The network of PCB members offers extensive expertise which may be accessed directly, or through the PCB office which is able to provide initial guidance and advice and subsequent linkage with an expert member. The PCB enjoys a close relationship with numerous business support organisations, including Trade & Investment South Africa (TISA), its provincial counterpart (TIK) and other international support programmes. Guidance on incentives and the submission of applications can be provided. In particular, the PCB is an accredited agent of EMIA. The PCB is also an accredited BRAIN centre. The Business Referral and Information Network has a great deal of relevant information specially geared to the needs of small business. The PCB also has access to numerous tender opportunities.
Customer Care
The annual Customer Care Competition is a popular means of testing your company’s business practices. For those who wish to be assessed in a non-competitive format, we offer an appraisal programme which is comprehensive and intensive, covering all aspects by which your business will be rated by its customers.
Discounts
The PCB is able to access, on behalf of its members, discounts on car rental, credit checking facilities, and other offerings available from time to time.
Employee Benefits
The PCB has the necessary contacts to provide assistance to those requiring pension or provident fund or medical aid membership. Various schemes have the advantage of lower costs or special concessions for PCB members.
Exposure of Your Business
PCB membership enhances the profile of your business. It offers access to the business networks of Pietermaritzburg and beyond and gives recognition to your business practice. PCB members receive a certificate which signifies membership of a world-wide network of chambers of commerce born over 400 years ago. There is no better endorsement of a business’s standing and respectability.
Information
Business matters - Backed by an extensive library and electronic resources, the PCB is able to provide members with information on a variety of business matters.
Publications
·InfoFile: This is a single-page newsletter giving notice of events and information of interest to members.
·Business Battalion: This is a periodic communication to PCB members in the furtherance of the Campaign against AIDS.
·Biznews: The monthly Biznews publication provides information on current affairs, changes to business legislation, chamber activities, news from our members, and informative articles for building better business practices.
Financial Indicators — Real-time financial indicators are sent to members with e-mail addresses on a daily basis.
Seminars — The PCB offers a variety of practical seminars that cover the latest developments and issues in business. The seminars will keep you up-to-date and upgrade the skills of your staff at well below market cost.
International trade
The PCB is part of a worldwide network of chambers and as such offers an unrivalled gateway to international markets. Specialised international trade publications provide access to new business opportunities and trade enquiries are received daily.
·Certificates of Origin - The PCB certifies export documents as required by foreign Customs departments.
·ATA Carnets — An international customs facility enabling members to temporarily take merchandise samples overseas without paying customs duties. The PCB advises members on application procedures and supplies the necessary forms.
·Carnet de Commerce — A letter of introduction to foreign chambers of commerce.
LabourLine
The PCB offers answers to labour and employment questions. Send your question to ceopcb@futurenet.co.za and receive a prompt answer to your query.
Magazines
The PCB regularly receives “Leadership” and “Succeed” magazines. Free copies are available for members from the PCB office. Copies of the latest “Brabys” are also available.
Meeting Facilities and Equipment
The PCB has various meeting rooms for hire to members at preferential rates. The use of conference equipment such as flip chart, overhead projector, video, and public address facilities is available, and is included in the hire price. This equipment is also available for hire if used elsewhere. A data projector is available for hire at a very reasonable rate.
Networking
There is no denying that we prefer to do business with people we know. Furthermore, person-to-person interaction is the most effective, and least expensive, form of marketing. The PCB offers a large and accessible network, which results in business linkage opportunities.
Business Buzz is a network and forum for small business people. It provides an opportunity to learn from each other, source new clients, and enjoy the company of others who are involved in a similar pursuit of development and prosperity.
Ezamabhizinisi is a monthly gathering of small business owners, entrepreneurs and aspirant entrepreneurs who wish to know more about business. Those attending will be given a presentation about some aspect of business and an opportunity to discuss business issues. Much of each presentation will be done in Zulu and there will be people on hand to give guidance and to assist where possible.
Employer Contact Group is a network whereby employers get together to discuss human resource issues.
Industry Networking meetings are held regularly.
Chamber Lunches are held monthly and provide the opportunity to network with other members while enjoying a three-course meal. Three members have the opportunity of promoting their business at each lunch by giving a short presentation on the services their company has to offer.
Breakfast Presentations offer the opportunity to hear an interesting presentation by a local business personality whilst networking over a light breakfast.
Sport’s Day provides an ideal opportunity to compete in a variety of sporting activities against colleagues and fellow businesspeople.
The Annual Banquet is a formal occasion that boasts a high profile speaker each year.
Representation
The PCB is a prominent and active member of KCCI and SACOB. As required, the PCB contributes to these bodies’ formulation of provincial and national policies, respectively. In its own right, the PCB has made representation directly to a number of national bodies and government departments. Its intervention has influenced developments and benefited individual members, whose concerns have been taken up by the PCB on their behalf. In order to co-ordinate the ‘business voice’, the PCB holds a series of forums in spheres such as Human Resources, Environment, Local Economic Development, Transport, International Trade, and Education & Training. These are open meetings and any employee of any member company is welcome to attend. In this way the PCB provides the opportunity for members to contribute to its advocacy role. Relationships with municipalities are very strong and the ‘business voice’ is influential.
Sectoral Development
Recognising that the local economy has certain specific spheres of strength, the PCB has resolved to play an active part in the particular promotion of these sectors. By so doing, the local economy will benefit as niche sectors, with strong peripheral and service support, will attract new investment. The strategy is supported by the Msunduzi Municipality. The particular sectors are: Wood Industries, Footwear and Leather, Aluminium, and Agrobusiness.
Training
The PCB offers co-ordinated training in business skills to further the development of business insight. Training ranges from basic skills for inexperienced employees to training suitable for management. PCB members may enrol for seminars and training at a concessionary price.
