EOH embraces corporate entrepreneurship

EOH recently made headlines on the back of its extraordinary interim results, with a reported group revenue increase of 44.8%.

According to Joy-Marie Lawrence, Sales Director for EOH in the Western Cape, one of the success stories behind EOH is its refreshingly different business model that allows different divisions to maintain their entrepreneurial flair under the EOH banner.

In celebration of World Entrepreneur Day that took place on 15 April 2011, there is no mistaking the role that entrepreneurship plays in business. The term entrepreneur is, however, often generalised to embody an SME or is synonymous to a small staff complement. A big corporate company hardly ever equates as an entrepreneur, says Lawrence.

“As companies grow and develop, it is crucial to retain some of its essence that originally made it successful, proactive and innovative. It is achieved by creating an environment where people are allowed to take responsibility, own a space and grow it.”

Entrepreneurship is often choked by conventional thinking and it is for that reason that innovative thinking clashes with old systems or mindsets.

“What distinguishes EOH from its competitors is its uncanny ability to find the spark that will add a new dimension to the business. Each individual business unit is encouraged to operate as an entrepreneur in its field of operation, or to join forces in the spirit of collaboration with strategic business partners, which is further enhanced by accountability being driven as low as possible in the hierarchy,” Lawrence explains.

Sustainability is the flavour of the decade. It is, however, a word that is used in various respects, whether you are talking to the retail or financial sector.

“The economy as a whole is far more price-conscious than it was 10 years ago, and sweating assets can only go so far. Superior service delivery is not an option anymore and many companies are expected to deliver above and beyond the standard service level agreement,” says Lawrence.

EOH has, however, built its business model on flexibility that has proven to be much more sustainable in the long run. “EOH moves into new areas by means of businesses that join the group, or by starting a new business venture from scratch. It allows the organisation to offer a selection of services collaboratively across the business, allowing clients to build a business solution that is uniquely tailored to fit their needs,” explains Lawrence.

EOH allows for creativity and innovation to happen where it matters most and its financial results consistently demonstrate the success of this strategy. A corporate entrepreneurial mindset can only exist if it is nurtured by top management, says Lawrence.

“I have seen how synergy in EOH sparks innovation and cross-pollination. There is a bigger plan as far as collaboration of services and solutions are concerned, with each business unit complementing different areas of business. It keeps the creative juices flowing and paves the way for innovative and entrepreneurial thinking.”

EOH will continue to secure good sustainable business that will be allowed the space and time to grow into its environment and culture. “The Western Cape is fertile ground to a host of opportunities to be leveraged from existing relationships and partnerships, and I am excited to be one of the people that will make it happen,” concludes Lawrence.