‘Green’ projects create business opportunities

P&J Botha Transport has recorded positive growth over the past six months, with the outlook continuing on a positive curve. This as new opportunities are created through solar and wind farm development and several ‘Going Green’ projects take off, says managing director Alwyn Botha. “We also believe the recent increase in energysaving and environmentally friendly projects will relieve some of the electricity pressures businesses are facing and help bring down operational costs,” he added. Escalating input costs are a major challenge says Botha, with the new tyre tax, e-tolling and the heavy fuel prices eating into transport companies’ margins. “More than ever, it’s become a game of survival and we are focusing on maximising our current assets rather than expanding our fleet.” The company has been using transport sub-contractors to deal with additional workload and will continue to do so when the need arises, Botha added. Restructuring initiatives are taking place across the sector and have become a common occurrence due to the volatile economic climate, he said. “The whole industry is feeling the pinch and we are fortunate to be surviving. Mainly, this tough climate has forced us to continuously improve on our strategy and service delivery,” said Botha. CAPTION Escalating input costs a major challenge.