Having a positive influence on the world. The finalists are: Mi7 National Group DRG Pro Talent East Coast Radio Mi7 National Group With decades as a leader in the security cluster, Mi7’s mission is to uplift, empower and enhance the quality of life within the communities they operate. DRG DRG provides human resource and business development services. CEO David White recognises that business success includes sustainability considerations within communities and society as a whole, and ensuring environmental rights and protection are achieved. Pro Talent Owned by Cindy Norcott, Pro Talent is a specialist recruitment agency, based in Westville, KZN, that has been in existence since 1994. Pro Talent has been instrumental in running the Robin Hood Foundation, which was founded by Cindy. East Coast Radio In the past five years, KZN has faced unparalleled challenges. East Coast Radio has been the beacon of hope providing sustainable assistance, including the rebuilding of over 10 schools in the KZN community, ECR has also donated over R2 million towards infrastructure, educational supplies, feeding schemes, and community upliftment.

This award is given to a business that includes renewable energy, low-carbon transport, energy efficient buildings, clean technologies, improved waste management, improved freshwater provision, etc. The finalists are: Hemera Group LiteBruim Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions Hemera Group Hemera Group is an electrical engineering entity focusing its resources on developing cutting-edge technologies for alternative energy sources. Beekman Group The Beekman Group is a Port Shepstone holiday and leisure giant that sets the example in sustainable energy practices for both the South African holiday industry and the KwaZulu-Natal business community alike. Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions Triplo4’s business is encompassed in its name. The company provides sustainable solutions to address social, environmental and economic aspects holistically within private and public enterprises as well as communities and society as a whole. LiteBruim LiteBruim, which is a registered trademark, is a proudly South African and 100% black owned brand established in 2018, having the aim to advance the equal participation of black youth within the renewable energy industry.

KwaZulu-Natal is home to a large number of brands that have been home-grown and driven from within the province. Many of these companies have long histories and they continue to expand their footprints today. Each year, the Standard Bank KZN Top Brand award is much coveted and honours many of the most loved brands in the province. The Top Brand accolade is awarded solely by public vote and is contested over several weeks. The interest in this category is especially reflected in the huge range of brands that are selected and in the thousands of votes cast. The voting also reflects the efforts these businesses put into their branding and marketing. All the brands have won the support of their employees, clients, family and friends and the votes received are a testament to these accomplishments. The 2023 top 20 brands are: 1. Mi7 National Group 2. KZN Oils 3. Icebolethu Group 4. Beekman Group 5. East Coast Radio 6. Blue Security 7. Hollywoodbets 8. Gift of the Givers 9. Hirsch’s 10. STE Scaffolding 11. Hemera Group 12. DRG 13. The Sharks 14. Graduate Institute of Financial Sciences (GIFS) 15. LHL Engineering 16. TAFTA 17. Natal Razor and Wire 18. Sky Tents 19. Imperial Armour 20. Bell Equipment ABOUT THE TOP BRAND With decades in the business, Mi7 National Group is a class leader in South Africa’s security cluster. The company, under the leadership of CEO Shadrach Rylan Karien, successfully integrates technology, people and knowledge to offer a full range of protective services to clients all over the country. Currently, the company is run across five branches nationwide: in Pietermaritzburg (head office); Secunda; Newcastle; Pretoria and Cape Town. Mi7 National Group prides itself on a public service model based on community duty. When the company initiated its armed response service in March 2021, it had to set itself apart in an already saturated market. The overall idea behind their security strategy is to create built environments, policies and operational procedures that enhance human safety and security, while preventing future crimes. They provide a robust selection of advanced security services, backed by the knowledge and expertise of their dedicated officers and innovative technology, including Realtime data and analytics, to meet security needs. This role is performed through the range of services on offer, including: site guarding and patrol, security consultancy and training, investigations, alarm monitoring, security installations, armed response, K9 services, surveillance, emergency medical and ambulance services, VIP protection, event security, priority escorts, crowd control and strike management, as well as bodyguarding. The Mi7 National Group are brand, image and values conscious, and their personnel are seamlessly integrated into the daily routine of the organisation they are serving and protecting. Making our world safe also means investing in opportunities to meet sustainability goals, diversity and inclusion goals, corporate responsibility, and other social infrastructure advances. Their mission is to exceed customer expectations through customised security solutions, built on a culture of service excellence, diligence, honesty and integrity.

This award is given to business activities involved in the physical or chemical transformation of materials or compounds into new products. The finalists are: Bell Equipment MicroFinish Tropic Plastics and Packaging Industry Champion Health Care Bell Equipment For almost seven decades Bell, southern Africa’s largest heavy equipment manufacturer and distributor, has been making a positive impact on the KZN economy. The company’s strength lies in its passion for innovation and a focus on providing reliable solutions. Tropic Plastics and Packaging Industry Founded in 1963, Tropic Plastics and Packaging Industry is deeply rooted in Durban. Through great leadership, and improved technology, the company has become one of the leading blown film manufacturers in South Africa. MicroFinish Microfinish, a Pinetown based company, is a precision manufacturer of critical engine components, predominantly the engine valve guide and valve seat related to efficiency of the engine. 98% of production is exported to Europe, United Kingdom and the USA. Champion Health Care Champion Health Care, based in Durban, is a trailblazer in the field of medical manufacturing, dedicated to producing cutting-edge medical devices that improve patient outcomes. The company products include but are not limited to medical gausses, swabs and bandages.

This award is given to a business that incorporates activities that are primary engaged in farming activities. The beneficiation of goods from agricultural, fisheries and forestry based sectors is included. Underberg Dairy (Pty) Ltd, from a vision and a concept during 2013, was established on 15th January 2014. After a development process, construction began on 7 July 2015 and production on the 3rd March 2016. A collaboration of 12 farmers formed Berg Dairies who partnered with Roman’s Pizza to produce top quality mozzarella, cheddar and gouda cheeses as well as butter and amazi. This partnership has enabled Underberg Dairy to become one of the top producers of mozzarella in South Africa, recently winning the South African Dairy Championship Qualité award. Underberg Dairy is possibly the largest employer in the Underberg area with a staff compliment of 230 dedicated employees whose lives they have changed. The dairy has had a massive impact on the social and financial structure of Underberg, contributing directly to the establishment of a local emergency medical service and to buying local as far as possible.

This award is for businesses earning more than R100M turn over per annum, and that bank with Standard Bank. The finalists are: Natal Joint Municipal Pension Fund Royal Tyres P&A Fabricators SMG Hirsch’s Homestores Natal Joint Municipal Pension Fund The Natal Joint Municipal Pension Fund is a non-profit that has been synonymous with secure retirement services for over 80 years. The fund is responsible for providing retirement services to over 22000 municipal employees in all 55 municipalities across the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Royal Tyres Royal Tyres, one of KZN’s leading tyre specialists is also South Africa’s oldest tyre dealer and celebrates its 84th anniversary in 2023. The business has grown into a professionally run operation with the full range of passenger, commercial, truck and earth moving vehicle tyres. P&A Fabricators Currently led to new heights by Gerald Anthony, P&A Fabricators is an industry leader in the KZN region that has 52 years of experience in providing quality sheet metal solutions. SMG SMG is an automotive dealership brand that was launched by Sean McCarthy in 2003 and has grown from two dealerships to a network of 24 branches, as well as five Approved Repair Centres situated across KZN and the Western Cape. Hirsch’s Homestores Allan and Margaret Hirsch founded Hirsch’s in 1979 with just 900 rand. Since then and with a will to succeed, they have grown the company into a multibillion-rand organisation operating a number of home appliances stores.

We hope that you found the session informative and look forward to your entries. Kindly note category entries close on the 23 June. The Top Brand SMS voting opens on the 7 June and closes on the 16 July. If you have any queries please feel free to contact: Gayle Adlam gayle@mweb.co.za https://www.kzntopbusiness.com/

The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards 2023 took place last night at the Radisson Blu Hotel Durban Umhlanga. The proceedings were much enjoyed by all and provided a fitting occasion to celebrate the outstanding businesses that operate in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. We congratulate all the finalists and winners at the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards 2023. Winners of the category awards are: Standard Bank Client of the Year – SME Category: Sky Tents Standard Bank Client of the Year – Larger Enterprise: P&A Fabricators Manufacturing Sector: Tropic Plastics and Packaging Industry Transport/Logistics Sector: Fastway Couriers Durban Franchising Sector: CMM Group of Companies Family-Owned/Managed Businesses: Phoenix Group Agricultural and Agri-processing Sector: Underberg Dairy Community Upliftment and Improvement: DRG Renewable Efficiency – Green initiatives: Beekman Group Employee Wellness: Star Retailers Business Leader of the Year: Owen Heffer: Founder and owner of Hollywoodbets KZN Top Brand: Mi7 National Group Please click on the links below for the livestream link as well as for photos of the event.

The annual Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards is the showpiece event in the KwaZulu-Natal business calendar. The awards recognise those businesses and individuals who are excelling in their respective industries in KZN. Join us online on 18 May at 10 am where we will answer all your questions on: What are the 2023 categories and criteria? Who should participate? Why you should participate? How to enter? Be ready with your questions. See you online

WEEKLY AWARD LEAD-UP WEBINARS The annual Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards provide an outstanding platform to celebrate the successful businesses, as well as the exceptional businesspeople behind them, that participate in the economy of the KwaZulu-Natal province. In the lead up to this year’s Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards gala dinner event on the 20 July 2023, we will host three webinars where the shortlisted entrants in each of the categories will be introduced. Each webinar will announce three to four different categories. In addition, in each webinar the current rankings of the top twenty brands, as the voting stands, will be announced. Remember that the much-coveted Standard Bank KZN Top Business brand award is awarded by public vote only. The webinars will be on the three Thursdays leading up to the main event on the 29 June, 6 July and 13 July at 6 pm. Webinar 1 · Standard Bank Client of the year – SME Category · Standard Bank Client of the year – Larger Enterprise · Manufacturing Sector · Transport/Logistics Sector Webinar 2 · Franchising Sector · Family-Owned/Managed Businesses · Agricultural and Agro-Processing Sector Webinar 3 · Community Upliftment and Improvement · Renewable Efficiency – Green initiatives · Employee Wellness To register for the webinars visit For more information on entering the awards visit www.kzntopbusiness.com Category entries close on the 23 June 2023. Top brand voting close son the 16 July 2023.

The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards recognise and celebrate the best businesses, in a range of categories, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The much-coveted top brand category is judged solely by the ultimate expert – you! If you know that a business is excelling at what they do, please recognise their efforts by voting for them. To vote SMS the letter KZN and the top brand’s name to 45633 . Voting closes on the 16 July 2023. The current rankings of the top twenty brands, as the voting stands, will be announced online on the three Thursdays leading up to the main event – the 29 June, 6 July and 13 July at 6 pm. Visit www.kzntopbusiness.com for more information. The 2023 finalists and winner will be announced during an awards ceremony held at the Radisson Blu Hotel Durban Umhlanga on the 20 July, which will be livestreamed. By voting for your favourite KZN Top Business you will go into the draw to win accommodation for one night for two people at the Radisson Blu Hotel Durban Umhlanga. You may enter as often as you like. The SMS cost R1.50 each. Ts and Cs apply. For more information contact Gayle Adlam 0836530465 or gayle@mweb.co.za CALL FOR ENTRIES: STANDARD BANK KZN TOP BUSINESS AWARDS 2023 Entries are open for the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards 2023. These prestigious business awards are now in their seventeenth year of existence and aim to acknowledge the businesses and people that are contributing to the success of the province. “Standard Bank is committed to driving Africa’s growth. These awards are important in identifying and celebrating the businesses that exemplify innovation, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to both economic growth and social impact in KwaZulu-Natal. ” said Hameed Noormahomed, Head of Business Banking, Client Coverage KZN at Standard Bank. The business award categories are manufacturing, transport and logistics, agriculture and agri-processing, as well as franchising and green energy initiatives. Employee wellness, social and community responsibility as well as the ever-popular KZN Top brand award and the personality award are also on offer. Two new awards have also been introduced this year: the Standard Bank Client of the year in the SME Category, for businesses with a turnover of less than R100 million per annum; and the Standard Bank Client of the year for Larger Enterprises, with an annual turnover exceeding R100 million. Grant Adlam CEO of KZN Top Business commented, “A question that is often asked is: What category should we enter? Importantly, in selecting a category you must focus on what makes your business special, it doesn’t matter how big or how small the company might be, it’s the quality of what you do that counts.” Importantly, in order to be considered for a category award you have to submit the entry form in full. The judges need to hear about the great work you are doing, so you need to explain what your organisation has done that makes it stand out from the crowd. You must be able to show that your company contributes to the KZN economy and has a proactive business model that adheres to the principles of King IV. The judges then score all entries against a set of key criteria as appropriate, for example, benefits of a family run business for the company, employee wellbeing initiatives or community impact. For the full list of categories and entry requirements visit www.kzntopbusiness.com . Entries close on the 23 June 2023. The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards gala dinner is on the 20 July 2023, and will be livestreamed from the Radisson Blu Hotel, Durban Umhlanga. #RiseAboveTheNoise For more information Contact Gayle Adlam 0836530465 or 0312671977 gayle@mweb.co.za

The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards recognise and celebrate the best businesses, in a range of categories, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The much-coveted top brand category is judged solely by the ultimate expert – you! If you know that a business is excelling at what they do, please recognise their efforts by voting for them. To vote SMS the letter KZN and the top brand’s name to 45633 . Voting closes on the 16 July 2023. The current rankings of the top twenty brands, as the voting stands, will be announced online on the three Thursdays leading up to the main event – the 29 June, 6 July and 13 July at 6 pm. Visit www.kzntopbusiness.com for more information. The 2023 finalists and winner will be announced during an awards ceremony held at the Radisson Blu Hotel Durban Umhlanga on the 20 July, which will be livestreamed. By voting for your favourite KZN Top Business you will go into the draw to win accommodation for one night for two people at the Radisson Blu Hotel Durban Umhlanga. You may enter as often as you like. The SMS cost R1.50 each. Ts and Cs apply. For more information contact Gayle Adlam 0836530465 or gayle@mweb.co.za