Our People - Natal Midlands

Tell us about the region/s you work in.

My franchise region encompasses the absolutely beautiful KZN Midlands, the awesome Drakensberg Mountains and the fascinating Battlefields to the North. The major city in the region is the historical city of Pietermaritzburg.

Tell us something not many people know about you.

I purchased this franchise nineteen years ago, after my previous company, Durban Tourism, was closed by the Durban City Council in favour of a BEE setup. Having been there for 20 years and becoming Managing Director of both that company and the Durban Tattoo, joining Brochure Management was a logical step forward in the tourism field.

Tell us about your business, and about the people who work for you (if applicable).

I am running my company as a Sole Proprietor, and have no staff working with me other than my dear wife of 49 years. Having built up this business from scratch has been at times difficult and challenging, but the sheer enjoyment of meeting these challenges and overcoming them has been extremely rewarding in every aspect.

When you think of your business, what is something that makes you PROUD?

The KZN Midlands must be one of the most beautiful regions in the country, and travelling through it on a daily basis distributing and displaying our client’s brochures is a pleasure indeed for us. Winter is normally the most spectacular time, with the snow covered mountains along the entire range and the changing of the vista from green to golden brown. Also visiting the Battlefields with a guide book has certainly increased our knowledge of this fascinating part of our history.

How badly has Covid-19 affected you? Have you managed to access any relief funds? 

The major effect the Covid19 and the lockdown have been to preclude any distribution, resulting in no income for the full period. As a sole proprietor I had no claim for relief funds so it has been an interesting experience! I think I have used this spare time quite effectively in that I am a keen gardener and enjoy DIY projects.

My existing clients I expect to remain loyal and are sure they will appreciate the value of their brochures remaining prominently in the face of future tourists. I also expect many others in the industry to also recognise the value of greater marketing exposure. I suppose many of these future clients could be financially embarrassed, but that problem can easily be overcome with planned delayed payments.

What’s the first place you’d like to visit when #coronalockdown is over?

Once the lockdown has reached Stage 1 and we are free to operate, I suspect our first trip will be to the amazing Northern Drakensberg with its majestic Amphitheatre as a backdrop, and the wonderful farmlands stretching into the distance. Returning via the Central Berg area, the playground of the Drakensberg, we look forward to renewing friendships with both clients and board hosts.

Any recommendations for activities/companies in your area that are now operating?

Howick is slowly awakening from the lockdown, and with its solid tourism infrastructure, it should not be too long before we are once again hosting multitudes of visitors, especially to the Mandela Capture Site and the Howick Falls. We are after all, the only town in the country with a magnificent waterfall within the CBD!

Where can potential clients get hold of you?

Frank Vincent

Brochure Management Natal Midlands

Frank@brochuremanagement.com

082 456 9970 / 033 330 2000