Where it started
The challenge
The board had a shortlist of four cities and strong opinions about each, most of them formed on short visits. It needed an objective comparison it could defend to shareholders.
Time was short. The group’s first regional contract was already signed, and the new company had to be able to hire, bank and invoice before work began.
What we did
Our approach
- Compare the citiesWe scored each city on talent, costs, connectivity, currency, incentives and regulatory risk, weighted to the group’s own priorities, and showed the board the trade-offs plainly.
- Set up the companyWe advised on structure, registered the entity, secured the licences and applied for the investment incentives available to a regional office.
- Find the officeWe shortlisted and negotiated an office close to the group’s clients and the airport, on terms suited to a growing team.
Where it ended
The outcome
The board chose Accra on the evidence, unanimously. The company was registered and trading within four months, in time to deliver its first regional contract, and has since opened a second office in the region.
- 4cities compared
- 4 monthsfrom decision to trading
- 30staff planned in the first year
Choosing the city was the easy part. Getting set up in four months was the part we could not have done alone.
Regional director, European engineering group
Mandate leadEsi MensahPartner, Market entry, Accra
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