GoGroup

Our approach to the market

The GO Group International and Donor Aided project business policy is outlined within the 6 philosophies, methodologies, strategies and approaches below. However the key message is that for all activity, local knowledge, local commitment and local partners are vital.

1. Recognise the specific ways of doing business in each market

Each International market and project presents distinct and different challenges, opportunities and market situations. Within larger countries there are also important regional sensitivities and differences.  Business cultures are also different and variable.

As a result, the GO strategy reflects a specific local market/project approach, not a general and inflexible one. GO seek to position support partners within the local market; partners who:

• understand the business and political structure and systems,
• have strong relationships with local decision-makers, and
• understand the local motivations and objectives.

To succeed in these markets, GO believe it is critical to have the methodology to identify and understand the main decision makers and business drivers - local knowledge and understanding is key.

2. Realistic time-scales

GO's strategy is based on expectations with regards to timescales and contract awarding processes that are realistic.  This involves appreciating a combination of the official procedures and local "flavour".  In order to manage these locally-driven timetables, GO believe it is essential to get local support and information.  In this way GO allocates resources appropriately and time visits to the target market for when it really matters.

3. Market awareness & experience

GO'S approach to positioning local partners and resource focuses on partners who can:

• provide business and general advice and guidance
• answer the variety of questions and requirements that will arise as the project activity is developed and implemented
• provide knowledge or experience in relation to the project definition and scope
• understand key local and international organisations, funders and companies active in the local market
• provide strong Government, Ministry, RDA etc. relationships and understanding
• demonstrate strong local relationships with banks, lawyers and other professional bodies
• identify potential local sub-contractors/suppliers of key supplementary services.

4. Guidance and advice to support NOT replace local capacity

The GO project and business philosophy is to apply our distinct experience and expertise, skills that have been developed over 25 years, with many lessons learned and mistakes made in  the mature EU and International to support local partners and meet project demands and objectives.

GO are 100% committed to the importance of local support to enable us to access and deliver value within these markets. This support strengthens and facilitates the GO ability to develop business and skill improvement and project requirements, working with not instead of local partners.  Our total commitment to these projects/market is, we believe, absolutely critical.

5. "Being there" Market Commitment and local presence

GO do not believe in building this business from a distance. We commit to the markets and position local support/partners providing knowledge, contacts, skills and information.

To fully achieve local success, GO look to develop a local presence through establishing a local business base, often through creating an in-country presence/"virtual office" working in conjunction with local staff and business experts. This presents GO as local and committed, and enables us to identify further local project and added value opportunities, maximising the impact of our in-country activity.

6. Prioritise and Focus

International markets and projects present a vast scale and variety of opportunities. This places a premium on being able to prioritise and to select the opportunities that offer the strongest  probability of success and local impact. 
For GO, the key to this is getting early information, identifying opportunities and partners as early as possible to enable activity to be focused on those most "business important" and/or those with highest probability of success.  Real-time awareness is essential.

GO assess issues across region and markets and target appropriately, often based on partner recommendations and advice. The GO range of expertise is then channelled into the necessary project/business development activity to achieve the target outcomes.