Client Testimonials

This time last year, we were literally launching Hillstream Beverages. Then in August, after the live five-minute interview with John, our phones did not stop ringing. Firstly it was the congratulations and support from people who knew Hillstream. In-between all the hype, serious business enquiries flowed in; it was amazing.

Now, eight months down the line, when doing new business pitches, the first comment is, Wasn’t Hillstream a finalist in the 702 Small Business Competition? The power of talk radio is overwhelming.

The exposure has been fantastic and we can comfortably say we have had a substantial increase in our turnover due to the publicity Hillstream received from the competition. Needless to say, the growth has been great.

Another huge plus was being able to purchase the Softline Pastel Package at a discounted rate. We have nearly mastered the skills, and this package is saving us so much time, from stock control to invoicing.

Over and above all this, Hillstream was fortunate to collaborate with another 702 Small Business Finalist Hlangane Recyclers. Hillstream and Hlangane Recyclers are like fish in water as we secure new contracts to supply water, we are able to offer a recycling benefit, and pass the leads directly to Hlangane; likewise, they pass leads to us, where they are able to.

Surely this is the true spirit of entrepreneurship being able to help other small businesses and offer a value-added service to larger companies.

In closing, we are grateful for the experience, the new business, the growth, and new friends we have gained through this exposure.

None of this could have happened without the nominations of people who believed in Hillstream.

Thank you for allowing small business to shine. I trust you will pass this letter along to all involved, as well as the sponsors, as this award truly increased the flow of Hillstream.

We were introduced to the Pastel Payroll ESS (Employee Self Service) module, which captures all of the required information for each expense claim at source. Our employees simply log on to ESS individually and submit their expense claims online to me for approval, after which they are forwarded for processing and automatically updated on the payroll system. ESS keeps everyone in the loop, is accurate and saves time.

A nice touch is that the ESS software also allowed us to brand our claim forms with our own corporate identity.

Formed in 1984 the group now employs almost 400 people and has seven payrolls. Financial director Craig Wilkinson said a decision was taken just over two years ago to outsource the payroll function to Pastel Payroll’s Outsourcing Division.

“Doing the seven different payrolls in-house and overseeing the process became a major mission. Staff trained to do the job would leave and we’d be back to square one having to train a new person with no guarantee of continuity,” said Wilkinson.

“The frequently changing company, tax and employment legislation was another factor that led us to seriously consider the outsourcing option. After an evaluation, we decided that it made sound business sense to outsource the entire payroll function.”

Marouns hasn’t looked back since, and Wilkinson says the payroll ‘headache’ has gone away because the outsourcing service ensures that the various returns required by legislation are done accurately and submitted on time.

“There are absolutely no regrets about having made this choice; the Pastel Payroll Outsourcing service saves us valuable executive input, ensures that all of our branch operations meet their legal obligations and that all employees receive the correct remuneration on time.”

Carol Piek, who administers the Marouns payroll, received an official note of thanks from Marouns, praising her for accuracy, efficiency and a dependable on-time service.