Page 29 - KZN Top Business Portfolio - EBOOK 2019

CEO at Imperial Armour to ensure clients and prospective clients can always
stay up to date with the latest technology, news
OUISA GARLAND has instilled in her and products.
staff that when designing new products In addition, Garland attributes her ability to
and facing new challenges: “Don’t deliver word class products to her staff. She said
Lever say we can’t, say we will.” This that she encourages her employees ‘who are 98%
philosophy has served her well.
women‘ to be accountable for their production
Since its inception in October 2000, Imperial tasks. However, she explains her leadership style as
Armour has forged its way to become a world leader in being hands on as she enjoys working alongside her
the manufacturing of personal protection equipment employees.
and has grown at a phenomenal rate. This success has She said, “I recognise my employees’ achievements
also seen Garland win many industry awards.
and I like to keep them happy. That means we also
Garland said that the achievements of Imperial have fun at work, even going so far as to try on the
Armour is attributed to her passion for her company’s safety gear to check its fit and design. You must have
products and her positive outlook. She added that laughter and build team camaraderie to prosper. We
after 19 years in business her belief in what she is enjoy good positive energy.”
doing is even stronger.
The staff are also encouraged to work to their
“To stay in business you have to be innovative. strengths and “do what they love to do.” Garland said,
As the years have progressed, I have realised the “I enjoy providing opportunities for the upliftment of
importance of not repeating the same. You need to my staff through skills training. Employees also feel
think out of the box.” valued when they are advancing within a company,
With this mindset, Garland is continually seeking which is something I feel is important to promote an
new ideas and following the latest trends and empowered workforce.”
technology from all around the world to bring them Garland would like to see more manufacturing
back to South Africa so that our products stay up to taking place within South Africa as she is aware of
date to serve current needs. many opportunities for specialised products to be
This approach has also prompted the recent produced. She commented that more manufacturing
launch of Imperial Armour’s sister company Imperial concerns would also play a huge role in making a
Uniforms that will manufacture uniforms for security prouder South Africa, which would counter many of
companies. Garland said, “The initiative will open the social problems we experience.
more doors for us as we will be able to provide a In her free time Garland is a typical mom who
complete service to our clients.” enjoys spending time with her two daughters and
Growing the company has also meant changing encouraging them to be empowered, which has
her approach to marketing. Garland has put herself resulted in them both having started their own
into the marketplace and continued to spend time companies. Emily, the youngest, has recently joined
with her clients. She said, “It is important to build Louisa Garland in Imperial Armour to carry out the
relationships so that your clients trust you and know company’s legacy.
that you will provide good service, excellent quality Further to that, Garland has a passion for interior
and deliver on time.” decorating, traveling and keeping active, she has
In keeping up with her clients, Garland has also recently done her advanced scuba diving course in
recently done a relaunch of Imperial Armour’s website Thailand.

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