A COST-effective solution for existing and aspirant exporters into Africa and internationally is the offering from Gauteng-based consultant David Dawson. An international trade and export professional with many years of experience at senior management level for the likes of Tiger Brands and SA Breweries, Dawson has positioned himself as an outsourced export / business development manager. “The service on offer enables clients to access considerable expertise and experience in international markets on an interim management, contract or project basis, and solutions can be tailored to individual requirements,” says Dawson, who estimates that the cost of developing export markets can start at half a million rand per annum. Travel expenses are not the least of these, and by servicing the needs of several clients, he can help companies to achieve cost-savings. Dawson makes monthly visits to Africa, his main area of expertise, but has undertaken projects around the globe, from Eastern Europe to South America. His services range from country visits and client representation to identification of importers and distributors, negotiation of sales agreements and legal advice. The consultancy has been operating successfully for the past three years, but Dawson believes that the current export climate makes it more relevant than ever before. “Exporters are battling declining revenues and tighter margins but are faced with fixed costs. The outsourcing option can help to cut those fixed costs and improve bottom-line profits.” Dawson’s field of expertise is not sector-specific and encompasses the full spectrum of export commodities and manufactured goods. Competent in French, his skills base encompasses management, finance, sales, planning and nego
