About Us
The business journey of Express Holdings began with the establishment of Bugs and Sparks in November 2007 by Craig Louw, a qualified Three-Phase Electrician with a passion for entrepreneurship and aviation. Initially founded as a small electrical contracting business, Bugs and Sparks quickly developed a reputation for quality workmanship, reliability and exceptional customer service.
Recognising the company’s growth potential, Craig Ford joined the business in 2010 to lead its sales and marketing efforts. The partnership combined technical expertise with strategic business development, resulting in rapid expansion. What began as a small operation soon grew into a thriving organisation employing more than 30 people and serving a growing customer base.
In 2012, Craig Louw emigrated to Australia to pursue new opportunities, and by 2013, the partnership was amicably dissolved, with Craig Ford assuming sole leadership of the business. Under his guidance, Bugs and Sparks continued to expand and strengthen its market position.
The events of 2020 challenged businesses across South Africa and prompted a period of reflection and innovation. During this time, Craig Ford partnered with Gavin van Aswegen to reimagine how skilled tradespeople could achieve greater independence, stability and long-term success. Together, they identified an opportunity to move beyond the traditional contracting model and create a platform that would empower tradespeople to become business owners.
This vision led to the formation of Express Holdings — a business growth and support organisation dedicated to helping skilled tradespeople establish, develop and scale their own enterprises through structured partnership agreements, proven business systems and ongoing operational support.
Since 2022, Express Holdings has successfully transitioned internal teams into independent businesses. Through mentorship, administration, marketing, financial guidance, operational systems and strategic support, the company has enabled these businesses to grow sustainably while maintaining high standards of service delivery.
Today, Express Holdings continues to expand its network of trade partners across South Africa. The company’s long-term objective is to build a nationally recognised ecosystem of independently owned trade businesses that share a commitment to professionalism, customer satisfaction and sustainable growth.
The evolution from Bugs and Sparks to Express Holdings reflects a journey of resilience, innovation and entrepreneurial vision. It demonstrates a commitment not only to business growth, but to creating meaningful opportunities for skilled tradespeople to build lasting wealth, independence and success through partnership.
Mission
To empower skilled tradespeople to build profitable, sustainable businesses through strategic partnerships, operational support and ongoing mentorship. We are committed to creating opportunities for long-term growth, business ownership and shared success while raising the standard of professionalism and service delivery across the trade industry.
Vision
To become South Africa’s leading growth partner for skilled trade businesses, creating a nationwide network of trusted service providers who deliver excellence, build sustainable ventures, and positively impact the communities they serve.
Express Holdings Directors
Nicolette Ford
Director & Shareholder
Invaluable administrative and sales roles within the hospitality industry for a leading South African hotel group assisted Nicolette in creating a niche within her chosen career of pest control. Nicolette is one of a minority of experienced, female pest control operators in the country.
She is a qualified fumigator as well as a wood-destroying organisms inspector with 11 years of experience in crawling in ceiling spaces, identifying pests, and fumigating with dangerous gases! Nicolette has served as national chairperson on the board of the South African Pest Control Association, and she is currently a director of the Pest Control Industries Training Academy. Nicolette’s attention to detail and determination to find practical solutions have assisted many tradespersons to reach personal success and growth.
Craig Ford
Founding Director
Craig Ford joined Bugs & Sparks as a partner in February 2010 with 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Craig Ford decided that he wanted to make a significant impact on the private sector and since joining in 2010, Craig Ford has bought out Craig Louw, earned his qualifications in the relevant industries, and employs 35+ staff members.
He is a registered member of SAEFIA (South African Electric Fence Association), an accredited Compliance (COC) Inspector with NABISA, and a registered pest control operator with DAFF (Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) and PCIPC. He is also a LPGas practitioner as authorized by SAQCC Gas and more recently he also received his certificate from SAHITA as a competent building and home inspector.