Press Release from the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)
30 March 2011
Small businesses set to flourish as CTICC expansion kicks off
The expansion of the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) is set to be a key driver of growth in the local economy with small businesses expected to reap the most rewards.
Speaking today at a joint press conference, which was hosted by the CTICC, the City of Cape Town and the Provincial Government of the Western Cape, Chief Executive Officer, Rashid Toefy says that the proposed expansion will play a significant role in developing Small Micro Medium Enterprises (SMMEs). “Since inception enabling the development and growth of BEE businesses has always been a core strategic imperative of the centre. CTICC has enabled many businesses to develop along with it, significantly stimulating small-business growth in the region” says Toefy.
Eight years down the line, this has made a huge difference to several small operators, who have grown into solid, profitable businesses as a consequence of their association with the centre. One such business is NS Delicacies who started out as a six man home industry and has now grown into a thriving commercial business. According to owners Nawaz and Shakira Bandekar, their association with the CTICC was the turning point in their lives. “We started out with only four assistants, producing an array of both sweet and savoury delicacies from our house. Through supplying the CTICC, demand for our produce began to grow and we were forced to expand our operations to bigger premises” says Bandekar. They now operate a factory based in Epping which employs over 20 additional staff. “What is unique about the CTICC is that they are willing to share their knowledge and empower us to produce products that meet a consistently high standard. They have helped me to improve my product and enhance my service offerings” concluded Bandekar.
According to Toefy the bulk of its supplies and products are sourced from companies based in and around Cape Town. CTICC obtains goods and services from over 566 suppliers, the majority of which are based in the Western Cape, thereby further spreading economic growth. During the 2009/2010 financial year the centre awarded 13 new tenders in excess of R 20 million for essential product and services, the largest of these being the upgrade of public toilets, appointment of an on-site labour broker and installation of block-out blinds. BEE procurement accounted for 55% of the centre’s total annual procurement spend of R 47 million.
Toefy concluded by saying that CTICC remains committed to its triple bottom line objectives, and therefore measures the effectiveness of the business through the economic, environmental and social impact it makes on society. The expansion is set to further stimulate sustainable SMME growth in the province. Ends Issued by Cape Town International Convention CentreFor more information contact Zeenat Parker on Tel 021 410 5010 or 071 888 2623
