18/09/2014

KPMG, in association with the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Family Business Unit, hosted its first one day Family Business Conference for members of family businesses to discuss some of the challenges they face.  The topics discussed were leadership transition (succession), managing governance in a family business and how family businesses can expand into Africa. 

With a mix of plenary, round table discussions and insights from family members of prominent family businesses, it provided family business members the opportunity to network and explore solutions to issues which are unique to family businesses. The event was structured in such a way to provide an environment to share and learn and included prominent family businesses, KPMG and NMMU family business experts.

The event was facilitated by Mr Alan Barr, Managing Partner of KPMG in the Eastern Cape and Prof Elmarie Venter, Director of the NMMU Family Business Unit.  It was held on 28 August at Summerstrand Hotel, Port Elizabeth. Christophe Bernard, KPMG Global Head of Family business, provided an exclusive insight into the KPMG Global Family business survey, Family Businesses investing in Family Businesses", to be released in September 2014. He also shared his thoughts on succession.  Mr Alan Taverner, CEO of Tavcor Motor Company, shared his thoughts on good governance in a family business.  Mr Phil Gutsche, Chairman of Coca-Cola Sabco, shared with the audience his experiences expanding business into Africa.

The second Family Business Conference will take place in 2015 in Cape Town.

Attending the Family Business Unit/KPMG Family Business Conference
From (left to right): Mr Alan Barr, Managing Partner KPMG (Eastern Cape); Mr Phil Gutsche, Chairman Coca-Cola Sabco; Mr Christophe Bernard, KPMG Global Head of Family Businesses; Prof Elmarie Venter, Director of NMMU Family Business Unit; Mr Alan Taverner, CEO of Tavcor Motor Company

ABOVE: Mr Phil Gutsche – Chairman of Coca-Cola Sabco

ABOVE: Mr Alan Taverner, CEO of Tavcor Motor Company