Local South African company makes its mark in international markets
Submitted by: Dean StrydomLocal South African Company makes its mark in international markets
An innovative local entrepreneur has definitively proven that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa have the capacity to gain traction in the international market. Slip No More, which was founded by Johannesburg-based entrepreneur, Dean Strydom, has expanded over the last few years into a variety of global countries, with a presence inBotswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Canada and the USA.
Strydom notes that the company has a long term strategy to expand its products range into every country around the globe either through an exclusive distributor or a Slip No More based office.
“We have recently setup a manufacturing and distribution hub in the USA in order to meet the needs of both the USA and Canadian markets. The recently formed Slip No More LLC will manufacture the product in California and distribute them out of Las Vegas Nevada, and we are aiming to become more active in Europe from the second half of 2013.”
Slip No More provides the retail, commercial industrial and residential sectors in South Africa and abroad with solutions to reduce hazards associated with slippery floor surfaces. The company’s local branch currently employs four permanent employees and has more than 30 representatives throughout the country and several international sub-distributors and agents selling the product.
Slip No More service a broad spectrum of clients in South Africa, including Sun International, Virgin Active and various shopping centres. The company also services mining companies such as Impala Platinum, Assmang Mining, as well as the Oprah Winfrey’s Leadership Academy, the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN), Pioneer foods and thousands of homeowners across the country. Internationally, Slip No More’s exclusive distributers service clients such as Chevron fuels, McDonalds and Vodafone, amongst others.
Strydom conceived the idea for Slip No More and founded the company in 2005, after having conducted extensive research into the building and construction industry in order to identify a niche in the South African market and to find products that were not readily available in South Africa.
Through his research, he subsequently discovered there were no products available to reduce accidents related to slippery floors, and also established that there are no standards or regulations in place to govern or limit the occurrence of slippery floors in South Africa.
The market research thus motivated Strydom to develop a product that would provide more traction under the foot when it is placed on the tile, thereby increasing the safety of the floor surface. Subsequently, he developed Slip No More, which comprises of a range of treatments designed to permanently change the tread design of the tile.
What started out as a conceived idea, and later became a small business initiative, has been transformed into a successful international business venture. Strydom maintains that these notable achievements are a testament to his ability to keep calm and positive during difficult and stressful situations, with his sense of humour serving as an effective coping mechanism.
He adds that he has had to face numerous obstacles, and has overcome these challenges by adopting a diplomatic and level headed approach. Strydom believes that his business achievements should serve as an inspiration to other aspiring entrepreneurs.
He further adds, “The success of Slip No More demonstrates that any local entrepreneur, who has a feasible business idea, as well as the necessary ingenuity and desire to implement that idea, has the potential to make their mark in both the global and local South African enterprise market.
“Moving forward, I intend to ensure that the Slip No More brand creates an even greater impact, by firmly committing to continue producing premium quality and affordable products that guarantee positive results.” concludes Strydom
About Slip No More
Slip No More, founded in 2005 and subsequently registered in 2006, specialises in anti-slip treatments for all floor surfaces. They provide the industrial, commercial and residential markets with a comprehensive range of anti- slip treatments for tiles, grit and vinyl safety tapes in a range of colours, cleaners and degreasers, single and double stair nosings as well as a complete range of anti slip coatings. The company works closely with industry professionals and relevant floor safety associations across the globe to create awareness about the risks associated with slippery floors and the necessary measures that one can implement to combat the pending risks. The products currently manufactured and supplied by Slip No More, exceeds the co-efficient of friction requirements of USA and European industrial safety standards. In addition, they are environmentally friendly and easy to use.
They following products are available:
