Mike Murray, Business Development Director at Itec South Africa, outlines why print dealerships need to evolve to thrive. Many South African print solution providers have spent decades building their businesses from the ground up. Often, they are family-run operations, rooted in strong client relationships and a reputation for excellent service.
But, many of these business owners are reaching retirement age and facing a critical decision: should they pass their business on to their children, or prepare it for sale? In either case, a print-only business model may no longer be enough to secure a lasting legacy.
‘We see a lot of businesses that are surviving the socioeconomic challenges, but which are still only selling or doing a fraction of what is possible,’ said Murray. ‘By partnering with a progressive MBS provider, they can broaden their offering and grow their bottom-line, without needing extensive in-house expertise.’
This shift comes at a time when change is not only inevitable but essential. Across the globe, the ‘Silver Tsunami’ – a growing wave of Baby Boomer retirements – is changing the face of business models and succession plans, with small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) under increasing pressure to modernise in order to stay relevant.
In South Africa, SMMEs are the backbone of the economy, with three million-plus entrepreneurs generating turnover estimated at more than R5 trillion and supporting more than 13 million employees. Recognising this value, government earmarked R2.1 billion in the 2025 Budget to support 120,000 small businesses, alongside funding for SME hubs. It is a welcome move, but to truly benefit from this support, small businesses need to do more than survive. They need to adapt.
This means rethinking how business is done, restructuring for long-term growth, and embracing the kind of diversification that ensures resilience and relevance in a fast-changing market.
Why Diversification Matters
Diversifying your service offering is not about abandoning what works. It is about strengthening it. It is a practical, strategic move that creates measurable benefits, such as:
Increased business value: buyers and investors are more likely to put a premium on businesses with future-ready solutions and recurring revenue streams. By expanding beyond print, you become more attractive to potential buyers.
Better succession planning: if you plan to pass your business on to the next generation, it makes sense to give them a competitive edge. A modernised, diversified offering gives your children a stronger foundation to build on.
Operational resilience: from hybrid workforces to growing security concerns, your clients’ needs have changed. Businesses want integrated solutions that include cybersecurity, cloud services, communication tools, and physical security – all backed by reliable service level agreements (SLAs) and fast issue resolution.
Support without overheads: ‘You do not have to do it alone,’ said Murray. ‘Look to partner with an MBS provider that is more than just a supplier. Your partner for the future should be a trusted name with a national support structure, years of expertise, and a channel that is tight-knit and built on real relationships.’
‘The future belongs to those who embrace change,’ said Murray. ‘In a world where technology evolves daily, businesses need partners who do more than provide a service. They need strategic allies who help them navigate what is next.’
ITEC SOUTH AFRICA
https://itecgroup.co.za
