Page 9 - KZN BUSINESS SENSE 4.3

TAKING DURBAN TO THE WORLD

waZulu-Natal’s largest profiles of business leaders and
combined regional media. This engagement showed
Kbusiness and government support for the roadshow and
delegation ever to travel to Britain allowed for Invest Durban to
were there in June to share the trend on this platform.
facts that Durban is Africa’s
‘premier investment destination’. Selected quotes from the UK and
This investment mission and SA Business delegation
roadshow was a meaningful Zienzi Dillon – Carmel Global
response to a request from Capital: “A well organised
eThekwini Mayor, Cllr Zandile Investment Day. Carmel Global
Gumede to promote the city Capital will be following through
and the province that houses it for possible funding of Ocean
– KwaZulu-Natal, to the United Mall, Richards Bay 2000MW
Kingdom (UK). power plant and Durban Waste
The objectives of the mission to Energy – local partnership.”
were for representatives of Andrew Thompson – Elan
KwaZulu-Natal’s senior Property Group: “We were
government and business very satisfied with our B2B
leadership to engage at a high appointments and the early
level with government and evening cocktail presentation.”
business leadership in Newcastle
and London. The aim was to Martin Orji, Managing
strengthen ties and to target Principal and Board Member of
significant new investment NR Capital, one of the investors
flows, whilst deepening the KwaZulu-Natal’s largest business and government delegation ever, travelled to Britain in June 2018. at the London B2B meetings
international governance described these engagements
and relations via the bilateral as, “timely, in terms of the
investment drives into the City prominent members of regional their vote of confidence in on “Investment Returns in selection of projects – it is the
business/political community.
of Durban and the UK. The Durban. KZN – Where to Look?”. type investors need to see”.
mission provided the opportunity ■ 6th June – A full day Social Media Batanayi Katongera, a Head
to share the facts around why programme consisting of a The delegation also re-engaged at MacFarlanes LLC in London
Durban is Africa’s ‘premier Roundtable Trade and with Discovery Channel as The interest in the roadshow remarked, “The quality of the
investment destination’ and to Investment event, a port tour in part of the ongoing partnership was reflected in interactions projects, and the packaging
obtain international exposure for Tees Valley and a reception in promoting Durban. The on social media. The Invest plus presentation of the Durban
the catalytic projects currently by the Mayor Mr Ben Houchen engagement with Discovery Durban Facebook page engaged investment materials is truly
underway. The intention was to ending the day’s programme in Channel covered the Legacy 8340 people over 24 posts in the world class; better than most I’ve
attract international investments County Durham. Project for Youth, and an update comments, likes and shares. For seen in London to date.”
into these, plus to create platforms ■ 7th June – Two elements ran on what has been achieved in the duration of the investment
for new FDI catalytic projects. concurrently. The first part promoting Durban as a tourism drive the page reached 73 619 UK investor follow-ups have
of the delegation participated destination was covered. people. The page also grew to already been secured for the
Another primarily objective 2342 followers. Many of the
was to continue to implement the in prearranged B2B meetings ■ 8th June – The Durban- comments and reactions were 28/29 October with a return
significant “Step-Change” called with the host delegation London Investment Day was positive with numerous well flight home booked on the
for in the eThekwini Council followed by a business and hosted in Kensington, London wishes and congratulations. City British Airways inaugural direct
approved Durban Investment Council set of presentations at the Gloucester Millennium leadership and business heads Durban flight on the 29 October.
Promotion Strategy for the Invest held at the Council Chamber, Hotel in seven concurrent have been liking, commenting This will also dovetail with the
Durban Unit. Newcastle Civic Centre. meetings rooms. A target of and reacting to the posts. UN World Investment Forum in
40 B2B meetings, had been set Geneva (22-26 October).
The Mission and Roadshow The second part of the but this figure was exceeded The Invest Durban Twitter
A similar repeat UK
Programme was as follows: delegation went ahead to with over 65 back to back account had 26 692 impressions/ Investment Mission led by the
■ 4th & 5th June –Arrival of London to have a workshop prearranged meetings held engagements over 39 posts. city and province’s leadership
delegation in Newcastle meeting with British Airways throughout the day. These The account also grew to is recommended to be again
followed by a welcome event Marketing. The delegation meetings were followed by 476 followers. The campaign undertaken in the new financial
at the Newcastle Castle hosted conveyed a formal thanks to a cocktail reception within comprised retweeting and year, in accordance with the UK
by local politicians and other the British Airways Board for which was a panel discussion sharing content from key summer season in June 2019. n

IS YOUR CASH FLOW A VICTIM OF RAPID BUSINESS GROWTH?

Rajes Govender CA(SA), six months. Sales numbers to Whether you are a one man balances) smartly to ensure that
FD Vedanta – Executive Solutions drive the income statement show or a large business, always funds are not unnecessarily
forecast is a key variable. Know have a credit policy. Be clear on stuck in assets costing you
t all seems wonderful your real costs to operate. the terms you can afford to give money and cash flow problems.
when the orders flow in Ensure that the business is customers and do proper credit In conclusion, cash forecasting
Iand business growth has delivering profit at gross profit checks before you onboard new and cash management is an
finally become a reality…until and net profit levels. customers or extend more credit overall team effort within
your accountant mentions Making a profit does not imply to your customers. Late payment a business. Sound business
that the business is running from customers is usually policies, maintaining good
short of funds to pay salaries cash in the bank at the end of the unforeseen show stopper accounting records, forecasting
and suppliers. The business is each month. Use the projected affecting cash flow. Having a as well as good relations with
cash strapped. Does this sound monthly income statement credit policy is not dependent on your bankers and suppliers
results, payment terms with
familiar? the size of your business. It is a
suppliers and terms of credit are the essentials to help you
Cash flow planning is critical given to customers to drive the non-negotiable for sustainability. get through your cash flow
for sustainability at all times. cash flow forecast. This will For some businesses, it just takes challenges. n
When a business is growing, it is highlight when cash problems one big customer to not pay on
even more critically necessary. will be surfacing. Make a plan time to shut the business down. Tel : 065 859 5048
Start with doing a projected for the cash shortfall months Manage working capital info@fdvedanta.co.za
www.fdvedanta.co.za
income statement for the next well before it arrives. (stock, debtors and creditor

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