A familiar name to many Cleanzine readers, industry sales and management recruiter m2r has been invited to no 10 Downing Street to talk about its successful export strategy in the Middle East. This follows Wakefield-based m2r's success in winning a Gold Award in its local Business Link 'Bucking the Trend' competition which looked to find companies that had overcome challenges presented by the global downturn and had grasped opportunities.

With the recruitment market its toughest in years, m2r not only maintained a high level of service in its home market but also sought opportunities overseas with the setting up of m2r Global.

The invitation to no 10 is a reward for the company whose export turnover has increased by 900% over two years. Last year about 40% of the recruiter's business came from Dubai. This year the company is focusing more of its efforts in Bahrain.

Munir Mamujee, Managing Director of m2r, explained that the secret of the company's success was to understand the culture of the country in which you do business. "That's why people respond to us."

Mamujee's top tips for success in the Middle East are:

- Be proactive - before entering a new market do your research. "Too many people don't," says Mamujee. "This is not jet setting. This is hard work."

- Eat in the local restaurants not in the best restaurants, this helps you understand how much things really cost.

- Learn the local language. Mamujee is learning Arabic.

- Don't use the hotel chauffeur - use a local guy who has been there a long time who can tell you about the country.

- Don't assume all markets in the Middle East are the same.

While Dubai "is all about closing the deal, in Bahrain there is much emphasis on building long-term relationships with clients", says Mamujee.

Mamujee will meet with the Prime Minister on the 7th July.

T: +44 (0) 1924 888185
F: +44 (0) 1924 888186
E: munir@m2r.co.uk
W: www.m2r.co.uk / www.m2rglobal.com