Business

OCO Global subsidiary in UAE deal

Dubai's downtown skyline in the UAE
Dubai's downtown skyline in the UAE Dubai's downtown skyline in the UAE

A SUBSIDIARY of Belfast-based trade and investment advisory firm OCO Global has secured a new contract in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Capital Scaling Partner (CSP), the start-up development business of Capita plc, has appointed the British Centres for Business (BCB) as its delivery partner in the UAE, supporting its growth and interests in the Middle East.

The BCB provides professional support and market entry services in the UAE for UK companies, including assistance and guidance through their unique incubator platform.

Part of OCO Global, which is headquartered in Belfast, BCB has well established networks throughout the Middle Eastern Region.

With a focus on the development of start-up tech-focused firms, CSP’s growing portfolio of companies matches BCB’s experience in supporting UK businesses in the UAE.

BCB says it has already helped more than 40 companies to set up in the region since 2014 and has provided general export advice to a further 300 companies, generating in excess of £50 million.

Chief executive of BCB, Joe Hepworth said: “Like Capita we have vast experience in helping companies, grow, develop and expand their innovative services and products within global markets. Through our new partnership with CSP we are directly supporting some of the UK’s most exciting early stage tech companies and it’s clear that this resonates in the Middle East where there has been a conscious effort to encourage technology and innovation.

“The UAE has actively taken steps to make it a desirable location for tech investment, through its Vision 2021 strategy and it has targeted the region as not only a favourable destination for investors but also as an attractive prospect for the world’s best talent.

"Over the last 5 years, I have overseen more than 300 trade and export projects, and, in that time, there has been a clear shift in the UAE to focus on the development of a knowledge-based economy. The interest and traction we have seen for the three companies who have visited the region so far, reflects this evolution within its economy and is strong barometer of the opportunities that lie ahead.”

John Downes, partner at CSP, added: “We are delighted by our partnership with BCB in the UAE, and we are excited by the opportunity to bring cutting edge technology propositions to this market."