This Week@Work: Big event-based income generators consume you and the business for their duration and usually leave nothing in their wake. It’s high-risk and unsustainable beyond your involvement. If your business is based on a few big projects, where do you look to find ways to build annuity income that will smooth out your revenue, capacity, and attract ongoing income from the same clients – as well as help to attract new ones? Your prosperity is largely in your hands. It's also in the wellbeing of your suppliers, customers, friends and family who run their own businesses. You're welcome to share This Week@Work with them. Have an entrepreneurial week, Pavlo Phitidis www.aurik.com

KZN Top Business prides itself on sharing successes and good news.   Talking about good news, KZN Top Business is celebrating 25 years of publishing the Portfolio in 2024. In celebration of this milestone, we will be producing a KZN Top Business Leaders' publication celebrating the current leaders of KZN and their contributions to the economy of the province. We will be producing an old-fashioned hard-covered coffee table book, which will be an absolute classic with historical value. A must have publication. So lets celebrate KZN's Top Business Leaders together. Let’s keep the good news stories flowing. For more information contact. Special Projects Angela Alderton . 0662065654 Ange@kznleaders.co.za

The weather was crazy yesterday and a lot of you missed out on our special, we don’t want you do go without!  Come on down to Morningside today and grab one medium prawn for ONLY R9.50  Yes, you heard right, R9.50!  Stack your plate and add a side, and that’s dinner or lunch served  We all know that this is going to be a big one so make sure to book your table by giving us a call  see you soon   #restaurants   #food   #foodies   #mozambik   #morningside Passionate about friends and family coming together over exceptional food and a welcoming experience! This is exactly what we have created, a “sink your toes into the sand and sip on cocktails and R&R’s while the sun goes down” experience. Page · Portuguese restaurant 081 897 8115 morningside@mozambik.co.za mozambik.co.za

Cerebro offers everything from web design, corporate identity, digital marketing, motion graphics, videography, photography, marketing strategy and brand positioning. Our studio has developed an all-around comprehensive knowledge of web design and digital marketing from 1000+ projects. We have expertise in creating successful campaigns for CPG brands, higher-education, sportswear makers, software companies, energy businesses, financial institutions, travel agencies, entertainment, health-care providers, and many more. As an experienced agency, our services extend way beyond tactical web design, SEO, or development. We can execute anything that is customer-facing, from taking fantastic product photography, creating video animations, strategizing your campaign, managing the media plan, to designing print and other offline materials. Tel: +27 (0)83 400 0331 / +27 (0)83 747 8828 E-mail: info@cerebrocreative.co.za  Website: www.cerebrocreative.co.za

A great afternoon hosted by Shamla Pather and her amazing team at their beautiful offices in Umhlanga Ridge. The aim of the gathering was not only to network but to formulate a relaxed and friendly environment where the KZN Top Business Women could get to know each other, bond and support one another in business and in personal life. We were warmly received by Shamla who is such a great storyteller she had us in stitches in no time. The catering and bar service added to our celebration, and upon departure we all received an amazing gift of a Gingerbread House, stunningly put together. What we will take away is friendship and comradery, and a feeling that we can Chat to each other at any time. To follow this up I will be starting a WhatsApp Group for all the KZN TBW 2023 to keep in touch and grow relationships. Thanks again to Shilpa for making this an amazing afternoon. Ange Alderton www.kzntopbusiness.com

Running a business is exhilarating, but it often comes with its fair share of uncertainties. Achieving peace of mind in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship requires a strategic and multifaceted approach.   In this article we will explore some key elements which, if addressed diligently, will improve sound business and management practices creating a more robust and resilient enterprise.   1. Risk Management: Shielding Your Business from Uncertainties Business risk is the potential for adverse events or uncertainties that may harm an enterprise`s objectives, performance, or reputation.   A prudent way to address risk management is to develop a Business Risk Register. Such a register highlights the probability for an identified risk to materialise as well as the impact it will have on the business. A remedial plan of action and assigned responsibilities will enable the business to respond timeously when risk mitigation actions are needed.   2. Financial Planning: A Solid Foundation for Stability Diligent financial planning practices and implemented solutions will stand us in good stead when disaster strikes (flooding, theft, fire etc.) or an inevitable event happens (death of a business partner, the loss of a key person etc.) which may have a detrimental impact on business continuity.   The value of an Accredited Financial Planner as part of the “Specialist team” of the business is of critical importance to ensure that the personal financial planning needs (risk, saving and investment) of entrepreneurs, the protection of business assets (short term insurance and business continuity protection) and the provision of employee benefits (retirement, healthcare and funeral cover) are addressed.   3. Measuring KPIs: Navigating with Clarity Sometimes we look at Key Performance Indicators (KPI`s) as elements which have value to our accountant. We see it as somewhat theoretical. These key metrics are the drivers of business success and can pro-actively inform our strategic and operational decisions.   Each business and industry have unique nuances w.r.t. KPI`s. The most generic KPI`s usually focus on tracking new business inflows, conversion rates of new business quotations, financial ratios critical to a specific enterprise, the ability to measure the number of products and the monetary quantum of sales made to existing clients as well as the metrics associated to the improvement of financial margins. Make it a concerted effort to identify the KPI`s relevant to your enterprise with the input of your accountant and obtain industry best practice benchmarks.   4. Pursuing New Opportunities: The Power of Diversification I meet many entrepreneurs who own and operate profitable businesses. On closer inspection I find that the continued existence of the business is linked to a handful of core clients which exposes the business to an elevated risk should one or more of these clients fall away.   The fact of the matter is that most businesses have a layer of fixed costs which need to be funded as a minimum requirement. The departure of a core client(s) should not put the ability of the business to fulfil its financial obligations in jeopardy. A dedicated effort should be affected to procure new clients if this test is done with a downside outcome.   The fundamental question is what your (and that of your business partners) definition of success in your business is. For some entrepreneurs it is merely to vest and maintain an ambitious lifestyle business. Determine how many clients (read income needed) the business needs to meet your personal aspirations and the financial gains needed to service business obligations.   5. Building Reserves: Safeguarding Against Economic Turbulence Entrepreneurs are inclined to re-invest surplus cash into their businesses as they uphold the opinion that it is here where the best ROI can be achieved. Although this is a reasonable assumption, a business also needs access to incumbent cash reserves to float the business in dire situations (think the aftermath of the C19 pandemic). Once your finance facilities are exhausted in such circumstances, it becomes more difficult to increase or even extend it.   There are multiple investment instruments available to consider in which cash reserves can be accumulated. Your accredited financial planner will be able to provide more information on the topic.   6. Managing Business Continuity: Ensuring Resilience The planning of business succession is a critical building block in vesting business resilience, yet it is an element which is mostly neglected or left to the wayside to be addressed sometime in the future – which mostly never happens.   Pro-active planning is needed to ensure a seamless transition for when a current business owner wants to opt-out of the business (e.g. retire, selling of shareholding). Financial provision should also be made to fund the buy-out of the shareholding of a deceased or permanently disabled shareholder.   In conclusion There are no guarantees in life and business. An enterprise is an income generating vehicle which is in the service of its owner(s). There are many unknowns and even less certainties in business. Thinking about and addressing these pointers will improve the longevity of your enterprise to weather the proverbial storms, ups and downs which is par for the course.   Contact information if you have any questions about this article and/or need business advice and guidance.   Jannie Rossouw Mobile: 082 560 4149 E-mail: brightfuture@mweb.co.za Website: www.brightfuture.co.za   LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jannie-rossouw

The new year is upon us. It’s time to be ready to make 2024 your best year yet! Let’s do so by taking stock of what worked from the year that has passed, and being intentional about how we want to tackle the new year – so that we can build high performing individuals and teams. You must have given some thought about what you want to achieve and where you want to be this year. Let’s make it a year where we tackle the bull by the horns, and forget our fears, anxieties, or even acts of procrastination and clarify our vision and goals for this year – and let’s include both our work and life goals. Then let’s start working towards those with gusto! Looking back on 2023, ask yourself: What was your biggest success or your biggest successes? What contributed to this/these? What will you continue to do? What were your biggest challenges, and what did not work for you? What have your learnt from those? What will you do differently? What conversations do you wish you had? And looking to 2024: What are you most excited about achieving for this new year? Have you thought about specific actions to take in order to achieve those goals? Have you thought about who would assist you in the various areas? How do you hope to grow and develop? What tiny habits can you introduce to make your life more fulfilling? How will you take better care of yourself – both from a work and personal perspective? What legacy would you like to build? What would you like to end 2024 having achieved? Set aside some time to ponder these questions and write down your answers. Keeping a journal is a really great idea. Sit down with others and discuss your answers – it often helps to bounce ideas off other trusted individuals – a good coach or mentor could assist. Once they are down, review them on a regular basis to measure your success and to hold yourself accountable. Life’s a journey – enjoy the ride! Jacquie Bhana Jacquie Bhana Consulting 083 386 8343 Jacquie.bhana@mbhana.co.za https://www.jacquiebhana.co.za

Challenges are a reality of life, they have been from time immemorial. Attitude not aptitude determines altitude (source unknown). Positive mindset is the requisite attitude to deal with these challenges. Faith and spirituality are the door to that positivity and hope. Faith in a Higher Being, a source of guidance and light, is an individual choice and cannot be imposed for a decision made out of understanding, introspection, reflection, meditation and inner belief is infinitely more sustainable than dogmatic imposition. Humanity is in a crisis facing a plethora of problems from the very mundane to the most dehumanising, yet none of these are insurmountable or cannot be fixed. There is hope, there's always hope but that hope can only be driven by God Consciousness accompanied by spirituality, morality, values and ethics, and a commitment to behavioural change or we may say "New Year Resolutions". "Two things define you: your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything" (Islamic teaching). Annihilation of ego, greed, avarice, selfishness and deception, restoration of selflessness, compassion, care, love and mercy where the unconditional upliftment of the immediate and extended family, direct and distant neighbour, colleague and acquaintance, wayfarer and indigent down in the dust, any human and all creation (plant, earth, animal, bee) is the object of our shared humanity then we are on the path to prosperity. We experience a concept called "Barakah", immeasurable bounties in abundance, tangible and unseen. On the eve of 2024 do not focus on what may seem endless difficulties, focus on faith (no imposition) and if you believe that circumstances will change for the better, they will. Gift of the Givers wishes the citizens of South Africa and the world a magnificent 2024, a year of faith, positivity and hope. We thank you for your unwavering support in our efforts to serve the disenfranchised worldwide. Imtiaz Sooliman Gift of the Givers

Scenario In a conversation today, I learnt that a new line of business and a successful partnership for a member was created through them meeting the ‘right’ person, also a member, at an in-person event of the SA Chamber UK, held in London in November. The South African Chamber of Commerce UK Awards is a recognition of the best efforts and achievements of the South African community in the UK & SA, all wrapped up into a fantastic celebration evening. This year’s Awards event will be a formal dinner at Saddlers’ Hall, London, by kind permission of the Prime Warden and Court of the Saddlers’ Worshipful (Livery) Company. This year’s event is in another league.    Thanks to our headline sponsor, Hogan Lovells’ generous support, we have been able to keep the tickets for members very affordable, cheaper than the Gala dinner and marginally up on the Awards of pre-Covid, for a very different experience.  We shall have a Director of Ceremonies, familiar with ceremonial duties in the City, who will be fascinating to watch. The MC for the Awards will be Roz Morris – previously a reporter and presenter for the BBC, but one from the old school – where the interviewee was respected.  Now Roz trains people in business to be that interviewee or presenter in the face of the public and the media – where you may not today be given the respect you might expect. Roz Morris | LinkedIn Dinner is a three-course meal with matching wines and further networking when dinner is complete. The Awards There are three to four finalists in each Award category and we shall be awarding only the winners on the night. Review the finalists below As stated by a previous winner of the Business Woman Category – it has been instrumental in the recognition received for her role and accomplishments. Do not miss out We hope you will come and join us for a wonderful evening in the majestic Saddlers’ Livery Hall with a magnificent adjacent room for champagne and networking.  Saddlers' Hall | Elegant Event Venue in the City of London ( saddlershall.com ) Please contact Juliet on jrushent@sachamber.co.uk   We only have 100 seats at this prestigious event.  Please book quickly so that you are not disappointed.

ActionCOACH Business Coaching Durban and Marlene Powell produces client testimonials, educational business videos, business tips, business help tutorials and entrepreneurial success stories. We, as ActionCOACH, are here to empower business owners to learn more, grow more and have more. The more you learn, the more you earn. Links Marlene Powell actioncoach.com/marlenepowell Testimonials actioncoach.com/marlenepowell/reviews Events actioncoach.com/marlenepowell/events Coaching Programs actioncoach.com/marlenepowell/business-coaching-programs Free Session actioncoach.com/marlenepowell/engage

In August 2023, copper sheets worth over R6 million, destined for China, were stolen from the Port of Durban, setting into motion a high-stakes recovery operation. The expansive Mi7 Surveillance Net tracked a truck carrying the stolen goods to the Bishopstowe area outside Pietermaritzburg, about 100kms away from the port.   Mi7 National Group's Strategic Threat Response Unit, in collaboration with police officers, apprehended three suspects during the operation. The case exemplified the Mi7 Surveillance Net's crucial role in crime detection and prevention, showcasing its ability to offer real-time, actionable intelligence.   This week, Mi7 National Group celebrated a significant milestone – the installation of its 100th unit as part of the Mi7 Surveillance Net project in KwaZulu-Natal. Located at the intersection of Montgomery Drive and Town Bush Road in Montrose, Pietermaritzburg, this unit represents the culmination of dedicated efforts to enhance regional security.   “The installation of our 100th Surveillance Unit marks a significant milestone in our journey towards creating a safer KwaZulu-Natal. This is not just a number for us; it's a symbol of our unwavering commitment to the safety and security of our communities. Every unit we install is a step forward in our mission to build a secure and resilient region,” said Mi7 National Group Director, Colin David.   Envisioned as a protective dome over cities like Pietermaritzburg, the Mi7 Surveillance Net operates like a vigilant guardian, creating a sophisticated mesh of technology that works seamlessly to monitor, detect, and respond to potential threats. Covering key public areas around the clock, the Mi7 Surveillance Net is an extensive network of 387 cameras across 100 strategically placed domes. It is active in areas like Pietermaritzburg, Howick, Hilton, Wartburg, and Port Shepstone – and was installed at no cost to residents or municipalities.   The cameras are equipped with the state-of-the-art Automatic Number Plate Recognition Software, which is intricately connected to the government’s e-Natis system. This connection allows for a rapid recognition of vehicle number plates linked to crimes across the country. It actively assists law enforcement and Mi7 teams in mapping routes used by criminals to enter and exit areas, playing a crucial role in planning strategic operations. Moreover, the reassurance it provides to residents and business owners is immeasurable. “At Mi7, we believe in harnessing the power of technology for the greater good. Our Mi7 Surveillance Net is a perfect example of this philosophy in action. Equipped with cutting-edge features like automatic number plate recognition and detailed tracking capabilities, our network represents the forefront of security technology. We're not just watching over the city; we're proactively safeguarding its future,” said David.   Maintaining such an expansive network demands relentless dedication. Mi7 National Group ensures that all infrastructure, maintenance, installations, and monitoring are meticulously managed, with a constant operation rate of at least 97%. The network processes around 14 TB of data per month and delivers 9288 hours of footage per day, a testament to its robustness and reliability.   In Pietermaritzburg alone, the network performs an astonishing 9.1 million vehicle scans per month. Out of these, approximately 3,100 vehicles are flagged by the system – although not all are actively pursued by law enforcement. In other key areas like Howick, Hilton, Wartburg, and Port Shepstone, the average monthly scans tally around 350,000, with about 70 vehicles flagged, demonstrating the network's wide-ranging surveillance capability. This year to date, the Mi7 Surveillance Net has resulted in Mi7 Armed Response teams recovering 37 vehicles (most of which were stolen) wanted in the commission of crimes across the country.   As Mi7 National Group continues to expand its Surveillance Net, the focus remains steadfast on innovating for security, showcasing a deep-seated commitment to making KwaZulu-Natal a safer place to live and work.   “The true value of our Surveillance Net goes beyond its technical capabilities. It's about the peace of mind it brings to our residents and the confidence it instils in our businesses. We're creating an environment where safety is a given, not a luxury. Our network is more than a security measure; it's a cornerstone of community trust and well-being,” said David.

"I didn’t know anything about scaffolding but what I told myself was that I have to learn and gain experience in this field and not worry so much about the rate I was getting. Gaining experience was my concern at the time, I knew I had it in me to do and become more". Positive Mindset, Patience, Respect Today, STE-SCAFFOLDING is an established scaffolding solutions provider who supply, erect and secure scaffolding and formwork, servicing mostly the construction, industrial, commercial and mining industries. STE-SCAFFOLDING has a professionally qualified contingent of scaffolding engineers, technicians and workers who, together with a meticulous quality management system, provide consistent safe, cost-effective winning results every time. Their infrastructure empowers them with the capacity to deliver large as well as small projects in budget and on time. STE-SCAFFOLDING was established by entrepreneur Charles Dlamini as an energetic and dynamic scaffolding enterprise in Durban in 2010." https://www.ste-scaffolding.co.za/