Topics Included:
Human Capital & Capacity Building, Navigating the Regulatory Environment, Overview of the Saudi Market, Opportunities in Saudi Arabia, Common Pitfalls with Regulations, Company Set-up, Education, Saudization.
The Saudi British Joint Business Council (SBJBC) is pleased to present its upcoming workshop, “Doing Business in Saudi Arabia,” scheduled for July 17, 2025 in Birmingham. This event offers UK businesses a valuable opportunity to gain practical insights into the evolving Saudi market, which is undergoing significant transformation under Vision 2030. With a focus on emerging sectors such as education, infrastructure, IT, and finance, the workshop aims to equip attendees with the knowledge needed to navigate this dynamic business landscape.
Through two of expert-led panels and one presentation, participants will explore key aspects of entering and operating within the Saudi market. Topics include strategies for human capital development and capacity building, as well as understanding the regulatory environment that governs business operations in the Kingdom. The event will also provide a platform for networking, allowing attendees to connect with industry leaders, government representatives, and fellow entrepreneurs.
The workshop’s themes are designed to address critical components of successful market entry and growth in Saudi Arabia. Panel and presentation discussions will delve into current market trends and opportunities, highlighting sectors aligned with national development goals. Attendees will gain insights into workforce development initiatives, including Saudisation policies, and learn strategies for navigating the Kingdom’s regulatory landscape. By participating, businesses will be better prepared to seize opportunities and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious economic diversification efforts.
10:30 – 11:00 | Registration
11:00 – 11:05 | Welcome from SBJBC, AEI Saudi, and Trowers & Hamlins
11:05 – 11:15 | Presentation by SBJBC: Saudi Market – Trends & Opportunities
Using SBJBC research and insights, this presentation will provide an overview of Saudi Arabia’s business market, highlighting key sectors such as education, sport, infrastructure, IT, and finance. The presentation will discuss how these sectors align with the Kingdom’s national development strategy and the broader Vision 2030 goals. In addition, the presentation will review the current trends such as sustainability and digitalisation while providing attendees with insights into under-tapped markets and opportunities.
Presenter:
11:15 – 11:55 | Topic 1: Navigating the Regulatory Environment
These speakers will explore the evolving regulatory landscape in Saudi Arabia and its implications for businesses and investors. It will discuss key aspects of compliance, legal frameworks, and government policies and highlight strategies for navigating complex regulations while seizing opportunities for growth in emerging sectors.
Panellists:
11:55 – 12:30 | Topic 2: Human Capital & Capacity Building
These speakers will explore Saudi Arabia’s strategies for developing human capital and enhancing capacity building to support its transformative Vision 2030 agenda. It will discuss innovative approaches to education, workforce development, and talent cultivation that align with the nation’s economic diversification goals. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the role of human capital, including Saudisation, in driving sustainable growth and fostering a competitive labor market.
Panellists:
12:30 – 13:30 | Networking Lunch and Close
More speakers to be confirmed…
Date
Time
Location:
Tickets for the Doing Business in Saudi Arabia:
SBJBC Members: Free (please contact us for your 100% discount code)
SBJBC Non-Members: £50 + VAT
DBT is the department for economic growth. We support businesses to invest, grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities across the country. Emma has worked in DBT since 2018, covering multiple sectors and regions of the world and now focuses on the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Turkiye and Central Asia, sourcing and creating opportunities for Midlands-based businesses who want to expand their global success.
Vic Annells is a seasoned diplomat, business leader, and international trade expert with extensive experience fostering UK-Saudi relations. He currently serves as a Senior Consultant with AEI Saudi, where he assists businesses in working with AEI establishing and expanding their operations within the Kingdom.Previously, Vic held the position of Chief Executive at the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce. His diplomatic career includes serving as HM Consul General in Milan and as Director of Trade and Investment at the British Embassy in Riyadh, roles that underscore his deep understanding of international commerce and diplomacy. Vic was the UKTI International Trade Director for the East of England region.Vic's expertise is particularly relevant to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, as he held the role Director of Trade and Investment for Saudi Arabia based at the Embassy in Riyadh when the Crown Prince first launched his plan. His focus has been on helping businesses understand the complexity of entering into the Kingdom whilst working in his role at the UK Embassy and it continued with his support for AEI Saudi.
Adam is an engineer by background but has spent the last 2 decades focused on trade in the Middle East. He co-founded AEI Saudi in 2012, a business dedicated to bringing the UK and KSA closer together through trade. Since then he has supported over 2,500 companies predominantly from the UK but also the EU and US with their journies to enter, succeed and thrive in the Middle East. Adam has a broad professional background, however his core expertise is Saudi business winning, gained from his time as Regional Director for a leading multinational as well as leading the Business Development teams at multiple Saudi companies.
Cordelia Begbie was appointed UK Executive Director of the Saudi British Joint Business Council (SBJBC) and CEO of SBJBC UK in September 2024. In this role, she is responsible for establishing a long-term vision and strategy for SBJBC UK & the Saudi UK Tech Hub, and leads the Secretariat in London.With over 10 years experience working with Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East, Cordelia has significant expertise in government relations, corporate partnerships, and regional development. In this time she has also built an extensive network of key contacts in the region.Prior to joining SBJBC, Cordelia served as Head of Middle East at Asia House, where she led research and programs focused on political and economic developments in the region, particularly in the Gulf States. Prior to this she worked across the Levant, North Africa, and Iran, helping companies expand and develop into new markets. Cordelia holds a degree in Middle Eastern Studies and Arabic from Exeter University.
Andrew is Deputy Managing Partner at AlbionVC, a UK-focused venture capital investor managing approximately £1bn.A former neurosurgeon, Andrew focuses on medical technologies and technology-enabled services to the healthcare and life-science sectors.He also oversees management of the UCL Technology Fund, a long-standing partnership between AlbionVC and UCL Business. He has invested in sectors ranging from digital health, diagnostics and imaging, machine learning applications and therapeutics, including cell and gene therapies.Prior to joining AlbionVC he specialised in healthcare strategy at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). He holds degrees in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Cambridge and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons.
The Federation of Saudi Chambers is the umbrella and only representative of the Saudi business community. They represent those doing business in Saudi Arabia both domestically and through partner organisations such as the Saudi British Joint Business Council.
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Built on over 160 years of history, the Chamber of Commerce Network is passionately committed to giving companies a place to be inspired, the support to grow, and a space where every business belongs.
DBT is the department for economic growth. They support businesses to invest, grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities across the country.
DBT is a ministerial department, supported by 19 agencies and public bodies.
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