Tag: Small Business Entrepreneur

Father and son receive Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year® award

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Father and son team, Kerry and Craig Motherwell, have received the Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year® award at the awards ceremony for the annual 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year® competition sponsored by Sanlam and BUSINESS/PARTNERS, held in Johannesburg this morning.

Kerry and Craig are the owners of Foxolution SE, which designs and builds on-site oxygen generators for various industries, utilising their own purpose-built technology to supply hospitals and clinics. The generators, which extract oxygen from the surrounding air, are utilised for a number of industrial applications, including gold recovery, waste water treatment, water purification and odour control.

While Foxolution is currently the only manufacturer of oxygen generators in South Africa, the company has sold the majority of its units on the rest of the African continent, which helps to bring revenue into the country. The company has installed units in Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, among other countries. 

Launched in 2003, Foxolution has also prevailed against its share of potentially crippling challenges. Most notably, Foxolution has rebounded from being bankrupted by one of its clients, and successfully weathered the 2008 global financial crisis.

Kerry and Craig have also committed themselves to ensuring that Foxolution’s employees receive the best possible opportunities to grow their skills. Having been accredited by the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA), Foxolution offers in-house training for aspirant technicians, artisans, and engineers. The company also provides financial support for long-standing employees who wish to study further in line with its core engineering activities.

The Entrepreneur of the Year® panel of judges commended the Foxolution team’s tenacity and entrepreneurial drive. “We are extremely impressed by Kerry and Craig’s commitment to understanding every aspect of their industry, as well as their results when it comes to bringing revenue into South Africa. Like many businesses, Foxolution has also experienced situations that threatened to close their doors, and the fact that they could continue to build their business through rough times is a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit,” commented the judges.

On being selected as a winner in the national competition, the father-son duo say this is only the beginning for Foxolution. “This award confirms that we are on the right track with our business, but it also serves to motivate us to keep moving forward in terms of growth and expansion,” they conclude.

For more information on their business, please visit the Foxolution website: foxolution.co.za. 

SA’s premier entrepreneurial competition marks 30 years of celebrating entrepreneurial excellence

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Amid the current political optimism, entrepreneurs should be especially inspired by the continued commitment to SME support which emerged as a consistent theme in both the 2018 State of the Nation Address and the National Budget Speech. This is according to Christo Botes, spokesperson for the 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year® competition sponsored by Sanlam and BUSINESS/PARTNERS, who believes that this continued focus evidences Government’s recognition of the vital role played by entrepreneurs in enabling economic growth.

Speaking in light of the launch of the 2018 competition, Botes says that this long-deserved recognition of the SME sector only further validates the competition’s unwavering commitment to celebrating excellence in entrepreneurship and fostering future economic growth.

“Now in our 30th year, this renowned competition continues to pay homage to the fearless South African entrepreneurs who dedicate themselves to their enterprises and businesses: driving growth, combatting unemployment and contributing towards the country’s economic development. It is therefore wonderful to see the public sector taking the required steps to improving the environment in which these entrepreneurs operate in order to promote further growth in the sector.”

Botes, who is also executive director at Business Partners Limited (BUSINESS/PARTNERS) has been involved in the competition since its inception in 1988, “Looking back over the last 30 years, this competition has evolved from an internal competition that recognized BUSINESS/PARTNERS’ clients only, to a nation-wide search for outstanding South African-based entrepreneurs, with Sanlam as our valued partner.”

He says that the competition continues to reward successful local business owners for the valuable contributions they make to grow their local communities and economies, and aims to inspire others to do the same. “As our 30th- anniversary year, we’re hoping to see even more entrepreneurs enter. The competition is open to all South African-based businesses and prizes are awarded for the following categories: Overall Entrepreneur of the Year®, Emerging Business Entrepreneur of the Year®, Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year®, Medium Business Entrepreneur of the Year®, Job Creator of the Year and Innovator of the Year,” says Botes.

Botes adds that this year, the 2018 competition will also recognize a South African entrepreneur for a Lifetime Achievement award. “The purpose of this specially nominated award is to recognize an entrepreneur who has made a significant contribution to the South Africa economy and has grown their business from start-up to large-scale, perhaps even multi-national corporation. We want to reward the individuals who have dedicated their lives to building our economy and inspiring others to do the same.”

The 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year® competition, sponsored by Sanlam and BUSINESS/PARTNERS, offers prizes valued at over R 2 million, which includes cash prizes of R 70 000 for each main category winner, and R200 000 for the overall winner. Competition winners will also receive valuable mentorship support, networking opportunities and national media exposure.

Botes says that in celebrating 30 years of searching for entrepreneurial talent in all sectors of the economy, the competition remains fiercely committed to its cause in 2018. “The judges are looking for entrepreneurs that have succeeded against the odds, either by carving out a niche market for their product or service offering, or by succeeding in a very competitive environment. Perseverance and endurance, innovation and agility are some of the qualities we look for in the entrepreneur.”

He adds that there are also a number of quantitative competition measures, such as turnover growth, profitability, owners’ equity growth, positive cash flows and job creation that play a part in the competition’s judging process.

To enter, complete the entry form online at www.eoy.co.za and feel free to interact with fellow entrepreneurs, past winners and entrants on our social media platforms www.twitter.com/@EOY_SA and www.facebook.com/EOY.SA. The closing date for the competition is 31 May 2018.

SA’s premier entrepreneurial competition marks 30 years of celebrating entrepreneurial excellence in Durban

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Amid the current political optimism, entrepreneurs should be especially inspired by the continued commitment to SME support which emerged as a consistent theme in both the 2018 State of the Nation Address and the National Budget Speech. This is according to Kobus Engelbrecht, spokesperson for the 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year® competition sponsored by Sanlam and BUSINESS/PARTNERS, who believes that this continued focus evidences Government’s recognition of the vital role played by entrepreneurs in enabling economic growth.

Speaking in light of the launch of the 2018 competition in Cape Town today, Engelbrecht says that this long-deserved recognition of the SME sector only further validates the competition’s unwavering commitment to celebrating excellence in entrepreneurship and fostering future economic growth.

“Now in our 30th year, this renowned competition continues to pay homage to the fearless South African entrepreneurs who dedicate themselves to their enterprises and businesses: driving growth, combatting unemployment and contributing towards the country’s economic development. It is therefore wonderful to see the public sector taking the required steps to improving the environment in which these entrepreneurs operate in order to promote further growth in the sector.”

Christo Botes, executive director at Business Partners Limited (BUSINESS/PARTNERS) has been involved in the competition since its inception in 1988, “Looking back over the last 30 years, this competition has evolved from an internal competition that recognized BUSINESS/PARTNERS’ clients only, to a nation-wide search for outstanding South African-based entrepreneurs, with Sanlam as our valued partner.”

He says that the competition continues to reward successful local business owners for the valuable contributions they make to grow their local communities and economies, and aims to inspire others to do the same. “As our 30th- anniversary year, we’re hoping to see even more entrepreneurs enter. The competition is open to all South African-based businesses and prizes are awarded for the following categories: Overall Entrepreneur of the Year®, Emerging Business Entrepreneur of the Year®, Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year®, Medium Business Entrepreneur of the Year®, Job Creator of the Year and Innovator of the Year,” says Botes.

Engelbrecht adds that this year, the 2018 competition will also recognize a South African entrepreneur for a Lifetime Achievement award. “The purpose of this specially nominated award is to recognize an entrepreneur who has made a significant contribution to the South Africa economy and has grown their business from start-up to large-scale, perhaps even multi-national corporation. We want to reward the individuals who have dedicated their lives to building our economy and inspiring others to do the same.”

The 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year® competition, sponsored by Sanlam and BUSINESS/PARTNERS, offers prizes valued at over R 2 million, which includes cash prizes of R 70 000 for each main category winner, and R200 000 for the overall winner. Competition winners will also receive valuable mentorship support, networking opportunities and national media exposure.

Engelbrecht says that in celebrating 30 years of searching for entrepreneurial talent in all sectors of the economy, the competition remains fiercely committed to its cause in 2018. “The judges are looking for entrepreneurs that have succeeded against the odds, either by carving out a niche market for their product or service offering, or by succeeding in a very competitive environment. Perseverance and endurance, innovation and agility are some of the qualities we look for in the entrepreneur.”

Engelbrecht adds that there are also a number of quantitative competition measures, such as turnover growth, profitability, owners’ equity growth, positive cash flows and job creation that play a part in the competition’s judging process.

Entrepreneurs are encouraged to enter the competition and can do so by downloading the entry form online at www.eoy.co.za. They can also interact with fellow entrepreneurs, past winners and entrants on the competition’s social media platforms www.twitter.com/@EOY_SA and www.facebook.com/EOY.SA. The closing date for the competition is 31 May 2018.

SA’s premier entrepreneurial competition marks 30 years of celebrating entrepreneurial excellence in Johannesburg

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Amid the current political optimism, entrepreneurs should be especially inspired by the continued commitment to SME support which emerged as a consistent theme in both the 2018 State of the Nation Address and the National Budget Speech. This is according to Christo Botes, spokesperson for the 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year® competition sponsored by Sanlam and BUSINESS/PARTNERS, who believes that this continued focus evidences Government’s recognition of the vital role played by entrepreneurs in enabling economic growth.

Speaking in light of the launch of the 2018 competition in Johannesburg today, Botes says that this long-deserved recognition of the SME sector only further validates the competition’s unwavering commitment to celebrating excellence in entrepreneurship and fostering future economic growth.

“Now in our 30th year, this renowned competition continues to pay homage to the fearless South African entrepreneurs who dedicate themselves to their enterprises and businesses: driving growth, combatting unemployment and contributing towards the country’s economic development. It is therefore wonderful to see the public sector taking the required steps to improving the environment in which these entrepreneurs operate in order to promote further growth in the sector.”

Botes, who is also executive director at Business Partners Limited (BUSINESS/PARTNERS) has been involved in the competition since its inception in 1988, “Looking back over the last 30 years, this competition has evolved from an internal competition that recognized BUSINESS/PARTNERS’ clients only, to a nation-wide search for outstanding South African-based entrepreneurs, with Sanlam as our valued partner.”

He says that the competition continues to reward successful local business owners for the valuable contributions they make to grow their local communities and economies, and aims to inspire others to do the same. “As our 30th- anniversary year, we’re hoping to see even more entrepreneurs enter. The competition is open to all South African-based businesses and prizes are awarded for the following categories: Overall Entrepreneur of the Year®, Emerging Business Entrepreneur of the Year®, Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year®, Medium Business Entrepreneur of the Year®, Job Creator of the Year and Innovator of the Year,” says Botes.

Botes adds that this year, the 2018 competition will also recognize a South African entrepreneur for a Lifetime Achievement award. “The purpose of this specially nominated award is to recognize an entrepreneur who has made a significant contribution to the South Africa economy and has grown their business from start-up to large-scale, perhaps even multi-national corporation. We want to reward the individuals who have dedicated their lives to building our economy and inspiring others to do the same.”

The 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year® competition, sponsored by Sanlam and BUSINESS/PARTNERS, offers prizes valued at over R 2 million, which includes cash prizes of R 70 000 for each main category winner, and R200 000 for the overall winner. Competition winners will also receive valuable mentorship support, networking opportunities and national media exposure.

Botes says that in celebrating 30 years of searching for entrepreneurial talent in all sectors of the economy, the competition remains fiercely committed to its cause in 2018. “The judges are looking for entrepreneurs that have succeeded against the odds, either by carving out a niche market for their product or service offering, or by succeeding in a very competitive environment. Perseverance and endurance, innovation and agility are some of the qualities we look for in the entrepreneur.”

Botes adds that there are also a number of quantitative competition measures, such as turnover growth, profitability, owners’ equity growth, positive cash flows and job creation that play a part in the competition’s judging process.

Entrepreneurs are encouraged to enter the competition and can do so by downloading the entry form online at www.eoy.co.za. They can also interact with fellow entrepreneurs, past winners and entrants on the competition’s social media platforms www.twitter.com/@EOY_SA and www.facebook.com/EOY.SA. The closing date for the competition is 31 May 2018. 

Entrepreneurial pearls of wisdom

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The 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year® winners share their advice for turning 2018 into a success

When it comes to being an entrepreneur, there is no sure template to follow or instruction manual to refer to, and no two journeys will ever be exactly the same. There are, however, parallels that can be drawn and lessons that can be learnt from those who may be a little further on in their entrepreneurial journey.

In the hopes of finding some of these valued nuggets of entrepreneurial wisdom, we sat down with a couple of winners of the 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year® competition and asked them about the biggest lessons they’re taking with them from the past year, as well as any advice they have for up-and-coming entrepreneurs who hope to make 2018 their year. 

Siphiwe Ngcobo, the founder of iLawu Hospitality Group and the 2017 Job Creator of the Year® says that the biggest lesson he learnt in 2017 was that no one has monopoly over ideas. “As an entrepreneur, you should always strive to keep abreast with what is happening around you through reading relevant literature and networking with people who will contribute in making you a better entrepreneur and human being.”

For Zenzele Fitness Group founder and Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year® winner, Tumi Phake, an important piece of wisdom came from a book he was reading. “While reading Good to Great by Jim Collins, what really stood out for me was the idea that in life, or business, you need to get the right people on the bus, put them on the right seat, and get the wrong people off the bus.

“It’s about surrounding yourself with people who bring out the best in you, people who want to make it happen and are self-motivated. If you have the right people sitting on the right seats, there’s no need to micromanage,” he says.

Tumi continues by explaining that while having a great business idea is important, it’s not critical. “The most important thing is having the ability to execute your idea – this is what investors look for. To do this you need to find people with the skills you may not necessarily have yourself.”

Siphiwe finishes off by offering the two entrepreneurial principles that he lives by. “The principles I live by are simple and usually come quite naturally to anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit. Firstly, be obsessed with understanding how things work and, secondly, take ownership. This means interrogating and understanding ideas before making a decision; and then taking full ownership of whichever path you choose.”

Young fitness maverick makes big strides in entrepreneurial competition

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Itumeleng (Tumi) Phake, founder and owner of Zenzele Fitness Group has been awarded the Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year® title at the annual 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year® competition sponsored by Sanlam and BUSINESS/PARTNERS awards ceremony, held in Johannesburg on 6 September 2017.

Launched only in 2014, Zenzele Fitness Group – a level 1 B-BBEE gym management business which operates fully-equipped gym facilities at various corporates, universities and government institutions across the country – is making waves in the fitness and wellness sector by creating gym packages and solutions that are accessible to lower and middle LSM markets.

 “As long as our client can provide suitable space at their business premises, we will design, furnish, outfit, operate and manage a fitness facility for their employees, that allows them to see real results in their workforce,” says Tumi.

Furthermore, by working with medical experts, Zenzele Fitness is able to develop personalised programmes for members based on their individual aspirations and wellness needs. In addition to incorporating fitness goals, these programmes can also incorporate disease intervention (for members with ailments such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and hypertension), culminating in a holistic, customised wellness solution. 

The judges were extremely impressed by Tumi’s vision and entrepreneurial drive. “This business is young, but it’s very scalable and, in a sense, limitless. This young man is going to continue to shake up the fitness sector as he is on the right track to breaking down the misconception that fitness and wellness in South Africa is only accessible to the wealthy,” commented the judges.

Having been in operation for just over three years, the business already employs over 50 staff members with 13 gyms across the country and has secured management contracts at South Africa’s top blue chip companies. Most recently, Zenzele Fitness secured a deal with Discovery Health to run their new fitness facility – proving that this business is in it for the long-run.

Tumi says that being selected as a winner in the competition is a great honour and will provide the motivation needed to take the business to the next level. “This is just the beginning of Zenzele Fitness and I plan to continue pushing boundaries and tapping in to new markets going forward.”

Visit www.zenzelefitness.co.za for more information on Zenzele Fitness Group.  

Local entrepreneurs ‘wish-list’ for the 2017 Budget Speech

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As South Africa gears up for the 2017 National Budget Speech in anticipation for Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan to deliver Government’s expenditure and focus areas for the year ahead, we sat down with a few of the 2016 Entrepreneur of the Year® competition winners to obtain their expectations for the upcoming speech.

Michael Roberts, MD of Khonology and 2016 Job Creator of the Year:

“The budget speech has a direct impact on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as the outcomes and policy decisions will dictate yearly strategies and the ability to manage a business’ risks and position it for further growth. The policy outcomes will also determine the tax impact on payrolls and company liabilities.

“I hope that policies introduced this year will reward companies for taking on additional capital to accommodate the growth of businesses within South Africa.”

Meisie Nkosi, Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year and MD of Bella Bonni:

“I hope to see revolving funds for SMEs with less red tape, an improvement on infrastructure development in energy, roads and water, as well as a tax break for SMEs.

“The Budget Speech can assist a business with future planning and help predict whether the business can expand or not. For instance, key outcomes around issues such as tax and processes to minimise red tape, can have a direct impact on the bottom line of a small business, and in turn, its growth and survival.”

Johan Eksteen, MD of Agricon and overall Entrepreneur of the Year winner:

“I hope to see tax relief for small businesses, incentives and support to increase exports and plans to promote production in order to create more jobs in South Africa. But ultimately, local entrepreneurs need to focus on the positive outcomes of the speech in order to pin point where the opportunities lie.”

Budgeting 101: How should entrepreneurs prepare their 2017 budgets?

Michael Roberts:

“Firstly, business owners should manage their cash flow effectively and address cost containment in line with cash flow ability. Secondly, business owners need to work with capital correctly as it is the growth enabler needed within a business.”

Meisie Nkosi:

“Business owners should be aware of the risks within their business, as well as budget slightly above anticipated costs to cover unforeseen spending. Budget planning should also be revisited regularly.”

Johan Eksteen:

“Know your business’ figures as this will ultimately allow you to effectively measure its performance and set goals for the year ahead.”

Financial advice from entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs

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The 2016 Entrepreneur of the Year® winners share the best financial advice they have ever received.

Given the current challenging economic climate with South Africa’s GDP growth expected to remain flat at 0.1% for the year according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), it is becoming increasingly difficult for entrepreneurs to ensure the financial sustainability of their businesses.

As there are many factors which contribute to the effective management of cash flow within a business, we asked some of the winners of the 2016 Entrepreneur of the Year® competition sponsored by Sanlam and BUSINESS/PARTNERS to provide us with the best financial advice that they have been given while growing their businesses.

“Remember that your business is a long-term investment.” Says Johan Eksteen of Agricon, 2016 Entrepreneur of the Year® winner. “Always look at the bigger picture and be aware of how any decision can impact the future. When it comes to short-term solutions, you can’t ‘buy yourself rich’, so rather focus on selling your product or service as this is a sure-fire way to generate a healthy cash flow.”

In the same breath, Meisie Nkosi of Bella Bonni Guest House and 2016 Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year® winner goes on to say that finance is the heartbeat of a business. “Keeping an eye on daily expenditure and auditing these periodically will help you manage day-to-day finances. In order to maintain a healthy profit margin, make sure you price your product or service correctly,” she adds.

“Also make sure you find the right investor,” points out Carl Pretorius of Just Trees and 2016 Medium Business Entrepreneur of the Year® winner, who says that it is important to ensure that whoever invests in your business shares your vision and expectations. “I would also advise finding an investor that is patient as things don’t always go exactly according to plan and they may need to wait for the return,” he explains.

Michael Roberts of Khonology, 2016 Job Creator of the Year winner says that when building a business, you should manage your cash flow as if your life depends on it, because your business does. “My mantra is ‘Revenue is vanity, profit sanity, and cash is reality’,’” he continues.

Vanessa Jacobs of Sow Delicious and 2016 Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year® winner shares the same sentiment as Michael and recommends running a business on a “cash” basis. “I try to use cash when it comes to making and receiving payments as I find this helps to monitor cash flow and make better decisions for my business while ensuring steady growth,” she concludes.

Emalahleni woman awarded Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year® award

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Meisie Nkosi, owner of the 100% black woman-owned Bella Bonni Guest House, has been awarded the Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year® title at the annual 2016 Entrepreneur of the Year® competition sponsored by Sanlam and BUSINESS/PARTNERS awards ceremony, held in Johannesburg this morning.

Established in 2006 in eMalahleni (Witbank) and catering for discerning private and corporate guests, Bella Bonni Guest House, has managed to stand the test of time, despite challenging economic conditions since opening its doors.

The judges were extremely impressed by Meisie’s ability to establish and grow a thriving business in the hospitality industry in an area that is not typically a tourist hotspot. “Meisie’s challenge is that, being based in Witbank, she is not able to rely on seasonal tourists like a business in Cape Town may do. However, she continues to grow her brand and satisfy a demand for accommodation in the area and has successfully adapted to her surroundings in order to do this,” commented the judges.

Originally focusing on only serving clients from the mines and power stations, South Africa’s economic downturn had an effect on Bella Bonni Guest House’s business as this clientele declined. This immediately prompted Meisie to research other areas of the market that the guest house could focus on in order to expand. By actively targeting the widespread tourism offices, Meisie has successfully opened the guest house’s reach to more commercial clients, while still maintaining original corporate relationships.

A former teacher, Meisie has been involved in informal businesses from a very young age and never imagined one day owning a thriving formal business. It was only when she was discovered and acknowledged for her passion for service through various business awards, that she realised she was, in fact, an entrepreneur.

Meisie says being selected as a winner in the national competition affirms that the business is on the right path. “This award will provide us with exposure, boosting our brand, and prove that we stand out from the crowd amongst our peers, clients and investors. Additionally, winning this award will be a big motivator internally, making staff proud to be part of the business, which is worth more than any cash reward and makes the whole experience incredibly rewarding.”

For more information please visit www.bellabonni.co.za.

Entrepreneurs to set resolutions that will drive and grow business in 2016

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Setting the right New Year’s resolutions will not only give a business the competitive edge necessary in today’s global environment, but will also ensure that entrepreneurs know where their business is heading, and can plan ahead accordingly.

Gugu Mjadu, spokesperson of the 2016 Entrepreneur of the Year® competition sponsored by Sanlam and BUSINESS/PARTNERS, says that the first step towards realising a goal is to set one, and the beginning of the year presents the perfect opportunity for entrepreneurs to review their business’ goals and to create new targets for the year ahead.

“Running a business is very much based on trial and error, and with each passing day, month and year, entrepreneurs learn something new about themselves, or identify a more efficient way of conducting business. Entrepreneurs should regularly reflect on these learnings and use the knowledge to set new goals for the business with the aim to ensure greater success and profitability for their business in the new year.”

She adds that these new goals should be applied to the business in the form of a structured plan that is reasonable, realistic and most importantly, achievable. “As with all resolutions, these often fail as they weren’t thought through properly or fully committed to. Entrepreneurs can fall prey to the New Year’s resolution curse too.

She says that entrepreneurs are often referred to as eternal optimists, and therefore need to determine whether their goals are feasible. Putting a plan in place can assist with this, as well as ensure that the business has a roadmap for the year which will help determine whether the business is in fact heading in the right, intended direction.”

Mjadu provides an example of a resolution that can assist in driving long-term success in today’s tough trading conditions. “Improve the business’ financial standing is a good resolution in light of current economic woes. Evaluating pricing strategies will help review the business’ financial standing, and based on this exercise entrepreneurs may need to refine pricing or introduce new plans to attract more customers to increase profits. This resolution can also include making a concerted effort to consolidate existing debt and avoid accumulating further debt unnecessarily. Improved cash flow management is another area that can fall within this resolution.”

Lewis Thomas, owner of Partners Hair Design and Job Creator of the Year® category winner in the 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year® competition sponsored by Sanlam and BUSINESS/PARTNERS, agrees that a new year is the ideal time to pause and reflect on the past year and to learn from these experiences.

“Given that we are experiencing tough economic conditions, consumers are faced with rising food prices and high inflation which does not look to recover in the near future. Some of our retail products and electrical equipment are imported, and with the weakening Rand, we foresee excessive price increases in the near future, which will have a knock-on effect to customer spending power. For my business, now is a time to focus on finding and introducing innovative ways of growing turnover and profit within our 22 salons where existing leases are in place,” says Thomas.

For Bryan Anderson, the 2015 Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year® category winner and co-owner of Cape Town based business, Delta Steam Systems, 2016 is the year they seek to expand and dominate their business. “Our goal is to ensure strong business foundations and to find the correct people to place within the various positions within the business.”

He says that the business has a number of key focus areas, namely sales, administration, and management, but that the one area they have earmarked for special attention is staff welfare. “We are growing as a company and recognise how our staff have played a large role in helping us achieve this success. We want to ensure that as we continue to grow, we also foster strong relationships with our staff to ensure their wellbeing,” says Anderson.

Mjadu concludes: “Entrepreneurs should think carefully about their business’ 2016 resolutions as setting the right goal can be vital in driving long-term success.”