WHAT YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS CAN DO TO PLUG THE EXPERIENCE GAP

BPLAdmin2022-06-23T15:13:54+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

To start and grow a business you need huge amounts of energy. You need to be quick and flexible in your thinking, and you need to be able to learn constantly. It also helps to Read more >

FIVE KEY HIRING TIPS FOR SMES LOOKING TO RECRUIT GEN ZS

Ben Bierman2022-06-23T10:07:54+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

Generation Z, individuals born between 1994 and 2010 are entering the workforce and driving some revolutionary changes as they go. Like every generation before them, Generation Z has unique characteristics, priorities and opinions. Their arrival Read more >

THREE WAYS FOR YOUNG SOUTH AFRICAN ENTREPRENEURS TO THRIVE

Ben Bierman2022-06-23T10:09:48+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

Despite a number of notable challenges, some macro in nature and others unique to South Africa, a variety of young entrepreneurs are making their mark on the local small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector. Their Read more >

THREE YOUNG SOUTH AFRICAN ENTREPRENEURS

Ben Bierman2022-06-23T10:12:37+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

Record-high unemployment, particularly amongst South African youth, is one of our country’s greatest challenges. Starting a business and all that it requires such as raising funds, marketing goods or services, managing cashflow and hiring (and Read more >

THREE QUICK FIXES FOR NURTURING BETTER FINANCIAL WELLNESS FOR SMALL BUSINESS

Ben Bierman2022-06-23T10:15:38+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

According to the Business Partners Limited quarterly SME Index, two of the top three challenges that small businesses face consistently relate to the economics of doing business. Managing cashflow is one of the leading make-or-break Read more >

TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE BEST PROPERTY FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Ben Bierman2022-05-27T11:12:18+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

One of the biggest decisions that business owners must make from time to time is finding new premises for their growing businesses. Whether you’re renting, let alone buying, moving into the wrong or inappropriate premises Read more >

THE EMPLOYMENT TAX INCENTIVE AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR SOUTH AFRICAN SMALL BUSINESSES

Ben Bierman2022-05-23T14:50:23+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

One of the ways in which the government is helping to alleviate the staggering youth unemployment rate in South Africa, is by means of the Employment Tax Incentive (ETI), which was introduced at the beginning Read more >

THREE PRACTICAL STRATEGIES THAT WILL HELP MANAGERS BUILD BETTER WORKFORCES IN THE “NEXT NORMAL”

Ben Bierman2022-05-19T08:31:19+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

The workplace of the future looks very different to what it did a mere two years ago. The pandemic was one of a myriad of external forces that compelled business owners to change their stance Read more >

WILL SOUTH AFRICA’S VERSION OF THE “GREAT RESIGNATION” LEAD TO A BOOM IN SMALL BUSINESSES?

Ben Bierman2022-05-19T09:52:33+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

The “Great Resignation,” which refers to the global upsurge in voluntary resignations amid the COVID-19 pandemic was coined in May 2021 by Professor Anthony Klotz from Mays Business School. This trend has risen to prominence Read more >

SCALABILITY, SIMPLICITY, SPEED: THREE TOP-RATED HR TOOLS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Ben Bierman2022-05-19T09:56:41+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

Small businesses have unique human resource (HR) challenges, including employee retention, cultivating a positive company culture and employing sound methods for conflict resolution. Navigating these challenges requires a people-first mindset, excellent communication skills and most Read more >

THE VALUE OF HUMAN CAPITAL: THREE COMMON HR CHALLENGES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Ben Bierman2022-05-19T09:59:56+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

To say that small businesses rely on the people that work for and manage them, would be a vast understatement. Human capital is arguably the most valuable asset to a small business, especially during its Read more >

NOW MORE THAN EVER, CASH-FLOW PLANNING IS KING

Jeremy Lang2022-05-19T10:13:18+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

The reason why cash-flow planning is so vital for owner-managers is because cash is such a limited resource inside a growing business. This year, says Jeremy Lang, chief investment officer at Business Partners Limited, cash-flow Read more >

MAJOR BOOST FOR BUSINESSES WITH ZERO-INTEREST TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE LOANS

BPLAdmin2022-05-19T10:21:59+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

In the only programme of its kind in South Africa, Business Partners Limited supports business owners with zero-interest loans to help them improve their operations and profitability. “When you work with business owners as closely Read more >

THREE WAYS SOUTH AFRICAN SMEs CAN LEVERAGE THE BUSY EASTER HOLIDAY PERIOD

René Botha2022-05-19T10:27:02+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

Over time, the Easter period has proven to be one of the most lucrative times of the year for retailers. According to Stats SA, retail trade sales surged by just under 8% in January 2022 Read more >

THE RISE OF THE MICRO-INFLUENCER AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Ben Bierman2022-05-19T10:30:53+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

With the exponential rate at which the digital economy in South Africa is growing, more brands are looking for ways to attract their share of the market by leveraging the power of digital marketing. One Read more >

THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, AN ANNUAL PLAN FOR YOUR BUSINESS IS A MATTER OF SURVIVAL

BPLAdmin2022-05-19T10:35:59+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

Normally, the financial year-end and the start of the new period offers a handy opportunity for business owners to reflect on and evaluate their operations and market position. But in turbulent times such as these, Read more >

MARKETING YOUR BRAND ON A BUDGET? HERE ARE THE THREE MOST AFFORDABLE DIGITAL MARKETING TOOLS

Ben Bierman2022-05-19T10:44:47+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

The amount of money South African brands are prepared to spend on digital marketing is on the increase, hitting over R2 billion in 2020 – an increase from R1.4 billion in 2019. COVID-19 saw brands Read more >

FOUR SIMPLE STEPS TO BECOMING A MORE CUSTOMER-CENTRIC SME

Ben Bierman2022-05-19T10:47:45+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

In a business environment in which competition has never been fiercer and every brand, whether big or small, is a contender for market share, focusing on customer-centricity is essential. According to Forbes, customer-centric companies are Read more >

THE REMOTE LEARNING BOOM: THREE SOUTH AFRICAN EDTECH STARTUPS TO WATCH AND DRAW INSPIRATION FROM

Ben Bierman2022-05-19T10:55:03+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

The national lockdown that followed the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound effect on education. Schools were forced to shut their doors, postpone exams, and adjust the normal school terms. Those who had Read more >

ADAPT, INNOVATE AND COLLABORATE: HOW SMES CAN THRIVE IN TODAY’S DIGITAL ECONOMY

Ben Bierman2022-05-19T11:59:56+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

The terms “digital transformation” and “digitalisation” have been bandied about boardrooms since the 1990s. Big corporates have invested millions in finding ways to carve their niche into the digital marketplace, leading to a misconception that Read more >

ESSENTIAL INSURANCE FOR SAFEGUARDING SMEs

Ben Bierman2022-05-19T12:21:59+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

The civil unrest and looting which broke out in parts of the country in July 2021 affected 45 000 businesses and caused an estimated damage of R16 billion. Many of the affected businesses were small Read more >

TECH STARTUPS ARE REVOLUTIONISING THE SME LANDSCAPE

Ben Bierman2022-05-22T09:20:42+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

The notion of tech start-ups became synonymous with California’s Silicon Valley – out of which came some of the most ubiquitous tech companies in the world. Tech giants including Apple, HP and eBay have their Read more >

FOUR TOP READS AND RESOURCES FOR SOUTH AFRICAN SMEs

Ben Bierman2022-05-22T07:42:33+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

Being a small business owner in South Africa means facing a unique set of challenges, but also provides for a unique set of opportunities. And while archetypal business and leadership books like Covey's The 7 Read more >

STRATEGIC PRICING ESSENTIAL FOR BUILDING SUSTAINABLE BUSINESSES

Ben Bierman2022-05-22T07:48:32+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

There are so many factors to consider before launching a business – a sound business model, the market, location or workspace, and other overheads, bank accounts, and licensing, to name a few. However, strategic pricing Read more >

THREE TOWNSHIP SME BUSINESS IDEAS TO TRY IN 2022

Ben Bierman2022-05-22T07:50:03+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

The South African township economy is vital to the country’s post-COVID economic revival – and for good reason. While many township businesses may be in the informal economy, almost 20% of South Africa’s total employment Read more >

THREE IMPORTANT TIPS FOR SME OWNERS WHO ARE HIRING THEIR FIRST RECRUITS

Ben Bierman2022-05-22T08:04:53+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

One of the biggest responsibilities small and medium enterprise (SME) owners are faced with, is hiring their first employee and building their first team. It can be a daunting task. But if tackled with Read more >

3 MINUTE STRATEGIES TO MAXIMISE SME

Ben Bierman2022-05-24T08:42:18+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

According to Statistics SA, we’re in for a better festive season than last year in terms of consumer spending; and in a climate overshadowed by ongoing surges of the pandemic, this is encouraging news. Read more >

SMEs NEED TO KNOW SOUTH AFRICAN EMPLOYMENT LAW

Ben Bierman2022-05-24T08:47:13+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

By Ben Bierman, Managing Director at Business Partners Limited Regardless of what industry you’re in, there’s no denying that the work environment is very different now to what it was two years ago. New Read more >

WHY LSM IS BEING REPLACED WITH SEM

Ben Bierman2022-05-24T08:49:18+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

Profiling or segmenting a target audience is one of the mainstays of marketing for small businesses, particularly for small and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that fall into a niche category. Since the late 1980s, South African Read more >

STRATEGIES FOR SMES TO CAPITALISE ON BLACK FRIDAY

Ben Bierman2022-05-24T08:51:16+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

Black Friday, taking place on 26 November, was traditionally an American shopping phenomenon brought on by a stock market crash in 1869 which grows in popularity every year throughout the world. South African consumers Read more >

FRAUD INCREASINGLY POSING SERIOUS THREAT TO SA SMES

Ben Bierman2022-05-24T08:53:17+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

International Fraud Awareness Week – recognised from 15 to 21 November 2021 - is of particular relevance to South African small and medium enterprises (SMEs) considering the extent of economic crime in the country Read more >

GROWING YOUR SME: HOW TO MITIGATE THE RISKS

Ben Bierman2022-05-22T08:31:06+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

It’s not uncommon for small and medium enterprises (SME) owners to be forewarned about expanding their businesses too fast, as it can lead to pitfalls in the future. In fact, as a wise person Read more >

THREE SIGNS THAT INDICATE IT’S THE RIGHT TIME TO EXPAND YOUR SMALL BUSINESS

Ben Bierman2022-05-24T08:55:41+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

The contribution that South African small businesses make to GDP has continued to increase by at least 12% year on year, since 2013. This consistent upward trajectory not only means that the number of Read more >

WHY CONSUMER CONFIDENCE MATTERS TO SMEs

Ben Bierman2022-05-24T09:01:00+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

The FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index for South Africa made some gains to -10 in the third quarter of 2021, from -13 in the second quarter. This could be attributed to the faster rollout of Read more >

WHY LOCAL GOVERNMENT STRUCTURES MATTER TO SMEs

Ben Bierman2022-05-24T09:03:50+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

With the 2021 Municipal Elections on 01 November fast approaching, there has been much public debate around the role of local government in supporting and providing services to communities. The pivotal role that local Read more >

HOW BUSINESS OWNERS CAN AVOID BURNOUT

Ben Bierman2022-05-24T09:10:10+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

It is well known that the life of an entrepreneur is most often more difficult than working for a salary. The risk of failure is huge in the beginning, income is never guaranteed and Read more >

DEALING WITH THE MOUNTAIN OF MENTAL ANGUISH BROUGHT ON BY THE PANDEMIC

René Botha2022-05-22T08:09:44+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

For all the tides of statistics that we have gotten used to during the Covid-19 pandemic - infection rates, positivity rates, hospitalisations, vaccinations, recoveries and deaths - there is a number that we will Read more >

MORE SUSTAINABLE HORIZON FOR SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESSES

Ben Bierman2022-05-24T09:15:46+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

4 affordable ways to make your SME greener “Sustainable business,” and “responsible profit-making” were once industry buzzwords, but today, they represent a new frontier for businesses across all sectors. In South Africa, we’re seeing Read more >

PART THREE OF THREE: AN EXPERT OPINION ON WHY BUSINESSES FAIL

Ben Bierman2022-05-24T09:21:35+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

Access to financing and maintaining healthy cash flow – central to long-term survival for start-ups Part two of this series spoke to the importance of establishing and implementing a business model that is both Read more >

PART TWO OF THREE: AN EXPERT OPINION ON WHY BUSINESSES FAIL

Ben Bierman2022-05-22T09:16:21+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

The right business model and business development – key components to SME success The first five years in the life cycle of a startup are its most crucial. It is during this time that Read more >

AN EXPERT OPINION ON WHY BUSINESSES FAIL

Ben Bierman2022-05-24T09:35:03+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

3 ways to avoid neglecting family life and personal relationships as an SME owner Five out of seven South African businesses fail within the first year – that’s just over 70%. In fact, South Read more >

HOW TO DEAL WITH BAD ONLINE REVIEWS ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS

Ben Bierman2022-05-27T09:58:39+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

Death and taxes are often said to be the only certainties in life. If you are an owner of a tourism business, you can add a third certainty - bad online reviews. No matter Read more >

4 TIPS FOR WORKING WITH FREELANCERS AS AN SME

Ben Bierman2022-05-27T10:06:49+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

The ‘gig economy’ – a labour market made up of contracted or freelance work as well as short-term or temporary jobs – is taking off worldwide and South Africa is no exception. According to Read more >

HOW FEMALE ENTREPRENEURSHIP CONTRIBUTES TO SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA

Ben Bierman2022-05-27T10:14:31+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

South African women entrepreneurs do more than just create jobs - they contribute significantly to human-capital development. This was highlighted in the inaugural South African Women Entrepreneurs Job Creators Survey, which featured responses from Read more >

THE BASICS OF BUSINESS RESCUE

Ben Bierman2022-05-27T10:15:36+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

Even before the outbreak of the coronavirus, some of South Africa’s biggest corporates and parastatals were struggling to break even. In a case that continues to make headlines, South African Airways (SAA) went into Read more >

FAKE NEWS DAMAGE CONTROL FOR SMES

BPLAdmin2022-05-27T10:18:50+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

Events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent spate of riots have demonstrated how fake news can have far-reaching effects, not only on individuals but on businesses. “Fake news,” a neologism of the Read more >

ADVICE ON PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS FROM RIOTS OR A DISASTER

Ben Bierman2022-05-27T10:25:40+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

The recent unrest that began in KwaZulu-Natal and spread to other parts of the country has come at a great cost to local businesses and the economy. According to eThekwini Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, it Read more >

BEFORE YOU SET YOUR MID-YEAR GOALS

Ben Bierman2022-05-27T10:29:44+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

Effective goal-setting for SMEs rely on a few simple principles July is the mid-year mark at which many business owners spend time reflecting on the first six months of the year and plan for Read more >

TIME TO TAKE STOCK – BUT NOT IN THE WAY YOU MAY THINK

Ben Bierman2022-05-27T10:30:42+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

Mid-year vitality check crucial for SME success It seems like it was just yesterday that we were preparing to celebrate the beginning of a new year and the possibilities it held  amidst adjusted Level Read more >

SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS FOR SMEs WHO WANT TO THRIVE IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Ben Bierman2022-05-27T10:38:38+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

In the world as we knew it before the COVID-19 pandemic, the proliferation of digital marketing was changing the way we do business. Fast forward to 2021 and this growth has been exponential. Small Read more >

A GOOD START TO MAKING YOUR BUSINESS POPI ACT COMPLIANT

Marjan Gerbrands2022-05-27T13:44:14+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

Occasionally a new law comes along that changes the landscape to such an extent that business owners cannot just leave it to their accountants to sort out. The Protection of Personal Information Act (Popia), Read more >

LOAD SHEDDING SURVIVAL TIPS FOR SMEs

Ben Bierman2022-05-27T13:45:34+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

The Q1 2021 Business Partners Limited SME Index found that the reintroduction of load shedding has had a negative impact on 49% of small and medium enterprises (SME) surveyed, however they were able to Read more >

THE SOUTH AFRICAN POPI ACT AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR SMEs

Ben Bierman2022-05-27T13:46:39+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

Just under one year ago, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared that by 01 July 2021, all South African businesses will be required to have put the necessary measures in place to become fully compliant with Read more >

YOUTH ENTREPRENEURS OF SOUTH AFRICA

Ben Bierman2022-05-27T13:47:39+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

16 June 2021 marks the 45th anniversary of one of the most pivotal events in South African history. It was the day of the Soweto Uprising, when thousands of students took to the streets in Read more >

FIVE QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER BEFORE GOING INTO BUSINESS

Ben Bierman2022-05-27T13:50:24+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

Almost every aspiring entrepreneur gets their chance to weigh up whether it is a good idea to have a close friend or family member as a business partner. The answer is not always simple Read more >

NEGOTIATING A FAIR TRADE EXCHANGE

Ben Bierman2022-05-27T13:57:15+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

Maintaining a constant stream of cashflow is a common challenge that many businesses experience. Strategic business partnerships involving a barter exchange (the direct exchange of goods and services for other goods or services) can, Read more >

CONNECTING WITH NEW CUSTOMERS

Ben Bierman2022-05-31T08:58:49+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

The most critical requirement for a business to grow and evolve, is a constant increase in its customer base using its products or services. However, reaching new audiences while retaining repeat customers can be Read more >

CHANGING YOUR BUSINESS STRATEGY MID-STREAM

Ben Bierman2022-05-22T08:35:09+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

As we enter the second quarter of 2021, businesses should be well into implementing their growth strategy for the year. However, operational costs can fluctuate, especially in the current tough economic climate, these fluctuations Read more >

GETTING TO GRIPS WITH AUTOMATION FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS

Ben Bierman2022-05-31T09:02:49+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

Automation within a business is still a contentious topic and is often perceived negatively as it is associated with replacing people with machines and rendering certain skills obsolete. This unease with automation is heightened Read more >

FINDING THE RIGHT MENTOR TO HELP GROW YOUR BUSINESS

Ben Bierman2022-05-31T09:06:35+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

Any business owner worth his salt can acknowledge the fact that there is always something new to learn about their business or market. Especially when starting a new company and guiding it through its Read more >

MANAGING YOUR OWN BURNOUT RISK IN 2021

Ben Bierman2022-05-31T09:07:36+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

Being a business owner can be immensely rewarding, but as any entrepreneur can confirm, it requires a lot of mental resilience. This is in part due to every successful business owner feeling a heightened Read more >

GETTING TO GRIPS WITH NEW DIGITAL PAYMENT METHODS

Ben Bierman2022-05-31T09:08:31+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

One of the major business trends emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic has been the accelerated adoption of contact-less payments, as many shifted away from traditional methods, such as cash, to digital platforms in an Read more >

MANAGING CUSTOMER RISKS VITAL TO SURVIVING 2021

Ben Bierman2022-05-31T09:12:05+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

Offering credit to clients is standard practice for most businesses in South Africa and has become essential to remaining competitive in the challenging economic environment. With most consumers and businesses currently experiencing financial hardship, Read more >

THE PROS AND CONS OF ALLOWING YOUR STAFF TO WORK FROM HOME

Kgomotso Ramoenyane2022-05-31T09:17:35+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

The COVID-19 pandemic suddenly forced a massive working-from-home (WFH) experiment onto the business world, prompting thousands of business owners to grapple with the question of how permanent to make the emergency arrangements. Should you Read more >

TIME TO STEP OUT OF SURVIVAL MODE AND PLAN FOR RECOVERY AND GROWTH

Anton Roelofse2022-05-31T09:18:47+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

With much of the fog of the COVID-19 pandemic lifted for now, South African business owners have been able to catch a glimpse of how the business landscape has changed. Every entrepreneur who is Read more >

BUILDING AN ENGAGED WORKFORCE TO COUNTERACT HR PROBLEMS

Ben Bierman2022-05-31T09:19:44+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

The global COVID-19 pandemic and related events of the past year have hit businesses harder than ever before. Not only have profit margins taken severe strain, but companies are facing unprecedented Human Resources (HR) challenges, Read more >

GROWTH IS NOT IMPOSSIBLE IN A PANDEMIC

Ben Bierman2022-05-31T09:22:06+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

As we mark the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic bringing the world to a virtual standstill, many forward-looking businesses are realising that the trials and tribulations of the pandemic are far from over. Read more >

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS YEAR’S BUDGET SPEECH FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

Ben Bierman2022-05-31T09:26:00+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

This week, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni delivered his Budget Speech for the 2021/22 financial year. There was some good news for consumers, as the Minister’s speech contained very few tax hikes. Though no SME-specific Read more >

WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS

Ben Bierman2022-05-31T09:24:48+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

The number of women-owned businesses is on the rise, according to a survey by SME South Africa, which showed that 47% of South African small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are women-led. This is encouraging Read more >

SMALL WAYS THAT SMES CAN HELP TACKLE SA’S UNEMPLOYMENT

Ben Bierman2022-05-31T09:23:27+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

The domino effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on South Africa’s already struggling economy has caused unemployment levels to rise to historical heights. Stats SA reported that 32.5 percent of the South African workforce were unemployed as Read more >

SMALL CHANGES TO TAKE YOUR BUSINESS FROM SURVIVE TO THRIVE

Ben Bierman2022-06-13T08:18:37+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

In the future, we’ll all look back at 2020 as the year when a single virus – COVID-19 - had a massively adverse impact on the global economy and the survival of businesses. Although Read more >

TIPS TO UP THE ANTE FOR YOUR E-COMMERCE OFFERING TO COMPETE IN THE NEW NORMAL

Arnold February2022-05-22T08:03:00+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

Due to COVID-19, consumer behaviour has changed drastically and instead of doing their shopping in-store, many customers are buying their groceries, clothes and almost everything else online. In response to this, businesses have had Read more >

ARE YOUR WORKPLACE COVID PROTOCOLS UP TO SCRATCH

Ben Bierman2022-06-13T08:20:06+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

With the start of the 2021 commercial year coinciding with the peak of South Africa’s second wave of COVID-19 infections, the Department of Employment and Labour has called on local businesses to ensure that their workplaces Read more >

HOW TO RETAIN TALENT DURING UNCERTAIN TIMES

Ben Bierman2022-06-13T08:21:19+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

Despite unemployment levels being at an all-time high, top talent will rarely be without options and - given the challenging economic environment - businesses need buy-in from their key employees more than ever before. Read more >

BUSINESS SURVIVAL TIPS FOR 2021

Jeremy Lang2022-06-13T08:22:58+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

If your business made it through 2020, you have survived one of the biggest collective economic crises of our generation, which is cause for celebration. However, on the back of a year that can Read more >

TIPS TO OPTIMISE CUSTOMER SERVICE THROUGH TECH

Ben Bierman2022-05-22T08:19:43+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

The latest announcement by President Ramaphosa that most grades in public schools were closing again for a full month to curb the spread of COVID-19 comes additional responsibilities for families. While school closures should Read more >

TIPS FOR SUPPORTING SA’s SUPERWOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE

Ben Bierman2021-02-22T12:40:35+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

The latest announcement by President Ramaphosa that most grades in public schools were closing again for a full month to curb the spread of COVID-19 comes additional responsibilities for families. While school closures should Read more >

PRIORITISING WORKPLACE WELLBEING AMID COVID-19 UNCERTAINTY

Ben Bierman2021-02-24T11:48:53+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

Five ways that business owners can help their employees to cope during this challenging time 17 May 2020: The continued global spread of COVID-19 is affecting people in a variety of different ways, with many feeling Read more >

HOW TO FIND YOUR POST-COVID PRICING SWEET SPOT

Ben Bierman2022-05-22T08:14:19+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly changed our world and the way we do business. But it’s also impacted consumer purchasing habits and, in some instances, reshaped the demand landscape – times are tough; consumers’ Read more >

THREE WAYS TO MAINTAIN A POSITIVE COMPANY CULTURE IN THE NEW NORMAL

Kgomotso Ramoenyane2022-05-22T08:38:42+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

In keeping with social distancing guidelines, working from home (WFH) has become the new reality for many South African office workers. While this is a necessary measure for businesses to take in combatting the Read more >

INNOVATE WITH YOUR MARKETING IN TIME OF SOCIAL DISTANCING

Gugu Mjadu2021-02-24T11:50:12+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

The COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide lockdown have impacted South African business landscape in a massive way, with many companies not surviving the last nine months, and many more businesses now operating at reduced capacity. Read more >

HOW TO TRANSITION YOUR BUSINESS INTO LEVEL 1

Ben Bierman2022-05-22T08:25:23+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the South African business landscape in a number of ways, with the pressures of lockdown having turned daily operations for many companies on their head. When it came to Read more >

HOW TO SPOT A BUSINESS SCAM

Ben Bierman2021-02-24T11:49:55+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

Business owners are forever seeking new opportunities to expand their operations – a characteristic key to entrepreneurial success. However, where there are people seeking opportunities, you can bet there will be fraudsters looking to Read more >

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF FREELANCERS

Kgomotso Ramoenyane2021-02-26T10:46:30+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

The SME guide to capitalising on the gig economy Research by global advisory firm, Willis Towers Watson, has revealed that 72% of South African businesses are considering cost saving measures around pay and recruitment Read more >

BUSINESS SURVIVAL TIPS FOR 2021

Jeremy Lang2021-02-24T11:52:12+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

If your business made it through 2020, you have survived one of the biggest collective economic crises of our generation, which is cause for celebration. However, on the back of a year that can Read more >

BUSINESS NETWORKING IN THE TIME OF COVID

Gugu Mjadu2021-02-24T11:50:45+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

While COVID-19 has forever changed the business landscape, building and sustaining strong relationships remains a key component of success, especially for startups and businesses that are new to a specific market or industry. With Read more >

5 WAYS TO ADD SUPPLEMENTARY REVENUE STREAMS TO YOUR BUSINESS

Jeremy Lang2021-02-24T11:51:55+02:00Tags: Business Tips|

One thing that the COVID-19 crisis has definitely taught business owners, is that the diversification of revenue streams is crucial to long-term commercial sustainability. This is because, by never relying solely on one product, Read more >

WHEN JOINING THE FAMILY BUSINESS IS THE ENTREPRENEURIAL CHOICE

BPLAdmin2022-06-23T09:48:26+02:00Tags: Client Stories|

When “youth entrepreneurship” is mentioned, the image formed in the minds of many South Africans is that of one or two intrepid twenty-somethings starting a business from their parent’s garage. Much less thought is given Read more >

FEARLESS YOUNG COUPLE PIONEER PET-FOOD NICHE

BPLAdmin2022-06-23T09:50:25+02:00Tags: Client Stories|

Youth entrepreneurship is alive and kicking in South Africa if the adventure of a young dog-loving couple is anything to go by. Raeesa and Shaad Jardine were both heading straight for the corporate world with Read more >

KEVIN NAIDOO

BPLAdmin2022-06-23T10:29:29+02:00Tags: Client Stories|

Kevin Naidoo Training centre stronger as it rises from the ashes Sometimes it takes a catastrophe to reveal the inner strength of a society. For many, the looting that accompanied the civil riots in KwaZulu Read more >

GERHARD WALDHAUER

BPLAdmin2022-06-13T07:33:20+02:00Tags: Client Stories|

Gerhard Waldhauer Staying agile while growing big  There is something of a paradox in the amazing growth of Jack’s Paints and Hardware over the past 79 years from one owner-managed store in Johannesburg to Read more >

SHAUN NCALA

BPLAdmin2022-06-13T07:32:25+02:00Tags: Client Stories|

Shaun Ncala Entrepreneur brings father’s dream to life The world is full of examples of children inheriting a business from their parents, and often failing with it. But Shaun Ncala is one of very Read more >

GWEN GOWER

BPLAdmin2022-06-13T07:35:18+02:00Tags: Client Stories|

Gwen Gower Nursery flourishes with the fertilizer of good relationships The secret fertilizer that keeps the plants lush and the business flourishing at Earthworx Garden World in Hout Bay, Cape Town, is the careful Read more >

CATHY NEWTON

BPLAdmin2022-05-31T08:57:12+02:00Tags: Client Stories|

Cathy Newton Lighting the way for local manufacturing As a teenager, Cathy Newton used to buy wire frames from a small lamp-shade factory called Wire World, to make and sell her own lamp shades Read more >

MICHAEL JELE AND HILKIA JACOBS

Mandla Mhlongo2022-05-24T09:05:49+02:00Tags: Client Stories|

Michael Jele and Hilkia Jacobs Finance came at just the right time for telecoms livewires “Business Partners Limited will be our first stop when we need expansion finance,” says Michael Jele, co-owner of BlueTel Read more >

THOMAS REIB

Mandla Mhlongo2022-05-24T09:07:40+02:00Tags: Client Stories|

Thomas Reib Cash retained tides ‘happy businesses’ over the worst of Covid-19 crisis Thomas Reib reckons if he stayed in the corporate lane in which he started his career in the early nineties he Read more >

ANNELENE VAN WYK

BPLAdmin2022-05-27T09:45:35+02:00Tags: Client Stories|

Annelene van Wyk Guest house owner defies Covid-19 with patience and adaptability Adaptability, initiative and patience are key ingredients for entrepreneurial success, especially if you have to build a business with as few resources Read more >

ELS BOTHA

BPLAdmin2022-05-27T09:51:17+02:00Tags: Client Stories|

Els Botha Entrepreneurial thinking key to return to business growth As the hospitality industry emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic, entrepreneurial creativity will play a crucial role in the return to growth. Els Botha, owner Read more >

FEDA RAHMAN

BPLAdmin2022-05-27T10:23:46+02:00Tags: Client Stories|

Feda Rahman Drive for upliftment pays off in property successes Feda Rahman’s business, Petite Home Decor, turns drab spaces into beautiful and stylish ones. Amazingly, the same thing seems to happen to the wider Read more >

NEIL CRACKNELL

BPLAdmin2022-06-13T07:37:24+02:00Tags: Client Stories|

Neil Cracknell Three generations, one landloard When you think about a family business in which three generations have traded continuously from the same premises, you’d imagine that they would own the building. Not so Read more >

SHAINIL DOORJAN

BPLAdmin2022-05-27T13:38:51+02:00Tags: Client Stories|

Family business finds finance - and a whole lot more

CHARLES RAMUHASHE

BPLAdmin2022-05-27T13:41:05+02:00Tags: Client Stories|

Long walk to business success

THEMBEKILE SIKENQE

Mandla Mhlongo2022-05-31T09:15:40+02:00Tags: Client Stories|

No limits on finding new opportunities

WYNAND HART

Mandla Mhlongo2022-05-31T09:16:36+02:00Tags: Client Stories|

Spotting opportunities where others see gloom

NELEESH HARDUTH

Mandla Mhlongo2022-06-13T08:28:46+02:00Tags: Client Stories|

Restaurant entrepreneur ready for post-pandemic bounce-back

TSHEPO MEKOA

Mandla Mhlongo2022-06-14T08:32:29+02:00Tags: Client Stories|

Formal systems, staff relations help resilient company bounce back

IRIS MAKANYA

Mandla Mhlongo2022-06-14T08:34:06+02:00Tags: Client Stories|

No rest for this 60-year-old livewire

ELIZABETH BAILLIE

Mandla Mhlongo2022-06-14T08:37:35+02:00Tags: Client Stories|

Answering adversity with entrepreneurship

NATALIE GABRIELS

Mandla Mhlongo2022-06-14T08:40:00+02:00Tags: Client Stories|

Finding the silver lining of the lockdown