Why It's Best To Enter The South African Market As A Partnership

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Indigenous companies can offer a footing in the market, and invariably welcome such relationships in return for the expertise a UK investor can often bring to their business.

Universally acknowledged as a synergistic relationship between two or more parties, UK-based entrepreneurs looking to enter the South African market are much advised to investigate this form of joint operation.

Forming mutually beneficial partnerships is perhaps the best way for a UK company to ensure success. Indigenous companies can offer a footing in the market, and invariably welcome such relationships in return for the expertise a UK investor can often bring to their business.

It is no secret that a long-term relationship is usually the fruit of significant returns and amiable cooperation between two parties. The objective advice and support each party can offer one another are further key features which encourage South African companies to enter such agreements.

It is said that partnerships are fundamental to both government departments and non-government organisations. But there are exceptions to the rule. For instance, those companies entering the South African market with a innovative product or service tend to go it alone, allowing their business to speak on the merits of its operations alone.

But not everyone is going to revolutionise the market. Therefore, as a general rule-of-thumb, partnerships are often sought out: the tighter the relationship, the better the success.

Another key feature of entering the South African market as a partner is proximity. Many use the country as a gateway to other markets on the continent. Again, the knowledge of adjacent nations and their cultures is something which can be advised upon by a South African partner. Likewise, their knowledge of boarder-crossing and protocol can also give you an otherwise missing advantage.