LONDON — UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) have launched the 2015 GREAT Business Award offering owners of GCC-based retail businesses unique access to the UK market. The award seeks out candidates who will benefit from a bespoke, three-day program of meetings with UKTI specialist advisors and leading retail-sector figures to help build their companies in the UK.
Applications will be reviewed by a highly respected panel of judges including British Ambassador to the UAE Philip Parham, British chef and restaurateur Gary Rhodes OBE, Chief Financial Officer of the Toystore Mark Handley and CEO and co-founder of SalesGossip Elizabetta Camilleri.
Business owners will be assessed against the level of information provided about their companies in the Gulf, in addition to the quality of their business plans for expansion into the UK.
Speaking ahead of the award launch, Richard Wildash, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Riyadh said: “The UK remains a highly attractive destination for Saudi investment. Saudi companies and individuals collectively own assets worth GBP 60 billion.
“We intend to continue to do our utmost to support Saudi businesses, both large and small, in building vibrant commercial partnerships, bringing even more investment into the UK. This exciting new award provides unique access for Saudi retail businesses to explore the wealth of opportunities the UK offers for expansion into a dynamic and profitable market,” Richard Wildash added.
The competition will run until March 31, with the winner's trip to the UK taking place in the spring.
Finalists will be shortlisted, and the winner flown to London to take part in a customized business development program, including mentorship by a respected UK retail leader, and consultancy sessions with accountants and lawyers on setting up a business in the UK.
The award has attracted high profile sponsorship from national carrier, British Airways, the UK's official tourist agency, Visit Britain, and luxury hotel, The Athenaeum. — SG
