Significant references and collaborations with leading companies, as well as with the Government of Serbia, aren’t the only reasons why SGS holds a leading position in the TIC industry, says Managing Director Miljan Milević
Speaking in this interview, SGS MD Miljan Milević explains why both domestic and foreign investors engage SGS Belgrade when they want quality, reliability, adherence to deadlines and the highest standards of professional conduct. He also discussed corporate culture, governance structures, sustainability and other current topics.
How would you explain the success of your company?
— For over 145 years, SGS has provided services and solutions of the highest level and quality across all industries. Our continued success is ensured by our commitment to sustainability, ongoing innovations in digital solutions and new technologies, managing increasingly complex supply chains, and keeping up with ever-stricter regulatory requirements.
What makes us unique in the TIC industry is our unrivalled network, which covers almost all industries and geographical regions. We are truly a genuine partner to our clients, supporting them worldwide while insisting on independence and impartiality. Integrity is the foundation of SGS. As leaders of our industry, we satisfy the highest standards of professional conduct, which are embedded in our Code of Integrity. The trust of our customers and stakeholders is key to our success.
Could it be said that sustainability is embedded in your corporate culture and the way you operate?
— Unequivocally so. SGS’s strong governance structure ensures that sustainability remains at the heart of all our activities. The company’s top management is actively involved in monitoring how the company’s sustainability strategy is implemented, and we regularly report on this to all stakeholders.
Through the synergy of international and local experience and expertise, we support the delivery of services at every stage of a project, thereby minimising risk
We are the first company in the TIC industry to publish a double materiality assessment, in line with the requirements of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). CSRD significantly increases the amount of information that companies must disclose on material or other relevant sustainability issues. In addition to being highly attentive to our own sustainability strategy, we enable and assist clients in integrating sustainability into their business practices, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals to create comprehensive value.
What role does your company play in the numerous capital investments in Serbia’s infrastructure and energy sectors?
— There is hardly a country or area of the economy where we cannot provide adequate services at the highest professional level and significant support to investors in terms of successfully managing and completing each project. Through the synergy of international and local experience and expertise, we support the delivery of services at every stage of a project, thereby minimising risk. SGS provides construction supervision, project management, Owner’s Engineer, FIDIC engineer, technical inspections, compliance checks with regulatory requirements and quality control during the production and installation of equipment. Foreign investors who hire companies in Serbia to manufacture equipment for projects worldwide also engage SGS Belgrade. Among the clients with which we’ve collaborated successfully on capital projects are EPS, Hitachi Italy, Deutsche Bahn, Stork Netherlands, Barry Callebaut factories, Continental and others.