Full details for the Invest in Guinea Conference, 09:30-17:30, 13 June, Westbury Hotel

• Presentations in a variety of sectors by keynote speakers and participants
• Guinea developing Jurisdictional and Nested REDD+ (JNR) Project
• Supported by New Leaf Africa and AFCOM
• Guinea developing transparent practices for environmental sustainability

Following on from a Mining Code Briefing on 12 June at the Royal Horseguards Hotel, the ‘Invest in Guinea’ initiative is organising an all-day Invest in Guinea Conference on 13 June at the Westbury Hotel, London. With presentations on topics including Environmental Sustainability, Local Sustainability, Developments within Mining and Infrastructure, Country Certification and Financing and Investment Guarantees, the conference places a strong focus on environment and sustainability. A full speaker list and agenda is attached.

In addition to the event’s relevance to the concurrent G8 Summit (17-18 June 2013) taking place in London, it has been announced that Invest in Guinea co-sponsor New Leaf Africa will be developing and executing a preservation strategy for Guinea, working with the Guinean government and 108 local communities in order to develop a Jurisdictional and Nested REDD+ (JNR) project.

A growing number of projects to Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation and sustainably manage forests and enhance forest carbon stocks (collectively referred to as REDD+) are being implemented around the world. Many of these projects use the VCS Program to quantify carbon benefits. However, a lack of guidance on robust and transparent accounting and verification approaches at the jurisdictional level, and uncertainty surrounding international climate policy, has prevented the integration and scaling up of government-led and project-level REDD+ activities. To fill this void, VCS developed the world’s first Jurisdictional and Nested REDD+ (JNR) Framework for accounting and crediting REDD+ programs, whether implemented at the national or subnational (state) scale.

“New Leaf Africa is honoured to be chosen by the Republic of Guinea to manage this process. The government’s commitment to move forward with a JNR process shows a serious commitment to environmental preservation. Guinea will join a small, but important, group of countries making this bold commitment for the betterment of the globe.”

– Al Babbington, CEO, New Leaf Africa

Supported by New Leaf and Afcom, the conference will be followed by a cocktail reception at the Westbury the same evening, from 17:30-20:30.

An initiative of the Guinea Government, the Invest in Guinea Conference seeks to bring investors and journalists together to learn more about the investment landscape of Guinea and its focus on encouraging long term sustainability through full accountability and transparency of responsible investment practices.

To register your attendance at the Conference, or to RSVP for the evening cocktail reception,

please contact Anna Wallace-Thompson at anna@curzonpr.com or call +44 (0)20 73992437

Notes for Editors

About Jurisdictional and Nested REDD+ (JNR)

A growing number of projects to Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation and sustainably manage forests and enhance forest carbon stocks (collectively referred to as REDD+) are being implemented around the world. Many of these projects use the VCS Program to quantify carbon benefits. At the same time, governments are establishing new policies and programs to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the forest sector of entire national or subnational jurisdictions. However, a lack of guidance on robust and transparent accounting and verification approaches at the jurisdictional level, and uncertainty surrounding international climate policy, has prevented the integration and scaling up of government-led and project-level REDD+ activities. To fill this void, VCS developed the world’s first Jurisdictional and Nested REDD+ (JNR) Framework for accounting and crediting REDD+ programs, whether implemented at the national or subnational (state) scale. The resulting framework also establishes a clear pathway for existing and new subnational jurisdictional activities and projects to be integrated (or “nested”) within broader (higher-level) jurisdictional REDD+ programs. VCS is advancing a number of ground-breaking JNR pilot activities around the world at both national and subnational scales. JNR pilot programs establish a clear pathway for verifying forest-related emission reductions at the jurisdictional scale. Pilot programs will increase the confidence of policymakers, donors and investors in REDD+, contributing to the scaling-up of activities that effectively tackle deforestation and forest degradation, significantly reduce global emissions, and generate positive benefits for local and indigenous communities. 

About ‘Invest in Guinea’

The ‘Invest in Guinea’ initiative seeks to foster win-win partnerships and dialogue encouraging economic growth and direct foreign investment in Guinea through a series of briefings and events open to investors, analysts and other interested parties within the business world. By encouraging greater transparency and accountability, under the presidency of Alpha Condé, the mineral-rich West African country has seen a series of reforms, including a reduction in public deficit from 12.6% of GDP in 2010 to 2.5% in 2012, along with a drop in inflation from 21% to 12% in the same years. Adhering to international-standard best practices, ‘Invest in Guinea’ supports long term economic development and sustainability of projects, with the interest of Guinea’s local communities at the forefront.

The ‘Invest in Guinea’ initiative was launched at WEF in Davos in January 2013 where President Alpha Condé was invited to promote transparency and win-win, long-term investments to drive national growth and use the huge natural resources to improve Guinean people’s life. In addition to the Mining Code Briefing of 12 June 2013 in London, previous events include a series of trips abroad (including South Africa in February, the USA in March and the UAE in April) to promote the attractiveness of the Guinean economy and its potential in the mining sector, agriculture, energy and infrastructures.

About New Leaf Africa

New Leaf Africa is a collaboration of leaders in forestry preservation, technology, population health, and renewable energy. The mission of New Leaf Africa is to bring social and economic sustainability to developing countries in the African continent and to lead and support projects that advance access to better health care and education for all. They develop and advise local governments on a strategy that assures all future development is completed in a sustainable manner that maximizes the reduction of greenhouse gasses. New Leaf Africa focuses on projects that advance access to improved health and economic development on a local level. They believe a sustainable future is a balance of ecological integrity, economic opportunity, and human well-being. This holistic approach provides the opportunity for lasting change. For more information visit www.newleafafrica.com

About AFCOM

AFCOM specialises in the development, management, financing and structuring of critical infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa, with the aim of improving the welfare of all stakeholders. Central to AFCOM’s infrastructure development approach is leveraging our sovereign client’s assets by providing value-add and monetisation capabilities. In this context, AFCOM provides ‘best in class’ global expertise and robust execution to provide optimal, timely solutions that will unlock value and unleash economic growth. For more information visit www.afcomgroup.com

For further information and high-resolution images please contact:

Anna Wallace-Thompson | Media Relations | Curzon PR

t: +44 (0)20 73992438

e: anna@curzonpr.com

w: www.curzonpr.com

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Full details for the new Amended Guinea Mining Code Briefing, 12 June 2013

In the lead up to the G8 Summit (17-18 June 2013), the ‘Invest in Guinea’ initiative is organising a briefing in London on 12 June 2013 at The Royal Horseguards Hotel to promote the country’s mining code amendments. This is particularly timely given the focus of this year’s G8 on open governments to support free trade and encourage greater transparency and accountability.

New Amended Mining Code Briefing

The Reading and Writing Room, The Royal Horseguards Hotel

09:00–10:00

Registration and Coffee

10:00–10:10

Introduction
HE Kerfalla YANSANE, Minister of Economy and Finance:
Progress and Reforms Since 2010:  Mines, A Lever for Transformation of the Guinean Economy

10:10-10:20

Speech
HE Mohamed Lamine Fofana, Minister of Mines and Geology:
The Key Points of the Code and Amendments

10:20–10:50

Presentations
Sheila Khama, Director of Extractive Resources Services, ACET for Africa:
Natural Resources: The Conditions of a Successful Partnership Between States and Business

Thomas Lassourd, Guinea Project Manager, Revenue Watch:
Transparency and Governance in Guinea’s Mining Sector

Guillaume de Monie, Vice President, Lazard:
Competitiveness and Mining Potential of Guinea

Kémoko Toure, General Manager, Guinea Bauxite Company (CBG)
CBG: A Success Story in Development

Jim Wynn, Head of Finance and Company Secretary, Avocet Mining:
A New State-Business Relationship

10:50–11:20

Q&A Session

11:20–12:00

Networking

The objective of the new Mining Code amendments is to strengthen the competitiveness of Guinea in world commodity markets, and align the West African country with international-standard best practices while addressing the concerns of profitability of the investors as well as taking into account the long term economic development and wellbeing of the Guinean communities.

An initiative of the Guinea Government, ‘Invest in Guinea’ is hosting the briefing to introduce the new mining code to international audiences and bring investors and journalists together to learn more about the benefits of the new code amendments and their role in encouraging long term sustainability within the investment landscape of Guinea through full accountability and transparency of responsible investment practices.

Notes for Editors

About President Alpha Condé

Alpha Condé is the first democratically elected President of the Republic of Guinea. The first free and democratic presidential elections of 2010 marked an important date in Guinea’s history, allowing the West African country to initiate a democratic transition and begin to stabilise after more than 50 years of authoritarian rule and a military junta.

An historic opposition figure, defender of human rights and freedom, President Alpha Condé was imprisoned and exiled under the authoritarian regimes that have controlled Guinea since its independence from France in 1958. A former President of the Federation of African students in France (FEANF), a Doctor of Law and Professor at the Faculty of Law and Economic Sciences at the Sorbonne (Paris), President Alpha Condé has dedicated his life to establish a pluralistic democracy in Guinea, and to the defence of rights and freedom. Since his election in 2010, Guinea has undertaken a profound transformation. In just two and a half years, President Alpha Condé has successfully reformed the army, strengthened the rule of law, committed a priority fight against corruption and impunity, and restored the freedom of expression, opinion and demonstration.

President Alpha Condé has also implemented a series of reforms to modernise Guinea, boost the economy and improve the living conditions of its citizens. In just two and a half years, Guinea has made significant progress leading to the stabilisation of its economy and to growth (4.8% in 2012; Guinea ranked in Tier 1 of Global growth by JP Morgan). Since 2010, the Government has reduced the deficit from 13% to 2%, reduced external debt, stabilised the currency, reduced inflation from 23% to 13% and significantly increased customs revenues. Priority reforms to strengthen the mining sector and improve the investment climate have also been initiated. The current revitalisation of the mining sector, which was marked by years of stagnation, mismanagement and corruption, is highly strategic for Guinea. The Government’s goal is to transform the mining potential into better living conditions for the people of Guinea.

About Minister Mohamed Lamine Fofana

Mohamed Lamine Fofana was formerly advisor to the Prime Minister of Guinea in charge of the mining sector from 2004 to 2010, before being named Minister of Mines of the Republic of Guinea by President Alpha Condé in January 2011. Prior to this Mr. Fofana was Deputy Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Agriculture for USAID/Guinea (United States Agency for International Development). Other work with USAID/Guinea included Deputy Director of Management Department of Natural Resources and Agriculture and Director of the microfinance programme ‘Integrated Programme for Development of Enterprise’ (PRIDE) as well as Director of the Guarantee Fund for Agricultural Marketing (1996-1998). Mr Fofana was also Director of Project Support for Economic Reform in the Republic of Guinea with USAID/Guinea (1992-1994), and from 1990-1992 was Deputy Commercial Director of SOGEL (Guinean Electricity Company).

About Minister Kerfalla Yansané

Dr Kerfalla Yansané was appointed Minister of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Guinea in February 2010. He was recently promoted to Senior-Minister after having achieved major macroeconomic reforms in Guinea. Before his appointment as Minister of Economy and Finance, he served as the Governor of the Central Bank of Guinea during the period of the structural adjustment program 1985-1996. Thereafter, he worked as a Development Consultant with a number of international institutions, including amongst others the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the UNDP, the NEPAD Secretariat, the African Development Bank, UN Economic Commission for Africa, and the African Development Bank. Over the past 15 years, Dr Yansané has been involved in a number of regional and international boards and technical committees, including amongst others: Executive Board, African Capacity Building Foundation, Harare, Zimbabwe (2002-2009); Board of Directors, the International Lawyers and Economists Against Poverty (ILEAP), Toronto, Canada, for the assistance to African and Caribbean countries in the international trade negotiations (2006-2009); Member, United Nations Committee for Development Policy (New York, USA), responsible for reviewing the criteria and the list of the Least Developed Countries (2004-2006); Board of Directors, the International Lawyers and Economists Against Poverty (ILEAP), Toronto, Canada, for the assistance to African and Caribbean countries in the international trade negotiations (2006-2009); Member, the Policy Advisory Group of the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor(CIGAP), through the extension of Micro Finance services (World Bank, Washington DC, USA).

About ‘Invest in Guinea’

The ‘Invest in Guinea’ initiative seeks to foster win-win partnerships and dialogue encouraging economic growth and direct foreign investment in Guinea through a series of briefings and events open to investors, analysts and other interested parties within the business world. By encouraging greater transparency and accountability, under the presidency of Alpha Condé, the mineral-rich West African country has seen a series of reforms, including a reduction in public deficit from 12.6% of GDP in 2010 to 2.5% in 2012, along with a drop in inflation from 21% to 12% in the same years. Adhering to international-standard best practices, ‘Invest in Guinea’ supports long term economic development and sustainability of projects, with the interest of Guinea’s local communities at the forefront.  The ‘Invest in Guinea’ initiative was launched at WEF in Davos in January 2013 where President Alpha Condé was invited to promote transparency and win-win partnership, long-term investments to drive national growth and use the huge natural resources wealth to improve Guinean people’s life. In addition to the Mining Code Briefing of 12 June 2013 in London, previous events include a series of trips abroad (including South Africa in February, the USA in March and the UAE in April) to promote the attractiveness of the Guinean economy and its potential in the mining sector, agriculture, energy and infrastructures.

The post PRESS BULLETIN: PRESENTATION DETAILS AND SPEAKERS FOR NEW AMENDED GUINEA MINING CODE BRIEFING IN LONDON appeared first on Curzon PR.

• Seeks to encourage investment in Guinea and local processing of minerals
• Encourages long-term investment and growth within Guinea
• Promotes responsible investment practices and transparency in mining industry

In the lead up to the G8 Summit (17-18 June 2013), the ‘Invest in Guinea’ initiative is organising a briefing in London on 12 June 2013 to promote the country’s mining code amendments, announced on 10 April 2013. This is particularly timely given the focus of this year’s G8 on open governments to support free trade and encourage greater transparency and accountability.

The West African nation has large mineral deposits, including two thirds of the world’s bauxite reserves, alongside iron ore, diamonds, gold and uranium. Under the presidency of Alpha Condé, the mining industry has become subject to a rigorous push to clean up corruption and mismanagement, with a focus on promoting transparency and international investment.

In April, Guinea ratified new amendments to the Mining Code in order to attract win-win investments and ease tax restrictions, sending a positive signal to investors and industry analysts. This has been decided by the Guinean Government after consultation with the business community and international economic partners such as the International Monetary Fund.

The objective of the new Mining Code amendments is to strengthen the competitiveness of Guinea in world commodity markets, and align the West African country with international-standard best practices while addressing the concerns of profitability of the investors as well as taking into account the long term economic development and wellbeing of the Guinean communities.

“We have put in place a more flexible tax system to promote win-win investment,” commented Mohamed Lamine Fofana, Guinean Minister of Mines on 10 April when the new amendments were ratified. “It is also a sign that Guinea can adapt to the global economy. Our mining industry will become more attractive and competitive, and will fully play its role as an engine of economic development of Guinea.”

An initiative of the Guinea Government, ‘Invest in Guinea’ is hosting the briefing to introduce the new mining code to international audiences and bring investors and journalists together to learn more about the benefits of the new code amendments and their role in encouraging long term sustainability within the investment landscape of Guinea through full accountability and transparency of responsible investment practices.

Notes for Editors

About President Alpha Condé

Alpha Condé is the first democratically elected President of the Republic of Guinea. The first free and democratic presidential elections of 2010 marked an important date in Guinea’s history, allowing the West African country to initiate a democratic transition and begin to stabilise after more than 50 years of authoritarian rule and a military junta.

An historic opposition figure, defender of human rights and freedom, President Alpha Condé was imprisoned and exiled under the authoritarian regimes that have controlled Guinea since its independence from France in 1958. A former President of the Federation of African students in France (FEANF), a Doctor of Law and Professor at the Faculty of Law and Economic Sciences at the Sorbonne (Paris), President Alpha Condé has dedicated his life to establish a pluralistic democracy in Guinea, and to the defence of rights and freedom. Since his election in 2010, Guinea has undertaken a profound transformation. In just two and a half years, President Alpha Condé has successfully reformed the army, strengthened the rule of law, committed a priority fight against corruption and impunity, and restored the freedom of expression, opinion and demonstration.

President Alpha Condé has also implemented a series of reforms to modernise Guinea, boost the economy and improve the living conditions of its citizens. In just two and a half years, Guinea has made significant progress leading to the stabilisation of its economy and to growth (4.8% in 2012; Guinea ranked in Tier 1 of Global growth by JP Morgan). Since 2010, the Government has reduced the deficit from 13% to 2%, reduced external debt, stabilised the currency, reduced inflation from 23% to 13% and significantly increased customs revenues. Priority reforms to strengthen the mining sector and improve the investment climate have also been initiated. The current revitalisation of the mining sector, which was marked by years of stagnation, mismanagement and corruption, is highly strategic for Guinea. The Government’s goal is to transform the mining potential into better living conditions for the people of Guinea.

About ‘Invest in Guinea’

The ‘Invest in Guinea’ initiative seeks to foster win-win partnerships and dialogue encouraging economic growth and direct foreign investment in Guinea through a series of briefings and events open to investors, analysts and other interested parties within the business world. By encouraging greater transparency and accountability, under the presidency of Alpha Condé, the mineral-rich West African country has seen a series of reforms, including a reduction in public deficit from 12.6% of GDP in 2010 to 2.5% in 2012, along with a drop in inflation from 21% to 12% in the same years. Adhering to international-standard best practices, ‘Invest in Guinea’ supports long term economic development and sustainability of projects, with the interest of Guinea’s local communities at the forefront.

The ‘Invest in Guinea’ initiative was launched at WEF in Davos in January 2013 where President Alpha Condé was invited to promote transparency and win-win, long-term investments to drive national growth and use the huge natural resources to improve Guinean people’s life. In addition to the Mining Code Briefing of 12 June 2013 in London, previous events include a series of trips abroad (including South Africa in February, the USA in March and the UAE in April) to promote the attractiveness of the Guinean economy and its potential in the mining sector, agriculture, energy and infrastructures.

For further information and high-resolution images please contact:

Anna Wallace-Thompson | Media Relations | Curzon PR

t: +44 (0)20 73992438

e: anna@curzonpr.com

w: www.curzonpr.com

The post PRESS RELEASE: INVEST IN GUINEA INITIATIVE: NEW MINING CODE BRIEFING IN LONDON appeared first on Curzon PR.

CURZON PR SIGNS WITH INVEST IN GUINEA INITIATIVE:

NEW MINING CODE BRIEFING IN LONDON

• New mining code amendments
• Mining code amendments briefing in London on 12 June 2013
• Seeks to encourage investment in Guinea and local processing of minerals
• Encourages long-term investment and growth within Guinea
• Promotes responsible investment practices and transparency in mining industry

Curzon PR has signed with the ‘Invest in Guinea’ initiative to organise and support a briefing in London on 12 June 2013 to promote the country’s amended mining code amendments. Curzon PR will handle event management and media relations for the briefing.

The West African nation has large mineral deposits, including two thirds of the world’s bauxite reserves, alongside reserves of iron ore, diamonds, gold and uranium. Under the presidency of Alpha Condé, the mining industry has become subject to a rigorous push to clean up corruption and mismanagement, with a focus on promoting transparency and international investment.

This new mining code provides a clear legal framework and encourages mining companies to process materials locally within Guinea, seeking to provide jobs within the country and work alongside communities.

“I am delighted to work on the ‘Invest in Guinea’ initiative, part of a welcome trend in Africa to promote full transparency and accountability in line with international business practices to encourage investment and trade within a responsible environment,” says Farzana Baduel, MD of Curzon PR. “With a focus on community interest initiatives, ‘Invest in Guinea’ plays an integral role in the positive narrative of Africa that we are now seeing emerging.”

An initiative of the Guinea Government, ‘Invest in Guinea’ is hosting the briefing to introduce the new mining code to international audiences and bring investors and journalists together to learn more about the benefits of the new code amendments and their role in encouraging long term sustainability within the investment landscape of Guinea through full accountability and transparency of responsible investment practices.

Details of the conference, including venue and speaker list will be announced shortly.

The post Curzon PR Signs With Invest in Guinea Initiative appeared first on Curzon PR.

To celebrate it’s launch, Curzon is dedicating our Twitter to The Great Gatsby this week so be sure to follow us for some interesting facts, a glimpse into how London is celebrating as well as some sneak peeks into the film.

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“If a young man tells his date how handsome, smart and successful he is – that’s advertising. If the young man tells his date she’s intelligent, looks lovely, and is a great conversationalist, he’s saying the right things to the right person and that’s marketing. If someone else tells the young woman how handsome, smart and successful her date is – that’s PR.”

– S. H. Simmons

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• SDC delegation met in Addis Ababa with Somaliland Community Representatives
• Reviewed short, medium and long-term project agendas
• Investment sectors discussed included livestock, power generation and Berbera Corridor
• Supported by the Department for International Development (DFID)
• Facilitates investment into the Somaliland, Horn of Africa

In line with the SDC’s mandate to develop and negotiate mutually beneficial contracts between communities and investors in the former British protectorate of Somaliland and the surrounding Horn region of Africa, four of the SDC’s directors have recently returned from a trip to Addis Ababa, where a series of meetings with Somaliland community representatives took place from 19–24 April 2013.

The delegation from the SDC consisted of Jeremy Carver CBE, President of the British branch of the International Law Association; Professor Myles Wickstead CBE, former UK Ambassador to Ethiopia and Independent Vice-Chair of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy; Leoned (Len) Tiahlo, Resources Sector Executive and Investment Specialist and Edna Adan Ismail, a UN diplomat, French Legion of Honour recipient and former Foreign Minister of Somaliland. They met with six community representatives from the various Eastern Central and Western regions of Somaliland

The SDC reviewed potential short, medium and long term commercial project agendas over a range of investment sectors, including:

• Livestock related business
• Power generation
• Fake pharmaceutical detection and reporting
• Berbera Corridor related business essentials including insurance capacity
• Media and information systems expansion via the newly installed optical fibre network (extending to Ethiopia)
• Defined sponsorship agendas whereby new or past foreign investors be invited by the SDC to respectively initiate or re-establish their presence and acceptance by the local hosting communities
• To operate in harmony with the regionally-agreed Constitution of Somaliland

Furthermore, the SDC has amended its constitution to increase its number of Community Representatives from five to 15, allowing for future greater representation of regional Somali interests, and fostering the long-term goals of the SDC to work alongside local communities to create mutually sustainable and transparent contracts by raising their level of understanding of foreign inward investment opportunities and the accompanying international business environment.

Comments Carver: “In a fragile, and still largely divided, region, it is essential that high quality investors, committed to sustainable growth for themselves and the communities in which they operate, are attracted. The wrong investors can undo all the progress made. The most stable environment for investment remains unquestionably in Somaliland.”

Adds Ismail, “Somaliland’s track record of nearly 20 years of political stability and security is ready for business right now.”

For further information on the investment sectors discussed during the trip, as well as interview opportunities and expert commentary from Jeremy Carver on the SDC’s activities, please contact anna@curzonpr.com or call +44 2073992438

Notes for Editors:

About the SDC

The SDC was founded in 2011 and is part of a process that seeks to better integrate the former protectorate Horn region of Africa into the international community. The organisation aims to increase outside investment in Somaliland – and the surrounding regions of the Horn of Africa – by providing a secure, professional and mutually beneficial environment for investors and local communities to interact. The SDC assists in developing and negotiating mutually beneficial contracts between communities and investors, thus supporting the long term sustainability of relationships, transparency of business practices and full accountability for both parties. In so doing, local host communities will be better able to improve their international business capacity and increase their choice and access to quality international investors. Working within local customs and practices, the SDC is structured to employ high standards of disclosure to investors and host communities to ensure that all transactions are competitively priced. The SDC’s Board will oversee transactions and will regularly assess financial, developmental and reputational risks. By applying World Bank anti-corruption guidelines and transactional transparency principles, the SDC provides investors and host communities with a safer platform on which to transact. For further information on the SDC, please visit www.sdc-africa.com

Jeremy P Carver CBE

International Lawyer, Director and Co-Founder of the SDC

The recipient of a CBE for Services to International Law, Jeremy P Carver has been President of the British branch of the International Law Association since 2001. Previously a consultant at Clifford Chance LLP (2003-2013), other professional affiliations include Partner at Coward Chance (1974–2003 before its merger with Clifford Chance) as well as Solicitor at the Courts of Hong Kong and the Supreme Court of England and Wales. Carver has served on the boards of Transparency International UK and International Rescue Committee New York, USA, and was Co-Chair of International Rescue Committee UK from 2001–2012.

Professor Myles Wickstead CBE

Former Ambassador of UK and Africa Development Specialist, Director and Co-Founder of the SDC

Professor Myles Wickstead is the recipient of a number of Honorary Doctorates in recognition of his work on Africa. From 1993–1997 he was based in Nairobi as Head of the British Development Division in Eastern Africa, before serving on the Board of the World Bank (and as Development Counsellor at the British Embassy) in Washington from 1997–2000. He was then appointed British Ambassador to Ethiopia for four years, serving as Head of Secretariat for the Commission for Africa (CfA) from 2004–2005 before leaving government service. Dr Wickstead served as Independent Vice-Chair of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and is currently Chair of One World Media (OWM) and has been a Specialist Advisor to the Parliamentary International Development Select Committee.

Leoned (Len) Tiahlo

Resources Sector Executive and Investment Specialist, Director and Secretary of the SDC

Len Tiahlo is focused upon inward investment in the Horn region of Africa, with three decades’ experience in the minerals extraction sector. He began his career with the Anglo-American Corporation ZCCM (1973–1976), before going on to become a UK-based engineer in new oil and gas field exploitation. In 1984, Tiahlo joined ARCO and specialised in research and development, followed by mergers and acquisitions at the LA-based corporate HQ. From 1991 he partnered with Prof Ed Purdy (ex-Exxon) and Dr Bill Kruger (ex-Amoco) in an advisory associated with Arthur Anderson. In 1997, helped initiate and close the first Ukraine state investment into a UK PLC. He later went on to work on advisory in Russia and also in association with Lehman Brothers. From 2004, with ex-director of Tullow PLC, Eskander Maleki, Tiahlo was active in new business evaluation in the Middle East and Africa, including Somaliland. This latter interest resulted in an agreement with Somaliland to create a joint venture to raise local capacity and attract participation with quality oil and gas companies.

Dr Mohamed Rashid Hassan

Founder and Director of the SDC Corporation

Dr Mohamed Rashid Hassan is Somaliland’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. He worked on the Somali Desk of the BBC World Service, and studied Political Science and Social Anthropology at London University, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) and London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). He was the Vice Chairman of the UCID Political party of Somaliland. 

Dr Edna Adan Ismail

Principal Intermediary with Somaliland Horn Community Leaders, Director of the SDC

Dr Edna Adan Ismail is a nurse, midwife, UN diplomat, French Legion of Honour recipient and former foreign minister of Somaliland. She was also a founding member of the Somali Red Crescent in 1963. Ismail was married to Mohamed Haji Ibrahim Egal, who was Head of Government in British Somaliland five days prior to Somalia’s independence and later the Prime Minister of Somalia (1967–1969) and President of Somaliland (1993–2002).  Ismail was the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Nursing Adviser during 1986. From 1987–1991, she was Regional Technical Officer for Mother and Child Health, before becoming a representative of WHO in Djibouti (1991–1997). Since retirement from WHO, Ms Ismail has wholly focused all her resources into providing much-needed health care to a population with one of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world. In a recent talk at TEDxRC², Edna shared her vision for saving many more lives across the Horn of Africa, proving that “if it can happen in Somaliland, it can happen anywhere.” 

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Setting up your own PR company can be a daunting task. Farzana Baduel, director of Curzon PR, takes you through the key factors you should bear in mind

Research and planning are vital when thinking about starting up your own PR company. Putting in some solid groundwork will establish your target market, what key services you will need to provide and what sets you apart in the industry. There are also several practical matters to bear in mind, the most important is your company structure and keeping track of your work.

Specialise

What will your focus be? This will depend on your experience and interests. Will you specialise in B2B, tech or consumer projects? Public affairs? Luxury? You may also decide at this stage whether to focus on national or international press. If it’s to be the latter, which territories? Will you specialise in print, digital or broadcast media, or all three?

Perhaps you want to work across vertical sectors and countries. This can be difficult in terms of market positioning as it goes against the grain of the PR market, which prefers specialisation, but it can also be extremely rewarding. Ask yourself what services you want to supply. These include, but are not limited to, media relations, media training, strategy, events management and social media.

Unique selling point

What is unique about you that other agencies or consultants cannot deliver? Is it a service you provide or a certain process you have that yields unique results? Is it your expertise in strategy development? Define what you’re best at and then communicate it to potential clients.

Legal, accounting and insurance

Decide if you want to be a limited company, limited liability partnership or sole trader, then speak with your accountant. You will need to consider payroll, self-assessment, VAT and corporation tax (if applicable). Be prepared for the demanding admin that running a business creates and the penalties imposed for missed deadlines.

It’s useful to get a lawyer to draft client engagement letters and employment contracts. Contact an insurance broker to buy relevant insurance and open a bank account – some banks offer a period of a year or more of free banking.

Join a business organisation like the Institute of Directors to benefit from their specialist resources and free helpline for legal and accounting services – it’s cheaper than using lawyers for a quick phone call. Business Link has a good website for basic information.

HR and business partners

Think about what skills you have and what skills you need to bring into the business to offer the best value proposition. If you do decide to bring in partners, make an exit strategy and develop a what if? scenario. In advance of taking on employees, outline their areas of responsibility.

Create staff and office manuals to reduce the effects of any employee turnover and minimise the learning curve of new appointees. By doing this you’re locking in processes and knowledge and avoiding the prospect of it walking out of the door when a staff member or business partner leaves.

Marketing

It’s important that you also do your own PR to promote yourself. Hone your branding and visual identity. Set up a website to communicate your key messages to your target audience and use social media such as Twitter and LinkedIn to spread the word.

Be organised – have business cards and a creds (credential sales) document to present to clients, along with pitch document templates and a spreadsheet of leads you follow up regularly. Be an avid networker to bring in potential business. Build working partnerships with non-competing marketing partners who can be a source of referrals – think branding agencies or event management companies.

Are you are listed on all business and PR directories? Do your contacts know that you have officially launched? Meet with them in person, especially those who may be a source of referrals or potential clients, and communicate your consultancy’s unique skill set.

Software

Consider using project collaboration software such as Basecamp to help you track time sheets, upload documents and images, work with a team on a project and give your clients access to files. Similarly, CRM programmes, such as Highrise, allow you to manage relationships with business leads and clients, as well as tracking emails.

When it comes to media request services, Response Source and Gorkana are an excellent way of building relationships with journalists on their own terms and precipitating media coverage for clients. Consider media databases and press cuttings services.

With the proper preparation and groundwork, you should now be armed with the tools you need to confidently start your own PR business. Remember – we are often so client focused that we forget about our own position and key messages, and fail to apply the art of PR to our own businesses, but if you keep the above points in mind, you’re well on your way to starting your own successful PR company.

Farzana Baduel is founder and managing director of Curzon PR

Source – The Guardian

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• 2013 Marks 100 Years of Bollywood Centenary
• Think Events organising year-long Bollywood festival
• Includes food, talent, fashion, art, sports and film events
• Culminates in a four-day extravaganza in April 2014, ending at Wembley Arena
• Film to be produced in London in 2014 to celebrate cultural links between UK and India

Curzon has signed with Think Events to promote the 100 Years of Bollywood centenary, running from August 2013– April 2014 in London to handle its marketing strategy and media relations.

Bollywood has become one of the world’s largest film industries since the debut of its first official film on 3 May 1913, Raja Harishchandra by Dadasaheb Phalke. Producing some 1000 films a year (twice the annual output of Hollywood), the stars of its silver screen are known the world over. As reported by The Telegraph, the UK is home to the largest audience for Bollywood films outside of India, contributing 15-20 per cent of the industry’s profits.

The year-long festival will encompass events that cover food, talent, fashion, art, sports and film, tying in with London’s position as a global hub and tourist centre, seeking to strengthen cultural ties and understanding between the UK and India. The festival will culminate in a four-day extravaganza, ending at Wembley Arena, headlined by Bollywood superstar. The event will include the entertainment industry’s most cutting-edge technology through the broadcast of a live hologram of one of Bollywood’s most renowned veteran stars.

“Bollywood has played a vital role in promoting the country brand of India,” says Curzon MD Farzana Baduel. “I am pleased to work with Think Events on this wonderful centenary. With India rising on the world stage due to its increasing economic prowess, India stands apart due to the rich cultural offerings it shares with international audiences, not least through the emotional connections the global audience has forged with legends of Indian cinema.”

As part of its mission to foster bilateral ties between the UK and India, the festival will conclude with the production of a movie in London, scheduled for filming in late 2014, working with English and Indian actors to create the ultimate Anglo-Indian cinema experience.

A press conference will be announced shortly to share further details of the festival’s programme.

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Furthermore, for the first time, the prime minister is inviting 25 foreign election observers to its 13th General Election. These will come from the ASEAN countries of Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Thailand. The prime minister has also signed an electoral integrity pledge, sponsored by Transparency International, ahead of the elections.

SK Lingam, Chairman of the ASEAN UK Business Forum as well as Malaysian Link UK and Senior Vice President of the Friends of Barisan Nasional UK, is available for expert comment.

For expert commentary and interview availabilities, please contact Anna Wallace-Thompson, Head of Media Relations on anna@curzonpr.com or +44 2073992437

Notes for Editors:

About SK Lingam

SK Lingam (SK) is the Chairman of the ASEAN UK Business Forum (AUBF), which was initiated 16 years ago by the then, their Excellencies the Ambassadors and High Commissioners of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to the Court of St James’s. SK remained elected Chairman of AUBF for a decade since its inception. He resigned voluntarily after 10 years’ service and was appointed the first Honorary President of AUBF, a position which he still holds. SK is also a founding and former member of the Malaysia UK Association (MUKA) and The Focus Malaysia Group (FMG) in London. SK is currently the founding member and first Chairman of Malaysian Link UK (MLUK).

SK has spoken widely throughout the UK, Europe and in ASEAN countries on EU, UK and ASEAN political, legal, socio-economic and trade matters. He has also acted as moderator in numerous trade seminars, dialogue sessions and conferences both within the UK, Europe and ASEA nations.

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