Driving Dreams: Standard Bank uplifts Forklift Handling

One such story is that of Mandy Smerdon, Director of Forklift Handling (Pty) Ltd.

Amid personal losses and financial constraints, Mandy's unyielding resilience is a story of triumph over adversity through her partnership with Standard Bank.

Forklift Handling, a fledgling business in South Africa, had humble beginnings. Mandy recalls the early days: "We had no money. If you've got four kids, you’d understand."

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The business's initial operations weren't without its challenges. From converting a garden into a makeshift workspace to using a basic Polo Vivo for client service, the company’s beginnings were anything but conventional.

The turning-point for Forklift Handling was when Mandy approached Standard Bank for financial assistance. Almost disheartened by previous banking experiences, Mandy was on the brink of giving up. “We had one car. You can't run a forklift business with one car,” she lamented.

But Standard Bank was different. “I'm walking across to Standard Bank. I'm going to speak to their consultants, and they are going to give me finance for a car,” she declared.

The bank's welcoming approach, its willingness to listen, and, ultimately, its decision to back Forklift Handling financially, proved a watershed moment for the company. Mandy remembers the pivotal interaction fondly: “He sat us down, listened to our story and vision and said, 'I'm going to get you that finance.'”

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Standard Bank didn’t just provide a loan; it instilled confidence and optimism in an entrepreneur striving to make a mark. This financial assistance was not merely about adding another vehicle to the business. It represented hope, progression, and the bank's faith in Mandy's vision. As she recalls: “There was a significant shift in our lives because things just changed.”

“At Standard Bank, we play a significant role in shaping the business landscape by backing small businesses and understanding their unique challenges. We firmly believe in the dreams and passions of entrepreneurs like Mandy. Our commitment extends beyond mere financial assistance; we aim to be a pillar of support, guiding and fostering growth for businesses every step of the way,” says Simone Cooper, Head of Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank South Africa.

Today, Forklift Handling stands tall with a workforce of 40 and a strong commitment to excellence.

Mandy enthuses: “In the past two years, I think we've helped 10 people get their drivers’ licences. We invest in our staff because they invest in our business, which feeds all of us. The most important things for us are to maintain consistent growth, never drop our guard in terms of our spirit of excellence and be able to give back. If you're going to tell me this is a bad place, then I won't speak to you. This is a beautiful country with so much opportunity. For us business owners, it's our job to promote our country and uplift everyone in our community.”

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From humble beginnings, Forklift Handling is now one of the rising stars in the South African forklift industry. Mandy credits a significant part of this success to the initial assistance from Standard Bank. While entrepreneurial spirit and dedication are vital, the right partnerships, such as the one with Standard Bank, proved to be the game-changer on the company's road to success. The journey of Forklift Handling is a testament to the bank's commitment to turning possibilities into opportunities.

Simone reiterated the bank’s commitment to SMEs: “Partnering with Forklift Handling is a testament to our dedication to empowering the backbone of our economy — small businesses. This paves the way for innovation, employment, and growth.”

Sponsored by Standard Bank

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