‘Becoming the link between importer and exporter’

In Africa there is always
something new on the horizon
– and the opportunities are
endless.
This is according to Hazel
Briggs, managing director of
cross border freight brokers
HB Services, who believes that
listening to people talking is
one way of identifying these
opportunities.
“It is so important to become
the link between the importer
and the exporter – offering
clients advice and being able to
add value is what makes all the
difference.”
Briggs says it is important
though that Africa deals with
her challenges. “It is unlike
anywhere else in the world and
often principals from countries
in Europe don’t understand the
continent and the way it operates.
Even staffing issues vary here
and more compassion is required
when dealing with both one’s
own and other companies’
personnel.”
It is frustrating, says Briggs,
but it is the African way.
“Much like border clearing
delays by certain agents. These
delays take place despite
documents being forwarded
prior to dispatch of the truck.
Borders remain a concern and
when this issue is addressed the
movement of cargo will improve
considerably.”
With no immediate expansion
plans on the cards, Briggs says
the recession has led HB Services
to focus on client satisfaction for
the next few months.
“We are concentrating on
giving our best to the clients
that we are servicing and will
only consider new markets in
the knowledge that our present
infrastructure is capable of coping
with any new challenges.”