First National Bank (FNB) together with Pearl Coral 4, publishers of the KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Portfolio are currently in their final stages of preparation, for the third FNB KZN 2009 Top Business Portfolio Awards.

According to Pearl Bengu, First National Bank, Public Sector Business, Regional Director, "First National Bank supports and encourages South Africa's growing business sector, we are able to further commit our partnership and support of business through initiatives such as the KwaZulu Natal Top Business Portfolio Awards.

"The sustainability of businesses and helping business grow is crucial, especially in the current troubled economic climate," adds Bengu.

Publisher Grant Adlam, states, "Together with the Awards, the KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Portfolio ensures that the many business success stories that make KwaZulu-Natal a winning province are presented through a variety of media - printed and electronic. Our new interactive website www.kzntopbusiness.co.za.has been a particular triumph and it is well placed in any of the web's search engine rankings".

The awards are being judged according to the nominated companies' achievements in each of the major sectors of the South African Standard Classification of all Economic Activities. Companies must incorporate best business practices, while contributing to the socio-economic growth of KwaZulu-Natal. Publisher Lalita Ventura stated, "the FNB  KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Awards are a platform to highlight success in organizations, which is critical in promoting KwaZulu-Natal as a favourable business and investment destination now and in the future".
 
Finalists
The judges are pleased to announce the following finalists across the sectors:
Agriculture:

• Tongaat Hulett,
• Orange Grove Dairy,
• NCT Forestry Co-operative

Mining:

•  Richards Bay Minerals,
•  Corobrik,
•  Exxaro KZN Sands

Manufacturing:

• Willowton Oil,
• Afripack,
• Southern African Shipyards

Construction:

• Group 5 KZN,
• J.T. Ross,
• Elma Engineering Services

Trade:

•  Mr Price,
• ARB Electrical,
• AFGRI Producer Services

Transport:

• Grindrod Limited,
•  Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC),
• Richards Bay Coal Terminal

Utilities;

• Umgeni Water,
• Mhlathuze Water,
• Spring Lights Gas

Business and Financial Services:

• Tongaat Hulett,
• DRG Outsourcing,
• Durban International Convention Centre

Community and Social Services: 

• East Coast Radio,
• Durban Investment Promotion Agency (DIPA),
• South African Sugar Association

Tourism:

• Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife,
• Zimbali Coastal Resort,
• Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom

Economic development is a primary need in the Province, as such a municipal award for investment promotion and an award for the best government project promoting economic growth, will also be given.

Partnership Award
Apart from the sector awards, the top award of the evening will be given to a private public partnership currently active in development projects in KwaZulu-Natal. This award is in line with current trends in investment and promotion of sustainable growth in the country. Together organizations can achieve what a single entity does not have the capacity, skills or resources to implement.

The results will be audited by
Morar Incorporated, an independent management and professional services firm based in Pietermaritzburg.

The Directors of FNB and Pearl Coral 4 congratulate all of the finalists on their success and look forward to announcing the award winners on the 23 July,  at a  sumptuous gala dinner  at the Durban ICC.