Company Announcement - Phillips Lighting Southern Africa has launched the Philips Value Added Partner Program this month, designed to support independent lighting specialist companies in South Africa, and help them create innovative opportunities to grow their business offerings. Benefits are two fold and will also ensure Philips Lighting maintains long-term, sustainable relationships with key suppliers in the market. “With VAPP, Phillips Lighting aims to build partnerships with lighting specialists in the country, support the development and growth of their businesses, and subsequently win together in the market,” says Reggie Nxumalo, General Manager, Phillips Lighting Southern Africa. “This way, we will help create new benefits and opportunities for respective companies that could not be realised alone.”

As it stands, Phillips has already formed its first partnership with Solid State Lighting International’s (SSLI) South African operation. CEO Ross Blakeway has proven his pedigree as a top lighting expert in successfully setting up lighting projects with Philips LED Lighting for historical architectural assignments like the Castle of Good Hope, the Victoria Falls Bridge, the Port Captains House, Clock Tower and Swing Bridge at the V&A Waterfront.

“After working together for the past 5 years across numerous projects, it’s fantastic to now be formally recognized as an official Philips value added partner. An agreement with a global brand like Philips Lighting gives additional credibility to my business. Access to performance based incentives, the widest LED portfolio of products, faster support for technical queries, and training for my staff are a real benefits for my business,” says Blakeway.

“At Philips Lighting we enhance people’s lives with light by delivering innovative and energy efficient solutions to consumers and professional customers. We believe that by focusing on what people really need and leveraging our expertise with a broad range of leading partners, we can create and deliver the most innovative and meaningful solutions onthe market. The VAPP program can only empower businesses like Blakeway’s by enhancing their value-proposition to their clients,” Nxumalo adds.

Philips LED lighting solutions have helped to reduce demand on electricity grids in other markets by up to 80%, an achievable goal across South Africa – and the continent. Africa needs to challenge itself and introduce innovation in their drive to create a more robust energy model for the country. The VAPP programme looks to do work with partners who understand the lasting impact that the right light can have.