But merely having good people on the ground isn’t enough. “Success depends on working productively as a team, not only with colleagues in the region, but also with the wider Orangebox family,” says Barron.
“I think the passion that we have in the Dubai office is recognised by the market, and this has helped to make us a company that people want to work with, and to work for. However, the contribution the team here in Dubai makes to our success is only one part of the story. Colleagues elsewhere across the globe have shared their research, product knowledge and case study information with us, and also been generous in sharing their client and partner relationships. All of this allows our market share to grow.
On market recession, survival and success…
Being able to call on the support of colleagues has really helped the team, but success didn’t happen overnight. Jack Lewis, Business Development Manager, MEA, describes how he had to roll up his sleeves and work tirelessly.
“When I arrived in August 2015, market conditions were tough,” says Lewis. “There is relative stability now in the surrounding countries, and the competitive prices of oil and gas have had a dramatic effect on the economy. But, while brand building is always challenging, we do appear to be over the hump and gaining momentum.”
Lewis believes that some of the best opportunities lie beyond the boundaries of the city. “The countries and cities I cover, not just Dubai but also Riyadh, Johannesburg, Jeddah and Cape Town, are all so different and dynamic in their own right, with some having seen incredible growth in a short period of time. We have very strong partners in the region, who have helped us overcome each market’s specific challenges, and our growing reputation has contributed to this period of expansion. We continue to evaluate new markets, and that’s where we see our future growth.”
“We continue to evaluate new markets, and that’s where we see our future growth” – Jack Lewis, Business Development Manager, MEA
Worth mentioning, is the supportive, tight-knit spirit of the local team, which helps them weather the ups and downs in the region. Sales Support & Showroom Manager, Nichola Harrison observes, “Being part of the larger Orangebox family is great, but we also feel like a small startup here. Having a supportive culture is vital in Dubai and across the region. We’re dealing with a vast area, and need all the help we can get, so we really look out for each other.”
On upcoming, innovative products…
Orangebox plans to address the challenges facing commercial interior environments, privacy in particular, as it is still a large issue for open-plan spaces. In the next six months, they promise new platforms that will tackle the lack of privacy in offices, giving people the confidence that their area is secure, and that they cannot be overheard or interrupted.
“Product innovation is a great differentiator for Orangebox, and we’re going to continue delivering exciting furniture to help create better workplaces for our global clients,” says Barron. “We’re excited for the future, and also for the launch of our new showroom!”