Bradford firm’s partnership to open up UAE and Middle East markets

Business support firm Chamber International has announced a new partnership to help UK companies access markets in the Middle East.

The deal will see the Bradford-based overseas trade specialist connect exporters with The British Centres for Business (BCB) in Dubai, potentially opening up opportunities for SMEs to sell in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and further afield.

Founded in 2013, the BCB works with the British Government to support UK companies, particularly smaller firms, as they expand into the UAE and use its as a gateway to the wider Middle East.

The partnership was cemented recently with a visit to the UK by BCB chief exec Joe Hepworth, who was born in Ilkley. During the trip, he visited several local firms looking to trade in the Middle East.

Joe said: “Our new partnership with Chamber International means that UK companies wishing to trade with the UAE and Middle East have a trusted partner at both ends of their journey.

“We have a wealth of knowledge across many commercial sectors to assist UK exporters in a region that newcomers can find hard to access and understand without help.

He added: “Our support can de-risk and accelerate their export plans.”

The BCB has helped around 200 UK businesses start trading in the UAE since its launch, in sectors such as food and drink, retail, financial services, engineering and technology.

Through its incubator service, the BCB has assisted another 31 companies with establishing a base in the UAE.

Tim Bailey, Chamber International director, commented: “The UAE and Middle East is an exciting region, keen to trade with UK companies.

“We are delighted to promote this dynamic new partnership which mirrors UK government aspirations to make post-Brexit Britain a global trading nation and we believe this initiative will increase the number of UK companies doing business there.”