Helping customers to manage rang risks

Importers using the Eastern Cape gateways need to pay attention to managing the financial risks caused by the volatility of the rand, says Craig Jacobs-Grage, Eastern Cape regional manager of Sasfin Premier Logistics. “We are seeing the rate of exchange putting pressure on our customers,” he says. Many companies are asking themselves if they cannot delay the importation of goods or spares – or look for local replacements. Jacobs-Grage says Sasfin Premier Logistics is able to support its importing clients by understanding their requirements and providing them with a tailormade solution in order for them to remain competitive in their respective industries. “Being owned by a bank and managing our risks effectively gives us the confidence to grow our business in these tough economic times. “Our ‘Start to Finish’ trade solution comprises capital finance for the purchase of foreign goods, forex, insurance, forwarding and customs clearing, warehouse and distribution, customs audits, rebate administration, duty recoveries, export Vat compliance and funding through the dti growth incentives. In an environment where cash flow is becoming more critical, the company is able to offer its customers various payment terms to meet their cash flow demands. “What it really boils down to is how effectively we can meet our clients’ expectations to ensure that they meet the demands of their respective markets successfully,” he said. “Another important aspect of our business is communication in that we ensure that we keep our customers up to date at all times,” he says. “We have just opened a new state-of-the-art warehouse in Johannesburg which helps our Eastern Cape-based clients to consolidate or distribute from the Gauteng hub. Our warehouse software will give our clients the ability to control their stock at our new facility, from wherever they maybe in the world. Our skilled warehouse staff and high level of security eliminates loss through theft, pilferage and damage.” On the forwarding side the company eliminates unnecessary third parties by slotting into a tightly managed worldwide network controlled by multi-national partner Hecny Transportation, he says. The company owns 50% of Hecny South Africa. While a weak rand puts pressure on importers, it is proving to be good news for Eastern Cape exporters, says Jacobs-Grage. “We are seeing an increase in exports by a number of our customers,” he says. “Freight companies such as ourselves have an extremely important role to play in linking our exporters to the rest of the world. We understand that delivering our clients’ cargo on time and intact is just as important as the quality of the product itself.” INSERT & CAPTION The company is able to offer its customers various payment terms to meet their cash flow demands. – Craig Jacobs-Grage