Having been at the forefront of the BPS industry in its infancy back in 2001 and witnessing the exponential growth of this sector over the years, I would like to commend role players on the first-class support and collaboration rendered to me mid-December 2018 as a then BPS sector participant in a time of need. I have unintentionally distanced  myself  over the past few years to become a “peripheral BPS player”, but have always kept abreast of the incredible co-operation and team work on the part of industry players, but without doubt always knew  I would be well received by my longstanding BPO network if ever I needed assistance.

A case in point was over December when I was faced with the misfortunate of having to assist 10 industry casualties with finding alternate employment at a very challenging time of the year. After having reached out to my longstanding contact, Traci Freeman and Andy Searle who, at the time was actively involved in launching the Global Business Services (GBS) Incentive within the UK, I was connected to Clayton Williams, Chief Skills Officer of BPeSA. I was impressed by the manner in which industry players collectively rallied together, both from BPeSA and private sector (Yale Ralfe from Mango5 and Robert Joubert from BoomerangSA), in assisting me on my rescue mission.

Whist we all acknowledge South Africa’s Proposition for global business services, I would like to add to this list. Having witnessed first account of the partnership and concern of BPS industry sector specialists/players in pulling together to resolve my problem, the BPO Sector is a force to be reckoned with. Apart from the revised and significant GBS incentives, it’s the strong network, sense of selflessness, purpose of job creation and collective thinking that will provide BPeSA with the competitive advantage and ability to deliver and continually grow the BPO sector.

Celeste Sirin
MD for Employer Branding SA