Issue 8
United Cast Bar
Raising the BarWriter:Matthew StaffProject Manager:Ben WiggerUnited Cast Bar (UCB) is setting increasingly impressive standards in 2015 as it continues to raise the bar; even for a Company that had already become so synonymous with leading the way in iron bar manufacturing.As the home of Unibar Continuous Cast Iron, the business was formed in 1998 as a merger of three of Europe’s most prestigious iron bar foundries across the UK and Spain, and has since gone from strength to strength in expanding its range of products and services to an ever-growing and expectant footprint of customers.“Bringing together more than 120 years of experience into one group of companies, United Cast Bar developed a synergy for technical and manufacturing procedures, quality systems, control parameters, commercial rationalisation and supply logistics,” the Company notes in relation to its evolution over the past 17 years. “From this base, United Cast Bar has created the Unibar brand of products.”Available in a range of grades, and suitable for an array of application demands, Unibar is produced to bespoke specifications; a key business model to have influenced UCB’s success over the years, lending themselves to produces ranging from break discs, to hydraulic manifolds, to pistons, plate moulds and many, many more.With distribution arms spanning much of mainland Central Europe, and even Turkey and South Korea further afield, UCB is now perfectly positioned to fulfil its initial aims and visions on a larger scale than ever before.“United Cast Bar has strengthened and extended its sales structure and logistics network over the years by providing a…
Marriott Drilling Group
Global Knowledge, Local PresenceWriter:Matthew StaffProject Manager:Ben WiggerAs the UK’s largest onshore deep drilling Company, Marriott Drilling Group continues to go from strength to strength in expanding its portfolio of international projects, completing assignments with the same core philosophies and commitments to operational excellence that helped establish the business nearly 70 years ago.Incepted in 1947 by Richard Marriott, the Company’s longstanding and ongoing success emanates from the family name that still influences its growth to this day; three of the founder’s grandchildren still occupying management spots within the Group.A consistency and enthusiasm to continuously improve has subsequently become synonymous with the business, across not only its 20 operational drilling and workover rigs, but also a wide range of drilling and associated services to the oil, gas, shale gas, gas storage, coal, CBM, mining, water and geothermal sectors.And, just as the industry footprint has expanded, so too has the geographic footprint, now catering for projects across mainland Europe, as well as international markets spanning as far as North America and Africa.“Marriott offers a selection of business arrangements from traditional day-rate type contracts to incentive contracts, alliances and partnerships to provide clients with a wide range of services, particularly for special and long-term projects,” the Company emphasises.Director, Jonti Hobday added: “For almost 70 years, the Company has been offering a range of specialist drilling and associated services to a range of industries and projects.“Above all, it is a team philosophy working together with clients and service providers to ensure the project objectives are met.”Leading service providersClose client collaboration and…
C&C Group
Sustainable Growth on an International ScaleWriter:Matthew StaffProject Manager:Ben WiggerC&C Group is responsible for producing some of the most renowned alcoholic beverages in Europe, and indeed the world, and is already laying out its plans for 2016 in order to continue quenching the thirsts of one of the industry’s most loyal customer bases.The manufacturer, marketer and distributor of branded cider, beer, wine and also soft drinks has diversified its range and business proposition extensively over the past few years, from its headquarters in Dublin, to comprise not only its core manufacturing arm - producing Bulmers and Magners cider brands - but to also comprise ownership and distribution segments to further spread its influence.This influence, and ongoing strive to amplify its product range, has subsequently led to a comprehensive international expansion; now exporting to the likes of North America as well as its core European markets.Add the unlimited array of export markets to the fold and the C&C offering takes on an even more global dimension; contributing largely to the positive past 12 months enjoyed by the Company, especially in regards to its cash generation success.“Our core businesses are strongly cash generative. We therefore focus on cash,” the Company confirms on its website. “We critically review the value for money of all brand and capital investment. Our current emphasis is on investment at the customer interface, to drive revenue.“Group management relentlessly drives to reduce costs; in production, distribution and commercial overheads.”This stable and sustainable foundation facilitated key progress in its core Irish and Scottish markets in 2015, which…
AmRest Holdings SE
People, Brand, ScaleWriter:Emily JarvisProject Manager:Ben WiggerWith 854 restaurants and counting, AmRest Holdings continues to maintain its status as the largest independent restaurant operator in Central and Eastern Europe. Backed by a solid franchise model and joint venture partnerships, the Company has built a portfolio of well-recognised power brands in the quick service and casual dining industries; comprising KFC, Pizza Hut, Burger King, La Tagliatella and Starbucks.In addition to its strong European presence, AmRest has also widened its reach to pastures new via its Blue Frog and Kabb brands acquired in China, along with a growing presence in American markets.This year, AmRest has been expanding its portfolio via merger and acquisition opportunities, ensuring continuous investment in its franchise of restaurant chains in order to grow its competitive edge.Merger and acquisitionsJanuary this year marked a significant milestone for the Company, starting with the opening of its 800th restaurant in Żarska Wieś near the town of Zgorzelec, Poland; situated on the border with Germany. “December 2014 was an extraordinary month for our Burger King team, who in only four weeks managed to open four new restaurants, bringing our total under operation to 40; 32 in Poland, seven in Czech Republic and one in Bulgaria,” highlighted AmRest in a news release.Moreover, earlier in 2014, Starbucks overtook Coffeeheaven as the best-recognised brand in Poland according to a survey by ARC Rynek i Opinia. The survey also pointed towards increasing brand loyalty among cafe-goers in the country, meaning AmRest’s further penetration of the market could not have come at a more crucial…
Minesto
Low Velocity Tidal SolutionWriter:Emily JarvisProject Manager:Ben WiggerThe UK has long since been identified as a significant market for offshore renewable energy projects, and there are a growing number of developers from across the globe who are showing a more active interest in developing projects, particularly in Welsh waters.Over the past 12 months, Wales has been increasingly identified as a potential location for marine energy projects and investors have been attracted by Wales’ excellent wave and tidal stream resource and the Welsh government’s willingness to develop the marine energy sector. One such Company that has secured funding for its tidal energy solution in North Wales is Swedish marine energy company, Minesto.“The €13 million investment will help to establish a Minesto UK headquarters in North Wales and support commissioning of the first commercial Deep Green project and the roll out of marine power plants in Wales,” highlighted a recent press release from the Company.“Wales has extensive raw wave and tidal energy resources along our shorelines, and Minesto’s Deep Green project is an excellent example of commercial solutions being developed in Wales to help drive our potential to be a world-leader in the marine energy market,” added Welsh First Minister, Carwyn Jones.Established in 2007 by Managing Director, Anders Jansson, in collaboration with Saab Group and Chalmers University of Technology, from its two bases in Gothenburg, Sweden and Northern Ireland, UK, Minesto started the Company after identifying a gap in the market for a tidal solution that can operate at low velocity sites; which are much more common than high…
Nijhuis Industries
Solid Solutions in a Fluid WorldWriter:Emily JarvisProject Manager:James MitchellHeadquartered in the Netherlands, Nijhuis Industries is a multinational Company with a concerted focus on providing reliable, high quality sustainable water use and resource-efficient solutions that are built to last, in a world where sustainability regulations are constantly changing. With a turnkey performance-based service offering divided across four subsidiaries - Nijhuis Water Technology, Nijhuis Ozone Solutions, Nijhuis H2OK, Nijhuis Sales & Service Centres - Nijhuis Industries is a true solution provider with a global portfolio designed to reduce the total cost of ownership for customers.“We look at how customers could reduce capex and opex spending by improving sustainability practices through the use of our competitive wastewater treatment and water management solutions to boost their business,” notes Menno M. Holterman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO).Driven by the Company slogan – solid solutions in a fluid world – Nijhuis monitors industry and regulatory developments to create the best and most innovative solution to help customers meet the increasingly demanding sustainability and productivity requirements, lower their environmental footprint, and combine productivity and energy efficiency to ensure minimum lifecycle cost.As water scarcity is playing an increasing role in influencing measures to reduce water consumption, Nijhuis is successfully expanding into new countries, serving most continents around the world to help more customers develop a greener, more sustainable business using innovative industrial concepts.“Creating the best solution for our customers requires the most sustainable, cost-effective and innovative product to lower the total cost of ownership”– Menno M. Holterman, CEO of Nijhuis IndustriesTarget customersOver the past 10…
Amazon: A Prime Time for Drone Delivery
In December of last year, Amazon proudly announced its Prime Air concept to deliver future packages by drone, starting with feasibility research in the Company’s biggest market, America; where the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) is expected to finalise its drone regulations within the next year.
Skills Uncertainty, Not Shortages, Is the Real Issue across Europe
Recent research from Claranet has found that while IT leaders from across Europe report skills shortages as a challenge, they do so to differing degrees, and over the next five years, this divergence is set to increase.For the managed services provider (MSP), the results point to an uncertainty over the future of IT skills across Europe which can only be addressed by establishing trusted partnerships with third party suppliers.The research, which surveyed 900 IT decision-makers from the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal and the Benelux, from a range of mid-market organisations, found that concerns about skills shortages across Europe are rife and are likely to worsen.Today, 21 percent of European businesses cite skills shortages as one of their biggest IT challenges, and this is expected to increase to 25 percent by 2020.The UK, however, bucks this trend; 26 percent of businesses in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland currently concerned about skills, but with this set to decline to 16 percent in five years’ time.One possible explanation for this is the UK’s anticipated increase in the use of third party providers to support internal IT teams; third parties will manage 22 percent of the average UK IT estate by 2020, up from 15 percent today.Commenting on the research, Andy Wilton, Claranet’s Group CIO, said: “It’s clear that the labour market is in flux and, in truth, it’s difficult to know with certainty what skills will be needed in five years’ time or where those skilled professionals will be; particularly as free movement in the European labour…
Apple to Source New Talent in UAE
Apple appears to be ramping up its staff hiring in the UAE in tandem with the launch of its latest product range.Just hours ahead of the widely anticipated launch of the new iPhone, the tech giant posted vacancies for a number of positions for its retail operations in the UAE - including a selection of store and management positions - further fuelling rumours that the company is set to open its first ever flagship store in the Middle East soon.As shown on its official website, the Company is looking to hire for the typical positions required to run a retail store.The vacancies, posted on September 9, stated that candidates with leadership skills, proven success in sales and aptitude for acquiring skills in technical repairs, among others, are being sought after.Apple introduced its latest products on Wednesday, including the iPad Pro, which comes with a stylus called Apple Pencil, and its new top of the range handsets: iPhone 6S and 6s Plus.In support of the rumours, there have been unconfirmed reports claiming that Apple is set to open a mega store in Dubai, a first in the Middle East, in October. Given that the UAE is one of the biggest markets for Apple products, this would be a logical move for the tech giant to access a significant emerging market.According to figures released by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) in the UAE, Apple's iPhone 5 was the most popular smartphone in the UAE during the fourth quarter of 2014.
Mall of the Emirates Completes Retail Extension
This week, construction Company, Majid Al Futtaim announced the completion of a 36,000m2 extension to the Mall of the Emirates.The additional shopping space, which will be unveiled on September 28, 2015, will feature 40 new retail, dining and entertainment outlets.The ambitious Dh1 billion re-development project, dubbed ‘Evolution 2015’, promises to further enhance and redefine the customer shopping experience.The extension will be home to state-of-the art architecture, comprising new lifestyle options with 20 fashion brands and 12 restaurants.It will also feature a completely revamped 24-screen VOX Cinema equipped with advanced technologies such as the first IMAX with laser screen in the Middle East, the largest 4DX screen, the new Theatre by Rhodes luxury concept and two kids cinemas, with an adjoining “fun-filled party room”.“Innovation is integral within Majid Al Futtaim as we live by the Company’s vision to create great moments for everyone, everyday. By re-shaping Mall of the Emirates with Evolution 2015, we continue to evolve and enjoy a competitive edge and leadership position as the Middle East’s leading luxury and lifestyle destination," commented Michael Cesarz, CEO of the Shopping Malls Business Unit at Majid Al Futtaim Properties.Evolution 2015 also coincides with Mall of the Emirates' 10-year anniversary, marking a “legacy that changed the landscape of the region’s retail industry”.Setting new standards of shopping excellence in the region, Evolution 2015 is a multi-phase project, which involved several enhancements and additions.Phase 1 was completed in 2014 with the unveiling of the fashion district - a Dh100 million new precinct that has introduced some first-time boutique brands to…
Measuring Performance in New Product Development
New product development (NPD) is one of the most important strategic and operational levers an organisation can use to sustain growth and profitability. Yet from our experience, there appears to be a disconnect between what organisations are hoping for and what they are getting from their investments in innovation. According to a report published in 2013 by the Product Development and Management Association, only 61 percent of launched products succeeded in the market. So how can a company improve this measure?Those aiming to manage the performance of NPD typically apply conventional key performance indicators (KPIs) such as time to market, percentage sales from new projects or return on investment. While important, these KPIs measure success only after a new product or service has been launched and come too late in the process to influence performance. Successful performance management of NPD needs to involve three key aspects:1. Organisation: A holistic value chain approach to align the performance of all the interdependent functions involved in the NPD process.2. Process: A streamlined process managed by a balanced combination of KPIs that evaluate not just final project outcomes but also input and supporting factors that influence the success of NPD.3. Data: Capability to use Business Intelligence (BI) as an important enabler to support the management of NPD and drive correct behaviours across the value chain.Organisation: Managing performance along the value chainThe development of new products is a highly cross-functional activity characterised by interdependence across an organisation’s value chain.Yet, in reality, the required collaboration rarely happens as effectively as it should. This is…
Russia Misses Out On an Eastern Renaissance
Stagnation or unspectacular stability is a distant dream for Russia however, as its ongoing veer towards complete independence similarly veers the country towards an inevitable economic depression.
Stores to Play Key Role in Omnichannel Strategy
European retailers are taking significantly different approaches to omnichannel, according to a study by market research and strategy company, Pierre Audoin Consultants (PAC).Retailers are trying to provide a seamless experience across different points of customer engagement, to achieve the same level of service, promotions and pricing.PAC interviewed senior business and IT stakeholders at 200 large retailers in Europe, and found that while three quarters of respondents say the physical store will become more strategically important, the majority also expect mobile and online channels to play a bigger role in the future.This highlights how the issue of managing and integrating multiple channels has become a hugely important success factor for the modern retailer.One of the clearest findings of the study is that retailers are at different stages of maturity in achieving an omnichannel strategy, with regional differences. These include:· 85 percent of German retailers expect the store to become more strategically important versus 62 percent in the UK· 60 percent of retailers in the Netherlands already use their physical stores as a collection point for online orders versus only 30 percent in France and Germany· 70 percent of UK retailers track increases in Net Promoter Score as a key measure of the success of their omnichannel strategy, versus 56 percent in ItalyThe study, supported by HP, Fujitsu, SAP and GK Software, found that it is business leaders, rather than IT departments, that are generally leading omnichannel programs.More than 80 percent said the development of a long-term channel strategy was either a major or clear challenge, while 75 percent named transforming internal organisation structures as a pressing concern.…
Aspiring Halal Hubs
By Blake Goud, Islamic Finance Community Leader, Thomson ReutersAn interesting trend is developing in the halal sector: regional hubs are developing in places that have some local demand but not to the size that would make them significant markets on their own.Think of Malaysia (the largest) or Dubai or tiny Brunei. Each sees the halal sector as being strategic to their economic growth, and for Dubai and Brunei at least, as key aspects of their economic diversification. This trend has the potential to support global growth in the Islamic economy as well as SME development, but need a lot of (costly) infrastructure put in place to open up the international side to SMEs.To some degree, each country benefits from sitting on trade routes that have connected Muslims to one another for centuries for their position. If nothing else they can be logistics hubs and Malaysia has the potential to be more with a larger population that could also survive if it were autarkic. But what differentiates the three from other places is the role they play in setting standards for the rest of the (Muslim) world?Dubai is a hub of the MENA region which puts it as a gateway for establishing the halal authenticity of food imports that represent a lot of the food consumed in the region. Malaysia has its own domestic market but its JAKIM standard is widely accepted, though not universally. Brunei is like Dubai in having a relatively small domestic market but is like Malaysia in being geographically close to huge Muslim…
Manchester United Announces Global Partnership with HCL Technologies
Manchester United has announced a groundbreaking global partnership with leading IT services company, HCL Technologies.As part of the partnership, HCL and Manchester United will work together to explore and unveil a number of digital initiatives to transform the experience of the Club’s 659 million global followers.As the first step, HCL will create a state-of-the-art United Xperience Lab to be housed within the iconic Old Trafford stadium, which will make it the seventh such lab across the world. Within the lab, HCL and Manchester United will explore revolutionary ways in which the club uses technology to create a unified fan experience for supporters; and in the process set a new engagement benchmark in the world of sport.Manchester United’s Group Managing Director, Richard Arnold commented: “Our partnership with HCL is a first for Manchester United. With the introduction of the United Xperience lab at Old Trafford, we hope to demonstrate best practices within the industry to generate new ideas that leverage the latest technology available in the evolving digital landscape.“It is a very exciting prospect and the possibilities of what we can achieve are endless. Through digital transformation we hope to change the way in which our fans experience and interact with Manchester United. “Together with HCL we aim to develop innovative ways to connect with our fans around the world, providing a blueprint for other global organisations.”Anant Gupta, President and CEO of HCL Technologies added: “This partnership is unique and creates value not just for Manchester United and its fans, but also for all forward-looking organisations across the…