The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) has urged companies to submit entries for the Third Annual South African Premier Business Awards as the closing date of 6 March 2015 looms. The Awards, which bring together all single-sectored awards that include exporters, manufacturers and women in business, amongst others are organised by the dti in partnership with Proudly South African and Brand South Africa.

The Awards will be presented at a ceremony to be held on 9 April 2015. They recognise business excellence, honouring enterprises that promote the spirit of success and innovation. South African enterprises that meet the various criteria per category and have achieved success in their various fields are eligible and encouraged to enter. Judging will be based on crucial values and practices, including job creation, good business ethics and a dedication to quality.

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies says celebrating the successes of established businesses no matter their size is an incredibly motivating exercise for aspiring business owners and enterprises.

“Showcasing the efforts of those that are succeeding can serve as a guideline for others in the management of their organisations. We were greatly impressed by the overwhelming response our call for entries received last year. We are anticipating that this, the Third Annual SA Premier Business Awards, will prove to be an even bigger occasion in celebrating the success those South African businesses has achieved both locally and internationally,” says Minister Davies.

He adds that through the celebration of innovation and business excellence, South Africa’s enterprises gain competitive edge, allowing them to trade globally and thereby improving the country’s economic development.

Entries are open to all sectors. These include SMMEs, organisations that drive innovation, youth-led enterprises, and manufacturers following best operating practices, exporters of South African products, woman-owned businesses and investors in job creation. Some of the categories are Lifetime Achievement, Manufacturers, Exporters, Enterprise Development Support, Women-Owned Businesses, Young Entrepreneur, Investor of the Year, Proudly South African Enterprise, Play Your Part and SMME.

For more information about the Awards, to view the competition rules or to download an entry form, please visit www.sapremierbusinessawards.co.za or contact the dti Call Centre on 0861 843 384. Entries close at 16h00 on the 6th of March 2015.

 

Issued by Department of Trade and Industry