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SMEs in Cyprus: Small in Size, Big On Contribution

SMEs in Cyprus are equipped to meet the challenges of globalisation and being a part of the European Union

THE ECONOMY of Cyprus is dominated by small and medium enterprises and the government of Cyprus continuously strives to work within a regulatory framework, which is conducive to investment, innovation and entrepreneurship. Khaleej Times had the opportunity to visit selected companies in Nicosia and Limassol to get first-hand knowledge about the different sectors.
FirePro Systems specialises in a fire extinguishing aerosol system that is efficient, cost-effective, environment friendly and is a halon alternative. "We use the latest generation of stable SBK aerosol forming solid compound. Upon activation, the solid compound is transformed into a rapidly expanding, highly efficient and highly effective fire extinguishing aerosol, based on potassium salts," explains Loucas Michaelides, the Senior Technical Manager. There was a live demonstration on how to put out a fire in a closed environment.
Marios Nicolaou, Sales Manager of Elcora explained about his business. "Elcora specialises in renewable energy solutions like solar thermal systems. We have technologically superior ones that offer steady performances without heat losses and with double the lifespan. State-of-the-art and durable with an efficient renewable energy system, Elcora products can be considered to be one of the best that the industry offers. The result is a cleaner environment and a sustainable future for all. Elcora products carry the internationally recognised Solar Keymark and CE logos as a guarantee of quality."
Elysee (Plastic Pipes and Fittings), located in Ergates Industrial Zone in Nicosia, manufactures a complete range of plastic pipes, fittings and accessories for water supply, irrigation and construction projects through its extensive sales and distribution network in Cyprus and abroad. Panos Protopapas, General Manager of the firm, informed Khaleej Times that the company exports to more than 50 countries in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Australia, America and Asia and is certified by international standardisation organisations. Consequently, as a result of the impressive export activity, the company has also won several notable awards.
Advanced filter technology and latest production machines are employed for the manufacture of air filters by Alco Filters (Cyprus) Ltd. Its manufacturing approach includes pleating methods aimed at utilising the maximum possible available surface area of the filter for enhanced filtration capacity. The careful fabrication of the sealing media guarantees no particle escapes through the connections (that could end up in the engine). Furthermore, the element frames, woven wires and unit cores that shape-up the filters provide for added sturdiness against higher airflows, as well as damage from manual handling during service.
"All Alco air filters are thermally conditioned and impregnated with a treatment media so that the filter surfaces achieve the right consistency and treatment for maximum efficiency. The majority of production steps take place without the intervention of an operator, thus minimising the human error factor," says Stelios Symeonides, the Export Sales Manager.
Conclusively, quality inspections are performed at every step of the manufacturing process according to the ISO9001:2008 quality procedures to ensure that the product that leaves the facility is free of any defect and up to international standards.
Marcia Thrasyvoulou, Managing Director of Marshell Trading House Limited, is the inspiration behind the brand Ocean Blue. Specialised in beachwear, her designs combine fit with inspiring prints and seeks to bring out the glamour in women wearing her outfits. Marcia is currently the Vice-President of the Cyprus Fashion Designers Association.
Vasos Demetriades, the Managing Director of the Demetriades Group, has visited the UAE for the Big 5 show. He says he was impressed by the business environment in Dubai. Located in Limassol, the company provides solutions in various fields of industrial logistics, material handling, ware housing and storage, marine, construction, service and retail market industries. The company also specialises in high-pressure water blasting equipment, Combijet, that is revolutionising cleaning and blasting using robots. He is looking for partners in the UAE and GCC.
For over 35 years Vesta Solar Heaters Ltd has been a leading manufacturer that has revolutionised the heating industry. "We are a family-owned company. Whether you are a home owner or a large scale company, we can provide solutions for your heating, cooling and hot water needs," explains Tassos Frantzis, the Sales Manager.
The products range from solar thermosyphonic systems, plastic water tanks, photovoltaics to advanced renewable technologies to keep energy consumption costs low.
"Vesta has an unwavering commitment to provide customers with the best possible products, prices and services," stresses Thessalia Frantz, Export Manager.
"At Vesta, we commit to service our customers both before and a long time after the installation of the chosen Vesta products," she adds.
The story of PapaFilipou ice cream began in the mid '60s with a dream to create the finest, all natural ice cream with the purest, farm fresh ingredients. "The quality of our products made us popular right from the start. Today, we serve ice cream lovers locally and internationally, offering a 100 per cent pure indulgence. Our ice cream products are far higher in flavour and much lower in sugar than most brands. More importantly, all our milk and cream come from cows not treated with antibiotics or synthetic growth hormones, rBGH," says Theodoros Theodorou, Purchasing and Export Manager, P&P Ice Cream Group.
Quality tests take place at every stage of production. "Our commitment is to maintain the highest standards of food safety and quality in accordance with the ISO 22000, HACCP food safety system, the ISO 9001 quality management system, the OHSAS 18001 occupational health and safety management system and the International Ice Cream Association," he adds.
The company has won various European Business Awards too. Some of the products using natural sweeteners are lactose-free ice cream, low-fat ice cream, fat-free chocolate, strawberry and vanilla flavours. There is even an all-natural frozen dessert for happy and healthy dogs.