Ecco Chamber
Fortnightly Italian news made in South Africa
I edition July 2024
Solutions to our
Problems
16 July
UNLOCK SUSTAINABLE GROWTH WORKSHOP WITH PETER ROSSEEL
24 July
FORCES OF CHANGE REQUIRE NEW
BUSINESS GROWTH
WIT PAVLO PHITIDIS
08 Oct
GOLF DAY- JHB
Roundtable Report
Report on the South African-Italian Business Relations Roundtable
At a recent high-level roundtable held in Cape Town on June 27, 2024, three critical themes emerged regarding South African-Italian business relations: the South African-Italian business community's challenges (relating to skills and government support); the communication gap about South Africa's opportunities in Italy; and the solution of more robust coordination within Sistema Italia.
A handful of key stakeholders gathered in the first iteration of this event format to discuss the current state of bilateral trade and investment. The Chamber of Commerce used the opportunity to present findings from its Presenza Italiana database for the first time. This database, which is by far the most substantial existing collection of Italian-South African business information, reveals a robust commercial presence of Italian entities in South Africa which encompasses diverse sectors and operational models.
With over 900 unique companies categorized by business size, location, and type of Italian presence, it provides new and detailed insights into Italian-South African business. This resource presents the opportunity for strategic decision-making and targeted time- and monetary-investments.
The establishment of this comprehensive database was recognized as significant progress, providing a foundation for more focused conversations on business opportunities. The database's development was made possible by SMILE (The Small to Medium Italian League of Enterprises). SMILE, a crowd-sourcing initiative for collecting critical data on Italian companies, has, amongst other things, thus enabled more focused discussions on specific business opportunities. That being said, it was acknowledged that the data is by no means complete as databases change in real time with the opening and closing of businesses.
SMILE, as a free platform for professionals with Italian-South African business interests, is also a tool for networking and information dissemination. By allowing any Italian or South African with professional business interests between the two countries to sign up and gain benefits related to networking and events, SMILE has enabled new synergies that would not have existed without the initiative.
forces of change require
new approaches to business growth
with pavlo phitidis
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There is little doubt that the framework against which global business, and the multinationals that operate in it, have relied upon to win work and deliver profits is fracturing. The fundamental principles that established the framework are being corroded by geopolitics, climate change, technology, economic and social change.
The old way of doing things as well as the old guard need to change to remain relevant and in fact, lead the change to get ahead of competitors. Failing to do so places you either on the back-foot or a gradual death. Think of what Tesla has done to the automotive market and then further, how the Chinese EV industry is already usurping that in the West. Think of Temu as the front attack on Amazon that itself ate traditional retail.
Leaders find themselves caught between rocks and very hard places. Acting with uncertain or insufficient information opens the door to mistakes, cost and reputational harm. Yet, acting after certainty has been attained is likely to find you on the back-foot eroding any previously held advantages.
Adaptive leaders need two things to find the balance. A winning vision and a dynamic business model that places them in the front row of changing customer needs and wants will earn a front-row seat into the signals of change. The first responders are likely to be the most relevant to win the market. Lead or be led in response to competitors that lead.
Join business growth specialist, Pavlo Phitidis for a business breakfast where he will share a framework to get ahead of the market, based on 5 elements:
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Mindset
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Objective
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Strategy
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Tactics
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Execution
There will be time for Q&A with Pavlo, as well as time to connect with peers and colleagues.
Date: 24 July 2024
Time: 07:30 am for 08:00 am, to 10:30 am
Venue: The Capital, Melrose Arch
Price: Chamber Members R250 / Non members R450
RSVP: italcham@italcham.co.za
If your role requires you to lead a business, lead a team and/or work with SMEs, please join us.
You are invited to participate in the "Unlock Sustainable Growth" Workshop, promising an enriching exploration of strategy, culture, and leadership. This insightful event will be held at the prestigious Henley Business School, Rivonia, and will be hosted by MCR Consulting.
Date: Tuesday, 16 July
Time: 8:30 AM for registration & light breakfast
Workshop: 9:00–10:30 AM
(includes presentation and Q&A, followed by networking)
Venue: Henley Business School, 1 Witkoppen Rd, Rivonia
Prices: R150 (Chamber Members) | R300 (Non-members)
[excluding VAT]
This workshop will delve into digitalisation, innovation, and transformation, led by Peter Rosseel, Managing Director of MCR Consulting and visiting professor at the University of Leuven. Learn how to combine strategy, cultural transformation, and leadership to achieve sustainable growth and tangible results.
RSVP at italcham@italcham.co.za
golf day - jhb
𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 5𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬' 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐟 𝐃𝐚𝐲! 🏌️♂️⛳️
The Italian-South African Chamber of Chamber and Industries in collaboration with the Spain, Belgian, British, Irish, German, French, Nordic, and Portuguese Chambers of Commerce, invites you to an exclusive networking event on 8th October 2024 at the beautiful Randpark Golf Club in Johannesburg.
This is a unique opportunity to connect with key stakeholders, business leaders, and government representatives. Secure your spot and explore our tailored sponsorship packages for exceptional brand visibility.
The tournament will be played on two golf courses with a shotgun start. The competition will be a fourball alliance, with two scores to count.
FEE: R 5 800 PER FOURBALL (EXCLUDING VAT)
Includes: Green fee, golf accessories, snack on arrival, halfway house with drink, competition prizes, dinner with wine.
Excludes: Golf cart or caddy, all personal expenses and additional drinks.
Limited to six four-balls available per Chamber.
Click the below button to view Sponsorship packages.
RSVP by 8 August 2024 to secure your participation.
To RSVP and for more information, contact accounts@italcham.co.za
inout 2024
buyers programme
ItalCham, in collaboration with the Italian Exhibition Group, is delighted to extend an exclusive invitation for you to join us as a Hosted Buyer at INOUT 2024.
ItalCham, in collaboration with the Italian Exhibition Group, is delighted to extend an exclusive invitation to apply as Hosted Buyers at INOUT 2024.
This is an event dedicated to the entire contract community, both indoor and outdoor, and takes place from 9 to 11 October 2024 at the Fiera di Rimini Exhibition Centre.
One can browse last year’s list of exhibitors here. Under categories and subcategories, you will be able to select the sectors relevant to your company and judge whether the exhibitors have relevance.
For more information, please access the In Out Brochure attached to this mail.
Hosted Buyer Programme Benefits:
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Accommodation in a 4* Hotel with B&B treatment (3 nights).
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Daily Shuttle Service between the hotel and the fair.
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Partial reimbursement on flight tickets.
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Lunch at the Buyers Restaurant.
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Exclusive access to the Buyers Lounge (business desks, laptop, and coffee area).
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Networking Cocktail at the Fair on 10 October 2024.
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Welcome Kit upon hotel check-in.
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Exclusive access to the MyAgenda platform for scheduling business meetings with INOUT Exhibitors.
Interested in Joining Us?
If you are interested in attending INOUT 2024 and benefiting from the exceptional services offered in our Hosted Buyer programme. If you would like to attend the Buyer Programme with the above benefits, please click here to register:
https://buyers.iegexpo.it/iot24/en/step0?agente=4663164
Important Note: Hosted Buyer tickets are limited. If you wish to secure your spot, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
We look forward to welcoming you to INOUT 2024 and facilitating valuable business connections
ECOMONDO 2024
BUYERS PROGRAMME
Building on the success of our 2023 mission, the Italian South African Chamber of Trade and Industries is actively seeking applications to establish a new HOSTED-BUYERS DELEGATION for ECOMONDO 2024, the leading international event in Europe for the green and circular economy sectors, organized by IEG - Italian Exhibition Group.
When: 5-8 November 2024
Where: Rimini Expo Centre, Italy
The exhibition will encompass:
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The transformation of waste into valuable resources
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The restoration of soil, agro-forestry, and food ecosystems
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The generation of energy from biomass and the utilization of waste as a secondary raw material
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The complete integrated water cycle, environmental monitoring, and the safeguarding of marine and aquatic environments
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The observation of Earth and satellite monitoring systems.
As a participant in this exclusive Hosted Buyers Programme, 8 lucky South African applicants will enjoy fantastic benefits, including:
Pre-arranged meetings with top Ecomondo exhibitors
A 3-night hotel stay with breakfast
Partial flight reimbursement (up to €300)
Convenient airport transfers
Daily transfers to the expo venue
Free entrance ticket to Ecomondo
Complimentary lunch at the exhibition centre
Interested in joining the South African Hosted Buyers Delegation? COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM BY 15 August 2024.
Act fast – space is limited and may fill up quickly!
Terms and conditions apply. For more information,
visit https://www.italcham.co.za/ecomondo2024.
Need assistance? Contact us at italy@italcham.co.za.
zoomark 2025
Join us for the 21st edition of ZOOMARK,
the premier international trade show for pet food and pet care.
Organized by BolognaFiere, this B2B event stands as Europe's pinnacle gathering
for manufacturers and distributors within the pet industry.
When: 5 - 7 May 2025
Where: Bologna, Italy
As the pet industry continues its rapid expansion,
driven by a growing emphasis on animal welfare and sustainability,
Zoomark remains at the forefront of this movement,
showcasing cutting-edge products and forging crucial partnerships.
Who attends ZOOMARK 2025?
• Independent pet shop retailers
• Groomers
• Veterinarians
• Breeders
• Buyers from mass markets, e-commerce platforms, wholesalers, distributors, importers, exporters, and more!
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of Zoomark 2025,
where industry leaders converge to shape the future of pet care and pet food!
For more information, visit https://www.italcham.co.za/zoomark2025 .
Need assistance? Contact us at italy@italcham.co.za.
welcoming a new member
House of Gargoyle is a full turn-key interior design and architectural design company with a division Diva Grande that specialises in lighting and stonework. With a team of experienced designers and architects, the company provides comprehensive services to cater to the diverse needs of its clients.
The company's expertise extends beyond just design, as they also offer project management and implementation services. From conceptualisation to execution, House of Gargoyle ensures that each project is completed to the highest standards, seamlessly blending form and function.
Diva Grande, the specialised division within House of Gargoyle, is dedicated to delivering exceptional lighting and stonework solutions. The team's deep understanding of materials, textures, and lighting techniques allows them to create unique and visually stunning elements that enhance the overall aesthetic of any space.
Whether it's a commercial, residential, or institutional project, House of Gargoyle and Diva Grande are committed to delivering exceptional results that exceed their clients' expectations. The company's commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction has earned them a reputation as a trusted partner in the industry.
Contact Details:
Email: christo@houseofgargoyle.co.za/
Tel: 011 787 1999
Website: www.housegargoyle.co.za
Job Board
There is one new job vacancy on the SMILE Job Portal:
You will find where to apply on the above link.
View this and other job vacancies on the SMILE website via this link - CLICK HERE
If you are currently hiring, please take a look at SMILE vetted candidates HERE
Alla prossima!