www.acquisition-international.com • Issue 8 2024 Cloud-Based Management Systems Designed to Inspire and Empower Enabling organisations through its suite of pioneering management systems, IQMS Australasia, the company we have recognised as having the Most Innovative Management Systems Consultants 2024 - South Australia, offers a highly refreshing approach when it comes to management solutions. With almost 35 years of industry experience to its name, this business has an undisputed track record when it comes to designing and implementing these stellar systems across a wide range of industries.
No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. Editor’s Letter Welcome to the August edition of Acquisition International magazine, bringing you the latest news, features, and success stories from businesses all over the world. On this month’s front cover, we are pleased to be featuring IQMS Australasia (IQMS), our Most Innovative Management Systems Consultants 2024 – South Australia. IQMS has been working in compliance and management systems for over 25 years for industries such as mining and resources, oil and gas, engineering, and medical. It partners with its clients to develop management systems that not only meet their needs but achieve return on investment. Elsewhere in this issue, we showcase more of our award-winning businesses, operating in industries such as sports entertainment media, divorce and family law, marine sales and storage, AI based customer retention technology, and cancer support services. Each enterprise has proven themselves to be the cream of the crop within their respective sectors and we are delighted to be sharing their stories with you. We hope you enjoy reading this issue and wish you a wonderful month ahead. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon for our September issue. Rebecca Scotland, Editor
Contents 4 News 7 IQMS Australasia: Cloud-Based Management Systems Designed to Inspire and Empower 8 Global MMK GmbH: Best Sports & Entertainment Media Analytics & Consulting Firm 2024 10 Paradigm Family Law LLP: An Interview with Paradigm Family Law Senior Partner Frank Arndt 11 Kingdom of Esther Pte Ltd: Most Dedicated Business Strategist 2024 (Singapore): Winnie LIW 12 Karibu Kenya and Exclusive Ethiopia: Travel Business Leader of the Year 2024 (East Africa): Tamara Britten 13 Chicago Yacht Works: Keeping Chicago Sailing 14 We Build Zaps: Most Innovative Corporate Tech Automation Businesswoman 2024 (USA): Mandy Reed 15 Skyvera: Get Your Head in the Cloud 16 Poe’s Accounting Services: Most Dedicated Accounting & Tax Preparation Businesswoman 2024 (Georgia): Sara Poe 17 McDonald Legal: Your Ongoing Legal Companion 18 VOZIQ AI: Retain Subscribers Like Never Before 20 Build-A-Bear Workshop: The Global Face of Custom Teddy Bears 21 TaxCoach: An Accounting and Tax Partner for Difference Makers 22 Green Earth Movement: Most Dedicated CleanTech CEO 2024 (Canada): Jennifer Look-Hong 23 Al’s Pals: Most Compassionate Cancer Support Services Charity 2024 - UK 13 9 19
NEWS Bluechain announces an open funding round as it enters its next phase of growth After a successful 2023, Bluechain continues to grow, with business users up 220% in 2024 to date, suppliers joining the platform and new exciting partnerships on the horizon London, 23rd July: Bluechain, the EIS certified fintech transforming the payments and receivables process, has capitalised on a strong 2023 with incredible growth in 2024 across users, transaction volume and revenue. Off the back of 2023 and with rapid expansion plans, Bluechain has announced an opening funding round for its next phase of growth. 2023 was a transformative year for Bluechain, with a successful partnership with a multinational financial services corporation to streamline supplier payment processes for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) being a key highlight. The success Bluechain experienced in 2023 is attracting major business and financial institutions who are keen to leverage Bluechain’s capabilities across the end-to-end of business-tobusiness (B2B) payments. The most recent addition to Bluechain’s business network is Sigma Pharmaceuticals, a leading distributor for independent pharmacies in the UK. Bluechain’s partnership with Sigma Pharmaceuticals aims to transform receivables with its customers while providing them with a simpler and more efficient AP process. A win-win for both parties. Dipesh Vaja, Head of Sales at Sigma Pharmaceuticals says: “We are very excited to begin our journey with Bluechain to simplify the way we manage our customer payments, whilst giving our customers the benefit of enjoying rewards. This is a great opportunity for both ourselves and our customers as we also look to benefit from the latest in payment technology. The Bluechain team clearly understands the challenges that businesses face across receivables, which made them stand out as a provider. Their engagement on our feedback and willingness to adapt has been an added bonus.” In H1 of 2024 alone, Bluechain’s users, volume growth and revenue growth have all increased by over 200% in comparison to 2023. This marks a significant milestone in Bluechain’s journey towards connecting more B2B businesses through B2B payments while helping them cut the cost and manual efforts across their receivables and payables processes. Bluechain’s platform, with Request to Pay at its core and a patented security model, helps provide the UK with the springboard it needs to deliver real capability and change to the payments industry, which the UK needs now more than ever following the lack of success from Pay UK’s request to pay offering. Following the growth Bluechain and its ‘Request to Pay’ platform has experienced, Bluechain is keen to accelerate even faster and has announced an open funding round to help support its next phase of growth. Tim Annis, CEO of Bluechain says: “2023 was an incredible year for Bluechain, and we are extremely proud of our team for everything that we have accomplished together. The success we experienced last year has unlocked a realm of opportunity for us, and we are excited to officially open our next funding round to fuel the next stage of our growth. We look forward to building on this momentum throughout 2024 and beyond as we respond to businesses’ need for simplicity in B2B transactions and help them get the most out of it while minimising cost and time.”
NEWS highly accurate deliveries to be made, ultimately elevating the consumer delivery experience. Rafael De La Vega, SVP Global Carriers and Partnerships at Auctane, ShipEngine’s parent company: “In today’s increasingly competitive market, the importance of getting delivery right has never been greater. Our new what3words integration provides an innovative solution to improving the success of deliveries, regardless of where the parcel is being sent. Partnering with what3words allows us to offer our carriers and logistics partners the ability to receive a what3words address from an ecommerce seller at the same time as other necessary logistics information. Our latest research found that 45% of UK consumers would be less likely to shop with a brand in future if their package was lost. Not only does our integration with what3words enable more accurate deliveries, but it also enhances the experience for consumers and provides them with an incentive to become repeat customers.” Chris Sheldrick, Co founder & CEO of what3words adds: “what3words is fast becoming a standard in the e-commerce and logistics space, reducing delivery times for our partners and ensuring parcels arrive exactly where they need to go. This integration will go a long way in supporting ShipEngine’s mission to support scaling businesses, providing them with logistics solutions that allow them to focus their time, energy, and resources on what matters most. ” To find out more about the partnership and how ShipEngine’s API can help you with your shipping needs, click here. ShipEngine and what3words partner to enhance online delivery experiences ShipEngine, a leading shipping API, today announces that it has partnered with innovative location technology what3words, enabling seamless deliveries and strengthening the online customer experience. From today, what3words has been added to ShipEngine’s robust API, making it available to retailers, platforms and 3PLs across the UK. what3words provides a simple way to communicate precise location. Every 3 metre square in the world has been given a unique address made of 3 random words: a what3words address. For example, the what3words address for what3words’ London headquarters is ///filled.count.soap. what3words makes it simple for customers to pinpoint a precise delivery location and for delivery drivers to know exactly where to drop off parcels. Accepting what3words addresses at checkout helps improve last-mile delivery efficiencies and improves the ecommerce experience. ShipEngine’s API simplifies and streamlines shipping for businesses by offering an integration with over 100 carriers. Designed to integrate easily with existing systems, businesses can reduce delivery costs, improve, optimise shipping operations and increase customer satisfaction. Adding what3words location technology to its platform enables efficient, consistent and ShipEngine adds what3words location technology to its API to bolster delivery accuracy across the UK
Join 85,000 Readers in Over 170 Countries Subscribe to our newsletter www.acquisition-international.com
7 | Acquisition International, Issue 8 2024 Cloud-Based Management Systems Designed to Inspire and Empower nsurprisingly, a sound management system is the first step to having a good business. It does so much more, from improving a business’ credibility and perception in the public eye to driving customer satisfaction results, creating a culture of continuous improvement, and increasing employee engagement. Unabashed experts in providing all of this to its clients, IQMS and its cloud-based management systems work seamlessly within existing Office 365 applications, meaning the solution is owned by the client and thus free of any licensing fees. From mining and manufacturing to construction and communications, IQMS has helped a host of satisfied clients across a number of industries take control of their business processes and measurably increase their overall efficiency. Strict adherence to the company’s overarching vision, led by Managing Director Greg Clothier, has assisted this team in achieving this. In essence, this revolves around empowering its clients through innovative, user-friendly systems that the clients themselves are in charge of. Greg and his team have seen first-hand that having the correct business management system adds remarkable value to an organisation, all while decreasing its complexity of operation and increasing the automation of its processes considerably. The results then speak for themselves, with risk lowered and greater compliance achieved across the board. IQMS does all this and more, bringing together a company’s people, goals, and culture, creating a wholly tailored solution that allows them to thrive in this environment. Utilising a company’s current management framework and documents for added convenience, or beginning from scratch should this be the preference, the team here specialise in customisation. It boasts a portfolio that consists of an array of integrations and apps; Greg and co. combine this arsenal with their peerless knowledge to handcraft a system limited only by the boundaries of imagination. Whether for general compliance or sector-specific standards like AS9001D (for aviation and defence), IQMS has its clients covered. IQMS sees its clients succeed far beyond just today, a commitment that is fully displayed through the personal consultant assigned to every business. This individual is ideally suited for excelling in their specific industry and environment. By offering the endless benefits of an added internal resource without a financial burden, IQMS far exceeds the primary responsibilities of a management systems provider, instead serving as a partner, invaluable asset, and an all-around expert across its comprehensive speciality areas. This can be seen in Winston, one of IQMS’ newest products and an offering that represents the next leap forward in software for SMEs, particularly concerning their quality, safety, and environmental management systems. Through Winston, businesses of this nature are empowered to traverse the complex world of ISO standards with relative ease, afforded a solution that, yet again, is tailored to solving the uniquities of their specific business. Customisable templates and audit preparation tools are just two examples of this. Whether a client is in search of certification or wants to make the first steps on their journey to a more efficient and successful business, Winston demonstrably enhances an operation, significantly improves its compliance, and demonstrates a business’s commitment to quality, safety, and the environment. Should certification be sought out, Winston simplifies this journey tenfold, providing all of the tools, resources, and knowledge necessary to attain such certifications as ISO 900, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, or even all three. A company that is entirely passionate about organisational effectiveness and wholly focused on turning its latest innovations into tangible, cost-effective solutions that ensure a healthy return on investment for its clients, the benefits of partnering with IQMS are almost endless. Named the Most Innovative Management Systems Consultants 2024 - South Australia, there has never been a better time, nor a better provider, to reach out and discuss one’s management systems with than IQMS Australasia. Contact: Greg Clothier Company: IQMS Australasia Web Address: https://iqms.com.au | www.winstoniqms.com.au Enabling organisations through its suite of pioneering management systems, IQMS Australasia, the company we have recognised as having the Most Innovative Management Systems Consultants 2024 - South Australia, offers a highly refreshing approach when it comes to management solutions. With almost 35 years of industry experience to its name, this business has an undisputed track record when it comes to designing and implementing these stellar systems across a wide range of industries. U
8 | Acquisition International, Issue 8 2024 Global MMK: Best Sports & Entertainment Media Analytics & Consulting Firm 2024 he Evolution of Global MMK Founded in 2005 in Germany, Global MMK has evolved from a modest startup into a global leader in media monitoring and analysis. Over the past 18 years, the company has expanded its reach, serving major sports leagues and rights holders worldwide. From major football leagues within Europe to significant leagues and brands across North America, Asia, Oceania, and Africa, the company’s footprint across the field of media analytics is truly global. Core Values and Vision At the core of Global MMK’s success are values such as speed, accuracy, and innovation, with excellent customer service at the heart of everything the team does. Marc Rapparlié, the visionary president and founder of Global MMK, articulates this well: “As a German company, these are some of the values we strongly believe in. In addition, as our workforce is located around the world, we can use our rich diversity of backgrounds to enable the best solution for our clients.” The company seamlessly blends advanced technology with human expertise, ensuring clients receive insights that are both accurate and actionable. Global MMK’s commitment to innovation is clear in its continuous development of unique, in-house tools tailored to the evolving needs of its clients. These tools offer a comprehensive 360-degree view of audience metrics across all media types and screens, adapting to the constantly changing media landscape. Additionally, Global MMK’s groundbreaking world2capture system monitors over 5,000 media channels, encompassing TV, OTT, and VOD. Key Milestones and Achievements Global MMK’s journey is marked by several significant milestones. Collaborations with major football clients have significantly enhanced the company’s profile, demonstrating its ability to deliver substantial value to top-tier sports entities. The pandemic posed a unique challenge globally, but Global MMK, saw this challenge as an opportunity to redefine its structure and accelerate growth. The development of real-time visibility analytics for sponsors exemplifies how the company has adapted to changing market conditions and client needs. This innovative solution allows sponsors to monitor their visibility in real-time, providing crucial insights for optimising marketing strategies. A Client-Centric Approach What distinguishes Global MMK from its competitors is its unwavering focus on the customer. Rapparlié emphasizes, “The most important thing for us is that the customer enjoys working and being in contact with us and our solutions.” As a family-owned and independent business, Global MMK offers a level of flexibility and responsiveness that is rare in the industry. Clients have direct access to all areas of expertise within the company, ensuring their needs are addressed promptly and effectively. It prides itself on working collaboratively on bespoke solutions. This client-centric approach extends to how Global MMK develops its products and solutions. By collaborating closely with clients and incorporating their feedback, the company ensures its offerings are innovative and highly relevant to market needs. This iterative process of development and refinement allows Global MMK to stay ahead of the curve, delivering solutions that make a real difference. Embracing the Future As the sports and entertainment industry continues to evolve, Global MMK is well-positioned to lead the way. The company’s vision for the future is to become the “Google” of media analysis in the sports business world. This ambitious goal reflects Global MMK’s commitment to combining advanced technology with high-quality human analysis. One key focus area for Global MMK is automation. The company leverages cutting-edge technologies to streamline processes and deliver insights faster and more efficiently. This includes developing sustainable solutions requiring less computing power, a crucial consideration in today’s energy-conscious world. Global MMK fully recognises however that automation must always work alongside human expertise, and never as a replacement for it. Innovation in Action Global MMK’s dedication to innovation is evident in its latest offerings. The company’s 360-degree audience approach, known as total video audience, is a groundbreaking solution that combines metrics from different screens and usages to provide a holistic view of audience engagement. This comprehensive approach has garnered significant interest from clients, including the Bundesliga and MLB, and has the potential to become a market standard. In addition to audience measurement solutions, Global MMK has developed advanced tools for real-time sponsor visibility analysis. These tools enable sponsors to track their visibility during live events, providing valuable insights to optimise marketing efforts. The ability to perform these analyses in real-time is a gamechanger, offering sponsors a level of insight and responsiveness previously unattainable. Global Presence and Local Expertise One of Global MMK’s unique strengths is its ability to operate on a global scale while maintaining a strong local presence. The company has a In the ever-evolving landscape of sports and entertainment, Global MMK has emerged as a standout, earning the title of Best Sports & Entertainment Media Analytics & Consulting Firm 2024. This recognition underscores its pioneering spirit and unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional services to clients. T
Global MMK: Best Sports & Entertainment Media Analytics & Consulting Firm 2024 physical presence on all continents, allowing it to serve clients wherever they are and stay abreast of the latest developments in the sports and entertainment industry. Simultaneously, Global MMK is deeply committed to understanding and addressing the specific needs of its clients in different markets. This “global” approach ensures the company can provide tailored solutions that are both globally relevant and locally effective. A Bright Future Ahead As Global MMK looks to the future, it does so with confidence and optimism. The company’s track record of innovation, client-centric approach, and unwavering commitment to excellence has positioned it as a leader in the sports and entertainment media analytics and consulting industry. With new projects and initiatives on the horizon, including the continued development of its 360-degree audience measurement solutions, real-time visibility analytics, and advanced infringement monitoring systems, Global MMK is poised to continue its upward trajectory. Alongside this, it recognises the need to operate in a sustainable way, understanding both its environment and charitable responsibilities. Being recognised as the Best Sports & Entertainment Media Analytics & Consulting Firm 2024 is a fitting accolade for Global MMK. It is a recognition of the company’s hard work, innovation, and dedication to its clients. As the industry continues to evolve, Global MMK stands ready to lead the way, delivering cutting-edge solutions that drive success for its clients and shape the future of sports and entertainment. Contact: Marc Rapparlié Company: Global MMK GmbH Web Address: www.global-mmk.com
10 | Acquisition International, Issue 8 2024 An Interview with Paradigm Family Law Senior Partner Frank Arndt Paradigm Family Law (PFL), an award-winning international family law firm with offices in London, Manchester, Birmingham, and York, is committed to innovation under the leadership of Senior Partner Frank Arndt in London, a qualified Solicitor and Rechtsanwalt and Member of the American Bar Association. The company’s latest advancement, the PFL Interactive Platform AI Assistant (PFLIP-AI) development by Robert Albarda, North Carolina, USA, driven by its personalised legal assistant, FERDI significantly boosts efficiency, research capabilities, and support for its lawyers, solidifying its leadership in family law innovation. In light of Paradigm Family Law’s well-deserved recognition as Divorce & Family Law Firm of the Year 2024 – UK in the Global Excellence Awards, we speak to Mr Arndt to learn more. Company: Paradigm Family Law LLP Contact: Frank Arndt Email: [email protected] Website: www.paradigmfamilylaw.co.uk To start, please tell me your company’s mission. What are the core values that guide your team to achieve it? Paradigm Family Law’s mission is to provide exceptional, client-focused legal services that simplify and resolve complex family law issues. Our core values are integrity, innovation, and compassion. We are dedicated to maintaining transparency through our fixed fee model, ensuring clients can plan their finances without fear of escalating costs. Innovation is at the heart of our practice, embodied by our AI assistant, FERDI, which enhances our efficiency and accuracy. Compassion drives us to approach each case with empathy, understanding the profound personal impacts of family law matters. What makes your firm stand out in your industry? What does your company pride itself on? What sets us apart is our commitment to a fixed fee structure, offering clients financial certainty from the outset. Additionally, our integration of advanced AI technology like FERDI elevates our service delivery, making legal research and case management more efficient and accurate. We pride ourselves on our innovative approach, comprehensive international expertise, and the ability to manage high-profile and complex financial remedy cases involving intricate asset structures and cross-border jurisdictions. Is there a particular service that you offer that you would like to promote? Our award-winning fixed fee Financial Remedy model, unique in England and Wales, is particularly noteworthy. Clients benefit from predictable legal costs, which alleviates the stress associated with financial uncertainties during divorce and family disputes. Client feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the peace of mind that comes with knowing their legal expenses upfront. This model, combined with our expertise in international family law and high net worth cases, ensures clients receive top-tier legal support without the financial anxiety that typically accompanies prolonged legal battles. “It’s important to highlight the human aspect of our practice. While we leverage cutting-edge technology, our commitment to compassionate and personalised client service remains paramount. We want to ensure that every client feels heard, supported, and confident in the legal process.” Are there any recent developments in your industry that you would like to discuss? The rise of AI in legal practice is a significant development. We’ve embraced this by developing FERDI, which has revolutionised our approach to legal research and case management. This advancement has provided a competitive edge, improving our efficiency and allowing us to deliver better outcomes for our clients. However, staying abreast of rapid technological changes is a constant challenge, requiring continuous learning and adaptation. Since implementing FERDI, Paradigm Family Law has seen remarkable improvements: Enhanced research: Boosts research speed and accuracy by 20%. Time savings: Cuts administrative and research time by 40%, allowing lawyers to focus on clients and strategy. Better outcomes: Improves case success rates by 15% through advanced data analytics and insights. How do you plan to innovate within your industry in the next five years? Our goal is to further integrate AI into our practice, enhancing FERDI’s capabilities to provide even more personalised and precise legal support. We aim to expand our international reach, leveraging our expertise in cross-border cases to serve a broader clientele. Additionally, we plan to continue refining our fixed fee model to maintain its relevance and appeal in an evolving legal market. Do you have any upcoming projects in the pipeline that you would like to talk about? We are excited about the upcoming launch of our enhanced PFL personalised AI for the international market which will offer clients a more seamless and interactive experience, providing real-time updates and facilitating better communication with their legal team. FERDI 2.0 will represent a groundbreaking leap in family law, revolutionising practice in the UK and internationally. By integrating advanced technology with user-centric design, FERDI continues to boost efficiency, client satisfaction, and case outcomes in multiple languages. This innovation highlights our commitment to excellence, positioning Paradigm Family Law as a leading family law firm in the competitive global market and continuing innovation to come.
Issue 8 2024, Acquisition International | 11 Most Dedicated Business Strategist 2024 (Singapore): Winnie LIW s Founder and CEO of both White Dragon Global Limited and Kingdom of Esther, Winnie LIW is certainly a pioneer in the market. After 16 years of hard work in senior management positions across various institutions, Winnie had built a wealth of experience and expertise in the Singapore financial industry. This experience has proven indispensable to her trajectory of business success. Winnie’s father ran a Chinese medical centre for over 35 years, which introduced her to the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM. From a young age, Winnie recalls holding a fascination for the holistic healing methods that has played an instrumental part in her journey. In 2008, Winnie decided to combine her excellent business acumen with a strong sense of entrepreneurship and love for TCM. Following a chance encounter with a group of dedicated and innovative professionals aiming to combat against the use of chemical products in the beauty industry, Winnie was given the opportunity to reconnect with her roots. Taking a leap, she transitioned from her illustrious financial career to establish WD TCM Lifestyle Products. WD TCM Lifestyle Products uses only Chinese herbs, plant extracts, and a patented formulation to supply beauty products free of harmful and unnecessary chemicals. With an emphasis on healing, WD TCM Lifestyle Products takes a holistic approach that focuses on balancing the three aspects of the self to create harmony and health within. Following the successes of the White Dragon Group, Winnie expanded her reach of the market even further. Kingdom of Esther utilises Winnie’s expertise in the business world to provide a range of services to its clients. The company consists of a collective of professional companies and individuals who have joined forces to aid start-ups and small medium enterprises achieve success. Kingdom of Esther combines the expertise of 13 companies to provide services ranging across 16 professions. These services are designed to support the development of small businesses and include legal advice, marketing support, company incorporation, real estate planning, geomancy advice, and creative services such as copywriting and photography. This business model is made effective by Winnie’s vast experience in the field and her understanding of the challenges that small businesses face in the early years. What looks daunting to new business owners is daily work for Winnie, and so she dedicates her time and knowledge to making the process easy for others. In business and beauty, having connections is paramount to success. Over the course of her professional career, Winnie has built both an expansive network of contacts and a stellar reputation for business strategy. Utilising this network has enabled Winnie to build alliances with professionals that can assist in the development of small businesses working with Kingdom of Esther. In addition, the formation of Kingdom of Esther has allowed Winnie to further develop the services provided by WD TCM Lifestyle Products. The company uses the sale and marketing support of Kingdom of Esther to form partnerships with experts within the beauty industry to offer holistic beauty services using WD TCM’s products. From makeup and hair styling, to wedding planning and image consulting, clients are provided with a wide range of services that meet their every need. In terms of future developments, Winnie plans to expand the reach of her products even further. She looks to distribute WD TCM Lifestyle Products globally to the US, Ethiopia, the Middle East, and China, and is in talks of expanding to Poland and India in 2025. In addition to this, the company plans to develop its product lines and establish health and wellness spas to provide holistic treatments to clients. Following Winnie’s history of entrepreneurial prowess, we are sure that any venture in the works will be a huge success. Stay up to date with the latest developments from Winnie LIW by visiting Kingdom of Esther’s website today. Contact: Winnie LIW Company: Kingdom of Esther Pte Ltd Web Address: www.estherkingdom.com | www.wdtcmlifestyle.com Winnie LIW is a visionary in the world of business strategy. With an expert background in the financial industry, Winnie has combined her experience in business strategy with her love for helping others to create a unique business model. Following her recent title in the Influential Businesswoman Awards 2024, we take a look at Winnie’s journey to success. A
12 | Acquisition International, Issue 8 2024 Travel Business Leader of the Year 2024 (East Africa): Tamara Britten Nowhere comes close to East Africa for a fabulous and diverse holiday. From the game-filled national parks and stunning white beaches of Kenya, to the ancient churches of Ethiopia and the safari hotspots of Uganda, there’s something here for everyone. Helping visitors make the most of their time here is Tamara Britten who, through Karibu Kenya and Exclusive Ethiopia, offers personalised and bespoke East African holidays. Contact: Tamara Britten Company: Karibu Kenya, Exclusive Ethiopia and Kilifi Wellness Festival Web Address: https://www.karibukenya.co.uk | https://www.exclusiveethiopia.com | https//www.kilifiwellness.com Tamara and her team work with the interests and budgets of every client to provide them with the holiday of a lifetime. Tamara first has a Zoom call with the clients to discuss what they’d like to get out of their holiday, and any specific places or activities they want to experience while there. Tamara and the team then set about crafting a range of tailored itineraries, to ensure they find the right holiday for every client. While the clients are in East Africa, Tamara and her team are on hand to ensure a seamless experience, allowing their guests to relax and enjoy the holiday. Whether the guests already live on the continent or have always dreamed of visiting, Tamara uses her peerless knowledge of the region to offer the best in accommodation, activities and experiences. Tamara, with an MA in Creative Writing and expert knowledge of Kenya’s tourism industry, published the Karibu Kenya Accommodation Guide in 2012; the guidebook is endorsed by the Kenya Tourist Board, the Kenya Tourism Federation and the Kenya Professional Safari Guide Association. Tamara launched her Karibu Kenya holiday bookings service shortly after publishing her guidebook, and started offering bespoke and personally designed holidays in Kenya. In 2018, with Mulugeta Ababu, a qualified and experienced federal tour guide in Ethiopia, Tamara launched a similar service in Ethiopia. And in 2023, Tamara expanded into Uganda where, with a local operator, the team offers gorilla tours, chimpanzee treks, safaris and adventure sports. Tamara, a yoga instructor, co-founded the Kilifi Wellness Festival. She tells us: Karibu Kenya and Exclusive Ethiopia have moved into the yoga and wellness world and offer diverse and transformative yoga retreats and wellness festivals in the region. Imaging doing a handstand workshop against an acacia tree in the Masai Mara, while a Masai guard watches the elephants strolling past, or waking to a sunrise mediation on Kenya’s coast then diving with dolphins in the Indian Ocean. East Africa offers this and more. Karibu Kenya has an all-women core team and champions the success of women across the industry. They also support women beyond the industry and work closely with MCF Panairobi, a charity that teaches single mothers in the Nairobi slums skills like sewing and salon treatments. They also support Kenya Connect, particularly for its LitMums campaign, which teaches young mothers to read and sew. Other charitable initiatives that Tamara supports concern wildlife, conservation, literacy and the arts. Karibu Kenya and Exclusive Ethiopia offset the holidays of all who travel with them through Stand for Trees; they’re a proud member of Ecotourism Kenya; and they provide all clients who travel with them with reusable water flasks and shopping bags. Tamara says: Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Tanzania are fascinating and diverse countries, offering a wide range of exciting destinations and activities. I’m constantly expanding my knowledge of the region through my travels and research. As a feature writer and travel consultant, I provide accurate information, share my detailed knowledge, and design the precise holiday that suits each client. As a result of this, we recognise Tamara Britten as the Travel Business Leader of the Year 2024 (East Africa).
Issue 8 2024, Acquisition International | 13 Keeping Chicago Boating ith a long and tenured history in Chicago’s marine business and the largest indoor boat storage facilities for miles around, the team at CYW work tirelessly all year round so as to help their customers navigate the Second City’s waterways safely and enjoyably. CYW’s comprehensive offerings see it offer the likes of indoor and outdoor storage, the skills of a number of certified service technicians who maintain every boat as if it were their own, and even an accredited training school, the Chicago Yacht Academy. “Making Boating Better, Together.” CYW’s service department boasts more professional certifications than any other facility serving the Chicago and Lake Michigan area, with this team keeping vessels shipshape both in and out of season. Carrying out everything from painting, cleaning, and detailing to engine, electrical, and mechanical repairs, these skilled technicians are trained and certified by many leading brands, such as Formula, Mercury, Suzuki, and Volvo. Such mastery has resulted in dozens of transformative projects having been carried out over the past decade. One of the company’s favourite projects in recent times saw it undertake a structure renovation of a 1964 Chris Craft 60’ motor yacht. A restoration that totalled more than a million dollars, this project entailed replacing the entire substructure of the vessel, including its stringers and chines, with brand new mahogany boards. This was just the tip of the iceberg, with the outside having to be re-planked and filled, along with significant work on the bottom of the boat, the fitting of new rudder packings, and an array of mechanical repairs. After any repairs are done, it is important to treat a boat well, something that starts with its effective storage during the off season. Once winter arrives, the CYW team will pull each vessel from the river, clean down the hull with a pressure washer, and place it in its pre-assigned dedicated storage location. As touched on already, indoor and outdoor storage is available, and should a customer secure a highly coveted indoor, heated storage spot from the 300,000 sq. ft. of space available, their boat will be covered in plastic for extra protection. Once winter is over and clients get back out on the water, they can choose to utilise the Chicago Yacht Academy’s accredited and certified classes to both reduce insurance costs and charter vessels across both the US and abroad. Much more than simply a classroom-based course, hands-on experience on the water is provided as far as possible, with classes available for every skill and experience level. Beyond these training sessions and certifications, private boating lessons are also available, both as a one-off or as part of a longer programme. Topping all of this off, Chicago Yacht Works is also one of the largest brokers of boats in the Midwest and is home to the Formula Factory Showroom. Thus, for those seeking to buy a new boat in time for the start of the next on season, CYW’s online inventory is the place to go. At time of writing, there are nine different boats available, with these ranging from a 1985 Christ-Craft 336 through to a 2011 Monterey 318SS, and everything else in between. The team are also happy to list boats for sale should a customer feel it time for a change. Across this remarkable range of services, CYW has positioned itself as frontrunner when it comes to boat and marine services across Chicago and the surrounding areas. Boasting eight buildings across 8+ acres, this premier boating facility is also the best choice for boat storage in Chicago. On the back of this, and fortified yet further by an array of overwhelmingly positive testimonials, we celebrate Chicago Yacht Works as the Best Marine Sales & Storage Company 2024 - Midwest USA. Contact: Rob Hannah Company: Chicago Yacht Works Web Address: https://www.chicagoyachtworks.com/ Driven by a dedication to help the Windy City remain on the water, Chicago Yacht Works (CYW) stands as the trusted singular resource for all things boating in and around Chicago and the internationally renowned Lake Michigan. Recognised as the Best Marine Sales & Storage Company 2024 - Midwest USA, CYW’s dedicated team offer up the greatest expertise, experience, and effort around so as to serve customers remarkably well, both on and off the water. W
14 | Acquisition International, Issue 8 2024 Jun24526 Most Innovative Corporate Tech Automation Businesswoman 2024 (USA): Mandy Reed mbarking on a mission to elevate the capabilities of small to mediumsized businesses and insurance agencies alike through the skilled application of automation services, We Build Zaps is an exemplary force in its field. As Certified Zapier Experts and a Managed Service Provider (MSP), the collective harnesses the boundless potential of Zapier technology in order to create a more streamlined method of operation – a method that encourages efficiency and has proven to elevate customer experiences. Though by no means a straightforward process, We Build Zaps has already made impressive headway in its goal to integrate Zapier into the workflows of its clients, with its influence having already fostered higher levels of productivity across the digital realm. Frontrunning We Build Zaps’ compelling charge is, of course, awardwinning Founder and CEO - Mandy Reed. Equipped with over 20 years of experience in insurance and financial markets, Mandy has personally witnessed the ways in which the landscape has shifted and evolved, as well as how said changes have impacted small and medium-sized businesses across the region. Primarily, she identified that the insurance sector was beginning to face challenges that prevented these entities from keeping pace with larger carriers in the tech space – between the continuous emergence of new software solutions and heightened expectations from clients, they had to keep on their toes just to stay afloat. Mandy, however, stands as a beacon of hope to those who are looking to excel in their field. Able to provide essential insights on how to seamlessly integrate innovative technologies into their daily practices, Mandy has guided a myriad of SMBs through their transitions. In doing so, she’s become a crucial companion in their respective journeys through the rapidly changing environment that is the insurance sector – one who, through a union of experience and understanding, has defied all expectations once held by the industry. We Build Zaps is the embodiment of this success, with its capabilities effortlessly reflecting the brilliance of its award-winning Founder. While there have been amazing men in her professional network and personal life, Mandy acknowledges the often lonely path for women in finance and tech to climb to the top. Despite encountering obstacles, Mandy and We Build Zaps are excelling at a rapid pace, quickly partnering with peers in the insurtech space. Early reports indicate that We Build Zaps has established a strong market presence, with the company projected to achieve high earnings within its first 12 months. Through her determination, Mandy has paved the way for other women hoping to follow her example, and her example now shines as a North Star for other women seeking to do the same. Exceptional and inspirational in every conceivable way, Mandy Reed is an influential businesswoman whose impact simply can’t be ignored. Though some may have tried to overlook her abilities, she fought to become a figurehead of the potential presented by women in the insurance and technology industries. Her eagerness to uplift others is perfectly captured in We Build Zaps. Driven, passionate, and committed to walking alongside women across the region, Mandy Reed certainly is a definitive characterization of Acquisition International’s idea of an influential businesswoman. Contactc Details Contact: Mandy Reed Company: We Build Zaps Web Address: https://webuildzaps.com/ Across the majority of history, the realms of insurance, finance, sales, and technology have remained a male-dominated space – one that has only recently seen a pivot toward increased inclusivity. As a result, women in these fields have been elevating the expectations of the industry tenfold, with their inspired ideas cultivating new insights and outlooks on age-old practises. Among these exceptional women is Mandy Reed – CEO and Founder of We Build Zaps. Specialising in empowering insurance agencies via automation services, Mandy has revamped her field through her vision, creativity, and extensive experience. Join us as we venture through her fascinating journey below. E
Issue 8 2024, Acquisition International | 15 of exceptionally bright and experienced professionals are prepared to invest all of their energy into securing this outcome. Providing everything – from ongoing support for existing products, to delivering an inspired membership system that allows customers to fully immerse themselves in a constantly growing library of telecom enterprise software solutions – Skyvera has quickly become the most dependable entity of its nature. At its heart, Skyvera is exclusively concerned with empowering customers through the integration of public cloud systems, and goes about doing so in a wholly unique way that ultimately prioritises ease of access for each customer. This model has certainly served both Skyvera and its industry fantastically since its inception, and there doesn’t seem to be any signs of this progress slowing down. Having your head in the clouds has always been a somewhat humorous sentiment. To do so is to be a dreamer – someone who spends their time imagining as opposed to doing. Skyvera, however, drives success through the application of this very imagination. Harnessing the relatively untapped power of the public cloud, the collective tests the notion of ‘the sky’s the limit’ each and every day. And, aptly so, it has yet to discover a limit to its capabilities – a trait that customers far and wide can – and do – appreciate. It’s for this reason that Skyvera has become Acquisition International’s choice for the Best Telecoms Cloud Software Solutions Provider 2024 - Southern USA, and we eagerly anticipate its next cloud-based discovery. Company: Skyvera Web Address: https://skyvera.com/ Get Your Head in the Cloud Proudly onboarding the position of a reliable guide into the world of progressive telecoms solutions, Skyvera is a company that has spent its years ensuring that each of its customers are able to benefit from its affinity for procuring advancement strategies. With its sights set on the future, Skyvera gladly introduces telecoms companies to an exclusive suite of tools that, when applied to their businesses, are able to unlock innovation, scalability, and cost-effectiveness on an impressive scale. Powered by the public cloud, these methods not only explore present processes, but help forge solutions that are set to respond to the future as it unfolds. Whether you’re looking to develop, migrate, optimise, or leverage your public cloud environment, Skyvera is pleased to provide the tools to do so. Boasting a library simply brimming with products, services, and solutions, the company offers automatic access to a customer’s spend equivalent of its aptly named ‘Cloud Club’ credits. These credits, just like others of their nature, enable businesses to onboard lessons taken straight from the Skyvera library – lessons that, when applied to their practises, are certain to elevate their internal cloud capabilities to the next level. Partnered with unrestricted access to unbeatable levels of expertise, Skyvera invites customers to broaden their horizons without having to fear failure in the process. Tackling new methods and technological advancements is no easy feat, after all, and it’s for this reason that Skyvera goes the extra mile to cultivate an environment that assures and supports every customer. Regardless of company size or status, Skyvera is wholeheartedly focused on cultivating success, and its team When it comes to the future of technological integration, the sky truly is the limit. Already, many collectives are finding new and exciting ways to harness the boundless potential of the medium, often cultivating new industry standards that are being both met and exceeded on a daily basis. However, getting one’s foot in the door is the first roadblock any entity may face when trying to join the pursuit of a more advanced future for the industry, and it’s here that Skyvera plays an invaluable role. Recognised as the Best Telecoms Cloud Software Solutions Provider 2024 - Southern USA, Skyvera boasts an impressive tenure that we’re eager to explore below. Skyvera
16 | Acquisition International, Issue 8 2024 Most Dedicated Accounting & Tax Preparation Businesswoman 2024 (Georgia): Sara Poe In today’s constantly shifting financial landscape, trying to prepare oneself for the next fluctuation is a task that demands a business’s full attention. Looking to ease the load, however, is Poe’s Accounting Services – a dedicated accounting and tax preparation collective that is fully committed to ensuring the financial stability of its clients’ companies. At the heart of it all is Sara Poe, whose affinity for understanding the complex needs of business owners has enabled her to uplift collectives across Georgia. Below, we explore what Sara brings to the table, and how her influence has altered how businesses approach tax preparation. Contact: Sara Poe Company: Poe’s Accounting Services Web Address: https://poecpas.com/ Equipped with almost 30 years of experience in the fascinating realm of finance, Sara Poe is a dedicated woman who is determined to show businesses what it means to work alongside a trusted accounting services provider. She wanted to help clients understand that it’s entirely possible to navigate their finances with tact and flair, without having to sacrifice other aspects of their operations, and it was this very goal that ultimately led to the creation of the brilliant Poe’s Accounting Services. Amplified by Sara’s natural affinity for managing numbers, the collective has quickly become a standout, with its ability to simplify financials and taxes presenting plentiful opportunities to all manner of clients. Be they individuals, families, or business owners in the Lawrenceville, Dacula, and Braselton areas, Sara encourages her customers to view their financial processes through an entirely new lens. In essence, she helps them to ‘take a step back and view the bigger picture of their financial standing’ – an approach that helps to identify potential problems on a wider scale, before focusing on the smaller details that contribute toward said struggles. Though it may seem straightforward, Sara imbues the process with an engaging attitude that, in tandem with her expertise, allows clients to finally take true control of their financial matters. Partnered with Sara’s unbeatably warm personality, it’s impossible to fault her approach to financial assistance. For years, her influence has been impressing the industry, allowing her to build tangible relationships with customers that, even after business has concluded, have proven to persist. Of course, it all comes down to Sara’s honesty, dedication, and exceptional attention to detail. She understands how to seamlessly separate each unique need into its own element, before providing simple – yet inspired – solutions that have consistently proven incredibly effective. To Sara, the role of business owner comes hand in hand with her commitment to personalised client experiences, and it’s this trait that paints her as more than just a standard business operator. Widely viewed as ‘an authority in the field of accounting’ Sara has continuously elevated the processes of all types of businesses across Georgia. Local or otherwise, her passion has manifested time and time again through the careful composition of her services, to the point where Poe’s Accounting Services has become the definitive choice for small collectives who are looking to get a handle on their finances. Kind, professional, and able to elevate clients’ tax preparation and financial capabilities tenfold, Sara Poe truly does embody what it means to be an influential businesswoman. As such, Acquisition International is beyond proud to present Sara with the title of Most Dedicated Accounting & Tax Preparation Businesswoman 2024 (Georgia): Sara Poe. Between her life as a loving wife and mother, and her exemplary work as a professional financial adviser, Sara has cultivated an impressive balance that, to this day, has yet to be replicated. We’re honoured to share her excellence with our readers, and we’re certain that her input will continue to empower Poe’s Accounting Services in the years to come.
www.acquisition-international.comRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUyMDQwMA==