Reducing operating costs key for growth

A 'one-stop' shop of property related services reduces operating costs, says Marna van der Walt, CEO of Excellerate Property Services (EPS). "We have seen the concept of a bundled service offering for landlords, particularly investors with large property portfolios, rapidly emerging as a means of achieving maximum cost-effectiveness. Increasingly, role players in the property industry are looking for reputable service providers to provide such a 'one-stop' service.

"The company has already implemented this as a strategic focus in growing the business and delivering a full spectrum of quality property related services to existing and potential clients including property owners, property managers and occupiers of space. The advantage is meaningful in that a single source of knowledge and management support, together with substantial cost savings is created.

"As an example, Sterikleen, together with other companies in the EPS group, recently put together a bundled services proposal comprising property management, repairs and maintenance, security, parking management, cleaning, hygiene, pest control and gardening services for a property complex comprising eight commercial buildings. As a result, an annual saving of R1.5 million was achieved, representing a 10% reduction on operational expenses for the landlord," says van der Walt.

Rudolf Nieman, MD of Sterikleen adds, "The company, which provides services for more than 1000 buildings in South Africa and on the African continent, has experienced significant growth as part of a bundled service offering by JHI Properties. A case in point is the substantial value added from a cost as well as an operational point of view to the recently established Arrowhead and Matlotlo property portfolios.

"A single point of responsibility, accountability and communication for all service offerings for a property portfolio is created and significant cost savings are achieved for the client by removing layers of management and consolidating support services.

"Now more than ever, well maintained properties that stand out are likely to attract and retain tenants, so it is imperative that service providers in the property industry - from refuse removal to cleaning and security - maintain exemplary standards and keep buildings immaculate, while achieving a reduction in operational expenses. If there is a threat of vacancies, well-kept assets have a clear advantage and a bundled service offering is the ideal solution to the challenge, particularly in a subdued economy."

This concept has further benefits for ensuring that the same high standard of bundled services is provided to clients not only in easily accessible metropolitan centres but also in rural and remote areas such as towns in the Northern Cape such as Kimberley. Due to the collective footprint and management capabilities and support of all the companies in the EPS group, Sterikleen is able to render cleaning, hygiene, pest control and gardening services in remote areas such as the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu-Natal and the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga.

Creating employment in rural areas

"Local rural people have been employed as staff and, through a process of structured training, the company is creating jobs and adding value to the community through effective skills transference. Staff members begin as site cleaning staff and skills are gradually increased through training and experience, enabling rural inhabitants to become supervisors and so improve their quality of life. Because of the national network and wide array of services offered, EPS is well positioned to provide almost any property service or specific property solution in remote areas, and to the same high standards.

"The full management team of the company, under the guidance of COO Barrie Steyn, is involved in the establishment of standard procedures and processes in order to obtain ISO 9001-2008 accreditation. Getting Legal, a reputable training consultant in the industry, is assisting with this documentation and design and implementation of a structured training process aligned with ISO as well as SETA accreditation. This accreditation will play a vital role in reinforcing a culture of efficiency and effectiveness, and contribute to ensuring that EPS is an employer of preference," concludes Nieman.