The 17th edition of the annual Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards is the premier event in the KwaZulu-Natal business calendar. The awards are even more important now as they celebrate the innovation and resilience shown despite the challenging conditions faced by businesses in the region over the past few years.
The awards acknowledge businesses and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional performance in their respective industries in KZN. This year, the awards have been expanded to include new categories aimed at encouraging greater participation. All businesses will participate in the three-month lead-up to the main event, which is scheduled for July 20, 2023, and will be livestreamed.
Hameed Noormahomed, Head of Business Banking, Client Coverage KZN at Standard Bank, emphasized the importance of continually promoting growth and recognising businesses that are contributing to the KZN economy. “Standard Bank is committed to turning possibilities into opportunities for businesses that are driving Africa’s dynamic economy. These awards celebrate the exceptional achievements of businesses in KwaZulu-Natal and their contributions to the economic prosperity of the region. This aligns with our commitment to meeting the needs of African businesses, economies, and communities, and delivering positive social, economic, and environmental impacts for our partners across the continent.”
The previous awards categories have been broadened to ensure that more businesses are motivated to enter. The 2023 categories honour businesses excelling in the following areas:
Standard Bank Client of the year – SME Category Less than R100M turn over per annum, entrants must bank with Standard Bank
Standard Bank Client of the year – Larger Enterprise More than R100M turn over per annum, entrants must bank with Standard Bank
Manufacturing Sector Broadly defined as the physical or chemical transformation of materials or compounds into new products.
Transport/Logistics Sector Refers to activities concerned with land transport, railway transport, water transport, and transport via pipelines, air transport, and activities of travel agencies, post and telecommunications, courier activities, as well as storage and warehousing activities.
Franchising Sector A business that is owned by one or more people who provide products or services under the branding and rules stipulated by a parent company.
Family-Owned/Managed Businesses Open to businesses where the majority ownership/management remains within a family (or multi-family) structure, and where more than one generation contributes to the success of the business.
Agricultural and Agro-Processing Sector Incorporates establishments and activities that are primarily engaged in farming activities, but also includes establishments focusing on commercial hunting and game propagation and forestry, logging and fishing. The beneficiation of primary materials and intermediate goods from agricultural, fisheries and forestry-based sectors is included.
Community Upliftment and Improvement This award is open to businesses or social enterprises that have made a significant positive impact on the community and region they operate in. This could include: charitable efforts or developing your local community.
Renewable Efficiency – Green initiatives This category includes renewable energy, low-carbon transport, energy-efficient buildings, clean technologies, improved waste management, improved freshwater provision, etc.
Employee Wellness This award is for businesses that go the extra mile to engage their staff members and the difference this makes to the business. This may be through in-house training, flexible working hours, personal development, workplace wellbeing activity and teambuilding.
KZN Top Brand The top homegrown brand in KwaZulu-Natal is awarded based only on the results of a public poll.
Business Leader of the Year The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Leader’s award is an honorary award given to a businessperson who has demonstrated exemplary business achievement, industry influence and is a true inspiration to others.
Why Enter?
Winning a Standard Bank KZN Top Business Award is a prestigious achievement that acknowledges a business’s success and contribution to the KZN economy. The nomination and entry process provides a platform to promote and showcase your business across a range of media platforms.
Grant Adlam CEO of KZN Top Business commented, “Annually, the quality of the nominations and entries received is proof of the strength of businesses across the province. Entering the awards provides an ideal opportunity to promote and market your business achievements. However, the most important part of achieving recognition involves sending in your nomination or entry. If you don’t apply, you can’t win.”
Kuben Chetty, Head of Commercial Banking, Client Coverage KZN at Standard Bank said, “The Standard Bank Top Business Awards are an outstanding means of raising the profile of your business, gaining recognition for your achievements and growing your network across a diverse range of economic sectors and award categories. Entering the Awards will ensure that your amazing success stories are recognised and celebrated.”
This much anticipated event promises to be a wonderful night of celebration, where the achievements of all the finalists and winners will be recognised. To nominate a company or enter visit www.kzntopbusiness.com for the full entry requirements. You must be able to show that your company contributes to the KZN economy and has a proactive business model that adheres to the principles of King IV.
For more information:
Contact Gayle Adlam
T: +27 (0)83 653 0465 or
+27 (0)31 267 1977