The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Leader of the Year award is an honorary award given to a businessperson who has demonstrated exemplary business achievement, industry influence and is a true inspiration to others. Brian Ernest Howarth matriculated from Westville Boy’s High School in 1974. He then went on to work at Durban Electricity in 1976 as a learner technical assistant. After four years, he qualified as an engineer and worked in the planning department.   In 1982, he was promoted to depot engineer, and was in charge of 150 staff. His primary responsibility was for the electrical network in the area, including substations, cables and overhead lights.   In 1986, Brian joined Magnet Electrical Supplies (Pty) Ltd, which was started by Brian’s father, Ernest Howarth in 1972. From humble beginnings selling armature wire the business has grown and evolved to becoming a leading electrical supplies and energy solutions business servicing KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng industrial and commercial markets.   Brian was initially responsible for all sales and new product development. He then went on to redirect the focus of the company towards industrial electrical solutions and components, which saw his appointment to managing director (MD) in 1995.   As MD, Brian was accountable for steering the company on the path of profitability and growth and in 2005 Magnet once again shifted focus in the direction of energy efficient offerings. In 2019, Magnet’s solar division was established and today, Magnet is a leading industrial and commercial electrical and energy solutions provider with numerous large scale electrical, lighting and solar projects under their belt.   Magnet is a true family business, both Brian’s parents and sister worked in the business for many years. More recently his daughter, Nicole, joined as the third generation of Howarth’s to continue on the legacy Brian has steered for the last 32 years.   It is an incredible privilege (and sometimes) challenge to work with family. But it has created an incredible culture and people-centric focus to the business. All employees are considered part of the family, and this has fostered an incredible loyalty and dedication amongst the staff that has helped drive its growth and success.   Brian is driven by a passion for technology and innovation, his inquisitive mind keeps him entrenched in all the latest tech (even Tik Tok!). His greatest joy is to deliver the best solution to his customers and see the benefit it adds to the success of their businesses.   Of many highlights of his career a standout moment was when Magnet successfully completed a multistage energy saving DSM project for Eskom, the proceeds are which allowed him to build his dream head office in River Horse Valley.   Brian carries his adventurous spirit outside of the boardroom through numerous hobbies and sports. He has completed comrades, Duzi, numerous mountain bike races, Ironman and most recently summited Mt Kilimanjaro at 65 years old.   While Brian has recently stepped down as MD of Magnet, he continues to stay highly involved and instrumental in the success of the business. Despite stepping into ‘retirement’ he has recently started two new business ventures and shows no sign of slowing down. He will continue to make a significant mark on the electrical industry for years to come.

This award is broadly defined as the physical or chemical transformation of materials or compounds into new products. The finalists are: LHL Engineering Joekels Tea Packers Sumitomo Rubber South Africa SA Adhesives   LHL Engineering LHL’s roots go back to 1969 and caters for all types of fabrication, using steel, carbon, titanium and exotics. LHL offers a one- stop shop solution, bringing together a cooperative cluster of specialised companies under one roof.   Joekels Tea Packers Started in 1994, Joekels pack, blend and distribute some of South Africa’s most popular household tea and coffee brands including Tetley, Laager, Tea Time, Tea4Kidz, and Society Coffee and have the highest global food safety and quality certification.   Sumitomo Rubber South Africa Sumitomo Rubber South Africa believes in leading by example and demonstrates not only a legacy as a KZN brand but investment in the driving future of tyre manufacturing in the province through its multi-billion-rand commitment.   SA Adhesives Founded in 1995, and based in Durban, SA Adhesives specialises in manufacturing FDA-approved water-based adhesives for the paper and packaging sectors, ensuring compliance with industry standards and delivering high-quality products.

This award is given to companies for activities concerned with land, railway, air and water transport, and transport via pipeline. Activities of travel agencies, post and telecommunications, courier, as well as storage and warehousing activities are included. The finalists are: Grindrod Limited Dynamic Shipping Services AML Distributions   Grindrod Limited Grindrod Limited, based in Durban, employs more than 4000 skilled people in 21 countries of which 1500 are employed in KwaZulu Natal. The company is invested in a port, strategically positioned dry bulk, multi-purpose terminals, and logistics operations.   Dynamic Shipping Services Formed in February 2020, Dynamic Shipping Services is a family-owned business that specialises in the logistics and exports of timber related products and other commodities, while focusing on creating strong collaborative partnerships with their clients.   AML Distributions AML Distributions was founded in 2000 and is the largest independent distributor of locally sourced building materials in South Africa. It is the largest concrete roofing distributor and distributes Afrisam cement throughout the KZN and Western Cape Region.

This category is for businesses that go the extra mile to engage their staff members and what difference this makes to the business. This may be through in-house training, flexible working, personal development, workplace wellbeing activity and teambuilding.   The finalists are: ·        Beekman Group ·        SRF Flexipak SA ·        Powerpoint Lifestyles   Beekman Group The Beekman W.A.Y. programme is the foundation for a workplace environment that prioritises employee well-being in a holistic manner. This comprehensive approach leads to a dedicated, motivated, and highly satisfied workforce that fuels the company’s success.   SRF Flexipak SA SRF Flexipak SA is a polypropylene manufacturing facility based in Cato Ridge with a workforce of 200 employees. Skills development, health and wellness are key components in the company’s long-term employee wellbeing strategy.   Powerpoint Lifestyles Powerpoint Lifestyles provides a wide range of human resource and talent management solutions with a geographical footprint in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. The company understands that as the business landscape is always changing, sustainable human resources are critical.

This award is given to a business that is owned by one or more people who provide products or services under the branding and rules stipulated by a parent company.  The finalists are: Pedros Flamed Grilled Chicken RE/MAX Coast and Country ActionCOACH Marlene Powell   Pedros Flamed Grilled Chicken Pedros Flamed Grilled Chicken, the fastest growing chicken franchise in South Africa, was established in 2018 and is head officed in Durban. Pedros has grown into a national brand with 137 stores countrywide.   RE/MAX Coast and Country RE/MAX Coast and Country is an independently owned real estate franchise, dedicated to serving the KZN South Coast. Their commitment is to deliver exceptional real estate services with a focus on customer satisfaction and professional integrity.   ActionCOACH Marlene Powell Marlene Powell embodies the principles of excellence, consistency, and impactful business coaching that is characteristic of leading ActionCOACH franchises. Her business has helped numerous businesses grow, enabling employment opportunities and contributing to the local economy.

This award is given to a business where the majority ownership/management remains within a family (or multi-family) structure, and where more than one generation contributes to the success of the business. The finalists are: Royal Tyres Steelco and MBM Roofing Dromex   Royal Tyres Royal Tyres is a family-owned business, that has weathered economic fluctuations, market changes, and industry challenges for over 85 years, all while maintaining their core family values and commitment to excellence, which are part of their corporate culture.   Steelco and MBM Roofing Steelco and MBM Roofing, are led by two generations of the Eglington family: Michael Eglington as CEO and his son, Matthew Eglington, as managing director. Their combined leadership ensures continuity, stability, and a unified vision that drives the companies forward.   Dromex Founded in 1998, Dromex is a family-owned business that from humble beginnings has grown into Africa’s leading manufacturer and distributor of work wear and personal protective equipment, now operating from a 25 000m2, state of the art distribution facility.

This award is given to establishments and activities that are primarily engaged in farming activities, including commercial hunting, game propagation, forestry, logging and fishing. The beneficiation of primary materials and intermediate goods from these sectors is included. The finalists are: Heartland Foods Agrikool GreenHills Laboratory   Heartland Foods Launched in 2006 and based in Pietermaritzburg, Heartland Foods is a breakfast cereal manufacturer focused on providing great tasting, high quality, natural, healthy products.   Agrikool Agrikool, founded in 2018, is a tech supported agricultural value chain enabler. The Pietermaritzburg-based business develops small to medium-scale local farmers, and sustains regional food security by connecting buyers, growers, producers, and transporters of agricultural products.   GreenHills Laboratory Founded in March 2019 by Dr Shaun Groenink. GreenHill Laboratory is a testing, production and consulting laboratory to the agricultural, food, healthcare, hospitality, pharmaceutical and veterinary industries.

This sector includes insurance and pension funding; legal; accounting; education and general business activities. The finalists are: Inspired Financial Management Solutions Arvind Magan and Associates The Busy Bookkeeper & Partners   Inspired Financial Management Solutions Inspired Financial Management Solutions is a micro enterprise contributing to the sustainable development of municipalities by empowering employees with the knowledge needed to make informed financial and business decisions, ultimately leading to more effective local governance.   Arvind Magan and Associates Founded in 2003 by CEO, Mr Arvind Magan, and operating from the Durban area, Arvind Magan & Associates is an established auditing, accounting, finance and management company operating in most industry sectors.   The Busy Bookkeeper & Partners The Busy Bookkeeper & Partners embodies an ethical culture and effective stakeholder communication, driving remarkable growth and recognition. With a focus on productivity, transparency, and integrity, the company uplifts women to build rewarding careers while balancing family responsibilities.

This award is given to businesses or social enterprises that have made a significant positive impact on the community and region they operate in. This could include: charitable efforts or developing your local community. The motivation should be to make KZN a better place to live and work.   The finalists are: Innovate Durban Phoenix Group SA Home Loans SmartXchange   Innovate Durban Since its inception in 2016, Innovate Durban, has through their many programmes, platforms and initiatives, shown an unwavering commitment to driving innovation and fostering economic growth, and has made a positive impact on many people’s lives in KZN.   Phoenix Group The cornerstone of the Phoenix Group’s success can be attributed to its ongoing service to mankind. Among other initiatives the Phoenix Group stands side-by-side the residents of KZN providing water, food, clothing, financial assistance and most significantly hope!   SA Home Loans SA Home Loans’ dedication to community upliftment and improvement is evident in their sustained efforts and tangible outcomes. By fostering education, supporting small businesses, and providing crisis relief, they have made a difference in the lives of many people in KZN.   SmartXchange Since 2004, SmartXchange has successfully incubated and supported numerous SMMEs. The organisation focuses on youth and women empowerment, job creation, and black economic development and has centres in Durban, Port Shepstone, KwaMashu and Bhongweni, Kokstad.

This category includes renewable energy, low-carbon transport, energy-efficient buildings, clean technologies, improved waste management, improved freshwater provision, etc. The finalists are: ■ Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions ■ Circular Energy ■ SAMAC Engineering Solutions   Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions, established in 2011 and based in Ballito, specialises in solving environmental challenges and improving environmental performance in a sustainable way within the private and public sectors and society and communities as a whole.   Circular Energy Circular Energy NPC manages a nationwide take-back scheme for the collection, recycling, and environmentally sound management of waste electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, lighting and lighting equipment, packaging and lubricant oil.   SAMAC Engineering Solutions SAMAC Engineering Solutions stands at the forefront of energy efficiency innovation, proudly spearheading advancements with its flagship product, the ENRG blanket. SAMAC’s solutions have revolutionised energy consumption practices and have made strides in promoting sustainability across diverse sectors.

All the winners of the prestigious Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards 2024 were announced at an elegant gala dinner held at the Radisson Blu Hotel Durban Umhlanga on the 17 July.   The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards recognise businesses in the province that are going above and beyond in their efforts to be successful and to make a difference for their employees, clients and other stakeholders.   Grant Adlam CEO of KZN Top Business commented, “Success is always about people and guiding these businesses and their teams’ achievements are some extremely talented and committed business leaders.”   Each year the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Leader of the Year is given to someone who has demonstrated exemplary business achievement, industry influence and is a true inspiration to others. This year the honour went to Brian Howarth who has served as the managing director of Magnet, a leading industrial and commercial electrical and energy solutions provider, for the past 32 years. Howarth has been accountable for steering the company and its dedicated employees on the path of profitability and growth.   Following in this theme, the keynote speaker, Lubin Ozoux, the CEO for Sumitomo Rubber South Africa spoke on conscious leadership. Ozoux said, “Conscious leadership is about developing an awareness and understanding that in every situation we have choices. It’s no longer about ticking boxes but about the sustainable positive impact that we can make.”   The winner of the title of Standard Bank KZN Top Brand 2024, which was voted for by public SMS vote only, was revealed to be Mi7 National Group who claimed the title for the second year in a row. Beekman Group were in second place and SA Home Loans in third place. Once more, this sought-after accolade saw much social media activity with many thousands of votes cast by employees, clients, family, and friends for their brand of choice.   The 2024 category winners were: Standard Bank Client of the Year – SME Category: Less than R100 million turnover per annum. Steelco   Standard Bank Client of the Year – Larger Enterprise: More than R100 million turnover per annum. Natal Joint Municipal Pension Fund   Manufacturing Sector Sumitomo Rubber South Africa   Franchising Sector RE/MAX Coast and Country   Family Owned/ Managed Business Royal Tyres   Partnership Do More Foundation   Transport/Logistics Sector Grindrod Limited   Employee Wellness Beekman Group   Agriculture and Agri--Processing Sector Agrikool   Business, Finance and Education Inspired Financial Management Solutions   Community Upliftment and Improvement SA Home Loans   Renewable Efficiency – Green initiatives SAMAC Engineering Solutions   In her comments, Simone Cooper, Head, Business and Commercial Banking, South Africa, Standard Bank, said, “We are extremely proud to be associated with an event such as this. Together let us build a prosperous future for KZN.”   While making her closing remarks programme director, Carol Ofori said that in a time of significant socio-political changes, these achievements remind us of the strength and potential within our business community.   Standard Bank believes that these awards are key in celebrating the businesses that align with their purpose of driving Africa’s growth.   #PartneringForGrowth

Bongi Mkhize, CEO of the KwaZulu-Natal Joint Municipal Pension Fund, overcame challenges from his underprivileged background to achieve success. Despite studying without textbooks, he obtained a finance degree and excelled in auditing. Through hard work, he rose through the ranks to become CEO, driven by a desire to empower his community financially. Embracing innovation, he sees technology as key to enhancing retirement services. Bongi's dedication to his work is balanced by family time, embodying his motto that every day is a chance for improvement. KZN Top Business Leaders powered by