The SA Business Club has during its 15 year history hosted many
high profile and successful events with South African and world
leaders.
The SA Business Club was established in September 1993 to provide
a meeting point and networking framework for South African
businesspeople living and working in the United Kingdom. The Club
enables South Africans and those with South African connections to
meet like-minded individuals, and to target their energy and
resources at the ongoing development of the business communities in
South Africa and the UK.
The Club's highly successful "First Wednesday" programme of
speaker events offers members the chance to hear expert opinions on
various business and related topics. This is followed by the
opportunity to network over South African wine and canapés.
Former speakers at SA Business Club events have included former
president F.W. de Klerk, former US Secretary of State Madeleine
Albright, DA leader Helen Zille, ANC Secretary-General Mathews
Phosa, business personalities like Sir Mark Weinberg and Virgin
Wines CE Rowan Gormley, and other well-known celebrities like
sportsman Henry Olonga and TV personality Nicky
Hambleton-Jones.
The SA Business Club is led by an annually elected volunteer
Committee of nine members.
Here are some of the headline successes for the SA Business Club
over the 2008/2009 year:
- Finance: We have seen a 57% increase in turnover over the last
year and we are happy to announce that the club is now profitable
with surplus cash being reinvested into the Club for necessary
operational and strategic improvements.
- Membership: Over the past year, we have seen a 40% increase in
individual memberships and a 25% increase in platinum and corporate
memberships.
- CSR: We have signed up as a co-sponsor on a 4 year programme
with UCT Business School for the sponsorship of one, previously
disadvantaged, Business Sciences student to support them through to
completion of their studies.
- Events: We have consistently secured high profile speakers for
events with 6 of the past 12 events hitting sold out status!