The Managing Director of Urth, Risna Opperman, tells the OFM Business Hour, that the restaurant/eatery industry in the Free State capital is quite competitive with new restaurants opening up. It is therefore crucial to remain relevant and somewhat “new” to prospective customers. Furthermore, their core business depends on the seasons, hence the need to up the ante from a service provision perspective.

Opperman’s sentiments are evidenced in the evolution of Urth, which has in recent years added conferencing and wedding facilities to its offerings.  “Hedging your bets so to speak into other elements that compliment your business” appears to be a business philosophy that works in the eatery and garden shop’s favour.

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Sustainability and staying environmentally friendly are other keys to success for the business. According to her, they grow their own produce for the restaurant and are set to see some big yields this year via their apricot and pomegranate harvests, amongst others. 

Opperman has for many years been lauded for her notable entrepreneurial achievements, having had participated in Ernst & Young (EY) Entrepreneurial Winning Women Class of 2016 Programme. Opperman joined an elite business network of the country’s best high-growth companies and participated in a customised executive leadership programme with year-round activities designed to expand her knowledge with the latest information, research and executive dialogues about business strategies and practices over the course of that year.

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In addition to owning Urth, she owns CTG Consultants, which specialises in the developing and mentoring of small entrepreneurs. 

OFM