The recipe for three decades of business success? For ORMS, it is all about celebrating people—both on its milestone 30th birthday and every single day.
Beyond creating jobs, local enterprises strengthen communities by keeping money circulating close to home, building personal customer relationships, and tailoring services to local needs. Their impact is both commercial and deeply human, yet they rarely receive the recognition afforded to multinational corporations.
For an independent business to survive, let alone thrive, over several decades is no small feat. Western Cape-based photographic, printing, and framing specialist ORMS, founded in 1996, is a homegrown success story worthy of our attention. It all began in the small home garage of Mike Ormrod, a dedicated shutterbug since his school days. This early love for photography led him to become a commercial professional, starting in Cape Town before working in London. His return to the Mother City prompted the opening of the first ORMS store, which grew into a Cavendish Square outlet and a flagship store on Roeland Street in the CBD, which still welcomes creators today.
What It Takes to Last
ORMS’ longevity is remarkable in an industry that evolves at lightning speed. MD Jason Ormrod, son of founder Mike Ormrod, puts the company’s success down to staying ahead of macro trends, providing excellent service, and intimately understanding what people need.
“It’s about creating lifetime relationships with our clients,” Jason clarifies. “That sense of trust, familiarity, and shared passion is what sets us apart.”
Renowned Cape Town photographer Dave Southwood echoes this: “Mike always knows how to create a sense of atmosphere. He has cornered the market because he has people skills, he’s reasonable, and he’s also generous.”
The Human Touch in a Digital World
Moving with the times has been another crucial factor. The company had the agility to transform its analogue offering in tandem with digital technology, expanding into gear rentals, repairs, photographic training, and video education.
“With over 1,300 years of combined staff experience, we’ve built a culture where employees grow with the company,” Jason says. This deep expertise is anchored by numerous team members who have been with the business for over 15 years.
While developing online sales was a demand-led necessity, a digital presence has never deterred the team from upholding its core values. “In a world increasingly driven by automation, personal connection has become even more important to us,” says Jason. “Photography and creativity are deeply personal passions, and that human interaction is something you simply cannot replace online.”
This care goes far beyond lip service. ORMS actively supports mentorship through the ORMS Cape Town School of Photography, hosting immersive workshops, gallery exhibitions, and an annual outdoor showcase competition on the Sea Point Promenade to offer vital exposure for up-and-coming local creatives.
The ORMS Journey at a Glance
1996: ORMS makes its debut in Cape Town.
2001: ORMS Cape Town School of Photography opens.
2002: ORMS Pro Photo Lab launches professional printing.
2010: ORMS Bellville expands the footprint.
2017: Print and framing services merge into ORMS Print Room & Framing.
2025: ORMS Somerset West opens to the public.
2026: ORMS celebrates 30 years of community excellence.
Speaking on the eve of the company’s 30th birthday celebration, Jason states: “We’re focused on using this time to thank the people—our customers and our team—who helped build this business. The values of honesty, integrity, and putting people first remain at the centre of everything we do.”
