The impact of global economic trends on entrepreneurial activity in SA
As South Africa’s economy is susceptible to global trends, it is imperative that entrepreneurs are cognisant of both local and international economic trends, as they are undeniably going to play a role in the success of their company. This is according to economist Ulrich Joubert, speaking at the recent series of Sanlam / Business Partners […]
Tax relief welcome but still not enough incentive for SA small businesses
Although Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has given further tax relief to small businesses and micro-enterprises in his 2012/13 Budget, there still remains very little incentive for small businesses to start up and flourish in South Africa. Professor Matthew Lester, speaking at the launch of the 2012 Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year ® […]
Another showcase of entrepreneurial excellence
2011 EOY competition entries open South Africa’s most prestigious entrepreneurial awards are once again open for entries. The 2011 Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® awards recognise and celebrate the innovation, drive and commitment of small and medium enterprise (SME) decision makers – the men and women that feed, clothe and grow our […]
Family bonds bind businesses
Family businesses weather recession Family owned businesses are made of strong stuff according to a new survey. The PwC Family Business Survey 2010/11 found that the vast majority of these businesses survived the recession because of their ownership structure. The global survey interviewed businesses on a number of operational and financial elements and the results […]
Efficient entrepreneurial education
“Entrepreneurs need to take their rightful place as role models in South Africa so that when young people leave school or university, they consider it as a viable career option.” – Nazeem Martin, Business Partners Managing Director. The canon of entrepreneurial research clearly shows a direct correlation between the level of education of an individual […]
2010 EOY winner the embodiment of real entrepreneurship
Martin Beyers is no Richard Branson; he does not instantly draw you into his world with a wealth of charisma. Neither is he a Steve Jobs; intent on taking over the world one iPod at a time. He also does not remind you of Lakshmi Mittal; the creator of a global empire. Yet, Beyers beat […]
Entrepreneurial freedom
Challenge becomes opportunity Martin Brown has a competitive advantage that none of his rivals can beat: he is paralysed from the neck down. In Brown’s eyes, he is not disabled; he is ahead of the competition. “If two people tried to sell you a wheelchair and I was one of them, who would you buy […]
Contain the clash
How to close deals and deal with conflict In any business, partnership or joint venture, there will be conflict. Mostly, SME decision makers will enter the fray thinking of the outcome in terms of winners and losers. Similarly, when these decision makers enter into negotiations with a potential partner, client or supplier, the battle lines […]
The era of entrepreneurial excellence
New Entrepreneur of the Year competition launches It is easy to call someone a great entrepreneur during the good times. But how do you define a great entrepreneur during the bad times? Is it the business owner whose business grew during a recession or is it the small business owner that took charge of a […]