Thursday, 06 June was a very successful day at the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Together with Pick n Pay and Boxer, the Chamber brought to the small and medium enterprise business community a Supplier Development Workshop. The workshop aimed to provide accurate information on how to establish, grow and manage a successful business with the Pick n Pay franchise. Content included an overview of Pick n Pay’s and ABSA’s enterprise and supplier development programmes as
well as valuable guidelines on how to pitch products or service proposals to a Pick n Pay buyer.
To be good in business you must be driven by hunger, have passion for what you believe and in the difference you want to make. Commitment to your family is an important aspect, you should love and listen to them. Have humanity and integrity”. With these words Suzanne Ackerman-Berman told the audience there is no excuse for you not to succeed. She delivered the key note address of the day, captivating the audience as she spoke passionately about the essential principles one must have in order to succeed in business. Often small business people do not understand the difference between turnover and profit.  Suzanne mentioned to the audience the four legs of the table that the Pick n Pay had
been built on, administration, punctuality, merchandise/ value (broaden your mind) and to know and respect people.
Seated on top is the customer whose role you should never forget. Three individuals shared their success stories about the Pick n Pay/Boxer brand. They told their stories of success which were underpinned by the desire to earn an income, making a difference in your community through a dream
and having the determination to never give up.
Lefentse Ledwaba-Champman, ABSA Bank, gave a step by step guide on how to access their funding opportunities. She highlighted that if you want to get business finance it is vital that you know your credit status and ensure that you are tax compliant. Dumile Cele, CEO of the Durban Chamber thanked everyone for their participation in the workshop and thanked Pick n Pay and Boxer for bringing knowledge to the businesses that aspire to supply to big retail franchises.