‘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.”