Global Excellence Awards 2024 www.acquisition-international.com • 2024 Global Excellence Awards
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Contents 6 Logix BPO Ltd: Cost-Effective Process Outsourcing for Discerning Businesses 7 HealthyHome: A Healthier Home, a Happier You 8 Reconomy: Think Circular with Reconomy 9 People Group Services: Protecting People with Powerful Payroll Solutions 10 Utopia Plastix: Seamless, Plant-Based Plastic Alternatives 11 ONE swiss bank: Switzerland’s Best Private Bank 12 Huatan: A Different Kind of Green 14 CallTower: Advanced Enterprise Communication Solutions 15 Recruitment Entrepreneur: Empowering Recruitment Leaders 16 Bench Walk Advisors: Legal Capital Solutions as Innovative as they are Straightforward 17 Beyond Medical Group: Transformative Healthcare Experiences 18 AWAP AM: Pioneering the Field of Wealth Management 19 IQMS Australasia: Cloud-Based Management Systems Designed to Inspire and Empower 20 Build-A-Bear Workshop: The Global Face of Custom Teddy Bears 21 Paradigm Family Law LLP: An Interview with Paradigm Family Law Senior Partner Frank Arndt 22 Skyvera: Get Your Head in the Cloud 23 Chicago Yacht Works: Keeping Chicago Boating 24 VOZIQ AI: Accelerating Subscription Business Growth With AI 26 Voyager Labs: Make the Invisible Visible: AI-Based Investigation Solutions 28 Camanio AB: Innovation for the Vulnerable Individual 29 Groove Science Studios: Pushing the Boundaries of the Musical Metaverse 30 Resecurity: Securing Digital Identities Across the Globe 32 Mari Vasan Consulting: Reboot, Upgrade, and Reignite with Mari Vasan Coaching 33 Zapproach Ltd: Accelerating Digitalization and Solving SMEs Pain Points 34 Chameleon Strategic Management Limited: The Art of Change with Chameleon Strategic Management 35 Consulting Skill Ltd: Driving Business Transformations with Essential Consulting Skills 36 Climaconvenienza. it: Top-Quality Products and an Even Better Service 37 London Academy of Trading: Enhance Your Life with LAT’s Top-Tier Trading Talent
38 CoinsPaid: Crypto Payment Solutions Designed to Cash-in 40 Stage2Data Inc: Leading Cloud Solutions 41 Alter Equity: The Finest French Impact Investment Managers 42 NXT:FWD: Stay Connected Your Way 44 Occams Advisory: Transformation Advisory Services 45 Echelon Health: Transforming Health Outcomes for All 46 BI4ALL: Revolutionising Data Transformation 47 Trust Premier: Property Professionals You Can Trust 48 Boutique Whitening: Superior Teeth Whitening at an Affordable Price 49 Black Book Market Research LLC: Rewriting the Market Research Narrative 50 Green Motion International: The Future World Leaders of Eco Car Rental 51 Gensis Fund Services Limited: The Genesis of Funding 52 Future Africa Consulting: The Heart of Tech Evolution 54 Path Forward Consulting: Ensuring Sustainability of Organisational Talent 55 Merlin Investor: Innovative WealthTech Solutions for Retail Investment Platforms 56 Fidello Inc: Human Performance Experts Pioneering the Industry 57 Gearco: Tremendous Property Management Solutions Specialising in Long-Term Stays 58 EXtrance, Inc: Making a Grand ‘EXtrance’ in Investment Management 60 Upstream Works Software: Transforming the Connected Customer Experience 61 Prestige Architects: Elegant Architecture with a Personal Touch 62 OnShore Technology Group, Inc: Mastering Lean Validation Testing Through AI/ML 63 Emagia: Trend-setting Enterprise AI For Faster and Bolder Finance Operations 65 Lombard International Group: Wealth Planning Solutions That Matter 66 London Academy of Trading: Trading for Everyone 67 DXCorr Design Inc: The World’s Best Embedded Physical IP 68 Musiio by SoundCloud: Descriptive Artificial Intelligence for Music 69 The Birtenshaw Group: Transforming Lives Through Enriching Education 70 Aristotle Performance: “The Psychological Safety Architects: Aristotle Performance’s Path to Industry Leadership” 72 Joseph Rowe Attorneys-at-Law: Putting the ‘Real’ in ‘Real Estate Law’ 73 More for Less Remodeling: More Quality for Less Headaches 74 DITTEL Engineering GmbH: The Ultimate Partner For Your Cleanroom 76 Lightcast.com: Casting a Light on Successful Streaming 78 Just Lite Productions: Elevate Your Productions with Just Lite 79 Dunton: Restoring Your Land and Protecting Our Planet 80 HCLSoftware: Global AI and Automation Excellence from India’s Finest Software Company 82 CELLER8: Taking the Guesswork Out of PEMF Therapy 83 Angela Hamlin Health Care Professionals: Care That Comes From Within 84 TCW: More Than Just a Software Company 85 Shajani CPA: Building Businesses and Empowering Enterprises 86 CFAL: Helping You Meet Your Financial Goals 87 Woodsafe Timber Protection AB: Safer Wood, Safer Living 88 Gloria Hermsdorf Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH: Proudly at the Forefront of International Business Law 90 Retailatam Business Solutions: Revolutionising the Retail Industry 91 Sterling Global Financial Limited: Asset Stewardship Taken Seriously 92 Tactical Rehabilitation Inc: Honour and Heart 93 TOCA Events: Events that Engage, Celebrate, and Inspire 94 Mul & Co: The Tax Law Firm Unlike Any Other 95 Asamura IP: Rich in History and Values 96 Transforming Corporate Travel with ehotel®: A Global Shift in Efficiency and Innovation 98 McDonald Legal: Your Ongoing Legal Companion
6 | Acquisition International, 2024 Global Excellence Awards 6 | Acquisition International, Issue 12 2024 Cost-Effective Process Outsourcing for Discerning Businesses A smart business processing outsourcing company based in the Philippines, Logix BPO Ltd helps client businesses to accelerate their operations by utilising its intelligent remote team capabilities. Having picked up a multitude of awards over the years, including being named as a Great Place to Work, this company’s expert solutions demonstrably help cut client employment costs, sometimes by as much as 70%, as well as save up to 80% on operational costs. Named as the Best Smart Business Process Outsourcing Company 2024 - APAC, we explore Logix BPO in more detail below. Contact: Chris Mackintosh Company: Logix BPO Ltd Web Address: https://logixbpo.com/ Delivering a range of full-scale recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) and business process outsourcing (BPO) solutions, Logix BPO delivers its services in such a way that they are expertly tailored to the needs and objectives of every client business. From recruitment and sourcing staff through to web developers, content creators, and customer service/sales agents, the company’s team is comprised of highly skilled talent, with these individuals going above and beyond to deliver excellence and align seamlessly with a client’s brand. Available to hire on a full-time basis, with no lock-in contracts necessary, the dedicated virtual assistants based at the company’s Philippines office work either in-house or remotely, but always according to the schedule of a client’s team, regardless of their time zone. This helps streamline an operation considerably, and makes this outsourced expert feel like a true member of the team. With the cost of hiring remote specialists starting at just $7 per hour, businesses can achieve significant savings on employee costs. Thus, as Logix BPO demonstrates, the world of RPO and BPO is about much more than just slashing costs, it is about elevating a business to that next level in a way that is sustainable and scalable. The marketplace has picked up considerable speed over the past few years as a result, and there are today a number of businesses offering similar services to Logix BPO. What truly sets this company apart is that it remains wholly dedicated to nurturing a supportive internal culture, which translates to equal client success. Every member of this team is sourced from the Philippines’ rich talent pool, which is particularly strong in Logix BPO’s home of Cebu City. With more than two dozen leading universities and colleges lining this region, it should come as no surprise that every member of the company’s team speaks English fluently and is highly talented in their specific area of expertise. Interviews can also be set up and staff have profiles outlining their knowledge, both of which can be accessed as part of a no-obligation discovery process. Such excellence is not only found across these outsourced experts, as Logix BPO’s leadership team also exemplifies these high standards. Comprised of CEO Anthony Godley, COO Chris Mackintosh, Finance Director Jennie Perez, and Performance Director Winlove Tabamo, this quartet are responsible for carving out the company’s frontrunner position in this competitive landscape. It was Anthony who first pondered how to provide the best solution at the best price, and this ongoing question remains at the heart of Logix BPO to this day. Although this commitment may have remained steadfast since the business opened its doors in 2019, Logix BPO’s distinction is on display further through both its keenness and ability to adapt and embrace change. This has resulted in a rapid increase of the company’s capacities over the past five years, driven by the centres it has opened in other markets, such as Africa, and India. On the back of such growth, this team are capable of serving clients across key target markets, such as the US, UK, and Australia. Continuous growth is evident not only within the company but also in the development opportunities provided to individual team members. One example of this is Logix BPO’s Results & Performance Programme, which sees members of its team provided with training and skills enhancement on an ongoing basis. This also lends itself to the aforementioned Great Place to Work certification that the company achieved in 2023, one of the many awards it has been recognised with over the past two years alone. Adding to the highly acclaimed nature of Logix BPO Ltd by championing it as the Best Smart Business Process Outsourcing Company 2024 - APAC, this company demonstrates everything that is great about BPO and RPO, offering the best of both worlds for its internal experts and its clients alike.
Issue 7 2023, Acquisition International | 13 A Healthier Home, a Happier You perating according to its core values of simplicity, transparency, and integrity, as well as a drive to truly empower and make the world a better place thanks to its revolutionary wellness supplements and gels, HealthyHome is seeking to change the world – one household at a time. This commitment is best seen through StemActive, the company’s flagship product. Available in either supplement or gel form, StemActive works by increasing the number of natural stem cells found in the body, unlocking optimal wellness in the process. At any one time, there are approximately 12,000,000 stem cells circulating the body, with these helping to repair injury or simply improve the function of organs and systems. These cells support the natural renewal process of the body, making ‘stocking up’ on them incredibly beneficial for those seeking to maximise their long-term health. Containing such key ingredients as the natural extract AC-11 and Madagascan Aloe Macroclada, StemActive is as natural as the very stem cells it supports. Vegan and free from gluten, dairy, and nuts, StemActive is also proven to help with anti-aging, as the natural aging process is one of a number of factors impacting how many fully functional stem cells the body produces under its own steam. A spokesperson for the brand tells us: “StemActive has been instrumental in transforming lives and continues to receive incredible feedback. It was the first product launched during HealthyHome’s prelaunch phase, and it represents the innovation and natural healing that our brand stands for.” Not only is HealthyHome’s distinction felt across its product range, but it is also seen through the balance struck between its field and corporate teams, which work in unison to help the company achieve its aims. A simple and direct approach is then taken when it comes to sales, with the teams here really focusing on community. This is a breath of fresh air in a setting where many of its competitors are moving away from network marketing, and it sees HealthyHome build lasting, valued relationships with everybody. “While many businesses in our industry are shifting away from traditional network marketing models, HealthyHome embraces the value of personal connections and the simplicity of word-of-mouth marketing. We recognise the power of modern business approaches but remain committed to the irreplaceable value of passion and personal advocacy. ” HealthyHome is just as passionate about its members, all of whom it strives to serve as a true partner to. Functioning as one big family, the company’s field members have their personal wellbeing prioritised, with the wider business acting with integrity, kindness, and transparency towards them all. The company even hosted a recent incentive trip to the Mediterranean for those who supported it in its early days, individuals who are already reaping the benefits of sharing the HealthyHome products and message. Having come a long way since starting out, HealthyHome is proud to today be at the forefront of innovation in this space, something achieved thank to its close collaborations with fellow industry experts. As a result, the brand is able to provide wellness products like no others on the market. Such a unique proposition both empowers its members and deeply resonates with customers seeking to improve their own wellbeing and nurture a healthy family, including their pets, who are also afforded their own StemActive product. As for the future of the business, continuing to provide breakthrough products of this nature remains the top priority for the next five years, and HealthyHome has a range of new and exciting items in its pipeline that reflect this long-term vision. “Experts are now seeking us out with their high-impact wellness products,” we are told, “showing that HealthyHome is becoming an attractive partner in the industry.” Championed as the Most Innovative Natural Anti-Aging Supplements Company 2024 - Utah, HealthyHome is today a pioneer in stem cell research, and products such as StemActive offer increased stem cell production in an entirely natural way. This is just the beginning for this acclaimed brand, and we wish it all the best for 2025 and beyond. Contact: Steve Perkins Company: HealthyHome Web Address: https://healthyhome.com/ For Utah’s HealthyHome, health starts in our first and forever home – our bodies. In today’s non-stop world, ensuring that everyone in a household remains healthy and safe from toxins is not always easy, and this is where HealthyHome comes in. Named as the Most Innovative Natural Anti-Aging Supplements Company 2024 - Utah, it is the mission of the company to promote improved lifestyles across generations, leading to healthier homes, more robust communities, and a positive impact on global health. O
8 | Acquisition International, 2024 Global Excellence Awards Issue 12 2024, Acquisition International | 11 omnichannel, end-to-end returns management and logistics solutions for companies. As for those receiving these solutions, they are some of the world’s largest brands across a host of sectors. Since it operates in more than 80 countries, Reconomy’s distinction lies in its ability to offer solutions with global benefits and scale, underpinned by the local expertise of the individual, specialised brands it is responsible for. This is seen through its recently launched textiles EPR solution; an international, tech-enabled offering helping businesses comply with ERP regulations, this product benefits organisations by enabling them to accurately track and report the lifecycles of their textiles, from point of sale through to disposal. This is just the tip of the iceberg, and within the three aforementioned loops, Reconomy and its brands have recently carried out projects for such industry-leading names as Balfour Betty, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, McDonalds, and HP Latin America, to name just a few. These projects all represent the company’s high standards, driving a global impact whilst also hitting key compliance, sustainability, waste management, and recycling targets. As a result of companies like Reconomy, as well as a global increase in the championing of sustainable causes and a wider awareness about climate change, the industry around the business is continuing to grow. This is a great thing for the future of our planet, and it has allowed Reconomy to capitalise on this increased interest from businesses from across the world, affording them leading services and solutions to make traversing this ever-changing regulatory landscape as simple as possible. In order to succeed in this goal, Reconomy is spending the next few years investing heavily in technology, such as the cloud and AI. Between 2023 and 2026, the company is hoping to put upwards of £30m into digitising its operations, streamlining brand engagement, and working towards long-term risk management resilience. Having last year opened up RecoTek, its new technology hub and scaling centre in Romania, this commitment to accelerating development, improving continuously, and eradicating unnecessary cost remains clear. Against this backdrop of state-of-the-art technology, Reconomy’s commitment to sustainable means remains clear and central to its fostering of the circular economy model across as many businesses and industries as possible. The company’s sustainable initiatives are reflected across its EcoValdis Gold certification, as well as the approval it recently received from the Science Based Targets Initiative, this on the back of it having reduced its full-scope carbon intensity by just a fraction under 50%. Having already cemented its legacy as a beacon of trust and excellence when it comes to the global circular economy, Reconomy is a company that remains one step ahead of the curve, making it a worthy recipient of this title and a particularly bright spot in this programme. Company: Reconomy Contact: [email protected] Telephone: 0800 988 5618 Web address: https://www.reconomy.com/ Think Circular with Reconomy Driven by its vision of a more sustainable world where the circular approach reigns supreme in business environments, Reconomy strives to advance existing circular models by prioritising reusing, recycling, and redesigning across industry processes. These elements comprise the heart of Reconomy and are seen through the Reconomy Promise, which revolves around the four cornerstones of colleagues, customers, community, and the environment. On the back of this, the company today operates in more than 80 countries. Boasting more than 4,000 employees and 22,000 customers, Reconomy is already a leader in this space, and is continuing on its rapid growth trajectory. Delivering revenue in excess of more than £1.2bn last year, up considerably from the more than £490m it achieved in 2020, these results have been attained thanks to a robust acquisition strategy. Having completed four acquisitions this year alone – two of which have seen it enter into North America for the first time – this is a business continuing to build its global empire. Even as it goes from strength to strength, Reconomy remains organised around three what it calls ‘loops’ – Recycle, Comply, and Re-use. Recycle focuses on technology development, data, and expertise to help organisations reach zero waste; Comply is centred around seeing businesses through complex regulations; and Re-use delivers a series of Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Reconomy is an international specialist when it comes to the circular economy model. Empowering businesses by providing them with the means to improve their circularity, reduce waste, maximise resources and cut costs, all whilst repurposing materials, this is a business at the forefront of tackling global sustainability challenges, as well as accelerating growth and creating value across supply chains. For this, its team have been named as the Best International Circular Economy Specialists 2024.
10 | Acquisition International, Issue 12 2024 Past and present contractors have left countless positive testimonials speaking of the company’s efficacy and support. “I was new to supply work, and apprehensive about the process,” says Helen. “People Group Services have made the process so easy. An excellent company offering a very comprehensive service.” What’s more, People Group Services also offers a variety of services designed to help recruitment agencies with managing their contractors effectively and ensuring best practices across their operations. The company offers full payroll solutions, including handling deductions and providing timely payments, compliance and onboarding services, full PAYE employment, an outsourced employment and payroll solution with full contractor benefits, dedicated support for agencies, and free consultation services that review business and payroll processes with recommendations for optimising efficiencies and ensuring compliance. Create Education, a client of People Group Services, says of the company’s agency-focused offerings, “The partnership between Create Education and People Group Services has been invaluable, especially in terms of customer service and outsourced payroll delivery. Their team consistently provides exceptional support, addressing our needs promptly and accurately. This collaboration ensures seamless payroll processing, allowing us to focus on core business activities. People Group Services’ expertise and dedication have greatly enhanced our operations, making them an indispensable partner. We highly recommend their services to any business seeking reliable and efficient payroll solutions.” Since 2007, People Group Services has been dedicated to delivering toptier payroll solutions aimed at optimising efficiency, streamlining processes, and supporting both agencies and contractors across industries. The company has displayed a steadfast commitment to becoming the trusted provider of payroll services and setting new standards for payroll and staffing, an effort that has led People Group Services to gain recognition as the Best Contractor Staffing and Payroll Specialists 2024 – UK. Contact: Samantha Harvey Web Address: https://peoplegroupservices.com/ Oct24285 Protecting People with Powerful Payroll Solutions ocated in Warminster, People Group Services prides itself on being the safe, simple, and rewarding payroll solution for contingent workers. A renowned family-run business, People Group Services has established a solid reputation for providing compliant payroll services that truly benefit the recruitment agencies and contractors it services. The company was founded in 2007 by Terry Hillier, following an illustrious career in the financial sector with a specialty in sales and management. Terry recognised a need in the market for compliant payroll solutions aimed at supply teachers struggling to navigate the complex legislation and as a result, People Group Services was born, though under the name of RACS Group. For 17 years, Terry has led the company to excellence, driving its significant growth and establishing it as a key player in the realm of compliant payroll services. In 2017, the company was rebranded to People Group Services to mark a new chapter as it continued to grow and evolve. Today, People Group Services remains committed to delivering the very best payroll solutions, alongside exceptional customer service, legislative expertise and guidance, and a dedication to meeting the varying needs of its contractors and recruitment agencies. People Group Services offer a range of services aimed at both agencies and contractors, designed to streamline and support staffing and payroll processes. As trusted payroll providers, the company works alongside its contractors to register them on the most suitable product and enable them to easily manage their account through its dedicated contractor portal. Through People Group Services, contractors have direct access to their payments, complete with exclusive discounts and rewards via the My Wallet points-based platform. Each of People Group Services’ offerings cater to the different needs and employment situations of its contractors, enabling them to better manage their financial and compliance responsibilities. The People Umbrella is an umbrella payroll service for contractors employed under People Umbrella, offering automatic tax deductions, pension contributions, holiday pay, and access to My Wallet. The company’s Professional Employment Organisation model offers contractors full PAYE with benefits and no accompanying fee, alongside total transparency, simple payslips, and complete compliance. Its Construction Industry Scheme is designed for selfemployed construction workers, with People Group Services handling all administration, invoicing payments, and ensuring compliance with HMRC guidelines. People Group Services is a leading staffing and payroll specialist on a mission to deliver the very best contractor experience. From sourcing and on-boarding to payroll and benefits, People Group Services aims to simplify and streamline the process, making for a more efficient and happier workforce. As the company is named in the 2024 Global Excellence Awards, we take a closer look at People Group Services’ standout offerings. L “ Excellent service – really professional and helpful team, very helpful and quick to respond to any enquiries and requests,” writes Matthew. “I would most certainly highly recommend and use People Group Services again and again! ”
10 | Acquisition International, 2024 Global Excellence Awards Issue 12 2024, Acquisition International | 7 Seamless, Plant-Based Plastic Alternatives n entrepreneur and inventor with more than 25 years’ worth of experience in the field of establishing and running businesses across the US, Sharina Perry is an innovator, a strategist, and, above all, an unconventional thinker. It is on the back of these qualities that Sharina founded Utopia Plastix, an endeavour serving as the culmination of a decision to study plant material following her nephew’s NF2 diagnosis. Learning that certain plants could shrink tumours, Sharina first developed a line of plant-based health and wellness products. This was just the beginning, as Sharina had also discovered that a handful of the crops she was working with could be fashioned into impactful alternatives to the likes of wood, cotton, and even petrol. A spur-of-themoment decision to make a plant-based straw in her own home then paved the way for a similar approach to plastics. Sharina initially carried out third-party testing on the straws, before hiring a team of industry leaders in the polymer science sphere to help develop Utopia Plastix into the successful enterprise it is today. Serving as a truly sustainable alternative to plastic, the manufacturing process of Utopia Plastix’s products sees no chemical processing methods used, and, unlike with much of the competition, there is no extraction or molecular engineering of plant components used in resin production, which is provided in the either pellet or powder form. From this resin, more than 200 different products have been made with a variety of applications, from blown film and injection moulding to thermoforming, extrusion, and many more. Utopia Plastix’s commercial-grade resin is sourced from lowmaintenance, USDA-approved regenerative crops, with these able to be cultivated twice per year. From here, the resins are manufactured in FDA-compliant, ISO-certified facilities, before being integrated into the existing manufacturing processes of client operations without alterations being required to either tools or equipment. This positions Utopia Plastix as a leading provider with a convenient solution – one that is slowly but surely pioneering an industry-wide shift. With these game-changing abilities in tow, Sharina also serves as the visionary behind the Utopia Model, a sustainable ecosystem business model that she devised and delivers across industry. A number of Utopia Model companies have arisen as a result of this, and, as Sharina herself explains it, “they drive and control our vertically integrated supply chain.” She adds: “Our model includes farming, processing, manufacturing, and distribution”, highlighting an entire business model driven by something much greater than just profit. “We intentionally developed Utopia Plastix to be a solution. We are committed to not creating problems as we solve them. ” Because Sharina is an expert when it comes to sustainable strategies and circular economics, she recognises the issue of plastic waste cannot be solved with a one-size-fits-all approach. For example, even as better alternatives are produced, it remains vital to assess the impact on the environment had by the source material that these products stem from. Beyond this, it is imperative for corporations to take ownership and responsibility when it comes to the roles they play in impacting health and wellness across manufacturing and distribution processes. For Sharina, it is equally important that these corporations commit to holistic sustainability – rather than just doing so in their products – and to do so through policies which make sense. Investing in infrastructure is essential in realising this aim, especially when it comes to the likes of recycling and using alternative materials, and it is just as important for customers themselves to assess their consumption habits, rather than simply viewing sustainability as an issue for governments and businesses to tackle alone. It is with these key points in mind that Utopia Plastix has sustainable expansion on the cards as it looks towards the future. Leveraging the aforementioned Utopia Model – which prioritises driving impact in the areas of the environment, society, and the economy – the company seeks to open processing facilities throughout the US as its operation continues to scale. Ultimately, this means it will be able to continue to meet the demands of its discerning customers who are keen to focus on something much bigger than themselves. Contact: Sharina Perry Company: Utopia Plastix Web Address: https://utopiaplastix.com/ Because the development of plant-based compounds is increasingly becoming a vital component of the everevolving climate science industry, Utopia Plastix, established in 2018 by seasoned entrepreneur Sharina Perry, is creating and manufacturing a range of plant-based plastic alternatives that offer many benefits for businesses and also align with global sustainability initiatives. Named as the Best Plant-Based Plastic Alternative Manufacturer 2024 - Southern USA, we explore more about this minority-owned company and Sharina herself below. A
Issue 4 2024, Acquisition International | 7 ONE swiss bank: Switzerland’s Best Private Bank ith roots that date back to 1964, ONE swiss bank is the result of a series of successful mergers of separate entities that have been united by a strong desire to bring added value to the wealth management industry and develop a modern private banking model. The bank’s name, ONE, symbolises the union of the entities that have come together. Today, it has 84 employees across offices in Geneva, Lugano, and Zurich in Switzerland as well as a subsidiary in Dubai. Serving a broad range of clients, ONE swiss bank understands that every customer has their own needs and expectations. For this reason, it works hard to design bespoke, sustainable solutions, leveraging its long history in wealth and asset management as well as its strong entrepreneurial spirit. Proud of its Swiss roots, ONE swiss bank values excellence and reliability, which guide its business activities and interactions with clients. It does not take clients’ trust for granted, managing their assets with the utmost care and respect. When it comes to asset management, ONE swiss bank has consistently demonstrated its ability to provide efficient and appropriate solutions. It has managed assets for prestigious clients like state pension funds, international organisations, and worldwide corporate leaders. By providing systematic and quantitative management services, the company drives clients’ long-term growth while mitigating the downside risks linked to market volatility. Since 2016, ONE swiss bank has completed a series of external growth operations, increasing its assets under management (AuM) by a factor of almost 13. Now, they are worth over five billion Swiss francs, spread over three business lines: Wealth Management, Asset Management, and Asset Services. The bank’s team have achieved this without setting a specific target, instead maintaining an opportunistic attitude and relying on their strong expertise in mergers and acquisitions. Operating in a competitive field, ONE swiss bank stands out for many reasons. Firstly, it boasts a dedicated team of investment experts with a solid asset management track record, a passion for mathematics and science, and a wealth of expertise and experience in quantitative risk management. Secondly, being a boutique-size firm, the company’s clients benefit from short decision-making paths, personalised services, and a small, resilient team who are prepared to overcome challenges. Finally, ONE swiss bank is unique for its unparalleled agility, devising solutions to grow clients’ wealth and embrace new technologies. In everything it does, ONE swiss bank aims to embody its philosophy, which is ‘sincerely committed’. Firstly, the company is sincerely committed to its clients, fostering mutual trust and respect with them in all interactions and delivering financial solutions that meet their varied needs. Secondly, ONE swiss bank is sincerely committed to its employees, aiming to offer them a fulfilling and empowering professional environment with a good work-life balance. To this end, it empowers them with the flexibility and trust to organise their own working time in a responsible and entrepreneurial way. Moreover, ONE swiss bank is sincerely committed to its suppliers, doing business with them in a respectful way. Finally, the bank is sincerely committed to society, which it demonstrates by operating sustainably, caring for all stakeholders, and working to have a minimal impact on the planet. For its impressive growth and innovation, ONE swiss bank has been named Best Private Bank, Switzerland, in the Global Excellence Awards 2024. Considering its success over the last six decades, there is no doubt that the organisation looks towards a bright future. We are pleased to congratulate the ONE swiss bank team on their success in this awards programme and wish them the best of luck in the years to come. Contact: Julien Delécraz, Head of Marketing & Communication Company: ONE swiss bank Web Address: www.oneswissbank.com Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, ONE swiss bank is a private bank offering asset and wealth management services to private, professional, and institutional clients. Here, we explore its work in the wake of its success in winning Best Private Bank, Switzerland, in the Global Excellence Awards 2024. W
12 | Acquisition International, 2024 Global Excellence Awards 8 | Acquisition International, Issue 12 2024 Huatan: A Different Kind of Green ith locations in Mexico and the USA, Huatan is an international firm that utilises cutting-edge technology in the fields of design, architecture, and landscaping to care for and conserve sustainable green spaces. Since its inception, the company has worked tirelessly to generate wellbeing through creating, rehabilitating, and maintaining unique spaces that foster a deep connection with nature. Driven by Daniel Gómez-Bilbao’s unwavering dedication to the environment, Huatan strives to transform the mundane into the magnificent. Whether it is your home or your business, Huatan will enhance your environment by installing a piece of natural paradise into your space and taking you on a multisensory journey that expands your senses. “Everything we do is out of love for nature and to contribute to a greener life – not just any green, but a different green, a Huatan green,” Daniel tells us. “We are one of the most important companies in environmentalism, design, care, and conservation of green spaces, giving us the potential to impact thousands, or even millions, of people in Mexico and around the world. Therefore, our passion is to surprise, captivate, and inspire with every technologically designed space, with every metre planted, and with every creative, sustainable, and perfectly preserved project. Huatan is a different kind of green.” In a competitive industry, Huatan stands out for its vast experience and deep reverence for nature and sustainability. Employing more than 700 professionals, including architects, landscapers, designers, agronomists, and biologists, Huatan boasts a robust team of green experts with more than three decades of industry experience in Mexico. Each member of the team shares Huatan’s dedication to the environment and strive to deliver nothing less than excellence for the company. Huatan’s commitment to its environmental responsibility is not merely limited to its services; sustainability permeates every aspect of the company’s operations. Possessing a fleet of vehicles used for transporting and collecting debris and organic waste, Huatan returns more than 80% of its waste to the earth through composting and actively uses treated water from industries to conserve water wastage. What’s more, Huatan produces more than one million plants of various species each year, growing them in its own nursery that spans over eight hectares. With 25% of these plans meeting the necessary characteristics for export, Huatan is the first company to have successfully exported live Mexican plants into the United States. “At Huatan, we believe in nature as a life transformer,” says Daniel. “That is the root of our own nature. It inspires us to know that what we do every day is give life to life, which is why we have a very green conscience.” Huatan is more than just a traditional landscape architecture firm; Huatan goes above and beyond in each project it undertakes, combining an interdisciplinary team to design each garden and green space with both an aesthetic and functional technological perspective. Every design completed by Huatan has been born from a combination of the best minds in the field, including architects, industrial designers, agronomists, biologists, and gardeners with generations of knowledge for the land. To Huatan, landscape architecture is much more than the design and creation of a space, but also its ongoing maintenance, as it is a living space. In alignment with this belief, the company offers an exclusive conservation and maintenance programme geared towards green spaces. Huatan maintains the harmony of every garden, restaurant, and shopping plaza it transforms, deploying specialised gardeners and cutting-edge technology to ensure that every garden, space, and commercial green area it has developed remains vibrant and thriving. “This is how, at Huatan, we take great pride in contributing to landscaping in Mexico,” Daniel says. “Our passion is to surprise, captivate, and inspire with each technologically crafted garden and green area, igniting emotions and awakening the senses by creating captivating environments.” One of Huatan’s largest contributions to landscaping in Mexico is certainly its flagship store, Casa Huatan. The store offers a wide variety of plans and related products, including pots, toys, books, urban gardens, decorative accessories, and tools. Not only that, but Casa Huatan also features a cosy café serving the brand’s own coffee, providing visitors with a relaxing atmosphere to unwind after a day of garden shopping. This space enables Huatan to directly connect with its community and promote environmental sustainability, whilst representing the very essence of all that Huatan stands for. Moving forward, Daniel tells us that Huatan is poised to grow and expand its operations across the United States. “Huatan has firmly established its operations in Texas, with a strong presence in Houston and Central Texas,” she says. “We specialise in large-scale projects for production homes, community development, and multi-family properties, partnering with leading companies in the U.S., whilst also offering comprehensive maintenance services for commercial and residential properties. As we continue to grow, we are planning future expansions, bringing our expertise and integrated services to new markets across the country.” With ambitious plans for future growth, it is certain that Huatan will continue to achieve excellence through its operations. The company’s recent acquisition of Huatan Gardens, its in-house nursery in USA, allows Huatan to streamline its operations and provide quality plants, which in turn ensures cost efficiency and flexibility for all clients. This has been duly noted by clients of Huatan, who have left numerous fivestar reviews for the company’s efficiency, professionalism, and care. “Huatan’s commitment to excellence in creating and maintaining sustainable green spaces is truly commendable,” writes Sky. “The team’s expertise and passion shine through in every project, whether it’s residential, commercial, public, or industrial. The attention to detail and level of care Huatan brings to its work is remarkable.” “From start to finish, the team was professional, attentive, and skilled,” reports Artin. “They took the time to understand my vision, offered valuable suggestions, and turned my outdoor space into a stunning masterpiece.” Founded in 2006, Huatan was born from Daniel Gómez-Bilbao’s creative vision and passion for nature. An innovative entrepreneur recognised as one of the industry’s leading landscapers, Daniel has successfully established Huatan as a key player in the market that has broken many traditional paradigms in the landscaping world. We take a closer look at Huatan below, joined by CEO Daniel Gómez-Bilbao, as the company receives its title in the 2024 Global Excellence Awards. W
Huatan: A Different Kind of Green From its outstanding landscaping services to its diverse and inviting store, Huatan has successfully established itself as a leading figure in the market. The company combines its vast industry expertise, cutting-edge technology, and passionate team to promote sustainability and make the world a greener, better place. It is for its dedication to preserving the planet, paired with its innovative approach to landscaping architecture, that Huatan has been rightfully recognised as the Garden and Green Space Design Company of the Year 2024 – USA and Mexico. Contact: Mariana González Rubalcava Company: Huatan Web Address: https://www.huatan.com.mx/
14 | Acquisition International, 2024 Global Excellence Awards 6 | Acquisition International, Issue 4 2024 Advanced Enterprise Communication Solutions Since its inception in 2002, CallTower has remained dedicated to delivering the world’s most advanced communications with its industry-leading Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS), Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) and Collaboration solutions. Combining the power of global voice with its client-centric approach, the business is passionate about enhanced communication capabilities, helping teams stay connected, productive, and cost-efficient. For its innovative communication solutions, we have honoured CallTower with this year’s award for Most Innovative Enterprise Communications Firm – USA. Contact: Tonya Wheatfall Company: CallTower Web Address: https://calltower.com By leveraging cloud technology, CallTower offers an extensive range of enterprise communications solutions, including voice, messaging, and collaboration tools, integrated into a single platform. It is the business’s mission to help clients effortlessly connect and collaborate anytime on a global scale through any device. Its comprehensive approach allows clients to access a wide array of tools to meet their individual communication needs. CallTower prides itself on its ability to seamlessly integrate its agile solutions with clients’ existing applications and systems. This flexibility allows businesses to elevate their communications without causing disruptions to their current operations. CallTower’s cloud-connected calling enablement allows customers to leverage the power of innovative technology to enhance their communication capabilities worldwide. Businesses can expand their operations across multiple countries without the need for physical infrastructure. With this global reach, clients can easily connect with customers, partners, and employees across the globe easily and cost-effectively. Another benefit of cloud-based technology is simple scalability, which enables businesses to adjust their capability based on their evolving needs. Cloud-connected calling also helps to reduce communication costs by saving on longdistance calls, infrastructure investment, and telephone system maintenance. CallTower Connect is a revolutionary platform which provides users with admin capabilities to personalise and control their CallTower services. The innovative tool serves as an interface for managed service providers and channel partners who wish to resell CallTower’s services. Through its customer management portals and mobile app, customers can integrate telephony systems seamlessly into their existing systems. CallTower Connect includes support for Cisco Webex Calling, native Microsoft Operator Connect, Teams Direct Routing, Zoom Phone, and a range of SIP-enabled UC and contact center platforms, providing a complete solution to all businesses’ telephony needs. William Rubio, CRO at CallTower says, “CallTower has experienced significant growth in its telephony user base, largely by capitalising on the skyrocketing demand for Microsoft Teams Phone enablement. A key element of CallTower’s success is its Connect platform, which enables enterprise customers and partners to scale calling services with speed and agility, regardless of the UC platform they use. For services such as Microsoft Teams, Webex Calling, and Zoom Phone, CallTower offers a variety of pricing plans to meet different needs. These include both per-user/per-month unlimited or metered calling plans, as well as more traditional SIP trunking pricing based on call paths and metered rates. This mix of rate plans allows customers to choose a pricing structure that best fits their requirements.” The CallTower team is dedicated to fully understanding and meeting customers’ requirements with outstanding service and pioneering solutions. Renowned for its excellent customer support, CallTower strives to establish long-lasting relationships in order to provide clients with customised solutions to suit their business needs. Supported by a team of experts, the company delivers consistent reliability and 24-hour support to assist with any questions or concerns. In the rapidly evolving realm of unified communications and collaboration, the integration of AI has significantly transformed communication strategies, improved efficiency, and elevated user experiences. By incorporating AI technologies, CallTower can offer advanced analytics capabilities, helping customers to gain a deeper understanding of their communication data. Through these findings, businesses can optimise their communication strategies and streamline operations. CallTower has also leveraged AI to enhance its customer support with virtual assistants that can provide fast support. This innovative measure aligns with the business’s goal of complete customer satisfaction. CallTower is dedicated to paving the way with AI integration and continuous innovation in order to provide clients with cuttingedge, bespoke, and efficient enterprise communications solutions. Looking to the future, CallTower foresees an industry evolution to meet the growing demands for interconnected communication solutions. The business has anticipated a merging of Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) and Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) which will focus on both user (UX) and customer (CX) experiences. With its holistic approach, CallTower has become a leader in its industry, utilising state-ofthe-art technologies to provide superior communications experiences. CallTower’s global cloud-connected calling enablement empowers businesses to expand globally, enhance their efficiency, and achieve greater operational flexibility. Recognised in AI’s Global Excellence Awards, CallTower is passionate about enabling customers to navigate the evolving landscape of technology with communications solutions that create a seamless user experience.
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