PREVIEW: Gutsy investors buck the trend in Newcastle

While many local businesses are tightening budgets, retrenching staff and some even closing up shop, there are those bold investors who are still willing to show confidence in Newcastle’s economy, spending millions on their respective developments.

For Leon Wienand, dealer principal of NTT, it’s about thinking out the box in order to survive…and NTT Newcastle has not just survived but is thriving since, Mr Fred Whelpton, took ownership in 2013.

“Our sales are up by 80% since then,” Leon revealed, this success culminating in a number of awards, the most recent being the Dealership of the Year Award in 2017. Huge growth in sales merely further cemented Mr Whelpton’s decision to build a multi-million rand NTT centre on the corner of Vlam Crescent and Hardwick Street.

Investing in Newcastle is something the Kings Group has been doing since 1973 and the Kings Filling Station will be the fourth business soon to be included in the Group’s stable.

Earthmoving machinery rolled onto the old Kings Hotel site last week to demolish and break ground for the new R13 million petrol station development, on the corner of Hardwick and Harding Street.

Another multi-million rand development in its infant stages, is the revitalization and renovation of the old “Waterside Wimpy” site. Passing motorists have noticed the Engen Garage is now operational and has been since June this year. The Advertiser contacted the business partners in the joint venture for details on this exciting project.

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