Joseph Psaroulla: Challenges have highlighted the importance of building resilience

The Chairman of DG Jones & Partners shares his view of the current state of the construction sector and why his company’s focus on transparency and integrity enables it to build lasting relationships with its clients in spite of ongoing challenges to the world’s economies

Can you tell us more about your company when you were established in Cyprus and how many offices/ members of staff you currently have?

In 1962 our founder Donald G Jones started out with a vision to provide the world with a service that would give our clients cost-effective solutions to their construction needs. Professional staff would work together across a network of local offices to integrate their collective knowledge, providing clients with the best possible advice to meet their needs. The company would be independent, impartial, and bound by the highest standards of business ethics.

From that solid foundation, our company rapidly expanded worldwide, always diversifying and adapting to changing market demands. We now have a multi-disciplinary team with worldwide experience, working on projects in Africa, America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania.

What do you believe sets your company apart from its competition?

What sets us apart from our competitors is our commitment to providing clients with the facts and information they need to run their businesses successfully. We understand that reliable and accurate information is crucial to making informed decisions and achieving desired outcomes.

By prioritizing our clients' needs, we ensure that they have the necessary insights and knowledge to stay ahead in their industries. Our focus on transparency and integrity enables us to build lasting relationships with our clients based on trust and mutual respect. Ultimately, our goal is to help our clients achieve their objectives and thrive in today's competitive business environment.

How has your experience of doing business in Cyprus been and would you recommend it to other foreign interest companies looking to relocate?

The tax incentives and other benefits offered to foreign companies, coupled with the government facilities and banking sector that are on par with mainland Europe, make Cyprus an ideal location for doing business. These factors influenced our decision to establish our headquarters in Cyprus.

With its strategic location, favorable business climate, and modern infrastructure, Cyprus offers a wealth of opportunities for companies looking to expand their operations or establish a presence in Europe. Our experience in Cyprus has been positive, and we continue to be impressed by the supportive business environment and excellent resources available here.

What is your view of your sector (locally and on a global level) both as it is today and its potential for growth?

Disruptions caused by the pandemic and the Ukraine war have had a significant impact on supply chains, resulting in inflation that is affecting the prices of construction materials. The pandemic has caused global disruptions in supply chains, leading to shortages of key materials and components. Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has added to these challenges by creating geopolitical uncertainty and disrupting trade flows.

As a result, businesses in the construction industry are facing rising costs for raw materials and other inputs, making it more difficult to manage budgets and stay competitive. These challenges have highlighted the importance of building resilience in supply chains and finding new ways to manage risks in an unpredictable global environment.

Where do you see your company in five years? Are there any immediate plans for your company you can reveal to us today, for example new products, services, plans for expansion?

We recently acquired Andreas Demetriades LLC, which was established in 2006, and have rebranded it as DGJones Demetriades LLC. In addition, we are in the process of finalizing the acquisition of another company in the UK, which is expected to be completed in the coming months. We are also in discussions to acquire another firm in the Far East.

These acquisitions reflect our commitment to expanding our global footprint and providing clients with access to our expertise in more locations around the world. By the end of 2023, we hope to have established offices on five continents, further enhancing our ability to serve clients wherever they operate.

How much focus do you put on CSR and being part of the local community?

Our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility is at the core of everything we do at DGJ. As a responsible corporate citizen, we recognize the importance of being an active member of the local community and giving back to society. In this regard, we have established the DGJ Academy, which is designed to enhance the professional development of our staff by providing continuous training and development opportunities.

The academy offers a wide range of programs and courses, including technical training, leadership development, and soft skills training. We believe that by investing in the personal and professional growth of our staff, we can create a positive impact not only within our organization but also in the broader community.

Furthermore, we encourage our staff to participate in social activities that align with our DGJ culture and values, such as volunteering in local community programs or participating in environmental initiatives. We believe that by engaging in such activities, we can contribute to the well-being of the local community and create a positive impact on the environment.

Overall, our CSR initiatives are an essential component of our corporate strategy, and we remain committed to making a positive difference in the world around us.