“A real challenge,” is how Pierre Arzel, Branch Manager of AGS Nantes, sums up the successful vehicle repatriation.

It all started at the beginning of 2020, when four French couples embarked on a 32 000km off-road adventure between French Guiana, Ushuaia and Panama in their own vehicles. Their adventure came to an abrupt halt on 25 March when the global pandemic drove Bolivia into a strict lockdown. The eight travellers were forced to return to France on a repatriation flight organised by the local French Embassy, but their 4x4s stayed behind. “We didn’t want to leave them in the street,” explains Denis Mutter, one of the cars’ owners. “The French embassy suggested leaving the cars at the French high school parking lot in La Paz.”

After two months spent hoping they would be able to finish their epic journey, the vehicle owners approached AGS Nantes to arrange the return of the cars to France. This is when Pierre Arzel took over their file. “I was familiar with AGS expertise and professionalism because I had used their services when I was expatriated in Senegal,” says Denis Mutter. “I knew that the team would do their utmost to organise the shipment.”

An extraordinary exercise

After finalising the quotation on 4 June, Pierre got to work. Little did he know that the shipment would take almost a year to arrive. Obtaining the green light from the Bolivian authorities and customs proved extremely complex because of the unprecedented circumstances: It is against the law to abandon French vehicles belonging to French citizens, in cases where they leave the country indefinitely. The file took months to process, suffering further delays due to the pandemic and a sluggish Bolivian economy.

Pierre initially looked to the Bolivian shipper he usually works with for help. However, lockdown had pushed his contacts into short-time which greatly slowed the process. “Where a document would usually arrive in three days, we had to wait 15 days,” remembers Pierre. Bolivian customs also pointed out that the usual procedures were not applicable given the circumstances.

After a few weeks, customs delivered documents in Spanish for legalisation by the French authorities. After two months, Pierre By this time the documents had expired and he had to start all over again. This time the Bolivian presidential election slowed down the process, to the point that the new documents only arrived in at the end of October.

A return in April 2021

After several weeks, customs inspected the vehicles in December and greenlit their shipment to France. Pierre Arzel announced the great news the day before Christmas Eve. “Some of us really thought we would never see our vehicles again,” says Denis Mutter, “but we knew we could count on Pierre Arzel to keep us informed. He was invested in our predicament and showed real determination.”

Containerisation took place in January for a departure on 20 January. The four vehicles were transported in two 40m3 shipping containers, finally arriving in good condition at the port of Le Havre on 19 April 2021, more than a year after their owners had left them behind. More good news was that the couples could reclaim their deposit from the trip organiser, who had retained a percentage of the vehicles’ value to facilitate border crossings in South America.

“This file is one of the most complicated I have managed, especially because of its duration,” says Pierre Arzel. “I knew I had to persevere and insist. The file was on the top of my list every day for ten months and I was determined to see it through.”

Move with peace of mind with AGS Nantes!

After a phone call to the fire department, which no longer provides bee removal services, Raphaël Arielli looked for a nearby beekeeper. He discovered that SMRI Mécanique, a nearby company specialising in mechanics and industrial valves, had four beehives on its premises. In no time he was at their door, requesting assistance from their small team of apiarists.

A tranquil rescue operation

The Managing Director of SMRI Mécanique, Claude Martini, and Patrick Parenti, the President of the Spne (Sensibilisation Protection Nature et Environnement), the association that introduced SMRI to bee conservation, support AGS Marseille’s desire to save their invaders. Patrick Parenti explains, “The hives divide this time every year, and a half leaves with the new queen. The bee population is under threat, so a rescue like this is crucial. We must protect them from predators like the Asian hornet and inappropriate behaviour like suffocation.”

Armed with protective suits and equipment, they rescued the swarm, which had by then relocated to a nearby cypress tree. Several branches were sawn off during the operation, but no smoking was required. “The SMRI team explained that bees loaded with honey, like ours were, are harmless,” says Raphaël Arielli.

An environmentally friendly approach

Once the queen was safely ensconced in the hive brought specially for the occasion, the other bees followed. The rescue operation, photographed by Christophe Moret, Planning Manager at AGS Marseille, was a success. “I am delighted and proud that we managed to rescue the bees and give them a good home,” says Priscille Kula, the deputy branch manager. This environmentally friendly approach is in line with the philosophy of the branch and the AGS Group as a whole. Moreover, it is a ray of light in these gloomy times.

SMRI similarly welcomed the rescue. “This new swarm will be SMRI’s fifth hive. It will help us continue to promote beehives in suburban areas among employees. We are protecting the environment at a time when global warming is causing devastating damage,” explains Claude Martini, who has been involved in the preservation of bees for the past five years thanks to the Snpe.

An environmental and social deed

SMRI has modified its green spaces by planting food-bearing plants that allow bees to forage throughout the year. It also keeps chickens to control predators and intends to plant fruit trees in the coming months to green up the pine forest destroyed by fire in 2020.

Like other businesses in the region, the company sells its honey through the Snpe. The non-profit has a good reputation and has already assisted the Hospital of Martigues, private individuals, the town hall of Châteauneuf, and many companies. “Our objective is to make them autonomous in their apiary management, like SMRI Mécanique is today,” adds Patrick Parentil. “We are also engaging in educational activities in schools.”

“This was a terrific experience because we came together for a worthy cause. We are delighted to have met local businesses and neighbours during this adventure,” says Raphaël Arielli. He concludes with a smile: “And why not have beehives at AGS?”

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We are pleased to announce that our Parisian branch recently renewed its ISO 14001:2015 certification. The ISO 14001 Certification is an internationally recognised standard for effective environmental management. Through a series of requirements, it provides a framework within which we as a branch can continue to improve our environmental performance.

This renewal is the result of the unstinting work by the team at AGS Paris, the flagship branch of the Mobilitas Group.

“I am pleased that AGS Paris has retained this certification on their already significant list of accomplishments,” commented AGS Group CEO Cédric Castro. “One of the AGS Group’s key principles has always been to grow sustainable business through environmentally friendly practices, and the successful renewal of this certification is another way in which we are able to put our principles into effect.”

The AGS Mobilitas Group has made a quantifiable impact worldwide through our partnership with the Planète Urgence NGO, which was formed in 2009 (https://planete-urgence.org).

As part of this agreement (one international move = one tree), over 240 000 trees have been planted in the last 10 years in Mali, Haiti, Indonesia and Madagascar, on behalf of our customers.

AGS Paris has long been a pioneer for the AGS Group in implementing environmentally-friendly processes to reduce greenhouse emissions.

In addition to the ISO 14001 certification, AGS Paris also holds the following certifications and accreditations:

• ISO 9001:2015, for quality management
• ISO 27001:2013, for confidentiality, integrity and availability of information as well as legal compliance
• FIDI FAIM and FAIM Plus, specific to the moving industry, developed by the International Federation of International Movers (FIDI) to assess the quality of the work supplied by a mover
• NG Storage, a French standard that guarantees quality and reliability of storage service
• Authorized Economic Operator, a European standard whose aim is to facilitate trade and better secure the flow of goods entering and leaving the European Union

AGS Paris is also a member of IAM (International Association of Movers), FIDI and LACMA. Our partnership with the members of these three international moving associations gives us access to a global network of partners and allows us to offer an excellent service to our clients, wherever they are in the world.

As son and grandson of the founders of the MOBILITAS Group, Alain Taïeb and his nephew, Cédric Castro, were invited to speak at the latest Family Business Network (FBN) event, held virtually on 17 September 2020. The FBN is the first global network dedicated to family-owned businesses and their shareholders, and the two gentlemen were honoured to share their thoughts on running their family business under the motto Preserving the Present to Ensure the Future.

Cultivating resilience by putting family first

Since its foundation in France in 1974 by Alain’s parents, Isaac and Sarah Taïeb (Le Point September 2016), the MOBILITAS Group, then known as AGS, has grown from an SME into a mid-sized multinational group. To achieve this, the family first expanded their core activity of removals beyond French borders and then embarked on a strategy of diversification by adding complimentary services to the AGS portfolio. Today the group is active in 98 countries with four areas of focus:  international removals, relocations, records management and heritage digitisation.

The reason behind this approach to growth? Family, of course.

“Building for the future – the next generation – has always been a priority for our family business,” explains Alain Taïeb, Chairman of the MOBILITAS Supervisory Board. “If we have always been able to bounce back and be resilient, it is thanks to this principle and the resulting strategy, which is based on three pillars: the family entrepreneurial DNA, a diversified geographical presence and the addition of new activities to minimise risk.”

President of FBN France, Philippe Grodner, confirms: “Thanks to their long-term vision, family-owned businesses have shown that their performance is often superior to that of traditional companies. The family’s values act as an essential glue that binds all employees and stakeholders together.”

This sentiment is echoed in a report published by Centennial Family Companies, in which 86% of family-owned businesses feel that their strong culture and values set them apart.

Adaptability is key

Cédric Castro, Chairman of the MOBILITAS Management Board and the third generation of the family to be at the helm, believes it is the focus on longevity and family values that has allowed the group to remain sustainable in these uncertain times.

“The importance the family places on the future has been absorbed at every level of our operations. Our teams’ daily activities form a continuous momentum that builds on what we have already achieved and lays the foundations for our upcoming plans. Our other strength is being able to adapt quickly. At each critical moment in the life of our group, we have been able to be flexible and adjust. This allows us to continue to develop, diversify and consolidate,” he says.

As such, the adaptability and diversification of the MOBILITAS Group enables it to withstand the current crisis well. “Our archiving and heritage digitisation activities are well-received. We manage archives for banks, government administrations and private companies, and through our company Arkhênum, we also offer heritage digitisation.  Just recently we have worked with a prestigious cognac brand and digitised valuable museum print collections,” Cédric continues.

It’s a fact. More and more companies want to preserve their heritage as a way of safeguarding irreplaceable know-how while strengthening their identity and their brand. This is illustrated by the testimonial of Hélène Galzin from the Renault Group, which has just carried out a great project to preserve its heritage, comprising an art collection, vintage cars and a collection of archives of inestimable value (discover the video).

MOBILITAS knows that conserving knowledge and strengthening brand identity are key activities for any business, which is why they offer digitisation services to their clients. Internally however the company also achieves these objectives through family involvement, building on the present through resilience and adaptability to ensure the future for the next generation.

The Rencontres de la Mobilité internationale has been an annual reference event for Human Resources executives since 2008. Thirty speakers and more than 300 international HR decision-makers convened to talk, learn and stay informed on all topics related to mobility.

Plenary conferences

This year, two plenary conferences permitted outstanding personalities to share their vision on prospective topics. The first conference gave the floor to the writer, international reporter, diplomat and former war correspondent, Olivier Weber, and to Pierre Haski, president of Reporters Without Borders and presenter of the geopolitics mornings on France Inter radio. They spoke about political uncertainties, the rise of populism, the intensification of commercial tensions and the strain on migratory matters.

The second plenary conference was led by Bertrand Piccard, a visionary at the origin of Solar Impulse, the first zero-fuel aircraft with a perpetual autonomy. He has completed two round-the-world trips; one in a balloon and another in a solar plane. Bertrand is recognised by some of the most established institutions as an influent thought leader on the topics of progress and sustainability.

Thematic conferences

The day was also composed of four thematic sessions during which several topics were discussed including new forms of mobility and talent management and the impact of international mobility on the lives and careers of expatriates, amongst others.

Workgroups

Lastly, participants took part in workgroups and discussed various subjects including the international mobility within the Brexit perspective, legal news, mobility towards the Middle-East, and technology as a support to HR teams, amongst others.

Subjects as close as possible to professionals’ expectation

The increasing success of this meeting is mainly due to the way it is designed. The different themes are selected after a preliminary online survey conducted with more than 8,000 representatives of the HR discipline. Chosen topics thus meet professionals’ expectations.

In addition, the diversity and the number of speakers and participants insure the multiplicity of points of view and the richness of the discussions.

The UFE is an association of French, Francophones and Francophiles around the world that defends their interests, provides support and assistance on a regular basis, and ensures a privileged connection with France. The UFE is also a window that allows France to shine throughout the world. The association, founded in 1927, has more than 170 volunteer-driven representations in more than 100 countries.

Since 1927, the UFE has been working to defend the rights of all French, expatriates or those who permanently emigrated abroad. It continues its long-term action in the fields of social protection, education, security, taxation, the right to vote and nationality. The UFE is also a spokesperson at the embassy and the consulate, as well as at public authorities in France. The role of the UFE is particularly important when it comes to guarantee the safety of French citizens. In high-risk countries, the UFE works in close collaboration with the consular authorities and, in times of crisis, proves to be a true communication channel between the French and the consulates.

General Assembly of the UFE

On 09 March 2019, the General Assembly of the UFE was held at the Pullman Paris Eiffel Tower Hotel. AGS Paris attended this event and set up a booth to present its services.

During this Assembly, Samantha Cazebonne, Member of the Fifth Constituency of French Citizens established outside France, delivered a very interesting presentation on French teaching abroad. Alain-Pierre Mignon, President of the CFE (Fund for French Citizens Abroad) and Laurent Gallet, Director of the CFE, spoke about the reform of the CFE. The day ended with a beautiful gala evening at the Pavillon Wagram.

Pictured above: AGS Representatives at UFE General Assembly, Tony Weiss (left) and Gil Le Ménès.

Meeting with Gérard Pélisson, co-founder of the Accor Group

On Wednesday 15 May 2019, the UFE organised an event for the release of a book dedicated to the founders of the Accor Group, entitled: “Paul Dubrule and Gérard Pélisson, Confrontation and Complicity”.

Gérard Pélisson and the two authors, Pierre-Michel Kaufmann and Henry Lang also attended the event. The book is the result of a two-year dialogue between the two authors and the two businessmen. The creators of the world’s first hotel empire told their intimate experience of this adventure while contrasting their experience to their partner’s one. This gives a fascinating story of the genesis and development of a company, full of anecdotes, confrontations and complicit exchanges.

Alain Taïeb, chairman of the MOBILITAS Group, attended the event, together with Tony Weiss, director of business development at AGS Paris.

The football tournament of the Gendarmerie of Rhône Alpes takes place annually and is organised by the CSALG (Sports Club Artistic and Recreation of the Gendarmerie of Clermont-Ferrand).

The CSALG was created in 1983 and has nearly 500 members. The club is also open to outsiders and creates a link between society and the police.

Fourteen teams participated in the 30th edition of the tournament and more than 350 people, including players, volunteers, referees and partners, gathered and enjoyed a lovely lunch together.

Cédric Herlin, AGS Auvergne branch manager and Guillaume Cartal, the branch sales representative (pictured above), attended the event and represented AGS. They welcomed guests to the AGS branded stand and shared some of the services offered by the branch.

In the interview, Mr Taïeb stresses the importance of assets to the Group and addresses the company’s acquisition strategy, price competition and the competition of online companies.

MOBILITAS, started as a small moving company named AGS in 1974, has grown to become one of the leading moving companies in the world, employing approximately 4500 people.

Please click here to read the full article.

Africa network

We wish all of them great success at their new branches and new positions.

34th Anniversary of Accolade association

The first event took place on 26 January 2019 and celebrated the 34th anniversary of Accolade. Since 1985, this association has played a major role in promoting and developing Caribbean culture through sports and cultural activities. The 2019 event, which was attended by more than a thousand people, highlighted women who contributed to the promotion of the Caribbean culture, either in their personal or professional capacity. Alain Providenti, Sales Manager at AGS Paris, one of the main sponsors of the 34th event, had the privilege to present awards to the winners who were congratulated by well-known figures, including Babette de Rozières, Jean-Marc Mormeck and Jacob Desvarieux.

Overseas Gastronomy and French-speaking Communities Fair

AGS Paris also attended the Parc des Expositions in Paris, for the fourth Overseas Gastronomy and French-speaking Communities Fair. Created by Babette de Rozières, Chef and TV show presenter, this fair showcased the cultural treasures and culinary heritage of the FOT. AGS Paris, an avid contributor of this show since the first year, was present again at this year’s event which attracts more than 60 000 visitors every year. From 01 to 03 February 2019, Alain Providenti and Filipe Alves welcomed public participants who were interested in the services offered by AGS, especially those specifics to shipments between FOT and France mainland, such as the AGS Box. Alain and Filipe also welcomed the glamorous presence of Morgane Thérésine, Miss World Guadeloupe 2018.

Pictured above, at the Overseas Gastronomy and French-speaking Communities Fair, from left to right: Mr Kenzo (singer and composer), Miss Theresine (Miss World Guadeloupe 2018), Mrs Jean (President of the Association Bitazyon Lyannag Kreyol) and Mr Alain Providenti Sales Manager at AGS Paris.

The winners of the 34th Anniversary of Accolade Association were, from left to right: Mrs Audenay (Director of BRED Bank Overseas), Mrs Semour (Director of Plaisir de la Table), Mrs Plissoneau (Sales Manager of Tropic Marché), M. Desvarieux (bass player, author & composer for the Kassav group), Mrs M’Barga M’Boa (Public Relations Manager of La Banane de Guadeloupe et Martinique), Miss THeresine (Miss world Guadeloupe 2018).