Deepen your market presence, or expand your market footprint with the right tools and support.
The LEAD helps South African businesses to become market leaders in their field, by supporting them to explore local, regional or international opportunities to drive growth. We have a range of supports to help companies develop market entry plans, fund market research and upskill leadership teams. Businesses working with the LEAD benefit from international trade missions, trade event programmes and buyer visits, which are instrumental when growing and scaling across local, regional or international markets.
What is your current market entry challenge? Here is a selection of common questions.
I WOULD LIKE TO GROW MY BUSINESS ABROAD. WHERE DO I START?
The first step is often to identify and get to know the markets that are suitable for your product
or service offer. Many companies also need help to find partners and distributors in the new market,
which can be challenging if you lack business contacts and don’t know the local language and culture.
This is how we can help:
- Evaluate which market/s are most suitable for your product or service
- Get to know your chosen market/s through research and analyses
- Overcome cultural and language-related barriers
- Find new partners and distributors
- Navigate the legal and regulatory framework
- Create a solid market adapted strategy
I HAVE BIG PLANS FOR MY COMPANY. HOW DO I CREATE A STRATEGY FOR GLOBAL EXPANSION?
If you aspire to become a global leader within your field, you need to start with rigid analyses and a
carefully planned business strategy.
This is how we can help:
- Evaluate your current position on the global market
- Prioritise the most relevant markets
- Develop a global strategy and create a 5-year plan
- Adapt your offer to a global audience
- Manage partners on multiple markets
- Provide advice on industrial logistics
I WOULD LIKE TO EVALUATE MY PRODUCT OFFERING IN MY NEW MARKET. CAN YOU HELP ME?
We certainly can. Every market is different when it comes to customers and competitors, and it is important
to strike the right balance between products and customer segments. This requires in-depth market knowledge,
careful analysis and a fair share of trial and error.
This is how we can help:
- Identify potential customers (B2B and B2C) in the new market
- Find out which of your products or services have the most potential
- Analyse the competitor landscape and information related to pricing and payments
- Make sure that you offer the right balance of products for your new customer segments
HOW DO I FIND THE MOST RELEVANT SALES CHANNELS IN A NEW MARKET?
No product or service sells itself, and sales channels vary from market to market. They also change constantly,
especially in the digital world. We have the experience and local market know-how to help you focus on the most
relevant channels for your business.
This is how we can help:
- Identify and analyse the most relevant sales channels for your company in the new market
- Optimise partners, distributors and online sales channels
- Stay up to date with and adapt to the constantly changing market conditions
- Get the right balance between sales channels
DO YOU OFFER SUPPORT AROUND CARRYING OUT A MERGER, ACQUISITION OR JOINT VENTURE?
Yes, we do. Merging or acquiring a foreign entity is a complex process that comes with many challenges. To reach
the intended growth goals, it is crucial to have a good understanding of cultural differences.
This is how we can help:
- Make a thorough market assessment based on reliable data
- Identify and evaluate merger, joint venture and alliance possibilities
- Bridge language and cultural barriers as well as market dissimilarities
- Navigate legal frameworks and regulations
- Assist in strategic negotiations