Winner Entrepreneurial Award – Dr Talal Al-Maghrabi
From: Saudi Arabia
UK degree: PhD in Marketing and E-commerce
Dr. Talal Al-Maghrabi is chair of the Saudi-British Marketing and Management Association, a marketer and entrepreneur whose career has been focused on facilitating business cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the UK.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS
Throughout my career I have helped facilitate understanding, business cooperation and partnerships between Saudi Arabia and the UK. I developed the first training summit in London for business representatives from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to learn about and value British knowledge and business opportunities. As a result of my work, I have been invited to events at Chatham House, two GCC-British Economic Forums and many other conferences to share my expertise.
I am the chair of the Saudi-British Marketing and Management Association (SBMMA), founder of the UK Marketing and Communication Academy (MarCom Academy) and director of the International Training and Development Academy (ITDA).
HOW DID STUDYING IN THE UK CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR SUCCESS?
After 10 years living and studying in the USA I decided I wanted to pursue a research degree in the UK.
I completed a PhD in Marketing and E-commerce at Brunel University which was sponsored by the Saudi Government.
My success can be attributed to Brunel University; the facilities, staff support, other PhD candidates and my tutor. The university supported me in organising events; inviting leading Saudi businesses to attend and engage with us.
London shaped me as an entrepreneurial thinker. As a PhD researcher I was able to meet and network with students from all over the world, easily attend conferences and was surrounded by business opportunities. I was close to the Saudi Embassy and was able to form initiatives helping Saudi Arabia and the UK to bridge gaps for business opportunities.
WHAT IS THE WIDER IMPACT OF YOUR SUCCESS?
Using my expertise and knowledge of the UK education system, I have advised Umm al Quara University with its Entrepreneurial programme, including organising visits for students to UK universities and businesses.
With the support of the Saudi Embassy in the UK , I have worked in developing the Saudi Forum for domestic violence to help Saudi families and students adapt to living in the UK and understand cultural differences.
Dr Talal Al-Maghrabi is the winner of the Study UK Alumni Award for Entrepreneur, Saudi Arabia 2017.