Changes in Business Connexion`s Eastern Cape region provide clients access to larger variety of skills

Gert Cronje, currently head of Business Connexion in East London, will take over the reins of the Port Elizabeth office from Kobus Gerber who has retired as from the end of February 2005, after 18 years with the group.

Gerber, who opened the PE office in 1990, will remain with the company in a consulting capacity for an indefinite period of time. "This gradual phasing in is to ensure the change-over goes smoothly and Business Connexion`s clients are comfortable with the change," states Gerber.

"I am pleased to be handing over to Gert, who has been with Business Connexion for 15 years, understands the business and also understands the region," he adds.

Having been with the PE office since he opened it over 14 years ago, Gerber wants to ensure the benefits of the relationships he has formed will still be felt by all parties after his departure. Hence, his extended stay.

The Port Elizabeth and East London branches will merge under the leadership of Cronje with Jaco Moolman taking over the daily running of the East London office as its branch manager.

Cronje is also no stranger to IT, having been in the sector for about 17 years. Under his leadership, the East London office has grown - exceeding its target by 300% during a time when the IT industry was in its doldrums.

With the two merging, clients will be able to access skills available in both offices. A unified Eastern Cape Region is a "good thing" says Cronje. "East London and Port Elizabeth have complementary skills. East London has a strong presence in government and PE has a notable reputation in the automotive industry," adds Cronje.

"With private sector growth anticipated in the region, prompted predominantly by the automotive sector, this is the perfect time to harness the synergies between the two offices to deliver an even better service to our clients," states Cronje.

Gerber concurs, saying that with the two offices working closely together, Business Connexion will gain critical mass in the Eastern Cape, which will benefit clients in both East London and PE.