Quality, reliability, innovation

The multi-faceted Domenica Group is running in its 7^th decade of success in the construction industry and manty other sectors. It was founded in Pafos 1961 by the late Georgios Hadjidimosthenous.

It is a third-generation family business, firmly in the ramparts of the construction industry for over six decades and establishing its own mark on the country’s economy.

The Group is mainly active in the construction and land development sector, completing a large number of state and private projects over the past sixty years.

Over time, the company also expanded into the tourist sector, now the owner of a number of Pafos hotels.

Meanwhile, remaining in sync with energy saving developments, as part of its own growth and evolution, it has recently forged Domenica Solar, the ‘green’ arm of the Group, dealing with the design and installation of photovoltaic systems for homes and businesses, as well creating photovoltaic parks and as whole, offering investment solutions in renewable energy sources.

 

Landmarks

The Group has always been at the forefront of growth. From its early, formative years, until the 1990s, it has engaged in the construction of both public and private projects, including public service buildings, stadiums, roads and hotels.

The first land development steps were made between 1969 – 1973.

Following the Turkish invasion, the Group engaged in projects of a specific nature during difficult circumstances, such as housing the refugees. It undertook the construction of housing estates in both Pafos and Limassol, public buildings, schools and other constructions of a practical natural, gaining vast, precious experience in the process.

The Group’s construction company, in terms of classification level, has remained in Class A, the highest category, since 1979. It landed its first Defence Ministry projects in 1996.

In 1997, the Domenica Group expanded into the tourism sector, designing and building a number of units. Today, it maintains the ownership and management of hotels with more than a 1000 bed capacity.

Since 2004, combining expertise in land development and tourist accommodation, the Group reconstructed large residential areas, providing residents with services similar to hotel units.

Modern examples are Universal Residences and Waterside by Domenica, currently under construction.

The ambitious ‘Elements’ project will soon be presented in the Park of Colours, at the heart of Pafos. This landmark development will redefine and upgrade the Pafos residential product to the standards of pioneering developments abroad.

In 2017, the Group took its first steps in the field of renewable energy sources. Today it has turned the sector into one of its main pillars, with hundreds of clients across Cyprus. It must be noted that the Group has already secured an energy supplier license and is preparing for the competitive energy market this year.

 

In Cyprus for Cyprus

The history of the Group has been intertwined with that of Cyprus for over six decades. A story of twists and turns, difficulties but also crucial decisions. Undoubtedly, one of the most pivotal was the decision to support the Pafos development, often at the expense of other investment opportunities.

The decision to turn, almost entirely, to the land development sector and go into the tourism industry, were catalytic to the growth of the Group and the launch of its operations and activities.

Management is always supporting of its employees, particularly during challenging times. A major strategic decision was the commitment to save all jobs during the 2013 financial crisis, as well as the midst of the covid pandemic, even though its operations almost ground to a halt. ‘The relationship of trust with the employees is undoubtedly one of the main reasons behind the Group’s progress”, Domenica says.

 

Timeless vision and values

Reliability, high manufacturing standards and customer respect are the triptych of the Group’s timeless vision and values.

For more than 60 years, the Domenica Group of companies has been following the fundamental principles of respect and “added value” to its customers.

The honest and direct relationship both with customers and partners and corporate social responsibility, are the main pillars of its work and actions.

All of the Group’s projects are self-financed, which allows flexibility in selling prices and repayment methods. It also provides the possibility of straightforward financing for its customers through a bank.

DOMENICA is about quality, innovation, reliability, trust and a relationship of understanding and mutual respect with staff. ‘The market knows, recognizes and reciprocates. It has experienced our reliability in delivering any project, even when it turns out to be unprofitable’, notes Group President Christakis Charalambous.
We talked about company history, present times and future prospects.

What is it like to head such an historic organisation, going back more than six decades?

BIG RESPONSIBILITY is the first expression that comes to mind, in bold capital letters! Your actions affect both the viability of the company as well as the livelihood of hundreds of people who work for you.

The covid pandemic forced us into difficult strategic decisions in securing the corporation’s survival. At this critical juncture, we prioritised the Group’s human resources, we had to.

We decided to offer new projects at prices significantly lower than the market value, with the aim of ensuring construction work continuity and saving everyone’s jobs in the process.

We certainly could have avoided a significant part of the financial loss we incurred, but I am very proud that we managed to get through the pandemic without a single employee being laid off9.

Being at the helm of such an organisation is a daily struggle. The market keeps changing at a rapid pace and constant adaptability is key if you want to keep yourself relevant to the needs that arise. If the company fails to evolve, it will just get sidelined, fades away.

I have to admit however that this adrenaline of change, of always moving forward, is why I’ve been showing up at the office not relinquishing a single ounce of will and passion for the past 32 years!

Which story – incident springs to mind over these three decades?

 A period that will always be etched in my memory is the financial crisis of 2013. Overnight we lost the ability of essentially using the money in our bank accounts.

 Certainly, things were far worse for many, but to me, the inability to fulfil my obligations to staff and partners and the general uncertainty which followed made me realize that such an unexpected event is capable of changing everything.

Fortunately, fast thinking and implementation of wise decisions, led the company out of this crisis stronger, with lessons learnt. Truth be told, these lessons still guide me today.

Respect for employees

 What determines the company’s DNA?

Undoubtedly the people who make it up. We are very fortunate to have people who truly love the Group and care about its success.

For example, Master Philippos, chief foreman of the construction company, has been with us since 1971.

Having said, the Group management also has a major role to play in securing the way forward. Myself and my wife Dia Hadjidimosthenous have been at the helm for decades, complementing each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

Our fundamental policy has always been respect for people and operating within the relevant legislation, irrespective of whether this might bring about financial losses.

There have been many examples where we covered partner mistakes out of our own pockets, in order to complete projects or paid the price for client irregularities to secure title deeds.

But I believe the market knows, recognises and reciprocates. People know we’re honest and reliable, we will never backtrack on a deal and we’ll deliver a promised project, even at a loss.

What sets us apart

 What makes you stand out from the competition in an extremely complicated sector of the economy?

After more than 60 years in the highly competitive tourism, land development and construction industries, we pride ourselves on our high level of customer satisfaction. It is no coincidence that the most important volume of our sales comes through returning customers.

I believe that respect but to the same degree, the integrated package of services we offer through our companies, keep us competitive both in quality and prices.

All projects are designed by our in-house engineers and architects, providing greater flexibility and a much quicker reaction time when it comes to changes in the real estate sector.

What are the main elements of your portfolio?

Our Group has a wide range of properties that serve all the possible demands and financial capabilities of our customers.

Our projects are completed to the highest standards, using modern construction methods with measures guaranteeing the safety of workers.

As we are a constantly developing organisation, we strive to lead the market through thorough analysis and innovation and not just remain passive recipients of trends, always considering the most efficient way of remaining competitive.

Future plans

What are the future Group plans and goals?

The Group’s goal has always been to constantly develop and improve services rendered to customers. Currently we are planning future projects with ‘added value’, within the principles of sustainable development.

We are planning a grandiose residential project at the heart of the city of Pafos, on a plot adjacent to the highly anticipated “Park of Colours”, an area that is returning to the glory years as more invest in local infrastructure, no less thanks to the Pafos Municipality urban vision.

The project aims to upgrade the Pafos residential product through design and services offered, following the standards of developments in large urban centres abroad, while also maintaining competitive sales prices.

We also look to expand turnover in the renewable energy sector with innovative repayment methods, helping more of our fellow citizens to reduce their electricity bills.

Finally, God willing, 2023 sees the construction and delivery to investors of a large number of photovoltaic parks, having already secured an energy supplier license from the competent State authorities.

• 1961 The construction company is established
• 1974 Following the Turkish invasion, the company contributed in the construction of refugee settlements.
• 1979 Awarded Class “A” construction company status, the highest classification in the construction industry, a testament to experience and quality.
• 1980 – 1995 A fundamental period in the Group’s growth, completing numerous projects for Ministries, organisations, Municipalities, banks and hotels. Football stadiums, commercial and residential projects were also included in the company’s construction portfolio.
• 1996 Approved by the Ministry of Defence as one of the few contractors of ministry related projects
• 1997 The Group expands in tourism.
• 1999 The Group establishes the first office abroad, in Moscow.
• 2000 It enters the hotel industry and management of hotel units.
• 2002 Expands into property management
• 2004 Construction of large-scale residential projects launched
• 2012 Offices opened in Beijing and Shanghai.
• 2013 The Group starts providing services to foreign investors
• 2016 Offices open in England and Pakistan
• 2017 The Group expands its energy sector activities
• 2018 New offices established in Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa
• 2022 The Group secures an Energy Supplier license