Ikon International Associates Limited is a specialist business advisory firm based in the UK with offices in Ukraine and Italy. Ikon assists with introductions to markets in 22 territories, with specialist knowledge of growing business with emerging economies in BRICS Countries. This experience assists the growth of new business for SME’s and PLC’s by implementing an innovative approach into new markets with considerable potential to generate significant additional sales. Ikon specialises in providing the following:• Preparation of export strategies for companies;• Reviewing export pricing and prioritising market offerings;• Advising companies on procurement systems and tendering in several countries.• Identification of collaboration opportunities with in-country representatives;• Market research to verify scale of opportunities and method of prioritisation;• Finding partners and routes to specific market segments;• One to one support in negotiations and partnership agreements;• Access to financial and additional resources to support access to international markets;• Markets penetration and development of growth of export business.Client example - Ikon represents Pearson Edexcel, including an advisory role on devising export strategy, involvement of stakeholder organisations in Ukraine including Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry of Social Policy, Federation of Employers and British Council. Developing the role of account management in Ukraine and increasing the volume of business in line with the corporate business model.

Business mentor at Tehnopol. Provided support, advice and guidance to start up companies, helping them to shape their vision and strategy. Shared experiences on how to sustain and grow their businesses via access of global markets.

I provide market development support to this high growth Scottish drinks company. Assistance includes conducting detailed technical market research, finding potential partners and distributors in specific markets, logistics solutions, developing pricing models and negotiating sales agreements. I am a Director of Sales and Marketing and a shareholder of Valt Vodka ltd.

Association of Serving the Humanity International (ASHI) is a constituted organisation with charitable status based in West Lothian.ASHI is a charity committed to developing local community engagement and awareness of international issues and problems, and how to assist in improving matters. • The prevention or relief of Poverty.• The advancement of Education.• The advancement of Health• The saving of Lives.