Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce is joining forces with Consultics to help local companies do business with the Middle East.
Consultics is a leading consultancy and advisory firm with a deep understanding of markets in the Middle East, specifically the Gulf Region. The firm specialises in designing comprehensive market entry strategies for businesses looking to expand into new countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The Middle East is a major destination for UK exports with total trade reaching £57 billion in 2023 (Gulf Countries) with demand fuelled by large-scale infrastructure projects and economic diversification efforts. The region continues to play an essential role in the UK’s global trade network, with trade growing at an annual rate of 9% over the last five years, offering significant opportunities for deeper engagement.
Explaining why Manchester was chosen, Stefanos Nicolaou, Chief Executive Officer of Consultics, said: “After visiting Manchester several times, it is clear that its vibrant atmosphere and well-established business environment position the city as a promising exporter of expertise, products and services, particularly aligned with the needs of the regions in which Consultics operates. By taking stock of this landscape, Consultics aims to identify companies that meet the right criteria for success in this dynamic area.
“We seek out top-tier firms that can share their expertise and establish a cross-border strategy to enhance their growth. It’s important to note that we are not targeting businesses looking for quick wins or those unwilling to explore the region as a hub of excellence and opportunity. We aim to collaborate with organisations that recognise Manchester as a competitive environment for their expansion.”
The services provided by Consultics include market research, competitive analysis and strategic planning to help clients navigate local regulations, cultural nuances and business practices. After identifying companies interested in expanding into the region with the assistance of Greater Manchester Chamber staff, Consultics will initiate discussions to explore potential opportunities.
Previous success stories for Consultics include working with the Saudi Ministry of Investment to enhance the Kingdom’s attractiveness as a global investment hub, supporting a UK engineering company to expand its operations in Saudi Arabia and boosting tourism in Qatar ahead of major international events.
Lewis Crowe, Head of Business Development at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, added: “This new partnership gives our members access to a wealth of expertise in key international markets. Consultics will complement the support provided by the Chamber’s own International Trade Team, which helps local exporters enter new markets around the world.
“There are many opportunities for companies in Greater Manchester and the Middle East to do business. Manchester is already well known across region through its football teams and we have good air links to several major Middle Eastern hubs. I look forward to seeing how this new partnership will boost trade and forge new business relationships.”
For more information on the Chamber’s new partnership with Consultics and other international trade services, email international@gmchamber.co.uk.
The Chamber will be holding a webinar on opportunities in the Middle East on 14th November as part of International Trade Week – click here to book your place.