About Us
If Express Holdings is the flame of warmth and support for skilled-trade businesses, Bugs & Sparks is the kindling that started it all. Bugs & Sparks was founded in November 2007 by Craig Louw, a qualified electrician with a passion for entrepreneurship and aviation. It began as a small electrical contracting business that developed a reputation for compliance certification, quality workmanship, reliability and customer service.
In February 2010, Craig Ford joined Bugs & Sparks as a partner and later acquired ownership in 2012. In extension of Mr Ford’s skilled-trade relevant qualifications, his extensive work experience in the hospitality industry, and his strong interest in entrepreneurship, helped him run and grow the business.
The Development of Express Holdings
Over time, further services were requested from Bugs & Sparks, beyond its original electrical contracting and compliance focus, unveiling the market need for broader property-related services. Due to the economic challenges of 2020, Mr Ford began considering new approaches to the way that skilled-trade businesses could be structured – this became the catalyst for establishing Express Holdings in 2021.
His new approach needed to solve the demand for broader property-related services at market value, as well as address the administrative, financial, marketing and operational support needed for skilled-trade/start-up businesses to function lawfully and successfully, while enabling them to deliver their best work.
Where We Are Today
Express Holdings is currently a developing business based in the Western Cape, with its primary operations centred around Cape Town and surrounding areas, including the West Coast and Somerset West. The business is focused on strengthening its existing operations, developing its partnership model and building the systems and capabilities required.
While Express Holdings has ambitions to operate on a broader South African basis, the company does not currently represent itself as a nationwide network. Its present focus is on establishing a strong and sustainable foundation in the Western Cape.
The businesses associated with Express Holdings are at different stages of development, and the group’s structure continues to evolve as new opportunities and partnerships are assessed.
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.