MM Sisonke Trading Enterprise trading as Divine Elegant Design Collection
| Business Location: | Township |
| Province | KwaZulu-Natal |
| Branch: | Durban |
| Business Start Date: | 2012-07-23 |
| Busniess Type: | Company |
Business Dynamics and Challenges
Business Activities:
The business focuses on the design and manufacture of bespoke furniture, with a unique emphasis on incorporating African-inspired elements and materials. Its signature offerings include pieces crafted using Nguni cowhide leather and a variety of authentic African prints, appealing to clients who appreciate culturally expressive, distinctive and aesthetically rich furniture.
Challenges/Needs:
During the assessment, it was noted that although the business frequently participates in trade missions, industry exhibitions and promotional events, it lacked the necessary marketing material to present a polished and professional image. The absence of high-quality marketing materials limited the business’s ability to effectively showcase its products and capabilities to potential clients, partners and investors.
Furthermore, the business was unable to properly enhance or brand its exhibition stand, which significantly reduced its ability to attract foot traffic, capture visitors’ interest and stand out among competing exhibitors. Without visually appealing and strategically designed promotional items, the business faced challenges in introducing itself to new companies, communicating its value proposition, and creating memorable engagement with prospective customers.
There was therefore a clear need for comprehensive marketing and promotional material to strengthen the business’s presence at exhibitions, improve brand visibility, and support its efforts to build meaningful connections within the industry.
Intervention Insights and Results
Intervention Details:
SEFDA provided strategic support to the client by supplying a comprehensive set of marketing and promotional materials designed to enhance the business’s visibility and professional image. This support included branded banners, business cards, flyers, and a customised gazebo. These items enabled the business to present itself more effectively at exhibitions and other promotional platforms, thereby strengthening brand recognition, improving customer engagement and creating new opportunities for market expansion
Outcome Details:
The support provided resulted in several measurable improvements in the business’s performance and overall sustainability, including the following outcomes:
1. Improvement in Turnover: The business recorded an increase in revenue, with turnover rising from R154 083.00 to R223 250.00, representing a 30.98% growth rate.
2. Job Creation: The intervention contributed directly to employment growth within the business. A total of two new jobs were created, and seven existing positions were sustained, bringing the total workforce to nine employees.
1. Improvement in Turnover: The business recorded an increase in revenue, with turnover rising from R154 083.00 to R223 250.00, representing a 30.98% growth rate.
2. Job Creation: The intervention contributed directly to employment growth within the business. A total of two new jobs were created, and seven existing positions were sustained, bringing the total workforce to nine employees.
Client Feedback
Client Comments:
“The support provided by SEFDA is sincerely appreciated. Before receiving the marketing materials, my exhibition stand was very bare and lacked visual appeal. With the new materials, my stand is now attractive and professional, comparable to those of other exhibitors”
