Page 24 - KZN Chambers Business Sense - Vol4 No5

REGISTERED IN THE UK

RG Outsourcing and President Ramaphosa’s current
BusinessFit have been drive to woo investors into South
Daccepted as Platinum Africa is well timed to take
members of the London-based advantage of such development.
South African Chamber of In a recent letter to Mike
Commerce UK (SACC) and to be Miller, Theresa May, British
represented on the South African Prime Minister, expressed her
arm of its executive committee. strong support for the SACC
BusinessFit has been successfully and BFI initiative.
registered as a business entity
in the United Kingdom (UK) as The South African perspective:
BusinessFit International Ltd. The BREXIT process will
free the UK from the onerous
BusinessFit was introduced to the constraints that EU regulations
SACC by Mike Miller, its founding placed upon goods sourced from
president with roots in South non-EU members, for example,
Africa. Mike is also the founder of agricultural products.
SAPRO (South African Products)
an importer of South African Whilst the ultimate outcome
products for distribution through of the BREXIT process remains
his previously founded and owned unclear it is a case of the ‘early bird
South African shop chain. catching the worm’.
In recognition of BusinessFit’s The South African economy
emerging business endeavours, will benefit from sustainable
we were invited to attend the businesses which will create
SACC Annual Awards event and employment opportunities
to present awards to two up and David White and Akhona Mahlati to alleviate the growing
coming member enterprises. to achieve an better all- Stage Three introduces in- unemployment rate, especially
This event also provided the inclusive understanding. depth questions to better inform Significance of this amongst the educated youth.
opportunity to display painted the Business Research Team in SACC Service In conclusion:
fabric items produced by emerging ■ Stage Four: Research carried the designated target market Now is the time! Participate
artists located in rural KwaZulu- out by the BFI team based on The UK perspective: in our BusinessFit Business
Natal (Magic Moments Trust) the information revealed from Stage Four mobilises the Assessment Questionnaire via the
and to elicit orders, which are now the findings in stages two and respective research teams in With the advent of BREXIT, link via www.baq.co.za which will
distributed by SAPRO. three. the UK and/or South Africa to the UK will be looking afresh help you in applying your mind to
■ Stage Five: A recommendation discover opportunities prior to at diversifying its markets and expanding your market horizons.
Such activity inspired the idea is provided to the client in the making recommendations on the Commonwealth countries would
of BusinessFit International (BFI) form of a formal presentation. most likely success route in the represent an obvious starting Then, allow BusinessFit
as a service provider focused form of a comprehensive report point. South Africa, with its International to assess
upon UK based enterprises More detail on the content of the leading to… strong historical connection your business’ readiness by
entering the South African market questionnaire is provided below: with Britain, is bound to become participating in the business
and vice-versa. As such, DRG, Business Assessment Stage Five: Delivery of the report reprioritised in this regard. assessment process. n
BusinessFit and BFI services are Questionnaire content with a presentation on findings
the cornerstone of the new SACC and recommendations
Business Hub offering services to Stage One deals with the nature Implementation: BFI team
SACC members, where relevant. of your business, products members will facilitate the SOUTH AFRICAN CHAMBER
This service is being promoted and track record to date. This implementation according to their
in the UK and beyond to SACC includes your motivation for respective fields of expertise and OF COMMERCE UK
members and potential members. entering the UK or South African business networks.
market, based upon your current
How does it work? understanding of the environment. This programme will enable he South African in both the United Kingdom
This is a free initial assessment. the relevant BFI entity to Chamber of Commerce and South Africa in an attempt
A Business Assessment TUK is an umbrella to facilitate the development of
Questionnaire (BAQ) has been Stage Two represents the start of assess companies in the UK organisation and conduit business opportunities. n
developed as the BFI project the formal fee bearing assessment wishing to enter South Africa for trade, community and
backbone and features five stages, process and covers topics such as: or South African companies investment into and out of South
wishing to enter the UK plus
namely: ■ Legal aspects e.g. registered recommendations in each case on Africa. The SACC aims to bring A: Cournswood House, Clappins Lane,
North Dean, Buckinghamshire, UK,
■ Stage One: An initial top- name, ownership and control, the optimum way to achieve their under one concerted effort, a HP14 4NW9
line review of the UK or South number of employees aims. forum and meeting point for E: admin@sachamber.co.uk
African company that wishes ■ Results to date e.g. turnover, businesses who have an interest W: www.southafricanchamber.co.uk
to enter the other country, to growth in volume and value, The Business Assessment
establish whether they are route to market, market share Questionnaire (BAQ) is available
likely to succeed in the target ■ Financial status e.g. online via www.baq.co.za and
country. If a successful profitability, cashflow, balance all enquiries will be referred to
outcome is anticipated, the sheet BFI and the SACC Business Hub.
client’s company is then invited ■ Marketing e.g. product range, Genius Methods software will
to participate in stage two of pricing strategy, distribution coordinate the business assessment
the process. strategy, research available, process, providing interested
■ Stage Two: A series of key promotion strategy parties with confidential user
questions about each functional ■ Operations e.g. manufacturing names and passwords for access to
area within the client’s business capabilities, warehousing, relevant reports.
to give a clear overview of the supply chain The business assessment process
business. ■ Human Resources e.g. is also available to businesses in
■ Stage Three: More detailed Human Capital best-practices other countries who would like help
questions are solicited in each in place in support of enterprise in entering the United Kingdom or
function about the business sustainability South African markets.

Sharon Constancon Michael J.P. Miller

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