CSS Pool Tournament 2010

CSS proudly concluded its first ever Pool tournament recently held at Consolidated Shipping Services Logistics Centre – 1, Jebel Ali. As part of its team building initiatives, the tournament was conducted over 4 rounds with 21 participants from various divisions of CSS Group, of which only 3 were in the final round, T.S. Kaladharan, Chairman CSS Group, Suku Sudhakaran, Asst. General Manager, CSS Abu Dhabi and Kingsly Ravi, Asst. Operation Manager, CSS Logistics. The final round was between T.S. Kaladharan and Suku Sudhakaran with Suku emerging victorious after winning 5-4 of the 9 game match.

The Runner-up and Second Runner-up received Emirates Air Craft Models, while the winner, Suku Sudhakaran walked away with an Emirates ticket to any of its destinations. The event was organized and coordinated by CSS Marketing Department and they extended their gratitude to all the participants for the spirit and enthusiasm shown and special thanks to Sai Prakash Nair, Cargo Sales Manager Emirates Group for sponsoring this event.

Going Green Is not a Choice Any More, It is a Responsibility

Do you think Going Green is an additional expense? Well its not. Wal-Mart, the global leaders in the retail industry, have over 200 million customer transactions per week which have increased its sales to $ 401 billion despite having adopted a go green approach in its business practice last year.

A recent 3PL study conducted by the Georgia Institute of Technology shows that 36% of the respondents from the Asia Pacific agree that a green supply chain is very important today and 72% of them believe it will be very important in the future Interestingly almost in all regions across the world, 75% of the respondents agree that a sustainable supply chain becomes a future supply chain initiative among companies. Another study conducted by Supply Chain Management Review says that more than 50 percent of the respondents said they have a documented corporate sustainability plan, and about the same number said their company has a senior executive, often a vice president, dedicated to sustainability in action level. Although the results were encouraging, if we look at the implementation level and return on investment view, many companies are just starting to get involved in sustainability.

In today’s global supply chain network, organizations are looking at moving closer to market particularly towards emerging markets so as to increase the profit. Thus, they try to relocate either their manufacturing facility or their distribution centers. In a globally integrated supply chain environment, manufacturing and logistics account for major emissions. In particular, industrial manufacturing, which accounts for about 80% of the industrial energy consumption, contributes about 80% of the industrial energy-related carbon emissions. Of these, the petroleum, chemicals, and iron and steel industries produce nearly 60% of the total energy-related carbon emissions from manufacturing. The logistics sector accounts for 14% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, in which the majority of the emissions are from road transport (76%) and aviation (12%).

For years the logistics industry had showcased enormous growth which also caused rising green gas emission which is seen as the prime cause for global warming. Companies should start focusing ecological responsibility by using energy as efficiently as possible. Going green is not a choice any more it is our responsibility hence it is very important that we do little things in our daily life like reduce, reuse and recycle. While in business we should be looking for more optimized methods which helps in more cost efficient while being a eco friendly organization. Existing business models are now being modified to incorporate green with carbon emission reduction at its core.

Tomorrow Is Yours

The words committed, insightful and talented are but a few descriptors that fit her personality and mind…..Chandrakala, is following her father’s foot steps of shipping business with a determination. After finishing her graduation in business management, Chandrakala went to Singapore to work with Shipco transport before joining the CSS Group. She says that she is following not her father, but her own heart which brought her to the turbulent tides of Shipping business. Like the motto of the recently concluded strategy meet, “Tomorrow is yours”, Chandrakala believes that a young blood revolution is happening in all the segments of business, which is truly encouraging. Presently she is working with the projects department of the CSS Group, whilst pursuing a Post graduation in Logistics in Dubai.

CSS Group Presence

  • Airfreight operations office & Warehouse (Dubai Cargo Village)

  • CSS Logistics L.L.C. (Dubai Airport Freezone)

  • Supply Chain Management Facility- (Jebel Ali Free Zone)

  • Container Freight Station  Facility- (Jebel Ali Free Zone)

  • CSS Homeward Bound (Dubai Creek Customs)

  • Consolidated Shipping Services L.L.C.  – (Abu Dhabi)

  • Consolidated Shipping Services W.L.L. – (Bahrain)

  • Consolidated Shipping Services W.L.L. – (Kuwait)

  • Consolidated Shipping Services (Saudi Arabia)

  • Console Shipping Services India Pvt. Ltd.

  • Console Shipping Services Pakistan Pvt. Ltd.

  • Twin Info Solutions Pvt. Ltd.(Kochi)

  • Devas Holidays & Travel Services India Pvt. Ltd. (Kochi)

  • Hindustan Shipping & Clearing House – (Kochi)

TO TWEET OR NOT TO TWEET ?

“To tweet or not to tweet?” – This is the question. Is it better to tweet and risk inadvertently undermining your companies potential and prospects or better not to tweet and lose an easy opportunity to build up social relationships with an ever expanding network of friends, clients and potential opportunities? This dilemma, especially in the workplace, is exercising the minds of many executives.

“Tweeting” is the faster example of Internet social networks but other favourites from amongst many; include “Face book”, “MySpace”, “BlogSpot” “LinkedIn” and “YouTube”. Their growth has developed so quickly that it has taken many businesses by surprise. The “X” generation (born between 1960 – 1980) are statistically not as Internet active as the “Y” generation (born between 1980 – 2000) but both are somewhat put into the social networking shade by the “ADD” generation (born since 2000). In this younger group “ADD” is used to associate them, rather unkindly, with “attention deficit disorder”. However this comparison highlights a view that they are use to instant updates, responses and interaction. It also means that if stuck for information they readily use the Internet as a workplace tool to find resources for information.

A progressive company therefore needs to assess the potential risks and advantages of social networking because it is with us now and growing exponentially. On the downside, there is a real risk that access to the web might enable malware, spyware and other virus style programmes to enter a company’s network as well as postings inadvertently disclosing information of value to competitors. These threats cannot be ignored. Another downside, if you add up the potential hours an employee might spend checking their “facebook”, “myspace” or “LinkedIn” postings and profiles etc., is the time spent on such activities rather than actually working.

Equally though the upside is that workplace social networking, when used responsibly, provides an inexpensive way of keeping in touch and developing business relationships and spotting new opportunities. However many choose to be members of social networks by choosing a name which expresses their personalities. Whilst “Crazy Jane” and “Raving Robbo” might be good for normal “twitter” chat it will not be appropriate to use it within the workplace as it may well detract from the required corporate image. “Crazy Jane” and “Raving Robbo” must be careful not to forget that their bosses may also be reading their postings!

Whilst my personal view is that workplace social networking provides a challenging opportunity, it is fairly easy to find experts queuing up to disagree.  More recent research is beginning to support the view that employees who are allowed to use the Internet, to contact family and friends especially during breaks, usually return to their workspaces more refreshed. Furthermore current information indicates that companies who deploy the best and most effective means of communication succeed better. Indeed there are now numerous Human Resources departments who use social networking to keep employees up to date. Information, contact, meetings and other activities within a company are communicated through social networking. Companies may effectively save on training by utilising the fact that so many “X”, “Y” and “ADD” generation employees know how to use social networking.

However an acceptance of such an approach means that there has to be clear policies as to how workplace social networking may or may not be used. Naturally there have been problems, as with any new technology, but there is no question in my mind that where companies have embraced the newest Internet opportunities they have benefited over those who have not. The challenge for a company is to find a way to defend against adverse intrusions whilst at the same time fostering employee responsibility and productivity. So whilst “Crazy Jane” and “Raving Robbo” should not be used, given appropriate names and a responsible approach then you may reach the same conclusion as I do and “tweet”. Ultimately, success in this challenge rests with YOU.

Chairman’s Message

Confusing ideas often prevail when one discusses the merits of being a team leader and his/her leadership qualities. Unlike a generalized overview of a leadership role, a team leader requires specific qualities because, within a company they have a well defined role. Energy, enthusiasm, willingness to shoulder responsibility, supporting the team and lead from the front ensures a strong team. To be more succinct a good team leader should have an ability to make the team come together to achieve more than a group of individuals. Sometimes team leaders lose their focus when there are changes happening due to the newly implemented strategies. This is because they forget the fact that changes are inevitable in the progress of an organization where the team leader also have the responsibility to contribute. According to Peter Drucker, the most popular management consultant “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things”.

At CSS we have succeeded in creating an effective pool of team leaders who critically follow the strategies and lead their teams to success. By keeping this achievement uppermost in our minds we will ensure our future plans attain their full potential.

Seeking Success ? Then Understand The Importance Of Sales

With over 8 years in the organization, Siby C. Kurian has been a key player of CSS Group’s aggressive sales strategy.

Sales is a vital component to the success of an industry, regardless of the type of industry (i.e. service, manufacturing etc.) or location. In economics, sales are the activities involved in selling products or services in return for money or other compensation. However as economies have grown and become far more competitive this definition is not as simple as it was a few years ago. Sales in the shipping industry, like any other competitive global industry, relies on specific personality traits and complete business know how to be successful. Nowadays it is not enough to be knowledgeable about the business, to a prospective client one must be honest, must hold a deep regard for the needs of the client and most importantly must deliver the service at the end of the transaction in the most efficient and effective way as possible.

Having been in the company for over 8 years, Siby has set the bar for sales achievement within the CSS Group. Talking about the importance of sales within the CSS Group “Sales is one of the most intergral part of any business. However there are many components to sales that are often ignored; for example the importance of sales forecasting in any business, which allows a business to identify future areas of profit for the company.”

Business sales skills are a little bit more advanced, as you will be dealing with large corporations where sales pitches are delivered in meetings to a group of potential investors or clients. In this instance, sales skills are not just important, but they are vital. Imagine walking into a board room full of people who are all there just to listen to you. How do you command the room? How do you initiate conversation and begin your presentation? What do you wear? How do you walk? Do you look people in the eye?

Siby recounts his first sales pitch in CSS Group, almost 8 years ago and gives newcomers a few helpful tips. “Its only natural to be worried before meeting your first client, everyone is! The trick is to act out the situation the prior day, and most importantly know the business, as you don’t want to seem surprised when asked a difficult question by the client. Once you gain the trust of the client it is also vital that you nurture and grow that trust as client recommendations are an important factor in meeting sales targets.”

Achieving sales in today’s harsh economic climate is not easy, but many people are selling. To help you out we listed out what some experts feel are the four most important tips to selling better.

Buyer-Seller relationship

The problem with many sellers are that they really don’t care about their clients and they are more concerned in making a sale. Good sellers understand the value of walking through the entire sale with their clients from start to finish. They don’t just push these people to make a purchase instead; they work together with these people to find solutions to their problems. As a result, they are able to earn the trust of these prospects and they easily convert them to buying customers.

Sales call planning

It is very important that you have specific action plans or an effective selling process. You need to know what to do when and what to do next. An effective sales process looks like this; initial contact, meeting with decision-makers, proposal meeting, sales presentation, and delivery.

Questioning skills

As a seller, it is very important that you know the right questions to ask to discover the needs and demands of potential client. This is very important when your prospects are unable to properly communicate what they are looking for. Keep in mind that poor questioning will not help you properly identify the needs of your potential client, therefore when you return with a proposal it will most probably not be converted to a sale.

Presentation skills

You need to have great presentation skills to influence the buying decision of your prospects. Don’t forget to communicate all the benefits that your products can offer. Also, make sure that your presentation is interesting and engaging so you will not bore your audience.
So on behalf of CSS Group. Happy Selling!

A Smooth Take Off CSS Join Hands With Spatial Group

It has been widely recognised that 10.10.10 was a lucky date in the calendar, but it also became a significant date for The Spatial Group and CSS as the start of their partnership for the movement of cargo between the UAE and the UK.  CSS Air freight division Senior V P,  Ahmed Al Rais and its General Manager, Jacob Isaac  strongly believe that the association of both aggressive agents and focused drive of Airfreight consolidation ex UK with the Spatial Group would bring in long term mutual benefits to the companies and clients.

Wendy Hain, Managing Director of The Spatial Group and T.S. Kaladharan, Chairman of CSS signed the agreement in the CSS Dubai office.The Spatial Group who are celebrating their 30th year in business is owned by John Harvey CBE and Chairman of Keswick Enterprise Ltd. are delighted to be associated with CSS who have just celebrated their 15th year in business.

Wendy Hain commented that Spatial has been associated with the Middle East for 25 years and  looked forward to working with Kala and his team to develop the trade lane between the Gulf and the UK.

Technology – Thinking Beyond

Technology holds the world in its palm, the more it grows the more it spreads.

Nowadays one of the major pillars of any growing organization is its technology wing. The growth, horizontal as well as vertical, entirely depends on its careful establishment. The question is ‘Are you thinking beyond?’ if your answer is ‘yes’ then you’re in a safe position.

There can be three approaches to technology thinking, ‘beyond’, ‘inline’ and ‘behind’. The first one is what the world demands rather require, the second one is also acceptable but the last one is dangerous and compromising. Technology in the 60’s cannot be compared with that of 2010, the same way forward it should be. The Mainframes and personal computers are replaced with palm tops and mobile phones or mobile computing. It never demands you to stop and request but it gives you information on the move through self service.

There are several factors which makes an organization’s IT wing powerful and the first being its effective planning. The infrastructure has to go “in-line” with business processes and serve its customers with rich information as much as possible. The effective execution of the planned technology must happen in a properly controlled and monitored environment.

In order for optimal utilization of technology, people need to properly understand the usage and constraints. For this reason, they need training and they should have the wisdom to think beyond. The potency reaches its maximum automatically when we bind all these together towards a common objective. Technology always requires iteration; Iteration is fundamental as well as inevitable aspect of technology which keeps you in a cyclic process for continuous improvement and enhancement. It does mean that you have to run with technology otherwise you will have to chase technology, the choice is yours.

A company like CSS has never compromised in technology improvement and enhancement. CSS from the initial stage itself recognized the importance of technology and walked alongside. Specific budgeting and investments happened over the years for fulfilling the dream of independence in IT management within the organization. Today we use world class IT management process ISO 9000-2001. The credit goes to its bright management team, who always think beyond.

When music showered…

Stars came down to earth to bestow a feast of music!!

It was truly momentous when the world renowned musicians gathered on one stage for a rare combination of musical fusion, the recent past had ever witnessed in Kerala.

The musical evening was part of a private function organized by the CSS Group Chairman T. S. Kaladharan at his residence, Devas Farm house in Thrikkunnappuzha. The fusion team which consisted of percussion maestro Sivamani enthralled a crowd of around 250 invitees, who came to attend the function. U. Rajesh on Mandolin, Stefan Devassy on Key board, Mattannor Sankarankutty Marar on Chenda, Karunamurthy on Thavil, and Balabhaskar on Violin created a mesmerizing ambiance.

The programme started with renowned singer Naresh Aiyer, singing his favorites from Tamil and Hindi films. Naresh set the stage on fire with his famous Tamil songs, as there were groups in motion with rhythmic steps to accompany his music.  Then the instrumentalists took over the stage for solo performances. The mood reached its zenith when combinations started unfolding. The brisk passages of notes from Stefan supported the combinations with ease and dexterity. U. Rajesh created ripples with his mandolin on a jugalbandhi with Balabhaskar. It was a memorable evening for each and everyone who were present for the function.

ADIPEC 2010 CSS Group Joins GPLN at ADIPEC 2010

ADIPEC 2010, the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference, is set to be the largest show to date with all exhibition space now sold out in a record time.  With 17 percent more space on offer this year, the number of exhibitors has grown to over 1,600.

A number of key industry players have signed up to participate in ADIPEC 2010, from NOCs and IOCs to oilfield service companies offering a variety of innovative technology and services across all sectors of the industry.  Exhibitors will showcase the very latest in exploration & production, processing, refining, storage and transportation. The exhibition and conference will be falling from the 01st to the 04th of November 2010.

This marks the debut participation of CSS Group in ADIPEC with The Global Project Logistics Network (GPLN) at booth #110.  CSS is associated with GPLN, the premier non-exclusive professional projects logistics network of independent companies specializing in international projects movement by air, sea and land as well as specialized lifts and the special handling of oversized, out-of-gauge and heavy lift cargo.

Now in its fourteenth year, ADIPEC 2010 will encompass the whole space of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) with over 31,000sqm of exhibiting space indoors and an extensive new outdoor area for equipment and machinery.

ADIPEC is now the second largest event for the oil and gas industry in the world, the largest outside of America, and the Middle East.

Come Join CSS and GPLN at ADIPEC 2010. For further information, please log on to:

www.cssgroupsite.com
www.gpln.net

Cargo Ball

CSS Group and NAFL(National Association of Freight and Logistics) in association with Arabian Reach to participate in the Cargo Ball charity gala dinner to raise funds for Al Noor Training Centre for children with special needs.

NAFL, founded in 1992 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is born to bring together in one body all major players in the UAE’s Freight Forwarding and Shipping Industry. NAFL strives to ensure UAE’s leading position and Dubai’s pre-eminence in the international freight and transportation fields.

This gesture by NAFL and Arabian Reach which is to be held on October 28th, 2010 in Dubai, UAE is aimed at reaching out something for the disadvantaged and this explains why Al Noor Training Center will be privileged to receive 20% of the profits from this gathering.

Al Noor Training Center for children with special needs has been in existence since 1981 and provides quality and effective training to the special needs community of Dubai. The center supports children with challenges such as Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and Autism. These are addressed through special education methods, physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy. Al Noor also has its own work placement unit, which trains children with an aptitude for open employment.

CSS Group since its inception has continually worked closely with the Al Noor Training Center to raise awareness about children with special needs not only through gala dinners, but also by way of souvenir magazines, directories and advertisements.

Ahmed Al Rais, Sr. VP-Air Freight, CSS Group adds, “The Al Noor Center is one of the oldest special needs facilities in the United Arab Emirates. The dedication of the staff and the management towards its students and their families serve as an endearing example of hard work and determination for each and everyone of us in today’s world. We at CSS admire and thank the members of Al Noor Center and congratulate them on their achievements.”

Onakkazhcha

On Friday September 24th, 2010, Devas Holidays & Travel Services India Pvt. Ltd. a division of CSS Group was honoured to be the associate sponsor of the AKCAF Onakkazhcha 2010 where Padmashree Dr. ONV Kurup the chief guest of the event was felicitated for winning the highest literary award in India, ‘Njaanapeedam (Jnanpith) Award’ for the year 2007 and 2008. Since its inception 11 years ago AKCAF has been one of the largest organizations engaged in various social empowerment activities. Onakkazhcha 2010 was a celebration of the harvest festival, Onam for Keralites worldwide. The day gave a number of surprises for the nonresident Indian community in UAE; the traditional procession competition was one among them. With a variety of Kerala art forms like Theyyam (Popular Hindu Ritual for Worship), Chenda Melam (Kerala Drums), Kavadiyattam (a ritualistic dance form of Kerala), Shinkari Melam, Pulikali (a dance form with Tiger’s costume) etc showcased by the 50 member college alumnus affiliated to AKCAF made up a splendid evening.

Followed by the procession a public meeting was held which was inaugurated by His Excellency Sanjay Verma, Consul General of India in Dubai with other dignitaries Padmashree Dr. ONV Kurup, Saroji, Padma Shri Mattanur Shankaran Kutty Marar and Dr. Roy C J. As a token of sincere gratitude towards the love and affection for one of the greatest Indian poet, AKACF honored him by presenting a Memento and ‘Ponnada’. As part of the AKCAF Onakkazhcha an Athapookkalam (Flower Carpet) competition held on 17th September, the prizes were given away for the winners of these competitions. The evening entertainment was followed by the musical fusion extravaganza led by the renowned percussionist Padmashree Mattanur Shankarankutty Marar, piano wizard Stephen Devassy, violin maestro Balabhaskar and Thavil (barrel shaped percussion instrument) expert Karunamurthy enthralled the audience.

CSS is proud to be a part of this celebration and auspicious occasion of the harvest festival which crossed the borders and entered the life of the Non Resident Indian Community in UAE.

A day in a life or a life in a day

Cock a doodle doo – no sorry, we live in Mumbai and the wake up call is the milkman or the newspaper vendor – with a “ting tong” bell at 6 am and there goes our sleep out of the window and enter the saga that is about to begin. Depending on your age and disease – you start the day – with the most ancient to the most modern form of exercises. Ya ok I know you are a rich man so please do not show off by telling you have a heart disease and that you do not eat sweets after your meals because you made a few millions in the last few years and developed blood sugar in the bargain. And if you are still healthy and have nothing of the above, I am sorry I do not speak to paupers – move on …

Like all good men, you hopefully bathe after your exercise and are ready to take the next step forward. For a moment you feel like you are watching Boss’s day out on NDTV, covering your days schedule but its ok please relax – we will crack jokes later. Some do and some do not – eat breakfast – but all are for sure in a morning rush – the battle to reach office has begun – the cars are out , the buses are packed , the trains overflowing and autos and taxis on full throttle

Time starts –^*( *%^%S***^&%(^&*&**^^#@$*&F^^^^*())MC8776%&( %$^&* – about 2 hours – Time ends – office arrived. Look at the mirror – ouch – who is it? Touch myself – it’s me – thank god!

Welcome to Windows XP – welcome to desktop (oh the exciting picture of the sultry actress) – start Microsoft outlook – send receive – downloading 1 of 176 – “tapak tapak” – issue 1 in inbox – tapak tapak – issue 2 in inbox – tapak tapak tapak – download completes – 37 issues in inbox – 18 spam emails making my nights longer – 111 emails (one ex cricket umpire can be seen jumping) which make some sense and rest can be ignored coz they are from your boss – like the diaper – full of shit and always on your ass.

Time starts – @$%66F**%%&*(BC%^^%^**(S**^%())*&$#@^&* – 8 – 9 – 10 hours – Time ends – pack up – no option – no energy – no reasoning – just take me back – start travel back home – F$^*&^&*()*^&$S^&(*&*(*)(0MCBC %&^*(&(*)*_)* – 2 hours –  reached home.

Parents, wife, children, chores – sleep. And then the dream – that you and me all had – the Alice in wonderland world – the oxygen in the air, the colour of the flowers, the scent of the grass , the touch of the cool wind, the sight of the rainbow, the echoing sound of the waterfall, the flow of energy in your spine – the high of life.

Good night, sweet dreams –
you have a few hours remaining before it is again 6!

The World Is Thinking… Go Green

The cell phone charger that stays plugged in, the DVD player that waits for the occasional playing, the TV that sits on standby all night and the laptop which pretends to sleep … Are these the simple things that need a little attention in your daily life?

According to ‘Chaos Theory’ the flap of a butterfly’s wings here can create a tornado half way across the world…So let us make it a commitment that we do our part.

Now poking into a broader concept: ‘Green Logistics’ ensures a natural way of doing profitable business. Corporate Social Responsibility has gained crucial significance in the business world during these years. Environmental aspects have gained importance as the global companies are now well aware of ‘greening’ their business. Greening in business will add to measurable financial business benefits like reduced cost due to lower energy consumption, green alliances and support from governments by giving rebates and subsidies.

According to recent research by Aberdeen Group more than 50% of companies indicate ‘reducing overall business cost’ as one of the main drivers in pursuing ‘green’ initiatives. The cost and environmental impact of the supply chain can be attributed to two basic areas: Warehousing and Transportation and the latter one in terms of carbon foot-print (a measure of the impact of our activities on environment) accounts for two thirds of supply chain’s overall energy consumption. The conceptual design of the warehouse has to be done with a clear understanding of the interconnections between the transportation and the warehouse. As always, warehouses are busy places where goods are constantly on move, both inbound and outbound. Businesses always focus on maximizing the returns of each dollar spent by focusing on reducing costs whilst increasing the Corporate Social Responsibility efforts. The three ‘R’s of reducing costs which is inline with the environmental focus are Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

In warehousing there are many areas which needs attention where businesses can ‘R’educe consumption whether it is consumption of energy or resources. Packaging is a major attribute of warehousing. By reducing the packaging and also by the use of advance packing materials the weight can be reduced and also it increases efficiency. By reducing the weight we not only save shipping costs but also save energy for the movement of packed materials inside the warehouse. Biodegradable packaging is another advanced method to make sure that customers are not liable for disposing environmentally harmful packing.

‘R’eusing packaging is a traditional method which is followed in most warehouses globally. Pallets, cartons and boxes are examined and reused if appropriate. For certain products the packaging is expensive and each time the manufacturer will lose it once goods are sold out. Increasing the quality can increase the life of the packaging whereby the manufacturers can reuse and reduce the amount spent on packing material.The recent financial turmoil had opened the eyes of many businesses where we are forced to reduce the costs. This created more importance in ‘R’ecycle of many materials in warehouses.

However, despite the investment a company makes in order to improve its Corporate Social Responsibility, the employees need to change their work habits and follow new procedures that combined will help the environment and in turn help the company’s bottom line.

Chairman’s Message

If we think about it, whatever is happening in our lives “Time” plays a pivotal factor.  The concept of time is something we all accept but time doesn’t care about who is successful or who is not. Time gives equal opportunity to all. Our actions, decisions and as a consequence our lives all occupy only a brief space of time. Time is a very strict master. It doesn’t entertain excuses and it always keeps its urgency, with merciless progress.

I am privileged to an extend as I have taken the opportunity to explore my thoughts and beliefs about time and put them into practice. As practicing professionals we need to keep to the fore knowledge of time management. Many times I have heard others complaining about their busy schedule whereas in fact there is nothing actually defined as a busy schedule. One size does not fit all as it is ourselves who decide who or what makes our lives busy or idle. Time management may help you to improve your quality of life, reduce frustration and increase your energy levels.

Our CSS team has always achieved ascendancy by putting into practice definitive time management skills. The upcoming Breakbulk exhibition, to be held in Houston USA during October, will provide an ideal opportunity to demonstrate our expertise in time management. This will be at the forefront, when we are interacting with clients and associates, as it will accentuate our ongoing achievements. It will also ensure that our participation in Breakbulk will be a success and we are looking forward to this.

CSS At Breakbulk Americas Transportation Conference & Exhibition

CSS Group will be showcasing its products and services offered at the 21st Breakbulk Americas Transportation Conference & Exhibition to be held in Houston, Texas from October 12th until October 14th, 2010 at the George R Brown Convention Center.

CSS has previously participated in Breakbulk and Heavy Lift exhibitions in Europe, and Asia. Breakbulk Americas is a great opportunity for CSS to introduce its products and services to the North American market. During the long global recession, there are indications that the breakbulk and project cargo sectors are gathering steam as new contracts are awarded in most infrastructure developments around the world, North America being one of the major markets.

Breakbulk Americas Transportation Conference & Exhibition aims at providing shippers with the opportunity to meet and develop relationships with the leading specialized carriers, forwarders, ports, terminals and packers who have the expertise and resources to handle oversized cargoes with unique handling requirements. The conference includes an agenda in which industry leaders will review emerging markets as well as logistical challenges for breakbulk and heavy-lift shippers, their transportation and supply chain providers.Visit CSS at booth # 120. If you wish to set up an appointment at a specific time and date, kindly contact us by email: infoprojects@cssdubai.com

We look forward to meeting you in Houston!

For further information, please visit: www.cssgroupsite.com

Lucky winner

The CSS Thank-you incentive scheme towards our fellow-forwarders and customers, conceived two years back, has been nothing short of successful. The scheme allows one lucky name out of the scores of business cards that are dropped into the bowls placed at the D/O counter in the Corporate Office and CSLC-1, to be picked up and rewarded with a gift.

The winner picked out and rewarded for the months of July- August 2010 was Abdul Khader – Messenger from First Gulf Shipping L.L.C., Dubai, UAE who walked away with Gift vouchers sponsored by Lulu, presented by Amith Surya Horra, Marketing Manager, CSS Group.

Creating New Ideas And Initiatives

Business Development is among the foremost concerns of any organization; it typically involves nurturing a business and its elements through change. As change is constant, Business Development expertise is required to adapt to the changing market scenarios, expand existing business and its mode of operations or venture in an untapped market.

Rakesh Menon, Senior General Manager – Business Development has recently taken over operations at CSS Logistics as Senior General Manager. Affirmative to take the business forward, Rakesh says, he has always been upbeat about creating new ideas and initiatives by adopting a team approach in pursuing common organizational goals. He sternly believes that Business Development is an on-going process and an organization aiming to withstand competitors never stops engaging in business development.

For any business to grow there is a continuous need to formulate strategies based on business performance and goals, and to achieve the desired goals a proper planning process is required. Planning mainly involves market intelligence and making use of the readily available resource to seize every given opportunity. Moving further, once the plan is in place an organization needs to ensure the managed implementation of the plan and be flexible to incorporate changes in the process.

Furthermore, Rakesh explains business development techniques and strategies as quintessential when it comes to attracting new customers and penetrating existing markets. Particularly to generate sales, business development expertise may focus on developing strategic-channel relationships with clients and partners to foster mutual trust and growth.

“As a Senior General Manager, much of my attention is devoted to developing and utilizing the business opportunities that are presented to me and my company”, says Rakesh. Rakesh believes in guiding a business through tasks by giving advice and acting as a mentor to provide direction. He adds that CSS is always on a look out for people who can create new concepts, people who can acquire new concepts and take them forward by good management. Market challenges always count on Business Development strategies to outgrow the monotonous and routine jobs and reach new heights by proper planning and efficient execution of the strategic plans along with effective management and financial plans, concludes Rakesh.

An optimistic CSS Kolkata

If you ask about recession or economic crack down to a common man, roaming through the streets of Kolkata, he may ask you back, “What is that?” The entire world has been talking about recession, but many are reluctant to admit that it has hit India. Console Shipping Services, Kolkata may unfold some facts and figures to convince you that business has not become stagnant. CSS Kolkata management and staff takes pride for being considered as one amongst the first three players, in terms of business by the shipping fraternity in their region. A result they achieved only because of hard work and commitment.

Arup Ray, Director- CSS India says that they give priority to start their own warehousing facility in the near future to bring in total solution for servicing their clients. Kolkata is a region where the CSS Management eagerly looks at in this regard. Presently CSS India from its operational base in Kolkata caters to the need of the entire West Bengal region, Orissa, Tripura and Assam. They extend their servicing to the neighboring countries of Nepal and Bhutan as well. “The only way to penetrate the interiors and some remote locations in the North Eastern region is to have a strong and efficient transportation network. Concur service is available in some parts but it only depends upon the load factor and it cannot guarantee timely service” Arup Ray adds. There is a rise of 5 to 7 % in the cargo movement in Kolkata. The timely intervention by the government authorities and the port ensures a steady growth of cargo movement.

For the Kolkata Port management, tariff flexibility was not the only strategy. It worked towards attracting new types of cargo that would also give a boost to the economy of its hinterland. For instance, it found out that West Bengal had an annual surplus of 2.5 million tons of vegetables and flowers, and they were routed for export to Singapore, Far East, Middle East and European markets which would otherwise had gone to waste or be sold in the domestic market at a negligible price. Another such move was to create special linkages with ports in Chittagong and Narayanganj in Bangladesh. Those were all aggressive measures to attract more cargo for the Kolkata port system and are certain to improve its performance. CSS Kolkata is optimistic and has taken a strong measure to tackle the greater opportunities lying ahead. They have well trained professionals to fulfill this. Hence there is nothing called looking back for Arup and his team in Kolkata.