Chairman of McDan Group has challenged claims that businessman in the country needs to be politically connected in order to succeed.

Dr Daniel Mckorley said there are several examples of businessmen who have made it without any attachment to a political party or government in power. 

Speaking on PM EXPRESS Business Edition with host George Wiafe.

Speaking on the topic: 'Impact of COVID-19 on Angel Investors; what will be the fate of Entrepreneurs?', Dr Mckorley noted that he has been able to work in the country under different presidents.

He, however, explained further that this does not mean that he would also not do business with the government of the day.

The business mogul said, “I, however, sat back quietly, and said to myself I have never seen any billionaire on this planet who does not do business with government, remember the government is the biggest spender.”

Dr McKorley said honesty and a good attitude can make one survive and not go through the back door.

Political ambition

He also rejected assertions that he is doing his shipping and other businesses because he wants to get into politics, possibly to representing his people in Parliament.

“I am looking at being an influential person in society to help the youth and entrepreneurs” he added.   

COVID-19 impact 

Speaking on the same program Chairman of McDan Group noted that his business has not been excused from the shocks of COVID-19.

He noted that he has been losing about $4 million every month, but was quick to assure that this has not led to his downsizing or laying off of his staff.

He noted that “luckily for me, our company started restructuring a month before COVID-19 so we were able to put in place measures to manage the expected shocks on the company”

“I have also halved the monies of the senior directors, however, for the lower level workers nothing has been touched,” he added.  

Dr. Mckorley added that as an employer you should always cater for workers and be prepared to sacrifice for their good.

He maintained that the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the need to look internally as a business or domesticate and help cut down imports.

On surviving as a business post-Covid-19, Dr Mckorley said the time has come for businesses to strategise to still stay in business and also look at how they can meet the needs of consumers.

Certification and employment

Dr Mckorley noted that he does not put much premium on certificates before he employs.

This is because there have been several circumstances that those even with the best of certificates have failed to deliver.

“Running interviews you can see eloquent  and smart persons, but when you put them to work it is very appalling.” 

He, however, maintained that certificate should be the basis but would not put much premium on it.

The McDan boss believes that attitude and commitment are very critical, this is what would keep the entrepreneur going.