FOCUS Nedbank partnering
FOCUS Nedbank partnering with business for good Kevin de Beer, Nedbank Regional General Manager, Branch Networks, explains how Nedbank works with communities to deliver banking solutions. Nedbank continues to build on its client-centred strategy aimed at delivering distinctive experiences and channels of choice for businesses and clients in the North West. This has seen the bank simplify and enhance its product offering in line with its value-banking philosophy based on simplicity, transparency and affordability. Innovation and technological advancements, as well as training and development of staff, have been key pillars in achieving the bank’s objectives. Nedbank has also placed greater emphasis on client engagement to better understand the diverse and individual client needs across its personal and business banking base. “Innovation is an integral component of a holistic approach that encompasses our systems and processes. It is an enabler in delivering distinctive client experiences. Despite the tough economic environment, Retail and Business Banking has delivered value to our shareholders while significantly improving client experience. Through these milestones we are well geared to weather the persisting macroeconomic environment, and highly competitive business conditions,” says De Beer. Since 2012 Nedbank has launched several first-to-market innovations, such as the award-winning Nedbank App Suite, the Home Loans Online Digital Channel and Market Edge, as well as the “Branch of the Future” concept in communities locally and nationally. “Working with communities is entrenched in our values through community development, skills development, education and job creation, as well as environmental conservation. These play a vital role in building a sustainable economy and vibrant society. We believe our fast-growing presence in communities goes a long way in enabling greater financial inclusion while contributing towards economic growth,” concludes De Beer. Nedbank has also invested in innovative alternative distribution outlets through its strategic partnership with Pick n Pay and Boxer stores. These partnerships, which span over 15 years, enable communities to get access to financial services every day of the week, even Sundays and public holidays. Nedbank provides several communities, including individual and business clients, with access to products and services through Nedbank’s workplace banking offering through a dedicated banker. This is a unique service for clients, with financial fitness training a key aspect of the offering. Our wide range of products and services include the Nedbank Kevin de Beer, Nedbank Regional General Manager Keyona Plus transactional account, which comprises funeral cover, a personal loan facility, the Just Save Account and the Send Imali money transfer solution, enabling clients to transact, borrow, save and take out cover. To encourage the youth to save and build their financial fitness from an early age the Nedbank4me offering, enabling the youth to transact and save with the benefit of earning preferential interest. For more information call +27 51 400 5813 or visit www.nedbank.co.za. NORTH WEST BUSINESS 2017 26
Zooming into Nedbank’s small business interventions Nedbank’s Regional Manager, Small Business Services, Kim Lawrence, explains how Nedbank is committed to partnering with businesses for growth. FOCUS “ Recognising that small businesses are the mainstay of the economy and arguably the best remedy for the country’s unemployment challenges, Nedbank has, over the years, instituted various interventions aimed at giving support to the small-business sector. Over and above our small-business services solutions, we provide small-business owners with support that goes beyond banking, freeing up their time to truly focus on running their businesses,” says Lawrence. Nedbank has built a solid reputation as a bank for small businesses through initiatives such as Small Business Friday, free small-business seminars and the SimplyBiz.co.za platform – all geared to support the small- and medium-sized enterprises sector. For example, the Small Business Friday initiative, in association with the National Small Business Chamber, seeks to encourage everyone in South Africa to rally behind and support small businesses. Apart from its name, the initiative calls on everyone to make a conscious decision to vote small businesses through their hearts, feet and wallets; not only on Fridays, but every day. Supporting small businesses can lead to more sustainable economic growth, social upliftment and job creation. The biannual Nedbank Small Business Seminars are free and provide practical advice and solutions for small-business owners. Inspired emerging entrepreneurs who attend the seminars benefit from invaluable insight shared by small-business experts. The seminars are rolled out across the country and topics include issues such as cashflow planning and turning strengths and weaknesses into more sales and profits. SimplyBiz.co.za is a free-to-join value networking portal designed especially for small businesses. It seeks to help small-business owners facing unique challenges with valuable insights from other entrepreneurs and our seminars. Moreover, the online portal helps small businesses to improve their business administration Kim Lawrence, Regional Manager Small Business Services skills, keep up with the latest trends, network with other small businesses and share ideas. For more information about Nedbank’s Small Business Services call Kim on +27 51 400 5772 or send an email to KimL@nedbank.co.za. 27 NORTH WEST BUSINESS 2017
