Scots lawyers expand in Middle East
7 Mar 05
Ledingham Chalmers in joint venture to help Scottish business grow in key area
Scottish solicitors Ledingham Chalmers have teamed up with Dubai-based legal and business consultancy, Hugh Fraser International to offer reciprocal legal services to Scottish companies operating in the Middle East.
The joint service will offer UK clients a seamless service in both locations, for those already in the Middle East as well as those looking to do business in the region. It also offers a gateway to the UK for companies based in the Middle East, in particular for energy companies looking towards the UK Continental Shelf.
Ledingham Chalmers, unusual for a Scottish firm in having offices in Istanbul, Baku and Port Stanley as well as in three Scottish cities, sees further growth opportunities both for itself and its partner. Hugh Fraser International set up in Dubai in 2003 under the former head of legal at Aberdeen-based Wood Group, and now has a joint team of legal consultants qualified in a range of jurisdictions and business consultants largely drawn from the energy sector.
Attracted by major tax benefits, other incentives and the business potential particularly in oil and gas, property, tourism and higher education, many Scottish firms are setting up in the United Arab Emirates for the first time.
Gavin Farquhar, head of international at Ledingham Chalmers, said there was a growing demand for North Sea skills and technologies due to the need to increase production and maximise output from depleting reserves. "However, whilst oil and gas is a key sector in the Middle East and one in which we have a breadth of experience, the joint service between our firms will also offer services in other growing sectors, most notably property and construction.
“The United Arab Emirates is well-served by London law firms but we believe we are much better equipped to deal with SMEs looking at opportunities for expansion into this exciting marketplace.”
Mr Fraser added: “Our clients are generally looking for more than just legal advice on the best legal structure and contractual arrangements and so we are active in searching out the most effective local partners and potential joint venture partners who are prepared to invest in technologies and skills being exported to the region. This requires a combination of legal and technical expertise and market awareness."
He continued: “The international alliance between our two firms will offer access to an unrivalled pool of legal and commercial expertise operating in the North Sea-Caspian-Middle East triangle of opportunity.”