The global seed industry is hugely important for human progress. Feeding the world’s population of 7 billion depends on a number of factors, one of which is the ready availability of seeds. Despite this, the industry is notorious for its high level of concentration, driven by a few large multinational firms and characterized by consolidation between them.

Consistently delivering great customer experience requires motivated and engaged employees

Ramanan Ramakrishna

Customer expectations have shifted dramatically in the last few years as disruptors across countless industries have focused on scaling new heights in terms of customer experience (CX). It’s widely accepted that it’s vital to offer excellent CX if you expect to stand out from the competition.

The exponential growth of Zambia’s mining industry over the past 25 years is as much a testament to the world class service providers in the country, as the country’s vast mineral reserves. One such service provider is Quattro, Zambia’s most respected transport provider to the country’s burgeoning mining industry.

Sodexo Engage, specialists in employee and consumer engagement, has announced the appointment of Burcin Ressamoglu as Chief Executive Officer.

Burcin joins the UK team from her previous position as CEO of Sodexo Benefits & Rewards in Turkey. As CEO, she aims to build on the success of Sodexo Engage since its rebrand in August 2017 following the acquisition and integration of Motivcom. She will spend the next three months transitioning into the role.

In a previous article on First Quantum Minerals’ Trident Project in Zambia, we focused on the impact in terms of sustainability that it would have in the country - in terms of bringing quality employment, introducing several CSR projects, dramatically improving the regional infrastructure and all while respecting the natural environment in the area.

The rise and fall of prices in precious minerals can sometimes seem abstract, and of little consequence to anyone outside of mining companies and commodities traders. However, there is thankfully, a far more tangible impact of an upswing in prices for these metals: the huge FDI that follows in regions which are rich in mineral deposits.

The Paris Climate Agreement of 2016 represented a commitment by nearly 200 countries across the world to lower their carbon emissions starting in 2020. Achieving the carbon reductions these countries committed to will be a significant challenge - either they will have to reduce their overall energy requirements or deliver the same overall levels of energy using cleaner methods.

There aren’t many companies which make it past the 100 years mark, but when they do, it’s usually because they possess a combination of management and operational nous that few other companies do. These companies are all the more remarkable when they’ve succeeded in the face of a century of political upheaval.

The city of São Paulo in Brazil’s southeast is not only the largest city in South America by some distance, it can also claim to be one of the world’s biggest cities by area and population. With some 22 million people filling the city on an average weekday, and its area covering approximately 8,000 square kilometres, it is truly a modern megacity and the beating heart of Brazil.