Austrade, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, help Australian businesses expand into international territories. We were engaged by them to help complete a feasibility study. They were working with a global brand implementation and visual identity management consultancy. In short they were exploring the viability of expanding into the UK, to cover EMEA brand roll outs.

Business Consultancy Services | EMEA feasibility study

Back in 2010 the UK was slowly recovering from the deepest recession since the 1930’s. By the second quarter of 2010 the UK economy had grown more than expected. For the most part it had been boosted by strong performances in construction. However the outlook remained cautious.

At this time we were contacted by representatives of Austrade, an Australian Government Agency who focus on economic growth for Australia. As part of their function they assist Australian companies to grow. In short, they provide support, conducting research, gathering and analysing data. Finally, from their findings they advise companies looking at the prospect of exporting goods, services and / or expanding into to other countries, on the commercial viability.

Generally, those organisations with a viable expansion proposition can receive government grants to aid their growth and development.

EMEA Feasibility Study | The background

The agency we’re conducting research on behalf of a global brand implementation consultancy. With offices across Australia and the Americas, the business was considering opening a UK office. As part of their international offer, the UK office would manage brand roll outs across the UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

At the early stages of Austrade’s research, they found us, Pyramid Resource Solutions. Discovering we specialise in the branding and visual identity markets, and have experience working across the UK, EMEA and APAC regions.

Following preliminary discussions, we were invited to Pitch. Presenting our experience of recruiting for the corporate identity and branding industry, and also our terms of engagement.

Business Consultancy Services

The brand management consultancy had previously expanded, opening offices across Australasia for local and the APAC region. They’d also opened offices in the States to cover the Americas. They were now looking at the commercial viability of opening a UK office to service the EMEA region. Hence the feasibility study.

At the time of writing our proposal we didn’t know, but at least two other businesses were being considered. One a recruitment agency based in the north west. The other being a Business Management Consultancy.

First of all, we were engaged to provide business consultancy services. Ultimately winning the work due to our demonstrable expertise of the branding and visual identity markets. Furthermore, should the EMEA office be opened, they wanted to engage our recruitment services.

Initially we collaborated with the government agency. Providing industry insights, data and our thoughts on the market as a whole. This included market research, to help them understand the UK and European markets, its size and value. We were also available to answer questions and consult on their other research findings.

During our consultations, the government agency were feeding information back to the brand implementation business. This was prior to submitting their final report and recommendations. Having been included in their feedback, and following the agency’s recommendation, we were introduced to the board of directors of the branding consultancy.

“Great find, it would be good  to have a hook up with Julian so that we can get a good understanding”

Soon we were consulting directly with the business, answering more industry specific questions to help them get a complete understanding.

This required some early starts and Skype conference calls.

Conclusion

The Directors of the brand implementation consultancy were more interested in understanding certain specific areas. These included:

• Industry salary ranges, required for various disciplines and key staff members
• Working practices and culture
• Regional competitor analysis
• Possible supply chain partners and local sub contractor resource throughout Europe and the Middle East.

Once we’d completed our consultancy contract, the business and the government agency compiled all the data. Finally they evaluated the viability of opening up a UK office.

Given the economic uncertainty at that time, they decided the timing wasn’t right to expand into the UK. However we remain in contact with them.

So watch this space!

“Below is the email from Julian Briggs of Pyramid Resource Solutions, explaining the company and what Julian can do for you.  As mentioned, he has attached the terms which outline costs associated, as well as a current candidate list.  When looking through the candidate list, I can see a few people who may be of interest to you, which tells me this guy has some good contacts.  The main difference between Julian and (Name of other contact at Business Consultancy removed) is that Julian is an expert in your industry, whereas (Name of other contact at Business Consultancy removed) relies on his contacts.  Julian is very prompt with his service as well.

I am still waiting to hear back from (name of the recruitment agency in the north west removed).”

Extract from email exchange between the government agency representative, Directors of the brand implementation consultancy and myself. 

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