THE year 2012 saw the ATL/Sandals Group put in its best performance to date with notable achievements in all its divisions.

Reviewing the year, Group CEO Adam Stewart said: “At the beginning of the year we launched our ATL Unbeatable campaign, and as a result we have started to see the transformation of our business both internally and externally.

“ATL achieved increased sales in 2012, enabling us to pursue new avenues for growth. ATL Automotive became number one with our brands in the entire region. I congratulate our technicians for achieving Honda’s Gold Star Certification. I applaud the ATL Motors team for once again capturing the H.A.C.E. Award for Best in Customer Service.

“Last year we were singled out by VW, Audi and JLR for achieving number one sales for the region. Because of the hard work done by the team, we can invest in new showrooms for Audi and VW, as well as add ATL Auto Parts to our portfolio. This helps us to employ more people, expand our business, and put more into the Jamaican economy.

The year 2012 also saw the appointment of The Jamaica Observer’s new Managing Director Danville Walker, as well as the national newspaper receiving the Advertising Agencies Association of Jamaica’s Media of the Year Award.

Sandals Resorts International continued to expand across the Caribbean, acquiring The Veranda in the Turks & Caicos Islands and the 100-room LaSource Resort in Grenada.

David Davies was promoted to Group Chief Financial Officer and is credited with steering the group into a strong financial position.

Speaking of Davies’ contribution, Group CEO Adam Stewart said: “He has enabled my team and I to achieve things we never thought possible which have led us to a commanding position.”

Group chairman and founder of both ATL and Sandals Gordon Butch Stewart added: ” I reserve the highest praise for Mr Davies and the fundamental role he has played in the elevation of our group of companies.

2013 — Looking ahead

This year ATL Automotive will open a state-of-the-art showroom on Oxford Road, and it will arguably be the best in the country. There are also plans to open a dedicated energy showroom in Kingston as well as the addition of a showroom in Ocho Rios.

A new mobile sales team should garner even more customers, and ATL will launch both a hire purchase offer as well as a new loyalty programme.

The new website www.atljamaica.com is expected to bring even greater convenience to the shopping experience and will see ATL enter the online shopping age.

The Jamaica Observer will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year. This is a significant milestone as the newspaper has survived to become a mainstay in print media in Jamaica, heralding many innovations that have subsequently been emulated by its competitors. The company will also launch a state-of-the art radio statio by the end of the first quarter in 2013.

Sandals Resorts International will undertake to implement extensive refurbishment of its recent acquisitions as these new properties become integrated into the group of hotels that will now number 23 across the Caribbean.

There are plans to invest a further US$16 million in order to improve The Veranda. The plan is to see it become the fourth village of Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Villages and aptly named, The Key West Village. The LaSource Resort in Grenada will see the addition of some 80 rooms as well as a major upgrade exercise.

Commenting on ATL/Sandals Group’s 2012 performance, Group Director of Corporate Affairs Al Edwards said: “Last year was a very tough year for the country as the economy further contracted. This makes the accomplishments by the group all the more remarkable, and is a testament to the team’s collective character and ability to perform creditably in the face of adversity. Everyone in all divisions should be very proud.”

Group CEO Adam Stewart concluded, “No matter what lies ahead in 2013, we will continue to invest in training to enhance the skills of all ATL/Sandals workers; invest in our business to serve our customers even better; and chart new ways to be innovative and set ourselves apart.”