’s leading operators in the sector and as such serves as the primary agent for an ever-increasing number of major global entities specialising in the pharmaceutical-healthcare domain.

“It provides a large part of the global pharmaceutical needs for all health

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sectors in the Kingdom through its distribution network deployed in all areas,” the Company elaborates on its website. “SITCO Pharma is considered one of the largest national distributors of vaccines and refrigerated medications (such as insulin and hormone enrichment), which requires special conditions in transportation and storage.”

The Company was established with a vision – that still exists today – to connect the world of manufacturing and distribution across the pharmaceutical vertical, with an overriding focus on quality and safe storage, transportation and delivery of

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all products. “[This includes] providing customer services and commercial services, as well as the fast development of technology to transform the Company’s transactions,” SITCO continues.

“We are the leading pharmaceutical distributor and high-tech manufacturer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of world-class quality services and products to our multinational parties and clients.

“Our vision remains to be the number one integrated pharmaceutical provider in the country.”

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“About Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Care Companies (JJDCC) With a shared vision of creating a world without limits for people with diabetes, the Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Care Companies are a collaboration of Johnson & Johnson companies dedicated to diabetes and includes LifeScan, Inc., a world leader in blood glucose monitoring; Animas Corporation, maker of innovative insulin delivery systems; Calibra Medical, Inc. developer of OneTouch Via™ on-demand insulin delivery; and the Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Institute, LLC, a global initiative to improve care and better outcomes worldwide through education and training programs. In the U.S., LifeScan, Inc. is the leading blood glucose monitoring company and OneTouch® brand products are recommended by more endocrinologists and primary care physicians than any other brand.5 Globally, more than 20 million people depend on OneTouch® brand products to help them manage their diabetes6. For more information, visit: www.OneTouchMEA.com” Johnson

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Saudi diabetes community for more than 25 years where we believe our first responsibility is to the doctors, nurses & patients and all others who use our products & services. In meeting their needs everything we do must be of high quality. In 2017 JJDCC & Saudi International Trading Co. (SITCO) established a new partnership to continue the journey of serving patient with diabetes in Saudi” Visit www.OneTouchMEA.com Call for free 8002440266 © LifeScan, a Division of Cilag GmbH International 2018 EMCO/LFS/0318/0052 LifeScan Middle East & Africa a division of Johnson & Johnson (Middle East) Inc.

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P H A R M A

SITCO’s Services Sales Within all of SITCO’s departments, safe and healthy working is a prime focus, and this all begins within the sales division.

“We work to speed up the delivery of medicine to hospitals, clinics and pharmacies with the highest quality,” the Company affirms. “We always look to aid humanity, through quick service that satisfies healthcare recipients.

We continuously measure customer satisfaction to improve the flow of work, and as an agent for foreign, regional and local companies we strive for continuous improvement of our services through the promotion of proper marketing which depends on product quality.”

Commercial The commercial department organises and manages all commercial deals between marketing authorisation

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holders represented by SITCO Pharma, and each of the respective customers.

The Company adds: “Keen to deliver the needs of medication to all patients anywhere and at any time all over Saudi Arabia in an easy and rapid way, we have recently established the direct sales for customers who don’t have an account with SITCO Pharma. This service works by receiving and delivering orders in standard conditions through vehicles equipped with high pharmaceutical standards in order to serve the biggest network of customers all over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

Warehouse Designed to receive, hold, distribute and deliver all pharmaceutical stocks, SITCO Pharma’s warehousing operations are pivotal to the overall value chain, and showcases the Company’s strong levels of technological innovations.

Temperature control systems, cold rooms, cleaning systems, enhanced security, safe mechanical equipment

and advanced logistics machinery are all encompassed within this strand of the Company.

Procurement Hand-in-hand with warehousing comes SITCO’s procurement strategy, which works in collaboration with principals and partners to ensure there is sufficient stock of registered pharmaceuticals for all client branches.

“One of the main goals of SITCO Pharma is to avoid shortage for any registered products throughout the year,” the Company notes. “The procurement department of SITCO Pharma is responsible for purchasing all the local requirements for all the branches in the country after they’ve been approved by the department heads. The good quality, competitive prices and the speed of supply are the main factors considered when choosing a vendor as this will reflect positively on all employees for better performance and an increase in productivity.”

Ginsana SA, SFI Group: the Swiss heart of an ever – growing pharmaceutical company and proud partner of SITCO Headquartered in Australia, the SFI Group is a dynamic multinational reality that has its EMEA business premises located in Bioggio in the southern part of Switzerland.

Ginsana SA, trading as SFI Switzerland, is in fact responsible of providing the highest quality naturebased products endorsed by health care professionals in the region. Not all the natural medicines are made equal: we deliver premium healthcare solutions made from consistently high-quality natural ingredients. Combined with rigorous extraction methods and comprehensive clinical trials, all the products are made to support health at best.

“Our purpose is to empower the responsible management of health and change the way people consider natural healthcare” says Robert Hendriks, EMEA General Manager.

“Our portfolio offer represents an unwavering commitment to quality, driven by our passion for applying science to nature” he continued.

Ginsana SFI and SITCO have a solid partnership which started back in 1994, and proudly allow Ginsana SFI to successfully have Gincosan, Ginsana, Songha Night and Ginsana Premium, sources of effective natural medicines, in the territory of KSA. And there’s more to expect.

Ginsana SFI is also a reliable service provider for R&D, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, packaging and analytics. The manufacturing site is one of the most accredited plant approved by Saudi FDA, Anvisa Brasil, SwissMedic, South Korean FDA and since 2017 it has the serialisation system implemented.

Today the products of SFI Group are sold in more than 50 countries worldwide, 35 out of which are located in EMEA and covering the whole of the Middle East.

For more information please write an inquiry to: bioggio-info@sfihealth.com or visit the corporate website: www.sfihealth.com

Your source of effective natural medicines

S I T C O

P H A R M A

Customs clearance

Finance

“The finance department of SITCO is considered as the heart of the Company,” SITCO claims. “Its vital role and function is to safeguard and monitor the utilisation of the Company’s resources.”

Accounting for budget plans Operations coordination and wider strategic planning as well as the day-to-day recording Working in tandem with all other branches, operations coordination en- of business, finance has close ties tails the ongoing monitoring of all item to all other strands of the business transference in and out of the Compa- understandably, while also forming long-term significant partnerships ny, centralised within its primary hub in Riyadh. Close affiliations with IT and with Saudi Banks in connecting SITCO sales lend to continuous quality control to the rest of the country’s economic infrastructure. efforts and documentation goals.

The customs clearance department coordinates with all principals regarding the documents required for incoming shipments, verifying and forwarding them in line with all necessary regulations.

HR With more than 1,000 employees under SITCO’s watch, effective human resources is hugely significant to the overall functionality of the Company, and it has responded in kind via a host of efficiency systems and admin improvements to facilitate enhanced hiring, training and retention methods, organisation-wide.

Meanwhile, from a Government relations perspective, a similarly thought-through approach has been adopted; new ERP systems and efficiency initiatives once again showcasing the Company’s willingness to streamline for the benefit of partners, employees and customers alike.

Quality control SITCO’s quality compliance department was established in May, 2014 to oversee all aforementioned elements of the business and to hold each accountable for their performance levels, in accordance with key regional and industry-driven guidelines.

The initial unveiling aligned to a core concept called FOCUS PDCA: Find an opportunity, Organise the team, Clarify the process, Understand the operations, Start the plan; Plan, Do, Check, Act.

Customer and principal relation services This final sub-sector bridges all of SITCO’s operations and places the Company back in the hands of the customer. Seeking ongoing feedback and reviews, the Company files, documents and responds to each suggestion with a view to continuous improvement.

Customer and principal relation services further contribute to future development as the intermediary for job applications and general marketing practices.

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Accelerating workflow

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T

An ever-present theme across each aspect of SITCO’s overall structure is the usage of technology, the Company realising the importance of digital innovation ever since inception.

“SITCO Pharma Company is watching the technology environment very closely and picking all technological capabilities that augment its distribution and sales operations, including partnerships, customer service and Government relations,” the Company confirms.

“Currently SITCO Pharma is driving all its transactions through electronic procedures in order to facilitate and accelerate communications and workflow.”

Affirming this ethos is the relationship enjoyed with Oracle, one of the world’s leading operators in this enabling tech space. Aiding elements of sales, tracking, ordering, transactions and internal efficiencies, digital enhancement are present throughout.

H

C

A

R

E

Technologies don’t only benefit SITCO and its own internal operations either.

“Our business partners can get full company profiles through our site and we use our technology to help end-users and customers,” the Company continues. “They can ask, complain or make new cases through our technology, while they can also search, order or make suggestions about our products.”

The bigger picture

SITCO Pharma’s ultimate differentiator derives not from business acumen or technological astuteness, however, but from its staff.

Focused on utmost levels of professionalism, motivation, enthusiasm, and team spirit, every procedure and HR-based initiative in place is to encourage personal innovation and progression, and to deviate away from exclusion and

EME

discrimination; of course with quality and industry skills an underpinning theme at all times.

“SITCO Pharma is not only attracting the most qualified people in the pharmaceutical industry, but it supports building a family-like environment,” the Company says.

“Our transparency and management makes every employee feel like they are owner of the Company, applying themselves to the bigger picture.”

SITCO supports its team with all technical and training needs, and this is rewarded in the form of loyalty to the Company and loyalty to the following six driving principles.

“Ethics is our road to success; Professionalism is our specified role across our work; Commitment makes our work smoother and more targeted to our goals; Creativity develops our work; Innovation keeps our work ahead of expectations; and Quality ensures we get things right first time, every time.”

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CONTAMINATION

EXPO

E V E N T

F O C U S

Finding the solutions to protect our environment

Event Details WHEN: 12-13 September WHERE: NEC, BIRMINGHAM, UK CONTACT: daniel.rogers@prysmgroup.co.uk WEBSITE: www.contaminationexpo.com/ index.asp

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MORE THAN 3,500 contamination professionals will head to Birmingham’s NEC for the Contamination Expo Series 2018 in September. Running on the 12th & 13th, this is Europe’s leading event for environmental experts - showcasing the latest strategies, techniques and technologies being used to prevent, treat and manage contaminated land, water and air.

Finding the solutions to protect our environment is a key focus for both private and public-sector organisations, and this show provides an unrivalled lineup of 150 cutting-edge suppliers and 120 expert-led seminars across seven sectors of contamination.

One Event, Seven Shows

The Land Remediation Expo will give land contamination professionals a vision into the future technology of land remediation and offers the chance to test the services in environmental monitoring, containment and remediation.

In the Spill Response Expo, spill response professionals will get to learn about the methods that will be used to respond to inland and inshore spills for years to come.

The Clean Air Technology Expo will house the groundbreaking innovations in air pollution control and present the most sustainable solutions in clean air technology.

Hazardous Materials Expo is concerned with the removal, transportation and disposal of hazardous materials; strategies for asbestos management, removal and training; and promoting the most environmentally-friendly solutions.

In the Nuclear Decommissioning & Remediation Expo, nuclear waste professionals will get expert advice on nuclear decommissioning and discover the latest knowledge and developments in identifying and managing hazardous waste.

Wastewater Expo showcases the latest equipment, services, technology and chemicals used to treat and monitor wastewater in both industrial and commercial settings.

Lastly, the Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Expo is the place for engineers and specialists in the field to touch and test all the groundbreaking engineering solutions of the future.

And this year, your free Contamination Expo ticket also gets you into The Flood Expo, Marine & Coastal Civil Engineering Expo, RWM and Future Resource Expo - creating a world-class package, attracting more than 20,000 environmental professionals.

Visit the Contamination Expo website for FREE tickets, or contact Daniel Rogers on 0117 990 2005 or daniel.rogers@prysmgroup.co.uk to enquire about the exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities.

120

SEMINARS

150

case

EXHIBITORS

STUDIES

SEVEN

12 & 13

SHOWS IN ONE

sept 2018 NEC BIRMINGHAM SUPPORTED BY:

CONTAMINATION EXPO SERIES 2018

Europe’s largest event for contamination professionals INCORPORATING 7 INDUSTRY LEADING SHOWS

LAND REMEDIATION EXPO

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS EXPO

GEOTECHNICAL EXPO

CLEAN AIR TECHNOLOGY EXPO

WASTE WATER EXPO

SPILL RESPONSE EXPO

NUCLEAR DECOMMISSIONING EXPO

REGISTER FOR FREE TICKETS! RUNNING ALONGSIDE:

CONTAMINATIONEXPO.COM CALL 08000 68 69 70

@ContaminationEx #Contam2018

FLOOD EXPO

FLOOD

EXPO

E V E N T

F O C U S

The largest flood exhibition and conference in the world

Event Details WHEN: 12-13 September WHERE: NEC, BIRMINGHAM, UK CONTACT: james.berryman@prysmgroup.co.uk WEBSITE: www.thefloodexpo.co.uk/index.asp

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MORE THAN 5,000 professionals working in flood prediction, prevention, resilience and rescue will flock to Birmingham’s NEC in September.

Running on the 12th & 13th, the Flood Expo is the largest flood exhibition and conference in the world - showcasing the innovative products and infrastructure helping to deal with an ever-increasing global threat.

The show is concentrated on both solving any problems posed by flooding and highlighting the new and costeffective methods of preventing and managing flooding; making it the mustattend exhibition of 2018 for forwardthinking flood professionals.

Under one roof, this event will bring together 100 exhibitors displaying the

most progressive solutions to flooding around, as well as some of the brightest minds, engineers and authorities working within the field.

And as a platform for learning as well as discovery, The Flood Expo houses an unrivalled lineup of 100 expert-led seminars from some of the biggest and most influential firms in the global flood industry.

For those looking to make new contacts in the sector, this year’s show will once again provide an unmissable opportunity to interact with, and learn from, the world’s top flood professionals and organisations inside the Environment Agency Networking Area.

As the principal flood risk management operating authority, the Environment Agency’s responsibility to managing flood risk and increasing public awareness of flood risk and flood forecasting makes this a fascinating educational platform for visitors to learn about their data, models and information.

If all that wasn’t enough, your free Flood Expo ticket will also give you access to four other industry-leading events - Contamination Expo Series, Marine & Coastal Civil Engineering Expo, RWM and the Future Resource Expo.

These shows will combine to create the most comprehensive environmental package on the planet; with 20,000 progressive professionals set to attend.

So if you’re a flood professional looking to discover the latest solutions shaping flood prediction, prevention, resilience and rescue, we’ll see you at the NEC. Visit the Flood Expo website to grab your FREE tickets, or contact Event Director, James Berryman on 01872 218007 or james.berryman@ prysmgroup.co.uk to enquire about the exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities.

FLOOD EXPO SPONSERED BY:

12 & 13

SEPT 2018

NEC, BIRMINGHAM

SUPPORTED BY:

THE WORLD’S LARGEST FLOOD EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE 200 Exhibitors in Flooding

REGISTER FOR FREE TICKETS! RUNNING ALONGSIDE:

100 Expert Led Seminars

Live Demos During The Day

WWW.THEFLOODEXPO.CO.UK OR CALL 08000 68 69 70 CONTAMINATION EXPO SERIES 2018

MARINE

&

COASTAL

CIVIL

ENGINEERING

E V E N T

EXPO

F O C U S

Transforming the efficiency and outcome of coastal and marine engineering projects

MORE THAN 2,500 professionals working in marine and coastal civil engineering will flock to the industry’s leading show at Birmingham’s NEC in September.

Running on the 12th & 13th, the Marine & Coastal Civil Engineering

Event Details WHEN: 12-13 September WHERE: NEC, BIRMINGHAM, UK CONTACT: steven.bell@prysmgroup.co.uk WEBSITE: www.mcceexpo.co.uk/index.asp

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Expo is the UK’s largest and most influential event of its kind, dedicated to showcasing the innovative products and infrastructure within this specialist civil engineering sector.

Over two days, this incredible exhibition will highlight the latest solutions and concepts transforming the efficiency and outcome of coastal and marine engineering projects across the globe.

Under one roof, visitors will be greeted by a world-class lineup of 150 cutting-edge suppliers; providing professionals in the industry with everything needed to carry out challenging civil engineering schemes more cost-effectively than ever before.

Not only will the sector’s leading authorities, engineers and experts get to see the latest solutions available, but they’ll also get the chance to evaluate the performance of these innovations during the show’s exciting schedule of live product demonstrations.

And as a platform for learning as well as discovery, the Marine & Coastal Civil Engineering Expo houses an unrivalled

lineup of 100 educational seminars from some of the industry’s biggest and most influential firms.

If all that wasn’t enough, your free ticket for the Marine & Coastal Civil Engineering Expo will also give you access to four other industry-leading events Contamination Expo Series, the Flood Expo, RWM and the Future Resource Expo. These shows will combine to create the most comprehensive environmental package on the planet - with more than 20,000 forward-thinking professionals set to attend.

So if you’re a marine or coastal civil engineer looking to discover the latest solutions shaping your sector, this show represents the two biggest days of your year.

Visit the M&CCE Expo website to register for your FREE tickets, or contact Event Director, Steven Bell, on 01872 218 007 or steven.bell@ prysmgroup.co.uk to enquire about the exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities.

RUNNING ALONGSIDE:

FLOOD EXPO

SUPPORTED BY:

CONTAMINATION EXPO SERIES 2018

12 & 13 MARINE & COASTAL CIVIL ENGINEERING

SEPT 2018

NEC

BIRMINGHAM

EUROPE’S LEADING MARINE & COASTAL CIVIL ENGINEERING EVENT

IMAGE: ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

IMAGE: ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

80 EXPERT SPEAKERS

150 EXHIBITORS

LIVE DEMOS

BOOK YOUR FREE TICKET NOW WWW.MCCEEXPO.CO.UK

RWM

E V E N T

RWM IS JUST under two months away and the excitement and curiosity can be felt across the industry.

The biggest recycling and waste event in the UK will be setting up in Birmingham’s NEC on 12-13 September and the event is shaping up to be exactly what was promised by Prysm, with free tickets available now.

RWM would be nothing without the market-leading exhibitors showcasing

Event Details WHEN: 12-13 September WHERE: NEC, BIRMINGHAM, UK CONTACT: nick.woore@prysmgroup.co.uk WEBSITE: www.rwmexhibiton.com

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F O C U S

The biggest recycling and waste event in the UK their innovative products and services to the visitors. RWM is recognised across the industry as the leading expo of its kind and because of this brands like JCB and Mercedes Benz will be exhibiting again. More fantastic returning brands include Bradshaw and E-Power Trucks, as well as Viridor, Veolia, Mid UK Recycling and Orsted finding space in the exhibiting hall.

All of these well-established brands will be bringing with them their latest and greatest products to exhibit and sell, making for ideal networking opportunities with the world’s most renown brands.

As well as the exhibitors, RWM will find its focus on business growth and local authorities. Providing dedicated space to these topics in the form of the Business Growth Theatre and Local Authority Theatre, these targeted markets will find ample content to sink their teeth into. With Google Digital Garage and Adtrak leading seminars on how businesses can better utilise

online marketing and the amazing Jacqueline O’Donovan sharing her success story of making O’Donovan Waste Disposal a million-pound enterprise. In the Local Authority Theatre, Councillor Kye Dudd will be discussing the award winning Slim My Waste campaign and as well as a host of seminars to help local businesses become more successful.

Tickets for RWM are free and available from rwmexhibiton.com.

There are still exhibiting spaces available, to inquire further please get in contact with Nick Woore at nick.woore@prysmgroup.co.uk or on 0117 929 6083.

12 & 13 SEPT 2018

NEC NEC, BIRMINGHAM

THE UK’S LARGEST

RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE DE:

SPEAKERS TO INCLU EXCLUSIVE SEMINARS FROM

MARK ADRIAN SOMMERFIELD GRIFFITHS

CHARLOTTE MORTON

DAVID NEWMAN

RENEWABLE ENERGY RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES ASSOCIATION

ADBA

BIO-BASED & BIODEGRADABLE INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION

12,000 WASTE PROFESSIONALS • 500 EXHIBITORS • 350 CPD ACCREDITED SEMINARS

REGISTER FOR FREE TICKETS WWW.RWMEXHIBITION.COM | @RWM_Exhibition | #RWM2018 RUNNING ALONGSIDE

MARINE & COASTAL CIVIL ENGINEERING

CONTAMINATION EXPO SERIES 2018

FLOOD EXPO

THE

BIG

5

QATAR

E V E N T

F O C U S

Preparing for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Qatar Vision 2030

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Event Details WHEN: 24-26 September WHERE: Doha Exhibition & Convention Centre, Qatar WEBSITE: www.thebig5-qatar.com/

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DMG EVENTS DOHA, organisers of The Big 5 construction event series, are delighted to introduce the Big 5 Qatar, a brand new event for the built environment industry in Qatar taking place from 24-26 September, 2018. It is a multi-section show covering products relating to: plant machinery and vehicles, concrete, construction tools & building materials, MEP services, building envelope & special construction, construction technologies & innovations and building interiors & finishes.

The event will provide suppliers with a unique, targeted platform, unlike any other regional event, to meet buyers and decision-makers involved in projects within the region.

Supported by Qatar Tourism

Authority, the Big 5 Qatar will provide the best possible platform for companies looking to grow their business in a market busy with preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the long-term Qatar Vision 2030. A new event, with a fresh approach, to enable you to expand and develop your business in this lucrative market.

QATAR’S NEW INTERNATIONAL EVENT FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT FEATURING DEDICATED PRODUCT SECTORS

PLANT MACHINERY & VEHICLES

CONCRETE

CONSTRUCTION TOOLS & BUILDING MATERIALS

MEP SERVICES

BUILDING ENVELOPE & SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION

CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGIES & INNOVATIONS

BUILDING INTERIORS & FINISHES

24 - 26 SEPTEMBER 2018 DOHA EXHIBITION & CONVENTION CENTER, QATAR

SHOW TIMING: 11 AM - 8 PM

REGISTER ONLINE NOW FOR FREE ENTRY T: +974 4452 7914 I M: +974 6600 1644 I E: info@thebig5-qatar.com www.thebig5-qatar.com/OutlookPublishing-Register

ECONOMIC PARTNER

PMV PARTNER

PLATINUM SPONSORS

CONCRETE PARTNER

BUILDING MATERIAL PARTNER

GOLD SPONSOR

BUILDING ENVELOPE PARTNER

SILVER SPONSOR

TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

LANDSCAPES

SUPPORTED BY

OFFICIAL SPONSOR

ORGANISED BY

INTERIORS PARTNER

ECOMMERCE

AWARDS

2018

E V E N T

F O C U S

Highlighting some the best online retailers, companies, agencies, innovations, products and campaigns ECOMMERCE AWARDS TAKES place on Wednesday 26 September, 2018 at London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square.

Now in their 10th year, the eCommerce Awards has consistently broken new ground in highlighting some of the very best online retailers, online companies, agencies, innovations, products and campaigns the ecommerce industry has to offer.

Event Details WHEN: 26 September WHERE: London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, London, UK WEBSITE: www.ecommerceawards.london

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Every year, hundreds of key players gather to recognise and honour the brilliant achievements of their peers.

Not only do the Awards provide great networking opportunities, the evening is also a great social occasion. The food and wines are always first class, and there’s fantastic entertainment into the early hours.

Previous attending companies have included American Express, Animal, Argos, ASOS, B&Q, BarclayCard, British Gas, Celtic FC, Dixons Carphone, Domino’s, Fortnum & Mason, Green Man Gaming, HMV, House of Fraser, Iceland Foods, Jack Daniels, Jack Wills, Jewson, John Lewis, Laura Ashley, Lidl, Lloyds Banking Group, MasterCard, Moss Bros, O2, QVC, Red Bull, Royal Mail, Santander, Schuh, Selfridges, Sony, The Trainline, Thomas Cook, Three, Time INC, Toys R Us, Very, Virgin, Vodafone, Wagamama, Wickes, Yotel to name but a few ...

This year, eCommerce Awards categories have been tweaked and are split into four sections: Industry, Campaigns, Specialist and Business. Online retailers, relevant agencies, marketers and any company who trades online are encouraged to enter as many categories as are

applicable. The best performing participants overall will automatically be put forward for the Online Gold Award for eCommerce.

So, if you are a retailer or an online company, shout about your achievements and ensure you reap the rewards from the PR and sales uplift that comes hand-in-hand as a result of a successful entry or two. If you are an agency, and you have really delivered over the past year for your client, put in a joint entry with your client today and both of you can benefit from your hard work and achievements.

Check out the categories and entry criteria: https://www. ecommerceawards.london/ categories/ ENTER: https://www. ecommerceawards.london/enter/ ATTEND: https://www. ecommerceawards.london/attend/ SPONSOR: https://www. ecommerceawards.london/ sponsorship-opportunities/ FOLLOW: @eCommAwardsLDN

AUTOMA

CONGRESS

E V E N T

F O C U S

Analysing the efficient use of digital technologies in oil & gas

Event Details WHEN: 1-2 October WHERE: Berlin, Germany WEBSITE: http://automacongress.com/

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TODAY THE LEADERS of the oil & gas market understand that the efficient use of digital technologies in the sector could reduce capital costs by up to 20 percent. It could cut general expenses in the oil production segment by three-five percent and by about half that in refining and petrochemicals.

Oil & gas companies, EPC Contractors, refineries and pipeline operators will send decision-makers to discuss all that is trending now including Industry 4.0, digital plants, intelligent pipeline technology, and smart contracts - to AUTOMA oil & gas automation and digitalisation Congress. It takes place in Berlin, on 1-2 October.   AUTOMA focuses on negotiations.

Meet you current clients, talk to

prospective ones to understand what they really want, economise your time by meeting a variety of companies in one place. Other tools to help you is a calm B2B meeting room, a personal manager who can organise meetings for you, and longer coffee-breaks to give you enough time to talk.

To find out more, go the website https://goo.gl/VrqoFM or call +312 0808 7321.

AUTUMN

FOOD

SHOWS

E V E N T

F O C U S

The Speciality Food Festival, SEAFEX Middle East and yummex Middle East make up this year’s event assortment

THE SPECIALITY FOOD Festival, SEAFEX Middle East & yummex Middle East are where food professionals seeking the latest fine food, seafood

Event Details WHEN: 30 October – 1 November WHERE: Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE WEBSITE:

https://www.speciality.ae/ https://www.seafexme.com/welcome https://www.yummexme.com/welcome

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and confectionery & snacks can find ways to satisfy today’s increasingly discerning consumers under one roof.

Powered by Gulfood, the event trio is also hosted alongside GulfHost, MENA’s dedicated foodservice equipment event for hospitality professionals. These co-located events are set to attract more than 25,000 visitors to Dubai when they run from 30 October to 1 November, 2018.

The Speciality Food Festival is back for its ninth edition in 2018, trading across six primary sectors covering Artisan & Gourmet, Organic & Fresh, Fair Trade & Ethnic, Bakery & Cereals, Nuts, Seeds & Dried Fruits and Specialty Beverages. This one-stop platform for artisan food is a mustattend for chefs, hoteliers, traders and retailers seeking premium quality products to integrate within their menus, distribution lists and grocery aisles.

Now in its seventh edition, SEAFEX

Middle East is the professional seafood event serving the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Categorised in three main sectors covering Seafood, ValueAdded Products and Condiments & Tools, the event draws international retailers, seafood manufacturers, traders and chefs in search of the latest wild and aquaculture products, cooking techniques and serving tools.

As consumer trends towards health, sustainability and pricing continue to impact supply and demand within the seafood industry, SEAFEX is a vital chance to network with industry experts and realign buying plans for the year ahead.

Coming back for its 12thedition, yummex Middle East is the leading sweets & snacks event for the MENA region. Powered by undisputed event market leaders, ISM Cologne and Gulfood, yummex Middle East is where household name retailers, traders and manufacturers converge to source the latest consumer indulgence and convenience products that are entering the scene. Showcased across six key categories including Sugar Confectionery, Biscuits & Bakery, Snacks & Ready-to-Eat, Chocolate & Cocoa Products, Frozen Confectionery and Breakfast items, yummex Middle East has evolved to reflect the full spectrum of healthy, wholesome and natural treat varieties that are slowly gaining market share within this steadfast consumer segment.

Trends

30 Oct - 1 Nov 2 0 1 8 DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE

VISIT THE SPECIALITY FOOD FESTIVAL, YUMMEX MIDDLE EAST AND SEAFEX MIDDLE EAST

Get your FREE ticket online

Hosted Alongside

speciality.ae

seafexme.com

yummexme.com

1

Gourmet, Seafood and Confectionery

Y ts!

ET TR n K N ve C EE de TI FRE cate s o ve -l gi l co al

to

Discover The Latest

GULFHOST

E V E N T

F O C U S

The complete hospitality equipment sourcing expo for the Middle East, Africa and Asia

Event Details WHEN: 30 October – 1 November WHERE: Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE WEBSITE: www.gulfhost.ae

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FOLLOWING A TRIUMPHANT launch in 2017, GulfHost is back for business on 30 October - 1 November, 2018. Reflecting regional demand, the second edition of the Gulfood Hospitality and Foodservice Expo is doubling its sector coverage, expanding through dedicated zones for Gelato & Bakery, Cafe & Bar and HORECA. More than 2,500 brands are revving up to showcase 8,000 products across six core sectors, drawing 25,000 buyers to the global centre for international hospitality trade.

GulfHost is the new home of hospitality for the Middle East, Africa and Asia. This is where suppliers of a wide range of kitchen solutions and

dining apparel can connect with the biggest name hospitality buyers in one of the fastest growing markets in the world. Building on the success of its headline sectors covering Front of House, Back of House and Tableware, this year GulfHost will additionally unlock major new business zones to meet demand from regional buyers.

One major attraction for visitors is the GulfHost Restaurant Development Conference. Powered by the International Center for Culinary Arts in Dubai (ICCA) and the Middle East Food Forum (MEFF) the conference is an open-door, transformative learning platform hosted by the brightest lights in regional F&B. Over three days, more than 60 high profile speakers take to the floor to share their proven methods for navigating the latest shifts in local and regional foodservice.

As the region’s premier opportunity for the hospitality industry to meet, do business and build relationships, GulfHost is also once again running alongside a trio of finished food product trade shows known as the Speciality Food Festival, yummex Middle East and SEAFEX Middle East.

3 0 O c t ˜ 1 N ov 2018 D U B A I WO R L D T R A D E C E N T R E

Where global providers of Foodservice equipment go for new business Capitalise on the marked rise in hotel and restaurant development and renovation taking place in the lead up to Dubai World Expo 2020

Front of House

Back of House

The MENA hospitality industry is predicted to reach $550 billion dollars globally - increasing $100 billion dollars in the past 5 years

For inquries contact Organised by

25,000

BRANDS

VISITORS

Tableware

HORECA

Currently 16,000

UAE F&B outlets operating

Mundhir Al-Hakim

T.: 971 4 308 6201 E.: Mundhir.AlHakim@dwtc.com

Powered By

2,500

Endorsed By

Zahra Amir

T.: 971 4 308 6213 E.: Zahra.Amir@dwtc.com

Strategic Partner

22,000 SQM

Gelato & Bakery

3

DAYS

CafĂŠ & Bar

This will increase to 19,000 by 2020

Hear what our exhibitors are saying at gulfhost.ae Supporting Association

ELECTRICX

E V E N T

F O C U S

North Africa’s leading power exhibition and conference

Event Details WHEN: 17-19 November WHERE: Egypt International Exhibition Centre, Egypt CONTACT: info@electricxegypt WEBSITE: www.electricxegypt.com

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BASED IN EGYPT, Electricx is North Africa’s leading power exhibition and conference. Since its inauguration back in 1991, Electricx has set itself as the central business hub for top regional and international market leaders in power generation, transmission and distribution. With the growth to cover more than 12,500 square metres, the exhibition will be a truly international gathering of more than 10,000 power distributors and retailers, consultants, government representatives, electrical engineers and purchasers from Egypt.

For exhibitors, Electricx draws on the strengths of Informa Industrial Group’s foothold in the Middle East and Africa through its long established and reputable exhibition, Middle East Electricity. Electricx allows

companies to gain brand recognition in the Egyptian power market which is a critical factor in establishing new business. The exhibition provides exhibitors with the opportunity to meet in a convenient regional location to generate quality leads and continue ongoing negotiations with potential customers.

Also, Electricx is considered important to attend by regional power professionals. It offers the opportunity for visitors to efficiently use their time by providing a hands-on experience to discover and compare products and services from multiple brands all in one place. It allows them to conveniently gain access to free educational sessions to further enhance their knowledge of the Egyptian power market.

HI

EUROPE

E V E N T

F O C U S Healthy food: a growing but undefined category

Commenting on the upcoming event, Hi Europe Brand Manager, Julien Bonvallet said: “Consumers associate both healthy food as well as nutritional supplements with a positive effect on their own health. At the same time, they expect more transparency, sustainability and trustworthiness than with normal finished products.

Meeting these high standards is a key task for the entire industry. Inspiration, knowhow and the right partners are available at HiE, with the Healthy Finished Products Expo highlighting successful product examples.”

In the IRi European Shopper Survey 2017, half of the European consumers questioned stated that they were guided by health and wellbeing when At the Healthy Finished Products buying groceries. In fact, 53 percent Expo, exhibitors at this year’s show will use organic food ingredients and present their high-quality end products more than a third purchase products – from functional foods made from that are lactose or gluten free. From a natural ingredients and whole meals consumer standpoint, ‘healthy food’ to special medical purposes nutriincludes functional foods and drinks, tion, dietary supplements and active those that are less processed, free nutrition drinks. The new pavilion offers from and organic products. visitors from the retail environment a one-stop-shop on the 22,000 square Visitors pre-registering online to metre show floor. In addition, a free Hi Europe & Ni get free access to business matchmaking tool will encourthe show. For further information age networking throughout the show, please see: https://www.figlobal. enabling business appointments to be com/hieurope/ arranged online. A customer lounge and tasting bar will provide the perfect framework for successful meetings.

The enormous range of new developments in functional foods and beverages presented at the exhibition makes Hi Europe & Ni an important and inspirational business platform for food retailers, drugstores and pharmacies, as well as distributors.

In addition, more than 40 exhibiting companies produce ingredients and/ or finished products themselves, including key players such as Glanbia Nutritionals and Stern Vitamins.

Showcasing innovative products for the retail sector AS PART OF Hi Europe & Ni, taking place in Frankfurt, Germany (27–29 November), the new Healthy Finished Products Expo provides a novel platform for innovative new end products from all over the world that have already made their way into the retail sector.

Event Details WHEN: 27-29 November WHERE: Frankfurt, Germany WEBSITE: www.figlobal.com/hieurope/

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Making Innovation Taste Good!

27-29 November 2018 Frankfurt, Germany

REGISTER NOW hieurope.com

GLOBAL

POWER

&

ENERGY

EXHIBITION

E V E N T

(GPEX)

F O C U S

Spearheading a more sustainable, low-carbon and smart energy system

Event Details WHEN: 17-20 September WHERE: Barcelona, Spain WEBSITE: www.gpexevent.com

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2018

THE ROAD TO 2050, digitalisation of the energy sector, and financing the future of energy are three key themes of this year’s Global Power & Energy Leaders’ Summit, taking place at GPEX 2018, in Spain.

GPEX 2018, alongside Gastech in Barcelona, Spain (17-20 September), will spearhead a more sustainable, low-carbon and smart energy system through its newly released conference programme agenda.

The modernisation of the energy system is taking place simultaneously with a shift to a low-carbon economy.

With the increasingly central role of digital technologies, the power and energy industries need to adapt their business models and embrace innovation, within the new energy landscape, to remain competitive, become more efficient and adapt to the growing needs and demands of their customers.

70 transition experts from international power and energy business will speak, including:

• Agustín Delgado Martin, Chief Innovation and Sustainability Officer, Iberdrola Group • Neil Chatterjee, Commissioner, US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) • Toshiro Kudama, Chief Power Development Officer, JERA Co., Inc. • Blanca Losada Martin, Chief Technology and Engineering Officer, Gas Natural Fenosa • Ulla Sandborgh, Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Svenska kraftnät • Thierry Lepercq, Executive Vice President in charge of Research & Technology and Innovation, ENGIE • Andrea Strachinescu, Head of Unit, New Energy Technologies, Innovation and Clean Coal, DG Energy, European Commission • Tejpreet S. Chopra, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bharat Light & Power

GPEX Exhibition

The Summit is an integral part of the Global Power & Energy Exhibition (GPEX 2018) – which will showcase 200 exhibiting companies demonstrating the strategies and technologies needed to adapt to the energy transition.

Participating companies include EDP Renevaveis, InnoEnergy, Innogy, Alternative Energy Innovations, and A.T. Kearney Energy Transition Institute.

Co-located with Gastech, these events will bring together 30,000 global power and energy industry professionals - government, commercial and industrial power users, gas operators, power producers and distributors, technology providers and renewable energy companies; to enhance the dialogue between the sectors that will play a significant role in the global energy transition.

Co-located with:

17-20 SEPTEMBER 2018 FIRA GRAN VIA, BARCELONA, SPAIN

EARLY BIRD RATE Pre-register & save

GLOBAL EXPERTS LINE-UP FOR 2018’S ENERGY TRANSITION EVENT Join power and energy business leaders from across the globe, to discuss energy transition opportunities and challenges.

AGUSTÍN DELGADO MARTIN

THIERRY LEPERCQ

5,000+

200+

200+

180+

Visitors

Exhibitors

International Delegates

Industry Speakers

BLANCA LOSADA MARTIN

LAZLO VARRO

REGISTER TO ATTEND WWW.GPEXEVENT.COM/EME1 info@gpexevent.com +44 (0) 203 615 2393 Participating companies include:

DMG192 Delprom GPEX EME Outlook w180xh240_V1.indd 1

Organised by:

30/04/2018 15:20

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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.

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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 EC 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 PROFESSIONALS IN 2018 WITH:

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