KZN Future 50 - Powered by FNB Business and East Coast Radio!

East Coast Breakfast, in collaboration with business growth specialist Pavlo Phitidis, is once again celebrating the brilliance of local businesses with the second season of the KZN Future 50, proudly powered by FNB Business and East Coast Radio. Listen on-air to the KZN Future 50 every Tuesday at 8:10am, or catch the podcast here, and be inspired by host Pavlo Phitidis as he puts a local business in the spotlight.

Local business owners are the cornerstone of growth and prosperity in KZN. Their determination to succeed against the odds strengthens our communities, our province, and the global market.

East Coast Breakfast and Pavlo Phitidis are ready to spotlight those who excel through the KZN Future 50 campaign, now powered by FNB Business and East Coast Radio. Each week, we'll profile a business that exemplifies forward-thinking growth, demonstrating how their success paves the way for a brighter future.

Whether your growth goal is to gain more customers, secure funding, find a key supplier, hire a specialist employee, access valuable information, or get listed with a retailer, Pavlo will connect you with the right opportunities and resources.
Powered by FNB Business, the help behind over 1 million unstoppable businesses.

*** FNB supports local businesses and has been recognised as the Best SME Bank in South Africa by the Global Finance Awards for three consecutive years, including 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Weekly English South Africa Business News · Business Pavlo Phitidis

108 Episodes

80 – 100

Job Crystal - Episode 27

In this week's KZN Future 50 feature, we learn about making informed career and hiring decisions by checking a salary against the standard salary for that role country-wide.

19 Dec 2023 4 min

Coastal Timber - Episode 26

Your home deserves the touch of nature's finest! In this episode of KZN Future 50, Coastal Timber takes front and centre stage.

11 Dec 2023 5 min

Energywise Systems stands tall as a pioneering force in transforming LED lighting - Episode 25

In this week’s East Coast Radio KZN Future50 episode we focus on a business who illuminates the world around us – Energywise Systems, a manufacturer of LED Lights and we learn about how lights can impact on us all as individuals and the organisations we lead and work in.

28 Nov 2023 5 min

Nurturing South Africa's Local Farmers for a Healthier Future- Episode 24

Having previously featured a business that was focused on frozen fruit and vegetables, this week’s East Coast Radio KZN Future50 shifts focus to another business that is passionate about ensuring South Africans are well fed with nutritious food. In the heart of South Africa, a business called Vryheid Meatmasters stands…

20 Nov 2023 4 min

A “starter pack” model which is aimed at supporting small entrepreneurs find their feet - Episode 23

This week’s East Coast Radio KZN Future50 business is Headwear24, a Durban-based business headed up by Ryan Ambler-Smith. This business – and businesses like this – are essential to the KwaZulu-Natal and South African economy and they bring attention to the textile industry in South Africa.

13 Nov 2023 5 min

Cultivating robust relationships with your suppliers can yield numerous advantages - Episode 22

In the heart of Pietermaritzburg lies Papini Trading, the parent business to the Silkhouse brand – which is this week’s feature on the KZN Future50. Started over 30 years ago, this business has grown from one man – founder Rasheed Patel – to now employing over 130 people and has…

7 Nov 2023 4 min

Resilience and Role Clarity in a Third-Generation Family Business - Episode 21

In the heart of KZN stands Royal Tyres, a thriving business that has defied the odds to become a third-generation family legacy. The story of Royal Tyres is a testament to the power of resilience and role clarity in shaping a business that could withstand the test of time.

31 Oct 2023 4 min

To build a global business that drives growth and catalyst for change - Episode 20

Airshot was founded with a clear vision in mind: to revolutionize the performance industry by delivering an innovative solution that surpasses our clients’ expectations. What started as a small venture has now grown into a dynamic and forward-thinking company, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Here's why Pavlo…

23 Oct 2023 5 min

Ordev strives to be the digital ordering solution for every African customer - Episode 19

Ordev are an innovation house that strives to evolve businesses through digital innovation & transformation. They partner with market experts to develop profitable digital platforms. Here is how they have made it to KZN Future 50

9 Oct 2023 4 min

The father and son team to bring you the best designs and quality- Episode 18

Stealth Kayaks, a truly KZN product innovated by someone who identified a very simple gap in the KZN market. Beginning with the manufacturing of high-performance racing kayaks, Stealth Kayaks has now developed into the leading fishing and recreational kayak manufacturer.

2 Oct 2023 5 min

'We play an active role in the growth and development of the SA industry' - Episode 17

Plastics SA represents all South African Plastics Industry sectors, including polymer producers and importers, converters, machine suppliers, fabricators and recyclers. Here is how this company went on to be part of KZN's Future 50.

25 Sep 2023 4 min

'FATS was founded in 1992 by two sisters who saw a gap in the market' - Episode 16

Thirty years of first-class service has positioned FATS as one of the top leading companies in the South African freight and logistics market. FATS offers a wide arrange of services from air, sea and road freight to warehousing and customs clearance.

17 Sep 2023 4 min

'The key brand of the Blinds Syndicate which was established in 1996' - Episode 15

Luminos, world class design innovator and manufacturer of window coverings since 1996. KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

11 Sep 2023 5 min

To accelerate entrepreneurship in SA by making it easier for anyone to run their business- Episode 14

iKhokha is a South African technology company, co-founded by Matt Putman, Ramsay Daly and Clive Putman, that is redefining the way SMEs do business through mobile innovation. Listen to Pavlo and the rest of the Breakfast team discuss how this business became part of the KZN Future 50.

3 Sep 2023 5 min

SA's preferred supplier or manufacturer for Industrial materials - Episode 13

Springlok is SA's preferred supplier/manufacturer for Industrial Fasteners, Retail Display Accessories, and Pool Safety Accessories. Find out how this company from Glen Anil was able to be part of this week's KZN Future 50.

27 Aug 2023 5 min

An organisation with 30 years’ experience in the auto parts business - Episode 12

The organisation we feature in KZN Future 50 today has 30 years’ of experience in the auto parts business. During this time, many lessons have been learned, and huge changes have taken place in the industry. Pablo and the East Coast Breakfast team honour this KZN business.

20 Aug 2023 4 min

Joekels made a humble start in 1994 thanks to Joe Swart & Jonathan Kelsey - Episode 11

Joekels made a humble start in 1994 with Joe Swart and Jonathan Kelsey coming together to establish a tea company from Joe's garage. Over 25 years and five factories later, Joekels offers seven renowned brands, has won a host of awards, and Laager Rooibos is now the second largest Rooibos…

13 Aug 2023 4 min

'30 years ago we have been involved in the health industry' - Episode 10

Find out more about Tones Family Health, this week's KZN Future 50 featured business. The secret to success was thanks to our many customers who taught us what worked and what didn’t. ECR Breakfast and business growth specialist Pavlo Phitidis are celebrating local businesses with the KZN Future 50 campaign.

6 Aug 2023 4 min

Performance-driven creative agency founded back in 2012 - Episode 9

Founded in 2012 by Kevin Power and Jonathan Oliff, Conversation Lab has always challenged the notions of what a traditional advertising agency looks like. Find out how this company headed by MD Uyanda Manana, got on to this week's KZN Future 50.

31 Jul 2023 5 min

Our entire product offering is locally manufactured - Episode 8

Mediterranean Lifestyle is a family-run, full-service manufacturer and supplier of high-quality shutters and blinds. We offer a full turnkey service, and the entire design, supply and installation is handled by our in-house specialists. The family-owned business is featured in today's episode.

24 Jul 2023 5 min