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Turning Growth into Cash: Lessons from Businesses That Got It Right—and Those That Didn’t

Growth without liquidity discipline is risk without reward.

Growth feels like success. But for many South African SMEs, it’s the beginning of a cash flow management challenge. Rapid expansion without a liquidity strategy can quickly turn profit on paper into a real-world cash crisis.

We’ve seen it too often: founders chase expansion, add stores, hire fast — then get blindsided by liquidity pressure. The reality is simple: growth eats cash before it feeds it. Without discipline, success can sink you.

Here are four stories — Drip Footwear, Naspers/Prosus, WeWork, and Amazon — that reveal the difference between scaling smart and scaling into trouble.

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The Rise and Fall of Drip Footwear: What South African SMEs Must Learn About Sustainable Growth

Part of the Drip Footwear range of sneakers

Drip Footwear was one of South Africa’s most visible SME success stories—until it wasn’t. Within five years, the brand evolved from a township startup to a national retail name, celebrated for its bold sneaker designs and an inspiring origin story. But behind the popularity, financial cracks were forming. Drip collapsed under the weight of unsustainable growth and weak internal controls. For South African business owners, this case holds vital lessons: how rapid expansion, without the right systems in place, can quickly lead to cash flow crises, regulatory troubles, and reputational damage.

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The Power of Effective Due Diligence: Unlocking Long-Term Value for Buyers and Sellers

Introduction

In the world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), due diligence plays a crucial role in ensuring successful transactions. Whether you’re buying or selling a business, a well-executed due diligence process can protect your investment, uncover hidden risks, and maximize value. This article explores how effective due diligence benefits both buyers and sellers, ensuring strategic growth and sustainable long-term success.

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A Guide to Beneficial Ownership Compliance for South African SMEs

In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, regulatory compliance is more than a legal obligation—it’s a vital component of sustainable growth. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa, the recent amendments to the Companies Act 71 of 2008 regarding beneficial ownership (BO) reporting are a crucial step toward greater corporate transparency. Here’s what your business needs to know to stay compliant and avoid penalties.

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Managing Risk in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa

Managing risk in SME’s creates long-term value

Risk management is vital to the success of SMEs in South Africa which has one of the highest failure rates of SME’s globally, with 75% of SMEs failing within their first two years. Therefore, adopting a robust risk management approach can improve operational resilience, mitigate potential threats, and enhance business growth. For businesses in South Africa, understanding and managing risks effectively is a key determinant of survival and long-term success.

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Business Adaptation Strategies: Lessons from Ellies Holdings to Sustain Business Growth

A modern, agile workspace that embodies agility and innovation that enables organisations adapt to changing market dynamics and drive sustainable growth.

The collapse of Ellies Holdings, once a cornerstone in South Africa’s consumer electronics sector, serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for agility and innovation in business. This blog post offers strategic insights derived from Ellies’ downfall, emphasizing how businesses, especially within the South African business landscape, can implement effective business adaptation strategies and drive sustainable growth.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Implement Continuous Market Monitoring: Stay informed about the latest trends to anticipate shifts in consumer behaviour.
  2. Prioritize Research and Development: Foster innovation to keep pace with technological advancements and consumer expectations.
  3. Embrace Strategic Diversification: Leverage new markets and technologies, like renewable energy solutions, to enhance business resilience.
  4. Cultivate Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate to enhance capabilities and effectively navigate market challenges.
  5. Strengthen Marketing Efforts: Develop a strong brand presence to maintain market relevance and visibility.
  6. Adopt Agile Operational Models: Ensure your business can swiftly adapt to changes within the dynamic South African business environment.
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Elevating Financial Strategy: Leveraging CFO Outsourcing

Outsourced CFO leadership guiding business growth and financial clarity

A CFO’s role extends beyond financial stewardship. They shape strategy, manage risk, drive efficiency, and create value. Yet, many organizations — especially in the public sector and mid-sized private companies — lack the internal capacity to fulfil this mandate.

Bethanie Management Consulting provides CFO outsourcing services for public and private sectors, placing experienced finance executives into organisations that need targeted leadership, fast results, and sustainable improvements.

With over two decades of experience, our outsourced CFOs do more than fill a vacancy — they deliver structure, compliance, and forward momentum.

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Unlock Your Business’s Potential: Why You Shouldn’t Go It Alone

Empowering SMEs Through Professional Partnerships

In the complex journey of growing a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME), the wisdom of seeking expertise is undeniable. Much like we entrust our health to doctors and our cars to mechanics, the path to business prosperity demands a specialized touch. This is where the invaluable partnership with professional accountants and trusted business advisors becomes your cornerstone for success.

A business consultation between SME owners and professional advisors, highlighting the collaborative effort towards growth.
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Navigating Financial Health for Healthcare Professionals

Introduction

In the dynamic world of medical and health professions, practitioners and small to medium-sized businesses face unique financial and operational challenges. As an accounting firm with a specialized focus on this sector, we understand the intricacies of your industry. This post aims to address the specific obstacles you encounter and offers expert guidance to navigate these challenges efficiently.

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How SMEs Can Achieve Growth Through Enhanced Visibility

Successful businesses understand what their value drivers are, have insight into it and know how to manage it.

In the fast-paced and competitive landscape of today’s markets, small and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s) face numerous challenges that demand constant innovation, adaptability, and growth. However, many SME’s struggle due to a lack of visibility and insight into their own performance, strategies and risks, governance, processes, and customer dynamics. Therefore, SME’s cannot manage what they don’t see.

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