The consignment formed part of a national prevention campaign run by the International HIV/AIDS Alliance in the Ukraine, which aims to protect vulnerable people in the community against the growing pandemic.

AGS carefully cleared and delivered 19 containers from Odessa to Kiev, which were entrusted to us by a leader in global logistics on 21 May, 2010. The condoms will be distributed to groups who are at greater risk of contracting the virus, including sex workers, prisoners and injecting drug users.

Ido Barner, the AGS Regional Director for Continental Europe, said: “As a socially responsible company, AGS was pleased to help deliver a life-saving consignment for this reputable charity. AGS takes great care when shipping each and every consignment. Alliance-Ukraine and the millions of people who will be reached by their campaign were counting on us to ensure that the condoms arrived safely.”

The International HIV/AIDS Alliance in the Ukraine will use the condoms as part of its USAID-funded SUNRISE Project. The objective of this project is to decrease the transmission of the virus through education, prevention and access to services. In the Ukraine alone, the number of newly reported HIV infection cases has been growing annually since 1999. AGS Kiev realises the importance of this HIV/AIDS campaign and is committed to supporting the fight against the pandemic in local communities in the Ukraine.

The award, presented by the International Federation of International Movers (FIDI), recognises the work that companies do to promote industry knowledge amongst their employees.

As a forerunner in the global removals market, the AGS Group continuously trains and empowers its staff with the latest industry knowledge and practise to ensure service excellence.

Proof of this commitment is the Group’s investment in three FIDI academies in only one year, during which 51 senior managers received the Essentials in International Moving (EiM) Diploma.

Training also forms part of the AGS Group’s commitment to the United Nations’ Global Compact principles, which encourages businesses to train and up skill their employees.

This prestigious award demonstrates the AGS Group’s commitment to upholding top quality customer service, which is central to its quality policy.

AGS Sarajevo and AGS Frasers Morocco proved their commitment to excellent customer care and staff improvement by hosting internal training seminars in March this year.

Both seminars were held over three days and the guest speakers included key figures, such as Guy Sadoun (IT Director), Christophe Mordelet (Human Resources Manager), Ido Barner (AGS Continental Europe Director), Chris Pitter (Sales Manager Northern & Western Africa) and Thomas de Mallmann (Africa Network Manager).

The attendees included branch and account managers from selected subsidiaries in Europe and Africa. During the seminar several topics were covered, including internal online tools and software, the administrative procedure during a move and customer relations. AGS always aims to improve customer care, and these seminars are a good way to stay focused on what builds client trust and satisfaction.

Fabris Grujic, branch manager of AGS Belgrade and AGS Podgorica, commented on the seminar in Sarajevo: “The attendees were from all walks of life and had various levels of experience. A great part of the discussion was centred on returning to basics. This was very helpful as some procedures and rules were either incorrectly applied, and/or not fully understood. As the seminar consisted of a small group of attendees, communication was multi-lateral and one-on-one, and an exchange of ideas continued even during dinner.”

The seminars presented an opportunity for social networking and comradeship amongst attendees, and included outings to restaurants, sight-seeing excursions and various social activities.

A warm thank you to AGS Sarajevo and AGS Frasers Morocco for hosting these seminars and for being the ambassadors of their beautiful countries.