Kiln business enterprise fills last two slots

The Kiln, an enterprise development project run by McCann Worldgroup SA, has filled its last two positions and has now achieved the company's objective of five micro enterprises ready for development in the communications industry.

The newcomers are Bright Space Media and Crushed ICE Marketing Communications, who join Pi Communications, a BEE group providing web solutions; and Ntswembu Mobile, a young advertising enterprise specialising in mobile media services. The fifth company, Black Tulip, has already grown to the point where it was able to leave the Kiln and enter the marketplace independently.

Said to be the first of its kind of enterprise development initiative, it offered at its launch in October 2009, the opportunity for selected enterprises to get rent-free office space, IT infrastructure and support, basic financial services and assistance as well as mentoring valued at R300 000 for each enterprise, for a maximum of 18 months.

Newcomers offer washroom, 360 degree

"Both of these companies are bringing something fresh and forward-thinking to the Kiln," says Reinher Behrens, group chief executive of the company. "Having demonstrated a willingness to take risks and think out of the box, we believe they are uniquely positioned to make an impact in the industry."

Specialists in washroom media, Bright Space reaches its target audience by installing digital frames and flat screen LCD monitors in washrooms inside of venues such as restaurants, clubs and sports bars. Guided by MD Donald Mangena, the company prides itself on its ability to reach a specific demographic at low cost to the client.

"With Bright Space, advertisers can select only those locations that best reach their prospects," says Mangena. "This effectively eliminates the waste associated with trying to reach the masses via traditional above-the-line media."

The other newcomer, Crushed ICE Marketing Communications, provide a wide range of services, which include retail and POS marketing, exhibitions, production, brand activations, events and corporate branding.

"We approach each campaign with a 360 degree view," says Crushed ICE executive director Lethabo Tloubatla. "By taking ideas and transforming them into original, affordable and implementable concepts, we provide clients with a branding solution that is designed to make an immediate and lasting impact."

For more on the concept, visit www.thekiln.co.za/.

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