Latest news with #Herringbone
Daily Maverick
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Maverick
How UK investment is powering South Africa's jobs revolution
UK investment and partnerships are turbocharging South African jobs, housing and digital markets — with real on-the-ground impact. On Monday, 28 July, the United Kingdom (UK) Minister for Employment Alison McGovern visited Cape Town ahead of the G20 Employment Ministerial in George this week, engaging with two flagship initiatives supported by the British High Commission that are driving job creation and economic opportunity in South Africa. According to Jenna Kretzmann, communications officer of the British Consulate General, UK firms now employ more than 100,000 South Africans, fuelling vital job creation and strengthening economic resilience in a country grappling with a 32.9% overall unemployment rate and a youth unemployment rate that reached 62.4% nationally for those aged 15 to 24 in the first quarter of this year alone. UK-backed initiatives are also seeking to address deep-rooted structural challenges—in particular, the legacy of spatial segregation that continues to shape South African cities. One such initiative, Divercity, was founded in 2018, with UK-backed British International Investment playing a key role since 2021 in funding urban renewal projects that deliver affordable housing and employment. At Divercity's Salt River housing development, the Herringbone development, supported by British International Investment (BII), is powering an urban renewal engine aimed at breaking the cycle of spatial segregation that has long plagued South African cities. This project includes funding for more than 2,500 residential units, with more than 5,500 people benefiting from it. The initiative is also expected to create up to 4,000 construction and permanent jobs, offering both roofs and opportunities. 'Almost all new affordable housing delivery since 1994 has taken place at the urban periphery, entrenching spatial segregation,' noted Carel Kleynhans, CEO of Divercity, highlighting how their partnership with BII enabled commercially viable affordable housing in prime locations. E-commerce empowerment In a separate initiative, Takealot, South Africa's largest e-commerce platform, is unleashing the digital economy through its Township Digital Market Access Programme, supported by the UK-SA Tech Hub. The top 50 SMMEs in the programme have already generated about R5.7-million in sales and 39 jobs in one year. More broadly, Takealot has created 21,000 jobs and helped more than 7,500 township Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) reach new markets, illustrating how public-private innovation can fuel growth. 'We are opening up the e-commerce ecosystem, particularly to township-based entrepreneurs and small businesses…'We believe that this approach will meaningfully increase household incomes as we help create more opportunities for entrepreneurship, SMME growth and job creation,' said Fred Zietsman, CEO of Takealot. What this means for you Job seekers: UK investments mean more openings in construction, digital commerce and urban development — especially promising for youth and women. Entrepreneurs and SMMEs: More inclusion in e-commerce platforms can dramatically boost business opportunities. Urban dwellers: Projects like Divercity reduce commute costs and improve living conditions with safer, affordable housing in well-connected locations. Policy buffs: The UK-South Africa alliance models how international partnerships can go beyond aid, driving real economic transformation through sustainable jobs and innovation. DM
Edinburgh Reporter
16-05-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Herringbone Barnton opens its doors
The newest member of the Herringbone family has just opened its doors on Friday morning. Herringbone Barnton will welcome its first guests on Friday bringing its cool but casual flair and signature hospitality to the suburbs. The stylish new bar and restaurant is the fourth Herringbone site to be opened by award-winning hospitality group Buzzworks, joining popular sister venues in Goldenacre, Abbeyhill and North Berwick. Chris Robinson, General Manager of Herringbone Barnton, said: 'We're so excited to be opening our doors here in Barnton – it's such a fantastic community, and we really feel we're bringing something special to the area. 'The venue looks incredible, our team has been training hard and is full of energy, and we just can't wait to welcome everyone in. 'There's a real buzz about the place already, and it's been amazing to see how excited people are to have a Herringbone on their doorstep. 'We've poured a lot of love into every detail, from the menu to the interiors, and we hope our guests are going to feel that from the moment they walk in.' The food menu has been crafted around daytime favourites, vibrant evening plates and gourmet burgers – all prepared fresh daily – and, for the first time at a Herringbone venue, the team will serve up handmade, sourdough pizzas. Food will be served from 9am daily, with full breakfasts, coffees, breakfast bowls, toasted croissants, avocado on toast, and much more available. Guests will also be able to enjoy more than 30 wines by the glass, seasonal cocktails, and local craft beer, with stylish interiors, a central bar, and expansive windows creating a bright, welcoming atmosphere. Chris added: 'Whether you're stopping in for a laid-back brunch, catching up over dinner with friends, or enjoying a relaxed drink at the bar, there's truly something for everyone. 'We're here to be a neighbourhood favourite, and we can't wait for the locals to come in and make it their own.' To explore the menus, and to book a table, visit: or stay-up-to-date on their Facebook and Instagram pages. Herringbone is part of the award-winning Buzzworks group, which has been recognised as one of the top 100 companies to work for in the UK and is committed to creating a supportive and rewarding work environment. The company offers competitive rates of pay, industry-leading training and development opportunities, and flexible working options to help team members achieve a healthy work-life balance. Like this: Like Related
