In my role as a business consultant, helping business leaders Build Better Businesses, I am constantly awed by incredible business support service suppliers I meet, who are available to help organisations with effective administration, and in meeting compliance and governance standards and responsibilities. Two such service suppliers I have had the privilege to meet and engage with are Valuefin and Constancon Currencies . Trading in the global economy is now not just for multinationals and large organisations, and in fact, there are many small niche market service suppliers that are able to tap into networks and opportunities outside of the boarders of their own country’s economies – provided they have adequate forex management controls and support. Smaller organisations, without such support, seldom have the skill and experience to navigate the parameters needed to transact within the global economy, and to ensure efficiency and legitimacy in cross border fund transfers. Larger organisations too are recognising that managing international forex transactions is a specialist external function and are able to gain comfort from engaging with professional service providers as Valuefin and Constancon Currencies. Such organisations are able to support and navigate minefields within banking, legal and reporting requirements when transferring local currencies abroad for varieties of purchase and engagement purposes. Sharon Constançon is a pioneer in effective forex management, and since 1988 has been instrumental in ensuring that legitimacy and professionalism is maintained within the industry. Sharon is the Chairman of the South African Chamber United Kingdom, and through her organisations Valuefin and Constancon Currencies provides global forex solutions to large and small organisations. Valuefin is situated in the UK, helping organisations from across the globe transfer currencies from country to country, and to help them meet their personal goals and that of international banking requirements. Constancon Currencies is situated in South Africa, helping South African organisations manage cross boarder fund transfers to every corner of the world. Global currencies are at best volatile, with spot markets constantly moving. Short-term movements cannot be easily predicted, and can have a significant impact on profit margins, customer pricing, market share indexes, liquidity, and in providing incentives. Accounting within forex transactions is also hugely complex, and effects real business and accounting profit, which are seldom the same, and create unknowns, insecurity and frustration for financial directors and business owners. Organisations often try to create their own solutions to manage forex needs in house, which can include; excel spreadsheets to monitor and guide financial aspects of cross border transactions, setting up forex policies and committees to try to manage variances and expectations, delegating administration to operational staff with a hope that they will miraculously all dots, taking full or zero covered policy insurance to try to manage potential opportunity and risk, creating unique process solutions - which often create more problems, using instruments that appear “better” but often result in being more expensive and less flexible, and focussing on “best rate” metrics - which often creates anticipation but provides little value. Financial and operational risk exists everywhere in end-to-end forex transfer processes, and as such having a professional forex practioner in your team, who has experience gained over many thousands of successful cross border fund transfers is a welcome support. Financial directors too are realising more and more that professional forex support is essential in managing pricing and operational expectations. They know that they themselves cannot do everything of a financial nature within their organisations and recognise that as much as it is normal to call on legal, HR and IT support, they understand the sophistication, knowledge and experience needed to manage forex effectively. Forex transactions often demand immediate attention and action, and financial directors do not generally have flexible time available. Bearing in mind too that forex management training is largely not available or accessible. Some forex support companies limit their services to focus on providing financial rates, or focussing on basic reporting, treasury, and /or technology solutions. There is of course far more involved in effective forex management than a partial solution. Valuefin and Constancon Currencies service methodology has a deep focus on understanding each organisation’s business and internal metrics, providing bespoke solutions for specific needs, being independent and objective, as well as being a genuine sounding board to discuss ideas, issues, market movements, unique solutions, etc. To access the expertise of Sharon Constançon and the knowledge she has gained over the past many years working in Valuefin and Constancon Currencies, for your organisation to benefit financially and operationally from her insights and expertise, please contact Valuefin and Constancon Currencies through email jwilliams@cccurrencies.co.za or through website www.constanconcurrencies.com . Business solutions as trading in forex are best left to the most knowledgeable practioners in the industry, who hold highest levels of security and integrity, and who are able to provide valuable systems and tracking tools. Valuefin and Constancon Currencies meet these exceptional standards and are ready and able to support organisational your forex transfer needs.

This is a once in a life-time opportunity to: Listen to top business people and trainers who have experience in entrepreneurship, talking on marketing, business lessons, and time and money management Meet corporate companies that are looking to partner with entrepreneurs for enterprise development and skills development Connect with organisations that o­er enterprise development programs and training in welding, sewing, cra‑ting, Early Childhood Development and other business skills and hearing about the opportunities they have available to work or study Connect with like-minded entrepreneurs VENUE The Junction, 53 Abelia Road, Kloof (next to St Agnes Church) DATE Thursday, 2 November 2023 TIME 7:30am for 8:30am start until 4:15pm COST Nothing. Free. Mahala. HOW DO YOU BOOK? Email Tilanie Grote for a one-page application form at info@tilaniegrote.co.za by 27 October 2023.

This outstanding 6 Star certification recognises “World Leadership” at its Pietermaritzburg-based factory for its sustainability practices in all aspects of their plant and carpet manufacturing operations. The Green Star SA – Existing Building Performance (EBP) rating tool is the foremost programme focusing on whole building operational performance over 12 months measured against eight key criteria for human and environmental health. For the first time ever, this EBP tool was customised to cater for the certification of an industrial facility in order to evaluate Belgotex’s factory. It was adapted by expert green building consultants Ecocentric, who, together with the company’s comprehensive historic operational data and dedicated on- site sustainability team, accelerated the process and enabled the company to achieve their certification in just 8 months. Belgotex Floors achieved the 6 Green Star SA certification for implementing outstanding practical and measurable strategic solutions in the following areas: Management: Building management, green cleaning performance, on-going monitoring and metering and learning resources; Indoor Environment Quality: Indoor air quality, lighting comfort, thermal comfort, occupant survey, acoustic comfort and daylight views; Energy: Energy consumption, peak electricity demand; Water: Potable water management; Transport: Alternative transportation; Materials: Procurement and purchasing, solid waste management; Land Use and Ecology: Hardscape, landscape and pest management, and Emissions: Refrigerants, legionella prevention and storm water Credit: Specifile - Industry News - Published on 12 Oct 2023

The first webinar of this year’s KZN Top Business Women 2023 powered by DRG, BusinessFit SA and Mangwanani African Spa will be held on the 12 October at 6 pm. The webinars are an opportunity to introduce the extraordinary women who have impacted businesses and communities, as well as the personal and professional lives of people in KZN and beyond. Each women participating will offer a few of the insights that they have learned from their individual journeys, which are truly empowering. The webinars will be facilitated by Anneme Coeztee, the founder of the True Awakenings Coaching and Training Centre. Anneme is passionate about helping individuals to understand themselves so that they can achieve personal excellence. Her skills and expertise have enabled her to operate as a trusted mentor and coach to senior executives, entrepreneurs, consultants, supervisors and managers in the private and public sector. The women participating in webinar one are: Colette Tanner Lindiwe Bhadi Monica Jorgensen Magdelene Van Der Walt Kim Dyason Zanele Njapha Nonkululeko Mkhize Kim Peacock Carol Ofori Dr Kara Hoffman Sholain Perumal Cerése Bouwer Mandy Rootman GOOD NEWS Giveaway prizes for some lucky online participants. For each webinar we have a Dinner for two at the Elangeni Maharani Hotel Mangwanani African Spa voucher. For the final event, will premiere on 3 November at 6.00 pm? A two night stay at the luxurious Beverley Hills Hotel, Umhlanga is on offer. To be in line for a prize, book your place online.

SearchWorks is one of the largest data aggregators in South Africa. An online platform that allows users to conduct live, accurate searches on individuals and companies, and in-depth Know Your Customer (KYC) checks online. SearchWorks boasts over 15 years of experience in the data industry, where the company has emerged as a clear leader in the sector. Developed using the latest web technology, SearchWorks delivers results to clients in a matter of seconds. With no contractual obligation or monthly surprises, a pay-per-click model is in place for all users, as well as free registration on sign-up, ensuring that customers are not tied into unnecessary agreements. Using years of feedback and support queries along with the latest UI Standards, the SearchWorks team has meticulously crafted a web interface that is easy to use, and most importantly, provides users with clean and up-to-date data. Sourced through over twenty suppliers, SearchWorks prides itself on choosing only the best and most reliable sources when it comes to data partnerships. Identity Verification SearchWorks makes the process of identity verification less laborious, faster, and more efficient giving companies in the process of onboarding new clients, instant access to verified identities, updated contact details and account verifications, all within the confines of the law. In addition, the platform allows the user to access all five credit bureaus in South Africa in one place, with the ability to confirm the identity of an individual, their address, financial status and more. SearchWorks then combines the findings, giving a view of an individual or company from various sources, in a single report. SearchWorks also offers business the ability to perform detailed Politically Exposed Person (PEP) and Sanctions checks when onboarding new customers, as well as during the ongoing review of clients, to ensure that its reputation, revenue and capital are well protected. Keeping the tainted funds of corrupt individuals and businesses out of the legitimate financial system is a vital outcome of effective KYC procedures. These checks help to lower the risk of your business being used as a vehicle for criminal activities. Fighting Fraud Nearly 70 percent of organisations globally report that their most serious fraud incidents come via external attack, in the form or hackers or organised crime syndicates, according to PwC’s latest survey. Not only can this type of fraud lead to huge financial loss, but also a ruined reputation, which can ultimately lead to the downfall of a business. Now more than ever organisations need to have systems in place to reduce the risk of falling victim to these financial crimes. Businesses have the power to fight fraud by ensuring consistent KYC procedures are in place during onboarding. With SearchWorks, this process can be done quickly and accurately, without disrupting customer journeys. A Wide Range of Users SearchWorks offers property related searches, credit related searches, individual validation checks such as qualification checks and criminal checks, and also has access to company information and vehicle information, all of which supply and support a wide range of users, across various industries including: accountants, auditors, attorneys, auctioneers, bond originators, bureaus, car dealerships, credit providers, debt collectors, estate agents, financial institutions, government, insurance companies, municipalities, property development, schools and tracing agents, among others. This is made possible through our cloud technology, greatly increasing the reliability and uptime of our application and reducing unnecessary interruptions. The SearchWorks management team collectively brings 75 years of combined experience to the table. This long-standing team understands everything there is to know about the data industry – it’s what makes the team tick. Together, this formidable team, paired with their passion and belief in their business is what makes SearchWorks the success that it is today. T: 0860340000 E: info@searchworks.co.za W: www.searchworks.co.za

The South African Chamber of Commerce UK Awards represents a prestigious celebration of remarkable achievements by global South Africans who have excelled across various domains. Recognising these outstanding accomplishments serves not only as a means of rewarding these individuals, but also as a powerful source of inspiration for ourselves and others, motivating us to reach even greater heights. Our diverse range of Awards is thoughtfully crafted to emphasize the core values that are integral to the world of business. We cordially invite you to nominate colleagues, customers, or suppliers whom you believe embody excellence in their respective fields. Your active involvement in this process is pivotal to the success of the event and the credibility of the Awards themselves. So, we kindly request you to take a few moments from your busy schedule to express your gratitude and appreciation by nominating someone truly exceptional. Whether it's an individual in South Africa, the UK, or anywhere around the globe, we encourage nominations across all relevant categories. Leading up to the event, we will highlight select nominees for their unwavering dedication, innovation, leadership, and remarkable positive contributions through our social media channels. As we draw closer to the Awards, finalists will receive increased visibility in the weeks leading up to the event, while the winners will enjoy prominent recognition throughout the following year. Nominating someone for these Awards takes only a minute of your time, but it can bring about lasting and meaningful change in someone else's life. And remember, if you believe you deserve it, you can nominate yourself as well. Your participation is invaluable in making these Awards truly special and transformative. The categories are: ● Business Woman of the Year ● Young Business Leader Award ● ESG Leader Award ● DE&I Leader Award ● Business Leader Award ● Innovator of the Year ● Chairman's Award If you have any questions, please contact Juliet Rushent at jrushent@sachamber.co.uk

Training challenges facing Retailers In the retail sector, ongoing and regular training problems can cost an organisation time and money, as well as cause a headache for those in charge of scheduling and doing the training. Traditionally high staff turnover causes an ongoing training burden on store management to provide regular training and re-training on the in-store retail management solution – both at point-of-sale (POS) and in the back office. Arch recognised the challenges facing our Arch Users and developed InArch . InArch addressing training & skills development needs of Arch Users The Arch suite of solutions is diverse and is rich in functionality to address all the important business processes. This poses a challenge per se to ensure that all personnel working with Arch are confident and fully equipped to use it to its full potential. Solid understanding and application of Arch will ensure that best operational practices are uniformly applied, which will increase operational efficiency and ultimately profitability. InArch – comprehensive eLearning platform InArch is the eLearning platform of Arch retail solutions. InArch gives you access to a library of eLearning and training courses/modules. InArch was developed to provide Arch Users with an online training portal where users can access learning material at their convenience. InArch can assist store managers with stimulating career growth. Employees can access the InArch courses at work or at home, making it easier to develop themselves into new roles. Basic training, refresher training, or advanced training are offered to fit the training needs of a specific individual. All employees, including seasonal and/or temporary workers, can access training material around the clock. InArch courses are built to cater for all learners. No matter their education level or experience in the retail environment, the course content is instructive, inter-active, and easy to understand. An employee’s journey is monitored, and reports to managers can be provided on request. Course progress is saved, and courses are completed in the employee’s own time. InArch offers standardised training for employees in stores to ensure best operational practices are uniformly applied. InArch will further be used to disseminate upgrade notes to all Arch Users and prepare employees for implementation. This means a quicker adoption of new system functionality and an increase in operational productivity and profitability. Benefits Basic, refresher or advanced training Complete suite of Arch solutions covered Used at your own convenience Used in-store or at home Stimulates career growth Instructive, inter-active and easy to understand Training status monitored Enhances best operational practices Counteracts high staff turnover Supports release notes at upgrades

These are the first KZN Top Business Women that will feature in the streamed webinar on the 12 October. Please show your support for our phenomenal women and join us online at 6.00pm on the 12th Oct. Remember to share with family and friends. To register click https://www.kzntopbusiness.com/event-details/kzn-top-business-women-webinar

Just as the South African commemoration of Older Persons week came to a close, The Association for The Aged (TAFTA) hosted their annual combined sports day on 4 October 2023 at the Addington Primary School grounds in South Beach. Participating elder residents arrived in their numbers; full of energy and gusto, rearing to contest against their rivals. With 9 different teams representing the various homes and clubs of Tafta, a friendly competitiveness sizzled through the air as previous champions geared up to defend their title and new challengers prepared to set the bar higher than before. A welcome address by Tafta’s CEO, Femada Shamam, motivated elders to exercise camaraderie throughout the tournament and offered congratulations on pushing the boundaries of ageing. With an introduction to the house rules and warm-up exercises facilitated by Tafta staff, it was ready-set-go for the 6 team challenges that made up the final scores. Divisional Manager of Operations, Yoshina Kistensamy expressed her admiration for the elders that participated, saying; “As staff of Tafta, we become familiar with our residents, learning each of their strengths and capabilities. Their individual achievements and our organisational achievements become amalgamated as we celebrate milestones and journey through life together. It is so heart-warming to see the growth, potential and vivacity that can be found in the golden years of life. We applaud those who embrace new pursuits and take an active-ageing approach to achieving goals. Well done to each and every Sports Day participant, you gave it your all and made your Tafta family very proud!” The competition ended with a display of war cries by each team after lunch was served, and the victorious North team representing John Conradie House and Langeler Towers residents were gifted the floating trophy during a cheerful awards ceremony. “It is so important to recognize the power of uniting in purpose to achieve magnificent outcomes. As we cement our 65th year in providing affordable care and support services to older people, our focus is on increased longevity, so that our legacy may continue for future generations. Our aim for this year was to build on our partnerships and collaborations in order to sustain our organisation going forward, and we are so grateful to have received that support for this event. Our heartfelt thanks goes out to AVBOB for sponsoring tents, chairs, entertainment, fruit and water. To Allmed Healthcare Professionals for being on standby and providing water and juices, Saayman Danks Electroplating for sponsoring snacks and muffins, and to Durban Maintenance and Building for sponsoring structural equipment. Your assistance has proven that we can achieve so much more by working together towards the common vision of a world supportive of older people,” said Tafta CEO, Femada Shamam. To view more highlights from the Sports Day and other Tafta activities, follow their social pages on Facebook and Instagram or visit their website at www.tafta.org.za

Whether your goal is to scale and grow your business to dominate slices of your industry, or to grow it towards an exit , you need to set your strategy now, and start building towards it. For 15 years, Aurik has partnered with over 3 000 businesses to deliver average annual growth rates of 28.9% and average EBIDTA growth of 32.4% Join us on 2nd November to understand how we have gotten this right, and to gain a fresh perspective on your own business. For the first 50 minutes, Aurik co-founder and CEO Pavlo Phitidis will present a pacy presentation on how to build your business into an Asset of Value. If you can invest an extra 30 minutes, stay online for a Q&A session , where Pavlo will take your questions and open up the discussion to facilitate resolutions to specific growth challenges. Thursday 2nd November 2023 12h00 to 13h00 Online: Zoom Leave with insights and action on: How to set a simple, smart, scalable growth plan for your business and team How to resolve the nine impediments to business growth and exit How to build the 5 levers of valuation and exit Secure organic growth through your team to allow you to focus on next-level growth Develop an exit strategy in the 5-10-15 years ahead, today How to build a motivated team you can successfully delegate to Speaker As an entrepreneur and investor, Pavlo offers over 25 years of direct experience in conceptualising and building businesses across three continents. He has developed and brought to market business assets in excess of $450m through a combination of business start-ups, turnarounds, sales and acquisitions. Using his hands-on experience, business capabilities and relationship networks, he continues to support the growth of business owners through Aurik , a venture capital business growth service. Pavlo is a regular media commentator, an international speaker on business growth and author of the best-selling, Sweat Scale $ell as well as his newest title: Reset Rebuild Reignite .

In the bustling corridors of UKZN , one medical student stands out not just for her academic excellence, but for her incredible resilience in the face of adversity. Ms Nokubonga Sabela is a young woman with oculocutaneous albinism (visual impairment) with nystagmus. She has defied the odds to excel in her medical studies with the help of a ground-breaking assistive device, the Prodigi Connect. The device was donated by the UKZN Foundation through the University’s Disability Support Unit (DSU). The device is a combination of a tablet with specialised software and a stand that enables her to magnify and read textbooks and notes with ease. It has also significantly reduced the strain on her eyes, often caused by reading textbooks with shiny pages for extended periods of time. The device's camera feature, when connected, allows Sabela to zoom in on what is projected in lecture halls, ensuring she doesn't miss any crucial information during presentations. With the Prodigi Connect, she navigated her academic challenges with confidence, making her an exceptional and top-performing medical student. Sabela, who comes from rural Eshowe, would often sit closer to the chalkboard to see and take notes during high school. She didn’t have the means to get a proper diagnosis. Her family's financial constraints also meant she received glasses at a later age, exacerbating her visual impairment. Despite being an exceptional student at Velangaye High School in Nkandla, and early acceptance into UKZN to study medicine, she found herself academically excluded in her second year because of poor performance. This was due to her visual impairment with which she struggled silently. Passionate about medicine, she persevered and returned to UKZN. The Prodigi Connect, along with other adapted tools, helped her bridge the gap in her academic performance. The device not only opened a world of possibilities for Sabela, but also instilled in her a sense of worth and confidence. With the assistance of the UKZN Foundation and the DSU, her grades improved significantly, and she is now excelling as a final-year medical student. Sabela loves practicing medicine and interacting with patients at an interpersonal psychosocial level. She is currently rotating in psychiatry at the King Edward Hospital. She finds mental health to be complex, but has had memorable moments, especially during her time in paediatrics at the Queen Nandi Hospital in Empangeni. One moment which impacted her deeply was when she encountered a young woman who brought in her child in need of resuscitation. Working with a dedicated medical team to resuscitate the baby, and seeing the trust the mother placed in them, left a profound mark on Sabela. She realised that medicine goes beyond simply treating symptoms. ‘Witnessing the impact of medicine on people's lives, especially when they place their hope entirely on healthcare professionals, made me realise that being in the medical fraternity is about more than just treating symptoms, it’s a calling. I believe in looking at patients at a psychosocial level and addressing the underlying issues and making a positive impact on their well-being,’ she said. Sabela always knew she wanted to be a doctor. Her brother is a practicing nurse while her older sister is retired from nursing. She will become the first doctor in her family, when she graduates next year. To inspire greatness, Sabela reaches out mainly through social media and has conversations with patients, including teenage mothers, to motivate them and break the perception that medicine is only for certain people. Despite her success, she struggles with imposter syndrome and often feels like she's not doing enough. However, she recognises that medicine is a continuous learning process, and her confidence grows with each practical experience and knowledge gained. She aspires to become a doctor who can have a positive impact on patients' lives. Sabela emotionally recalls a touching incident from her past where she witnessed a compassionate doctor at a public hospital. She used to collect sunscreen from the hospital due to her albinism, and during one of her visits, she saw a woman, a homeless mental health user being cared for by the doctor. The doctor came out with a plastic bag and gave the woman a warm jersey, showing genuine kindness and empathy. This encounter deeply moved Sabela, and she was inspired by the doctor's ability to interact with patients and treat them with such care. ‘The experience impacted me, and fuelled my desire to become a doctor who can make a similar positive difference in people's lives, just like this doctor.’ One significant lesson she learned is the importance of teamwork in medicine. Knowing when to refer patients to other specialists, and asking for assistance when needed, has helped her grow clinically and work independently. She understands that ‘being a doctor is not about doing everything, but about understanding the reasons behind each action taken.’ Sabela is also thankful for the patients who allow her to learn with them, even during her training. She believes that life is limitless and that the limits are often perceptual rather than real. She encourages young people to be pioneers of their own future and to actively shape the kind of future they want for themselves. Sabela loves spending time with her family, reading psychology books, and cooking. She finds cooking to be a relaxing and enjoyable activity, always eager to try out new recipes. She remains determined and driven to achieve her goals and dreams in the field of medicine.

The Defy manufacturing plant, the country's largest home appliance producer, declared its commitment to environmental progress. The announcement was made during Trade, Industry, and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel’s visit to a plant situated in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal. During his visit, Patel was hosted by Defy Appliances CEO Mustafa Soylu, management, staff and NUMSA shop stewards. A major announcement was made regarding South Africa's advancement towards green technology and sustainability. The Ladysmith plant will initiate the production of fridges and freezers capable of operating entirely on solar energy, marking a substantial step in promoting eco-friendly alternatives in the appliance industry. Soylu said the pioneering initiative marks a monumental step in the production of environmentally friendly appliances, positioning South Africa as a leader in the fight against climate change. The innovative products, anticipated to be available for retail by January 2024, is set to empower families to adopt a fully green approach to their food cooling units at home. Patel expressed his support for this remarkable advancement. “Climate change necessitates a comprehensive transformation of the technologies utilized both at home and within the industry. South Africa is actively ensuring the production of future technologies and meeting the demand for lower-emission consumer products,” he said. Patel highlighted the significant progress from Defy’s previous hybrid units that required partial access to grid energy. The new units, designed to operate exclusively on solar energy, will be equipped with an attached battery system, enhancing their efficiency and eco-friendliness. “I am delighted that Defy is focusing on making these fridges and freezers affordable, enabling a broader consumer base to transition to green appliances,” Patel said. Defy Appliances continues to make substantial contributions to the local economy, employing over 2 000 workers in South Africa and producing 1.5 million appliances locally. The range includes fridges, freezers, stoves, ovens, dryers and top-loading washing machines. With two factories located in Jacobs in eThekwini and Ezakheni in the Ladysmith area, Defy stands as a significant player in the local manufacturing sector. In addition to bolstering local production, Defy exports products to 35 other African countries said Soylu, reinforcing South Africa’s position as the continent’s largest producer of home appliances. Today’s announcement and Patel’s visit underscore the commitment of both the South African government and industry leaders like Defy appliances to prioritize sustainable and green technologies. This initiative not only contributes to the global effort to mitigate climate change but also signifies the nation’s dedication to innovation, economic growth, and the welfare of its citizens. – Source SAnews.gov.za | Wednesday, 04 October 2023