Up to the Challenge: Russell Brill Completes IRONMAN Hamburg
Gapuma is proud to share the story of Russell Brill, our Director of Purchasing, who recently undertook one of the world’s most demanding endurance events — IRONMAN Hamburg — in support of Oak View School, a specialist institution for children with complex learning needs. Thanks to generous support from colleagues, friends, and the wider community, Russell has so far raised over £8,000, with contributions still being received via his JustGiving page. Ironman which involves a 3.8 km swim, 180 km cycle, and a full marathon — all within a single day — is widely considered the most physically demanding and gruelling challenge in sport. Over a nine-month period, Russell undertook a rigorous training programme, covering: 149 km swimming 2,935 km cycling 1,015 km running On race day, he delivered a solid and consistent performance: Within the his age category, Russell’s results placed him well in the top half of finishers, in a race known not only for its physical demands but the mental challenge it presents. At Gapuma, we believe in empowering our people to contribute beyond the workplace. Russell’s effort reminds us that commitment, endurance and purpose can combine to create meaningful change. We extend our deepest thanks to Russell for his example and to all those who have supported this initiative.
Bridging 6,000 Miles: South Africa’s Dave Steward Visits Gapuma HQ in London
Bridging 6,000 Miles: South Africa’s Dave Steward Visits Gapuma HQ in London 22nd May 2025 Gapuma was pleased to welcome Dave Steward, one of our dynamic sales associates from South Africa, to our Head Office in London this week for a focused three-day fact-finding mission. Dave plays a pivotal role in driving growth across southern Africa, a region that now contributes around 10% of Gapuma’s annual turnover. His visit marks a vital step in aligning regional operations with the company’s wider global ethos. “Being here has been about more than just meetings,” Dave explained. “It’s about truly understanding the culture, brand values and working practices at the heart of Gapuma. My goal is to take that energy and insight back to South Africa — to help our team there feel more connected to the wider business and to apply what I’ve learnt to strengthen our operations.” Over the course of the visit, Dave sat down with senior managers across key departments, delved into the company’s commercial and compliance processes, and explored how Gapuma’s values are embedded in its day-to-day operations. By observing the rhythm of life at HQ, Dave is helping close the 6,000-mile gap between the UK and South Africa. Reflecting on his trip, he said: “This visit has been incredibly valuable. I’ll be going back with a notebook full of ideas, a better sense of the company’s strategic direction, and a renewed sense of purpose. There’s so much happening here that can feed directly into the growing success story we’re building in South Africa.” With global collaboration at the heart of Gapuma’s success, Dave’s visit is a reminder that international distance is no barrier when teams are united by vision, purpose, and shared ambition.
A Journey of Trust and Growth: Yanish’s 10 Years with Gapuma
This month marks a significant milestone for Gapuma Group as we celebrate the tenth anniversary of our highly valued Business Development Manager, Yanish Bhageerutty. Since joining Gapuma in 2015, Yanish has made major contributions to the company’s commercial success, particularly in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. From Pharmaceuticals to Pan-African Trade Yanish’s journey to Gapuma has been both unconventional and inspiring. Coming from a background in pharmaceuticals, he quickly adapted to the intricacies of the African mining and industrial sectors, demonstrating a strong capacity for learning and applying new knowledge. His flexibility, commitment, and customer-focused approach have made him a vital contributor to Gapuma’s sustained growth. Supporting Growth and Building Relationships in West Africa Throughout his time at Gapuma, Yanish has been instrumental in strengthening the company’s brand and commercial volume across key West African markets. In Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana especially, his dedication to building strong, lasting relationships with clients and partners has played a crucial role in expanding Gapuma’s footprint. His in-depth knowledge of customer needs and market dynamics has helped shape Gapuma’s approach in these regions, ensuring responsiveness, trust, and mutual success. Engaging with Regional Opportunities In addition to his day-to-day contributions, Yanish has represented Gapuma at important regional events and forums, helping to build the company’s visibility and reputation as a trusted and forward-looking partner. His understanding of emerging opportunities, including major economic developments across West Africa, continues to inform Gapuma’s growth strategies. A Decade of Dedication and Contribution Over the past decade, Yanish Bhageerutty has been a key member of Gapuma’s journey in West Africa, bringing dedication, insight, and professionalism to every initiative he has been part of. His efforts have helped strengthen Gapuma’s position as a respected and reliable partner across the region. As we mark this anniversary, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Yanish for his outstanding contributions and look forward to seeing his continued impact in the years ahead.
Gapuma’s Raj Thakkar Steps Forward in Chesham
15 April 2025 Gapuma is proud to support the community-focused efforts of Raj Thakkar, our highly-esteemed colleague and a Chesham resident for the past five years. Known for his dedication to supporting local initiatives and small businesses, Raj has consistently demonstrated a passion for enhancing the place he calls home. In a natural extension of his commitment to civic life, Raj is now standing as a candidate in the upcoming Chesham Town Council election, set to take place on 1st May. His decision reflects a desire to play a more active role in the development and wellbeing of his local area. Raj’s approach centres on collaboration, inclusivity, and practical support for community-led initiatives. While his candidacy is a personal venture, we applaud his spirit of service and the values of leadership and engagement that align with Gapuma’s broader ethos of responsible global citizenship. We wish Raj all the best in this new chapter of local involvement. Image: Joseph Baum
Jack Completes the Ghent Marathon
Gapuma Group Managing Director, Jack Bardakjian, successfully completed the Ghent Marathon on Sunday, 30th March, with a commendable time of 3 hours and 36 minutes. With over 7,000 runners taking part, Jack’s time placed him in the top 20% of the field – a strong performance for a club-level runner. Maintaining an average pace of 5:07 per kilometre (8:13 per mile), he ran a consistent and disciplined race over the 42.2 km course. Jack’s achievement reflects his dedication and commitment, both on and off the track. 👏 Well done, Jack! 4o
Jack Bardakjian to Tackle Ghent Marathon This Sunday
28 March 2025 Jack Bardakjian, Group Managing Director and veteran of numerous road races, will be taking on the Ghent Marathon this Sunday, 30 March 2025. Known for his stamina and dedication to long-distance running, Jack’s return to competition is all the more remarkable, having recovered from double knee surgery. The Ghent Marathon has become an increasingly popular fixture on the European running calendar, offering a picturesque yet demanding route. Starting near the Flanders Expo, runners will make their way through the city’s green outskirts, including the Blaarmeersen recreational park, before heading into the medieval heart of Ghent. The course passes by several of the city’s iconic landmarks, including Gravensteen Castle, a striking 12th-century fortress with a storied past, and St Bavo’s Cathedral, home to Jan van Eyck’s masterpiece The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. The final stretch leads runners back towards the Flanders Expo, where cheering crowds will await the finishers. Beyond its historical charm, Ghent has a rich industrial heritage. Once a major centre for textile production, the city remains an economic hub with a thriving logistics sector and a growing reputation for biotechnology innovation. Its lively atmosphere, enhanced by charming canals and bustling squares, makes it a favourite destination for visitors. And Jack’s marathon journey will not end in Ghent. In October, he plans to compete in the Lisbon Marathon, another scenic but demanding race, this time along Portugal’s Atlantic Coast. Picture Credit: GOLAZO
United at Gapuma
27 March 2025 Gapuma Cote d’Ivoire has become the scene of a most unusual family reunion. Deepak Agnani, Dheeraj Khilnani, and Jay Ubhrani grew up apart in different states of India, separated by miles, careers, and the tides of life. Though bound by blood, they had never once stood together under the same sky. Each had carved their own path, never imagining that fate would bring them together — not in Mumbai, not in Delhi, but in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. When Yanish Bhageerutty, Gapuma’s Business Development Manager, visited the Abidjan office, he was greeted by a sight he hadn’t expected: three cousins beaming with joy, working shoulder to shoulder on a landmark project — delivering Gapuma’s new premises in Côte d’Ivoire. With pride, they shared their story:“Separated in India, Gapuma reunited us!” What had once been scattered family ties were now intertwined by a shared purpose — building something bigger together. In the bustling West African market, their bond grew stronger with every brick laid, every challenge tackled, and every milestone reached. Prakash Daswani, Country Manager for Cote D’Ivoire says: “For the cousins, Gapuma became more than just a company — it became a bridge, turning distance into togetherness.” And as they work to create a new home for Gapuma, they are also building something far more precious: a lifelong connection, stronger than ever.