In a major boost to the development of small and medium enterprises (SME) in the region, the Port Elizabeth Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PERCCI) has appointed former bank executive Bradley Ragaval to handle the specialised portfolio and to manage its trade desk.
Ragaval, 36, has 15 years experience in banking and related fields, much of it in the small and medium business sectors. He is born and bred in Port Elizabeth and matriculated from Woolhope Secondary School in Malabar. During his career with Nedbank and First National Bank he underwent a wide range of training, including studies through the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), a leading business school.
Ragaval’s appointment was announced by chamber chief executive officer Kevin Hustler.
“The appointment of Bradley is key to our expanding and emphasising our assistance to SMEs as 75% of our membership of close to 800 falls into this category. We must help existing SMEs expand and help establish new ones through expert advice being readily available.
“The development of these businesses is essential as they will make up the majority of employers in the years ahead. The reason for this is that, as major companies strive for efficiencies to keep world competitive, often through increased use of automation and technology, their ability to create jobs will be reduced.
“The chamber will also be increasing its domestic and international trade assistance in the months ahead and Bradley will be a key figure in that,” Hustler said.
Ragaval said his role would be to assist SMEs across all fronts, from developing strategies, to finalising business plans, and getting these ready for presentation to potential funders or banks.
“I know from close to 15 years of first-hand experience how much preparation and red tape can be involved to take a business from concept stage to getting up and running through to expanding.
“The chamber will now be providing expert assistance in all these spheres, on a one-to-one basis.”
He defines his own and the chamber’s objective as being “to see people grow and reach their dreams of being the author of their own destiny and being able to support their family and employees with a sustainable business”.
Alan Straton
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