Discover what major chemicals customers are looking for in future suppliers

The Durban Chemicals Cluster (DCC) recently launched its groundbreaking Origin8 programme, designed to drive localisation and enable transformation in the South African chemicals sector.

This innovative initiative, funded by the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA), aims to empower small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to integrate successfully into major supply chains.

Head of Accelerators for the Durban Chemicals Cluster, Kyle Ballard, says the Origin8 programme has been specifically designed to expose SMMEs in the local chemicals sector to leading industry customer standards and requirements.

“Origin8 is an exciting and important step towards empowering emerging and established small businesses in the sector by providing them with the insights and practical tools they need to integrate into larger supply chains and sustainably grow their businesses,” Ballard states. “Through the programme’s highly interactive sessions, we are supporting SMMEs in developing customer-centric business offerings that are aligned with the voice of the customer.”

According to Ballard, the programme offers support in six major areas:

• Direct customer engagement: SMMEs will participate in an interactive Q&A panel discussion with major national chemical sector customers. This enables them to hear firsthand about customer requirements, standards, and expectations for future suppliers.
• Business alignment and growth: The programme helps SMMEs identify potential gaps and growth opportunities within their businesses. This will assist them in aligning their value propositions with customer needs and better integrate into chemical value chains.
• Business growth tools: Access to practical tools and resources designed to support business growth and development.
• Networking opportunities: Direct engagement with new and potential customers, as well as other industry stakeholders, including a network of fellow SMMEs.
• Accredited training: Participation in the “Mastering the Art of Client Presentations” course, an NQF level 2 unit standard.
• Pitch development: Assistance in crafting a concise and compelling business pitch to effectively communicate value to potential clients and partners.

“By focusing on the customer standards and providing SMMEs with the skills to align their offerings directly with these requirements, Origin8 is all about bridging the gap from high potential to purchase order,” Ballard adds and encourages qualifying companies to apply.

Yershen Pillay, CEO of the Chemical Industries Education & Training Authority (CHIETA), funder of the DCC Origin8 programme, is delighted with its potential for transformation and believes Origin8 is a milestone in the growth of the chemicals sector. “The programme embodies our commitment to enabling small businesses and driving economic growth in the sector,” he explains. “Through accredited training and a range of highly valuable practical resources, SMMEs can become key players in enterprise and supplier development (ESD) and ultimately, take their place in major supply chains.”

Ideal participants of the programme are established Black South African-owned companies that have been operating for at least two years and that qualify as Small Enterprises (QSEs) with an annual turnover of between R10 and R50 million and Exempt Micro Enterprises (EMEs) with a turnover of up to R10 million.

Companies must be based in KwaZulu-Natal with a preference for the greater Durban area.

SMMEs interested in participating in the DCC Origin8 programme are encouraged to apply before the 11th October 2024 deadline. Applications can be completed online at https://zfrmz.com/9P2oWQ0JGc9GJ8kGPUu4 

There is no cost to apply, but spaces are limited.

Successful applicants will be notified directly and invited to attend a series of key events, kicking off with accredited training and the panel discussion with industry-leading firms being held on 6 and 7 November 2024.

For more information about the DCC Origin8 programme or to find out how your business can benefit from this groundbreaking initiative, visit https://durbanchemicalscluster.org.za