One of the effective, but overlooked ways SMEs can grow their business networks and client base is by forming strategic and mutually beneficial partnerships with other businesses in their industries.
This year, we profiled these collaborations and highlighted how each is working together to maximise profits.
The partners in construction
M-TECH Consultants is a Pretoria-based industrial mobile equipment and safety training service provider. The company conducts safety assessments, tests and safety training courses on construction and mining sites.
The company formed a partnership with Sebenza Safety, an emerging supplier of personal protective equipment also based in Pretoria. Sebenza (work, for IsiZulu) supplies worker protection clothing and safety wear to industrial clients in construction sites and mining companies, from head to foot gear. By working together, each business is able to pool its marketing and networking resources, work together on projects, and benefit from business opportunities they would otherwise have missed. Read more
The product supplier and spazas
“We undertake negotiations and establish the price, availability, and customisation possibilities. We then negotiate delivery schedules and complete a contract to purchase,” he said. Read more
The fashionista and the big brand
19-year-old, Bonolo Mataboge is the founder and head designer of Afriblossom, a clothing range caters for fuller-figured and curvy women from sizes 34 up to size 46.
For Mataboge launching Afriblossom was her way of defeating her disability.
Phillips, the appliance maker, has come on board and sponsored Mataboge with a range of sewing machines for her exclusive use.
“Afriblossom is a curvy girl’s heaven in which you find fresh, flattering, modern Afro-chic and budget friendly designs for every occasion,” she said. “We really take the female body and the fuller figure into consideration when creating our garments.” Read more
