“We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole world. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity.” – Desmond Tutu
Ubuntu – I am, because you are. What an incredible South African philosophy that beautifully defines our lives, not only as South Africans, but as humanity. As we develop and grow as individuals, as a business, as a community, The Excellence Group has seen Ubuntu in the flesh during this special year that is 2020.
This global pandemic has shown humankind just how interwoven and interlinked our world is on a micro as well as macro level. These linkages have allowed all five of our businesses to survive and thrive. Suppliers, clients, staff alike all play a vital role in our existence, and we in theirs. This is the power of Ubuntu, and it has been an amazingly gratifying and humbling experience to watch this philosophy be emphasised in all of our lives over the last 10 months.
Covid-19 has forced the world to reinvent, remodel and refresh. We all knew the world was moving to a digital age, but lockdown cemented this for everyone – no matter which industry. The Excellence Group took this opportunity to review our entire digital strategy. We redesigned and relaunched 6 websites, further aligning our businesses in different and innovative digital ways. All of our social media platforms are up and running and we are experimenting with various strategies that are ‘new territory’ for most of us. But this territory may not have been entered with such vigour and ambition if Covid-19 did not hit us, and for reasons like this we need to be grateful (as difficult as it may seem) that we overcame, and innovated in departments that were not necessarily a focus before such an overwhelming time.
The Excellence Group also spent time aligning all processes. We all moved onto the same software to streamline and optimise all business activities and systems. This software has simplified and improved our communication and information transfers throughout all five business, as well as our clients and partners.
We also invested back into our businesses in a non-digital way. Infin8 Surfacing moved into our very own manufacturing facility at the end of 2019, which has been successfully commissioned this year. We were able to design and organise all manufacturing and production facilities to again, optimise our manufacturing process. Infin8 Surfacing also introduced a new product line into our offering – high-pressure compact laminates, which has proven to be a great success for the business over the last 6 months. Spotlight Joinery along with Craft Furniture, completed our 300m² showroom at the end of 2019 too, it has been phenomenal to watch the benefits of hard work and focus come to life throughout 2020 for both businesses. Eurocasa Cape Town also had a very exciting year with major showroom renovations, showcasing the latest kitchen and wardrobe trends from Italy. And without giving too much away, watch this space for Valcucine’s 2021 plans.
We have seen positive change in each of our businesses over this unusual time. The Excellence Group and each of our companies could not have made it through 2020 without Ubuntu. We are The Excellence Group – only because of our incredible staff, our partners and suppliers and amazing clients that have supported us not only now, but always. We are committed to continue on a path of growth and development to better the lives of everyone in our business, our industry and our community. We are committed to Making Lives Exceptional.
