Last night, the 5th First National Bank KZN Top Business Portfolio Awards were hosted at a Gala Dinner event at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The event was attended by an esteemed list of dignitaries and leaders from various government departments, municipalities and businesses across the province.

The 13th edition of the KZN Top Business Portfolio was also launched at the occasion. Publisher Lalita Dhasiar-Ventura said, "The Portfolio raises awareness of KwaZulu-Natal as a first rate business destination, which has much investment and growth potential, to the local and international markets".
Pearl Bengu, Regional Director KZN FNB Public Sector Banking said: "We believe that through this form of recognition to businesses that are setting the standard, we can motivate other business owners to strive for excellence in the future. Ultimately this should impact the economic growth of not only KwaZulu-Natal, but also South Africa. Congratulations to all the winners."
"We are also pleased that we have partnered with Deloitte this year as the independent auditors of the adjudication process of the awards. The process has gone off seamlessly and we would like to thank them for their efforts," concludes Bengu.
An award is given in each economic sector to businesses and organisations that are making a contribution to the sustained economic growth of KwaZulu-Natal.

The winners in each category are:

1. Agriculture: Sappi Forests
2. Mining and Quarrying: Corobrik
3. Manufacturing: Fry Group Foods
4. Utilities: Umgeni Water
5. Construction: Wiehahn Formwork and Scaffolding
6. Trade: Magnet Electrical Supplies
7. Transport, Storage and Communication: King Shaka International Airport
8. Financial and Business Services: Metrofile
9. Social and Community Services: PC Training & Business College
10. Tourism: Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World
11. Municipal (Investment attraction): iLembe District Municipality
12. Government (Promoting socio-economic growth): KZN Department of Transport
13. Partnership: Tongaat Hulett and the KZN Department of Economic Development and Tourism (Operation Vuselela )
14. KZN Top Brand: University of KwaZulu-Natal Graduate School of Business

The winning project for the Partnership award, reflects the importance of effective inter-agency collaboration and partnerships. Operation Vuselela is geared towards reviving sugar cane farming amongst poverty struck communities as part of government's strategy to stimulate economic activities in remote and isolated rural parts of the province.

The KZN Top Brand Award is an exciting new initiative in which the leading brands of KwaZulu-Natal were voted for 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 University of KwaZulu-Natal Graduate School of Business obtained the most votes. Publisher, Grant Adlam said, "The response to the online poll exceeded our expectations. It is really rewarding to see the people of KwaZulu-Natal enthusiastic response to supporting the many top performing brands in our province".

Ends.

For more information or interview requests contact:
Lalita Dhasiar-Ventura
KZN TOP BUSINESS PORTFOLIO
Lalita@icon.co.za
0317013645
www.kzntopbusiness.co.za

Or

Lezelle Hendriks
FNB Communications Consultant
083 212 2097
lhendriks@fnb.co.za