MEA Business Awards 2021 Best Aircraft Management Company - South Africa Founded in 2002 by professional pilot and CEO, JonathanWolpe, United Aviation Group has invested in and grown specialist companies which provide bespoke services to the aviation industry. It all beganwith Jonathan approaching established South African charter operators to discuss brokering flights and United Charter Services. At the time, this type of service was only a fledgling business globally, andwas almost unheard of in Africa. Best Cyber Security Advisory Firm 2021 Dynasoft Business Solutions Ltd: Dynamic Solutions for a Dynamic New Era. Unitas Client Advisory: Leading Compliance Consulting Firm of the Year - UAE De-Jerbell Safety Store: Best Industrial Safety Equipment Supplier - Nigeria Saddle Cafe LLC: Best Homemade Specialty Coffee Café – Dubai market-i: Best Custom Boutique Consultancy - Dubai DEC21353
2 MEA MARKETS / Business Awards 2021 Editor’s Note , Welcome to MEA Business Awards 2021 With many industries prospering within the region, the Middle East stands at the forefront of modern business and remains one of the most powerful and influential corporate landscapes in the world. Now entering its 5th year, the MEA Business Awards, proudly hosted by MEA Markets, will return to honour and celebrate the diverse talents across this industrious region. Regardless of how large or small a business may be, all participants in the MEA Business Awards are judged purely on merit; this approach enables us to ensure that only the most deserving are acknowledged Sofi Bajor, Editor Website: www.mea-markets.com AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. 6. United Aviation Group: Best Aircraft Management Company - South Africa 10. Dynasoft Business Solutions Ltd: Dynamic Solutions for a Dynamic New Era. 12. Saddle Cafe LLC: Best Homemade Specialty Coffee Café – Dubai 14. Infoprive: Best Cyber Security Advisory Firm 2021 16. De-Jerbell Safety Store: Best Industrial Safety Equipment Supplier - Nigeria 18. Unitas Client Advisory: Leading Compliance Consulting Firm of the Year - UAE 20. market-i: Best Custom Boutique Consultancy - Dubai 22. New Perspective Media Group: Best Publishing & Content Creation Services Company - UAE 23. PearlQuest Interactive: Best Global Interactive Design Software Development Company 2021 24. Coega Development Corporation: Best Infrastructure Development Organisation - South Africa 25. R2S Insurance Brokers: Best Business Insurance Broker Solutions - Dubai 26. Karma Yoga: Best Yoga Teacher Training Academy - Dubai 27. inmind.ai sarl: Best Data Collection & Management Specialists 2021 28. Know Thyself Coaching Institute: Best NLP & Life Coach Training Institute 2021 29. Italia Film: Best Exclusive Film Distribution Company - Middle East
MEAMARKETS / Business Awards 2021 3 Contents , 30. Universal Medical Transfer Services LLC: Most Innovative Patient Transfer Service Company - UAE 31. Peninsula Drinks And Food: Best Craft Alcohol Retailer & Distributor - Abu Dhabi 32. Appetite Creative: Most Innovative Global Marketing Technology Studio 2021 33. Reflections Digital Agency: Most Innovative SEO Marketing Agency – Egypt 34. Brisket smokehouse: Best Smokehouse 2021 - Jordan 35. Trivium: Most Trusted Brand Consultancy - Dubai 36. New Bharath Tyres LLC: Best Automotive Tyre Retailer - Dubai 37. MOST Monti Studio: Best Architecture Design Firm - Dakar 38. Future Idea Building Contracting: Most Innovative Construction Company - UAE 39. Africology: Best Natural Anti-Ageing Skincare Brand - South Africa 40. Promoseven Sports Marketing: Best Sports Event Management & Marketing Company - Dubai 41. Integrity Accounting Services: Best Accounting & Auditing Services Company - Dubai 42. CITYPARA sarl: Most Innovative Pharmaceutical eCommerce Platform - Middle East 43. EcoLoo: Best Global Sustainable Portable Toilet Company 2021 44. re.life (FZE): Innovative Tech Solution of the Year - UAE 45. Lazulite Technology Services: Best Emerging Embedded & Digital Technology Company - UAE 46. ddip digital: Best Global Independent Digital Strategy & Communication Agency 2021 47. Experts-Mac Gabon: Best Management Auditing Business - Central Africa 48. Future Institute of Higher Education and Training: Best Higher Education Centre - Saudi Arabia 49. Sieyi Consult: Best Full-Service HSE Compliance Company - Ghana 50. Everest Links Management Consultants: Best Canadian Immigration Consultancy - Middle East 51. Umm Al Quwain Paper Products FZE: Best Recycled Paperboard Exporter - UAE 52. Kicks Sportswear: Best Sports Footwear Brand - South Africa 53. Dresscode: Best One-Stop-Shop for Modern Female Attire - Egypt 54. ReaGenics: Most Disruptive Global BioTech Company 2021 55. WITHIN175: Best Global Interior Architecture & Planning Company 2021 56. APPSTIRR (LABSTIRR CORP): Best App Development Company – Middle East 57. Cube Light: Best Lighting Design Business – Qatar 59. FAME Advisory DMCC: Best Succession Planning Specialists – Middle East & Excellence Award in Business Set-Up Services 2021 60. Ha-Shem Limited: Best IT Solutions Provider - Nigeria 61. Megaton Cargo Services: Most Innovative Air Cargo Company - Oman
4 MEA MARKETS / Business Awards 2021 Contents , 73. 9SS Creative: Most Innovative Brand Development Agency - Arabian Peninsula 74. Bonnon Coffee: Coffee Brand of the Year - Saudi Arabia 75. TC Consultancy: Most Comprehensive Project Management & Cost Consulting Firm – UAE 76. Spartan FZE: Sporting Equipment Brand of the Year - UAE 77. Polaver: Best Disposable Tableware Supplier & Distributor 2021 78. Level Accounts Auditing LLC: Most Reliable Tax Agency - UAE 79. Dsquares: Best Client Loyalty Solutions Provider 2021 80. Credence Offshore: Best Offshore Logistics Marketing Consultancy - Sharjah 81. Offlimit Communication Pty Ltd: Best TTL Marketing Agency 2021 - Africa 82. Bassmat: Best Digital Marketing Agency 2021 - Saudi Arabia 83. M. A. Chidiac Studio: Best Visual Communication Agency - Middle East 62. RIF Trust – Citizenship & Residency By Investment: Best Global Residency & Citizenship Advisory Consultancy Firm 2021 63. La Marquise Fine Jewellery: Best High-End Jewellery Brand - Middle East 64. NAPS: Most Innovative Payment Solutions Provider - North Africa 65. Marls Organic: Best Nutritious Café - Abu Dhabi 66. Arec Engineering Consultant: Best In-House Design & Architecture Consultancy – Dubai 67. Hedges Information Technology LLC: Best ELV & Automation System Integrator - UAE 68. Blue Oasis Veterinary Clinic: Most Trusted Veterinary Practice - Dubai 69. RAK Ceramics PJSC: Best Ceramic Bathroom Ware Supplier - UAE 70. Blu Edge Marketing Agency: Best Young Marketing Agency - Middle East 71. The Wheatbaker: Best Luxury Boutique Hotel - Lagos 72. Corporate Image: Best Public Affairs & Reputation Management Company – South Africa
MEAMARKETS / Business Awards 2021 5 Contents , MEAMARKETS / Q4 2021 19 Visit to Subscribe: www.mea-markets.com
6 MEA MARKETS / Business Awards 2021 , Best Aircraft Management Company - South Africa Founded in 2002 by professional pilot and CEO, JonathanWolpe, United AviationGroup has invested in and grown specialist companies which provide bespoke services to the aviation industry. It all beganwith Jonathan approaching established SouthAfrican charter operators to discuss brokering flights andUnited Charter Services. At the time, this type of servicewas only a fledgling business globally, andwas almost unheard of inAfrica. With a passion for aviation, a love of people and a commitment to the customer experience, Jonathan manages United Aviation Group with a proactive and hands-on approach, ably assisted by David Howarth, Managing Director of United Charter Services and Owenair. The duo ensures that each and every aspect of the group surpasses industry norms for excellence, and they have handpicked a dedicated team of individuals who make up the core staff and are, without a doubt, some of the best individuals in the South African aviation industry. As worldwide aviation specialists, the team provides 24/7 flight support, assistance with passenger logistics, VIP concierge services, ground handling, use of outstanding departure lounges, five-star catering and service, passport clearance, and fuel arrangements. Jonathan’s vision was to develop a premium charter service to provide a quality aviation experience for clients both locally and abroad. With its roots firmly planted in African soil, and its sights set on the horizon, United Aviation Group has seen exponential growth through acquisition and innovative product development, allowing it to invest in a larger range of aircraft from turboprops and, more significantly, various executive jets as well as longhaul airliners. This, coupled with its ability to offer multiple routes, means more flight options for clients, and a better, more personal experience. The growth also now includes not only the Charter business, but also specialist cargo transit and air ambulance services, aircraft maintenance, fixed base operations, hangarage, aircraft acquisitions and sales, aircraft import and export services, and aviation parts and equipment. Having kick-started formalised charter brokering on the African continent, United Charter services, as part of the United Aviation Group, is now one of the largest charter brokers in Africa, with a loyal customer base and a vast network of aircraft operators. In 2008, United Charter Services took the bold step of purchasing an aircraft operating business called Owenair in order to provide its clients with medium-to-long-range and ultra-long-range executive business jet transportation. Dec21506
MEAMARKETS / Business Awards 2021 7 Best AircraftManagement Company - SouthAfrica
8 MEA MARKETS / Business Awards 2021 , Established in 1946, Owenair was one of South Africa’s most mature aircraft operating businesses and had a number of medium- and long-range jets available for charter, making it an attractive addition to the United stable. The Owenair fleet now includes an impressive range of executive jets, from a number of the popular Hawker Beechcraft variants to the luxurious Bombardier Challenger. The company attracts aircraft owners who choose it for its professional management of their multimilliondollar assets. Ultimately, it is with absolute dedication to service excellence, innovation and strong motivation for growth that United Aviation Group approaches business, and with this continued focus it has been able to build a strategic roadmap that will continue to deliver customer excellence well into the future. Jonathan said, “We believe that at the heart of the success for United Aviation Group is our flexibility of solution design, engaged focus on safety and innovation and a drive to delight customers, and it is this ethos which will carry us forward into the future.” Company: United Aviation Group Contact: Jonathan Wolpe Email: [email protected] Website: www.unitedcharter.co.za
MEAMARKETS / Business Awards 2021 9
10 MEA MARKETS / Business Awards 2021 , Dynamic Solutions for a Dynamic New Era. By providing industry-leading information systemsolutions (ISS), Dynasoft Business Solutions LTD is able to automate and extend the deployment of business solutions, aligning ICTwith the customer’s business strategy. Due to its phenomenal technological solutions- paving theway for industry-standard solutions, Dynasoft has been recognised for its efforts in ISS and has been regarded as the Best Holistic SystemConsultancy in East Africa byMEABusiness Awards. Since its establishment in 2009, Dynasoft Business Solutions LTD has had a primary mission to consistently create value for its customers. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, the company has been successfully able to develop bespoke solutions aimed at the needs of individual customers that allow the achievement of excellence and a competitive edge within their industry. Moreover, within this mission, Dynasoft has strived and accomplished recognition as the leading provider of Dynamic Solutions, adapting continuously to the business needs in Africa. However, to do so, Dynasoft has ensured core values within the company, which make up the unmatched workforce that creates such pioneering advances through teamwork, integrity, innovation, and dynamism. Most importantly, it remains a company that is immensely customer focused. Dynasoft is a pioneering business solutions provider, and due to its decade long reputation, it has a client base that bridges across several diverse industries and sectors. Within the marketplace, Dynasoft covers sectors such as Public Sector, Non-Governmental Organisations, Financial Services/Investments and Pension Sector, Retail sector, Security Sector, Publishing Sector, Manufacturing Sector and more. In addition to its base in Kenya, Dynasoft is currently expanding its footprints to further African countries, with opportunities in the pipeline with an 85% average closeout rate. Certified as a Microsoft Solutions Partner, Dynasoft is authorised to resell and tailor enterprisewide applications based on the Microsoft Ecosystem with a business suit of applications including Dynamics 365 Business Central (ERP), Dynamics 365 (CRM, Field Service), Microsoft 365, Power Platform, Web Portal Services and Azure platforms. At Dynasoft, its primary role is to aid organisations in the ability to use information communication technology with the aim to reduce operating costs. CEO and CoFounder of Dynasoft, Gilbert Kiplagat Kugun, explains, “We always seek to consistently create value for our clients by providing IT consulting services and building solutions tailored to their business needs. By streamlining the design and deployment of new systems and automating operational processes, Dynasoft enables organisations to reduce operating costs and realise business value from their technology investments.” To provide holistic system consultancy and implementation services, Dynasoft spans the design, building, deployment, and support of business applications that address its clients’ unique business needs and customer challenges. Moreover, by providing services in this regard, organisations are able to understand that their technology investments are upholding imperative business value. Thus, what keeps Dynasoft leaders within the industry is its unparalleled and dynamic ISS results along with its renowned customer satisfaction rates, and by continuously updating, adapting and improving, Dynasoft solutions create trusted relationships, proactive responses and honest engagement. Established over a decade ago, Dynasoft began within Kenya’s information technology process management sector, a historically well-developed division with many highly skilled individuals. Consequently, the strong competition created an intense demand for competent and innovative workers and companies. However, diverse and distinct trends have emerged over the years and Dynasoft and seen through it all. For example, throughout the pandemic, the company, much like many others, has witnessed a seismic shift in the remote workforce that kept people safe and highly productive – creating many benefits over the traditional models. Gilbert explains, “Cloud ERP is the enabler of these incredible trends and will continue to play an increasing role as we grow in our maturity of a distributed workforce.” Dynasoft’s research and development team continuously provides insights into the market, develops new services and products, and improves existing ones accordingly to keep up with the competition. Moreover, in order to ensure that the company and its innovations are at the forefront of the industry, Dec21464
MEAMARKETS / Business Awards 2021 11 Dynamic Solutions for a Dynamic NewEra. Dynasoft has secured measures to stay ahead of any emerging development trends. Keeping up with the competition has become second nature to Dynasoft. However, it does it successfully by producing and providing innovative technologies that are continuously evolving and have been recognisably unmatched within its area of expertise. Previous to developing a new product, members of Dynasoft’s research and development team conducted a thorough study to support each project, including but not limited to determining product specifications, production costs, and a timeline. Gilbert states, “Our research is to include an evaluation of the need for the product before the design begins to ensure it is a functional product that customers want to use, and the research paves the way for the development phase. “ In order to progress within the development phase, products must meet guidelines and regulatory specifications. Therefore, these steps are heavily considered during the research phase, when products are being produced based on specific requirements and ideas by the company. Additionally, for existing products, the research and development department regularly evaluates the products offered by the company to ensure they are still functional, in which potential changes or upgrades are then considered. Concerning problems that may already exist, the department is then asked to resolve any issues by establishing innovative solutions to change or evolve the product. Like many companies within a competitive industry, Dynasoft heavily relies on its research and development team in order to keep up with trends and produce innovative and efficient products. Moreover, the department is able to research and analyse the products other businesses are creating, as well as the new trends within the industry, which in turn aids the department in developing and updating the products created by Dynasoft. Overall, the imperative and appreciated presence of its research and development team helps Dynasoft direct the company’s future based on the information it provides and the products it creates. Whilst the company has secured measures to remain the leader amongst its competitors, Dynasoft has noted a significant trend that has been drastically on the rise, dominating the market over the past few years. The primary factor pointed out within the market has been with SMBs increasingly selecting cloud-only or hybrid ERP. Additionally, as SMBs are progressively viewing cloud ERP as their on-ramp to new technologies, Dynasoft has pulled at this notion and has been able to offer a faster, cheaper, and easier way to automate and integrate operations. Regarding this current e-commerce trend, Gilbert explains, “The boom of e-commerce and direct-toconsumer developments increase business model complexity and would require ERP systems to have support for multiple business models, including distribution, retail and mixed-mode manufacturing. In addition, with the significant traffic from the e-commerce channel, the tight e-commerce integration may be a key driver for most ERP implementations.” Since its establishment, Dynasoft has developed an expertise for implementing and deploying business applications that address the unique business needs and customer challenges faced by its clients. Currently, Dynasoft is engaged in the initial stages of deploying an enterprise multi-country cloud ERP, a development that was otherwise unthought-of until the pandemic acted as a digitalisation booster. “The multi-country cloud ERP highlights the importance of distributing risk geographically to cope with crises and with social distancing, offsite delivery of services and outsourcing is becoming increasingly essential,” explains Gilbert. By launching this new and innovative development, Dynasoft is able to grab a share of the ERP opportunities that are currently trending within the industry. The future of Dynasoft is evolving, adapting and expanding, and with its recent recognition as East Africa’s Best Holistic System Consultancy, the world is truly at its fingertips. Company: Dynasoft Business Solutions Ltd. Name: Gilbert Kiplagat Kugun Email: [email protected] Web Address: https://dynasoft.co.ke/
12 MEA MARKETS / Business Awards 2021 , Best Homemade Specialty Coffee Café – Dubai Saddle Cafe LLC is theUAE’s best kept secret. Home to a surplus of deliciousmeals, including La Brioche Bacon&Cheese and Avocadowith Labneh&Homemade Tomato Jam, the company is capable of catering to all tastes with an exquisite level of quality. Furthermore, Saddle Cafe LLC is on amission to take over theworld, supplying customers with satisfying street and breakfast foods. Across twelve outlets in two countries, Saddle Cafe LLC takes pleasure in serving over one million customers every year. What makes the café so popular? From its delectable range of croissants to its wide range of coffee, Saddle Cafe LLC fills its menu with fascinating flavours, innovative meals, and refreshing beverages. Moreover, the customer service is nothing short of excellence, and its staff have been described as friendly and attentive. Mohamed M. Al Falasi, a young entrepreneur and founder of Saddle Cafe LLC, has collected experience across numerous industries. After the completion of his post-graduate course in finance and accounting from the United Kingdom, Mohamed held senior positions for over a decade with the Dubai Government offices, as well as the Big Four consulting firm KPMG. In turn, Mohamed quickly became one of the most successful young entrepreneurs in the Real Estate, F&B, and General Trading industries in the UAE. Following a different path, Mohamed now owns and operates the successful café chain Saddle Cafe LLC alongside Feels Juice Bar & Kitchen and has upcoming plans to expand further within the multi-dimensional food and beverage market that exists around the world. 2015 saw the establishment of Saddle Cafe LLC’s first branch – a horse trailer that had been revamped into a fully-fledged café. Stemming from humble beginnings in the UK, the company made the leap over to Dubai in 2017. It was here that the brand flourished. Two long years of preparation, research, and commitment had prepared the company for its launch, and with great success, it began its journey to the top of the industry. The company credits its success to its ‘unique product, operations, marketing, and staff,’ however, its staying power is determined by its devotion to its identity and values. Known for its extensive menu, from avocado toast to crêpes, Saddle Cafe LLC provides tasty and healthy comfort food. Featuring creative combinations such as cheese and chip crêpes, it’s safe to say that the company doesn’t shy away from experimenting with unique flavours. However, each meal is guaranteed to please; hearty and flavourful, each dish seamlessly combines a fine dining quality with the ease of street food. For example, its cheese croissant isn’t a simple frozen item that’s sprinkled with cheese. Instead, the croissant comes freshly baked, doused in a satisfying mix of a variety of melted cheeses. Saddle Cafe LLC is on a mission to provide its customers with a distinctive food experience that will invoke discussion, fulfil, and leave customers wanting more. It is with this in mind that the company has developed its core values – creativity, passion, consistency, loyalty, positivity, and integrity. Indeed, these values serve as the fundamental force behind how the company operates. each element is infused within the company’s structure, its staff, and, of course, its Founder. Furthermore, the company endeavours to provide the best possible service to each of its customers, and it vows to give them a food experience that they will be sure to remember. Of course, in an industry that is fiercely competitive, it is vital to stand out from the crowd. Henceforth, Saddle Cafe LLC – from its locations to its price point – has been designed to be different. First and foremost, the company’s locations have been chosen as they are geographically strategic, showcasing some of the city’s most appealing landmarks and scenery. Customers can enjoy mouth-watering, nourishing meals whilst taking in the breath-taking landscape – be it the bustling streets featuring vibrant graffiti walls or an endless coastline. In addition, the company bolsters its uniqueness via the treatment of its staff. Unlike much of its competition, Saddle Cafe LLC focuses upon fair and ethical employment – it maintains numerous staff welfare programs and initiatives to ensure the wellbeing of all 300 staff members. Additionally, the company prioritises diversity and hosts an experienced talent pool from over 50 countries. The company’s success is abundantly clear through the endless positive reviews that it has received. Be it the team or the locations, compliments flow freely – covering each aspect of the company. One happy customer commented, “I had such a beautiful experience here with my family.” A key focus of the reviews are the appetizing meals and beverages, Alifiya Mustafa M stated that Saddle Cafe LLC is, “A delicious and healthy food specially […] for breakfast lovers.” Simply, the company oozes quality, treating its customers to an unforgettable, premium food experience. Throughout 2022, Saddle Cafe LLC is set to continue its climb to global success. With branches set up in Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia, the company is setting its sights upon further expansion, not only across the UAE and surrounding areas, but across the globe. Ultimately, it hopes to achieve excellence within each branch, fulfilling customers and maintaining its reputation. Contact: Nabil El Kourdy Company: Saddle Cafe LLC Web Address: https://saddledubai.com/ Dec21183
MEAMARKETS / Business Awards 2021 13 Best Homemade Specialty Coffee Café – Dubai
14 MEA MARKETS / Business Awards 2021 , Best Cyber Security Advisory Firm 2021 Infoprive is a ground-breaking cyber security advisory firmstemming fromLagos, Nigeria. Since its founding, the company has aided businesses across Africa and theMiddle East in the instillation and optimisation of cyber security solutions and practices, in turn, guaranteeing protection frommalware, security breaches, and data leaks. Fromthe in-depth training of staff to the guarantee of an effective solution, Infoprive is awell-rounded company that is enthusiastic about its cause, going above and beyond the call of duty for its teamand clients. Established ten years ago, Infoprive is a company that specialises in providing an endto-end cyber security service to enterprise, medium and small-scale businesses. Whilst the company was created in Lagos, Nigeria, it quickly took off, spreading its reach across the rest of Africa and the Middle East. However, the company’s meteoric rise to success should come as no surprise, as it has garnered an in-depth knowledge of all facets of cyber security and always adopts a hands-on approach across the board in order to provide the best possible service for its clients. Infoprive’s services can be divided into three sectors: advisory, security engineering, and managed services, each playing a defined role in the company’s overall success. Indeed, these elements of the company’s services aim to optimise the cyber security process for businesses, henceforth, it has become a hit amongst companies in the MEA region. The Advisory division, for example, offers services in the areas of governance, risk, compliance, cyber security, and Qualified Assessor Assessment services. Whereas The Security Engineering team integrates flexible solutions into an organizations network fabric to increase their security posture. It provides tools, techniques, and advice for designing a successful, integrated security system that anticipates future threats. The Managed services division is privileged to run the only ISO27001 and SOC 2 compliant Security Operations Center (SOC) in Nigeria and West Africa and this is in support of its commitment to mange its clients security operations in line with global standards. Each customer that the company has the pleasure of working with is treated with the utmost importance – no matter whether they are a small or large business – as Infoprive believes that everyone should have access to effective cyber security solutions. Priding itself on its customer-centricity, Infoprive works to create a bespoke solution based upon the client’s needs and their budget, ensuring that it provides a service that will help them resolve the issue at hand. Furthermore, the firm invests time into building a trustworthy relationship with the client, focusing on being transparent with its communications. Ultimately, Infoprive’s philosophy behind client services is to ‘treat the customer like a king,’ which it accomplishes through excellent customer service, providing top-of-the-range cyber security solutions at the right budget, and helping its clients ensure high return on every security investment. Within the company, its team is held with a similar regard, Jan22088
MEAMARKETS / Business Awards 2021 15 Best Cyber Security Advisory Firm2021 as Infoprive understands how important its team is to the firm’s operations. The company stands for values which it has abbreviated as PACT, meaning proficiency, agility, customer success, and trustworthiness. Such values not only dictate the way it treats its customers but serve as a fundamental guide for how the internal structure of the company should and does operate. Moreover, the team is exceptional in its diligence, and it portrays a high level of integrity. Comprising of industry professionals, the team have extensive experience in security architecture, design, operations, and monitoring. It is with this in mind that Infoprive pushes its team to provide a high standard of work – after all, the customer is the priority. Consequently, when recruiting new team members, Infoprive searches for the perfect fit. It is imperative that the prospective member aligns with the company’s values, therefore the company asks questions focusing upon work habits and what the interviewee believes the culture is like. Infoprive has a robust structure and, as a result, it is watchful as to how people integrate into its culture. For that reason, Infoprive aids recruits with understanding the values of the firm and devotes time to make sure that they are comfortable. This is why the company has a vigorous probation period, in of which team members must undergo extensive training across multiple stages. Such training has equipped the company with the necessary tools to delve into the MEA market. The MEA region, especially in terms of opportunities for growth, can be quite complicated. Recently, the increased digital adoption rate, coupled with the borderless nature to work brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, has been the catalyst for a dramatic surge in activity in the region’s cyber security industry. At the forefront of this rise, Infoprive has recognised a multitude of opportunities and gaps in the market and has leveraged the surge in activity to strategically position itself as a Trusted Security Advisor in the region. Infoprive predicts that over the next few years, the need for premium cyber security services will continue to grow exponentially. The past year has noted a rise in cyberattacks and the digital adoption rate, which has resulted in the introduction of new mandates from regulatory bodies in the region that are pushing for companies to optimise their cyber security structure. For instance, in August 2021, the Central Bank of Nigeria released new guidelines, mandating all financial technology companies and National Microfinance Banks to update their maturity levels on sundry ISO standards. As this trend progresses across the MEA region, Infoprive is bracing itself for an influx of business as more regulations are introduced. In an industry that is booming, it is vital for Infoprive to shine amongst the competition. As a premier source for cyber security services, the firm works to cater to every sector, ensuring that it has a solution for all types of customers. Its aforementioned focus on customer service again serves as an advantage, as it has built a loyal customer base across numerous industries, namely financial institutions, FinTech, technology, aviation and automobile companies. Another major benefit is that Infoprive has grown alongside many of its clients, its clientele primarily consists of start-ups, many of which have grown into major players within their industries. From the beginning of these businesses to now, Infoprive has been there, and has been developing effective solutions every step of the way. In 2022, the company will be celebrating its 10th anniversary, and it is planning a major Security Advisory Conference in Nigeria, which will be the first of its kind in the West African region. The main objective of the event is to connect key industry players to the most knowledgeable people and cutting-edge content that will empower them to stay ahead of cyber threats. This will include everything from important cybersecurity updates, regional insights, feedback & networking opportunities, and cutting-edge resources which will aid businesses and industry professionals in mitigating cybersecurity risks and optimising compliance. Contact: [email protected] Company: Infoprive Web Address: https://infoprive.com/
16 MEA MARKETS / Business Awards 2021 , Best Industrial Safety Equipment Supplier - Nigeria De-Jerbell Safety Products is a locally-owned and -operated company specialising in the distribution and supply of quality personal protective equipment (PPE). De-Jerbell Safety Products is a leading industrial safety equipment supplier with extensive experience in providing expert knowledge and assistance to the mining and civil, oil and gas, government, electrical, maintenance repair and operations, commercial, construction, infrastructure and engineering industries. At De-Jerbell, the aim is to provide customers with a complete range of safety maintenance products at the right price to meet their needs. On every shift, workers all over the world face significant dangers, and every business faces unique challenges in protecting its employees from injury. As a safety product distributor, De-Jerbell understands each client and their safety requirements. The company is well-versed on real world safety issues, and stays up-to-date with the latest safety products in every industry. Whether the danger a company’s employees face is machinery, radiation, chemicals, fire, materials or noise, De-Jerbell can help by providing PPE ranging from hard hats and fall protection to gas detection equipment and hazardous storage units. De-Jerbell believes that great power is unleashed by doing the little things. It understands that it’s often the little things that are needed in order to get the job done which can distract from the entire picture, so De-Jerbell exists to look after all these little things for its customers, so they can get on with the big things. Whatever products are needed by the customer, De-Jerbell can source them from all over the world, knowing exactly what’s at stake and taking it just as seriously as its customers do. It appreciates that it’s the little things it does that make the difference between a job done and a job well done. With access to thousands of industrial and safety products, a branch and logistics network covering Nigeria and West Africa, a sizeable suite of e-business and remote solutions, and a team at disposal who are empowered to do whatever it takes to ensure each customer gets congratulated for a ‘job well done’, it’s easy to see that De-Jerbell is the smart choice when it comes to PPE. Since its incorporation, DeJerbell’s mission has been to provide complete satisfaction. Its knowledgeable people have vast experience within the industry and perform in a way that regularly exceeds customer expectations, going above and beyond to tailor each product to the customer. With warehouses stocked up on huge supplies of products, it means that whatever the customer needs is readily available, and De-Jerbell has become the go-to for individual, small business and corporationwide customers. Being the company that customers can trust the most when it comes to high performance, the safety supplies De-Jerbell provides are of top quality, and producing these products requires efficient operations throughout the company’s entire supply chain. Each product is backed by a network of highly-trained and knowledgeable professionals, and De-Jerbell is a company that maintains stability while being committed to excellence. It does business that meets its own needs today in order to achieve a solid foundation for the future. Its focus and discipline work toward solid, long-term performance for its customers. Customers can bring De-Jerbell its safety requirement and it will help them identify the best solutions to meet it. If the right solution doesn’t exist, it will leverage its expertise and work with its partners to create it. The company will offer the customer a range of contract vehicles for procurement, manage the entire supply chain, and get their equipment to them when and where they need it – without fail. Ultimately, its solutions-driven approach ensures the customer can concentrate on their job knowing they will have all the equipment and support they need to get it done safely and to a high standard. Company: De-Jerbell Safety Store Email: [email protected] Website: www.jerbellsafety.com Dec21190
MEAMARKETS / Business Awards 2021 17 Best Industrial Safety Equipment Supplier - Nigeria
18 MEA MARKETS / Business Awards 2021 , Leading Compliance Consulting Firm of the Year 2021 - UAE Compliance remains amajor challenge inmany industries – yet Unitas Client Advisory has faced up to this challengewith a uniquely pragmatic approach, reflected in their victory at the MEABusiness Awards 2021. Let’s dig a little deeper into howexactly theymanaged it “To understand our client, we must become our client.” This can seem like a deceptively simple statement at first – but for leading compliance and regulatory consulting firm Unitas Client Advisory, it’s the key to their success in providing bespoke ancillary services to the corporate finance & investment banking community. Indeed, their range of services – encompassing Authorization (financial institution setups), Compliance services (outsourced and oversight), ESG (sustainability & impact investing), VentureCapital Advisory & Licensing, Innovation / Fintech Licensing, Data Protection and beyond – is matched only by their ever-growing and richly diverse client base. Their flagship service is their Institutional Licensing Department, whereby the team operate as one of the few with experience in every category of license within the DIFC and ADGM, helping clients from all over the globe to establish their operations in one of the two financial centres. This sense of global focus frames everything they do. Whilst based in the UAE – strategically placed in the Exchange Building in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) – clients around the world trust Unitas Client Advisory to deliver exceptional service through a consultancy model with a uniquely holistic perspective. The team also has offices in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and London – with the London office opening doors to both Europe and the USA. It’s this worldwide commitment to quality that has inspired such trust in the team. Their portfolio of clients, and of specialists, includes internationally recognised names that always rely on the firm to go the extra mile. Maintaining such high standards, however, is dependent on trust – which is impossible without ensuring strong client relationships. How is this guaranteed? By handpicking a team of the best possible candidates to create a formidable workforce that is as diverse and dynamic as the companies they work with, allowing employees to truly make the most of every opportunity to benefit clients and the community at large. At the core of all this are the three service principles of the company. Firstly, the team take the time to truly understand the nature of a particular business: no proposals are made before they know precisely what is required, allowing advice to be easily and swiftly implemented Dec21425 “The art of perfection – instinctively”
MEAMARKETS / Business Awards 2021 19 Leading Compliance Consulting Firmof the Year - UAE for the maximum possible impact. Similarly, the team only provide services when they understand the dynamics of the business both within the sector at large and its region of operation. Finally, the team come to every project equipped with detailed awareness of the trends affecting the industry in question at large, referring to local and global paradigms before offering a way forward. To support the team in their vital work, the company has invested in the latest in client portals and CRM systems allowing for transparency at every stage of engagement. They’re clearly a forward-thinking organization with tech at the heart of its operations – which is reflected in the way they adapted and persevered through the difficult days of the pandemic. Even prior to the COVID outbreak, the firm had invested heavily in its BCP strategy which involved in looking at pivoting its business model in the event of any crisis. And when crisis struck? The firm was able to tailor communication, reinforce messaging and ensure continuity to all staff, stakeholders and clients alike. They also increased digital communication and offered guidance on work-from-home strategies that helped keep client engagement healthy and thriving. Yet these clients are only part of the picture. The Unitas Client Advisory team are always exploring ways of giving back to the communities they work within as well. Operating pro bono, the team have invested a great deal of time, money and talent in tackling the various challenges affecting the world today. Foremost amongst these are the environment, data protection, education and economic development. The success of Unitas Client Advisory will quite rightly take the spotlight at the MEA Business Awards – and we cannot wait to see what they achieve in the weeks and months to come. Company: Unitas Client Advisory Name: Sagheer Mohammed Email: [email protected] “We deliver through uncompromised adherence to our business principles and good old fashioned professional chivalry.” “Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)”
20 MEA MARKETS / Business Awards 2021 , Best Custom Boutique Consultancy - Dubai For almost 15 yearsmarket-i has been leading the boutique consultancy industry, developing innovative and, most importantly, effective solutions that guide companies towards growth and prosperity. Spawning fromhumble beginnings, market-i has taken over theworld, and is trusted by clients acrossmultiple continents. However, the company has plans to expand its reach even further, with 2022 seeingmarket-i explore opening up newoffices in previously unexploredmarkets. The market-i journey began in Germany in 2007, when a team of seasoned research professionals collaborated to create an agency that would aid and inspire its clients via tailored advice. Since then, the company has gone global, having offices in Dubai, Riyadh, and Cairo, and handling projects across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Asia Pacific. Fundamentally, the consultancy works to offer tailor-made solutions to uniquely address the needs of clients focused on leadership and growth, with a specific focus on creating strategic value. Operating across three distinct sectors, market-i utilises a combination of traditional and technology-based research techniques in order to develop its innovative solutions. The Public Diplomacy & Strategic Communications division, for example, assesses public sentiments and attitudes to support development communications strategy that addresses topics including strengthening civic participation, strengthening national unity, and countering VEO. This area of research targets the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. Moreover, the company has gained experience across numerous industries, working with businesses involved in beauty, government, technology, and much more. Simply, the company focuses on creating effective solutions rather than focusing on specific industries. Henceforth, market-i takes a client-centric approach in how it operates, and as a boutique consultancy this means that it is able to maintain an enhanced focus upon the client. At any time, clients have easy and open access to the senior members of the team, who are equipped to answer any queries that the client may have. In addition, market-i endeavours to work collaboratively with its clients, working by the philosophy of designing bespoke research solutions that address the clients’ specific marketing qualms rather than forcing the issue into a pre-existing, less effective resolution. Market-i understands that no two clients are the same, and therefore, it sees no use in the overused, one-size-fitsall techniques that much of its competition uses. Along a similar vein, the company realises that its team is comprised of individuals, they all have different ideas and experiences. The company embraces this, working as a flat-hierarchy, and encouraging collaboration between employees in order to harvest imaginative and experimental ideas. Furthermore, market-i encourages its junior members of the team to express themselves and constantly pushes them to learn and develop. This has cultivated a friendly, congenial, and very informal working environment, where team members are free to share their opinions and voice solutions. Guided by the ‘Code of I’, the team is expected to prioritise eight ideals which should govern how they act, think, and feel in terms of their work. The code represents: the individual, inspiration, imagination, intimacy, intelligence, integration, incisiveness, and the company’s international reach. In addition, the code acts as an advisor to market-i during the recruitment process. It is extremely particular about who it hires, as they must be able to integrate smoothly into the company. Attracted to individuals that can push the boundaries, there are three key traits that it searches for – a healthy dose of confidence, deep thinkers, and the ability to troubleshoot. An added bonus is if the prospective employee is able to work and push themselves without extra guidance from the management team, as the extra effort is appreciated. This is incredibly important as the company is operating within an industry that has grown exponentially over the recent years. On the whole, the MEA region is on an upswing, however, the UAE consultancy industry in particular is experiencing a boom. During the course of the past year, the UAE has presented itself as a frontrunner in a plethora of ways – the Hope Mars Mission successfully landed on Mars in July, Dubai hosted the 2020 World Expo, and it was the first country to introduce a 4.5 day working week for federal government. Additionally, the working week has been shaped to align with global markets. Each of these changes has benefitted market-i and the consultancy industry greatly. However, in an industry that is currently expanding, it is vital to stand out from the crowd. Working to set itself apart from its cohort, market-i benefits from its area of expertise Dec21114
MEAMARKETS / Business Awards 2021 21 Best CustomBoutique Consultancy - Dubai being marketing research, as it is constantly collecting data on consumer behaviour and changing attitudes. In turn, the company is able to stay ahead of any market changes and can adapt accordingly with shifting dynamics. Consequently, market-i can plan for future growth in terms of product solutions, trends, and the exploration of new markets. The Covid-19 pandemic impacted consumers profusely, forcing the way they interact with companies to shift. As a result, market-i was quick to take action in terms of providing its clients with important insights around consumer sentiments. During this turbulent period, market-i aimed to guide its customers towards the best business decisions, utilising its extensive collection of data. What’s more, market-i its system as per the clients changing needs, leading to an evolution of new types of consumer research ideas and methodologies. Overall, 2020 set the groundwork for the company’s business model to evolve, which was then bolstered by the company’s efforts throughout 2021. Looking to the future, market-i has numerous plans that will come to fruition throughout 2022. Focusing predominantly on growth, the company is setting its sights on expansion, and will be beginning to look for new offices. In turn, this will enable the company to delve into new markets and expand its reach. Ultimately, however, market-i’s goal is simple – it hopes to continue aiding businesses with an abundance of detailed market research. Contact: Nisha Chandy Kumar Company: market-i Web Address: www.market-i.com
22 MEA MARKETS / Business Awards 2021 , Dec21740 New Perspective Media Group, a media and communications specialist that has become the biggest Filipino media group due to its knowledge of and ability to reach out empathically to its market segment. Supplemented by years of experience with private companies, it knows what it means to bridge a communications gap, helping clients to connect with their market segment on a real level through technology and understanding as it looks forward towards an optimistic future, one characterised by driving the new frontier of marketing for government entities, SMEs, and leading corporate powers alike. Best Publishing & Content Creation Services Company - UAE Based in Dubai, New Perspective Media Group is a group creating contentdriven marketing and communications solutions for its myriad of diverse and dynamic clientele across the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia. With four different offices across the Middle East and Asiatic Pacific, its integrated marketing communications services to the top Governmental and Fortune 500 companies in the region have made it a front runner in its sector and an expert in customer outreach. New Perspective Media Group – or NPM – has successfully managed to create and solidify connections between investors, partners, and governmental agencies throughout the years, with over 1000 brands and companies reaching their target customers through content-driven integrated marketing communications. Additionally, this is something it has been developing over its 11 years in the trade, with the service of brands and companies in more than 10 sectors across 36 different countries. It does this by way of its six different divisions, covering everything from PR and stake-holders communications to branding and creative productive, digital and social media management, media buying, events management, and professional translation. NPM is also the largest Filipino focused advertising, digital media, news publishing, PR, and events activations company in the UAE and MENA; having gained the ownership of The Filipino Times in recent years as one of the activities that secured this title for it, it now has significant sway over the biggest news agency outside the Philippines and with the largest online news portal of Filipinos overseas. Rooted in the building of reputations – the driving force behind all its activities – it combines marketing prowess, local know-how, and technical expertise in specific segments in order to craft winning stories for its clients in order to enable them to achieve their goals. Furthermore, its philosophy is one of identifying a client’s strength in order to teach them how best to use this to achieve growth and prosperity, working hard to develop coherent and effective marketing strategies that resonate with audiences and perfectly reflect the array of PR and marketing campaigns that it has been able to step up to the plate to help with. This, emboldened by the inherent innovation of NPM, is something that is ensuring it can keep up with the fastchanging and dynamic world of corporate communications. Having made a distinct mark for over a decade, its policy is one of adapting ahead of a changing world so that it is always one of the first through any given gateposts, able to forecast the future and plan for it accordingly, something that its clients directly benefit from at every turn. Located in one of the fastest growing, most fascinating, and most progressive of the MENASA region countries, NPM’s home base in Dubai is giving it a great springboard from which it can reach the rest of the world. Bucking the trends of traditional media models, embracing the bottom-up model of digital media communications, focusing on connecting people as its foremost goal. Internally, its leadership allows this by way of its excellent leadership, with its founders being two marketing and communication journalists wishing to build up an exemplary team and work with quick turnaround, flexibility, and creativity to create the marketing and communications materials of tomorrow. Company: New Perspective Media Group Contact: Vince Ang Website: newperspectivemedia.com
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