'Industry in desperate need to highly skilled staff'

The rates war is putting huge pressure on sales people in the freight industry, according to Natalie Barrass and Jackie Roberts of Bertlie Recruitment. “There is a demand for clearing and forwarding agents who are able to offer the most affordable rates. The feedback we are getting from clients is that there is a huge challenge in reducing costs for customers – and although service is still high on the agenda, this is proving to be an ongoing struggle for business and clearing and forwarding companies alike.” According to Barrass, industry ‘ambivalent’ is in desperate need of highly skilled staff. “Clients are seeking the skills and expertise of strong sales executives in Durban, and finding skills can be challenging in light of the skills shortages which the industry faces.” With cargo volumes up and the export market increasing due to the favourable exchange rate, Roberts said they had also noticed a few international companies reaching out to the SA market. She said branches were being opened in Durban in particular, which is good news for the future of the industry. “Companies are increasingly seeing the benefit of expanding their business into Africa and we’ve seen more and more of them developing their footprint in this market,” she said. “Durban is definitely a focus area.” CAPTION Natalie Barrass and Jackie Roberts.