Bristol based consultancy Shift Thought finds success in Singapore
Shift Thought decided to do business in Singapore, because it is one of the most vibrant and innovative financial centres in the world today. As a market, it is highly advantageous due to its mature financial services support infrastructure, and access to other sizeable and rapidly developing Asian economies.
Based in Bristol in the South West of England, Shift Thought is a management consultancy that helps organisations win business in the $580 billion money transfer industry and digital money industry.
Its flagship product, the Digital Money “SAGE” helps businesses manage their digital money ecosystem - it tracks cash networks, customer and merchant adoption, business models, partnerships and more.
Why did you decide to do business abroad?
The very nature of its business model makes Shift Thought’s products applicable to a global audience. It now has over 1,500 digital money initiatives in over 207 markets. Shift Thought decided to do business in Singapore, because it is one of the most vibrant and innovative financial centres in the world today. As a market, it is highly advantageous due to its mature financial services support infrastructure, and access to other sizeable and rapidly developing Asian economies. Through focussed research, the company found that Singapore-based companies have a key role to play in the development of financial services markets across the Asia Pacific.
Why did you go to British Chamber of Commerce in Singapore for support?
Shift Thought’s UKTI International Trade Adviser put them in touch with the British Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, who provided the company with a whole package of Business Services.
‘The Chamber advised us about the upcoming Cards & Payments Conference in Singapore in April 2014. The team provided us with a wealth of support that enabled us to participate in an international trade show for the first time. We participated in the Cards & Payments Asia Trade Show conference and received support from the Chamber in identifying prospects to meet, setting up and exhibiting at the conference, meeting people and getting a post-visit report.
The Business Services team set up one-to-one meetings, an afternoon tea session and participation on a stand in the trade show. The quality of the potential business prospects was excellent. Most importantly, I had an opportunity to speak at the event, and our company was able to exhibit during a conference that was directly relevant to our company - where we had a good mix of the kinds of prospects important to us. It was great to have a voice at such an important global event. Jennifer and Tina spared no effort in helping us and we appreciated that UKTI and the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore were able to assist us in this way. If you are considering participating in this type of overseas conference, my top tip is “”Be prepared to invest a significant amount of time in pre and post planning so as to get the most of the opportunities such an event can offer you. “”
