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WHEN TIMES ARE TOUGH, THE TOUGH GET GOING!
That's the philosophy that inspired Mark Kiek to start his own business about the time when media headlines were all about the financial crisis. Mark figured that if you start when things are down, then there is only one way to go -- and that is up. And so Mark started The Home Inn, a furniture and appliance outlet in a new retail centre on the main road on the East London side of town. His enthusiiasm - and the good deals he offers - have ensures success.
Now just over a year since he opened his business Mark is moving across the car park into newly built premises double the size of his present outlet. And this new spot faces on to the main road so he is assured fantastic visibilty.
KOWIE GOLD IS OUR NEWEST "EXPORT"
 One of Port Alfred's lesser-known gems is The Little Brewery on the River, Port Alfred’s very own brewery on Wharf Street. New owner Ian Cook reports that the beer is sitting in vast ‘pregnant’ vats waiting for the thirsty public to stick their noses into the absolutely delicious brew.
The brewery is being managed Colin Coetzee, a brew master of note who worked for South African Breweries for 35 years, and the making, tasting, and showing off will be his sole concern, as the facility is re-open to the public. There you will be able to see how beer is made, to taste the results, and to enjoy the fact that we have a truly special product, which adds to our sense of uniqueness on the Sunshine Coast. Colin is a quiet ‘mine-host’ with a keen twinkle in his eyes as he tells the story of beer-making, relates his vast experience with SAB, and expands his passion for a product that one tends to dismiss in the commercial world.
“I love the whole process," he says., “I love the excitement of each batch, the fact that I am creating a timeless drink and that I am part of the community that is in essence a history-making entity. The casks are already available in many of the pubs around town, and we intend expanding our service across the board. We want the region to be known for the brand, Kowie Gold, as that is the name of our beer. We are making, pilsner, and ale, and as a seasonal brew, we will serve porter.
“The fact that we are in this historical building, adds a certain inimitable distinction to the entire marketing of our product and we hope that the public, and certainly the visitors will appreciate what we have created here for their enjoyment," he says.So there you have it - another delicious temptation to lure holidaymakers to Port Alfred. And what a pity that most of the football
supporters won't be wending our way. They'll never know what they are missing.
Our picture shows Colin and Bram Coetzee, "proudly Ndlambe" and they stand on the platforms above the vast vats filled with beer. Bram who is here from White River to give a helping hand to his dad Colin, who is the new brew master of The Little Brewery on the River in Wharf Street.
seat of learning where nothing sits still
Hats off to an entrepreneurial lady. Avril McCann is making a great success of her Computer and Office Training Academy (COTA) that has grown to become the largest IT Training Company in Port Alfred in less than two years. The academy offers Basic and Intermediate training in Microsoft Office as well as Typing, Keyboard Skills, Internet, Email and an Office Practice course that enables students to understand what to expect when entering the corporate world.
Avril says, "Our trained facilitators provide a hands-on learning environment that guides the students and prepares them to enter a new career or enhance an existing career. Each student is given the use of a manual while training.
"The success of our students is realised through training classes, but the foundation of COTA is based on inspiring students to become more productive and successful in their daily activities. We see it on our students' faces every day. It's the confidence that comes from learning.
"Our Motto at COTA is 'You have the Power to Succeed'.”
COTA offers a sponsorship program that assists individual students in furthering their education. A sponsorship is awarded based on a range of criteria. The programme was established through the kindness of individual donors and the Lotto. Once their students have completed their training, COTA tries try to assist with job placements that match their qualifications.
BRANCHING OUT
COTA has recently acquired an Engineering Copier Machine, which makes copies of all size architectural plans and they are also branching out into sales of Sahara Computer Hardware, Printers, Accessories and Software. "And," says Avril confidently, "our prices are the best in town."
For more info of any of COTA's services contact avril on 082 863 3200 or e-mail c.o.t.a.@telkomsa.net
COMPUTER GLITCHES? CALL THE PC GURU
Dale McCANN has recently returned from several years working in the UK and has started a Games Room in the same building in Campbell Street. Catering to youngsters who like to while away some time enjoying the latest computer games he has imported some fo the latest and best. Visitors get the first hour at a console free and thereafter pay a nominal fee. Port Alfred has sometimes been criticised for not offering youngsters enough entertainiment during holiday times - expecially when the weather turns foul - so Dale's venture will b welcomed.
He has also set up another venture called PC GURU offering computer sales, service and support. Contact Dale on 082 682 6530 or 046 624 2112. He can also be contacted via e-mail dale.pcguru@gmail.com
THE BUZZ WORKS 
A clever concept offering office space with a difference
The Buzz Works, conceptualised by Debbie Stott after a conversation with a business colleague, opened its doors on 26th January 2009 and is a business designed to support local entrepreneurial activity, national and regional business people and mobile workers, creative people and professionals by providing a dedicated yet flexible work environment and associated office services. What sets them apart from the competition is that this their core business; they do not provide these services as an add on. They want customers to view their services as easy to use and value for money; to view the environment as professional yet relaxed; and to find the staff friendly, welcoming, helpful and knowledgeable.
The products they sell are classified as “Harry Casual” or “Regular Joe” products. The “Harry Casual” products can be purchased by customers as and when they are needed on a pay-as-you-go basis and include internet data download, desks by the hour, printing etc. The “Regular Joe” products can be purchased by those customers who wish to plan ahead a little more and rent a desk and associated services on a more regular basis.
Their services are relevant to home workers, mobile office workers, creative souls, students, local consultants and professionals and small businesses servicing primarily the Port Elizabeth, East London and Grahamstown triangle but with coverage to Plettenberg Bay and the northern parts of the Eastern Cape as well.
Trends
Trends in both the South African and world markets and business practices, see the need for services that support the ever increasing numbers of mobile workers as well as the growing number of entrepreneurs and people who work from home. There is also a trend internationally where business travellers are demanding office space and facilities with their accommodation. Not all accommodation establishments are able to provide such things, so this is where The Buzz Works comes in.
What's on offer?
- A meeting room for 2 to 8 people when peace and quiet or complete privacy is needed
- A room where training can be carried out
- A desk if some time is needed to complete a special project or achieve a deadline
- A venue for running a weekend workshop or talk where you can have access to the whole premises for your needs
- Wireless and fixed internet in a peaceful environment
- A data projector and electronic whiteboard for special presentations
- Office services such as printing, scanning, photocopying, DVD and CD writing or copying
- Typing and internet research services
- Ad hoc services like setting up your iTunes library
NOW MORE SERVICES THAN EVER...
MARKETING SERVICES
· Marketing newsletters or promotion design - you provide the content and we’ll lay it out for you
· Send out bulk newsletters on your behalf - you provide the email addresses and we’ll do the rest with reports
· Small advert and flyer design for newspapers, magazines and directories
TRAINING SERVICES
· Training Course Material Creation
· Training on one-to-one basis or small groups (up to 6) on:
o Microsoft Office applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Publisher, Outlook
o Using your email effectively and for Time Management
o Using the internet
o Understanding and using your PC
BUSINESS SERVICES
· Set up document templates and spreadsheets such as Invoice and Quote masters, Petty cash logs, Letter and Fax headers in Microsoft Office applications
· Database setup including reports
· Professional PowerPoint presentation design
MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES
· Proof reading
· Internet Research (if you don’t have your own PC / internet)
· Typing (small and big documents!)
All these services are offered on a time cost basis.
TALK TO US NOW WITH YOUR REQUIREMENTS AND WE CAN DO YOU A FREE QUOTE.
PHONE: 046 624 8495 OR EMAIL: INFO@THEBUZZWORKS.CO.ZA
Why should people use The Buzz Works?
- They won't hold anyone to long term contracts or leases
- They are 100% confidential
- Services can be used by the hour not by the day
- Internet charges are for the data downloaded not for the time spent using the internet
- The Buzz Works is close to the main R72 in a tranquil location
- Their Harry Casual Frequent Member Card offers one free service for every 6 services purchased
- All these facilities are on hand and there is no need to many different places to get things done
- They have the full Microsoft Office Professional version, so we are able to print almost any type of document
t: 046 624 8495 | f: 086 696 0879 | e: info@thebuzzworks.co.za | w: www.thebuzzworks.co.za
LOVE BOATS? THEN THIS STORE'S FOR YOU!
Doug Kemsley's boating business on the wharf at the Halyards Hotel is drawing lots of locals and visitors. Kemsley's Cabin is crammed with everything a boating man needs to keep his craft in good shape but Doug also stocks lots of colourful, innovative accessories. Fancy some stunning, soft-soled shoes or a sailing jacket? Or a nifty toy to entertain the kids on the water?
 Or how about a bright yellow lounger to bob about in on the water. Of course if a new boat is more your bag, Doug will supply that, too. Just tell him what you fancy and bingo, he's have it delivered in a jiffy. He'll source craft - for river or for dee-sea fishing - from all over the world. Top-notch service is Doug's aim – and that's exactly what a boating man needs. Or if you don't have cash for a new craft, browse his selction of used boats.
He's also offering  cleaning services for boats and jetties and will ensure that your craft is spruced up and safely stowed away while you are out of town. He'll then have it launched and ready for a spin up the river on your arrival back in town.
kingston guest farm - for fine dining
 This Edwardian Farmhouse (1906) has been lovingly restored by Fred and Carla Bright and is now the premises for their Appaloosa Stud and Restaurant. Accommodation is also available in three fully equipped apartments. The charming restaurant offers fine dining in an olde-worlde atmosphere where impeccable personal service is the order of the day. Their smallish menu changes daily and makes the most of local and seasonal produce. It's the perfect venue for a special occasion, a small conference, a romantic dinner or just a fine dining experience. One of their really charming features is the fresh roses on the dining tables year round. These are grown all along the front of the homestead and seem to flourish whaetever the weather.
 As well as enjoying their delectable fare you can view their stunning Appaloosa horses, a rarity in this region. All in all a visit to Kingston is very special. To book please call Fred or Carla on 083 262 4813. They are open for lunches and dinners.
 
Starting a new business during a recession takes spunk and that's what Francie and Mike Sherren would appear to have in bucket loads. They have realised a long-held dream of having a business in Port Alfred that would see them enjoying the Sunshine Coast lifestyle while still having a vibrant business interest.
The new bakery Qibli (pronounce Kibli) is in Van der Riet Street – right opposite Port Alfred's new My Pond Hotel. As well as supplying a very tempting array of breads, croissants, rolls and sweet and savoury pastries, Qibli serves up a delicious array of eats for the morning coffee and lunchtime sets. As their premises is in an old house – also occupied by a delightful store selling furniture, gifts and knick knacks – there are several small rooms that patrons can choose to eat in. And when the weather is fair and warm, there is a delightful patio that catches the sunshine.
And as for the Swiss connection? Well lots of the wonderful pastries are made from a very special mix imported from Switzerland. It's a fail-safe way of making sure their customers get the same top quality and taste time after time after time.
This enterprising couple have also taken over Umtunzi - a divine eatery about 10 minutes out of Port Alfred on the East London road.
UMTUNZI - A DIFFERENT DINING EXPERIENCE 
Umtunzi is nestled in pristine Eastern Cape indigenous bush – less than 10km from Port Alfred on the East London road - and boasts abundant bird and wild-life. It's unique location offers guests a tranquil, romantic experience.
The venue has its own restaurant and fully-licensed bar and can seat up to 120 people in any kind of weather. Umtunzi caters for all occasions - be it a wedding, a birthday party, a corporate function, a breakfast, luncheon or a dinner.
The restaurant is open throughout the year for festivals, public events and product launches and specialises in theme luncheons in winter, dinners in summer with guest chefs and music evenings
WELCOME TO THE POSTMASTER'S VILLAGE
Tucked away in Princes Street - the road that runs into Royal Port Alfred Golf ClUb - is a lovely shopping spot run by John and Renate Cooper. Ths enterprising couple started off running the popular Pillar Box Coffee Shop. Now their venture has been expanded, hence the Postmaster's Village name. The Pillar Box is still open for delicious coffees, teas, scrumptious, decadent cakes and lovely light lunches. It's a favourite spot of local ladies who lunch!
The original old post office house has been added on to and there is now a charming row of shops housing Renate's Cheese Shop, a Healthy Living store, John's frame-making and framing business, a hairdresser's Salon Florence, a delightful gift shop Worth Attitude that showcases many local crafts and a charming art gallery where original paintings are displayed all long the corridor that leads to the back garden where there is an almost magical Wine Garden. All in all it's a delightful destination for local and holday shoppers who want to browse, relax and have a thoroughly lovely time. A great spot to enjoy sundowners.
SOLEIL EN MER INTERIEURS - BIGGER AND BETTER STORE
Marleine Badenhorst and her husban Callie took a great leap of faith when they moved their fairly new interior decorating business to Rosehill Mall when it opened in November last year. But it was a wise decision and just in time for the shopping centre's first birthday Soleil en Mer Interieur has quadrupled the size of their store. Business was brisk from day one and Marleine soon had requests for more than the curtains, wallpapers, lamps and ornaments that she offered. Soon she was asked to source furniture so she could complete whole house interiors and not just the soft furnishing side. Marleine has also gone into crockery, cutlery and designer ornaments in a big way. So whether you are looking for contemporary or traditional knick knacks to complement your home, you'll find soemthing to fit the bill at this elegant store. They also offer an up-market range of contemporary leisure furnite for patios and terraces.
Definitely worth a visit whether you're a local or on holiday. You'll be tempted! Contact Marleine or Callie mailto:solmer@telkomsa.net |
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