Ed Dixon, Group COO & Managing Director, Sannam S4

1. Tell us about your company and how it started.

Has there ever been a more important time for organisations to consider how to unlock their value internationally? Our aim is to partner with those that are seeking support on this journey. Sannam S4 was originally set up in India in 2008 by our British CEO Adrian Mutton. We help internationally ambitious organisations explore, enter and expand into dynamic markets around the world (over 20 markets to date). Our role is to help companies succeed (by helping define the right strategy, helping find the right partners etc) and be compliant in foreign markets by supporting their finance and accounting, HR, recruitment and office infrastructure needs.

2. What has been your biggest success to date?

While we materially work outside India (we work in another 20 markets), building a successful business in India is no small undertaking. We now have more than 140 people based in four offices across the country delivering impressive growth. Achieving this gives us the ability to speak to potential clients in a way that many advisers can’t.

3. What project are you most excited about right now?

Brexit throws up huge opportunities for the UK. Leaving the politics to one side, it has created an environment where organisations are having to consider an existence outside the EU. This is where we specialise. In terms of projects, we are currently scaling up to deliver increased levels of support and have never been so busy. We will be recruiting over 100 new people this year, almost doubling the size of our business.

4. How has being a member of The Clubhouse contributed to the success of your business?

It gives us the flexible space we need. All our team in the UK are client facing and spend a lot of time on the road. It is good to have somewhere for them to dock into, meet with clients and link up with our colleagues from overseas when they are in the UK. Since we joined The Clubhouse a few years ago, several of our clients and strategic partners have recognised the quality of the services and facilities and, as a result, they have also decided to become members. Thumbs up to Adam and the team!

5. Where can members find you?

We work across all three locations of The Clubhouse.

Quick Fire Round

Favourite place to go in London?
Walking over one of the Thames bridges at sunset, looking into the hubbub of the Southbank, with the city silhouette one way and Westminster the other. Having spent a number of years living and working overseas, I no longer take for granted what a wonderful city London is!

Who inspires you and why?
Right now, Elon Musk and his team seem to be accomplishing some phenomenal things. I can’t profess to be close to the detail but it looks inspiring from afar.

Best bit of advice you’ve been given?
If you get too many emails, make more calls. It’s not easy to put into practice in a very international business working across time zones, but I find it does work.

If you were on a desert island, what would you bring?
For necessity, a water purification unit. For sanity, a solar-powered music device (with an awesome playlist of course!).

Which super power would you like to have?
To fly. Freedom!

This article was originally featured in The Informer. To read the full magazine, please click here.