Meet The Experts Shaping Your Success
We're fortunate to have a team of renowned advisors who share their industry knowledge and connections, propelling us towards continued success.
The SME Factory Visionaries
A distinguished group of advisors lending their expertise and guidance.
Dr. Herman Bamata
PhD in Entrepreneurship | Lecturer and Researcher in Entrepreneurship and Management
Dr. Herman Bamata
Dr. Herman Bamata is a dedicated lecturer and researcher specializing in Entrepreneurship and Management. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), he completed his undergraduate studies in his home country before pursuing his Master’s and PhD degrees in South Africa. His postgraduate work in entrepreneurship was conducted and presented in English, showcasing his versatility and academic excellence.
A native French speaker, Dr. Bamata excels in teaching, research, and supervising academic projects. His experience includes writing and presenting academic papers with clarity and precision. Known for his excellent communication skills, he effectively collaborates with diverse organizations, demonstrating initiative, adaptability, and meticulous attention to detail.
Dr. Bamata has a strong professional relationship with Dr. Rob Smorfitt, who supervised his Master’s in Entrepreneurship. Their shared commitment to advancing entrepreneurship education and research further enhances his contributions to the advisory board.
Dr. Rob Smorfitt
PhD in Business Success | MBA in SME Finance | Entrepreneurial Expert and Educator
Dr. Rob Smorfitt
Dr. Rob Smorfitt specialises in what makes businesses thrive. With a PhD in business success and an MBA focusing on SME finance, he blends academic insight with hands-on experience to help entrepreneurs unlock their full potential.
Having navigated the shifts from the 3rd to the 6th industrial revolutions, Rob offers unique perspectives on how technological advancements can drive entrepreneurial innovation. His extensive entrepreneurial journey, spanning from 1982 to the present, includes founding, growing, and successfully exiting multiple SMEs across diverse sectors. Rob firmly believes that first-mover advantage and innovation are key drivers of business success.
A central theme in Rob’s approach is the motivation behind starting a business, which he sees as a defining factor in determining success or failure. Through his work, he helps business owners understand these challenges and provides actionable strategies for navigating the startup and growth phases.
As an experienced academic, Rob has lectured extensively at the postgraduate level, equipping aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders with the tools and insights they need to succeed. His expertise in SME development and growth makes him a trusted voice for those looking to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship.