New advisory franchise to support and develop small and medium sized businesses

United Arab Emirates, 2nd October 2011 (Final) - The Alchemy Network (Alchemy), an international business advisory franchise, has today launched its first operations in the Middle East.  The new UAE office represents the latest international market that Alchemy has established operations within since its launch in 2007, complementing its existing operations across Europe, North America and Australia.

Drawing upon its global expertise Alchemy is seeking to develop a network of senior consultants who will operate under the Alchemy license.  Each consultant will work within the SME sector across the Emirates to help smaller businesses to unlock their full potential.

Simon Hodges, CEO the Alchemy Network Middle East said: "The UAE offers considerable opportunities for Alchemy. Despite the dramatic economic growth the country has seen over the past decade, SME's represent only about 30% of national GDP.  This compares to 60% in other emerging and developed economies."

"The UAE has traditionally been particularly supportive of SMEs and has subsequently created one of the most forward thinking frameworks for small businesses in the region.  It is therefore better placed to understand, appreciate and adopt new opportunities and new ideas than some other markets.  This makes the UAE an ideal choice for Alchemy, providing it with an excellent platform from which to launch and expand its regional operations."

He adds:   "However, despite the significant creative energy that exists in this country, SMEs face a broad range of challenges. The opportunity for Alchemy is that many small businesses do not have access to the right advisory support to help them maximise their potential and this is where we are able to help."

The Alchemy Network adopts a unique and unrivalled operational model whereby it forms partnerships with an SME, taking a stake in the business and helping it to perform better, more effectively and more profitably than before. 

The types of challenges that small and medium sized business face as they look to grow and expand their operations often varies, making each business unique, but in summary they often include a combination of business management, administration and efficiencies, investment opportunities as well as attracting and developing talent. An Alchemy consultant will seek to work with the management team to address the specific challenges that were otherwise holding the business back, or at least not allowing the business to maximise its capabilities and achieve better profit margins.

Mr Hodges concluded: "Our main priority in the short term is to establish our credentials amongst key stakeholders, to educate and build awareness of who we are and what we can achieve within the business community.  Our initial objective is to develop a network of national consultants who have been trained in line with Alchemy's international standards of excellence who will then be able to develop the business by engaging the market and advising business owners directly."

David Abingdon, Chairman and Founder of The Alchemy Network said "I am excited about the potential for business growth in the Region.  Long term prosperity requires the creation of millions of jobs and the development of a vibrant and successful SME sector is a vital element to the achievement of this objective. Business professionals who join the Alchemy Network will not only be a part of this growth story but will also create a rewarding and successful business for themselves."

 Alchemy will initiate its regional operations by hosting a series of monthly thought leadership seminars, which will start in October 2011. These are aimed at helping SME business owners to overcome the major issues they are facing today, including:

  • How to not only survive but thrive in the economic downturn;

  • The 10 biggest marketing mistakes that can be fatal to your business and how to avoid them;

  • Winning strategies to get more customers or clients for your business; and finally

  • How to franchise your business.

To find out how to become an Alchemy advisor in the UAE, please go to www.AlchemyOpportunity.com.  For more general information on Alchemy Network, go to www.alchemy-network.com, or call us on +971 614 9811.   

-Ends-

About The Alchemy Network
The Alchemy Network is an international business advisory franchise made up of professionals who share a common profile, experience, integrity and mindset. Our accredited members are trained to use our proprietary and proven business growth systems and programs to grow businesses in a systematic fashion and quickly. The Alchemy Network offers a unique business opportunity for those who wish to use their business experience to become a Partner in an international network of high earning, deal making professionals. 

For further information, please contact:
Simon Hodges, CEO the Alchemy Network Middle East
UAE:  +971 614 9811
UK:  +44 7748 135 886
simon.h@alchemy-network.com

© Press Release 2011