Angela hails from a family of entrepreneurs and after studying for a degree in Hotel Management, she joined the family business, where she gained valuable experience in business management. After trying out life in the corporate world in key management positions, including Human Resources and Operations, both in the UK and in South Africa, Angela opened her own training company, QED, based in Johannesburg, in 1994.

QED is considered to be one of the top training organizations in South Africa and was recently a finalist in the Old Mutual Enterprise of the Year for 2007.

Angela’s experience in both small and large business stands her in good stead to work in the SMME arena. Angela is passionate about the development of small businesses in South Africa and is the author of the content of the SMME Business Toolkit.

Rufus' career has developed over the years through the corporate world where he worked for organisations, among others, SA Post Office, Speed Services, Services SETA and Communications Workers’ Union. Rufus pursued his studies in management at the Technikon SA and GIBS (University of Pretoria).

Based on experiences throughout his career, Rufus developed a passion and dream to become a leader and business man. In pursuit of this dream, he joined Angela Allan at QED in 2005 as the Marketing Director and shareholder. His mandate was to further the growth of QED to increase its market share. Since then QED has been growing with about 20% in revenue year on year.

Rufus also played a pivotal role in establishing Bigro Investment Holdings with four other partners. This is an investment acquisition company at its early stages and hopes to grow into the future. As Chairperson of the AOG Youth (Gauteng Region), Rufus engages a lot more with aspiring young entrepreneurs for advice and support in starting their own businesses. Rufus uses this platform to facilitate business relationships beneficial for the youth with established business people.

Rufus is also an active networking member with the YBSA (Young Business South Africa and BMF (Black Management Forum).

After qualifying with honours within The London City and Guilds Technical Graphics 1 & 2 qualification, Gary started his career with Technical Publications in Midrand South Africa, way back in 1982. His position was as a junior Technical Illustrator, which included doing illustrations for parts, operation and maintenance manuals.

This grounding gave him the confidence to set up his own company called Tech Graphix,
where he did technical illustrations, including airbrush work, for companies ranging from the SADF to Ad Agencies in 1987. From there he became a partner in a company called The Guild Combination in 1989.

Seeing the gap in the market, Gary has positioned the company to not only utilise the various trends in Communication, but also to aim the energy at growing sectors in the economy namely Tourism, Telecommunications, Social Responsibility, Enterprise Development etc. It is with this in mind that Gary has been instrumental in developing “The SMME Business Toolkit”, which is an ideal device to use as an information source and guide for start up for the small business owner.

Carl Fagelund – Gjersöe, is an admitted Attorney and is authorised to appear in the High Court of South Africa. Additionally, he has been admitted as a Solicitor in England and Wales and practised in the United Kingdom for 3 years in various financial institutions, as well as law firms in the City of London. He has also practiced as an attorney in South Africa for a number of years and was a partner in a commercial practice until he decided to open Gjersöe Incorporated. Having practiced in one of the financial capitals of the world he understands the principle of urgency and business sense.

He accordingly has a wealth of international and national experience to offer to his clients and due to his sound relationships with firms in the UK he is able to assist with matters in the UK and the European Union.