International speaker Roger Harrop prepares to spread his business development insights to the Middle East

Dubai, UAE, February 27, 2007: Business guru Roger Harrop has outlined plans to spread his business development mantras of 'keep it simple' and 'focus on the bigger picture' to CEOs across the Middle East.

The UK-based international speaker was in Dubai yesterday to introduce members of the British Business Group (BBG) to the main messages of his acclaimed 'Staying in the Helicopter' TM series of books, talks and workshops.

Harrop has worked extensively with company owners and senior managers in Europe, the US and Far East and now plans to build his business in the Middle East. He will concentrate first on tapping into the market for business development and training in the UAE before extending his attention to Bahrain and Qatar.

"The Emirates excite me at the moment because of the attitude shown by its business community," said Harrop. "They really want to make the country successful and are keen to grow and develop their markets. I feel there are things I can do to help this process through my extensive experience across a broad spectrum of businesses."

Harrop is a former group chief executive of a successful multi-national high-tech company and has run companies in four continents. He has spent the last five years as an international speaker, consultant, author and leadership tutor. More than 2000 business leaders worldwide have seen dramatic growth in profits and sales as a result of the tools shared in his  'Staying in the Helicopter' TM  talks and workshops.

At yesterday's event in the Crowne Plaza hotel Harrop explained to BBG members how important it is for CEOs and managers to get a wider perspective on their business by rising above the day-to-day details and focusing on the big issues. He also said that it was vital to keep things simple and avoid the temptation to over-complicate a business.

"Business leaders tend to get sucked into the details when instead they should get up in the helicopter and see the big picture," he said. "It's amazing what insights you get from up there on how the business can be improved. People also don't realise how simple a business is and spend their time making it complicated, which can damage its potential for growth."    

During his presentation Harrop explored ways of growing a business by closely defining its purpose, getting more from existing customers, using advertising and promotion effectively and making improvements by continually challenging the accepted way that things are done. He used real-life stories, anecdotes, humour and simple analogies to get his messages across.

The event was one of a regular programme of seminars, workshops and presentations featuring inspirational business thinkers from around globe organised by the BBG for the benefit of its members. The BBG, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, has more than 850 members and is widely recognised as one of the largest and most active business groups in the Gulf.

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Notes to editors:
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. It undertakes a wide range of activities from communicating with decision makers and testing British goods to sharing best business practice and arranging networking events for its members.

The BBG 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 celebrating its 20th anniversary this 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.  

For further information, contact:
Doreen Cameron
Office Manager
British Business Group
Tel:  04 3970303
Fax:  04 3970939
Email: Doreen@britbiz-uae.com 
 

© Press Release 2007