Supertech Durban and the KZN Top Business hosted the 8th KZN Top Business Portfolio Awards on the 26 August 2014. The event was attended by an esteemed list of dignitaries and leaders from various government departments, municipalities, organisations and businesses across the province. These included MEC for Finance Belinda Scott, Mayor of eThekwini, James Nxumalo and Her Worship the Mayor of uThungulu District Municipality and First Lady of KZN, Councillor Mrs Thembeka Mchunu.

KZN Top Business Portfolio co-publisher, Grant Adlam said, "We are extremely proud that Supertech Durban BMW is sponsoring the event this year. BMW is a global leader in the automotive industry and has many years of experience  in building and managing brand value. BMW exemplifies excellence, which is the underlying criterion of any of the award categories."

CEO Shabir Tayob said, "Supertech BMW is delighted to be involved in recognising the efforts of other leaders in their  respective  industry fields. This demonstrates our commitment to the KZN Province and the good work it is doing.”  The prestigious event also saw the surprise launch of the much anticipated BMW electric car.

The highly esteemed KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Awards honour the achievements of KwaZulu-Natal business people by identifying and celebrating business success in the province in a variety of business categories. Publisher Lalita Dhasiar Ventura said, “We believe that both the business and public sector in KZN play crucial roles in the province’s socio-economic growth. An award is given to businesses and organisations that are making a contribution to the sustained economic growth of KwaZulu-Natal.  The Awards intend to recognise and pay tribute to the world class enterprises we have in the Province.”

The winners in each category are:
1. Agriculture: Tongaat Hulett
2. Mining and Quarrying: Corobrik
3. Manufacturing: Futurelife
4. Utilities: Umgeni Water
5. Trade: Boxer Superstores
6. Transport, Storage and Communication: King Shaka International Airport
7. Financial and Business Services: Tyson Properties
8. Social and Community Services: East Coast Radio
9. Tourism: Suncoast Casino, Hotels & Entertainment
10. Municipal (Promotion): uThungulu District  Municipality
11. Government (Promoting socio-economic growth): KZN Department of Art and Culture
12. Partnership:  eThekwini Municipality Duzi uMngeni Conservation Trust
The KZN Top Brand Award allows the people of KZN to get involved through an online poll over two rounds. Over 360 brands contested for the top ten positions, which went through to second round of voting, where East Coast  Radio obtaining the most votes. This win was followed closely by The Sharks in second place and GUD Filters in third place.

The KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Portfolio
The KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Portfolio has established itself as a leading business and investment document in KwaZulu-Natal. The 2014 launch marks the 16th edition of the annual publication which is used to raise the profile of the province as a first class business destination.  Established in 1999, the publication has grown from strength to strength and enjoys the support of the provincial government, municipalities, and top businesses around the province.  

The Portfolio is not only a business networking tool and a marketing resource, but includes a profile of the province, an insight into successful governance and the economy as well as a guide to doing business in the region.  The media used are a printed format and a website (www.topbusiness.co.za). In addition to the basic information, the website  provides current news and highlights success stories around the province, which are updated regularly.

The first  edition of Moving and Shaking was also launched at the occasion by Andrew Layman. Moving and Shaking  is a new print and online business magazine that will be published quarterly by the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The publication will provide business people with compelling and relevant perspectives on the issues impacting on the economy with special emphasis, though not exclusively, on Durban

Publisher Lalita Dhasiar-Ventura concluded, “The Portfolio and Awards are used to raise awareness of KwaZulu-Natal’s vibrant and robust economy. By showcasing success through the achievements of the various companies and organisations operating here, we also promote KwaZulu-Natal as a first rate business destination. We would like to congratulate and thank all those entered the Awards and wish you well in your future endeavours.”

Ends

For more information contact:
Gayle McLennan-Smith 
gayle@topbusiness.co.za
031 2671977/ 083 6530465