Aurik works with established business owners and their teams to accelerate revenue growth and build value. Our approach has helped over 3000 companies achieve average annual increases in revenue of 28.9% and profit of 32.4%. Our proven business growth system uses data, technology and expert facilitators to help you build your business into your greatest wealth generating asset. We are not consultants, advisors or coaches, we are growth partners. We link up to 70% of our fees to performance thus aligning goals, interests and focus, to ensure we deliver a growth outcome, not hourly paid advice. Overcome Growth Challenges: Our work together resolves the recurring problems that impede business growth, including: · Growth is stagnating and needs to accelerate · Get the right people to do the right thing at the right time – and at the right price · Increasing complexity causes chaos in the business · Create more time to lead and spend less time doing · Build and delegate operational responsibilities to a motivated team We get this right by working with you to build your business into an Asset of Value™. An Asset of Value is a business that is positioned to win in a changing world, enabled by reliable operating procedures and systems, and empowered by a purposeful team to generate consistent organic growth. This positioning releases time for you to focus on next[1]level growth, innovation, and profitability. The outcome is a growing, more profitable business that has a high likelihood of being sold for a premium value in the future. How Does it Work? Over 24 months, you and your team meet with up to 12 expert facilitators to set growth goals and work through the activities and processes to build your Asset of Value™ layer by layer to achieve the goal outcomes. We use a smart dashboard to measure and track everything we do together. Your dashboard will power your business growth by: · Visualising your System of Delivery · Systemising delegation and performance management · Measuring goal attainment · Building a data body of evidence for your business’s value · Forecasting scale and fundability We work best with established businesses, with average turnovers above R15 million. We work across industries and sectors and our clients rate us based on our impact at 97.4%. Because we link our fees to your business growth, we are very careful about who we partner with and will ensure there is a fit, and that we can make an impact, before we agree to work together. AURIK in KZN Aurik is active in KwaZulu-Natal because we see the growth mindset of mid-tier business owners in this region as a fundamental driver for change in KZN. Time and again our interactions with established business owners show that they see opportunity where others see challenges, and their problem-solving approach is key to building industries, communities and growing the province. We know that what we do can harness the ambition and attitude of these drivers of change to deliver on the potential that private business has, and the key that it holds for economic and social development. Subscribe to this Week@Work Get weekly video insights from Pavlo Phitidis on issues affecting business ownership drawn from the coalface of growth minded business owners like you. These one-to-four-minute videos share insights and best practices that are working for private businesses in SA, the UK and the USA. Go to https://aurik.com/this-week-at-work/ where you can find our resources. There is a range of other content to inspire and support your business growth here too. Contact details: 2 Ncondo Place, Umhlanga Ridge, Umhlanga, Durban T: +27 (0)31 880 2244 C: +27 (0)83 797 5678 E: johan@aurik.co.za W: www.aurik.com

Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) honoured Nomfundo Mcoyi, the founder and chief executive officer of Icebolethu Group on Tuesday 18 April 2023. The Faculty of Management Sciences graduation ceremony was dedicated to be in her honour in recognition of her contribution to the fields of entrepreneurship and business management. The Group CEO was honoured for the work she is doing through Icebolethu Funerals, the Icebolethu Foundation and the different roles that she plays in other organisations and the community. She gave a keynote address speaking to graduates about the journey ahead and their expected role in building our nation. “It is a tremendous honour to receive this recognition from Mangosuthu University of Technology. Icebolethu Funerals has grown and received international recognition, to be honoured at home gives us the courage to be confident in flying the KwaZulu-Natal and South African flags at large. This honour is not only for myself, but the Icebolethu staff, stakeholders and most importantly our clients that continue to support us,” Mcoyi said. The faculty of Management Sciences hosted graduations from the 18 to 20 April 2023 and all sessions were dedicated to honour this KZN born trailblazer. Professor Marcus Ramogale, acting vice-chancellor and principal of MUT, said Mcoyi had an inspirational story that he hoped graduates and students alike would learn from. “Nomfundo Mcoyi transformed herself from being an educator to becoming one of the most respectable and innovative entrepreneurs. Her core business not only employs thousands, but it is also one that many run to when death strikes. Mcoyi is an excellent example of what we always remind our students about looking for opportunities to solve problems that our societies face,” said Ramogale. www.icebolethugroup.co.za

Generally, where the payment of money is deferred and interest, a fee or another charge has been raised, one should consider whether the provisions of the National Credit Act, 2005 (the NCA) would apply to that transaction. Over the years parties have been able to avoid the application of the NCA by structuring transactions so that they fall within an exemption or are “incidental credit agreements”. Recent amendments to the definition of an “accountable institution” in the Financial Intelligence Centre Act, 2001 (the FICA) appear to negate these loopholes by requiring compliance with arguably even more onerous provisions of FICA. The Changes to FICA Originally the definition of an “accountable institution” in FICA simply included a person who “carries on the business of lending money against the security of securities.” The amendments to FICA have now widened this to: “(a) A person who carries on the business of a credit provider as defined in the National Credit Act, 2005 (Act 34 of 2005). (b) A person who carries on the business of providing credit in terms of any credit agreement that is excluded from the application of the National Credit Act, 2005 by virtue of section 4(1)(a) or (b) of that Act.” Incidental Credit Agreements The definition of a “credit provider” in the NCA includes a person who supplies goods and services in terms of an incidental credit agreement. An incidental credit agreement is one where goods or services are supplied and interest is only charged when the purchaser fails to pay on a date specified in the agreement for payment. Most businesses structure their terms and conditions as incidental credit agreements. Agreements Between Entities and Large Credit Agreements Section 4(1)(a) of the NCA exempts transactions between juristic persons whose asset value or annual turnover exceeds a certain threshold (currently R1 million) from the application of the NCA and Section 4(1)(b) of the NCA exempts transactions because they constitute a large credit agreement – an agreement between juristic persons (regardless of their asset value or annual turnover) where the principal debt is at least R250 000 or more. These exemptions are typically used in once off funding agreements between businesses or other non-traditional credit transactions such as sales of shares where payment is deferred. Far Reaching Consequences Once you fall within the definition of an “accountable institution” in terms of FICA, compliance with the full suite of FICA provisions is triggered. The fact that advancing credit does not form part of an institution’s “core business” is irrelevant. This means that a once off loan and interest charged on unpaid invoices could result in a business who would otherwise not be required to register with the Financial Intelligence Centre having to register, develop a risk management and compliance plan, train staff and conduct customer due diligence on all transactions within its business going forward. Unless another exemption or exclusion in the NCA applies to the transaction, parties need to weigh up the cost of compliance with FICA against the gain that would be made by charging interest. If no interest is charged it will not be regarded as a credit agreement under the NCA and it will also shield you from being caught within the new FICA definition. T: +27 (0)31 536 8500 E: kedwards@coxyeats.co.za W: www.coxyeats.co.za

In order to make 202Free count business owners are going to have to love a challenge, take charge and care for change to happen in their lives. They need to make valuable things happen and take full responsibility for failure or success. This is easier said than done otherwise every business owner would be choosing this path. What needs to change for them? Business owners will have to influence their access to travel, adventure and wealth beyond measure. They need to be craving for more meaning not stuff. They must want to do important things more than acquire gadgets. They will want to keep improving, keep getting creative, and keep their eye on the prize. They must be prepared to focus on their lifestyle rather than their business, as their business is the vehicle to give them the quality of life they want. More emotion needs to be triggered to entice a business owner to want to drive their business as their lifestyle demands more from them. They must let the business deliver on their wants and needs. Many business owners would love to have their business give them the lifestyle they want and deserve. How can they with the demands of the business? Firstly, they need to give themselves permission that it is ok for the business to serve them rather than the other way around. They need to consider surrounding themselves with other business owners who have achieved what they are aspiring to achieve. A solution is to become a part of the Community, Accountability, Results, and Education (C.A.R.E.) eco-system for business as they will then be part of a community where they will tap into their wants not their needs. Their environment must make social change desirable, interesting, cool and fun. Their environment must be conducive to enable them to perform to their full potential and support everything they aspire to do to create the lifestyle they so richly deserve. The C.A.R.E eco-system for business helps our members identify their wants, we’ll build it for them the way they want it. Emotions win every time. We will help create conditions where they want to take action. This eco-system will create a remarkable platform that delivers a positive experience and keeps them coming back for more. What if there are business owners who are already doing well and enjoying the lifestyle they have built? These business owners still need to have a sense of urgency to maintain their edge and stay on the surfing side of the big wave of change. They are contributory to the C.A.R.E eco-system for business as leaders and their influence to other business owners is valued. Business owners are more than welcome to set up an initial call with me to find out when our next information session is where they can know more and ask any questions that they feel necessary to give them the confidence to join our C.A.R.E eco-system for business. Contact me on https://linkshare.co.za/marlenepowell or call 083 479 4471.

Loadshedding has been a daily fixture since the beginning of the year. While some employers can respond to the challenge by converting to solar power, generators, or alternative power sources, this is not an option open to all employers. Some stop-gap measures may also not be sustainable in the long term as increasing diesel prices and inflation makes running on generators impractical for protracted periods. Here again, businesses must find ways to adjust working models to work around the impact of load shedding, maximising productivity while preserving jobs and protecting workers’ rights. Our human resource consulting solutions in South Africa can guide your approach to ensure mutually beneficial arrangements. Employers and their employees should collaborate to find ways to keep businesses running. This may involve agreeing to flexible working arrangements to counteract the impact of load-shedding. Such agreements may be made on an individual basis by amending terms and conditions of the employment contract, or collectively through concluding collective agreements with registered trade unions or within bargaining councils. Labour legislation itself allows for some flexibility in terms of working arrangements, such as certain provisions contained in the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA). If you need a refresher, ask about our human resource consulting solutions in South Africa. A compressed work week (s11 of the BCEA) allows for employees to work up to twelve hours a day without receiving overtime pay. This provision limits employees to a maximum of 45 ordinary hours and 10 hours overtime in any week, on a maximum of five days a week. Such an arrangement would allow for employees to catch up on lost time caused by load-shedding in any given day without causing an additional financial burden on the employer. Averaging of hours of work (s12) allows for the ordinary hours of work and overtime to be averaged over a period of up to four months in terms of a collective agreement. This again saves an employer from paying overtime rates. Many other arrangements may be agreed to between employers and employees, provided the agreements stay in line with the provisions of the BCEA. Our human resource consulting solutions in South Africa can facilitate such arrangements. Employers may consider having employees take their meal intervals to coincide with loadshedding. However, an employer may not prevent an employee from taking lunch after five hours of continuous work. Where loadshedding is to take place later than these five hours, this would not be an option. Employees must also be paid for any portion of a meal interval in excess of 75 minutes unless the employee lives on the employer’s premises. Employers and employees may agree to schedule working hours to avoid load-shedding. This may involve altering the starting and finishing time of a shift to maximise operational hours. In such circumstances, employers must take care not to exceed the maximum allowable working hours in a day, and they must respect minimum daily and weekly rest periods. An employee must have a break of at least twelve consecutive hours between shifts, and a weekly rest period of at least 36 consecutive hours. Employees may be requested to work over weekends to make up for lost time in the week, but this may only be done by agreement, and barring an agreement to the contrary, any hours worked outside of an employee’s normal contractual hours, should be paid at overtime rates. Sundays are also subject to increased hourly rates. Other than altering the working arrangements in terms of working hours or days, employers could consider using down time for activities that do not require power. This may involve holding staff meetings, conducting training, upskilling staff, or engaging in other activities that may benefit the business. Care should be had not to fundamentally alter an employee’s core functions, save by agreement between the parties. Any changes to terms and conditions of employment must be made by agreement between the parties, be it the individual employees themselves, or in terms of a collective agreement with a registered trade union. Where employers are unable to gain such consent, they may have to embark on a formal process to restructure the business based on operational requirements in terms of section 189 of the Labour Relations Act. Another somewhat less practical solution would be to embark on an offensive lockout to force employees into accepting the employer’s demands. In this case, however, the employer may not rely on replacement labour for the duration of the lockout, and operations are likely to come to a standstill until the matter is resolved. If you need more information, contact our human resource consulting solutions in South Africa. Any decisions to make changes to working arrangements should be carefully considered with due regard to relevant codes of good practice and legislation. Always make sure that a working model complies with regulations, and make sure that the correct process is followed to implement change. For any further information or assistance in this regard, please do not hesitate to contact us. T: +27 (0)31 266 6570 C: +27 (0)82 786 7480 E: johanvd@labournet.com W: www.labournet.com

In today’s highly competitive business landscape, attracting the right clients is crucial for the growth and sustainability of any company. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by fostering strong business-to-business (B2B) linkages, which can help you access a broader pool of potential clients. This article will delve into the importance of B2B linkages and share valuable tips on how to attract ideal and targeted clients through these networks. Why B2B Linkages Matter A B2B linkage is a strategic partnership or collaboration between two or more businesses, designed to achieve mutual benefits. The main aim of such alliances is to help companies expand their market reach, gain access to new resources, and improve overall efficiency. By building these B2B partnerships, businesses can attract ideal and targeted clients in various ways: Identifying potential clients: Once you have the profile of your ideal client, let a B2B specialist research the industry sector and compile a list of potential clients. If your company strategy is to secure clients overseas, then the B2B specialist can be the catalyst to arrange Zoom meetings with the potential clients. This will save you both time and money and will narrow down the list of businesses with whom you engage. Access to a larger client base: Collaborating with a B2B specialist frees you up to concentrate and focus on your core business in manufacturing or providing services. Your company will increase its chances of reaching the right clients when a B2B specialist helps you tap into their existing networks and customer base. Knowledge sharing: Engaging with a B2B specialist will facilitate the exchange of industry knowledge and best practices, which can be used to refine your products or services and attract more clients thanks to the expertise provided. Steps and Strategies for Attracting Ideal and Targeted Clients through B2B Linkages To leverage B2B linkages effectively, it is essential to adopt a strategic approach that focuses on nurturing relationships with the right clients and implementing well-planned initiatives. Identify Suitable Business Partners/Organisations As a B2B specialist, we assist clients to identify suitable partners who share your company’s values and objectives. We research and identify networks relevant to your company’s needs. We’ll introduce you to pertinent organisations that will provide you with accurate information and facilitate your entry into new markets. We’ll conduct thorough research and consider factors such as market position, financial stability, and growth potential when selecting potential clients. Develop a Value Proposition To attract your ideal clients through B2B linkages, it is essential to create a compelling value proposition that showcases the unique benefits of your products or services. It is critical to clearly articulate the advantages that your products or services brings to clients, such as enhanced product offerings, innovative design, better customer support, or cost savings. Your value proposition will help you stand out from the competition and appeal to your target audience. Participate in Industry Events and Trade Shows Attending industry events and trade shows is an excellent way to showcase your product range or service offerings to attract potential clients and engage with buyers. Exhibiting at industry events and trade shows can help you stay abreast of industry trends, helps you identify new business opportunities and allows you to meet buyers and clients in person. Build a Robust Online Presence In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is vital for attracting clients. A dedicated website, social media accounts, or sharing your new product range that features interesting and engaging content about your company ensures potential clients stay informed. You’ll find many B2B articles on our website for more ideas on how B2B can assist in growing your ideal and targeted clients: http://www.moniquelabat.com/category/b2b-business . For more information in how you can attract your ideal and targeted clients simply us a call +27 (0) 82 924 6349 or drop us an email: monique@moniquelabat.com

As organised business, we welcome the opportunity to comment on the eThekwini Municipality Draft Budget of R 66 billion for 2023/2024. As organised business we are appealing to the municipality and elected representatives to be mindful of its proposals, as the City needs to bolster business and investor confidence. The proposed tariff increases, presented by Mayor Kaunda on the eThekwini Draft budget will have a detrimental effect on businesses, as it stands several investors and business owners have lost investor business confidence in eThekwini. The municipality’s role is to provide an environment that is conducive for conducting business, ensuring that basic service needs are met. However, we are faced with constant challenges of poor service delivery, including the basic needs of water and sanitation infrastructure, crime and grime, and the energy crisis. Tariff Increases The tariff increases remain substantially ahead of CPI which will impact negatively on the competitiveness of Durban as a business location. The retention of businesses within Durban is a priority and tariff increases should not be punitive. The COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 July unrest, April floods and load shedding have, derailed many businesses. The possibilities of businesses shutting down remain high. Furthermore, businesses are experiencing frequent disruptions to basic services such as water and electricity. As organised business we object to the excessive tariff increases. Water and Sanitation Following the April 2022 floods, as organised business, we are deeply concerned about the slow pace at which infrastructure is being restored. To date we have not received a detailed infrastructure investment plan from the city outlining the technical and risk mitigation measures. As organised business we acknowledge the City’s commitment of R5 billion over the next 3 years towards water and sanitation. We believe the city needs to engage with private sector to determine a detailed cost analysis. Simply allocating resources without a detailed water and sanitation infrastructure audit simply leaves us in the same position. The crisis is bigger than we think with dire economic consequences. The diminishing capital infrastructure budget is a cause for concern. If left uncorrected these issues will negatively impact on economic development budget. Unless drastic actions are implemented, we will be writing obituary chapter of our city. The current state of our water and sanitation infrastructure requires urgent attention. Flood Damages We are pleased National Treasury transferred R1.5 billion of the disaster response grant. There needs to be more resources deployed to deal with the extent of the damages. As organised business, we have worked with private sector to help support the city. We are requesting that the city considers a public private partnership to help fast track the rebuild and recovery process. For more information contact the Durban Chamber on T: +27 31 335 1000 or E: info@durbanchamber.co.za W: www.durbanchamber.co.za

This Week@Work Pavlo visited an old warship to bring to life an analogy that building a business is like sailing a ship. Both a ship and a business need: A destination, a crew that operates clear systems, and a Captain, whose time is either spent in the engine room or up on the bridge. Watch as he takes you on a quick tour. 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. Subscribe to receive This Week @ Work www.aurik.com

Creamer Media will host a thought-provoking webinar on ‘Local Manufacturing ­– Rebuilding South Africa ’s industrial base and exports’ on May 10, 2023, at 14:00. Manufacturing plays a pivotal role in job creation and stimulating economic growth. The local manufacturing sector has faced various challenges, including an unreliable electricity supply, rising input costs, raw material shortages and logistical constraints, as the world places greater importance on reducing carbon emissions and boosting automation . While there are manufacturers that continue to survive and thrive in this tough operating environment , it has slowly eaten away at South Africa ’s manufacturing activity, as others have struggled to remain competitive. South African Capital Equipment Export Council CEO Eric Bruggeman will lead a panel of experts – Nedbank national manufacturing manager Amith Singh , Manufacturing Circle director Philippa Rodseth , Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa COO Tafadzwa Chibanguza and Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies senior economist Gaylor Montmasson-Clair – in a discussion about: The factors that have driven the decline in South African manufacturing’s contribution to gross domestic product over the past 20 years; The industries in the South African manufacturing sector that have continued to perform well in recent years; Some of the key policy interventions required to boost South African manufacturing and exports; South African businesses’ response to the persistent electricity, rail and other infrastructure crises hampering economic growth and investment. This free-to-attend webinar is sponsored by Nedbank, as well as the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone, SERR Synergy and KEW Foundries. Click here to register. BY: TRACY HANCOCK CREAMER MEDIA CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

NEW CATEGORIES ANNOUNCED FOR STANDARD BANK KZN TOP BUSINESS AWARDS 2023 We are delighted to announce that nominations are open for the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards 2023. This year sees the announcement of some exciting new categories. The range of categories have been broadened to ensure that more businesses are motivated to enter. Categories 2023 Standard Bank Client of the year – SME Category Less than R100M turn over per annum, entrants must bank with Standard Bank Standard Bank Client of the year – Larger Enterprise More than R100M turn over per annum, entrants must bank with Standard Bank Manufacturing Sector Broadly defined as the physical or chemical transformation of materials or compounds into new products. Transport/Logistics Sector Refers to activities concerned with land transport, railway transport, water transport, and transport via pipelines, air transport, and activities of travel agencies, post and telecommunications, courier activities, as well as storage and warehousing activities. Franchising Sector 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. Family-Owned/Managed Businesses Open to businesses 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. Agricultural and Agro-Processing Sector Incorporates establishments and activities that are primarily engaged in farming activities, but also includes establishments focusing on commercial hunting and game propagation and forestry, logging and fishing. The beneficiation of primary materials and intermediate goods from agricultural, fisheries and forestry-based sectors is included. Community Upliftment and Improvement This award is open 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. Renewable Efficiency – Green initiatives This category includes renewable energy, low-carbon transport, energy-efficient buildings, clean technologies, improved waste management, improved freshwater provision, etc. Employee Wellness This award 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. KZN Top Brand: The top homegrown brand in KwaZulu-Natal is awarded based only on the results of a public poll. Business Leader of the Year The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Leader’s award is an honorary award given to a businessperson who has demonstrated exemplary business achievement, industry influence and is a true inspiration to others. Being nominated, shortlisted and winning one of the Standard Bank KZN Top Business awards is an real acknowledgement that your business is a true success and contributing something meaningful to the KZN economy. The annual awards will take place on the 20 July 2023 and will again be streamed live. This much anticipated event promises to be a wonderful night of celebration, where we will celebrate the achievements of all the businesses participating. To nominate or enter visit www.kzntopbusiness.com Entries close on the 23 June 2023 For more information contact gayle@mweb.co.za FAQs 01 What are the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards? The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards is an annual event that recognise individuals, companies and organisations that are not only excelling but integrating responsible business practice into their mainstream operations. These practices result in a positive impact in the marketplace, environment, community, and workplace, creating a better life for all in KwaZulu-Natal. In addition, the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards offers an excellent opportunity for leading businesspeople to meet, be inspired and showcase their achievements to their peers.

The Africa Marketing Initiative (TAMI) is encouraging entrepreneurs and business leaders from South Africa and Africa to join as Members. There is no cost for Membership, and those that join have the option of being included in the SA Chamber UK communications and webinars, the Commonwealth Entrepreneurs Club networks, and receive other benefits. TAMI’s aim is to be a conduit for trade in South Africa, and to encourage communication and opportunity between African countries. We hope that you will join the TAMI Circle of Influence. TAMI looks forward to helping you create growth and value for your organisation. The TAMI Circle Influence TAMI is a business portal… where organisations engage directly with professionals from both Private and Public Sectors within South Africa. The first aim of TAMI is to help connect business leaders from across Africa, to help support development of trade routes between the various countries. TAMI is also for business leaders from across the globe to contact and interact with professional South African business leaders and service providers. Essentially TAMI provides a holistic business integration support services to international organisations wishing to trade with / in South Africa. It is also a powerful source of contact for local South African organisations wishing to gain knowledge, understanding and resourcing in each of an organisation’s functional areas (Banking, HR, Finance, B-BBEE, Legal, Forex, Logistics, Operations, Sustainability, Forex Management, Mobility and Property, etc) TAMI website and facility links international and local business knowledge seekers directly with professional service providers, allowing for seamless introductions, and for them to gain understanding of all that is required to trade effectively and compliantly in South Africa. TAMI SA will link with Chambers Members and Government offices across the African Continent, creating the TAMI Circle of Influence. TAMI is a SA Chamber UK Initiative, aiming to unite all Chamber Members across the world. Become a member https://www.tami.org.za/

This Week@Work Pavlo shares his experience with a group of passionate business owners to illustrate the difference between purpose and intent. The idealism of our purpose drives us to invest in our businesses day after day after day. The pragmatism of intent is important if we are to ultimately reward those years of investment, sacrifice and risk. 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. Subscribe to receive This Week @ Work Pavlo Phitidis www.aurik.com