A delegation of around 30 South African entrepreneurs, small business owners, and tech start-up founders are currently in the United Kingdom as part of the UK-SA B2B Investment Week.
These business people are being accompanied by key players from South Africa’s private and public sectors and include Steven Wanner from Absa and Sipho Shoba from W&RSeta.
The South African SMME and Tech Startup Business Showcase in London is hoping to help pave the way for South Africans to have opportunities in global markets.
The event is hosted in conjunction with the state visit of Deputy President Paul Mashatile and is led by the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD).
This opportunity allows entrepreneurs the chance to engage directly with international investors and partners and provides a unique platform for SA entrepreneurs to scale their businesses, and drive sustainable economic development.
It is envisaged that the showcase will provide critical exposure to these small businesses and help position them for growth and global market entry.
South African entrepreneurs are not only building relationships during the week long event but also gaining insights that will shape their long-term strategies and pave the way for future market access.
Kennedy Bungane, Group CEO of African Bank, said that the event was vital for entrepreneurs but it is also important for the bank to get involved and engage with the UK business community.
“Engaging with the UK investor community allows African Bank to participate in pivotal conversations on the future of banking and financial services in Africa. We are proud to offer this platform to our SMME clients for international growth,” Bungane said.
John Reynolds, UK Secretary of State said that the foreign nation is committed to continuing its relationship with SA businesses.
“The UK remains one of South Africa’s largest international investors, and we’re proud to offer further opportunities for small businesses to expand globally through enhanced trade relations,” he noted.
Sipho Shoba, the Chief Operations Officer at W&RSeta took the time to speak to IOL Business while in the UK.
When asked how important this event was for small business owners and entrepreneurs, Shoba said that participation in the Business Showcase here will provide entrepreneurs with an invaluable opportunity to scale their businesses, enhance their competitive edge, and expand internationally.
“W&RSeta believes that the showcase will benefit businesses especially in the Wholesale and Retail Sector with global market exposure, networking opportunities, access to new markets and funding opportunities,” he said.
“The showcase can have a profound impact on an organisation’s strategy for driving small business growth. The event allows for the identification of best practices in entrepreneurship, innovation, and business operations,” he concluded.
IOL BUSINESS