KZN Future 50

In KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), we have talent, resources, resourcefulness, courage, and a can-do attitude to make things happen. These are the attributes of any business owner with the guts to start and the commitment to grow a business here too. Business owners hold the key to unlocking growth and prosperity in KZN. Their drive to thrive despite the odds, contribute to the well-being of our communities, our province, and the world.

ECR Breakfast and Business growth specialist Pavlo Phitidis are celebrating those getting it right through the KZN Future 50. This weekly profile of a forward-focussed business shows how growth brings a better future to us all.

Pavlo shares these KZN business stories, offers insights on what will accelerate their growth, and asks listeners to help make it happen for the business owner, their business, and the society they operate in.

Catch the feature on-air on East Coast Radio every Monday at 07h50, or listen to the podcast here.

Weekly English South Africa Business News · Business Pavlo Phitidis

42 Episodes

20 – 40

Resilience and Role Clarity in a Third-Generation Family Business - Episode 21

In the heart of KZN stands Royal Tyres, a thriving business that has defied the odds to become a third-generation family legacy. The story of Royal Tyres is a testament to the power of resilience and role clarity in shaping a business that could withstand the test of time.

31 Oct 2023 4 min

To build a global business that drives growth and catalyst for change - Episode 20

Airshot was founded with a clear vision in mind: to revolutionize the performance industry by delivering an innovative solution that surpasses our clients’ expectations. What started as a small venture has now grown into a dynamic and forward-thinking company, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Here's why Pavlo…

23 Oct 2023 5 min

Ordev strives to be the digital ordering solution for every African customer - Episode 19

Ordev are an innovation house that strives to evolve businesses through digital innovation & transformation. They partner with market experts to develop profitable digital platforms. Here is how they have made it to KZN Future 50

9 Oct 2023 4 min

The father and son team to bring you the best designs and quality- Episode 18

Stealth Kayaks, a truly KZN product innovated by someone who identified a very simple gap in the KZN market. Beginning with the manufacturing of high-performance racing kayaks, Stealth Kayaks has now developed into the leading fishing and recreational kayak manufacturer.

2 Oct 2023 5 min

'We play an active role in the growth and development of the SA industry' - Episode 17

Plastics SA represents all South African Plastics Industry sectors, including polymer producers and importers, converters, machine suppliers, fabricators and recyclers. Here is how this company went on to be part of KZN's Future 50.

25 Sep 2023 4 min

'FATS was founded in 1992 by two sisters who saw a gap in the market' - Episode 16

Thirty years of first-class service has positioned FATS as one of the top leading companies in the South African freight and logistics market. FATS offers a wide arrange of services from air, sea and road freight to warehousing and customs clearance.

17 Sep 2023 4 min

'The key brand of the Blinds Syndicate which was established in 1996' - Episode 15

Luminos, world class design innovator and manufacturer of window coverings since 1996. KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

11 Sep 2023 5 min

To accelerate entrepreneurship in SA by making it easier for anyone to run their business- Episode 14

iKhokha is a South African technology company, co-founded by Matt Putman, Ramsay Daly and Clive Putman, that is redefining the way SMEs do business through mobile innovation. Listen to Pavlo and the rest of the Breakfast team discuss how this business became part of the KZN Future 50.

3 Sep 2023 5 min

SA's preferred supplier or manufacturer for Industrial materials - Episode 13

Springlok is SA's preferred supplier/manufacturer for Industrial Fasteners, Retail Display Accessories, and Pool Safety Accessories. Find out how this company from Glen Anil was able to be part of this week's KZN Future 50.

27 Aug 2023 5 min

An organisation with 30 years’ experience in the auto parts business - Episode 12

The organisation we feature in KZN Future 50 today has 30 years’ of experience in the auto parts business. During this time, many lessons have been learned, and huge changes have taken place in the industry. Pablo and the East Coast Breakfast team honour this KZN business.

20 Aug 2023 4 min

Joekels made a humble start in 1994 thanks to Joe Swart & Jonathan Kelsey - Episode 11

Joekels made a humble start in 1994 with Joe Swart and Jonathan Kelsey coming together to establish a tea company from Joe's garage. Over 25 years and five factories later, Joekels offers seven renowned brands, has won a host of awards, and Laager Rooibos is now the second largest Rooibos…

13 Aug 2023 4 min

'30 years ago we have been involved in the health industry' - Episode 10

Find out more about Tones Family Health, this week's KZN Future 50 featured business. The secret to success was thanks to our many customers who taught us what worked and what didn’t. ECR Breakfast and business growth specialist Pavlo Phitidis are celebrating local businesses with the KZN Future 50 campaign.

6 Aug 2023 4 min

Performance-driven creative agency founded back in 2012 - Episode 9

Founded in 2012 by Kevin Power and Jonathan Oliff, Conversation Lab has always challenged the notions of what a traditional advertising agency looks like. Find out how this company headed by MD Uyanda Manana, got on to this week's KZN Future 50.

31 Jul 2023 5 min

Our entire product offering is locally manufactured - Episode 8

Mediterranean Lifestyle is a family-run, full-service manufacturer and supplier of high-quality shutters and blinds. We offer a full turnkey service, and the entire design, supply and installation is handled by our in-house specialists. The family-owned business is featured in today's episode.

24 Jul 2023 5 min

'A family that works together, builds together too' - Episode 7

Developed and manufactured in South Africa, Cerdak is a unique wound dressing that is safe and user-friendly. Find out more from Pavlo and the East Coast Breakfast team what makes this home grown business so unique about them.

16 Jul 2023 4 min

Small side-line business, has grown into a huge KZN company - Episode 6

Frozen Brands started out many years ago on a banana and sugar cane farm on the tropical north coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal. Find out more about Frozen Brands, this week's KZN Future 50 featured business…

9 Jul 2023 5 min

'The journey Andrew has taken for his business is incredible' - Episode 5

Rodel Financial Services is a business that creates innovative solutions to help our clients access their money locked in property deals. As market leaders in the bridging finance space, 80% of all transactions are paid within 24 hours.

3 Jul 2023 4 min

'Regenerate Investments is a business that always looks to serve the community' - Episode 4

Bradley Paul Woolridge the director of Regenerate Investments who, are featured in episode 4 of the KZN Future 50 with Pavlo Phitidis.

26 Jun 2023 4 min

'This business of helping other businesses has gone on since 2008' - Episode 3

Once again many BPOs are in name only, they wear the title for credibility, but with most of their focus in the wrong place. Capability BPO on the other hand, has built our business outward from a powerful BPO core. Pavlo talks about this business in the new episode.

19 Jun 2023 4 min

Serco Industries is this week's KZN Future 50 - Episode 2

This week's KZN Future 50 featured business is Serco Industries. The founders have a passion for business and people, and these are the core values and principles of their business today. Here is part 1 of this incredible story.

12 Jun 2023 4 min