APAC Indian Excellence Awards 2017

K Indian Business Excellence 2017 awards 2017 Indian Business Excellence Ansiderac Best HRO Services Provider 2017 Best Pharmaceutical CRO 2017 – Veeda Clinical Research Limited Best Self-Driving Logistics Vehicles Manufacturer 2017 – Hi-Tech Robotic Systemz Ltd.

2 APAC / Indian Business Awards 2017 Editor’s Note , Welcome to the 2017 Indian Excellence Awards India is a diverse and vast country where businesses work thoroughly to ensure that their company is succeeding in a rising economical state. Which is why, the Indian Excellence Awards 2017 have been created to recognise and reward the outstanding accomplishments made by those within their respective industries. With their inventive thinking and inimitable ways, they have managed to attain phenomenal results. K

Contents , K 4. Ascent Consulting Services Pvt Ltd Best HRO Services Provider 2017 5. Veeda Clinical Research Limited Best Pharmaceutical CRO 2017 6. Sd Cargo PVT. LTD Best Cold Chain Freight Company 2017 - India & Cargo Managing Director of the Year 2017 7. IMS Mercantiles Pvt. Ltd. Best Rechargeable Batteries Supplier 2017 8. Biophore India Pharmaceuticals Private Limited Best Research-Driven Global Pharmaceutical Company 2017 9. Hi-Tech Robotic Systemz Ltd. Best Self-Driving Logistics Vehicles Manufacturer 2017 *

4 APAC / Indian Business Awards 2017 , AscentHR assist in building a unified and agile human capital management system, which is intuitive and interactive, while supporting the needs of back office in managing payroll and benefits by way of outsourced services. Subramanyam S discusses the firm’s service offering in more detail and outlines how it works to ensure the clients receive the very highest standards of service and support. As an emerging global leader in the H R outsourcing space, AscentHR provides innovative and customised solutions to any enterprise irrespective of its size / scale. Our solutions address the needs from integrated H R outsourcing solutions or complicated multi country Payroll services to handling benefits and Compliance services across several countries in South East Asia, EMEA and Latin/South America. AscentHR helps organisations increase their competitive advantage with custom built solutions based on a vast domain experience of astute professionals supported by the latest technology. Our customers therefore, have the power to meet business challenges with confidence because they have strengthened their infrastructure and processes to be flexible, accessible, efficient, and secure. “Our Compliance and Consulting strength gives us the edge as a unique organisation in India which can assure risk free INB17002 Best HRO Services Provider 2017 AscentHR has been engaged in the business of powering enterprises in managing their H R Service Delivery over the last 15 years. We invited Subramananyam S to tell us more about the firm and the range of services it offers. compliance management while providing support at many locations across India through its web based technology tools. Additionally, our solutions are industry agnostic and our clients are spread across several industries including information technology, BPO, pharmaceuticals, education, health care, logistics, discreet manufacturing , entertainment, media etc. Our reach across all important cities in India coupled with the hybrid or custom solutions which can be integrated with legacy systems makes us a unique H R Solutions Vendor counted among the top 3 service providers in similar space within India.” What truly sets the firm apart, according to Subramanyam S, is that it precisely addresses the anomaly of varied H R Practices across industry through its 360 degree HR Management Solutions that transform the HR service delivery. While these solutions accomplish cost reduction, greater efficiencies and improved quality, the firm’s larger effort is aimed at improving organizational efficiency and not just creating incremental change, as Subramanyam S explains. “AscentHR has achieved our aims by building the right mix of skills and knowledge required for an effective Outsourced HR Management function. Our solutions employ a matrix of technology, domain expertise, streamlined business workflow, and highly skilled people to create tangible, measurable, performance improvements throughout the client’s organization. “As such, AscentHR is recognized as one of the most trusted partners in this business by clients around the world. We work as an extension of our client’s business. Our management and delivery teams are passionate about building efficiencies in our clients’ business. Our bespoke technology solutions for H R Needs are unique in the industry and are backed by the best of industry practices in Data management, Information Security, Data Privacy, anywhere access and very user friendly processes.” Looking ahead, AscentHR has many exciting plans to grow even further and expand globally, as Subramanyam S proudly concludes. “Currently, AscentHR is present in 27 countries and we are scaling the reach rapidly and would be available in 50 countries within a short span of two years. While the first effort in establishing technology and knowledge practice took a slightly longer time, we are confident this experience will come in handy in the new geographies. We will be in the pilot phase for, the largest consumer of this service, North America, during the year and are confident of scaling up in the following year. In addition, we have already covered the global growth oriented economies and look forward to establishing Europe in 2018. “The business operations are largely driven by Technology and Highly Skilled Manpower and are less reliant on Capex as such. Having said that, Go to Market for new geographies, which the company wants to reach in the current and the next financial year, would have a need for cash burn and the company believes that its on-going cash accruals can meet significant needs, at the same time, augmenting financial sources is not a constraint given the excellent track record and huge market potential of the company, either by way of debt or equity should such need arise, in a short time. We see our Company as one of the global leader in Providing HR management services in the next 5 years.” Contact: Subramanyam S Contact Email: [email protected] Address: #420, 100 Feet Road 4th Block Koramangala Bangalore, Karnataka, 560034, India Phone: 0091 80 4009 9500

, In 2004 Veeda CR was established with a vision of creating a CRO with an in-depth scientific know-how, technical edge and better foresight for clinical trials, an objective of becoming a catalyst for enhanced drug development to facilitate better patient treatments. The firm was established by experienced senior professionals with a vision to set-up a premium CRO known for its Independence, Knowledge and Quality. These Goals were achieved by Veeda CR Founders because of their sole-focus on “High Value system”, “Nocompromise on Ethics” and an aptitude for “Continuous Learning for Advancement of Science” in order to improve the quality of Human Life. With more than a decade of experience Veeda has now become one of the most desired partners to the Pharmaceutical fraternity globally for conducting their clinical studies to deliver safe and quality solutions with no compromise on ethical practices, as Priyanka emphasises. “At Veeda, we place a firm emphasis on following our value system to deliver excellence in our clinical trials. Our values and commitment to innovation, perfection and quality have helped us establish ourselves as one of the safest and most trusted CRO in India. Our sponsors always say that they receive minimal queries from the regulators on our reports. Our mission is to strive for excellence in quality and endeavor to INB17001 Best Pharmaceutical CRO 2017 Veeda CR is an independent Clinical Research Organization headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. We spoke to Priyanka Tiwari to find out more. become the partner of choice for our sponsors and our stakeholders. “From inception the founders’ vision was to create a world class knowledge based organization that would cater to the clinical research and development needs of the leading pharmaceutical companies in the world. We believe we have created this.” To ensure excellence at all times, Veeda Clinical Research boasts a well-designed, world class, custom-built and regulatory compliant clinical research infrastructure to facilitate conduct of quality research. It is spread over a total floor area of approximately 167,000 sq.ft., divided to cover the Clinical Units (88,000 sq.ft. approximately), Bio analytical Laboratory area (38,000 sq.ft. approximately), Volunteer screening area, Volunteer Information centers and external archives. Priyanka outlines how this revolutionary base helps the firm to ensure quality at all times. “Quality is a way of life for Veeda. We are continuously making efforts to institutionalize quality systems and quality behavior. We ensure high quality is maintained by having monthly management quality review meetings at all levels in the company where each quality finding is discussed in detail to see how this can be resolved to prevent the recurrence. There are more than 15 Quality meetings that take place every month at various levels. This continuous interaction at all levels of the organization on a consistent basis has led to us being the only organization to have completed “22” USFDA inspections in 10 years. Both the founders Apurva Shah and Binoy Gardi attend ALL meetings in respect of quality on a monthly basis to ensure that this is taken seriously within the organization. Veeda does not take quality for granted in fact it is an integral part of the appraisal system of every individual of the company. The score given to “quality” and adherence to quality varies from 30% - 70% of the total appraisal score of any one individual within Veeda. This ensures that quality is taken seriously within Veeda. “Furthermore more we have a robust training program not only for new joinees but we have a continual professional development program (CPD) where by each individual is has to obtain certain CPD points. These CPD points are based on attending technical and also non-technical courses such as management programs. Each employee presently spends 5% of their total time on training in a year. We are targeting to increase this number to 10% within the next 12 months as we believe that this is key factor in ensuring high quality. Due to the high level of quality practiced over the last 12 years we worked for 10 of the top 15 Pharmaceutical companies of which 90 per cent are our repeat customers. “Ultimately, we are the first company to have entered into a Strategic contract with MNCs and large Indian Pharma companies. This strategic contract not only guarantees a minimum number of studies but more importantly it means that the sponsor shares/ consults and discusses their future pipeline with us. This relationship highlights the trust our sponsors have in Veeda in terms of quality in execution but also in terms of scientific knowledge.” Moving forward, growth is the firm’s core focus in order to continue to prosper and support clients, as Priyanka is proud to conclude. “Looking ahead, Veeda CR has plans to grow its capabilities in Late Phase Clinical trials, Pharmacovigilance, Bioanalysis of Large molecules / Biosimilars, increase in niche services like Inhalation studies and Glucose clamp studies.” Company: Veeda Clinical Research Private Limited. Contact: Priyanka Tiwari Contact Email: Priyanka.Tiwari@ veedacr.com , [email protected] Address: Vedant Complex, Beside YMCA club, S.G. Highway, Vejalpur, Ahmedabad- 380051, Gujarat , India. Phone: 0091 79 30013000 (Ext: 1196) ,M: +91-7069054041 Web Address : veedacr.com LinkedIn: veedacr

6 APAC / Indian Business Awards 2017 , INB17007 Best Cold Chain Freight Company 2017 - India & Cargo Managing Director of the Year 2017 S D Cargo is an authorized freight forwarding agent and door-to-door logistics service provider in India. We invited Deepak More to tell us more about the firm and the services it provides. SD Cargo is an IATA approved agent dealing in both international and domestic freight forwarding. With an ISO 9001:2008 certification SD Cargo has its PAN India presence, and its forte is in handling time sensitive shipments such as vaccines, pharmaceuticals products, vegetables, and flowers. Deepak discusses the firm’s service offering in more detail and how the firm works to provide clients, who include household names such as GlaxoSmithKline pharmaceuticals Abbott Ltd, Cipla Ltd, Johnson & Johnson Ltd, Mylan Ltd, Sanofi Ltd, Lupin Ltd, Roche Pharma and Pfizer Ltd, with the very highest standards of service and support. “Here S D Cargo, we handle international and domestic freight, airport to airport freight, door to door freight, airport to door freight, exhibition / event material movements and customized warehousing on demand. The reason behind our success so far is our motivation and the principles we follow where service being the pillar to our success. “This is in line with our mission; to create value to our clients by delivering innovative tailored solutions to move products and information more efficiently and effectively with the best people, systems and processes. We take one step at a time to achieve our goals and milestone. Our vision is to be recognized as one of the most admired companies in our industry because of our commitments to clients, employees and business partners.” To achieve these ambitious aims the firm needs a dedicated team, and as such it operates a supportive internal culture, as Deepak explains. “Culture sustains employee enthusiasm. We want happy employees because happiness means more productivity to us. We educate our employees and they know our values and mission. We define our employees as a team & just not a bunch of individuals. We also have in house training program at various levels to keep our employees abreast with the latest developments in various fields.” Moving forward, S D Cargo will build upon its impeccable success and grow even further, as Deepak concludes. “Looking ahead, our plan is to explore big way into refrigerated vehicles, which can contour with our contemporary air business, which we are already doing successfully. Where investment matters we look forward for a suitable investor.” Company: S D Cargo PVT. LTD Contact: Deepak More Contact Email: deepak.more@ sdcargo.com Address: B 502, Dipti Classic, Near Guru Nanak Petrol Pump, Suren Road, Andheri (E), Mumbai, 400 093, India Phone: 0091 22 2683 4161 Extn-201

, Established in 2003, IMS was created by Founder Director, Late Sh. Suresh Saraf and Amit Saraf. The current list of directors also includes Deepak Saraf, Ankit Saraf and Anita Saraf. Having been established for more than 13 years now, the company has two key brands Digitek and Envie and several products under its umbrella. Within a span of few years, these brands have grown to be one of the largest brands in their respective categories. Envie Rechargeable Batteries have won several awards against some very renowned MNC brands for being the best in its category as AAA Batteries In 2012, AA and AAA Batteries in 2013, AA Batteries in 2014 & again AA Batteries in 2015. Similarly, Digitek today is one of the largest brands in the photographic and smartphone Accessories industry. It carries a very wide range of photographic accessories and smartphones accessories. There is wide acceptance of all its products range due to Superior quality and after sales service. All of the products are compliant with international standards such as CE, ROHS, UL. Also, most of its products have already been registered under CRS scheme of BIS as introduced by the Government of India. Overall, IMS’s strength lies in its widespread network across the country with six offices at Delhi, INB17008 Best Rechargeable Batteries Supplier 2017 IMS Mercantiles is currently one of the largest distributors of photographic accessories, rechargeable batteries and chargers and smartphone accessories in India. We profile the firm to explore the secrets behind its success. Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahemdabad, Hyderabad and Jaipur. It also has over 600 distributors and it caters to over 70,000 retailers in the country with over 200 trained staff, placed at different locations of the country. Through this global network the firm is committed to make available its brand outside India for which it has been making several efforts through participation in exhibitions outside India. Photokina in Germany and photo and video exhibition in Colombo, Srilanka has been platforms where it has showcased its products. Additionally, the company is currently distributing its products in Myanmar and Nepal through its newly appointed distributors. It also targets to soon make the brands available in other Asian markets like Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Srilanka, etc. Looking to the future, IMS remains focused on growing its network, which has already been growing at a tremendous pace of over 20% year on year. The company is also exploring various other product lines to put into its network in the new Financial year 2017-18. These new product lines will only help to accelerate the growth of the company. Alongside this, the company is also gradually moving its sourcing base to India. This will not only support the movement of the Make in India initiative by the Government of India but will also cut down costs for the company eventually increasing the gross margins of the company. These developments pave the way for a bright and exciting future for IMS. Company: IMS Mercantiles Pvt. Ltd. Contact: Amit Saraf Contact Email: [email protected] Address: 704, V3S Ring Road Mall, Sector - 3, Rohini, Delhi, 110085, India Phone: 0091 11 47074444

8 APAC / Indian Business Awards 2017 , Over the past decade, Biophore has emerged as a trusted partner in generic industry across US, Europe and other regulated markets. Drawing on this experience, Biophore is consistently delivering complex and niche pharmaceutical products for the generic pharmaceutical industry. Research and innovation are the pillars of Biophore’s operations. Biophore’s research activities extends from the development of active pharmaceuticals to fixed dose formulations for the regulated markets. At any point of the time, Biophore’s research is focused on an average of 80 products which are at various stages of development. Biophore’s portfolio is diverse and is spread over 30 therapeutic categories which include synthetic steroids, synthetic peptides, contrast and diagnostic media and oncology. Over the years, the firm has filed about 70 DMFs and 50 patents for its unique portfolio. The state-of-the art technology development center located in Hyderabad is equipped with infrastructure that facilitates activities from conceptualization INB17004 Best Research-Driven Global Pharmaceutical Company 2017 Biophore is an established pharmaceutical company engaged in the development and manufacture of niche pharmaceutical products for generic industry. We profile the firm to find out more about the discoveries it has made and how it works to provide excellence at all times. till regulatory submissions. Biophore’s advanced research and development facilities has the competency to develop and commercialize processes for active pharmaceutical ingredients and fixed dose formulations. With over 80,000 square feet workspace, the research center hosts equipment up-to-date with the advancements in the field of pharmaceutical technology. The technology development centre has dedicated laboratories for development of peptides, oncology products and other potent APIs. The research centre integrates the science of chemistry with the innovative approach and fosters the technology to produce cost-effective and niche pharmaceutical products. The firm believes innovation as a component of the success for any organization that banks on research. Research at Biophore compliments science with innovative approach and creates a “technology based approach” to develop novel and non-infringing products. Biophore respects the innovative approach and ensure every innovation is reinforced with intellectual property. In a move to bolster the capabilities and contribute to an affordable medicine, Biophore acquired a solid oral formulation manufacturing facility “Zenara Pharmaceuticals”. This acquisition offers a higher degree of flexibility to Biophore’s customers by decreasing the costs involved in identifying and adapting a suitable CMO. Zenara, is EU GMP compliant is accredited with certifications from WHO GMP; EU GMP; ZAZIBONA, DCA and DHMA. Biophore, now is focused on implementing the quality procedures in order to make the facility to be compliant with US FDA standards. The facility offers contracts services in manufacture of solid oral dosage forms. Zenara, specialized in manufacture of capsules, gels & lozenges is renowned for manufacturing gums and lozenges for Nicotine replacement therapy. Biophore, using the capabilities of the new acquisition and applying the technology of gums & lozenges is led towards developing a Novel Drug Delivery Systems for generic medicines. This year, Biophore is in its 10th anniversary year, and to celebrate the firm is focused on making its mark in the Biosimilars, Biobetter and Next Gen antibody macromolecules while continuing to excel in the field of small molecule generics. Biophore strives to contribute to better medicine by adapting and applying the latest technology involved in Pharmaceuticals by providing an inclusive atmosphere to its employees and though constant upgradation in operational excellence. Overall, Biophore’s aim is to continue its position midst of most reliable knowledge based firms in the API sector and create an impact in the finished dosage form development segment in the immediate near-future through customer-focused approach. Pharmaceuticals Private Limited Contact: Jagadeesh Babu Rangisetty Contact Email: [email protected] Address: Plot#92; 1-98/2/92, Kavuri Hills – Phase II, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, India Phone: +914047474545 Website: www.biophore.com

, INB17006 Best Self-Driving Logistics Vehicles Manufacturer 2017 The Hi-Tech Robotic Systemz is a bootstrapped robotics company focused on developing products for revolutionizing man and material transportation with its Self Driving People Movers, Self Driving Logistics Vehicles for material handling and mobile robots for security and surveillance. We profile the firm to explore the secrets behind its success. Founded in 2004, The Hi-Tech Robotic Systemz is committed to enriching human life through smart robotics. Its vision is to change the world with THRSL powered intelligent systems. As such, its core focuses are L0 to L5 Autonomy for Vehicles. which includes fleet of Self Driving Shuttles for people movement in private campuses, Advance Driver Assistive Systems (ADAS) products for smart and connected cars. In addition, the firm seeks to enable industry 4.0 with Self Driving Logistics Vehicles (next gen AGVs) with natural navigation for Industries, manufacturing facilities with a connected Industrial IoT framework and enable next generation warehousing Self Driving Logistics Vehicles catering to High Throughput with effective ROI. Overall, the Hi-Tech Robotic Systemz is on a mission to deliver scalable, smart autonomous and assistive systems to global customers through disruptive business models, and this will remain its ongoing focus as it looks towards the future. Company: The Hi-Tech Robotic Systemz Ltd. Contact: Ritukar Vijay Contact Email: ritukar.vijay@ hitechroboticsystemz.com Address: A-18, Infocity, Sector-34, Gurgaon, Haryana, 122001, India Phone: 0091 124 4715300 Website: www.hitechroboticsystemz.com

10 APAC / Indian Business Awards 2017 Subscribe to APAC magazine Subscribe here www.apacinsider.com/subscribe Ansiderac

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTY1MjI4