UK companies explore SA trade opportunities

South Africa last week played host to a major delegation of British companies exploring trade opportunities here. From architects and career development specialists to pharmaceutical companies and makers of children’s play gadgets, the delegation formed part of a UK Trade & Investment mission from three regions in Britain: London, Yorkshire & Humber, and the South West. “These companies are here because they wish to expand trade relations between the United Kingdom and South Africa. This trade mission is the first step on that journey,” UK Trade Commissioner to South Africa Andy Henderson told guests at a networking session in Johannesburg. Delegates said there was enthusiasm about doing business in South Africa, fuelled in part by ministerial and trade mission visits to the UK in the past year, as well as the hosting of the 2010 soccer world cup, among other key developments. Durban-born Nesh Naicker, business partnerships manager of Career Development Group (CDG), said the company wanted to meet with business leaders to explore opportunities to develop cross-border partnership working opportunities. “Given the high unemployment and low level of literacy in South Africa, skills upliftment is high on our agenda,” she said. Architect Peter Hopkins said his company, with over 35 years of experience in design, wanted to explore synergy with local consultants and contractors.