THE OLD ORCHARD GUEST HOUSE
| Business Location: | Rural area - Farms |
| Province | KwaZulu-Natal |
| Branch: | Harry Gwala |
| Business Start Date: | |
| Busniess Type: | cc |
Business Dynamics and Challenges
Business Activities:
The Old Orchards was established in 2003. It is a brainchild of Luleka Tshongweni who identified an opportunity and turned it into reality. During that period, Kokstad had fewer accommodation facilities and there was a shortage of accommodation establishments as compared to the current status. The business started its operations in 2003 with four rooms. Currently the business is operating with five rooms
The main business activity is accommodation, catering and conferencing. Their target market is government departments, business people and individuals. Its accommodation consist of new refurbished single and double rooms and a luxury suite, all rooms have color TV air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms.
Challenges/Needs:
More sophisticated and international clients started to visit the guesthouse and because of the calibre of staff employed by the establishment , it could not cope with the new trend of international standards when it comes to service excellence and customer service.
The appearance of the staff at African blaze was not up to the standard of a restaurant serving African Cuisine to elite clients. The restaurant needed a face lift in order to look professional
Intervention Insights and Results
Intervention Details:
•The managing director approached Seda for advice and the client was referred to a business advisor who after consulting with the client registered the client and conducted a diagnostic assessment on the business that revealed that the business needed to train staff on customer care and service excellence in order to maintain the clientele it services .
Seda in collaboration with Greater Kokstad Municipality to acquire a frame tent with a capacity. to hold bigger events inside the premises and this application was successful. The tent was bought and the establishments' managed to service its clients in conferencing with confidence as a result of trained staff.
Seda in collaboration with Greater Kokstad Municipality to acquire a frame tent with a capacity. to hold bigger events inside the premises and this application was successful. The tent was bought and the establishments' managed to service its clients in conferencing with confidence as a result of trained staff.
Outcome Details:
Revenue generated from sales increased by 5 %from R3 562 556 to R 3 740 683
Employment stayed the same to 14 permanent employees.
Employment stayed the same to 14 permanent employees.
Client Feedback
Client Comments:
’We appreciate the help provided by Seda to our business, we will forever be grateful’’
