IT WAS a close call for Gautengbased logistics company Hike Freight Services which narrowly missed walking away with the recent Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year Award for its region. Business Partners is the venture capital supplier responsible for arranging finance to fund Hike’s recent management buy-out. The award has been handed out annually since 1998. “We were judged against companies predominantly involved in the manufacturing industry, supplying to mines and infrastructure, and these sectors have shown tremendous growth in the last two years,” said Hike MD Hilton Tait. “Just being associated with these companies and being recognised by Business Partners was enough of a reward.” While financial growth is not the only judging criterion, Hike Freight has, since inception in March 2006, recorded a sixfold increase in turnover from a reasonable base,” says Tait. “At the same time margins have remained strong.” Bolstering the management team, the company has announced two senior appointments, both with more than 25 years of industry experience. Kobus Roos joins as operations director and John Watson has taken over as sales director.
