An all-new business network creating cross-continental partnerships for trade and industry between Africa and Scotland has officially launched – the Africa Scotland Business Network (ASBN). ASBN is already supported by businesses and authorities alike both locally and abroad.

Founding member and entrepreneur Kaz Henderson comments, “Investment into Africa and South Africa is a hot topic at the moment. Over the past few days President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed various international companies at the SA Investment Conference with the goal of building relationships and exploring ways to ignite growth together. There are also several industry events like AfricaCom, African Agri Investment Indaba and Africa Oil Week that aim to increase business on the continent. With such big events in the news, it’s energising to collaborate with businesspeople on the ground working towards the same goals. The launch of the Africa Scotland Business Network shows a real commitment to fostering stronger relationships between African countries and Scotland, creating real opportunities for all levels of business.”The Africa Scotland Business Network (ASBN) is an independent business network based in Africa. It connects African and Scottish professionals and enterprises to increase the potential for trade and relations between the two lands, as well as to strengthen social and cultural ties. In addition, the organisation welcomes members from other countries who have a real interest in doing business with the Africa and Scotland business diasporas.The network connects its members with relevant business contacts, new business opportunities and international resources such as industry, marketing and geographical expertise. It’s founding members represent key shared economies in Africa and Scotland including agriculture, agritech, oil and gas, renewable energy, technology, international business strategy, education and more.Working with a range of strategic partners in both regions is integral to building mutually beneficial relationships with each other.

To this end ASBN works with a range of government and private sector partners such as the Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA), Scottish Business Network (SBN), Scottish Development International (SDI) and Scottish Enterprise (SE).Speaking at the launch, Andrew Monaghan, Africa regional manager at Scottish Development International said, “We want to develop a trading relationship with Africa bigger than the one we have now. Through a progressive relationship where we both enjoy each other’s people, ideas and cultures, we can ultimately build business ecosystems. SDI is doing great work connecting Scotland with the world, but there are simply too few of us… we cannot cover this vast African continent. Suffice to say our strategy centres around forming mutually beneficial relations with people and organisations that can help us, and that is why we welcome the creation of the Africa Scotland Business Network and pledge our support to achieve our common goals.”

Claire Alexander, a Scottish entrepreneur living in South Africa and a founding member of ASBN says their primary objective when conceptualising the Africa Scotland Business Network was to develop a business network collective that could assist each other on the ground in Africa but also encourage African and Scottish business to take advantage of the immense opportunities in our shared economies. The venture has been developed and launched by entrepreneurs in Africa and Scotland that understand business, have international relations and showcase opportunities for businesses in Africa and Scotland. “We all experience different challenges in business. I know too well the value of a strong business network. They have been utterly intrinsic to the success of my own businesses here in Africa”, she says.At the event, Alexander said, “In Scotland we have a phrase “we're a' Jock Tamson's bairns”, the modern sense meaning "we're all the same under the skin, or we are all one". In the same way Africa celebrates Ubuntu “the spirit of Africa”, essentially the essence of humanity and the connectedness that exists between us. I am because we are. Now, can you imagine what we can achieve together as one dynamic network with this incredible support around us?”.

Steven Craig, founding member and Africa head of Craig International Pty, remarks, “I am delighted to be part of this initiative to support collaboration between Scotland and Africa. With our business headquartered in Aberdeen, Scotland, our division in Cape Town supports clients in the oil and gas industry throughout Africa. This network will enable us to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead in the vibrant, emerging markets across Africa and strengthen ties and promote trade links between the two”.At the launch event held on the 6th of November in Cape Town, the Africa Scotland Business Network recreated a little piece of Scotland in Africa, welcoming over 150 business leaders, government and diplomats from ten different countries. The next step is to host the first member event in Africa and, excitingly, to take a little piece of Africa to Scotland in early 2020 to promote the incredible opportunities that lie in Africa for Scottish investors.

For more information visit https://africascotland.network/ or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Global Trade Show supports entrepreneurs and business development Business opportunities, networks and knowledge for entrepreneurs and owners of small- and medium-sized businesses are a key focus of the 2019 Global Trade Show of Networking and Match-Making South Africa (GTS 2019).

Now in its third year, GTS 2019 takes place from 29 to 31July 2019 at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, Johannesburg. “As a business and trade exhibition that showcases thousands of products across various import and export opportunities, GTS 2019 connects people seeking to establish a business, grow a business or diversify a business, with the right people,” explains Anina Hough, a director at GTS Africa (Pty) Ltd, organisers of the show.

Entrepreneur Focus “Access to markets and strong networks are two of the main obstacles currently facing entrepreneurs and small- to medium-sized businesses,” says Hough. “The Global Trade Show of Networking and Match-Making South Africa offers a unique platform for entrepreneurs to explore local and international markets, as well as to develop vital business linkages across the globe.

Embassies, trade missions, government, parastatals, associations and companies all support GTS, giving entrepreneurs and other business owners much-needed access to many markets – provincial, local, continental, regional and international.”

“With more than six million people in South Africa currently unemployed and youth unemployment currently at 3.3 million, we aim to play a significant and constructive role in addressing this,” continues Hough. A series of “Entrepreneurs in Action” workshops are being planned alongside the exhibition. In addition to these, a number of events, workshops and sessions will take place, addressing topics such as export opportunities, the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Industry 4.0, e-commerce, digital marketing and financing – all topics that those in business need to know about to boost their success.

“This is also an excellent learning opportunity for new graduates who have specialised in other areas,” adds Hough. Global Trade Week 2019 in South Africa To recognise and celebrate the importance of international trade, one of the themes of GTS 2019 is “Global Trade Week 2019 in South Africa”.

This will highlight international trade, as well as intra-African trade, in addition to trade between Africa, South Africa and the rest of the world. In line with this theme, an exciting addition to this year’s show is the “Global Trade Best Practices – Learning from the World’s Top 10 Exporting Countries in the World” seminar, which will bring together international industry experts and leaders.

“We aim to maximise trade opportunities – locally, continentally and globally – so that our economy can grow and more jobs can be created,” explains Hough. “This seminar aims to equip delegates with essential knowledge and networks to grow our export economy, by sharing practical case studies and relevant tools”.

A focused, one-on-one matchmaking programme will also be hosted throughout the event. GTS incorporates 4 co-located shows: Tools and Build South Africa 2019 (TBS 2019), Smart Electronics and Security 2019 (SES 2019), Household and Appliances South Africa 2019 (HAS 2019), and Food and Beverage South Africa 2019 (FBS 2019). Access to Markets “The show is fast becoming known as the gateway to business opportunities and growth,” continues Hough.

“Its diversity – in terms of industries, products and services exhibited and participating countries - means that our exhibitors access more opportunities in one place, at one time. In addition, the opportunities showcased at the event drive job opportunities and job creation.”

“The quality of visitor who attends the show is one of the factors that sets GTS apart,” continues Hough.

“As many as 95% of our exhibitors at GTS 2018 generated leads. And several deals were concluded at the show, positively changing the lives of business owners and businesses forever.”

For more information on the Global Trade Show 2019, please contact Anina Hough on +27 (0) 83 260 8131 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. http://www.gtsshow.com/

Johannesburg, Gauteng – 9 July 2018 - American Founder of Pursue Your Purpose LLC and Forbes Coach, Tamiko Cuellar, will be launching a 4-city "Own Your Brilliance! Tour throughout South Africa and Namibia for aspiring and emerging women entrepreneurs from 11-20 August 2018 in honor of National Women's Month. The first-of-its-kind tour will be a series of Master Class workshops taught by Cuellar and are based on her 3rd book release, "Own Your Brilliance! - A Woman's Guide to Hiring Herself." Aspiring and emerging women are strongly encouraged to attend this event.

The tour will commence in Johannesburg on August 11th, then to Windhoek, Namibia on August 14th, to East London on August 18th, and end in Cape Town on August 20th. "South Africa and Namibia have some of the most talented and capable professional women who are seeking to be empowered to start or run their own businesses successfully. As an International Business Strategist, I am coming to help them get to their next level," says Cuellar. Attendees will leave inspired and equipped to own their brilliance and with ways they can prosper by using their gifts, talents, skills, and abilities on their own terms as entrepreneurs.

Notable sponsors including the University of South Africa (UNISA) and the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) have joined forces with this powerful event. East London-based firm Epitomely PRM, has also partnered with the event to market it in Eastern Cape and has brought on Cape Town based NGO Womandla as the official Corporate Social Initiative client so that a portion of the ticket proceeds can benefit the Womandla Foundation for women in Africa. Mamoyo Media House in Johannesburg is an official media partner of the event.

Details of the Master Class and registration can be found on the registration page.   A special opportunity for discounted coaching with Cuellar will be made available to a select number of women who register early. Spaces are limited.  During the Master Class, Cuellar will share her personal journey that inspired her to write the "Own Your Brilliance!" book and teach practical lessons and strategies from the book to equip women to run successful businesses.  A free copy of the e-book will be provided to every woman who registers for the event. Tamiko Cuellar is the CEO and Founder of Pursue Your Purpose LLC, a global coaching firm based in the U.S. for aspiring and emerging women entrepreneurs internationally. She is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council, a regular contributor to Forbes.com and a former Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship. A proven leader in the global marketplace,

Tamiko has been invited to speak at corporations, conferences, churches, on several radio and TV programs, and more. Cuellar coaches high performing, purpose driven women globally with strategies to transition into entrepreneurship and to grow their businesses. For more information on Cuellar and her company, visit the company website.

Exinda Application Assurance and Visibility joins the Ozone stable to help organisations create agile, intelligent and manageable networks Johannesburg, South Africa, 01 February 2018: Ozone Information Technology Solutions has included Exinda Application Assurance and Visibility as one of its leading network optimisation solutions.

Designed to help network managers and administrators overcome complex network challenges, Exinda reduces network costs and resolves issues three times faster. “Exinda takes an integrated approach by combining interactive analytics and an intelligent recommendation engine with powerful tools such as action shaping, bandwidth monitoring and WAN optimisation,” explains Henk Olivier, Managing Director, Ozone Information Technology Solutions. “The solution comes in one suite of services that are easy to use and implement.

These tools are designed to support the enterprise network as it adapts its infrastructure to the demands of digital transformation and to lower WAN costs by up to 40%.” The solution includes interactive analytics dashboards that provide insight across all users, applications, devices and locations, and purpose-built reports that provide a snapshot of activity and issues. The recommendation engine is designed to predict problems before they occur by following patterns and changes in the network, and this is further supported by traffic shaping, real-time monitoring and accurate resource allocation. Exinda also has built-in WAN acceleration technology to ensure critical applications run smoothly and swiftly.

Oliver adds: “Most businesses have applications running in the cloud or on a WAN network, especially if it is based across different geographic locations. For the IT network engineer and professional, the challenge lies in improving the performance of these applications or improving the actual performance of the WAN and this is close to impossible without the right tools or systems.” Exinda Application Assurance and Visibility can provide businesses of any size, from the enterprise to the small to medium enterprise (SME) with the right tools to create an agile and intelligent network. From enforcing appropriate network usage to ensuring all systems are up to date, it is designed to support the business and its growing demands on the network.

--Ends--

About Ozone Information Technology Solutions
Ozone has been in existence since 2009 and has established itself as a distribution hub for premium IT Products.  Our superior partner support, training and in-depth knowledge and understanding of Information Technology Solutions in the African market, affords us the ability to provide world-class solutions for our clients.

Please visit us at www.ozone.co.za.
For more information please contact: EXINDA: Henk Olivier: Managing Director+27 86 0910 4155PRESS: Tamsin Oxford+27 074 239 3992

There was a lot of excitement at Hirsch’s Meadowdale branch recently with over 20 local business women and entrepreneurs within the community getting together for Hirsch’s first Ladies Networking Morning for 2018. 

Ready to inspire female entrepreneurs with her talk on “Courage” – Belinda Long, owner of Bee Concept Coaching was the speaker for the morning.

Belinda has over 17 years’ experience in the corporate world, in various departments from managing internal sales, procurement, to supply chain & national warehousing.  The passion has, to see each individual and organisation succeed led her to open her practice, Bee Concept Coaching, concentrating on organisations and their management teams move from the traditional management styles to a coaching approach.  Belinda also coaches 1 on 1 with individuals wanting to better their lives and find purpose whether it be in their personal capacity or in their careers. 

Belinda started her talk with explaining that courage is the ability to do something that frightens you.  To be a successful entrepreneur one needs to have the courage to step outside their comfort zone, take risks and overcome any fears that they might have. 10 Elements of Courage: Self Confidence Conviction Integrity Leadership Compassion Objectivity Strength in Adversity Change Masters Embrace the Unknown & Action 

Belinda ended her talk by giving the audience 5 daily habits to help them build courage; Positive Self Talk; Do one thing that scares you; Give up toxic people and surround yourself with like-minded individuals; Reflect back at the end of each day and ask for help when needed and help others where possible. 

After Belinda’s talk, each of the networkers was given the opportunity to present themselves and their business in a 30-second ‘elevator pitch’, followed by some lucky draws, networking, sharing of business cards and enjoying refreshments.

If you would like to join the Hirsch’s Networking Mornings, nominate yourself or someone for the Margaret Hirsch Woman in Business Achiever of the Year Competition, please contact Letitia Haywood on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hirsch’s Meadowdale recently ended its last Business Networking Morning for the year on a High, with 38 dynamic entrepreneurs gathering at Hirsch’s Meadowdale to Network with like-minded individuals and listen to Master Facilitator, Trainer, Speaker, Success Strategist, Author, Radio Host and Entrepreneur – Leon Fourie’s talk on Facebook Marketing and Advertising.

With oven 2 Billion people across the world visiting Facebook on a daily basis, businesses cannot afford to not use Facebook as an advertising medium. Leon educated the listeners on the types of Facebook pages available, how to start a business page for an organisation and how to advertise on Facebook.

Three Objectives of Facebook Business Advertising:

1. Redirect: Provide value to your customers – give something away for free. The return on investment is far greater.
2. Conversion: This allows for Pixels to be created. Pixels in the interim allows for a more targeted audience.
3. Copywriting: It is important for a business when advertising to tell the audience what their problem is and how they can solve it.

At the end of Leon’s talk, he offered each of the attendees a free 90minute training program on Facebook Business Marketing and Advertising.

After Leon’s talk each of the networkers was given the opportunity to present themselves and their business in a 30-second ‘elevator pitch ’, followed by some lucky draws, networking, sharing of business cards and enjoying some refreshments.If you would like to take advantage of this amazing networking opportunity, contact Letitia Haywood on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.hirschs.co.za

Entrepreneurs within the community recently gathered at Hirsch Meadowdale’s Business Networking Morning to listen to Sharon Sinclair’s talk on “Dealing with unconscious risk within your Business.” 

With over 22 years of experience within Corporate, Executive levels – HR, Recruitment & Contract Staffing, Labour Law, Financial Management, it gave Sharon the opportunity to explore & understand how people operate on an emotional, mental & physical level.  Sharon’s purpose & desire is to assist people to overcome any non-serving belief they may have about themselves & to assist them to create & live the life they were born to live.

What are the risks your business faces?  Lack of staff buy in? Lack of honesty, loyalty & integrity? Conflict? Profit? No growth? Economy? Dying brand? Your unconscious mind?

Business Alignment is a strategic transformational process, igniting passion & focus, aligning business owner & business, accessing hidden potential to enable greater long term results.

Sharon said: “As humans have a heart, so does a business and a business with a heartbeat any less than a 100% means that it’s not reaching its full productivity. Through Business Alignment you as an owner can recreate not only your heartbeat but the heartbeat of your business as well.  It is important to focus daily.  Create new positive thoughts for yourself, change the circle of your influence, prepare a vision board and set up goals for yourself and your business.” 

After Sharon’s talk each of the networkers were given the opportunity to present themselves and their business in a 30-second ‘elevator pitch ’, followed by some lucky draws, networking, sharing of business cards and enjoying some refreshments.

If you would like to know more about business alignment or join Hirsch’s Networking Mornings contact Letitia Haywood on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Net-workingwomen.com is proud to announce that our newly refurbished website, www.net-workingwomen.com has been launched, and taking off.

Net-workingwomen is an A-Z online directory for working women, to advertise their businesses, products, services, skills and resources. NWW was started in 2005, and has built up an extensive and expanding, database of women in business.

Without doubt, the internet is the most effective global networking tool of our time, and increasingly, of the future. In the 21st century, more than ever before, women are making financial decisions, creating employment, offering quality services, sharing skills and resources, supporting families, and building the international economy.

From grassroots informal business sectors, to the top movers and shakers worldwide, women are becoming major financial contributors in society. Keeping this in mind, www.net-workingwomen.com aims to connect working women globally, and to provide a link to a more Inclusive, Communicative, and Supportive womens’ network.

With a strong social content, NWW would also like to encourage women to become involved in, and contribute to the welfare of our society. – Build, Lead, Empower!

Hirsch’s Meadowdale recently hosted a successful Business Networking Morning with dynamic entrepreneurs within the community eager to network and to listen to Neville Solomon’s talk about; The Fly in the Ointment. 

Neville has more than 15 years working experience in the HR and Finance departments of Corporate, Small Enterprises and NGO’s. In his early working experience he helped small business owners develop their HR and payroll systems and assisted these owners to successfully focus on building their businesses.After 15 years in HR, Neville decided to start his own Training company called The Training Partners which specializes in online training and development, to assist SMME’s with building interpersonal relations so that they are better equipped to do business. He is passionate about personal development and is currently studying with The University of Cape Town for his diploma in Training and Development. 

Neville’s topic related to building better relationships with  customers based on the dimensions of their personality styles. Neville taught the guests how to improve their sales techniques based on the respective personality styles in order to unlock their wealth potential. 

After Neville’s talk each of the networkers were given the opportunity to present themselves and their business in a 30-second ‘elevator pitch ’, followed by some lucky draws, networking, sharing of business cards and enjoying some refreshments.

If you would like to join Hirsch’s Networking Mornings contact Letitia Haywood on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.hirschs.co.za 

Hirsch’s Meadowdale recently hosted a  Dynamic Women in Business Networking event with local business women eager to network and to listen to Mallory Lamberts talk on: "So how is that working for you?" 

Entrepreneur Extraordinaire- Mallory has been active in community work with residents’ associations, community and policing forum for many years and she currently serves on the Board of AIM, an organisation dedicated to getting people with disabilities back into mainstream employment. She also owns a specialist service and consulting company in the music industry and is involved in various other entrepreneurial ventures. 

Commented Hirsch’s Letitia Haywood “Mallory’s topic touched on planning and those inevitable outcomes women confront in business versus family.  How does one cope when one's business deadlines cross over into one's personal life or vice versa? Despite our best endeavours we find that neither is exclusive of the other. However, it is important to achieve and maintain balance in in your life.  Decide what you want out of life and what you wish to achieve in your career, then implement a strategy in order to achieve these goals.”

After Mallory’s talk, everyone showcased their business with a 30-second pitch and this was followed by some lucky draws, networking, sharing of business cards and enjoying some refreshments.

If you would like to join Hirsch’s Networking Mornings contact Letitia Haywood on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.