The internet has opened up a world of possibilities for people and businesses since its inception, with e-commerce being at the forefront of that innovation.
The ability to buy and sell goods and services online is undoubtedly one of the strongest points of any modern business. One company that is thriving with e-commerce at the heart of the business is Ferber Enterprises.
Since Camille Ferber founded it in 2018, Ferber Enterprises has expanded beyond the UK and now operates more than 160 specialised locations, offering various products across a wide range of sectors.
The investment group, known for having surface treatment of metals, mechanics, and insecticides at the core of the business, has more than 130 employees in a range of countries, including Abigail Preston, director of the parent company of Ferber Enterprises, Mahavonjy Zafindresamby, director of Ferber Enterprises Madagascar, and Zdeněk Štembera, director of Ferber Enterprises Czechia.
Following a diverse approach of covering many markets through various product distribution has allowed the multinational company to expand its reach and place itself among some big names in the global markets.
Expanding to succeed
Camille joined his family business in his youth, embarking on an apprenticeship that deepened his understanding of the industry.
This experience ignited a genuine passion for materials, especially Corten steel - a unique alloy of steel and copper. Remarkably, this passion would later enable him to transform Corten steel into extraordinary creations just a few years later.
Recognising the challenges within family businesses, when Camille turned 19, he bravely ventured out on his own. With valuable experience behind him, Camille founded Corten+, which soon emerged as a growing contender in Corten steel surface treatment, showcasing his vision and determination.
After stepping down from his role as CEO at Ferber Enterprises in 2021, Camille launched HelpnDrive. The ride-hailing platform has a unique business model, with 50% of the revenue generated by the app being donated to initiatives fighting world hunger.
This charitable initiative demonstrates that Camille Ferber sees entrepreneurship as more than simply profit-seeking, embracing a commitment to social responsibility as well.
E-commerce with people at its heart
Continuing to build on his early successes, Camille started a new venture. After merging with several brands in 2020 to work under Ferber Enterprises, the company set out its strategy to offer quality products at competitive prices, all while keeping to Camille Ferber's commitment to social and environmental causes; beginning operations in Madagascar in 2019.
Having moved to a larger site in Ankilimarovahatse, the new base symbolises a significant expansion and reaffirmation of the company's commitment to innovation and growth in the region and a fantastic opportunity to build stronger ties with the local community.
In 2023, the Madagascar site in Tuléar held a huge recruitment drive, aiming to upscale its team by 300 members. Recognising the importance of hiring local people, the company aims to further its mission, values, and service offerings by fostering a diverse workforce.
With 90% of its employees based in the country, the company seeks to surround itself with diverse talents, ranging from information technology specialists to marketing professionals, logistics experts, and many other fields.
No matter where Ferber Enterprises is based, its commitment to its people remains the same. The company invests heavily in employee training and offers a range of routes to allow its people to progress in their careers. In the Czech Republic, employees are provided everything from forklift driving to chemical handling courses to ensure they have the best routes to progression.
In doing this, the company not only ensures that its employees are well-trained and invested in, but the extra training also equips staff with the right tools to enable them to climb their way up the career ladder and earn a living for their families.
Optimising the supply chain process
With a range of offices and bases across the globe, Ferber Enterprises values its commitment to sustainability.
One challenging area that the company is keen to address is the implementation of organic, sustainable, and responsible agroforestry in developing countries. Ferber Enterprises finds it important to safeguard the planet's resources while contributing to its economic development.
By collaborating with worldwide delivery services, the investment group has not only managed to streamline its delivery operations, helping to ensure customer satisfaction, but it can expand its reach and work towards its goals for sustainability.
Putting the customer first
Ferber Enterprises has adopted a short-chain approach to its business operations, driven by a mission to have a more direct connection with both suppliers and customers.
Working in this way allows the business to offer competitive prices on its products and services, aiming to meet client expectations and demands. Through direct relationships with suppliers and a close eye on the production process, the company is able to meet its own standards of high quality products.
Looking to the future
Ferber Enterprises has a vision - to provide effective solutions to customer problems through high quality products.
Working closely with suppliers and customers alike, allows the business to keep up to date with changing customer needs and anticipate market trends.
Through after-sales and support, Ferber Enterprises aims to continuously invest in research and development, building a competitive online marketplace committed to local development.
