[Interview] Quinton van der Burgh, Chairman, Innovatec Africa, South Africa
Quinton van der Burgh is Chairman, Innovatec Africa, South Africa. His interview with Africa Business Communities:
Would you please introduce Innovatec?
Innovatec Africa is a training and technology solutions company delivering next generation methodologies to assist companies in fulfilling their training and technology needs optimally, and cost effectively.
In which industries does Innovatec operate?
We operate in the ICT industry, specifically offering corporate telecoms solutions, technology training and mobile contracts and repairs.
What are the USP’s of your business?
We offer customized connectivity, telephony and audio visual solutions adaptable to any enterprise size which facilitates streamlined business processes for enhanced productivity and efficiency. Our training courses are also customized to meet customer specific needs.
The mobile repair division, servicing the general public, includes a call-out service to either home or office to perform off-site repairs. We are currently the only company offering a loan device for repair services exceeding 45 minutes.
Who are your clients?
SME’s, Large Corporates, Government organizations and the general public
How does your Innovatec remain competitive in a fast-changing global marketplace?
We believe in adding value. We want our services to support our customers in operating at their peak capacity. With this end goal in mind, we stay abreast of new developments and advancement in both the technology hardware, software and training spheres and incorporate these advancements into our offering as soon as possible. We partner with various companies to enable this.
What can be done by entrepreneurs and government to stimulate the business environment in South Africa?
Continuous investment in skills training is one of the most critical elements in stimulating growth. The global environment develops at an eye-watering pace. Entrepreneurs need to keep abreast of advancements and simultaneously focus on upskilling staff to remain competitive and enhance profitability.
Entrepreneurship can be a lonely, scary game. I think it is important for entrepreneurs to network and share knowledge as this promotes new opportunities. We have made it a significant part of our business model to partner with like-minded individuals and organizations. This has resulted in expanded service offerings both ways which in turn expands the potential client base to facilitate growth.
Government has various initiatives in place to support entrepreneurship and skills development, but there remains significant room for improvement in implementation.
What can you say about the targets, plans and ambitions of Innovatec for 2015?
We have a very positive outlook for 2015. Exciting changes include a number of mergers and acquisitions (to be announced in due course) that will see Innovatec Africa becoming an even stronger contender in the African ICT market.
Do you believe Social Media and the Internet to be a plus to the business environment, as it applies to your industry?
Absolutely. Social media and online platforms are highly effective vehicles to inform and engage with target audiences and keep brands top in mind. They enable real time customer feedback and are important tools to stay abreast of trends and developments.
What expectations do you have for South Africa´s economy in 2015?
The economy has gone through a bit of a rough patch in the recent months, but I believe it will remain stable for the remainder of the year.
Which African countries will perform best in 2015?
Africa as a whole is an exciting prospect for IT and Telecommunications investors. Stronger GDP growth is driving the development of 21st century infrastructure. In fact, in its private-sector outlook from 2013-2017, the African Development Bank highlights the tech sector as one of the industries that will drive regional development. If I have to choose, I’d say that I am watching the tech/telecomms markets in Africa's economic powerhouses closely – countries like Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria stand out for me.
Africa Business Communities is conducting a series of interviews with CEO's in Africa. Are you a CEO in Africa and interested in an interview? Please send an e-mail to Andrea Ayemoba at andrea@africabusinesscommunities.com