On the Mark as Mead targets Africa

Mark Mead, owner of successful Tireworld Exports, appointed export distributors of Goodyear Continental passenger and light truck tyres and Free Start car and truck Batteries into several African countries has a message for other would-be entrepreneurs.

"At Tireworld Exports we've earned many years of hard-earned experience trading in Africa, dealing with countries from Ghana to Somalia and Kenya to Malawi, Zambia and Angola. We specialise in finding gaps in the market which we exploit successfully through drive and sincere hard work and old-fashioned get up and go."

Mead says he can offer advice to those who think negatively about doing trade with Africa. "Think again - it can be done, we're the proof of that." Mead, who won an award in 1997 as entrepreneur of the Year, says that at Tireworld Exports they are constantly on the lookout for new opportunities and welcome enquiries for marketing general goods into countries to the north.

'I'm also strongly into networking, particularly among other entrepreneurs and invite others to contact me," he says. 'We can help by advising whether something will sell elsewhere in Africa, also with tips on how to market various commodities.

Africa is a diverse market place with high volume capacity but the secret is how to tap into those opportunities, Don't think it can be done simply with fax or telephone - its all about being out there building contacts and trust.

" If any manufacturers or fellow entrepreneurs have ideas they would like to discuss with Mark Mead he can be contacted on (031) 765 7181

The Mercury – Wednesday July 4 2001