Eventful expansion

Having established itself firmly in Qatar, leading international event branding specialist Icon has gone on to expand its business across the Middle East, using the services offered by UK Trade & Investment along the way

Leading international event branding specialist Icon has expanded its business across the Middle East, using the services offered by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).

The company’s first job in the Middle East was branding the 17th Arabian Gulf Cup in December 2004. In 2008, it set up a local office in Qatar and UKTI helped it to target decision makers involved in specific events. Icon now works on most major sporting events that come out to tender.

In April 2010, the company formed a joint venture, Icon ProLab, with an established production house in Dubai and has gone on to win new contracts there, including the FIFA Club World Cup 2009 and 2010 and the Yas Marina F1 circuit, as well as the Dubai World Championship of Golf and the World Short Course Swimming Championships, also in Dubai.

“We were new to the market and, although the Arabian Gulf Cup was a successful event that people could relate to, having UKTI to vouch for us locally was a real boost,” says Andrew Hodson, Sales & Marketing Director of Icon. “We have been really happy with the advice and support we have received from UKTI as we build our business in the Middle East.”

Contacts

Doing business in another country can be a challenge and UK Trade & Investment is there to help you succeed.

Through a range of unique services, including participation at selected trade fairs, overseas missions and providing bespoke market intelligence, UK Trade & Investment can help you crack foreign markets and quickly get to grips with regulations and business practices overseas.

If you are in developing your business overseas please contact your local UKTI office