Sne and Busi Ceramics (Pty) Ltd
| Business Location: | Township |
| Province | Northern Cape |
| Branch: | ZF Mgcawu |
| Business Start Date: | |
| Busniess Type: | Company |
Business Dynamics and Challenges
Business Activities:
The company designs and manufactures ceramic craft products such as platters, coffee tables, art collectors, champagne holders, teapots, and a wide range of offhand tools.
Challenges/Needs:
S’ne and Busie Ceramics (Pty) Ltd faces several challenges in its pursuit of growth and sustainability.
Financial Constraints
High startup and operational costs for equipment, materials, and studio space.
Difficulty accessing funding, as banks and investors may view ceramics as a niche or risky business.
Unpredictable cash flow due to seasonal demand and inconsistent sales.
Market and Sales Challenges
Limited local market for handmade ceramics, competing with mass-produced imports.
High costs and logistical difficulties in accessing international markets.
Finding and maintaining a customer base in a competitive and niche industry.
Access to Materials and Equipment
Sourcing quality raw materials like clay, glazes, and kilns at affordable prices.
Dependence on imported materials, leading to fluctuating costs due to exchange rates.
High electricity costs and load shedding affecting kiln operations.
Marketing and Brand Awareness
Difficulty in standing out due to competition from established brands.
Limited knowledge or budget for digital marketing, social media, and e-commerce.
Challenges in pricing work appropriately to balance affordability and profitability.
Distribution and Retail Access
Limited access to high-traffic retail spaces or galleries.
High commissions charged by galleries and online marketplaces.
Need for participation in craft markets and exhibitions, which require time and financial investment.
Skills Development and Business Management
Many artists focus on craft but struggle with business, pricing, and financial management.
Limited access to workshops and training on modern techniques, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
Balancing creativity with production efficiency and profitability.
Economic and Industry Trends
Fluctuations in consumer spending due to economic instability.
Changing design trends that require adaptation and innovation.
Environmental concerns about sustainability and waste management.
Intervention Insights and Results
Intervention Details:
The following interventions were proposed and implemented to address the challenges faced by S’ne and Busie Ceramics (Pty) Ltd:
1.Sedfa provided the client with access to comprehensive business development training to enhance operational and managerial skills.
2.Through Sedfa’s local, export and international markets interventions, the company has been in more than one international exhibition show in South Africa and other continents.
3.Assistance was offered to develop marketing and promotional material for the company.
4.Through the many interventions and marketing readiness programmes offered by Sedfa in Conjunction with other government entities and stakeholders, NCEDA and Sedfa managed to assist the company with an online store and website to assist the company to increase its niche both locally and internationally.
1.Sedfa provided the client with access to comprehensive business development training to enhance operational and managerial skills.
2.Through Sedfa’s local, export and international markets interventions, the company has been in more than one international exhibition show in South Africa and other continents.
3.Assistance was offered to develop marketing and promotional material for the company.
4.Through the many interventions and marketing readiness programmes offered by Sedfa in Conjunction with other government entities and stakeholders, NCEDA and Sedfa managed to assist the company with an online store and website to assist the company to increase its niche both locally and internationally.
Outcome Details:
The interventions yielded the following results for S’ne and Busie Ceramics (Pty) Ltd:
1.Business Development Training: The client successfully completed business development training, equipping him with essential skills to enhance his business operations and management capabilities.
2.Finance and Legal Support: Through Sedfa’s intervention the company managed to get assistance to develop 2-year Annual Financial Statements and was further assisted with the funding application including an assessment of company’s operations.
3.Turnover: Upon improvement assessment conducted, there has been a turnover increase of R 205 050,01 from R 119 591,98 from the previous financial year.
4.Employment: There is an increase in employment, from 6 employee to an additional 6 contract employees. The business has 6 permanent employees currently including the director and plans to create more jobs.
1.Business Development Training: The client successfully completed business development training, equipping him with essential skills to enhance his business operations and management capabilities.
2.Finance and Legal Support: Through Sedfa’s intervention the company managed to get assistance to develop 2-year Annual Financial Statements and was further assisted with the funding application including an assessment of company’s operations.
3.Turnover: Upon improvement assessment conducted, there has been a turnover increase of R 205 050,01 from R 119 591,98 from the previous financial year.
4.Employment: There is an increase in employment, from 6 employee to an additional 6 contract employees. The business has 6 permanent employees currently including the director and plans to create more jobs.
Client Feedback
Client Comments:
"Clay is a very willing material. It will do anything you ask of it. The problem is you have to know what to ask."
