Michael Deegan -
Executive Director,  
Pietermaritzburg & District Community Chest

“Since my arrival in Pietermaritzburg in August 2011 I have been very impressed with the PCB's organization and structure. It’s really like a big family business who get together regularly to learn from each other, do business with each other, eat with each other and have fun with each other.  There is so much going on you could actually live at the PCB as there is always professional experts in various fields putting on workshops and seminars not just for members but also for non-members, so nearly all of your training needs can be covered by PCB.  The question for a business is can you really afford not to be a member of PCB…”  April 2012 

Ian Blackburn - Director, Assured Bookkeeping (Pty) Ltd 

"When we joined the Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business, Assured Bookkeeping was a start-up business, comprising one person. We had the perception that membership of the PCB would only be beneficial to large businesses, but we wanted to give it a go anyway. I am delighted to admit that we were wrong! In three years, our business has grown beyond recognition and the PCB has played an important role by providing us with access to the types of tools that businesses need in order to succeed. We have benefited from a wide range of very affordable, high quality training courses, regular business networking events, seminars that address the latest issues to affect businesses and, of course, the ability to advertise our services to other PCB members.  The PCB staff and management are extremely helpful and dedicated, taking pride in seeing local businesses flourish.  You’ll get out of your PCB membership what you put into it, so you must be an active member! Be aware that it’s not just business owners that can benefit from your business’s membership – there are opportunities for your team to develop through their participation in PCB events." April 2012 

 Maritsa Gouws - Lock and Key Solutions

"It is imperative for a small business to receive support from a professional body to assist with labour advice, advertising, networking, training and any other general business issues one might experience.  The Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business took my hand in 2004 and they have been there for me through both difficult and good times.  We have grown together and they have made it a point to get my business on the map. I am an average person but somehow the PCB manages to bring the giant out of me. Becoming a member of the chamber has opened so many doors for me and I look forward to my journey ahead with them by my side." April 2012 

Patrick Greenaway - Action Coach

"I am delighted to provide a testimonial for the Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business. It is almost two years since I joined and I have found the PCB to be just what I needed to get my business off the ground when I moved back to Pietermaritzburg after an absence of 16 years. The networking opportunities are varied and very useful to become acquainted with businesses who are serious about what they do.

For me, there is no plausible reason for any business not to be a member. Like everything in life, you get out what you put in. You have to give before you can receive. There is some instant gratification after joining the PCB but to really make your investment work for you, there needs to be dedication and participation. My payback has been consistent and rewarding for my business and long may it continue. The management and staff of the PCB are amazing. Their focus and dedication in their various roles has been most gratifying to experience and it needs to be said that theirs is not always an easy ride. Thanks to all of you who make the PCB what it is. And that includes the members too!"

Bridget Jones - Pronel Personnel

“The PCB does not only provide a platform to market your business and network with other businesses in the region, it offers regular topical forums and training sessions with reputable facilitators which are of great value to business owners/managers and their employees.

The chamber is also fiercely committed to its members’ business interests and makes a conscious effort to look for opportunities to both promote and grow them. Being a member of the PCB has had many positive spin offs for Pronel Personnel."

Brenda Eckstein - Past President

"Chamber is an integral part of my business, the hub of my networking. Whether I’m using Chamber informally as a resource (please can you help me find out how much I should be charging a client for travel to Richards Bay?) or when I’m needing any business-related information or involved in a function, the Chamber CEO and staff will always more than ‘go the extra mile’ to help.

The vibrancy of this Chamber is a tribute to the leadership team and staff who enhance the experience of being in business. I’m proud to be a member and associated with this incredible organisation, the ‘Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business’."