Introduction
Message from the Group chief executive
Mpumi Madisa
"We are no longer waiting for a return to a pre-COVID world.
In fact, this pandemic has given us an opportunity to recreate
and reimagine a new world. A world and society where
humankind better protects its people and environment.
A world where every business pays greater attention
to the way it makes profits.
A world where the manner
in which we conduct business and the impact of our
operations on the environment and society are equally
important. A world where social value is as important
as the bottom line."
Integrated thinking and planning is deeply embedded in Bidvest, enabling the reconciliation of our purpose with our long-term commercial objectives. Our 2021 theme of "People and Products Behind a Brighter Future" guides our efforts to create value for each stakeholder group which in turn drives our focus on optimising the value of our products and services, at a sustainable cost to society.
People and Products Behind a Brighter Future
We use our capital inputs to help us define enablers to ensure successful delivery of our Purpose:
Empowering entrepreneurship
We think like customers but act like owners. Every employee has the power to make our business better.
Committed to customers
We make every decision and measure our performance on how well it serves our customers. When our customers suceed and grow, we succeed and grow.
Driven by excellence
We value and respect the skills, time and intentions of all our people. We strive to provide an environment where they can do, and become their best.
Creating social value
We take the long view and strive to make a sustainable difference in society. We are building something worth building, that will endure the test of time.
Leading by example
We do the right thing, even when no one else is looking. What is right, is different to doing what is easy.
Living our blueprint
... we continue to extract value from our strategy, which includes a better than expected contribution from PHS, advancing the Noonan growth plan to achieve significant scale, introduced numerous innovations (monitoring cable theft, floor scrubbers, call centre "bots" and other exciting developments), accelerated ITC specialist services and enhanced technological support functions.
... we ensure the agility and environment for decisive management actions. Board diversity now 70% female and 80% Black, and the Exco is 42% female and 50% Black, which contributes unique insights into the Group’s development.
... we provide opportunities that exceed personal ambitions. We encourage team work to ensure ongoing growth at operational level. To achieve this successfully, support is provided in various ways, such as the R230 million spent on employee and community assistance through the pandemic, a wellness programme available within Bidvest, and easy access to vaccine immunisation.
... we approved and formulated our ESG Framework with management targets linked to performance indicators, agreed and implemented. Like-for-like emissions and water intensity reduced by 6% and 15%, respectively. Significant support provided to our communities, to counter COVID-19 impacts, as well as provide education, healthcare and other support for the most vulnerable in our societies.
... our decentralised management structure enabled us to prepare early for the consequences of the pandemic. We focused on conserving cash resources, protecting liquidity, rapidly right-sized businesses, and we disposed of businesses that have been extraordinarily hard-hit by the pandemic. We also improved digital access and assurance throughout the Group. This has all resulted in continued delivery of superior shareholder returns, which are balanced with all our other stakeholder priorities.