Export Fund helps fuel law firm's global growth

A business law firm is targeting further growth after securing international work with support from an export funding programme.

Nouveau Legal, based on Baker Street in central Middlesbrough, has won new business following a Middle East visit supported by the Tees Valley Export Fund.

The firm, founded in 2023 by legal director Adeel Bashir, provides commercial law services to businesses across the UK and overseas, including employment and HR, commercial law, restructuring, intellectual property, debt recovery and business sales and acquisitions.

With backing from the programme, Adeel attended a conference in Dubai to strengthen relationships with potential clients and explore opportunities in international markets.

The visit has since led to new work for the firm, which is now looking to build on the momentum and expand further.

Adeel said: “One of the new markets we wanted to get into was the Middle East, and the Export Fund allowed us to do that.”

“For us, it was very important to be out there in-person to meet with the prospective clients to build those relationships. 

“We’ve continued to work on those now we’re back in the country.

“Businesses really appreciate the effort of someone taking the time to learn about them, and more so if you are flying out to a different country to see them.

“It speaks volumes. 

“Firms may work across different jurisdictions and across multiple countries – but not many make the effort to go out and see prospective clients, and to build those relationships in person.

“It allows them to put an in-person face to a name in an age of lots of Teams and Zoom calls.”

The Tees Valley Export Fund supports businesses starting out on their export journey or seeking to grow existing overseas trade. 

Grants of between £3000 and £10,000 are available for eligible companies, with a 25 per cent match funding requirement.

The programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered in partnership with the Department for Business and Trade.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “We’re backing ambitious firms to take their expertise to new markets and win work on the global stage.

“Through our Export Fund, we’re seeing local businesses break into international trade, create new opportunities and bring more investment back here.

“Adeel’s vision and the new work Nouveau Legal is taking on shows the fund is doing its job in providing another path to growth.”

Middlesbrough mayor Chris Cooke, Tees Valley Combined Authority cabinet member for inward investment, finance and housing, added: “This is another example of how targeted support can help our businesses.

“Having the confidence to build international relationships is vital, and it’s encouraging to see another Middlesbrough business taking full advantage of these opportunities and expanding its reach.

“I look forward to hearing about Nouveau Legal growing even more in the years ahead.”

To find out more about the Export Fund, click here.

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