Programme helps SMMEs grow, improve
The event brought together 36 SMMEs taking part in Air Liquide's enterprise supplier development (ESD) programme.
Part of the event provided a platform for these SMMEs to connect, showcase their products and services, explore new opportunities for collaboration and celebrate their growth and success.
The owners of five SMMEs shared in a panel discussion how the programme had helped them start their enterprises and supported their growth and improvement.
The programme also provides office space at the BBBEE Hive, creating a professional environment that helps entrepreneurs cut rental costs and build relationships with other businesses.
The SMMEs emphasised the value of the guidance they received in adopting structured approaches and implementing business systems to streamline operations.
The hub received praise for its accessibility, with facilities that accommodate individuals with disabilities.
'Air Liquide is committed to supporting the growth and sustainability of SMMEs in Secunda, home to the world's largest oxygen production plant,' said Nkululeko Magadla, the general manager of Air Liquide.
'Providing platforms for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing is vital for businesses to thrive and make a meaningful contribution to economic development.
'Accordingly, this initiative highlights our commitment to SA's transformation agenda,' said Dr John Eliastam, the LEAP group general manager.
Author and businessman Khathu Maestro was the keynote speaker and inspired the entrepreneurs and business owners with his words.
Khathu Maestro, author, businessman and the event's keynote speaker, inspired entrepreneurs and business owners with his words.
ALSO CHECK: Span maak gedenksteen op Vrede uit 1901 reg
ALSO CHECK: Boy from Secunda faces new health setbacks as family seeks second opinion
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Air Liquide, in collaboration with the Lean Enterprise Acceleration Programme (LEAP) and the Secunda Business Hub, hosted a networking event for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME) at the Graceland Hotel, Casino and Country Club recently. The event brought together 36 SMMEs taking part in Air Liquide's enterprise supplier development (ESD) programme. Part of the event provided a platform for these SMMEs to connect, showcase their products and services, explore new opportunities for collaboration and celebrate their growth and success. The owners of five SMMEs shared in a panel discussion how the programme had helped them start their enterprises and supported their growth and improvement. The programme also provides office space at the BBBEE Hive, creating a professional environment that helps entrepreneurs cut rental costs and build relationships with other businesses. The SMMEs emphasised the value of the guidance they received in adopting structured approaches and implementing business systems to streamline operations. The hub received praise for its accessibility, with facilities that accommodate individuals with disabilities. 'Air Liquide is committed to supporting the growth and sustainability of SMMEs in Secunda, home to the world's largest oxygen production plant,' said Nkululeko Magadla, the general manager of Air Liquide. 'Providing platforms for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing is vital for businesses to thrive and make a meaningful contribution to economic development. 'Accordingly, this initiative highlights our commitment to SA's transformation agenda,' said Dr John Eliastam, the LEAP group general manager. Author and businessman Khathu Maestro was the keynote speaker and inspired the entrepreneurs and business owners with his words. Khathu Maestro, author, businessman and the event's keynote speaker, inspired entrepreneurs and business owners with his words. ALSO CHECK: Span maak gedenksteen op Vrede uit 1901 reg ALSO CHECK: Boy from Secunda faces new health setbacks as family seeks second opinion At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
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Many SMEs lack the financial resources to invest in training that would improve the quality of their products or services. By providing financial and resource support, corporates can bridge this gap and enable SMEs to develop the skills needed to meet industry standards. Image: File Though the buzzwords 'job creation' and 'economic growth' often dominate boardroom discussions, it is the humble Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that truly bring these concepts to life. SMEs are the ones taking risks, hiring locally and revitalising our markets. Yet, they are the ones struggling, particularly in accessing the skills they desperately need. The growth potential is clear - SMEs do not simply fill gaps in the market, they create new ones. They innovate and they adapt with a nimbleness that bigger entities lack but this potential is often choked by a lack of resources, especially in upskilling their workforce. It is unrealistic to expect SMEs to compete on a global scale, if they're perpetually battling to stay afloat due to a skills deficit. Corporate self-interest - strengthening the supply chain Many SMEs lack the financial resources to invest in training that would improve the quality of their products or services. By providing financial and resource support, corporates can bridge this gap and enable SMEs to develop the skills needed to meet industry standards. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ To put it bluntly, this is a prime opportunity for corporates to provide real support for SMEs by funding training programmes that enhance their capabilities. The argument for corporates to step in isn't just a matter of social responsibility, it's directly related to self-preservation. Given the sheer scale of interconnected global economies, supply chains are only as strong as their weakest link. By investing in SME skills development through Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) initiatives, larger organisations are not just throwing a lifeline; they're strengthening their own position. An SME with a well-trained workforce is a more reliable supplier, a more innovative partner, and a more capable contributor to the wider ecosystem. Strategic investment with skills development as a priorityThrowing money at the problem isn't enough. Too often, ESD funds are misdirected, or worse, squandered, because the recipient lacks the business acumen to manage them effectively. This is where the "skills" part of "skills development" must be brought sharply into focus. SMEs and their workforces require a diverse skill set on top of the basics of management skills, financial literacy, and administrative capabilities. Equipping individuals with these competencies ensures that the right people, possessing the right skills, are in place to maximise the Return on Investment (ROI) from ESD funding. Putting the focus on skills development in the right placeTo achieve this, a dedicated portion of every ESD investment must be explicitly earmarked for comprehensive training. This isn't as complicated as it sounds. To maximise the impact of these initiatives, corporates should partner with accredited training providers, who will bring in the experts to deliver impactful, relevant programmes, tailored to the unique requirements of the SME. Let's not forget the operational burdens that often cripple SMEs - the endless admin, the cash flow struggles, the constant juggling of multiple roles – these are the realities that prevent entrepreneurs from focusing on growth. 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This isn't about handouts; it's about investing responsibly in the future of businesses and communities. It's about recognising that when SMEs thrive, South Africa thrives. Daniel Orelowitz is MD at Training Force. Daniel Orelowitz, MD at Training Force. Image: Supplied. BUSINESS REPORT Visit:
