Acutts is Durbans Best Property, Real Estate and Construction company
Category News
ACUTTS Real Estate – Durban’s oldest and one of its most well-established real state groups – scooped the Business Excellence Award for the Best Property, Real Estate and Construction company at this year’s Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) annual gala dinner.
With success that dates back more than 165 years, Acutts is the longest-standing member of the DCCI and its name is synonymous with property in South Africa.
It is one of the country’s top 10 real estate franchise groups and a major industry role player.
As a multi-faceted national entity, the company employs more than 250 people and comprises more than 70 franchises and outlets around South Africa, offering a full range of real estate services. These include residential sales and letting, commercial and industrial, farms and vacant land, leisure, and investments. It has also recently made significant headway in the development space and is currently involved in about 10 new projects around the country.
Prestigious win
The dynamic property giant is led by managing director Jonathan Acutt, who represents the sixth generation of the Acutt family in the business. Speaking to The Mercury, he said the team was ecstatic to be recognised for its efforts with such a prestigious award.
Innovation and the ability to adapt to change while staying ahead of competitors were key elements in the adjudication process of the Business Excellence Awards. “As a 165- year-old company, the win speaks directly to our longevity and sustainability – to how we have not just survived, but evolved and grown over the years,” says Acutt.
As a company headed by a young, forward-looking director – one of the youngest in the industry – Acutts embraces change. “This is especially true in tough times such as these, when we have to be innovative and creative in order to continue attracting young buyers and sellers, while ensuring we continue bringing young blood into the industry.
“The property sector is seeing an increasing influence from millennials (people who reached young adulthood around the year 2 000) and we are using this trend to give us more freedom in how we approach business opportunities and talent.
” Rather than resisting change, the company jumps at the chance to implement advancements such as the latest real estate related technology, which ensures that Acutts always offers the best possible real estate services to its clients.
“Innovation has always been part of our makeup – and it is one of the reasons for our sustained success over many years.”
Acutt believes that business has a critical role to play in the future of South Africa. “The private business sector has a massive responsibility to come to the party and create opportunity and sustainable growth within the local economy.
“Sustainability is also critical when it comes to transformation – a hot topic right now within the real estate sector.
“If transformation is to be sustainable, it needs to be about more than employment equity quotas and BEE scorecards. It needs to be about upskilling and uplifting people so that they learn more, and grow more – both within a company and within the industry.
“Real transformation is about empowering people with the tools they need to take advantage of and maximise opportunities. It’s about everyone asking ‘What can I do to make a difference?’– And about everyone contributing to the growth of our economy.
“Local government needs to acknowledge more the importance of the private sector and create an environment that encourages growth for existing business and one that adequately supports new ventures and small start-ups.”
Celebration
Acutts celebrated its award win in fine style with an exclusive cocktail party held on Wednesday, April 20.
“The award was given to the group as a whole and recognised the collective efforts of our branches and franchises, so it made sense to share this achievement with everyone, including our principals and preferred business partners,” explained Acutt.
“So many have contributed to our success and I would like to thank organisations like the Durban Chamber, The Mercury and Independent Media for everything they do to support the business sector in Durban.
“I would also like to sincerely thank our many clients and partners for the invaluable role they to play in our growth and continued success,” concludes Acutt.
Author: THE MERCURY