"An important milestone in its own right, reflection on the past five years reveals a number of additional achievements we're proud to be celebrating," says Nick Battersby, chief executive of PPS Investments. "From where we stand now, we're one of the fastest growing businesses of our kind in South Africa. We have over 13 000 individual investors and an established national presence, with representatives in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Southern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the North West and the Free State.
"We've launched and developed two comprehensive product suites, with the PPS products designed to cater to PPS members and the OPN products to the needs of all other discerning investors, who may not qualify for PPS membership. We're also gaining momentum in the corporate market," Battersby says.
Having launched the company at the peak of an extended equity market rally in May 2007, Battersby concedes that the journey hasn't always been easy. He points out that the business faced heightened investor uncertainty and negative market sentiment shortly after its launch as markets plummeted and the global financial crisis set in.
"Nonetheless, it is encouraging to note that the unit trusts launched soon after the establishment of our business and managed by PPS Multi-Managers reflect strong three-year performances and satisfactory five-year track records," Battersby says. The company also recently received approval from the Financial Services Board to launch the PPS Management Company. Along with PPS Multi-Managers, the PPS Management Company is now its second wholly-owned subsidiary.
"When looking back over the past five years, it's gratifying to see that we certainly have come a very long way. But what is even more exciting is the fact that there lies so much more in store," says Battersby.
"PPS membership continues to grow, and the quality of our client base contributes to us being able to appoint talented and experienced individuals in strategically important roles despite a highly competitive career market. While we do anticipate challenging investment markets for some time to come, we believe that we as a business will nevertheless continue to grow into our potential and to build on the solid foundation we've already laid."
