Poised by a desire to partner and create wealth for their
individual customers, the Heritage Bank took advantage of the occasion of the
customers’ service/appreciation week to organise a business fair that showcases
and celebrates the business activities of their various customers.
The fair which took place at 12 Ligali Ayorinde Street, Victoria
Island, last Sunday and Monday, saw various entrepreneurial clientele of the
bank displaying their products and services to potential customers.
Just as was obtainable in trade fairs, products were reasonably
cheap as they were sold at much discounted prices and prospective shoppers also
used the occasion to obtain the contact addresses of sellers.
The event was strategically kick started on Sunday, a work free
day, to enable customers alongside their family and friends hang out at the
fair.
In her welcome address, the Executive Director, South Bank,
AdaezeUdensi disclosed that at Heritage Bank, they are poised to collaborate
with their customers to grow their businesses into generational conglomerate.
“Our desire is for Nigerian businesses to be listed on the stock
exchange and eventually become global brands and household names. We believe
that businesses like yours are the backbone of the economy because you create
jobs and play a huge role in moving our country out of this present recession.
I encourage you to rise up to this challenge facing every Nigerian entrepreneur
and make our economy vibrant again.”
She stated that the Heritage Bank business fair is where new deals
are brokered and partnerships initiated. ‘It is the place to connect’ she said.
According to her, a contact at the fair could lead to a business
opportunity tomorrow and shoppers in turn will appreciate the vendors home
grown businesses and in turn, the vendors would learn more innovative ways to
meet their needs. ‘That is why we have created a platform like this, to propel
a network of fast growing businesses’.
“Seize this opportunity, network with other vendors that are
present, engage our SME consultants at the mini-bank and let us be your guide
on the path to global recognition.”
Collaborating the Udensi’s speech was the Executive Director,
Abuja & North Bank, Ola Olabinjo who hinted that the business fair being
organised by the bank is a sure foundation of taking Nigeria’s economy out of
recession.
The Abuja North Bank ED remarked that because small businesses are
the foundation of every economy, at Heritage Bank, they are more than every
ready to ensure that they support them.
“It is not the size of the balance sheet of the bank that grows an
economy, but the patriotism of the bank and the small businesses and we are
determined to go the long walk with you.”
Full of life and ensuring orderliness at the fair was the Group
Head, Customer Experience and Analytics, KikanyaAkpenyi who declared to
Independent that she is happy and could only thank God that the D-day has
finally come and that the vendors responses to the invitation was fantastic.
“This is the second edition, during the first one, of course, we
were still testing the water so, a lot of the planning was a bit rushed.
However, this time around, we had much time to plan and that is why we were
able to get a bigger space in terms of a more vantage location that would be
accessible to a lot of people.”
Akpenyi indicated that the success of the event was hinged on the
feedback gotten from the previous edition, leading to more people wanting to be
a part of it.
“So, it took a lot of works, getting the vendors, collecting their
logos and promotional materials for them. And of course, on our part,
trying to put the word out there and then getting all these to happen. About
two months of preparation, checking prices, comparing locations and then, we
are here today.
“I am excited and happy, I am thankful for the team I have, it
couldn’t have happened with just me. Team work is actually the success factor
here. So, everyone has put in his and her best. We also got very good support from
our management.”
Despite being organized just for the Lagos entrepreneurs, there
were also vendors from outside Lagos that graced the occasion and the bank
welcomed them with open arm.
The event which was open to all retail segments of Heritage Bank’s
clients, according to the organizers, is hoped to be taken beyond the Island,
to other metropolitan cities across the country.
“It is all about giving back to our customers, finding ways to
support them, as well as appreciating them for their patronage. We are open to
feedback as we get the feedback and clamour to do more, we can always adjust.”
Even though plans were made for 50 booths and five extra, the
entire 55 booths were booked and occupied by vendors of various products and
services who had their sales reps distributing fliers to customers.
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