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Forvis Mazars shakes up professional services industry

On 1 June 2024, two distinguished professional services firms, Mazars and FORVIS, officially launched their new global network, Forvis Mazars. This collaboration marks the creation of the largest new entrant in the global rankings in decades, bringing a combined revenue of $5-billion and establishing Forvis Mazars as a top 10 global network. This new venture introduces unprecedented agility, capacity and global coverage, making Forvis Mazars a unique player in the market.

A new era of professional services

Forvis Mazars represents a significant shift in the professional services industry, offering clients an innovative alternative in the global market. The combined strengths of Mazars, an international partnership with a presence in over 100 countries, and FORVIS, a top-ranked US firm, create a powerful network capable of supporting clients worldwide. This partnership is more than a business move; it is a strategic alignment designed to deliver unparalleled client experiences and uphold the public interest.

Leadership for a global network

The governance of Forvis Mazars is structured to ensure seamless collaboration and client service across all regions. The Global Network Board, led by Hervé Hélias as Chair, brings together experienced leaders from both firms. Hélias, who continues as Chairman of the Group Executive Board of Forvis Mazars Group SC, is joined by Matt Snow, Vice Chair of the Global Network Board and Chairman of Forvis Mazars LLP. The board includes notable leaders such as Tom Watson, CEO of Forvis Mazars LLP, and key executives from both the US and international branches.

A vision for excellence

Hervé Hélias describes the formation of Forvis Mazars as a momentous and exciting development for clients, the profession and the firm’s people: “Mazars and Forvis have a long history of collaboration, sharing a commitment to delivering outstanding client experiences. As a unified global brand, we are positioned to offer consistent, high-quality services worldwide while remaining agile to meet specific client needs. I am extremely proud to lead this network, which will continue to empower our people and raise the bar for client service standards.”

Tom Watson emphasises the network’s client-centric approach: “Forvis Mazars is built on listening to our clients and anticipating their challenges. This network will unlock new opportunities for both clients and our people, ensuring long-term success. We are committed to making decisions that prioritise their interests.”

Comprehensive services for a global market

Forvis Mazars offers a wide range of professional services, including audit and assurance, tax and advisory services. Operating under a single brand, the network’s two member firms – Forvis Mazars LLP in the US and Forvis Mazars Group SC internationally – deliver these services with a shared commitment to quality and client satisfaction.

This unified approach allows Forvis Mazars to provide tailored solutions that address the evolving needs of clients in various industries and markets.

Empowering people and communities

The strategic vision of Forvis Mazars extends beyond business success to include the advancement of its people, industry and communities. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation, Forvis Mazars aims to drive progress and create a positive impact globally.

As a new member of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI), Forvis Mazars is poised to contribute significantly to the professional services landscape in South Africa and beyond. The firm’s commitment to delivering exceptional client experiences, combined with its global reach and local expertise, positions Forvis Mazars as a leader in the industry.

In South Africa the Country Managing Partner is Anoop Ninan and the Partner in charge of the relationship with AMCHAM is Sebastien de Place. Both of these leaders, together with all of the Forvis Mazars team, are happy to have joined and be part of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry and are looking forward to connecting with other members of SACCI.

For more information, visit www.forvismazars.com/za/en

Leveraging funding options and navigating financial challenges for SME growth

Old Mutual SMEgo – helping SMEs grow

Small and Medium Enterprises are the cornerstone of the global economy. The 2024 United Nations General Assembly designated June 27 as “Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day” to raise awareness of their contributions toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – specifically SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth) and SDG 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure). According to UN statistics, SMEs account for 90% of businesses, more than 70% of employment, and 50% of GDP worldwide, thereby remaining core to the economy.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa are vital to the economy as their operations drive job creation, innovation and economic growth. Despite their relevance, SMEs face a range of constraints that hinder their ability to thrive. To expand and sustain their businesses, entrepreneurs need to understand and overcome these challenges, employing potential solutions and effective financial management strategies.

One platform

Old Mutual SMEgo is a multifaceted platform that acts as a one-stop shop for small to medium enterprises offering Business Administrative Tools, Funding, Access to Markets and Insurance all housed in one subscription-based platform.

While there is a consensus on the macro, micro and environmental factors that influence the efficiency and growth of SMEs, these factors include access to finance, infrastructure, governance and market access. Additionally, aspects such as gross domestic product (GDP), unemployment rates, spending patterns, inflation and monetary and fiscal policy also form part of the broader financial ecosystem affecting SME operations. Understanding these obstacles enables businesses to develop strategies tailored to their specific needs and capabilities, regardless of their size.

According to a 2024 International Finance Corporation (IFC) analysis, the financing gap among MSMEs in developing countries is $5.2-trillion annually. Governance, small budgets, financial acumen, brand recognition and skills are significant challenges for small businesses scaling up.

Nobesuthu Ndlovu, Director SME: Old Mutual Corporate

Matching funders

Old Mutual SMEgo offers a unique proposition of an aggregation of various SME lending experts onto one platform where the system matches you to your most suitable funders that can be applied to with a single application with the average response time of 72 hours.

Further to this, the platform provides credit-scoring capabilities that allow businesses to understand their credit score and get an indication of the amount of funding their business can take.

The loans available include:
  • Business Funding (Secured and Unsecured): up to R50-million
  • Trade Finance: up to R20-million to fund local and trade purchases
  • Asset Finance: up to R5-million to buy new assets to use in business operations
  • Contract Finance: up to R20-million to fund approved customer contracts
  • Purchase Order/Tender Finance: up to R10-million to fund approved customer purchase orders/tenders
  • Supply Chain Finance: accessible cashflow solutions for businesses up to R10-million
  • Personal Loan: up to R250 000 to finance your business.

Basic qualifying criteria include the business being a registered business in South Africa and operating for a minimum of six months with an annual turnover of R500 000 and above.

While SMEs face a range of financial challenges, leveraging appropriate financial solutions and services such as Old Mutual SMEgo can significantly alter the trajectory of SME operations. Old Mutual SMEgo has flexible subscription options to suit different budget needs and business requirements. The monthly subscription options are the Premium Plan for R99 and the Premium Plus Plan for R299.

The platform is available on www.smego.co.za. Also available on Android and ios. 

Old Mutual FOR SME is offered by Old Mutual Corporate Ventures, a company in the Old Mutual Group. Terms and conditions apply.

SAPICS announces “Innovation in Motion” theme for 2025 Conference

The annual SAPICS Conference, Africa’s leading event for the supply chain profession, will be held from 8 to 11 June 2025 in Cape Town under the theme “Innovation in Motion”, supply chain industry body SAPICS has announced.

Now in its 47th year, the SAPICS Conference enables supply chain managers to learn, network and share knowledge, which is increasingly important for this vital profession in today’s volatile and uncertain environment. More than 750 supply chain managers from 30 countries across Africa and around the world attended this year’s SAPICS Conference in June 2024.

The 2025 theme, Innovation in Motion, conveys the imperative for organisations to innovate and strive for the agility and adaptability needed to rapidly respond to potentially chaotic changes and disruptions in today’s turbulent supply chain landscape. “In the face of continuous technological advances, shifting global dynamics and the relentless pursuit of seamless efficiency, customer satisfaction and sustainability, one thing is clear: innovation is a necessity for supply chain managers,” stresses SAPICS president MJ Schoemaker.

“Adaptability and innovation are the keys to success in supply chains today. Whether this means leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation, accelerating sustainability or rethinking traditional supply chain models, the need to innovate is more critical than ever. This year’s theme, Innovation in Motion, encapsulates the dynamic and forward-thinking approach that today’s supply chain professionals must adopt to stay ahead,” she states.

“Innovation in Motion isn’t just a theme—it is a call to action. It is about keeping pace with change, continuously improving and ensuring that your supply chains, across all industries and sectors, are not only resilient and innovative, but also drivers of competitive advantage. The SAPICS Conference aims to equip delegates with all the knowledge, strategies, tools and techniques needed to do this.”

SAPICS 2025 will bring together industry experts, thought leaders and professionals from around the world and across the supply chain spectrum, to share their insights and expertise in compelling presentations, panel discussions and practical workshops.

“Attendees can expect to learn from the brightest minds and the most influential voices in supply chain management as they explore the trends, technologies and strategies that are driving the future of the supply chain management profession,” says Schoemaker. “This is a not to be missed event for supply chain practitioners at all levels. Whether you are a chief supply chain officer or an experienced, senior supply chain manager, a supplier to the industry or someone who is simply eager to learn and grow, this is your opportunity to be at the forefront of our profession.”

To find out more or to register to attend the 2025 SAPICS Conference, contact event organiser Upavon Management by emailing info@upavon.co.za or calling +27 11 023 6701

Ignore employee burnout at your peril 

Employee burnout is a serious challenge facing companies of all sizes in South Africa. As businesses navigate a competitive environment and difficult economic conditions, they are often pressured to “do more with less.” Unfortunately, this often results in employees bearing the brunt through increasing workloads and rising stress levels.

According to Warren Bonheim, co-founder of WorkStatz, award-winning business management software, finding the right balance between employee well-being and the demands of success is a significant challenge. “I have not seen such high burnout rates as in the last couple of years,” he notes.

Warren Bonheim, co-founder of WorkStatz, award-winning business management software.

The statistics back up his observation. A report from iSolve titled Uncovering the Significant HR Trends of 2024 found that 65% of employees surveyed reported suffering from burnout. Burnout and stress lead to exhaustion, lack of enthusiasm, and diminished performance. It not only impacts work productivity but also takes a toll on employees’ emotional and physical health. Burnout is so pervasive that it’s now classified as an occupational phenomenon in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).

“Employees experiencing burnout, if left unaddressed by their employer, are more likely to seek positions that offer better work-life balance,” Bonheim adds. “Often, managers only learn about burnout when it’s too late. This can happen for several reasons.

“Some employees fear that speaking up will have repercussions, such as being perceived as incompetent, weak, or unable to handle stress. Others blame themselves for not keeping up. And some are so driven to succeed that they don’t even realise they are heading towards burnout.”

However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Bonheim suggests several strategies employers can implement to manage and prevent burnout:

Recognise the early warning signs of burnout

Decreased productivity, abrupt changes in work hours, or shifts in behaviour like irritability or fatigue are indicators that intervention is needed. Employers should proactively identify and address these warning signs early. This approach not only prevents burnout but also fosters a supportive workplace culture that prioritises employee well-being.

Empower managers with real-time data

Technology can offer insights into what’s happening “under the hood” in real-time. Using software tools to track employees’ work patterns helps identify potential burnout risks early. By monitoring activities like productivity, task completion rates, and break times, companies can pinpoint overload areas and take timely, preventive action.

Focus on productivity, not hours

Managers should prioritise productivity and effectiveness over hours spent. Instead of only tracking the number of hours worked, prioritise task completion, work focus, and overall productivity. Some days may require longer hours, while others might allow for shorter work periods, ultimately it is about productivity during the hours worked that counts.

Encourage open communication

Cultivate a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing workload and mental health concerns without fear of judgment or repercussions. Regular check-ins and surveys provide safe avenues for employees to voice their concerns before burnout escalates.

Equal workload distribution

Identify both overloaded and underutilised employees to ensure work is distributed evenly. Overloading employees—even those willing to take on more—can result in lower quality work, burnout, and decreased productivity. Companies that intervene early and ensure equitable workloads significantly improve team effectiveness.

Promote work-life balance

Employers can play a crucial role by encouraging employees to take regular breaks and use their vacation time. Offering flexible work arrangements, like remote work options or adjustable hours, also goes a long way in preventing burnout. Employees value employers who empower them to manage their time effectively.

Ignoring employee burnout is a risk no company can afford. By taking proactive steps to recognise, manage, and prevent burnout, employers not only protect their employees’ well-being but also boost overall productivity and long-term business success. After all, thriving employees are the cornerstone of a thriving company. Add in retaining talent.

WorkStatz, created by Statzco Pty Ltd, is a pioneering software tool designed to enhance business performance by measuring employee effectiveness in real-time. Founded by the leaders of Zinia, a well-established technology group, Statzco is at the forefront of bringing innovative technology to market. WorkStatz was recognised as the HR Solution Provider of the Year in 2024 by Intelligent ICT, just three years after its launch. Based in Sandton, Johannesburg, WorkStatz is trusted by leading companies across various sectors, including financial services, eCommerce, information technology, and education.

WomenIN (WiN) Festival 2024

Women are responsible for 70% to 80% of global consumer purchases through either their own purchase or influence on others. Despite being the world’s most powerful consumers, women are still marginalised as both consumer and decision-maker and face significant economic barriers regardless of their career field.

As such, the WomenIN Festival, taking place on 14 and 15 November 2024, will foster collaboration, empowerment and support for women entrepreneurs and women from various sectors, while driving sustainable impact and celebrating the role women play in the economy.

The highly anticipated first-of-its-kind, cross-sectoral WiN Festival will be hosted in Cape Town and will bring together women from a diverse range of industries for two days of transformative leadership sessions, practical workshops, immersive site visits, and invaluable networking opportunities.

Attendees will have the chance to engage in leadership sessions that encourage holistic empowerment, participate in hands-on workshops, and learn from the authentic, inspirational journeys of trailblazing women. The festival’s unique format will also include immersive site visits that allow participants to see real-world applications of leadership and collaboration across sectors. Additionally, there will be engaging activations with lifestyle partners, experiential networking opportunities, and masterclasses led by industry experts, ensuring that the festival is more than just an event.

Influential male allies will also be involved, aiding in influencing change towards gender parity at a more rapid rate and fostering a comprehensive dialogue on leadership and empowerment.

The landmark event, to be held at the Nedbank Building in the Silo District in Cape Town, is supported by Nedbank with a limited number of tickets available at https://wearewomenin.com/tickets/

For more Info, to Buy a Ticket or Become a Sponsor, visit: https://wearewomenin.com/ or email: nazlee.fredericks@wearevuka.com

McCloskey inaugural Steel & Ferroalloys Conference

McCloskey is hosting its inaugural Steel & Ferroalloys Conference in Cape Town, South Africa on 27-29 January, 2025 spotlighting the continent’s vital role in supplying essential raw materials to the world’s steelmakers.

From manganese and chromium to vanadium and anthracite, Africa’s importance in the steel supply chain cannot be underestimated.

This new 2-day event will bring together industry leaders, market experts, analysts, stakeholders and government and regulatory agencies to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing this key industrial market segment.

Numerous critical issues and topics will be addressed at this key industry gathering.

Find out more, here: https://www.opisnet.com/mccloskey-steel-and-ferroalloys-conference/

McCloskey 20th Annual Southern African Coal Conference

Join McCloskey for the 20th Annual Southern African Coal Conference on 29-31 January 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa highlighting South Africa’s coal industry as they face a new political landscape, with a coalition government now in charge of deciding its future.

Your attendance at this event is more critical than ever as South Africa’s coal industry faces a new political landscape, with a coalition government now in charge of deciding its future. President Ramaphosa faces the difficult task of finding the right balance between long-term energy security and a just energy transition – this is one of the most crucial times for his presidency since taking office in 2018.

Now in its 20th year, this industry-leading event brings together government officials, mining executives and market experts to learn and plan for 2025 and beyond – this is truly a “can’t miss” event for anyone involved in the global coal marketplace.

Find out more, here: https://www.opisnet.com/southern-african-coal-conference/

Plastics SA releases latest polymer consumption and recycling figures

Plastics SA – the umbrella body representing the local plastics industry – has released its latest survey results on polymer consumption and recycling figures for the year ending 2023. This year’s report shows significant strides in the recycling sector, whilst highlighting the importance of continued investment in infrastructure and education.

The annual survey, conducted through personal interviews and completed surveys, reported that 295 recycling operations were recorded in South Africa at the end of 2023. Of these, 40% processed post-consumer materials, granulating, washing, and pelletising them. However, only a portion of these recyclers can successfully process landfill-sourced material due to the high capital investment required for proper wash plants, feasible only for larger operations.

Notably, 6.2% of the 273 recycling operations from 2022 ceased operation, while 39 new companies were recorded, indicating both challenges and opportunities within the sector.

Virgin consumption by application

“Strengthening competition within the South African plastics industry can have a profound impact on the recovery of the broader manufacturing sector. Plastics are integral to supply chains across healthcare, energy, aerospace, automotive, maritime, construction, electronics, and packaging. This multi-sector dependency makes the plastics industry’s contributions vital. In 2023, the sector accounted for 1.8 % of South Africa’s GDP and 15.8 % of Manufacturing GDP, highlighting its critical role,” says Anton Hanekom, Executive Director of Plastics SA.

Plastics are integral to supply chains across healthcare, energy, aerospace, automotive, maritime, construction, electronics, and packaging.

Although South Africa’s plastics industry is relatively small on a global scale, representing less than 0.4% of global production, it remains the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2023, 1,568 kt of virgin polymer were used in the production of plastics across a variety of industries. The packaging sector dominated consumption at 48.2 %, followed by building and construction (12.5 %), agriculture (9.4 %), electronics (6.4 %), and the automotive industry (6.3 %).

The circular economy of plastics

Recycling growth and challenges

Recycling continues to be a dynamic area within the plastics industry. An impressive 431,800 tons of plastics were recycled in 2023, up from 368,800 tons in 2022. This resulted in an input recycling or collection rate of 52 %, a significant increase from 42.9 % the previous year. The output recycling rate also rose, reaching 27.5 % from 22.9 % in 2022.

These figures position South Africa as a leader in mechanical plastics recycling, outperforming many developed nations in mechanical recycling thin polyethylene films and contaminated post-consumer plastics.

An impressive 431,800 tons of plastics were recycled in 2023, up from 368,800 tons in 2022.

Despite these successes, there are still significant quantities of recyclable plastic waste ending up in landfills. Increasing both the quantity and quality of recycled plastics is crucial to driving the circularity of the plastics industry.

Recyclate markets: Local markets for 415 800 tons of recyclate

Employment and economic impact

The recycling sector remains a critical source of employment, particularly within the informal economy. In 2023, an estimated 95,900 income generating opportunities were sustained, including waste pickers and smaller entrepreneurial collectors. The industry contributed over R4.7 billion to the supply chain, including the informal sector, for collecting 671,200 tons for recycling.

International and local policy concerns

As the world prepares for the INC-5 meeting in Busan, South Korea, Plastics SA has expressed concerns over global moves to regulate Chemicals of Concern (CoC) through a standardized list. Hanekom emphasised that while the industry supports efforts to curb plastic pollution, it opposes blanket regulations and lists of CoCs, advocating for a more flexible, risk-based approach that considers local socio-economic conditions. He warned that such lists could have a detrimental effect on South Africa’s economy and its burgeoning plastics recycling industry.

Formal and informal jobs
Tonnages recycled

Commitment to Circular Economy

Plastics SA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting a circular economy, urging the design of products with recyclability in mind and the development of collection and recycling systems that allow for the highest quality recyclate. The organisation is also pushing for international treaties that promote sustainable product design and public-private partnerships to boost waste management and recycling efforts.

Conclusion

“South Africa’s plastics industry continues to be a vital contributor to the Sub-Saharan economy, playing a significant role in the country’s sustainable development and the global fight against plastic pollution. The latest data highlights a thriving plastics recycling sector, with rising recycling rates and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. This progress reflects growing awareness and support for recycling, driven in part by the efforts of Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs).

“These positive trends are encouraging as we approach the INC-5 negotiations later this year. We applaud our raw material producers, converters, recyclers, product designers, brand owners, and consumers who are collectively advancing South Africa’s recycling industry and achieving these notable milestones. Although there is still ample potential for further growth, we celebrate the active participation of all stakeholders in building a robust, sustainable recycling industry,” Hanekom concludes.

For more information, visit www.plasticsinfo.co.za

Excitement is mounting as eThekwini prepares to host the South Regional Business Fair

Excitement is mounting as plans fall into place as the City prepares to host the South Regional Durban Business Fair (DBF) at the KwaMnyandu Shopping Centre in uMlazi from 25 to 27 October.

Themed ‘Regional Fairs – back to promoting township businesses and economies’, the South Regional DBF is the first of several decentralised DBF programmes that will be held in various parts of the City.

Around 130 ward-based businesses from the south region responded to the exhibitor registration call which closed on 30 September. These businesses will be showcasing their products during the three-day exhibition, interacting with thousands of potential buyers attending the Fair.

Business Indaba

Over and above the exhibition, the South Regional DBF has an array of empowerment activities including a two-day Business Indaba to empower businesses.

The main topics of focus of the Business Indaba will be on co-operatives and construction development. The Fair will also include Flavours of Durban, where local chefs will take turns in the kitchen to show off their culinary skills. Also featured is the Durban Film Office segment where production companies will share intellectual property and contractual agreement information with emerging film and television businesses during a panel discussion titled ‘Understanding the film and TV business’.

The International Pavilion will focus on providing information about global relations and will feature delegates from the Junior Chamber International and the Pan African Chamber of Commerce, who will be giving information about their Durban branch launching this year.

A Kiddiepreneur corner is also on the list of verticals at the Fair to ensure an entrepreneurial seed is planted at a young age.

For enquiries regarding the South Regional Fair call 031 266 9938.

Find business opportunities in eThekwini/Durban

Nine easy steps to a greener business

For every conscious step that a business takes to become environmentally more sustainable, the positive impact is so much broader than the business itself. Environmental awareness and habits practised in the workplace are likely to spread to the households of the workers, says René Botha, Regional Investment Manager at Business Partners Limited. This makes the community of business owners one of the most important constituencies of the environmental movement.

Earth Day, celebrated globally for over half a century, is a good starting point for business owners who want to take their first step towards sustainability, or for those who want to consolidate their progress.

Becoming sustainable need not be an all or nothing affair, says Botha. It is a process that all business owners will have to go through along with the rest of society. She offers the following nine easy steps that business owners can implement on the journey towards greener, more sustainable business operations:

1. End single-use plastics

Find alternatives for all the single-use plastic that your business consumes. “If you stock your board or staff-room with bottled water, consider replacing it with a water dispenser and glass carafe. Similarly, plastic cutlery and food containers can be replaced with wood, paper or glass. If your raw materials come in single-use plastic containers or wrapping, discuss reusable systems with your suppliers,” she says.

2. Package in paper, wood and glass

The public is increasingly coming to expect the items they buy to be packaged in paper, wood or glass rather than plastic. It’s reusable and biodegradable. As Botha asserts, “Even if you have to use a lot of plastic in your manufacturing processes or your packaging, consider using some of the many biodegradable plastics that are becoming available, and look for ways to reduce the amount of plastic used.”

3. Start a recycling system for your business 

Once your staff know to separate the different types of waste, it is very easy to maintain, and soon it becomes a habit they will all take home with them.

Recycling produces winners. If businesses recycle efficiently, income streams can be created for waste pickers and collection depots. A winner in the national Petco awards, which recognise inspiring work within the collection and recycling value chain, was GreenWay Africa, in partnership with Heineken for Project Vuselela in the Durban area. Credit: Petco

4. Combine sustainability with team building

In Botha’s opinion, you can kill two birds with one stone by structuring the greening of your business with team-building exercises. “Let your staff members compete to see which team can use the least plastic, save the most energy, or reduce their waste most. Taking your staff out for a beach or veld clean-up can be a great team-building exercise. These can be planned to coincide with global initiatives such as Earth Day or Plastic-free July.”

5. Go solar

As the price of solar equipment falls, the case for installing a solar system for your business is becoming more and more compelling. The latest estimates show that a solar system can pay for itself in as little as six years. “Initiatives such as Business Partners Ltd’s Energy Fund, which provides finance of between R250 000 and R2-million to businesses to install alternative energy sources, make it even easier to go solar,” Botha says.

6. Reduce your power consumption

Small changes in your business can make a big difference to your power consumption, including changing your lights to LED, switching off unused lights and equipment, boiling only the amount of water you need and removing unused chargers and power cords from the wall plugs are good ways to start. And once these habits are instilled in your staff members, they are sure to do the same in their homes.

7. Use energy-efficient machines

According to Botha, it’s important to keep an eye out for more energy-efficient alternative machinery, from office equipment to furnaces, that regularly come to the market in nearly every industry. “Not only does it make your business greener, but it is sure to give you a competitive edge.”

8. Insulate your building

It costs a bit in the beginning, but over time you will save a lot in energy usage by making sure your premises are well insulated. Consider the guidelines in Business Partners Limited’s Green Building initiative, through which business owners can earn a rebate on their financing costs if the premises which they buy, build or retrofit qualify as a green building.

9. Become water-wise

As Botha concludes, “With plastics and electricity, there are many ways in which a business can reduce its use of water. Teach your staff to report leaks and stop dripping taps. Harvesting rainwater is relatively inexpensive and helps to preserve this precious resource.” 

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