Alan and Almie Louis

It is my privilege to spearhead the vision and actions of the Louis Group in this, the third generation of our family's history, and I am challenged and motivated by the actions of my grandfather and father to ensure that we continue to build on their solid foundation.

In recent years we have undergone dynamic growth, both in human resources and geographical reach. This growth can be attributed mainly to God's grace and to the consistent application of our fundamental principles of business - namely adherence to our sustainable and profitable business model and the alignment of our Group's long-term goals with our core values.

As a family company, we have chosen to share our Group's long-term goals with our clients in an effort to draw them closer to our business and I would like to use this opportunity to address them with you. In 2014, the Group will be 100 years old, a significant milestone and an achievement recognised by most business schools as an important criterion of a 'World-Class' company.

In light of this, the contribution the third generation Louis Group team will make, is to establish the Group's global presence and we have set our sights on being a World-Class company operational in most significant global jurisdictions.

Let me hasten to add that, although it appears a grand goal, you can rest assured that we will remain attentive to balancing our growth with maintaining the personal relationships we have with our clients and the communities we serve. In keeping with our 'relationship-minded' value, we will always apply the principle that 'it's never the money but the heart of the client that matters most to us'.

Since the establishment of our Business Academy, we are also fulfilling our dream of arming people with 'street-wise' business knowledge. Driving our passion for the Academy is our desire not to hoard our profits but use our available resources to freely assist others to start and grow their business dreams.

Despite the Group's achievements in recent years, we will not rest on our laurels, but will continue to go from strength to strength by God's grace. I am deeply grateful to my father and grandfather for their initial efforts, but mostly I am indebted to my wife and children for their ongoing support and personal sacrifice. It is my prayer and greatest desire that our Group, by its deeds, will be true ambassadors of the legacy left by Jesus Christ.