30 Aug 2015

The Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) has proved that they take their work seriously, especially when it comes to assisting their clients grow their business. This has come to light when BOPA interviewed Nkome Dress Making in Tutume recently to hear more about their working relationship with LEA.

Ms Portia Reetsang, the media liaison officer for the dress making company said that joining LEA as their client in 2010 was the best business move they made, stating that they have benefited a lot from the relationship. She said that the business started operating in 2001 with only three employees but now they have employed eight people.

Ms Reetsang said that she went for computer training organised by LEA where she had the chance to learn how to use accounting software, which they now use at the business to keep track of their stock, profit and record all the saales made.

She noted that another employee was sent for a workshop for three days where they learnt sales and marketing, business planning and record keeping. Furthermore, she noted that all this training has come handy to the dress making operation, adding that they have moved from keeping records manually to doing it electronically.

The media liaison officer stated that they used to make school uniforms and german prints clothing but now have introduced curtains, bedding, protective clothing, track suits, jersey and shoes to their services. She said that LEA also assisted them to acquire a Public Procurement and Assets Disposal Board license, stating that they faced problems when trying to fill the forms but after consulting LEA they were able to complete the forms and get the license in a short period of time.

Ms Reetsang said this has helped them to apply for bigger tenders to supply orphans within Tutume sub-district with school uniforms. She noted that business was doing well and has grown as they now provide services to other nearby villages after LEA assisted them find a new market.

LEA advisors, she added, continue to visit them once a month to see progress at the dress making company and give out advice as well as come up with new ideas for them to implement to make the business a success.  She encourages other small businesses to become LEA clients and benefit a lot from their business advices and training.

The LEA business advisor, Mr Gaolaolwe Phologolo said that he has a good working relationship with the company’s management, adding that they do listen to his advice and implement it. He said that they are always willing to send their clients for training and workshops, stating that he was pleased with all that they have achieved . ENDS