FOR IMPORT and export warehousing specialist Shipping Consolidated Holdings, BEE has never been viewed as a forced option. “It’s a natural progression and we’ve always had a willingness to share with everyone, regardless of colour, race or creed,” says managing director Bill Benson. “The composition of the staff – 70-80% representing South Africa’s rainbow nation – is testimony to this,” he added. After a fairly quiet start to the year, the Durban-based company has seen an encouraging growth in volumes, with timber, aid cargo, sugar and rice filling its facilities. “We’re always keen to explore new market options and if it means taking on new facilities to accommodate these, we’ll consider all viable new business plans.” Operating at 95% capacity at the moment, Benson believes that flexibility plays a strong role in the company’s market penetration. “We approach each project on an individual basis and design solutions to suit the needs of the client. It’s a tailor-made option rather than the ‘one size fits all’ approach,” says Benson, “and it’s clearly what the market wants.” Staging of cargo destined for Africa is one the company’s specialities. Much of this is project cargo and often involves huge volumes. “But we have the expertise and the facilities to match,” says Benson.
