Service providers to companies are often the unsung heroes of the economy.
While it is true that many of these companies would probably not exist had it not been for their customers and clients in the manufacturing, agricultural and processing sectors in the Eastern Cape, they are integral to the supply chain and smooth operations of the big names in the export business.
At Exporters Eastern Cape our membership base includes not only the OEMs and other exporters keeping the local ports busy throughout the year, but also the organisations involved in indirect exports and those with a business interest in exporting.
Through networking and business opportunities our members can collaborate on various projects with the objective of growing the Eastern Cape economy and exports from the region.
Whether it is forwarding and clearing agents, shipping lines and agents, couriers, insurance agents, underwriters, or financial services providers, there is a plethora of service providers to the export industry.
In addition, there are Tier 1, 2 and 3 suppliers to manufacturers without whom production would not be possible – not to mention the fine planning and management of just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing.
Because we value this crucial role between exporters and service providers to exporters, one of the categories of the upcoming Exporters Eastern Cape Exporter of the Year Awards is “Best provider of services to exporters”.
While they may not always realise their impact on the export industry, these suppliers and service providers inspire other Exporters Eastern Cape members with their resilience, adaptability, innovation, and expert knowledge in their fields.
They are of significant value to their export customers, and – especially considering the past few volatile years in business – are indeed partners in growing and sustaining the economy through mutually beneficial business relationships.
Last year, the Best Provider of Services to Exporters in the 2023 Exporter of the Year Awards was BLG Logistics of South Africa. Their major business activities include automotive CKD export service, being customs clearing and forwarding, vehicle yard management, warehouse export facility, vessel services, being berthing, stevedoring, vehicle exports clearing and inspection, and scrap rebates.
The 2022 Winner of Best Provider of Services to Exporters was DG Incentives. They provide specialist advisory, funding and administration services to South African businesses who participate in industry-specific government incentive programmes.
And the 2021 Exporter of the Year winner in the category Best Provider of Services to Exporters was Toyota Industrial Equipment. They provide distribution, rental and value-added services for industrial and materials handling equipment. That winning year, the major growth in their company was associated with the agricultural and automotive industries.
From these Service Provider winners of the Exporter of the Year awards, it is clear that the types of services and support to the export industry are diverse and vast. One thing, however, that remains the same is the applause we will give them when they are honoured at the upcoming Exporter of the Year Awards.
Quintin Levey, Exporters Eastern Cape Chairman
The Herald – Let’s Talk Exports – Published September 2024