central marketsamBIO s.a

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history& cultureamBIO s.a. was founded in 2005, to provide consultancy services focusing on the Primary sector & Food Industry, the environment, energy and tourism.

through its accumulated experience and in-house generated know-how, the company became a leading consultan-cy firm in the fishery and aquaculture sectors. Its success lies on entrepre-neurial spirit, fuelled by dynamic team-work and collaboration, founded on trust and respect.

the Company’s goal is to assist its cli-ents in achieving their stated develop-ment objectives on time, within budget and with the agreed level of quality.

AMBIO identifies and develops unique innovative concepts, which are mar-ket driven, and based on cutting edge design and planning principles and techniques.

amBIO’s diverse operations allow the company to maintain a broad base of experienced professionals in many consulting disciplines and specializa-tions. the Company is strongly com-mitted to the continuous development of its people, celebrating individual and collective growth and achievements.

These qualities enable the company to provide integrated and comprehensive business development services and solutions.

VISIONOur vision is to become an internationally respected consulting firm in our fields of expertise. We pursue our vision trying to reshape the way our clients view “consul-tancy services”, by introducing extraordinary experience, where knowledge, integrity and professionalism are at the forefront of who we are.

MISSIONAMBIO identifies business opportunities, develops highly profitable business mod-els and designs projects with high added value. Our main mission is to improve the competitive position of our clients, ensuring their rational and sustainable growth, by assisting them in achieving their stated development goals on time, within budget and with the agreed level of quality.

amBIO’s employees work towards the Company’s vision by providing advice, information and solutions that make a positive difference for our clients. as a result, amBIO partners with its clients to solve their most important and complex problems, making their mission our mission, and delivering lasting results.

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MEMBERSHIPS & CERTIFICATIONSamBIO is registered with several important organizations, such as the athens Chamber of Commerce & Industry (aCCI) and the technical Chamber of Greece (tCG). Furthermore, most of its executives are registered in the Greek Consultancy register (Gem/mePPPW - Categories: Planning, mechanical engineering, Forest, Fisheries and environment).

AMBIO operates under a certified Quality Assurance Management System accord-ing to IsO 9001, which ensures that its clients’ needs are met to the highest stand-ards of professionalism and integrity.

In 2016 amBIO was registered as an energy service Company (esCO) under the registry of the Greek ministry of environment and energy.

AMBIO is also an approved GLOBAL G.A.P Aquaculture consultant, one out of four Aquaculture Farm Assurers worldwide. Aquaculture Farm Assurers are independ-ent, trained and approved consultants with first-hand knowledge of the GLOBAL G.a.P.system, providing expertise to help producers implement Good agricultural Practices.

Finally, amBIO is a privately-owned and fully independent company vis-à-vis its contractors, manufacturers, suppliers and public-sector entities.

KNOWLEDGESHARERESPONSIBILITYCONTROLEXPERIENCEFEASIBILITYACCOUNTABILITY

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HOW WE WORKthe consulting and advisory industry is at a serious turning point in its evo-lution. Customer needs and demands have changed drastically in recent years. For clients, it is becoming increasingly important that the consultants have a comprehensive understanding oftheir business. In order to be relevant and useful to their clients, consultants have to keep abreast of economic, technologi-cal and social trends, anticipate changes that may affect their clients’ businesses and offer advice that helps clients to achieve and maintain high performance in an increasingly complex, competitive and difficult environment.

Industry-specific customer preferences and goals are the drivers of the new era of “vertical approach”. For consulting companies, this means a new orienta-tion in the way they offer their services. to adopt a vertical focus in its offerings, consulting companies need to invest significantly in talent and technology. Clients will want to see a high level of domain knowledge and expertise in the consulting team in order to gain confi-dence and enter in to partnership.

at amBIO, we combine the “vertical approach” of our services with a strict management procedure, which en-sures timely and reliable deliverables.to achieve these goals, we follow a set of principles during our work-flow not only as a team, but as a company as well:

CONTINUED BUSINESS JUSTIFICATION

Business justification is documented by a business case created for each project. as projects are inextricably linked to their business justification, the latter drives the decision-making process to ensure that a project remains aligned with the business objectives and benefits being sought.

DEFINED ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIESFor each new project, specific roles and responsibilities are defined and agreed within the company’s structure, thus engaging, in an efficient and effective manner, the consultant with the client and any other stakeholders involved.

FOCUS ON DELIVERABLES

each and every project manager focuses on the production and delivery of agreed deliverables, giving special attention to their quality requirements. Thisproject management approach provides the opportunity to amBIO’s management team to carry out multiple projects and eliminate the risk of any setback.

LEARN FROM EXPERIENCEamBIO’s project teams learn from pre-vious experience: lessons are sought, recorded and acted upon throughout the life of the project. It is the responsibility of everyone involved with the project to seek lessons learned rather than waiting for someone else to provide them.

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MANAGE BY STAGES

each project is planned, monitored and controlled on a stage by stage basis.Breaking the project into a number of stages enables the extent of senior management control over projects to be varied according to the business priority, risk and complexity involved.

MANAGE BY EXCEPTION

appropriate project governance is en-abled by defining distinct responsibilities for directing, managing and delivering a project and clearly defining accountabili-ty at each level.

accountability is established by delegat-ing authority from one management level to the next, by setting targets against objectives for the respective level of the project plan (as time, cost, quality, scope, risk limits and benefits). Accountability is established by setting up controls so that if targets are to be exceeded, then an immediate reference up to the next management layer will offer a decision on how to proceed. In addition, by putting in place an assurance mechanism, each management layer can be confident that such controls are effective. this imple-mentation of ‘management by exception’ provides for very efficient use of senior management time as it reduces senior managers’ time burden without removing their decision- making responsibility at the right level within the company.

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CENTRAL MARKETS

Central markets offer an unmatched se-lection of domestic and imported foods, a mix of farmer’s market vendors, with an emphasis on pure, fresh, locally produced farm products and specialty products.

Production is usually generated in rural areas, while most consumption takes place in urban areas. as people flock into cities, the distribution of food to the final consumer becomes harder. A cen-tral market is the essential link between production and consumption in the food supply chain, promoting the smooth distribution of perishable foods through wholesalers and brokers. Besides leased

outlets for the traders, central markets also provide added value services, like security, hygiene, quality control and storage facilities.

Central markets ensure safe trading and, if possible, a pleasurable working envi-ronment. Buyers know they will find what they are looking for and can compare price and quality, while at the same time sellers have a pool of buyers that can be checked for their reliability. thus, a cen-tral market is the place where supply and demand meet in order to establish a fair price for everyone. In some markets an auction-based pricing system has been introduced, but this is not necessarily the case. In any case, prices and quan-tities can be easily recorded so that the government can have an overall view of offers, demand and inflation rate.

Vegetable, meat, fish and flower markets are housed in central markets. the mar-kets play a concrete role in the following ways:

Concentration. a wide variety of pro-duce is assembled in large quantities both from throughout the country and from abroad.

Price formation. Fair prices reflecting supply and demand are fixed quickly on the basis of auction transactions.

Distribution. Goods are speedily dis-tributed to many retailers.

settlement of transactions. Payment of charges is made quickly and accurate-ly.

reduced distribution costs. Freight charges and other costs incurred in distribution can be reduced by handling goods in large quantities.

supply of information. accurate infor-mation concerning distribution of perish-able foods is collected and transmitted.

Hygiene inspection. Hygiene checks are carried out from time to time by the Health Inspection Office.

In order to ensure the unhindered op-eration of a central market, a legislative framework needs to be established.

However, what really attracts merchants is the prestige of the market and the prospect of gainful trade.

Apart from the economic benefits for investors, the functioning of a central market, also contributes to the devel-opment of the wider region. While they operate under the rules of the private sector economy, central markets do not change their original character: that of companies operating in the general public interest. additionally, new jobs are created, both during the implementation phase of a central market and during its operation.

Central markets house traders and wholesalers as well as offering support services in the wider field of wholesale food and agricultural products. this is achieved in the context of healthy, free competition, in a way that is beneficial for producers, traders and consumers. the markets are required to be self-funding and to operate with a commercial

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approach to accounting and financing but, at the same time to be transactor friendly.

the main responsibilities for wholesale market management include the follow-ing:

renting suitable accommodation to food businesses to enable them to carry out their activities within their own areas of responsibility, according to food law requirements.

managing all public areas, such as display and sales areas, public storage facilities (i.e. managing all activities associated with cleaning, disinfecting, maintenance, refrigerating, cooling, etc.).

Providing and/or organise some or all utilities and services for food businesses (i.e. water, gas, drainage, heating, cooling,

refrigeration, ventilation, electricity, etc.). Providing and/or organizing adequate

sewage and pollution control. supervising the market’s waste man-

agement, pest control, etc., taking into consideration both environmental and economic aspects.

Designing and providing buildings to be occupied by food businesses and to be operated under their direct control, in conformity with the exigencies of food regulations.

Organizing and managing traffic circu-lation within the site.

Working with the authorities on health and safety issues.

Promoting the market through mar-keting and communication activities; develop its image inside the country and abroad.

additional services provided by central markets include the following:

shipping Delivery inside the country and abroad express delivery Phone orders

Internet sales Product traceability Order processing, packaging and as-

sembly Distribution Rental and maintenance of equipment Customs brokers education programmes for profes-

sionals and students in the food industry (i.e. supply chain management, stock control, produce seasonality, etc.)

Catering services

amBIO, as a full-service development consultancy, offers a wide range of ser-vices, with the core activities presented in the following list:

strategy and Policy making Project Development and manage-

ment engineering services environmental management and Plan-

ning Quality Assurance research and Development Project and Business Financing

Strategy & Policy Making an integrated perception of central mar-kets worldwide, existing technology and market trends, combined with amBIO’s highly experienced executives, give it the necessary tools for establishing the vision, mission and values ultimately leading to successful establishment of this business sector.

In order to achieve strategic objectives and clear policy guidelines, amBIO provides a full range of consulting and advisory services consistent with both the institutional framework and the vision and values of the strategic plan. Our goal is to assist our clients in achieving their stated development goals on time, within budget and with the agreed upon level of quality.

amBIO uses a multitude of universally accepted scientific tools, depending on the particular needs of each project

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(e.g. sWOt analysis, Pest analysis, and Business Models). More specifically, the company services regarding strategic planning and policy development include the following:

strategy planning for developing cen-tral markets

Policy development spatial planning Compilation of sectoral plans Identification of funding sources Project management strategic environmental Impact as-

sessment Developing the necessary policy

framework know-how transfer at facilities and

infrastructure development technology transfer

Project development & management

In the context of project development and management, amBIO provides a wide range of consultancy services, responding to the needs of a continuously changing business environment.

aiming at securing our clients’ competi-tive position and at ensuring rational and sustainable growth in the wholesale food industry, a complete range of services is provided, including:

site planning Project design and management Drafting and implementing strategic

management plans Drafting operational plans, feasibility

and sectoral studies Drafting business plans Business process re-engineering risk analysis market analysis site and project master planning Project management

Due diligence Project programming

additionally, services provided may in-clude:

supply chain management planning Business reorganisation supply process analysis Licensing and permit studies know-how transfer on managing cen-

tral markets

Engineering Services

amBIO’s department of engineering can design and license large and small scale manufacturing units, logistics centres, waste processing units and energy saving activities adapted to the needs of central markets. More specifically, the objectives of this department are:

site surveying and planning master Plan design architectural design Civil, mechanical and electrical

engineering studies Interior design Design of energy-saving systems Licensing and permits (including build-

ing permits)

additionally, with regard to the above ser-vices, the department’s specialised con-sultants provide the necessary know-how for:

Failure investigations Site-specific risk assessment Green building design architectural design of supporting infra-

structures Liquid and solid waste engineering Feasibility studies Preliminary, final and construction stud-

ies supervision of building construction supervision of electrical-mechanical

installations as-built designs

AMBIO sets technical specifications in relation to developing the necessary infra-structure for opening a central market.

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Environmental Manage-ment & Planning

amBIO provides services through a holis-tic approach, integrating environmental, social and economic development needs and measures. Our portfolio extends over all aspects of environmental man-agement in relation to setting up central markets as the focal point for trading agriculture products and food industry products, including environmental Im-pact assessments, resource and waste management, ensuring sustainable de-velopment. More specifically, the compa-ny’s environmental services include:

environmental Impact assessments (eIas)

special environmental Impact assess-ments (seIas)

strategic environmental Impact as-sessments (seas)

social Impact assessment (sIas) environmental due diligence Liquid and solid (hazardous and

non-hazardous) waste management Waste management systems and

recycling programmes

In terms of environmental management, ΑΜΒΙΟ also develops integrated solu-tions related to planning, environmental management and permitting and li-censing. More specifically, the company carries out:

site selection environmental surveys and monitoring Natural resources management Water resource management, hydro-

logical and geological assessment Landscape planning

Quality Assurance

amBIO actively supports the design, installation and management of quality health and safety systems adapted to the private and public sector needs of the agricultural and food sectors.

the services provided by the department include analysing, designing and imple-menting a number of quality systems, according to international standards, which include:

Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001);

Occupational Health and safety man-agement systems (IsO 45001);

environmental management systems (IsO 14001 & emas);

Food safety management systems (HaCCP, IsO 22000, BrC, IFs & FssC 22000);

Corporate social responsibility man-agement systems;

energy management systems

(IsO 50001); energy audits according to eN 16247 Personnel training

Research & Development

Within the context of its operations, amBIO dynamically invests in the appli-cation of innovative technologies. Partic-ular emphasis is given to issues related to natural resources and waste manage-ment. In order to achieve its stated goals, the company closely collaborates with university departments, both national and overseas, while it has also achieved regular communication with peer depart-ments at research institutions.

amBIO is actively involved in many aspects of innovative services related to the management and operation of central markets, including the following:

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Organisational innovation : Introduc-tion of new concepts in central market management

Optimization of food storage and dis-tribution to ensure safety and quality

Optimization of supply chain process-es (tracking and tracing)

It integration in all processes (e-mar-keting, web stores, supply chain manage-ment)

eco-innovation towards resource efficient processes, energy efficiency and waste management

PROJECT & BUSINESS FINANCING

amBIO recognizes the need for con-tinuous improvement in a complex, diverse competitive environment. It therefore provides services which offer the best choice among available funding schemes.

the Funding schemes Division aims to identify funding sources to assist cli-ents in safeguarding and securing their competitive position and future develop-ment. services offered by amBIO provide access to funding and grants, available through national, european and inter-national investment initiatives and pro-grammes, including:

National grants european research technological pro-

grammes within the scope of HOrIZON

2020 european initiatives INterreG, eNPICBC meD, sOUtH east eUrOPe, INteLLIGeNt eNerGY eUrOPe

european Investment Bank (e.I.B.) funding schemes

european Bank for reconstruction and Development (e.B.r.D.) funding schemes

World Bank (W.B.) funding schemes

amBIO’s strategy is to utilize the struc-tural funds and contributions provided by the above authorities for direct invest-ment in the central market sector. addi-tionally, funds can be directed to integrat-ed investigations, public/private strategic projects and innovative actions.

to achieve such goals, amBIO offers advanced services in identifying and evaluating opportunities and in planning and managing many activities financed by different funding tools. services may focus on the following issues:

Project planning and development Project evaluation (internal-external) Drafting, submission and monitoring

of proposals Partnership scheme research and

evaluation Co-ordination and management of

approved financed projects

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COMPANY CLIENTELEamBIO has an extensive cooperation with public bodies, private enterprise, start-ups, in-cubators and funding institutions. amBIO’s clientele includes some of the most import-ant Greek and foreign companies in the food, energy, tourism and environmental sectors. Investing in successful collaborations through enabling the clients to meet their needs, the company also seeks to contribute to the empowerment and support of the business field.

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