This category was open to businesses where the majority ownership remains within a family (or multifamily) structure, and where more than one generation contributes to the success of the business.
The winner is: HIRSCH’S Hirsch’s have been operating in KwaZulu-Natal for the last 42 years and have become a household name. Hirsch’s started off small in 1979 with just R900 saved by Allan and Margaret.
Today they are the largest independently owned electronics and appliance retail outlet in southern Africa with a turnover well over the billion rand mark. The chain of mega appliance and home furnishing stores are located in KwaZulu-Natal, the Cape and Gauteng.
The whole family is involved in the day-to-day business operations. Allan is the founder and chairman, Margaret is the executive director, Richard is the CEO and Luci is the voice of Hirsch’s and the brand manager. As a family, the Hirsch’s form a formidable force supported by their management team who have a strong commitment to the same goals.
Hirsch’s are not simply a family owned business, but they have watched the families that shop with them grow. Today Grandparents, who shopped at Hirsch’s when they were in their teens, still shop with them – alongside their own children and grandchildren.
The finalists are:
· The Ramsi Group
· Beekman Group