For the months of June and July 2017 BizXnet embarked on an exciting journey through the West Coast. Our very competent team, Michelle Page, Brunhilda Tejada, Shireen Onia and I accepted the project with all determination to make a difference and to make a success of it. When I first spotted the Western Cape Government tender request for proposals in my inbox I was confident that we could deliver because the topic is so near and dear to us. We prayed, submitted the application and then prayed again. After enduring a stringent selection process, BizXnet was selected as the successful service provider. We spent the month of June in Saldanha meeting people and representatives of businesses in Saldanha, Jacobsbaai, St Helena Bay, Vredenburg and Gaanzekraal. During July we trained in Langebaan and trained participants from Paternoster, Langebaan and Moreesburg. Firstly, the West Coast, is pristinely beautiful. What a pleasure it was to trek that way every week for 8 weeks! Secondly, it was such a privilege meeting such humble, yet determined souls, eager to learn, have their knowledge refreshed and grow their businesses. The course covered 4 modules: 1. A great quality service/product. 2. Marketing - Traditional and Digital. 3. Service Excellence and 4. Monitoring and evaluation of the business. The participants engaged well and shared some valuable points and business practices with each other. We are so overwhelmed by the positive feedback which we received from those who attended. Here are some quotes from the delegates:

• "The training was very well structured, very informative and excellent."
• "The training was enjoyable and interesting."
• "The training was relevant and useful."
• "Training was great. Michelle is awesome!"
• "Wonderful initiative from DEDAT (Department of Economic Development and Tourism).
• The facilitator was knowledgeable and enthusiastic."
• "The training was really effective, relevant and powerful."
• "Learnt so much! Tamzin, the facilitator, was amazing. She trained us on so much more."

Well, we certainly enjoyed this fruitful experience and look forward to the next project on the West Coast. We'd like to thank the Department of Economic Development and Tourism for affording us this amazing opportunity. To our new friends on the West Coast... we wish you every success and that your businesses grow from strength to strength. We will certainly be back! Yours in service excellence, Tamzin Martin.