Small businesses are critical to the economic fabric of the UAE and will underpin the country’s continued economic growth, the chairman of British Business Group, Nick Dutt, said today.
Dutt was speaking in the countdown to the first Lloyds TSB Small Business Awards which reaches its climax at a glittering ceremony on 5th November when 19 shortlisted companies will find out if they have been selected as winners in their categories.
The British Business Group (BBG) is one of the corporate sponsors of the Lloyds TSB Small Business Awards and Dutt was also a member of the independent panel of judges.
“Small businesses represent the future of the economy in the UAE,” he said. “It is important that entrepreneurs are encouraged to establish small businesses and that the right conditions are created for them to flourish. You never know, one of them could one day be the next Microsoft or Virgin.
“Dubai is very good at supporting small businesses and more and more are being set up to take advantage of the UAE’s economic boom. Initiatives such as the free zones help small businesses to get established and some of these have incubation centres, which give support as the businesses develop.”
The Lloyds TSB Small Business Awards was launched this year to recognise and reward the brightest entrepreneurs whose small businesses have made outstanding contributions to the UAE’s success, economy and development.
The six award categories are ‘Entrepreneurial Start-up’, ‘Outstanding Customer Service’, ‘Advertising Impact’, ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’, ‘Inspirational Leadership’ and the ‘Overall Small Business of the Year Award’. The winners will be announced in front of 500 guests from the UAE business world at a ceremony in the Godolphin Ballroom at Dubai’s Jumeirah Emirates Towers on 5th November.
“One of the main remits of the British Business Group is to encourage the development of British business in the UAE and to strengthen ties between the UK and local businesses in the Emirates,” said Dutt. “We felt that supporting the Lloyds TSB Small Business Awards would help us to achieve this.”
“I was very impressed by the high quality of the companies on the shortlist and the judging panel had to make some very difficult decisions. They are all excellent case studies of how to set up a successful business and will go a long way. It was also good to see a number of BBG members on the shortlist as this reflects well on the services and support that the BBG offers to help its members develop their business in the UAE.”
The BBG undertakes a wide range of activities from sharing best business practice and representing British business interests to key decision makers in the UAE to testing British goods and arranging networking and other events. Small businesses setting up in Dubai can use these networking opportunities to make contacts and meet potential clients. The BBG also offers a cost effective product testing service that allows any British company to identify how their product would compete in the local markets.
The British Business Group, Dubai & Northern Emirates, more usually known as the BBG, was set up in 1987 to encourage the development of British business in the UAE. The group is led by an elected committee of members and operates under the auspices of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry. It is recognised by the UAE authorities as the representative body of British companies and individuals operating in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
Since its inception the BBG has undergone huge growth and now has more than 850 members and holds around 70 networking events, forums and seminars each year. It is widely recognised as one of the largest and most active business groups in the Gulf and is preparing to celebrate its 20th anniversary next year.
Its activities include a cost-effective Product Testing Service that allows British companies to identify how their product or service would compete in the regional markets. The BBG is also the official body for provision of British Standards in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
The BBG’s events include regular monthly working luncheons, dinner and breakfast meetings and networking sessions, which provide a forum for members and guests to discuss their views and frequently feature guest speakers from the British and UAE business worlds. Its monthly Special Interest Groups provide a forum for members with a common interest and include Banking & Finance, Construction, Education and Real Estate.
