Since getting through the recession is a challenge on the minds of every businessperson, the establishment of a blueprint for survival and prosperity was a key focus of this year's SME Survey 2009, released late last week. The findings into the strategies and tactics, which companies are employing to weather the storm, serves up advice that is as simple as it is profound: business basics will see you through. 20 Oct 2009
There can be little doubt that retailers face a bleak peak spending season and they are going to have to make a supreme effort to retain market share and attempt to ensure that the declining share of Christmas sales to annual retail sales is arrested. 20 Oct 2009
The award winning Fleur du Cap winemaking team through The Bergkelder has just released Lazlo 2006. Named after Dr Julius Laszlo, the innovative, visionary Cellar master at The Bergkelder in the 1980's, the wine is a blend of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 18% Shiraz, 6% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec. 20 Oct 2009
The “Don't Complain Campaign”, inspired by the recent US election campaign urging the American public to “Don't vote” if they didn't want change, launched yesterday 19 October 2009. Its aim is to help improve customer service levels in South Africa generally and particularly before foreign visitors arrive in 2010. 20 Oct 2009
Volumes at South Africa's port terminals will grow up to 10% per year over the next five years despite the current recession and volume decrease of 3.3% this year, according to Transnet. 19 Oct 2009
Nando's has made it into Fortune magazine, meaning that the local fast-food icon is making its presence felt in the world's biggest and most competitive market. 19 Oct 2009
Employers and workers in the clothing industry have combined forces to lobby the government to recriminalise noncompliance with labour legislation. 19 Oct 2009
South African consumers remain in the doldrums, even as the economy begins to show signs of improvement, according to analysts Moody's Economy.com. 19 Oct 2009
Sportslifestyle brand, PUMA, last week unveiled the 2010 football kits for the 11 African teams it sponsors; announced the signing of Algeria FA to its portfolio; and was named the Official Fan Shop of the Orange African Cup of Nations Angola 2010. 19 Oct 2009
The 2010 edition of supplychainforesight, South Africa's established supply chain research study, is currently seeking responses from supply chain experts all over southern Africa. This independent study has been initiated and sponsored by Barloworld Logistics since 2003, and is now conducted by international research specialists Frost & Sullivan. 19 Oct 2009
Almost 700 tenant applications for retail space have already been received for Limpopo's Mall of the North - showing a very positive response for the province's largest single property development to date. Set to open in the first quarter of 2011, the 75,000m2 regional shopping centre is currently being developed in a prime location in the province's capital city Polokwane and is already 90% let. 19 Oct 2009
The investment call centre launched in Soweto on Friday will make doing business easier for both local and international investors, says Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies. 19 Oct 2009
Cyclical shares are running and punters, eager to recoup last year's losses, are chasing them. Anglo American has jumped 84% from R139 in March to R256,50. Luxury brands purveyor Richemont is up 55% from R13,05 to R20; Standard Bank has gained 60% while fashion retailer Foschini has added 78,5%. 16 Oct 2009
Technology companies in the computer outsource field have proved to be relatively resilient in economic downswings. 16 Oct 2009
Magnum Ice Cream has launched a pleasure campaign, in all participating Spar stores nationwide from now until 15 November 2009, offering one winner a week one of the six luxury Discover South Africa holiday packages for two people valued at R20 000 (with a R3000 travel allowance). 16 Oct 2009
Nashua Mobile has established a new division, EasiSolutions, to provide individually tailored answers to the issues and queries of business customers of all sizes. 16 Oct 2009
The Toys R Us Baby Show, a SABC 2 Advertiser Funded Programme (AFP) launched at the end of August 2009, has received excellent feedback from viewers across the country. It runs until 24th October. 16 Oct 2009
Growthpoint Properties, the owners of Game City Shopping Centre in Greyville Durban, have announced a R15 million makeover to modernise the interior and exterior of the building and improve parking. It will also rename the building ‘City View', given the spectacular 360 degree views of the city from the top of the building. 16 Oct 2009
The Times and Sowetan 2009 Retail Awards, conducted by TNS Research Surveys, has determined the most popular forecourt retailer. Engen Quick Shop was first with BP Express second with only 1% between the votes, again proved that the retail environment is highly competitive with small differences in ratings. 16 Oct 2009
Logitech is launching its latest gaming keyboard, the G110, which is said to enable users to personalise their setup, communicate more effectively, and execute complex commands easily. 15 Oct 2009