North Coast businesses bring back top Standard Bank business awards

Two local businesses received top accolades at the 2021 Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards last Thursday.

The Seventeen87 Wine Cellar at Sugar Rush Park won the small business start-up category which was judged on how they coped with challenges, particularly given the circumstances of 2020.

Ballito’s very own Hirsch’s received Standard Bank’s Family Business Award.

The Seventeen87 Wine Cellar was launched in October last year by Enterprise iLembe.

Acting CEO at Enterprise iLembe Economic Development Agency, Cheryl Peters said the idea of the wine cellar and tasting room was born from the initial vineyards and winery project which was conceptualized by Enterprise iLembe with funding assistance from the KZN department of cooperative governance and traditional affairs.

She said in light of the many businesses impacted by Covid-19, the award received by Enterprise iLembe was all the more significant as it represented start-up businesses that have turned an idea into a successful business despite the challenges of the pandemic.

Peters said she was still overwhelmed by the accomplishment and was incredibly proud of the team at Enterprise iLembe led by project officer Daniel Maerkl who put all their energy and effort into making this creative idea a success story.

“This award makes us proud that we were able to complete and launch this project during the pandemic. We are grateful for all the support received to date and we look forward to hosting more locals and tourists at the Seventeen87 Wine Cellar to give them the best of what we have to offer,” said Peters.

The Family Business Award category was open to businesses where the majority ownership remains within the family structure, as well as where more than one generation contributed to the success of the business.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have won this award and would like to thank Standard Bank and the KZN Top Business team.”

“There is nothing better than leaving a legacy, and that is what family-run businesses are all about,” said Hirsch’s executive director, Margaret Hirsch.