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For SMEs:

ComBank first to activate new World Bank credit line

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, one of the leading providers of development credit in the country, has become the first institution in Sri Lanka to participate in the latest World Bank funded Small and Medium Sector Development Facility (SMEDeF) for the development of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs), further extending its support to this sector.

Development loans worth nearly Rs three billion are to be disbursed under this credit line by Participating Credit Institutions (PCIs). The Commercial Bank entered into an agreement with the Government on March 9, becoming the first PCI to do so out of the eight PCIs - three State and five private banks - invited by the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) of the Development Finance Department of the Finance and Planning Ministry, to formalize proceedings to commence disbursements.

The bank has already commenced accepting and processing of applications for this credit facility. Small and Medium Enterprises with an annual turnover of less than Rs. 300 million operating in the manufacturing and service sectors are eligible to apply under this facility for development loans.

A floating interest rate linked to the Average Weighted Deposit Rate of the Central Bank applies for these loans. This rate is in single digits at present, the bank said.

Purchase of plant, machinery, commercial vehicles and other fixed assets, permanent working capital requirements and construction of factory buildings can be financed through this facility.

Borrowers can also obtain technical advice from the Commercial Bank. The technical assistance facility includes comprehensive workshops at which participants will be educated on aspects crucial to the success of their enterprises.

A maximum of Rs 60 million will be available to a single applicant under this project. The repayment period for those who obtain loans exclusively to fulfil working capital requirements is three years. For those who obtain loans for other eligible requirements the repayment period is 10 years, inclusive of a two year grace period.

The Development Credit Department of the Commercial Bank possesses extensive experience in development lending, being among the very few banks in the country that has participated in every Refinance Loan Scheme since the inception of the first such scheme in 1979.

Shoes, hand bags and belts:

Ceylon Leather launches ‘Hot News’

Ceylon Leather Products PLC, a member of ERI (Environmental Resources Investment) Group of Companies launched ‘Hot News’ the newest and unique collection of shoes, hand bags and belts for the fashion conscious upwardly mobile clientele in Colombo.

The unique feature of this exclusive collection is that the leather wear has newspaper print on the surface making it a one of a kind design.

It comes in ash coloured finely milled leather with newspaper prints. The shoes are unique as no two shoes look the same.

“We create one of a kind designs at Ceylon Leather Products PLC. This time we have come up with the most unique creation, a first in Sri Lanka, ‘Hot News’ - newspaper print on fine leather,” said Ceylon Leather Products PLC Managing Director Sitendra Senaratne.

“We strive to keep up with the ever changing fashion world and present novel designs to our loyal clientele that are not second to any in the international arena of fashion,” he said. The ‘Hot News’ collection includes backless slippers, comfortable loafers and gym style shoes all fully lined with blue glove leather to softly caress the feet of the wearer. For those conservative types murky coloured suede loafers are the wise choice from Ceylon Leather Company.

Another innovation of the Ceylon Leather product line is the ‘Kasha’ collection which comes with a dramatic urbane cowboy look for those upwardly mobile, liberal fashionistas.

Big sculptured shoulder bags in black and white natural cow skin, Kasha trimmed in bright reds, limes or aqua leathers is another first. This collection includes duffle bags and huge roll bags to match the loafers and belts.

Kasha ankle boots are ideal for those discerning gents and could also be worn for weddings and parties.

These shoes are designed with the smooth combination of Kasha and contrasting, finely milled leather toe caps and heels. These exciting Sri Lankan made leather products were used as accessories at a recent fashion event held at the ODEL flagship store. The ‘Hot News’ collection and ‘Kasha’ collection are now available at the Cantaloupe boutique at Galle Face Courts.

ACL opens in Negombo

Leasing experts, Asia Commerce Limited (ACL) opened its third branch in Negombo at No 33, Old Chilaw Road recently.

The opening ceremony was attended by the company’s Board of Directors, Central Bank Non Banking Supervision Department Additional Director H M Ekanayake and Negombo Mayor Bernard Herman Kurera.

The ACL Director and CEO Lakshman Uduwara said, “ACL has enjoyed a period of progressive and profitable growth in business.

Negombo is a prosperous city with a diverse culture and enterprising people. Tourism and fishing industries thrive here, and a high influx of tourists could be witnessed in Negombo at present.

“We are delighted to announce our presence in Negombo at such a time when the business outlook is positive so that we could contribute to the financial prosperity of its people. “Our Board of Directors are committed to offer ACL’s friendly and professional financial services to a progressively increasing number of customers and the opening of this branch complements this policy.

“We have plans to open more branches in several strategic towns in the future as well,” he said.

Established in 2005, ACL is a specialised leasing company registered with the Central Bank and provides a range of financial services including finance and operating leases, hire purchase, short-term loans, cheques and bills discounting etc and will soon offer margin trading as the latest addition to its service portfolio.

SLIM offers UK MBA

The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) is offering an internationally recognised MBA program from the UK’s Buckinghamshire New University.

A large number of top end professionals in the corporate world have already taken advantage of this offer by SLIM. Designed to keep abreast with fast changing international marketing trends, this 18 month MBA program is an all-rounded qualification and has already come in for praise from students across the board.

Established in 1893 the Buckinghamshire New University is a top-tier university in the UK with a rich history of academic excellence spanning over a hundred years. It has built a national reputation for its work, while achieving international recognition for its specialist areas of expertise. The University provides quality higher education which develops and builds the potential of individuals and thus contributes to the organisations they work for.

The University was named ‘Enterprising Educator of the Year 2010’ by the Bucks Economic and Learning Partnership and was also ranked number one in The Halifax-Times Higher Education quality of life index, designed to measure the quality of life of academic staff at 121 higher education institutions in the UK.

“With Sri Lanka’s burgeoning post-war economic landscape, the need for professional and trained marketers is even greater. I’m happy with our tie-up with the Buckinghamshire New University on this high quality MBA program.

Not only does it give students an internationally recognized academic qualification but also a strong marketing tool with which they can hold their own anywhere,” said SLIM President Rohan Somawansa.

Unilever hosts first annual supply chain business partner mega event

The Supply Chain Business Partner mega event, hosted by Unilever Sri Lanka at the Cinnamon Grand hotel recently, broke new ground in the Sri Lankan manufacturing business, bringing together a significant number of the Unilever supply chain team and their business partners.

It was the first time such an extensive event was held to host and felicitate a wide array of the industry’s leading suppliers.

At this event, Unilever Sri Lanka shared business strategies and future plans with the business partners.

The key objective was to ensure that the SCBP’s are aligned with Unilever Sri Lanka’s business strategies and deliverables so that the partnership is rendered more effective.

Business partners, including raw and packing material suppliers and outsourced manufacturing operations personnel were invited to attend this event. The highlight of the evening was an award ceremony at which, awards were presented in recognition of outstanding work delivered by the business partners during the year 2010.

Partners were evaluated through out 2010 by means of a vendor evaluation scheme for both packaging materials and outsourced manufacturing sites for quality, timely delivery and customer service.

Singer wins People's Brand of the Year

Singer Sri Lanka jubilant at the sweeping success of its brand at the recent SLIM Nielsen People's Awards 2011, pledged its continued commitment to its customers, who have rallied around the company from the beginning. The company, which walked away with evening's ultimate prize, the highly coveted People's Brand of the Year award, as well as the People's Durable Brand of the Year and the People's Youth Brand of the Year, knows that it owes its accolades to the people's belief in its trusted excellence.

Although it has secured the top prizes at the SLIM Nielsen People's Awards since the event's inception in 2006, Singer Sri Lanka has steadfastly refused to rest on its laurels, insisting, instead, on continually strengthening the value proposition offered to its customers. Through its more than 360 retail outlets nationwide, the company has dedicated itself to making it easier for customers to purchase its wide range of products and services, giving them the opportunity to live the life they want anywhere in Sri Lanka.

Offering the most modern conveniences and products, Singer has revolutionized Sri Lankan lifestyles. From the branded consumer products offered at Singer Mega and Singer Plus, such as Samsung 3D televisions, Kenwood Chef, and Singer laptops, to the chic furniture available at Singer Homes, the company has transformed the consumer landscape with a dazzling array of quality products. In the process, it has earned a reputation as an organization that is committed to doing right by its customers.

For example, the Express Pay counters at the company's retail outlets empowers customers to settle their utility, cell phone, and credit cards bills and collect Western Union money transfers at the store itself, thereby giving them new levels of convenience and freedom. The company also puts customers' minds at ease by investing heavily in its world-class service network. The island-wide after-sales service network includes seven regional service centres and hundreds of service franchise agents, thus ensuring that customers receive the best after-sales service at a convenient location. For total peace of mind, customers can even opt for the unique Sanasuma extended warranty scheme, which gives them additional protection of a three-year warranty.

Upon accepting the awards, Singer Group CEO Asoka Pieris expressed his gratitude to these very same customers, saying that the company's success "was possible only because of the confidence placed in us by the general public" and noting that Singer "has put in a lot of effort to earn the trust of the customer." Serving as an affirmation of the company's customer-centric retail philosophy, the awards won by Singer Sri Lanka are also a reflection of the way its brand resonates in Sri Lankan hearts.

The company's CSR activities are a major reason for its brand power, with a wide range of initiatives reaching communities across the country. For example, the company's IT Knowledge Bus has already visited more than 800 rural schools and disseminated invaluable information and hands-on experience of cutting-edge technologies to more than 100,000 schoolchildren, helping them bridge the digital divide. Similarly, the company's Fashion Academies and Culinary Schools are aimed at empowering Sri Lankans with the skills they need to succeed.

Based on research conducted by the Nielsen Company, the SLIM Nielsen People's Awards are judged by Sri Lankan consumers from across the island, including the North and the East. Surveys were done over a five-month period to ensure an equal opportunity for all brands, and were carried out across diverse age groups and social classes, thus yielding an accurate representation of consumer preferences.

The SLIM Nielsen People's Awards, which allows Sri Lankans to select their favourite brands, organizations, and personalities, has become a landmark event in the marketing calendar because it places the power firmly in the people's hands. As the People's Brand of the Year, People's Durable Brand of the Year and the People's Youth Brand of the Year, Singer is grateful to the people and remains dedicated to upholding their trust and belief.

FMCG Food Brand for 2011:

Maliban wins People's Award

Maliban Biscuit Manufactories was awarded the FMCG Food Brand of the Year at the SLIM-Neilsen People's Awards 2011.

A reflection of the pulse of the people, the Award demonstrates the trust and confidence placed on the Maliban brand by Sri Lanka's public. Since its establishment over 60 years ago, Maliban products have grown into household names and have gained wide recognition both locally and internationally for its high quality. With the consumer at the heart of its business, Maliban regularly conducts extensive consumer research in its processes. The People's Award will further strengthen the company's presence in the local and international markets as it adopts more consumer-focused strategies in continuing to offer its consumers world-class products that have been trusted for generations.

Maliban Sales and Marketing CEO Ravi Jayawardena explained that this is a significant achievement in Maliban's journey. Expressing his gratitude, he said, "I would like to thank all our consumers, for their confidence in our brand year after year, which has helped take Maliban to a higher pedestal, our dealers for their commitment and hard work, the Chairman and the Board of Directors and the senior management for their support and guidance and the sales force and the entire Maliban team for their continuous effort and dedication.

He said, "The non conventional techniques used by the Marketing Department has really worked to achieve this via consumers".

Maliban Biscuits Marketing Manager, Hashan Haputhanthri said, "This is something we can all be proud of. The Award recognizes Maliban's efforts and commitment to quality and innovation processes as well as the wide recognition accorded to our brand by the people.

The non conventional strategies what we adopted have re-defined the marketing game planning in the sector. We reached the consumer by using cost effective techniques and carried the message forward. We have set new trends and created a new vision for the consumer.

We believe that consumer is the king and that we must crown them first, specially when we achieve success. We will continue to maintain these same standards and vigour in the future."

An initiative by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) and the leading research company, Nielsen Company Lanka, the People's Awards seeks to recognize brands and personalities who have made a significant impact on the nation. It is based on a large sample survey conducted islandwide by the research company over a period of five months from September 2010 to January 2011.

The respondents of the survey were asked to name their favourite brand or personality in over 30 categories ranging from food to beverage, personal care, household care, telecom services, banking and finances as well as film, advertising and tele drama. The spontaneous responses provided were recorded and the five brands that received the highest percentage for each category were nominated for the respective award. The brand with the highest percentage in each category was recognised as the winner.

Maliban was also nominated for the People's FMCG Brand of the Year alongside Anchor, Sunlight, Lifebouy and Signal. Hashan Haputhanthri said that he's jubilant about Maliban's nomination. He said, "People have recognized us in the biggest category. I salute my consumers." He said, he is thankful to the Executive Committee of the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (the National Institute for Marketing in Sri Lanka) and AC Nielsen Company Lanka for this super initiative.

With emphasis on value, quality and safety, Maliban achieved phenomenal success in 2010, marked by increased volume growth. The year also saw the relaunch of the popular Cream Cracker and Bran Cracker, which have grown into household names, rebranded as Smart Cracker and Real Bran Cracker. Building on this success, Maliban has set ambitious targets for 2011 as it seeks to achieve new heights.

Noyon Lanka gets Green Channel Facility

Noyon Lanka Private Company in the Biyagama Free Trade South Asia's technologically most advanced fashion lace manufacturer was awarded the "Green Channel Facility" by the Board Of Investment of Sri Lanka for their excellent governance and compliance with import and export regulations.

Noyon Lanka is a joint venture between Sri Lanka's largest apparel and textile exporter, MAS Holdings and Noyon Dentelle de Calais, a French company that has nearly 100 years history in lace manufacturing. The Green Channel Certification is granted by the BOI based on a stringent evaluation criteria where the company has been assessed on compliance to BOI and Sri Lanka Customs regulations, environment management and compliance to local environmental regulations, compliance and adherence to labour regulations and practices, alignment of contracted service providers such as shipping agents. Freight forwarders when the company's imports and exports are carried out.

SLT wins at People's Awards

Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) was adjudged the 'People's fixed line and CDMA Telecom Service provider of the Year' at the SLIM-Nielsen People's Awards 2011 held last week at the Water's Edge, Battaramulla.

The unique significance of this award conducted jointly by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (the professional marketing body in Sri Lanka) and AC Neilsen (the largest marketing research company in the world) is that the nominees for the awards and the winners are selected by the people themselves, thus reflecting the people's choice of favourites and the top-of-the-mind brands. Thus, with customer centricity being at the heart of the awards, it seeks to encourage organizations and marketeers to be more customer focused and better understand customers' needs and develop their products and services in line with those unique needs and expectations.

SLT has taken giant steps especially in the recent past to embrace customer centricity into the very heart of its business, across all levels and divisions of the organization to become a more customer centric and market driven company that understands the desires and expectations of its customers. Bagging this award for successive years is proof of its ongoing commitment and dedication towards this goal.

SLT CEO Greg Young said "We are proud and privileged to receive this award this year. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the people who have put their trust in SLT enough to select us as the winner for the 'People's fixed line and CDMA Telecom Service Provider of the Year'. At SLT, we believe in providing our customers with quality, choice, efficiency and most importantly, overall value for money. This continues to drive our strategy to enhance customer experience by being responsive, trustworthy, efficient and reliable, and delivering a quality, innovative and market-focused product portfolio. We assure our customers across the island of our continued commitment towards understanding your needs and exceeding your expectations in delivering product and service excellence."

NTB holds Retail Awards Night

The retail arm of Nations Trust Bank (NTB) celebrated the first Annual Retail Banking Awards recently. It was a night of glitz and glamour, when NTB's retail staff of over 600 strong gathered to celebrate the coloursmen of 2010 and their achievements. The evening began with the lighting of a high tech lamp by the chief guest NTB Director and CEO Saliya Rajakaruna, Retail Banking DGM Renuka Fernando, Operational Risk and Compliance Consultant Kumar Mayadunne, Credit and Risk Management Head Anura Yapa, HR Head Ramanika Unamboowe and the Branches and Personal Banking Centres, Chief Manager Sanjaya Perera. 'Branches are the face of the bank. How they look, feel and act is what attracts customers to the Bank. All of you have worked untiringly and contributed immensely to bring the bank to where it is today and build a strong brand and establish the bank as being the best in customer service. So although all of you may not win prizes today, every one of you is a winner', said Nations Trust Bank Executive Director Sarath Piyaratne at the Awards Ceremony. Awards were presented to individuals and teams who contributed in the fields of sales, profitability, service and business impact.

Munchee consolidates popularity

Munchee emerged winners at the People's Awards conducted this week, in Colombo. The people's voice has superseded again and their most favourite brand Munchee has emerged as the SLIM-Nielson People's Youth Food Brand of the Year for 2011 and the joint winner of the People's FMCG Brand of the Year.

According to consecutive market research surveys conducted during the past few years by AC Nielson, Munchee has been identified as the undisputed market leader with a majority market share around 60 percent in its category. Munchee's brand width includes sub-categories such as crackers, cookies, cream biscuits, wafers, assorted biscuits, Marie, etc.. which boasts of the most complete portfolio of biscuits in the country.

Manchee Marketing Asst. General Manager Theja Peiris said "Munchee continuously aspires to deliver a new taste and flavour to its discerning customers and this is the result of positioning the customer as the pivotal focus of our business. Nowadays customers are very inquiring and sustaining their loyalty is a task by itself.

As a result of understanding and catering to their ever changing demands, while maintaining the intrinsic quality of the brand, I believe Munchee has been honoured by the people with these awards." Theja also extended her heartfelt appreciation to Munchee's devoted customers for embracing the brand so affectionately and promised to exceed their expectations in years to come.

Apart from having the highest market share for its category in the country, Munchee is also the largest exporter of biscuits in Sri Lanka with a continuous YOY growth in exports during the past decade. Munchee's legendary 'Cream Cracker' is exported to more than 45 countries across the globe.

CBL Group Director and Sales & Marketing Head Nandana Wickramage said, "our economy is now more open than ever and the Sri Lankan brandscape is going through an interesting phase with a healthy mix of popular international brands competing with home-grown brands for the heart-share of 20 million people and in this context the choice of the people stands as the ultimate deciding factor of a brand's stability and preference in the market.

Munchee has won many glamorous awards and accolades, both locally and globally during the past few months. Munchee won a prestigious award for the best FMCG brand during the 2010 World Brand Congress held in Mumbai, competing against many renowned global brands. Munchee also won the award for the Best Brand of the Year for the fourth time at 2010 Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing's annual SLIM Brand Excellence award ceremony.

BMW wins red dot awards again

The red dot awards have once again recognized the high standards of BMW Group Design in 2011. This year BMW sees a trio of models honoured at the internationally renowned awards: the BMW 5 Series Touring, BMW 6 Series Convertible and BMW X3. The new BMW 5 Series Touring secured the special 'red dot: best of the best' prize for top design quality in the 'Automobiles, transport and caravans' category. The new BMW 6 Series Convertible was awarded the red dot for outstanding design, and the international panel of experts presiding over the red dot awards 2011 selected the BMW X3 for an honourable mention. The presentation ceremony will take place on July 4 at the Award Gala in the Aalto Theatre in Essen, with more than 1,200 guests from around the world attending the festivities.

The red dot award is among the world's leading honours for product design. It was first conferred in 1955 and recognizes outstanding design achievements in a wide range of categories covering not only cars, architecture, household and consumer electronics, but also fashion, life sciences and medicine. When judging the submitted products, the jury of international design experts based their appraisals on a variety of criteria ranging from degree of innovation to functionality, all the way to the product's environmental credentials.

The ultimate seal of quality conferred in the red dot awards - the 'best of the best' - honours exceptionally high-level as well as pioneering design.

It was bestowed on the BMW 5 Series Touring in recognition of a car whose characteristic design features are above all reflected in its highly individual proportions and surface design _ an individuality that creates a dynamic and powerful look.

Its long bonnet, short overhangs, longest wheelbase in its segment, stretched lines in side view and dynamically sloping roofline lend the new BMW 5 Series Touring a harmony and elegance that is unmatched among its competitors. "We are very happy to have demonstrated through the BMW 5 Series Touring that functionality can be translated into appealing design. In this way, BMW blends outstanding functionality with a particularly modern and emotional aesthetic," said BMW Group Design Senior Vice President Adrian van Hooydonk.

In the new BMW 6 Series Convertible, the typical proportions of a BMW open-top model - the stretched bonnet, set-back passenger cell, long wheelbase and flat waistline - are combined with a classic soft top in characteristic 'fin' design. Powerfully contoured surfaces and the forward-surging dynamic of its lines leave no doubt as to its supreme driving properties.

The luxurious ambience inside the cabin includes the driver-oriented cockpit that is a hallmark brand feature, while also imparting an exclusive sense of cosseted security to the front and rear passengers. Nowhere is the high-level functionality of the interior underscored more strikingly than by the newly designed freestanding Control Display of the standard-fitted iDrive operating system.

The body design of the new BMW X3, which was awarded a red dot honourable mention, radiates urbane elegance and multifaceted agility. The combination of a flat front end with a raised rear end creates a dynamic wedge shape when viewed from the side, clearly alluding to its sporting credentials. The concave and convex bodywork contours are structured with striking lines.

The interior of the new BMW X3 boasts a generous and flexible spatial concept, high-grade materials and a characteristically three-dimensional surface design to ensure a modern, premium ambience coupled with intelligent functionality.

The unique quality of BMW Group Design is anchored in a cross-brand philosophy that allows the meticulous exploration of the character of each brand and model with a view to accurately reflecting these individual attributes in the design of the relevant vehicle. The result is automobiles that take hallmark brand design cues and lend them an individual interpretation to create a look which convincingly expresses the salient characteristics of each model. The resulting design quality extends across all vehicle segments to produce unique, unmistakable and fascinating products.

The outstanding quality of BMW Group Design has been repeatedly recognized by the red dot awards in recent years.

In 2010 the BMW Group scooped up eleven red dots, while in 2009 it was a total of seven. Among the seven BMW Group submissions honoured in 2008, two also received the special 'best of the best' distinction: the BMW 3 Series Convertible and the BMW G 450 X motorcycle.

With this highest of red dot award accolades in 2011, the BMW 5 Series Touring continues its success story following the prestigious iF Gold Award already conferred on it this year.