GWM Corporate Solutions, which went live on 13 April, will provide organisational development, financial management and investment planning services to business owners in the region.
It will help companies and employees with everything from insurance for employees through to shareholders, business loan protection and company pension planning.
The move follows reports that 22,000 SMEs were set up in the UAE in 2016, with even more expected in 2017. With such businesses accounting for 42% of Dubai’s workforce, Guardian believes there is a clear market for specialist advice for business owners.
‘Entrepreneurial country’
The division is headed up by chief commercial officer Mike Coady, who has over 18 years’ experience in both the UK and international financial planning industries. He joined Guardian in December 2016 after 12 years at deVere.
Neil Stewart, one of Guardian’s senior financial planners, joins Coady at GWM Corporate Solutions. Stewart brings with him nine years’ industry experience in the UK and UAE.
Coady said: “There are fundamental considerations when running a business such as staff wellbeing and security, corporate governance and exit strategy, therefore we want to provide a professional service that will ease the burdens on business-owners so that they can concentrate on successfully running their companies.
“The UAE is an exceptionally entrepreneurial country which is fast becoming a vibrant domestic market, as well as being a Mena business hub. Our team of experts are UK and internationally qualified, and are passionate about bringing the best experience, models and skills to this region.”
