The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Leader of the Year award is an honorary award given to a businessperson who has demonstrated exemplary business achievement, industry influence and is a true inspiration to others.
Brian Ernest Howarth matriculated from Westville Boy’s High School in 1974. He then went on to work at Durban Electricity in 1976 as a learner technical assistant. After four years, he qualified as an engineer and worked in the planning department.
In 1982, he was promoted to depot engineer, and was in charge of 150 staff. His primary responsibility was for the electrical network in the area, including substations, cables and overhead lights.
In 1986, Brian joined Magnet Electrical Supplies (Pty) Ltd, which was started by Brian’s father, Ernest Howarth in 1972. From humble beginnings selling armature wire the business has grown and evolved to becoming a leading electrical supplies and energy solutions business servicing KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng industrial and commercial markets.
Brian was initially responsible for all sales and new product development. He then went on to redirect the focus of the company towards industrial electrical solutions and components, which saw his appointment to managing director (MD) in 1995.
As MD, Brian was accountable for steering the company on the path of profitability and growth and in 2005 Magnet once again shifted focus in the direction of energy efficient offerings. In 2019, Magnet’s solar division was established and today, Magnet is a leading industrial and commercial electrical and energy solutions provider with numerous large scale electrical, lighting and solar projects under their belt.
Magnet is a true family business, both Brian’s parents and sister worked in the business for many years. More recently his daughter, Nicole, joined as the third generation of Howarth’s to continue on the legacy Brian has steered for the last 32 years.
It is an incredible privilege (and sometimes) challenge to work with family. But it has created an incredible culture and people-centric focus to the business. All employees are considered part of the family, and this has fostered an incredible loyalty and dedication amongst the staff that has helped drive its growth and success.
Brian is driven by a passion for technology and innovation, his inquisitive mind keeps him entrenched in all the latest tech (even Tik Tok!). His greatest joy is to deliver the best solution to his customers and see the benefit it adds to the success of their businesses.
Of many highlights of his career a standout moment was when Magnet successfully completed a multistage energy saving DSM project for Eskom, the proceeds are which allowed him to build his dream head office in River Horse Valley.
Brian carries his adventurous spirit outside of the boardroom through numerous hobbies and sports. He has completed comrades, Duzi, numerous mountain bike races, Ironman and most recently summited Mt Kilimanjaro at 65 years old.
While Brian has recently stepped down as MD of Magnet, he continues to stay highly involved and instrumental in the success of the business. Despite stepping into ‘retirement’ he has recently started two new business ventures and shows no sign of slowing down. He will continue to make a significant mark on the electrical industry for years to come.
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