S A Partners headed to Singapore on a networking and fact-finding mission at the end of this month after reaching the regional finals of HSBC’s Global Connections initiative.
Robin Jaques, Partner & Managing Director, spent a week in Singapore on the HSBC International Exchange from February 26 with five other South West and Wales regional finalists, as well as finalists from other UK regions, where he met like-minded businesses from around the world and found out about international business development opportunities.
Attendees heard about how the Asian economy is performing and about the region’s growth prospects, as well as advice on how to trade in Asia. They also heard from experts from the likes of Microsoft, Rolls Royce, Grant Thornton and PwC, in addition to HSBC.
S A Partners is focused on partnering with our clients to develop enduring lean systems, focusing on growth, profitability, and customer value. Its approach addresses process change but increasingly focuses on developing employee capability through accredited programmes and the engagement of the whole organisation in a systematic approach to continuous improvement. During the last 12 months it has expanded its international footprint, developing wholly-owned businesses in North America and Australasia. Going forward it will focus on serving its international client base by growing its presence in Asia, Middle East and South America.
Each of the finalists will be given the opportunity to build their business pitch following the International Exchange, applying the insights gained on the trip. Panels of experts from the business community will then select 2 winners at the April 17 Regional Final, who could receive a financial reward of up to £120,000 in recognition of their success – the equivalent of 2% of their borrowing up to a maximum of £6 million.
All 10 regional winners will then be asked to pitch again to a national panel of judges and will attend HSBC’s prestigious UK National Final one overall winner of this inaugural Global Connections initiative could see their financial reward increase to up to £240,000 – the equivalent of 4% of their borrowing up to a maximum of £6million.
Commenting on why he was attending the International Exchange, S A Partners Managing Director Robin Jaques said: “Visiting markets to understand the dynamics of different business cultures is at the core of us being successful in a global economy. We aim to develop a growing, profitable and fantastic business to work in, but we also want to be recognised for a significant contribution to the health and performance of our client base.”
HSBC’s Regional Commercial Director for the South West and Wales Gary Burton added: “Our Global Connections initiative seeks to help UK businesses compete at the forefront of international trade. Not only can we help through providing funding but also through introducing them to other entrepreneurial business both in the UK and around the world. It is a privilege to facilitate these connections and to help UK businesses achieve success on a global scale. Trading across borders is not only critical for the future success of British businesses but is also critical to the UK economy.”
Robin added: “The event was particularly useful for our business considering how we develop our strategy and client services. The two most valuable aspects were networking with 150 global businesses and sharing the challenges we all have developing our organisations; and understanding how rapidly trade patterns within and between the Asian economies are developing and how we need to orientate our services to meet these rapidly maturing markets.”
