Freight staff specialists celebrate three decades

ALAN PEAT WITH A speciality in the freight industry, the major recruitment agency, Lee Botti and Associates (LBA), has celebrated its 30th birthday with an eye firmly set on further development of its supply chain division. “Our growth over the past three years has been phenomenal,” said Botti, “as we have made great inroads into the supply chain markets. “What we will be focusing on during the next two years is further development of this function as well as encouraging young people to develop a career in the shipping and logistics industry.” In the immediate future, a point to note is that LBA’s salary survey for the clearing and forwarding industry is due to start production in June, with results expected in September/October. Founded in 1984, the survey has been produced in partnership with PE Consulting Group for the past five years – compiled by specialists in remuneration practices – and become a valuable tool in gauging market trends. “One of these trends,” said Kim Botti, LBA director and regional manager for Gauteng, “is that – with the definite skills shortage – we are finding that clients are now looking beyond the realms of specific experience, and are more focused on developing potential.” With four offices nationally, she felt that LBA was “uniquely placed” to understand a company’s business in all the major centres. “Our screening processes are extremely thorough and we offer the full range of credit, criminal and qualification checks on candidates as well as personality and human job analysis profiles through Thomas International.” Lee believes that hard work and integrity have been the cornerstones of the business. “We do not support head hunting as it would destroy trust. We have built our company on repeat business and wordof- mouth referrals within a specialised industry and aim to continue to grow based on these values.”