November 2025
Brand and culture are so often highlighted as the most important elements of a successful business (or a failing one). Creating a strong brand is more than colours and logos. Nurturing a culture is more than a Christmas bonus and a pat on the back. There is real science behind both, and when they combine in a positive way, the results follow.
The Design Company & Co (TDC & Co), based in Cape Town, looks across Table Bay and is inspired by the city’s beauty. This inspiration is felt in its work as it builds genuine and deep partnerships with clients to create, uplift, and foster brands while also providing a range of ancillary services to bring companies and their vision to life. This, in turn, informs strategy and culture. To be able to offer such a service requires not just knowledge and skill, but years of experience. MD Marc Olivier tells us that his 30 years in the retail industry, alongside partner Derek Patrick, are essential when looking at tired brands and unloved spaces.
Brimis Engineering, albeit a different type of business, is busy building a brand. Founder Andile Nqandela started the company in 2013 after working in the engineering industry for some of the country’s major organisations. Now, he is taking things to the next level by creating an environment that allows engineers to thrive and solve problems for clients; an ethos not centred around profits and accounts. His belief is that quality service will lead to positive profits, and so far, he is right. Brimis has a strong problem-solving culture and is growing its influence across the heavy industry landscape. The brand is recognised as one which helps clients to overcome challenges. Nqandela is excited about progress.
Fluor SA is the local arm of the global engineering giant. Here, brand is extremely important – there is expectation from clients of the very best, and that expectancy is also demanded by head office. The culture of innovation and quality is non-negotiable, and GM Etienne Bredell says that even the projects taken on have to contribute to overall brand and culture.
Get in touch and let us know how your company, if at all, is building a brand that is respected, and how this drives strategy. It’s not a one-day job. We’re online at LinkedIn.