Making connections to inspire global ambition

West

London Chambers of Commerce Director Samar Whitticombe talks to Karen McLauchlan and explains why networking is an essential ingredient to business growth.

When it comes to doing business, making connections is key. It’s something Samar Whitticombe has been doing throughout her career.

Working to support and connect business between the UK and the Middle East, she’s also brought that expertise to the West London Chambers of Commerce as a Director and International Trade Advisor.

Born in Iraq, Samar studied engineering at university before starting her career as a junior engineer. But London has been her home for almost 35 years.

Coming to the end of a business trip to the capital, she was at the airport waiting to fly back to Iraq. The date was August 2, 1990. As Samar waited at Heathrow, the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait began – marking the start of the Gulf War.

“I was ready to fly home,” she explains.

“My then fiancé – who became my husband – was still in Iraq and was taken hostage. Thankfully, he was released a few months later and joined me here in London. It’s been home ever since.”

During her career Samar has worked for engineering, construction and project management company Bechtel as well as Amec Oil and Gas. She established her own firm, Somer Industrial Projects (SIP), in May 2008. She advises companies within the Middle Eastern region in matters such as strategy consulting, market entry into Iraq and knowledge-based training whilst ensuring compliance to standards and specifications. The firm works with a network of subcontractors to provide the skills and knowhow required – but also cultural expertise to ensure strong connections between the UK and the Middle East.

“Education and training is so important” she said. “But I also know the culture, I know the country, I can give firms that awareness - I love it, the culture is in my blood.”

Samar was awarded a Women of Excellence Award in 2017 for her work with communities. In 2018 she was elected Executive Member of the Al-Kindi Society of Engineers.

She has brought her years of experience to her role at the Chamber.

Joining in 2016 as a member, she was appointed Board Director in December 2019.

“As a member, the Chamber helped me such a lot,” she said. “They offered training and networking with like-minded people and connections in the local area.

“When I was asked to be a Director I wanted to help people, in the same way the Chamber helped me.”

As well as working with new and existing members, Samar’s role has extended to become an International Trade Advisor.

She organises seminars and workshops for overseas visitors, helping build relationships and strengthen economic ties between West London and overseas companies.

Samar also works hard building relationships with embassies including those for Morocco, Iraq, Lebanon and Pakistan.

In February, the Chamber held its annual Festival of Business.

“We welcomed overseas visitors,” said Samar, “and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Baghdad Chamber of Commerce.

“Last year we signed an MOU with the Kurdistan Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry.”

She added: “Companies want to export and make connections with West London, they want to find distributors and get help with the transfer of technology. We also provide training through the Chamber.”

There is a clear appetite from West London members for overseas expansion

“We carried out a survey and around 60 per cent of people wanted to expand because there are opportunities overseas,” added Samar, “but people need the right advice and the right connections – you must build those relationships.

“I’m a networker and can work with members to help them build high-level relationships, as I am doing by building relationships with embassies and their cultural attaches.

“I want to increase my contacts in overseas markets and look to arrange overseas visits, support training and market research.

“One of the most rewarding parts of the role is working with communities and our members. Throughout my whole career I have been recognised as a team player, so it’s great to work together and engage more with our members.”

The Chamber role is also one of personal pride for Samar.

“I am the first Iraqi board member, which makes me very happy. My mum is my inspiration because she was the first lady Manager of Rafidain bank in Iraq.

She facilitated merchandise for 42 of their branches. When I see my progress at the Chamber I always think ‘Mum, I’m following in your footsteps’.”

One of the most rewarding parts of the role is working with communities and our members. Throughout my whole career I have been recognised as a team player, so it’s great to work together and engage more with our members.