There is a fresh energy blowing through the business community of Gordon’s Bay.

Arend Willemse, a local resident and entrepreneur, has officially stepped into the role of chairperson for the Gordon’s Bay Business Association (GBBA).

Alongside his wife Alyona, who serves as deputy chairperson, Willemse is stepping up to lead the local business community with a strategy rooted in collaboration, digital modernisation and deep-seated community heart.

Willemse is no stranger to the realities of running enterprises in the modern economy. As the owner of multiple diverse businesses – including CV Profs, NQ Contracting & Consulting, NutriQuail Foods & Farming and Custom MagAds – he understands the delicate balance required to keep local commerce thriving.

Willemse’s journey to the helm of the GBBA began on a scenic drive years ago. Formerly digital nomads travelling across South Africa, the couple knew they had found their permanent home the moment they drove into Gordon’s Bay via Clarence Drive.

“I knew this was a place people would fall in love with, and I wanted to build something right in the middle of that energy,” Willemse recalls.

That passion has evolved into a philosophy of servant leadership. Living and working in the same square mileage means every executive decision Willemse makes impacts his actual neighbours.

“Every decision I make as GBBA leader has to work for my neighbours as much as for local commerce .My focus is on balancing the growth of our business climate without losing the charm and quality of life that makes this town special.”

One of the most notable economic shifts in the Helderberg region has been the influx of remote workers and families relocating from major cities. Willemse views this demographic shift as a massive opportunity rather than a challenge, provided local businesses adapt to city-level expectations.

More than a holiday town

To capture this market, the GBBA aims to rebrand the town’s identity from a purely seasonal holiday destination into a vibrant, live-work coastal hub.

To do this, he aims to encourage the expansion of reliable Wi-Fi and workspace-friendly setups in local coffee shops, and make it seamless for newcomers to integrate so they choose to spend, live and invest their capital locally over the long term.

Gordon’s Bay has long grappled with the stark contrast between bustling summer tourism and quieter winter months. To bridge this gap, Willemse has outlined three immediate “quick wins” for his first year in office.

First will be the launching of a synchronised digital calendar and a “What’s On in GB” social media campaign. This will serve as a one-stop shop for locals and visitors to find weekly events, business hours and specials.

Awareness hurdle

Next will be the introduction of a physical or digital passport where shoppers earn stamps at various local establishments for a chance to win a curated Gordon’s Bay prize package, driving crucial foot traffic during the off-season.

This will be achieved through fostering a culture of large-scale local collaboration, moving business owners away from viewing one another as rivals.

“I believe a rising tide lifts all boats, even competing ones,” Willemse notes. “When we realise that a visitor who loves our bakery might also need the gift shop down the street or a tour guide the next day, competition transforms into a healthy partnership.”

When asked about the single biggest economic hurdle facing small-to-medium enterprises in the area, Willemse didn’t point to municipal budgets or national grid issues, he pointed to local awareness.

According to the new chairperson, vital revenue is consistently lost when residents and fellow businesses look outside the town borders or online for services that are readily available right down the street.

The GBBA plans to aggressively counter this by boosting the visibility and credibility of its members.

Ultimately, Willemse emphasises that a thriving business district requires an active partnership between the association, municipal infrastructure departments and the residents themselves.

He advises locals to check if a local merchant can fulfil your needs before driving to the next town or ordering online, and actively attend local mainstays like the AWS and potjiekos competitions, as well as upcoming new seasonal festivals.

“Leave a Google review for a business you love; tell a friend about that hidden gem you know of; and please, share your honest feedback with the GBBA – residents know what this town needs better than anyone. When the community treats local businesses like the heart of our home, that heart beats strong year-round.”