Imperial Logistics subsidiary acquires training company

Volition Consulting Services (L-R): Bernie Van Niekerk - Commerce Edge CEO, Dean Tebbutt - Managing Director, Gregory Buckley - Director, and David Long - Director.

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Commenting on the deal, Marius Swanepoel, CEO of Imperial Logistics, said, "This relationship allows us to offer a broader value proposition to the market, from the assessment and development of procurement human capital to the provision of specialist procurement advisory services and operational execution. The combination of specialist skills and intellectual property generates a compelling supply chain education service offering."

International Purchase and Supply qualifications

Commerce Edge was the first international study centre in South Africa to be appointed by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS). Its Academy assists students to complete various CIPS qualifications, through a blend of tutor-enabled learning and classroom tutorials.

"Procurement is moving forward as a critical supply chain enabler and fulfils a strategic role in ensuring sustainable organisational performance," says Bernie van Niekerk, Commerce Edge CEO. "Through programmes, such as our World-Class Procurement series, we work with the procurement community to tighten systems and heighten efficiencies." Since its inception ten years ago, the company has developed a world-class virtual classroom and best practice e-learning system.

"Volition's innovation is unparalleled. Together, we can generate solutions that create, improve, manage and retain scarce and critical talent," he adds.

Blue chip client base, magazine outlet

Volition is a Business Process Outsource (BPO) specialist, with blue chip customers, such as brandhouse, Absa, BMW, Cadbury, Clover Sasol and Toyota. Commerce Edge has delivered services to more than 300 organisations, including Exxaro, Gold Fields, MTN and Standard Bank and key public sector entities at all spheres of government.

"We launched www.smartprocurement.co.za in 2004, which today has 23 000 readers. In 2008, we hosted the first Smart Procurement Annual Conference, which continues to grow year-on-year," says van Niekerk. Smart Procurement World South Africa 2011 takes place between 11th and 13th October 2011.

He adds that through the partnership, the company aims to expand its training and education services beyond procurement. "Our training methodologies can be applied within the broader logistics and supply chain context. Our focus includes logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, sales and operations planning and sales. We also recently launched a leadership programme."

"This acquisition combination offers the private and public sectors extensive possibilities through which to address significant skills development challenges facing South Africa," concludes Swanepoel.