In the world of HR, companies and organisations are increasingly cognizant of the fact that their employees are their biggest asset and potentially also their biggest risk. Getting the right people is critical for success. South African entrepreneur, Jenny Reid, founder of iFacts, is constantly assessing new and innovative ways to remove the people risk in companies and organisations.

LoA was fascinated to learn more about this vastly experienced and specialist business this month.

What does your company do?

We provide employee screening, vetting and HR services via an online portal to companies around the world. iFacts are the experts in helping you to identify and manage your people risk. When it comes to Background Checks, Screening and Vetting, your organisation needs a proactive, stringent and comprehensive approach. iFacts removes the people risk so that organisations can go about their business with employees they can trust. iFacts offers a range of services that extend into every aspect of proactive and reactive screening, which a company requires for optimum employee performance, loyalty and integrity. From people risk, ethics and integrity to safety and security and employee wellness, iFacts offers a full range of services to both individuals and employees that will ensure your organisation is achieving optimum performance and an excellent return on its human resources investment.

"We provide employee screening, vetting and HR services via an online portal to companies around the world."

What inspired you to start your company?

In 2009 I was tired of being a 50% shareholder in a business where I was doing 90% of the work.

Why should anyone use your service or product?

To reduce human risk in a business.

Tell us a little about your team

I have a General Manager, Operations Manager, My PA and Marketing Assistant and 4 data processors. We all work closely together to provide solutions for clients to ensure they employ the right person and then manage their employment term to reduce fraud & loss and encourage productivity in the business.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

I started in the corporate world as a PA and when I joined my previous partner in a small business I thrived and knew that I would never go back to the corporate environment. I enjoy the challenge, the ability to make decisions and implement them quickly and a lot less bureaucracy.

"iFacts offers a full range of services to both individuals and employees that will ensure your organization is achieving optimum performance and an excellent return on its human resources investment."

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

We have considered franchising and growing in South Africa and into Africa. This has been a challenge and I am currently with the Cheri Blair Foundation and have a mentor who is helping me look at this.

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

Being able to employ people and have a really happy work place.

What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

Be tough and don't give up.

Contact or follow iFacts

Why LoA loves it….

The most successful companies and organizations around the world understand that they are only as strong as their weakest links, and therefore selecting the best employees for the business is critical. However, finding these prospective employees and ensuring they are a good fit for the business is tough. Entrepreneur Jenny Reid is helping companies and organizations to seek out the best people for the job. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and editor-in-chief of Lionesses of Africa