Small businesses look to expand |20 April 2015

Most of the entrepreneurs President James Michel spoke to on Saturday in the districts of Mont Fleuri and Plaisance said their businesses are doing so good they want to expand.

This is a good sign as it is the private sector which is the engine of a country’s economic growth that benefits everyone. The desire to grow shows that despite the many hiccups, businesses are doing well here and this augurs well for the country’s future as the economy continues to grow.

The private sector creates jobs, increases trade, and provides goods and services to the population and generates tax revenue.

Carpenter Nigel Sinon needs a bigger workshop

Carpenter Nigel Sinon has said he needs a bigger workshop as he cannot take many orders at one time.

“Right now, I have to finish one job before taking on the next. I need a bigger workshop as I have a lot of jobs from individuals and even the Ministry of Education. I am also working in a residential area and I have to stop using all power tools and heavy machinery by 5pm. It’s at this time that I do the varnishing,” said Mr Sinon whose workshop is next to his mother’s place at Hermitage in the Mont Fleuri district.

Mr Sinon, whose father Alone Ah-Tive passed away recently, added that he was happy President Michel came to see him.

“I wanted to come and see you, but it’s even better that you have come to see me as I can show you my workshop and you can better understand my situation,” said 30-year-old Sinon who even showed the President some of his work stored on his iPad.

The 30-year-old added that the profession as a carpenter pays well and he is able to live a good life. He also employs a foreigner.

Lindy Cesar wants to go into taxi business

Lindy César has recently acquired an omnibus and expects to have a second one in the coming months.

Although she has a few difficulties understanding which transfer licence to adopt, Ms César, who is doing contract services for companies, explained that she hopes to enter the taxi business.

“I believe it’s a tradition in the family. My father and brother are both taxi drivers and I want to be a taxi driver too,” said Ms César who added that she is currently doing most her transfers even at night.

Aubrey Adeline’s Brux Design

Many still remember the 2011 Indian Ocean Island Games logo and mascot. Aubrey Adeline, who runs Brux Design, is the designer whose work was chosen for the Games Seychelles hosted in 2011.

With wife Shirley whom he has himself taught the designing and printing techniques, Mr Adeline works on a number of projects for individuals, private businesses and even governmental organisations.

He said business is very good and that he likes the good working relation with other local and international businesses.

“I work well and in partnership with other local graphic design studios. We have a good understanding and if for example I need them to do a printing job they always respond to my call,” said Mr Adeline.

He noted that although there is a need for him to expand his business, he won’t rush into doing it as he wants his business to grow by phases.

Brux Design does digital printing, large format printing, vehicle wrapping, designing, banners and sign writing.
Mrs Adeline gifted President Michel two cups with his photo and that of daughter Laeticia printed on.

Horticulturalist Richard Felix

It is common to see many young Seychellois who study horticulture at the Seychelles Agricultural Horticultural Training Centre choose other jobs after graduating, but Richard Felix, 31, has stayed in this field and believes horticulture is good business.

Based at Copolia, Mr Felix said he wants a new place to set up his business as his family’s backyard is full of potted plants which he supplies to many offices on a contract basis.

“I need a bigger location to run my business. It’s true I was offered a plot at Anse Royale, but it’s for farming and not horticulture. There was also no water connection,” said Mr Felix who is also a well-known cyclist.

As he gave the local media an interview in his nursery, the 31-year-old said horticulture pays well.

“You have to be determined and know what you want to achieve. I studied horticulture and grew up seeing my mum doing horticulture on a part-time basis. It helped and I am happy I’m doing it now,” said Mr Felix, who also does landscaping.