Nedbank PCB Annual Banquet 2015
The 2015 Nedbank Pietermaritzburg & Midlands Chamber of Business banquet, in association with The Witness, Daymed Private Hospital and CHC Catering, was yet another roaring success. Its success was due to the unstinting work of the ladies at the chamber, the array of sponsors who came to the party with prizes and other offerings, and of course the guests, some of whom hailed from far afield as Durban, Umhlanga, Howick, Mooi River and Ladysmith.
The banquet also served to recognise the PCB’s top businesses, courtesy of the Nedbank Business Awards.
The judges of this year’s Business of the Year awards were impressed by the calibre of entrants and had a tough time determining the winners. This is what they said:
Business of the Year in services sector: Mediclinic (Pty) Ltd
Mediclinic distinguishes itself on excellent clinical outcomes of patient experience, ability to attract and retain high calibre doctors, nursing and general staff, as well as on strategic investment in cutting edge technology. Mediclinic is perceived as an employer of choice, providing healthy work conditions and incentives to nurses and support staff, whose numbers have increased by 27.5%.
The Business of the Year in manufacturing sector: Pressure Die Castings (Pty) Ltd
One of the largest brass foundries in the country, PDC’s major products are brass and aluminium alloy window and door handles, brass components used in high voltage insulator cut-outs, and brass sprinkler heads produced in large volumes, mainly for export to the USA. The company’s ethics, disciplined approach and dedication to its people impressed the judges. Great value is placed on creating a pleasant working environment.
The Business of the Year in State-owned Enterprises sector: Umgeni Water
Umgeni Water facilitates water infrastructure planning in the region and provides bulk water services to six municipalities in KZN and two in the Eastern Cape. The judges were impressed to see a state-owned entity being run properly as a business. Revenues continue to grow and currently stand at ZAR2.2 billion per annum, while profits have increased by 21% to ZAR826 million in the past year. Employing 1020 people, proper performance management systems are in place, and the new management style is recognized as being both transparent and ethical.
Small Business of the Year: PSG Employee Benefits: Midlands
Started by Tinus and Ann Havinga, the firm joined the PSG Konsult Group in 2009. The business has been strengthened by two new partners, Sylvester Appasamy and Malan Vermaak and has offices in Pietermaritzburg, Durban and Johannesburg. The firm operates in three product areas: high net worth, retirement financial planning and medical schemes. The practice is the second largest employee benefits practice in the PSG Konsult Group and has won the PSG Best Healthcare Practice award four times since 2010.
The top achievers of The Entrepreneur programme were also announced.
The Winner of the Entrepreneur 2015 is Sharon Ma’ani trading as Kish Mish, while first runner-up is Naem Sheik trading as Asiphephe Vehicle Test Station and second runner-up is Patrick Lennon trading as Plan A Head. The winning entrepreneur will receive funding of ZAR25 000, but not in cash. The amount will be utilised to activate elements of the business plan that was developed as part of the training. Payment will be made by the chamber on sign-off from the delegates mentor. The same applies to the prize money for first runner-up and second runner-up who will receive ZAR20 000 and ZAR10 000 respectively.
