Latest newsIn small and medium enterprises (SMEs), performance management is often not formalised. Many small businesses operate without dedicated human resources (HR) capacity and therefore, feedback can be inconsistent, informal, or even postponed until problems begin to affect the business. While this may seem manageable in a small team, avoiding difficult conversations or waiting too long to have them can negatively impact productivity, morale, and long-term sustainability. 27 May 2026 Read more South African small businesses continue to face pressure from persistently high and volatile fuel costs, with fluctuations at the pumps adding ongoing strain to already tight operating margins. Even with the temporary fuel price increase relief measures extended until the end of June 2026, for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), this environment represents sustained financial pressure that extends far beyond fuel itself. 26 May 2026 Read more Access to affordable credit remains one of the biggest determinants of small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) survival. The problem, simply put, is that the traditional credit system was never designed with SMMEs in mind. 8 May 2026 Read more In honour of the fight for workers’ rights, the focus around Workers' Day often falls on elements such as wages and working conditions. However, for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners, who typically operate with smaller teams, the day should also serve as an important reminder that employees should not be seen as an operating expense to be managed, but a strategic business resource that needs to be actively developed, upskilled and invested in year after year. This ongoing investment not only supports individual employee growth but also strengthens productivity, resilience and ultimately medium to long-term business growth. 5 May 2026 Read more As South Africa marks Workers’ Day on 1 May, many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are facing increasing pressure to retain scarce skilled talent in the face of steep corporate salary competition. However, while bigger firms may have the upper hand when it comes to pay, benefits and perceived long-term job security, SMEs can win on experience, agility and autonomy. 4 May 2026 Read more The National Treasury’s latest payment data points to a worsening late payment crisis across national and provincial government departments, raising serious concerns about the sustainability of current payment terms for South African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 16 Mar 2026 Read more Product development is notoriously time-consuming and expensive. It requires research, testing, iteration and often multiple failed attempts before something works. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with limited capital, that trial-and-error cycle can be risky. While AI does not eliminate risk, it significantly reduces the cost and time involved in refining ideas. 10 Mar 2026 Read more Cash flow remains one of the toughest challenges for South African small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Not only does it consistently rank as a top concern in the Business Partners Limited SME Confidence Index, but a global Xero survey also found that 72% of local SMEs were forced to draw on personal savings to survive in the past year. 9 Mar 2026 Read more According to recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 20% of Australian businesses fail in their first year after opening. Failure rates in South Africa are nearly double that, with 40% of new ventures failing within the first year. 24 Feb 2026 Read more When building a business from the ground up, founders are often asked about the legacy they want to leave to future generations. The reality, however, is that the average lifespan of a public company is just 15 years – roughly one generation. 23 Feb 2026 Read more Essential preparation tips for attending networking events. 26 Nov 2025 Read more According to research by the University of the Western Cape, between 70% and 80% of small businesses in South Africa fail within the first five years. And that’s for real, established businesses. The failure rate for business ideas – before they even get off the ground – is likely much higher. 25 Nov 2025 Read more As the world prepares for another Black Friday (28 November), South African small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have a golden opportunity to stand out from the big brand noise by offering more value-driven, authentic alternatives. 24 Nov 2025 Read more Public relations (PR) and marketing are often terms that are used interchangeably. In business, both functions are critical in building a successful brand. This makes understanding the difference between them difficult, especially for small business owners. However, these functions serve different purposes and understanding the difference can be a game-changer for growth for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 13 Nov 2025 Read more There used to be a common misconception that doing good and doing well were mutually exclusive in business. However, as an impact investor, Business Partners Limited has long embraced the dual mandate of driving financial performance while creating meaningful social impact. Now a report by Deloitte puts that to rest once and for all, proving that companies who are leading with purpose consistently outperform their peers across key financial and operational indicators. 12 Nov 2025 Read more Running a business is often portrayed as a path to independence and success. But behind the scenes, many entrepreneurs are quietly battling overwhelming levels of stress. In a survey of more than 400 early-stage startup founders, 72% reported that entrepreneurship has impacted their mental health, with 37% suffering from anxiety. 17 Oct 2025 Read more Every year on 16 October, Boss’s Day gives employees an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the people who lead them for their support. But in South Africa, there’s a category of bosses who deserve more than just a thank-you card from their teams – the small and medium enterprise (SME) owners. These are the leaders who collectively contribute a third of the country’s GDP and employ over 60% of the workforce. 16 Oct 2025 Read more As a small to medium business (SME) owner, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and overlook the little operational inefficiencies that can ultimately stifle your long-term growth. With Spring officially underway here in South Africa, it’s the perfect opportunity for renewal – not just on a personal level, but professionally too. Just like the ritual of spring cleaning your home, why not commit to streamlining your processes – decluttering the various operational inefficiencies that slow you down, drain resources, and keep your business from reaching its full potential? 10 Oct 2025 Read more As South Africa marks Transport Month, the country’s infrastructure challenges continue to pose serious barriers to the growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). For years, frequent load shedding and poor internet access have disrupted operations and reduced productivity, while inadequate transport and logistics infrastructure delay supply chains and increase costs. 9 Oct 2025 Read more Legal matters can be confusing within the business landscape and particularly so for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). From contract drafting to intellectual property protection, doing business in accordance with the law can be complex. Mistakes can be costly and can even lead to more serious consequences, such as significant financial loss or business closure. 8 Oct 2025 Read more
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Website: www.businesspartners.co.za
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