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inspiration. design. knowledge.

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WELCOME TO GEORGESON G-FORCE MAGAZINE

georgeson | informed design and specialist business consultancy worldwide COVER L COLIN CAMERON SPA CONSULTANT

R ASHLEIGH MCINALLY MARKETING CONSULTANT

INTERVIEW

WITH ALAN GEORGESON

+

SPA

JOHN PATIENCE

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HOSPITALITY, RETAIL + LEISURE

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WORKSPACE

12

WORKLIFE

14

HEALTHCARE + WELLNESS

16

BRANDING

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MARKETING + PR

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HOSPITALITY SPECIFICATION

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NEWS

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THE LATEST FROM GEORGESON

GEORGESON G-FORCE INTERVIEW

GEORGESON – A GROUP OF INTERNATIONAL SPECIALISTS DELIVERING INTEGRATED BUSINESS DESIGN

gulf stream ELEANOR KAYE INTERVIEWS ALAN GEORGESON AND HIS LONGSTANDING BUSINESS PARTNER, JOHN PATIENCE, TO ESTABLISH EXACTLY WHAT MAKES THIS RAPIDLY EXPANDING GROUP SO UNIQUE. Twenty five years ago in Glasgow, Scotland, a youthful Alan Georgeson began a career that would lead him to become a respected name in office interiors in the UK, the US and beyond… Alan’s hugely successful and progressive workplace design company, Georgeson Worklife, benefited many a large multinational, significantly improving the way in which their employees experienced and carried out their work.

Aware of a gap in the market, Alan and John then went on to establish the consultancy and interior design business Spa Developments, winning The Spa at Cameron House, Loch Lomond, as their first commission.

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Since then, the Georgeson portfolio has grown to become an international group of consultancies which together serve the evolution requirements of commercial, hospitality, spa and healthcare clients worldwide.

With informed design as the thread that binds each division, and corporate responsibility the core value across the group, Georgeson’s offering is both unique and inspirational.

THE GEORGESON GROUP COMPRISES A DIVERSE RANGE OF SERVICES. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR GROUP OFFERING IN A SINGLE SENTENCE? AG: From our studios and offices in the UK, US and UAE, our entrepreneurial teams deliver integrated business design, consulting on brand evolution and business strategy and creating inspirational commercial environments around the world.

GIVE US SOME EXAMPLES AG: For businesses operating in healthcare, wellness, spa, commercial and retail environments, our teams of specialists guide clients who are looking to evolve their business through feasibility studies and consultancy, to design and specification, to procurement and installation support.

Industry experts, Marketing, PR and creative teams work together to complete the business evolution process and sustain improved performance long term.

Take a hotel that’s considering introducing a SPA facility. In a full turnkey project our team would pull together all the necessary research and financial projections to advise on feasibility and extent of the project.

This would be followed by conceptual design, complete FF&E procurement specification and contractual works specification through to completion.

Our Spa experts could propose treatment menus, timetables, staffing and training. And our marketing team could develop and support the brand positioning and marketing rollout.

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GEORGESON G-FORCE INTERVIEW

“

WE’RE NOT THE KIND OF BUSINESS THAT SITS AROUND WAITING FOR THINGS TO HAPPEN

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DUBAI

JP: Similarly, a financial institution may look to us to develop an office space that makes better use of all available resources, from people to IT and communications. By analysing the way people work using the space and resources around them, we could design, create and handover a more effective and inspirational environment.

AG: Alternatively, a client might want to cherry pick one or two services that suit them, whether that’s the interior design for an independent café bar or support with creative marketing for a retail group.

WHAT MAKES YOUR OPERATION UNIQUE? AG: From the design of workplace and commercial interiors through the creation of spa, wellness and healthcare facilities, to the provision of strategic and creative marketing services, the extent of our capabilities is unrivalled.

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JP: In each of our divisions, design is the common thread that binds our organisation. We are driven by a need to create more successful businesses and more inspiring commercial environments, every day.

TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR DESIGN CREDENTIALS JP: As an architect and design professional, I believe firmly in the ability of buildings and their interiors to dramatically improve lives, both personally and professionally. By turning stimulating design into considered, cutting-edge solutions, the Georgeson Group creates places of distinction, delivering improved functionality and exceptional experiences to all who visit or use them.

Each of our teams consists of individuals who are passionate about design and skilled in intertwining creativity with practicality. We are inspiring and exceptional, but at the same time realistic and effective.

SO THE CAREFUL SELECTION AND COMBINATION OF THE RIGHT PEOPLE IS KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS? AG: Absolutely. Our dynamic teams are highly energetic and deliver integrated business design, with energy and creativity. Our experience is varied yet thorough. Our work is professional but cool. Our employees are multi-talented, dynamic and quick-thinking. And our complementary skills work in harmony to optimise every client’s unique vision and ultimately, deliver them greater business success.

AND WHERE DOES CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY COME INTO PLAY? JP: Corporate Responsibility is the cornerstone of everything we do. This is not a superfluous facet but a true reflection of our culture, vision and values. Our teams believe that CR should be integral to the way we conduct our business as well as being a key resource from which our clients should benefit. We understand that our operations have an impact on the environment, the workforce and the

community and we strive to ensure that this impact is as positive as possible and that our community shares in our success.

WHO ARE YOUR CLIENTS? JP: The group has amassed a wealth of highly satisfied and notable clients including AXA, DeVere, Radisson SAS, Scottish & Newcastle, Starwood, Unilever, Coors, Cult Clothing and, most recently, the offices of Tony Blair, to name but a few.

AG: We work with an extremely wide range of clients, across all industry sectors, from some of the worlds largest and most prestigious consumer brands to the smallest, most costconscious, not-for-profit organisations.

Whilst our credentials are unrivalled, there is no business or sector that we couldn’t apply our services to.

“

WE ARE INSPIRING AND EXCEPTIONAL, BUT AT THE SAME TIME REALISTIC AND EFFECTIVE

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF THE GEORGESON GROUP? AG: Our plans for the future will see the Georgeson Group become a leading light in business design and consultancy across the globe. In the short term we will grow our most recently established offices and studios in Edinburgh, Dubai and Florida.

In the longer term, we are limited only by our imaginations.

JP: Which is quite a scary thought!

AG: John has an active imagination.

But in all seriousness, we have built something truly unique and we are growing steadily every single day. The potential in what we do is enormous and we’re not the kind of business that sits around waiting for things to happen. We – the Georgeson Group – and our clients, all have a very exciting future ahead of us.

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Our Spa Development division is a fusion of professional consultancy and design services, delivering world-class spa solutions to prestigious names in the hotel, health and leisure industry worldwide.

LEISURE + LIFESTYLE hotel resorts health clubs leisure complexes day spas

Experienced in the design and management of resorts and day spas, the team develops innovative spa concepts from the feasibility stage, through design and planning, to implementation.

Interior and specialist design services are underpinned by operational and management support, from sales and marketing to recruitment and IT.

our spa consultants combine passion, knowledge and invaluable experience to create inspiring spas around the world BRIAN HUNTER PRINCIPAL SPA DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

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RETAIL + LICENSED restaurants speciality retail fashion retail nightclubs bars hotels

the hospitality team creates award winning hotel, leisure and retail environments for design-led clients worldwide MARK BRUNJES PRINCIPAL HOSPITALITY

+ RETAIL

We are an international award-winning design consultancy with 15 years experience in creating hotel, leisure and retail environments for design-led clients worldwide.

Our extensive experience and proven track record has attracted repeat business from large blue chip organisations, as well as numerous private individuals and entrepreneurs.

We have a genuine passion for design, regardless of the size of the project, and give unrivalled commitment to each and every commission. We aim to fulfill aspirations by providing imaginative design solutions, which combine highly creative flair with our client’s practical operational needs.

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hospitality

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our workspace design experts create inspirational working environments that enhance the effectiveness of commercial and administrative organisations DAN CALLEGARI PRINCIPAL UK DESIGN

Our workspace division brings together over twenty years of experience with an award winning team of designers, planners, cost and project managers, specifically focused and skilled in commercial environments.

Working closely with our clients we create highly efficient and inspirational workspaces that actively contribute to long term business success.

COMMERCIAL OFFICE banking + financial legal + administrative IT/telecoms government bodies professional bodies not-for-profit organisations charities

All projects are Director led, exploiting the knowledge of both the in-house team and the extensive community of network partners who have worked with us for the last two decades.

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workspace

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the worklife division integrates strategy, research and evidence-based-design to support worklife evolution NICK LYONS PRINCIPAL WORKLIFE

EFFICIENCY DOING THINGS RIGHT M U S) IM ING PT V O SA (%

HIGH

EFFECTIVENESS DOING THE RIGHT THINGS

Drawing upon diverse expertise and resources, Georgeson Worklife offers a means of improving motivation, efficiency and productivity in the workplace. Analysing people, processes and technology, we can improve your use of space and equipment and energise your workforce.

REAL ESTATE SPACE STRATEGY corporations organisations commerce government

Whether an immediate requirement or phased evolution, our solutions deliver measurable, long term benefits to both management and employees.

HIGH

LOW

BMW LEIPZIG

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worklife

| COURTESY BENE

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HEALTHCARE dental hospital medical spa WELLNESS day spa education and research senior living

Combining over twenty-five years in the international healthcare interiors industry with evidence-based-design techniques, we produce considered design solutions, which enable healthcare and wellness practitioners to deliver excellence for clients.

From dental and day surgeries to research facilities and senior care, our multi-cultural teams are encouraged to share design experiences from around the world – translating this knowledge into industry leading interior design solutions that constantly improve patient environments.

our healthcare division delivers specialist interior design solutions for diverse international healthcare and wellness clients SHARON GEORGESON

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PRINCIPAL

HEALTHCARE DEVELOPMENT

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bigRED is an integrated creative consultancy providing powerful design and branding solutions to businesses across the globe

corporate identity

advertising

digital presentations

print management

online solutions

DAVID RAE PRINCIPAL BIG RED CREATIVE

bigRED provides creative marketing support to SMEs and large enterprises, offering an extensive service perfectly matched to your individual brand or product requirements.

From the conception and design of a new promotional campaign to the creation and management of a full multimedia roll-out, bigRED will provide strategies to maximize the effectiveness of your media spend – in whatever marketplace, across the globe.

BRANDING advertising brand guardianship content management systems corporate identity design for print + web exhibitions + ambient

graphic design

packaging point of sale

Through our core provision of multidisciplinary communication solutions for brand development and guardianship, digital content creation and marketing support programmes, our clients rely on us to provide dynamic campaigns with seamless delivery.

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Tigerfish integrates the dedication of a focused team of highly passionate marketing and PR experts, with access to a wide range of specialist sister agencies and business professionals across the globe.

Whether your business requires a whole new strategic direction, or day-to-day marketing support, we call on the relevant experts to deliver highly effective marketing solutions, from marketing planning and brand positioning to promotional tools and event support.

With strong media relationships and PR skills at our disposal, Tigerfish will secure valuable publicity for your business in one of the most cost-effective ways possible. Our team offers full press office support, from PR strategy and campaign management to press liaison and copy-writing.

tigerfish combines the focus of a dedicated marketing and PR agency with the resources and expertise of a fully-integrated business consultancy JILL FERGUSON PRINCIPAL TIGERFISH CONSULTING

MARKETING AND PR research strategy planning operational support

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touch delivers bespoke product sourcing solutions for hotel and leisure interiors, rigorously protecting design and brand identity SUSAN HOUSTON PRINCIPAL TOUCH

From sofas in reception to dining furniture in the restaurant, Touch acts as a single point of contact for all your furniture specification requirements.

With a large network of providers and a highly skilled team, we offer a cost and time-effective procurement consultancy tailored to your specific needs.

HOTEL AND LEISURE procurement activities supplier selection sourcing strategies knowledge base

Through a single, dedicated line of contact, we can manage any of your requirements, from product specification to procurement support.

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MARKETING

CLIENT UPDATES/// georgeson projects and partnerships news Georgeson group companies continue to work with some of the world’s leading brands, from De Vere and Starwood to McLaren F1 and Coors.

Below are just a handful of our current project news stories. To stay fully abreast of the latest developments, please visit our website at www.georgesongroup.com

RETAIL

HOTELS + RESORTS

Georgeson supports international spa brand roll-out

Loewe signs up Tigerfish Consulting German television brand Loewe is renowned for its superior product

Brian Hunter and the Spa Development

performance and aesthetic appeal. With

team are delighted to be supporting a well

ambitions to increase the brand’s premium

known luxury hotel group with the roll out of

positioning and to achieve significant

its new global spa brand. The first of the

growth by 2010, Loewe has turned to

consultancy and design projects are now

Tigerfish Consulting to support them with a

underway in the Middle East and Europe.

number of marketing projects in 2008.

SPA DESIGN

The client’s hotels and resorts are regarded

For further information on Loewe UK, please visit www.loewe-uk.com

as among some of the most luxurious and innovative in the world and the new spa concept offers very personal programmes of tranquillity for the most distinctive travellers.

BRANDING

Each facility will be individual and uniquely

bigRED reinvigorates medéspa image

designed and styled to suit each spa location and type.

Supporting Supergroup worldwide OFFICE Supergroup, the clothing manufacturer behind retail outlets Cult and Superdry, has turned to Georgeson’s Mark Brunjes to deliver new retail design guides ahead of its global expansion. Fusing vintage Americana fabrics with Japanese inspired graphics to create distinctive, directional products at accessible prices, the Superdry brand is represented in 22 countries and set to expand rapidly.

At this critical time in the company’s evolution, the design guides identify, protect and provide guidance on the essential characteristics of the retail outlets, from the general environment to specific merchandising solutions. For further information on Supergroup, visit www.superdry.com

RETAIL

a constructive workspace for Specialized

Inspiration for Tony Blair Representing the UN, the US, Europe and Russia in the Middle East is no small task, so we were delighted to be invited to design the inspirational new Offices of Tony Blair in London. The design concept perfectly fulfills the requirement to combine a highly efficient, world-class working environment with design that is suitably representative of Tony Blair – the brand.

For the latest developments, please visit www.tonyblairoffice.org

Specialized, the world renowned and highly

Introducing the SPA at Cameron House

regarded bicycle manufacturer, recently commissioned Georgeson’s Workspace division to convert its logistics facility into a first class customer

On the beautiful shores of Loch Lomond at Cameron House hotel, The SPA at The Carrick is De Vere’s flagship new relaxation facility. A statement of luxurious indulgence in the most tranquil of

Medéspa is a group of day spa facilities

care centre. After just six weeks, the result is a

settings, The Spa has won rave reviews the world over.

offering non-surgical beauty enhancements

dramatically improved and powerful environment

and relaxation therapies. Now well

from which to grow the business. Throughout the

established, Medéspa continues to develop

development, brand identity is consistently and

contemporary hi-tech treatments to the

cleverly represented.

The Georgeson Group is immensely proud to have created this first class facility in one of the world

highest standards. Working closely with

most beautiful settings. The project involved the management of specialist suppliers and

As with all Georgeson projects, great care has been

Medespa, bigRED developed corporate and

contractors, as well as consultancy on marketing strategy, treatment menu, scheduling and

taken to incorporate environmental best practice

brand identity campaigns, delivering it

recruitment. Crowned by a rooftop terrace with external hydro pool and breathtaking views to Ben

into the development, delivering an interior space

through the supply of creative artwork,

Lomond, this £10milllion development includes 17 treatment rooms, hydro and thermal

design that is not only efficient and effective, but one

promotional material, web presence and

experiences, indoor and outdoor relaxation and a gymnasium.

that is sustainable and responsible too.

campaign management.

To find out more about The SPA at Cameron House, visit www.devereonline.com

To find out more about medéspa, visit www.medespa.com

Commissioned by De Vere, Georgeson’s Spa Division designed and developed the 4400 sq m spa and leisure compex, further to completion of a successful feasibility study and business plan.

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TB office illustration to follow

For the latest developments, please visit www.specialized.com

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GEORGESON GROUP UPDATES///

DUBAI

LONDON

New design studios in UAE

INDUSTRY EVENTS

London calling Supporting phenomenal UK

As we extend our services and continue

events calendar 2008 The Georgeson Group looks forward to seeing you at leading industry events around the world:

our global expansion, there is a

Building on our Spa division’s impressive

growth, we are

success in the Middle East, Georgeson has

delighted to introduce

SPRING 2008

WINTER 2008/09

continuous wealth of news from our office and design studios around the

established new design bases in Abu Dhabi

Dan Callegari as design

Wellness & Spas Middle East

Healthcare Design 08

world. With developments ongoing,

and Dubai.

principal at our London

www.messefrankfurtme.com

please stay in touch with us, or visit

and UK studios. Dan

18 – 20 May 2008

www.healthdesign.org 8 – 11 November 2008

With direct access to the world’s largest

www.georgesongroup.com

brings with him 8 years

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION AND

GAYLORD NATIONAL RESORT AND CONVENTION

and fastest growing market for hospitality,

of commercial interiors experience and a

commercial and workplace interiors,

reputation for design excellence.

Georgeson Group UAE will extend our capabilities in integrated business design.

SOUTH FLORIDA

EDINBURGH With a local team of experts in Spa, hotel,

Group expansion to Scottish Capital Georgeson has acquired a new office and

New studio in the US

restaurant, leisure, retail, commercial and

EXHIBITION CENTRE, DUBAI, UAE

CENTRE, WASHINGTON DC

Join Spa Developments at the regions most successful showcase of spa hotels and resorts worldwide.

Visit Georgeson’s Healthcare Developments at the industry’s best-attended and most well-respected conference on evidencebased design for healthcare facilities.

Global Spa Summit www.globalspasummit.com 18 – 20 May 2008

workplace design and consultancy, and access to group-wide capabilities in

Based in Naples, and

business evolution, Georgeson’s potential in

extending the group

the Middle East is now unlimited.

capabilities in specialist

design studio in the Scottish capital.

clinical, dental, pharmaceutical, health

Extending the group reach to yet another

THE WALDORF-ASTORIA HOTEL, NEW YORK

Brian Hunter, Principal of our Spa Development division will be attending this invitation-only event for the second year running – gathering the top spa professionals from around the Globe.

team of consultants around the world will deliver continued design excellence to clients across the globe.

design, our Healthcare

SUMMER 2008

Development division is

The Hotel Show

the latest addition to the Georgeson fold.

www.thehotelshow.com

Capability is also extended with the introduction of Marivé King, whose talented design team will support Georgeson’s hospitality, spa and healthcare projects

8 – 10 June 2008

Introducing Anika

Our commitment to corporate responsibility

Championed by Nick Hull, Corporate Responsibility is the cornerstone of everything we do. Our teams believe that CR should be integral to the way we conduct our business as well as being a key resource from which our clients should benefit. We understand that our operations have an impact on the environment, the workforce and the community and we strive to ensure that this impact is as positive as possible and that our community shares in our success.

To find out more about our commitment, visit www.georgesongroup.com

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Join Georgeson and Spa Developments at this industry-leading conference and exhibition.

Monaco Spa Event

Join Georgeson at the exclusive forum for hospitality in the Middle East.

www.monacospaevent.com 12 – 14 February 2009 GRIMALDI FORUM, MONTE CARLO

WINTER 2008

Sleep 2008

BUSINESS DESIGN CENTRE, LONDON

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

ISPA 2008

EXHIBITION CENTRE, DUBAI, UAE

5 – 6 November 2008

NEW YORK

We will be attending this unique event for the global travel trade.

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION AND

www.thesleepevent.com BURJ AL ARAB HOTEL

EXCEL, CANARY WHARF, LONDON

VENETIAN RESORT HOTEL CASINO, LAS VEGAS

across Florida and Latin America.

For the latest information visit www.healthcaredevelopments.com

www.wtmlondon.com 10 – 13 November 2008

www.experienceispa.com 10 – 13 November 2008

and wellbeing business

influential city, Georgeson and its growing

World Travel Market

Georgeson will be exhibiting at Europe’s only dedicated event for hotel design.

The Monaco Spa Event is devoted exclusively to the world of spas, bringing together all suppliers in a single location.

The Office Exhibition www.theofficeexhibition.com February 2009 DUBAI INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION CENTRE

The most exciting market for office and commercial developments in the Middle East.

Having worked as an interior designer in London, Anika Johnson has taken her international design experience back to the US as Studio Manager for Georgeson New York. Anika creates signature spaces for the leisure and commercial industries around the world and has recently completed

THANK YOU FOR READING G-FORCE Our dynamic teams, growing international presence and extending capabilities mean we continue to generate great news day after day. We look forward to keeping you updated in the next issue.

In the meantime we urge you to visit our website – www.georgesongroup.com – or contact us directly.

interior design projects for several notable clients, including private investment firm

WITH THANKS TO AUDI AG

+ PORCELANOSA GROUP

Quadrangle Group LLC.

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www.georgesongroup.com info@georgesongroup.com

UAE

CLIENTS

PO Box 22982 Office 64b

AURORA NETWORKS

Zomorradh Buildings

BECAUSE

Maktoum Bridge Road Dubai

BOUSSARD AND GAVAUDEN

T +971 4335 2064

CIGNA

F +971 4335 0960

COORS CULT CLOTHING

EUROPE 41 Carlyle Avenue Glasgow G52 4XX

DE VERE DELUXE FAIRMONT RAFFLES FINANCIAL MECHANICS FORD

T +44 (0) 141 882 7575

FUEL

F +44 (0) 141 883 7734

DUBAI TOWERS

Rowan Court 56 High Street Wimbledon Village

GME MANAGEMENT GRANT THORNTON INVITROGEN JUMEIRAH HOTEL GROUP

London SW19 5EE

MEDÉSPA

T +44 (0) 20 8944 6335

NCR

F +44 (0) 20 8971 9508

NORTHERN PETROLEUM PATHWAYS CAPITAL

US

PLAZA ATHENÉE

780 Fifth Avenue South

PUNCH TAVERNS

Suite 200

RADISSON SAS

Naples, FL 34102 T +1 239 261 9946 F +1 239 261 9948 305 2nd Avenue

SCOTTISH AND NEWCASTLE SPECIALIZED STARWOOD HOTELS SUPERDRY SUPERGLASS

Suite 526

THINKBOX

New York, NY 10003

THE OFFICE OF TONY BLAIR

T +1 212 475 5550 F +1 212 475 5554

DESIGN

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