In a ground breaking pursuit, the 1st of July, this year, will see Durban Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s CEO, Andrew Layman, and Garlicke & Bousfield’s CEO, Brian Jennings, sign a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate joint efforts to encourage international business activity in Durban. This will be achieved by assisting local companies with international market access; providing relevant, reliable information to SMMEs; and improving business skills to enhance the competitiveness of South African businesses in the global market place.

“The promotion of exporting is a national economic priority as set out in the National Development Plan. The Durban Chamber has always offered services to exporters, and wishes to extend this to SMMEs which might be assisted to become exporters. International trading is a complex business to undertake, and not to be taken up lightly without adequate preparation. The partnership forged with Garlicke & Bousfield will enable the Chamber to offer expert guidance on this matter with the hope that in the course of time, many more exports, emanating from Durban companies, will leave the port for international markets”, said Mr Layman.

Dumile Cele, DCCI’s Business Services Manager says, “We are making a concerted effort to encourage businesses to look for markets beyond the South African borders and increase their participation in the global market place. In an effort to support and increase the competitiveness of the business community as it embarks on increased international business, we have developed a partnership with Garlicke & Bousfield to implement some International Trade Support Programmes for KZN businesses.” 

“Garlicke & Bousfield appreciates Durban’s growing need for international business and recognises its challenges. We are excited to work jointly on these issues with the DCCI”, says Brian Jennings . “Garlicke & Bousfield’s commitment to support the DCCI in the international arena is believed to be the first venture of its kind by a law firm in the province,” added Richard Cookson, an international business specialist associated with Garlicke & Bousfield, who will be spearheading the project.

The Memorandum of Understanding will allow the two parties to strengthen Durban’s capacity for international business. The project’s objectives will be achieved by jointly organised Export Readiness Seminars; an International Business Mentorship Programme, a Legal, HR and Accounting Toolkit (for SMMEs); and monthly International Business Dialogue Sessions.

Richard has 30 years’ experience advising clients on cross border transactions. He has travelled to and conducted business in every continent, visiting some 80 countries and territories worldwide. He has advised on transactions involving China since 1984 and practiced law in England. He also worked in the USA for an engineering group, whose flagship company won a Governor's Award for Export under his guidance. He has been advising Garlicke & Bousfield’s clients on a diverse range of international cross-border transactions since 2012 and gives talks, runs seminars and has penned a number of articles and handbooks on the subject. He also lectures on International Business to MBA students at a university in the USA.

Richard is admitted as a solicitor (attorney) in England and Hong Kong, and as an advocate (barrister) in South Africa. He has a string of qualifications behind his name and is affiliated with various professional institutions related to his profession.