Saffron signs Dubai partnership

Saffron Brand Consultants has set up a partnership with Dubai-based Madison Advertising. Principal Ian Stephens will lead the venture initially, spending about ten days a month at Madison’s office in Dubai. The consultancy aims to set up its own office there later this year.

‘We are coming to Dubai after the gold rush, when business conditions are harder and clients are seeking differentiation,’ says Stephens.

‘Previously, clients were getting away with more superficial branding, but now they are looking to be more strategic.’ Stephens will be workingclosely with Madison managing director Tarek Ghannam to develop business opportunities for Saffron in the Middle East.

‘We have already started pitching for projects out there and we have secured some contracts,’ says Stephens. ‘We have every expectation things will grow fast for us in Dubai.’