SINCE its operation 76 years ago Tappoo Group of Companies has proved themselves as one of Fiji’s best corporate role models.
This was evident after they scooped the Re- Exporter of the year award and Supreme Award winner at this year’s Prime Minister’s International Business Awards held at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva on Saturday October 21.
Tappoo Group of Companies chairperson Kanti Tappoo said the cornerstones to their success were their family-oriented approach to business in which a spirit of diligence, honesty and teamwork was fostered in all they do.
In a statement issued to this newspaper yesterday Mr Tappoo said they had more than 1600 staff members and were a big family who took great pride in delivering quality service in all areas of their business.
“Every customer, big or small, is important.
“It is this ethos, which underpins our family-oriented approach, that drives us forward in our vision,” Mr Tappoo said.
He said they were humbled by this recognition and would continue to work even harder to further expand their business in Fiji.
The Tappoo family business began in 1941 in rural Sigatoka when Tappoo Kanji, the father and grandfather of the Group’s directors, started with an eight square-foot workshop.
The founder handcrafted silver jewellery and sold door-to-door on foot, and sometimes on a simple bicycle, along the railway tracks and in the hilly terrains of the Sigatoka Valley.
“Today we proudly carry on his legacy as a more diversified business entity that plans to make deeper inroads in Fiji and the burgeoning export markets,” said Mr Tappoo.
“His legacy and vision emphasised honesty as a core pillar, and that means we are honest with our customers and suppliers alike. There is no tolerance for dishonesty.”
He thanked the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and the government for their leadership.
“We would like to acknowledge the Government for their outstanding leadership in creating an environment that is enabling, not only for businesses to grow, but for the economy to expand to the benefit of all Fijians in the country,” he added.
Group chief executive Madhu Tappoo similarly expressed the Tappoo family’s gratitude for the two awards which acknowledges their efforts over the years.
“The Tappoo Group was among the first to be awarded with the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority Gold membership status arising out of our consistent tax compliance in all areas of our business,” Mr Tappoo said.
He said this was a simple reflection of their commitment to the people of Fiji.
Mr Tappoo highlighted that a key motivating factor for Tappoo’s success was the knowledge that more of the people’s needs could be taken care of if the economy expands.
“If the economy grows, everyone benefits. We will continue to strive to grow our economy and to share the fruits of this in a fair way.”
The Tappoo Group has widely diversified business interests that include tourism and travel, retail and wholesale, manufacturing and exports, motor vehicle sales and servicing, commercial real estate and investments.
The two Prime Minister’s International Business Awards are the latest in a list of honours that the Group has received in its 76-year history.
Other local awards include:
* Lifetime Achievement Award at the Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards 2008 — to Tappoo Group chairperson Kanti Tappoo, for his contributions to the Fijian and Asia Pacific travel retail industry
* Fiji Tourism Services Award at the Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards 2008
* FRCA Gold Membership, for its efficient and consistent compliance with Fiji’s tax laws
* Indigenous Buddy Award for being a large and caring employer.
