The annual Small Business Awards were launched this week on Talk Radio 702 and Cape Talk in partnership with Softline Pastel, with the aim of rewarding small businesses that are doing great things.
The awards call for nominations based on great service and anyone can nominate a small business they have dealt with that has gone the extra mile to get the job done.
“Once again, we are looking forward to celebrating the valuable role that small businesses play in our country,” says Steven Cohen, managing director of Pastel Accounting. “A business owner doesn’t have to offer something unusual or different to be recognised by the awards but certainly has to deliver extraordinary service to outshine competitors and gain the attention of South Africa’s discerning consumers.”
Those businesses that show the most potential are shortlisted and will be interviewed on Talk Radio 702 and Cape Talk in Johannesburg and the mother city. The interviews start on 15 August 2011, and two business owners per city will be interviewed each day – in the morning and afternoon drive shows.
Feedback from previous years’ finalists indicates that this interview alone does wonders for boosting business.
“As soon as we gave out our number on air the phone went mad immediately,” said Genevieve Duffield, whose company, Picture Perfect Cakes, was a finalist last year. “A number of those calls turned into long term clients and repeated business. I have also added the award’s logo to my e-mail signature and I find that new clients are reassured by this.”
The Awards have grown significantly in the last three years, drawing thousands of nominations from sectors ranging from construction to the catering industry.
“This will be the fourth annual Small Business Awards and the response gets bigger and better each year,” said Pheladi Gwangwa, Talk Radio 702 station manager.
“There is a wealth of entrepreneurial talent in South Africa and we know that the small business sector is critical to growing the economy. Awards like these are intended to motivate small businesses by acknowledging the great work they are doing,” she added.
Listeners will be able to nominate businesses throughout the interview process, until 2nd September. Following this, a panel of judges will select the top three finalists and one winner, to be announced at a ceremony on 6th September.
The overall winner will receive a laptop complete with Softline Pastel Accounting, Payroll, HR and Legal software as well as a free Pastel training course or seminar of their choice. The winner will also benefit from an airtime contract to the value of R100 000 on Talk Radio 702.
The two runners up will receive a Pastel Small Business Starter Pack comprising Accounting, Payroll, HR and Legal software, as well as a free Pastel training course or seminar of their choice and a R50 000 airtime contract each from Talk Radio 702.
For details or to nominate a small business, visit www.pastel.co.za.
Great to see that entrepreneurs are finally being recognised.
I nominate the business ‘Computa A Print’ and John T Whiting, the owner, in Bellville South. Telephone 021 951 4389 or 082 200 6841. This business is run with such professionalism, delivers on time, goes the extra mile and the service delivery is superb. If John gives you a time that your printing job can be collected, it is always complete on time. Though it is a small business set in the middle of the residential area, he provides key services needed in the area so that the community does not have to travel to Bellville for these services: Internet and email facilities, a variety of printing needs with prices which are not inflated, a pleasant atmosphere though his clients vary from university students, housewives, unemployed people coming for John to do their CV’s, others coming for a variety of computer courses offered at Computa A Print. People who are not able to afford to attend colleges, could afford basic courses here. John is also very professional, Neighbour to the local Spar, one is able to do your shopping quickly and collect your printing or faxes enroute to your car. John has provided impeccable service to many organisations, individuals, schools and churches in Bellville South over the years. When doing business with him, his financial management inspires confidence. I have appreciated the fact that John also knows his clients and the small town kind of personal service is a wonderful gift to the community with modern equipment, star quality and always a sense of money well spent. John’s clients also are able to email work, give him a call, and collect punctually as per arrangement. He certainly can teach many a business about brilliant service delivery and keeping your clients satisfied at all times. I have also heard him guide young people and learners who are doing projects and has a lovely touch with all ages. Clear price-listing, and inspirational notices eg. the POINTS ON HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE : Personality… Community…. Life…. are just personal touches which indicate that John goes the extra mile to provide top business quality to his clients. Thank you John. I nominate this business: email: john@computaprint.co.za . From Dorothea Hendricks: Telephone 082 542 1990
Hi Dorothea
For details on how to nominate a small business for these awards, visit http://www.pastel.co.za.
Thank you
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