Three-day expo for niche markets held at local convention centre
Among the issues discussed at the event were stakeholder engagement, SMMEs' access to financing, and how technology can drive business recovery.
The longest-running and first market multi-sectoral trade show, the South African International Trade Expo (Saitex) officially opened its doors for a three-day annual expo at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand.
After a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Trade Expo returned on June 19 to 21 with a workshop themed ‘redefining natural beauty trends and how much they impact your business.’
Sjarn Swart, a representative of Pulse Communication, said Saitex facilitates tangible international and local trade relationships, whilst providing a platform for the private sector to demonstrate the innovations, solutions, and services they have to offer Africa.
“The exhibition features retail products such as electronics and home appliances, homeware, cosmetics and household products, and building materials and tools,” said Swart.
These small businesses range from manufacturing furniture, health and beauty products, hair products, computer equipment, arts and crafts, and textile products.
The key themes discussed at the event were stakeholder engagement, SMMEs’ access to finance, how technology can drive recovery, women in trade, capacity building and country insight from SMMEs.
During the workshops, small businesses could interact with industry experts regarding the growth and development of their businesses.
The panel of speakers included director of Amka Hair Care Products Connie Mashaba, founder of Jabu Stone hair products Jabu Stone, and chief operating officer of Get2Natural Nosihle Dlamini.
These influential individuals have one thing in common – contributing to the growth of the South African economy and understanding their niche market which has made them sustainable and relevant in the hair products industry.
Small businesses were informed about the best use of authentic brands and how they should identify the best products suitable for their customers. Mashaba, who is also a hair manufacturer, urged salon owners to always put their customers first and be transparent about the kind of hair products they are using – and not just focus on making a profit for their business.
She added that it is vital to be transparent in this business, “Once your product hits the shelves it should be able to compete with other products,” said Mashaba.
Panel members urged emerging hair manufacturers to establish relationships with big manufacturers to be able to address the challenges that they may encounter in the industry.
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