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A message from our Chairman
Mark Cotterrell
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It is with pleasure that I welcome each of you to our annual Christmas event, this time at Summer Place. The festive season is occasion for joy, family, reflection and, most of all, celebration. We believe it fitting, therefore, to publish the MAC Matters magazine at this time every year. MAC Matters represents, for us, the culmination of 12 months’ worth of hard work and accomplishments. It documents and honours our history, and makes this year’s learnings accessible to present and future colleagues. Importantly, it contributes to inculcating a shared culture and sense of values for all at MAC, especially important in a company where employees operate on all corners of the globe. Further, the magazine draws in and includes our families and clients, by giving them the opportunity to share in our news and achievements.
Which brings me to reporting back on 2009 - a year of contrasts. Against a backdrop of economic instability, I am happy to report that we have been exceptionally fortunate at MAC. Despite dire impacts on some of our clients and competitors, MAC’s turnover has continued to increase for three consecutive years. Moreover, indications are that the new financial year from July has started us off on a very strong footing for 2010.
It is no secret that it has been a difficult time for the mining and resources sector. How then, do we explain our success? Including good fortune, there are several factors that, I believe, have combined in order for us to triumph over circumstance yet again this past year:
Our clients
The global economic crisis impacted certain portions of mining and resources more than others. We at MAC have been privileged to increase our involvement in those parts of the sector that are still doing well and are growing, e.g. coal. Further, we are pleased to welcome several new mining and resources clients from the steel, mineral sands and base metals arenas into the fold this year. Finally, our strategy of expanding beyond the mining and resources sector over recent years has proven to be accurate, and we continue to assist our various clients in this sphere.
Our relationships
MAC is known for long-term relationships with clients and these relationships have helped carry us through in 2009. The Exxaro account is an example of this, where we saw stunning growth (from two consultants in 2007 to almost 30 in 2009), thanks to strong associations with clients in several areas where we hold expertise.
Our focus
We have continued being nimble in responding to client needs. Two or three years ago, our focus was on assisting clients with maximising throughput and streamlining support services. Now, however, attention has been shifted to, amongst others, reducing costs.
Our capability
We invested in training and developing our people in 2009, in order to further facilitate responsiveness to the market. Specifically, we strengthened our capability this year in the growing fields of Energy and Carbon Footprint Management, as well as support of large scale, complex project management and execution. The growth of our people is evidenced in several promotions during 2009, including Paul Whysall’s move to Director. In addition, our sales capacity is bolstered by the inclusion in our team of Saar Ben-Attar, Ged Mackell and recently Otto Pepler – all of whom we welcome to MAC.
Ultimately, however, our ability to stay on top of our game is completely due to the phenomenal people at MAC. Someone once said, “success is not so much what we have, as it is what we are”. This is no less true of MAC. Our consultants are handpicked following an extensive recruitment process, which includes several interviews and assessments. They are experienced and intelligent people of character, who are dedicated to understanding client needs and adding tangible value. If this isn’t evident enough throughout the year, the articles that I have seen in MAC Matters 2009 gives me great confidence in MAC’s culture, the contributions we are able to make, the personal growth and development of our people, as well as their dedication to and focus on their projects.
While we have done exceptionally well to date, and early indications are that the economic situation is improving, I urge you not to become complacent. Continue being market driven, responsive, client-focused, supportive of each other, and above all, determined to continue delivering outstanding work and making a difference in 2010.
Wishing you and your family a fantastic break; may the new year hold all that you hope for. |
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