Client Challenge
Our client was a design-focused entrepreneur looking to expand his growing furniture business beyond his home market. He aimed to enter a competitive international market in the Gulf region, where regulatory hurdles and strong local competition posed significant entry challenges.
Our Approach
We began with in-depth market research to assess demand and validate the expansion opportunity. After confirming a clear market need, we analyzed competitors and crafted a business model suited to efficient, low-risk entry.
Instead of launching immediately with a physical store or manufacturing facility, we recommended a phased approach. The first step was to establish a local office offering furniture design services, consultations, project management, and on-demand manufacturing—produced in the client's home country and imported as needed.
We advised beginning with business clients who already had ties to the brand, focusing on streamlining the supply chain and developing a project portfolio that showcased the company's capabilities in large-scale commercial work.
For long-term growth, the plan included eventually setting up local manufacturing to reduce tariffs and delivery times, followed by a retail space to reach individual customers once profits and key financial ratios hit sustainable levels.
Results
The client secured significant investor funding after a single meeting. The investor's decision was driven by:
• Experience of the client
• Proven sales track record in the home country
• A solid business plan covering operations, finances, and a clear, profitable growth strategy
Key Takeaway
Expanding internationally carries risk, but it also opens the door to new markets, new clients, and new ways of doing business. When planned strategically, that risk can be transformed into an opportunity to diversify income and strengthen the company's long-term resilience.