Saaf Pure Skincare

For pharmacologist and homeopath, Dr Mah Hussain-Gambles, her export adventures started out in her own kitchen. It was here that she created her own skin-care preparations to counter a sensitive and allergy-prone skin that ran in her family.

Impressed by the visible results and the pure and natural ingredients used, it wasn’t long before demand for the home-made products expanded to her wider circle of family and friends.

As a full-time researcher at Leeds University Medical School, Hussain-Gamble’s interest in skin preparations might have remained little more than a hobby, but four years ago her life changed significantly. With the birth of her twin girls, her priorities shifted, and this led to the launch of Saaf Pure Skincare as a home-based business.

Hussain-Gambles said: “There are a lot of products out there making extraordinary claims but few are evidence-based. As a scientist I wanted to create products that were authentic in every way and I began to develop a website based business selling hair and skin treatments which really have a positive effect because of the scientific selection and combination of ingredients. Saaf products are Halal certified but they are also organic, alcohol-free, vegetarian, vegan and cruelty-free, all of which gives the products a universal appeal that goes well beyond any religious boundaries.”

Saaf products soon began selling in outlets across the country but it was easy to spot the overseas potential for the business and Saaf  began working with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to maximise the opportunities for international sales. With the Passport to Export programme and the International Business Network (IBN) providing excellent departure points for her export plans, Saaf soon began supplying to a number of shops and outlets in the Middle East.

Now Saaf Pure Skincare is exploring a joint-venture with a potential partner in Abu Dhabi which could open the gateway to increased business in the Middle East. The contact came about after Hussain-Gambles attended three separate trade fairs in Dubai in an effort to open doors for her business.

Hussain-Gambles added: “I have had an excellent international trade adviser from UKTI in Andrew Lister. He is always at the other end of the phone for me and he has guided me through funding from Yorkshire Forward under the Targeted Export Support Scheme (TESS). This has helped me attend trade exhibitions in Dubai that are key to my business. My presentations at these events have gradually got me and the Saaf brand noticed, so that recently I was invited to chair a forum there.

“This was a great opportunity to talk about the ethos and the development of my range of products, but as the only woman speaker, it was quite daunting. I have learnt that the Middle East is a market where you do need to show people your face and it’s almost impossible to tie up business deals long-distance. However for small companies like mine, with a limited marketing budget, it helps to have the support and expertise of people like Andrew at UKTI and Yorkshire Forward to get out to markets like Dubai and generate international business through the contacts we make.”

The Saaf products and the business profile of the company had such an impact after the presentation in Dubai and Abu Dhabi that Hussain-Gambles has been invited to speak at the exclusive World Halal Forum to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Here she will present her company and its eco-ethics to heads of state and international business leaders from the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Hussain-Gambles said: “Once again TESS funding and UKTI support is going to be part of the strategy for Malaysia. It’s amazing how one thing leads quickly to another in the international business world but you have to be ready to seize the opportunities when they present themselves. While Halal products is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world, the time is now right for Saaf globally as the natural integrity of our products is completely in tune with concerns about world ecology and the international green agenda.

“What I would say to other companies looking to do business in this part of the world is try to get out to the trade fairs and get yourself known. I’ve learnt that in the Middle East business is built on familiarity and trust. People need to see you and identify you with your product. Don’t expect to go out there and make an immediate impact, it takes time to cultivate interest and get recognised.”

For further information on the company please visit www.saafpureskincare.com.