MEA October 2017

18 MEA MARKETS / October 2017 , Acorn Strategy is a strategy-ledmarketing and communications agency, helping companies to achieve successful and tailored growth, fromacorns tomighty oak trees. We recently invited Acorn Strategy’s Managing Director, KateMidttun to tell us more about how they ensure their approach is tailored to the business requirements of their clients. Bespoke Solutions That Create the Right Opportunities Acorn Strategy has been helping clients to grow their businesses for seven years. Based in the UAE, with a team of more than 10 nationalities, their work has seen companies increase revenue by as much as 60% in three months. By unravelling the complexities of the market and competition to create strategy and plans that optimise performance, Acorn Strategy’s marketing and communications management and optimisation sees real results for companies of all sizes. Managing Director, Kate Midttun explains the process which is undertaken by Acorn Strategy to ensure the clients receive the best possible outcome. “Acorn always puts the client first, ensuring that the approach is tailored to the business requirements, there are no off the shelf solutions. By gaining a deep understanding of their clients’ businesses, they can optimise the opportunities in the market place. Firstly, researching and assessing the external market for opportunities and quick wins before doing a deep dive analysis on the internal market. Thereafter, the marketing strategy and planning is created to maximise available budget and business requirements.” At this current moment, the UAE economy creates both unique and interesting opportunities for companies who are looking to grow. Whilst many companies are reducing budgets and headcount, those who are savvy can make the most of their limited budgets to gain an edge on their competition. Acorn’s consultants and culture revolve around curiousness and the desire to find the solution to the problem, agility to adapt and create, and intelligence in delivery of strategy. This means that their clients receive bespoke solutions that create the right opportunities. As for those who work at Acorn Strategy and where the company is based, Kate reveals the personality traits it takes to work for the agency, as well as the benefits of being based in the UAE. “Acorn Strategy has a unique internal culture, as all consultants have access to paid continuous education, they are encouraged to cross-train and develop skills. Naturally, this means that they need to be curious, proactive and engaged in finding the best possible result for a client, so it takes a certain type of personality to work for the agency. “The benefit of having a physical office in the UAE, is that it is a launchpad to the world. Being based in the Middle East and servicing the GCC region, Acorn Strategy works with many international clients who are looking to cut through the complexities of the market and find their feet on the ground faster. Likewise, those businesses which have been home grown in the UAE benefit from the international expertise and local understanding that Acorn brings. Having a partnership with other agencies is core to delivering, it also means often working with international expertise. “The fact that Acorn Strategy’s work is unique in itself, it’s a wonderful achievement to be recognised as UAE’s Most 1709ME01 Innovative Marketing Agency”, says Kate. “Our consultants have experience working on the most complex and challenging problems, making them some of the highest calibre people in the market. We are able to deliver international level quality and skill without having to fly consultants in from around the world. GCC clients really appreciate the combination of local experience and international standards.” In closing, Acorn Strategy will look to expand its roots in Australia over the upcoming year and have sights set on Europe for the future years. Website: www.acornstrategy.com/