Loss elimination specialists focus on over-border opportunities

Expansion into Africa remains a key focus at Leopard, a loss elimination and risk assessment company based in Johannesburg. According to general manager Tiaan Smith, this has always been on the cards since the launch of the company just over a year ago. “We are currently in the process of strategic planning – and expanding into Africa is definitely a focus in coming months.” While the company’s initial focus in the first year of operations has been to establish itself on the South African scene, it is now moving into the next phase to cross the borders and show its capability and worth to neighbouring countries. “One must remember that as economies pick up after the 2009 recession it also means that crime will pick up. Risk assessment will be a critical component for business as we move forward post the global economic downturn.” Smith says Africa offers a host of opportunities for loss elimination and security experts like Leopard – not only in the mining and minerals sector but also in the movement of containers across the continent. He says the aim of the company is to offer clients across Africa a personal service that takes their special needs into consideration. “We like to look at a company in its totality, identifying the various problems before finding specific solutions that are tailor-made. It is not just about securing the cargo for a client, but addressing all of his security needs – from the theft of diesel to warehouse losses.” It really is about having a holistic approach, says Smith, rather than having security implemented just for the sake of it.