Going Global with ISS Airview: Why Smart Scaleups Start Early and Scale Right
- okareshaba
- Jun 9
- 4 min read
29% of UK Scaleups with international expansion prospects failed due to poor market entry strategy and cultural issues before even penetrating the market.
Following Executive Chairman Ammar’s Keynote at UK Scaleup Week on the Revolutionary 3IP Model built of the back of 20 years experience scaling globally.
The message was clear: going global isn’t cheap, but doing it wrong is even more expensive.
The harsh reality? Some examples of failed international expansion include Tesco's US market entry (loss of $1.6 billion) and Walmart's entry into the UK and German market (loss of $1 billion).
In the UK, it’s been reported that almost 60% of Scaleups businesses fail in their first three years of expansion. The UK private sector is buzzing with ambitious Scaleups, from fintech unicorns to innovative university spinouts. But even within the high-growth ecosystem, scaleup failures are norms rather than exceptions. That’s not just money down the drain—it’s dreams deferred, teams disbanded, and competitive advantages lost forever.
But here’s what Ammar emphasised in his keynote: this doesn’t have to be your story.
The ISS Airview Difference: Growing Global with the 3IP Model
During his presentation, Ammar unveiled how ISS Airview’s revolutionary 3IP model is transforming how UK scaleups approach international expansion. Our framework isn’t theoretical—it’s battle-tested by companies that have successfully scaled from the North East to global markets worth billions.
The 3IP Framework Explained
Innovation - Your competitive edge that transcends borders
Investment - Smart capital allocation for sustainable growth
Internationalisation - Strategic market entry and expansion
All underpinned by three critical pillars:
People - The right talent with global mindset
Programme - Scalable systems and processes
Place - Strategic positioning and market presence
Why “Grow Global Early” Isn’t Just Advice—It’s Survival
The companies thriving today aren’t those that went global after achieving domestic success. They’re the ones that thought globally from day one. Here’s why:
Market Timing Advantage
While your competitors focus solely on the UK’s 67 million people, you’re targeting global markets worth trillions. The first-mover advantage in international markets often determines who becomes the category leader.
Revenue Diversification
UK-only businesses are vulnerable to domestic economic fluctuations, regulatory changes, and market saturation. Global businesses have multiple revenue streams that provide stability and growth opportunities.
Access to Capital
International businesses attract more investment because they demonstrate scalability, market understanding, and growth potential that domestic-only companies simply cannot match.
Talent Pool Expansion
Global companies can attract top talent from anywhere in the world, not just the UK. This creates competitive advantages in innovation, execution, and market understanding.
The Real Cost of Getting International Expansion Wrong
Financial Devastation
Beyond the billions of pounds sunk cost, failed international expansion often means:
Damage to brand reputation in international markets
Wasted management time and focus diverted from core business
Lost opportunity costs while competitors establish market presence
Legal and regulatory compliance failures requiring expensive remediation
Strategic Setbacks
Missing critical market timing windows
Losing competitive positioning to more agile competitors
Burning bridges with potential partners and distributors
Creating negative case studies that haunt future expansion efforts
Organisational Impact
Team demoralisation and loss of confidence
Strategic paralysis that prevents future international initiatives
Brain drain as key personnel leave for more stable opportunities
Reduced investor confidence in management’s execution capabilities
How ISS Airview Eliminates These Risks
Market Validation Before Investment
We don’t believe in expensive guesswork. Our Market Access Team conducts thorough validation using:
Primary market research with real potential customers
Competitive landscape analysis to understand positioning opportunities
Regulatory environment assessment to avoid compliance pitfalls
Local partnership evaluation to identify the right market entry vehicles
Localised Business Models That Actually Work
Cookie-cutter approaches fail internationally. We help you develop:
Distribution models that leverage existing market structures
Culturally adapted value propositions that resonate with local markets
Pricing strategies that reflect local purchasing power and competitive dynamics
Customer success frameworks that account for cultural communication preferences
Strategic Partnerships That Accelerate Growth
Our global network isn’t just contacts—it’s relationships built over two decades years that open doors:
Distribution partnerships with established local players
Technology integrations with market-leading platforms
Investment partnerships with regional funds and strategic investors
Government relationships that facilitate market entry and operations
Your Roadmap to Global Success with ISS Airview
Based at Newcastle International Airport, we provide:
- Direct flight access to 100+ international destinations
- Time zone advantages for global business operations
- Government and regulatory support infrastructure
- International business community ecosystem
The Time to Act is Now
While your competitors debate whether to go global, smart scaleups are already capturing international market share. The question isn’t whether you should expand internationally—it’s whether you can afford not to.
Market Windows Are Closing
Regulatory changes are making some markets harder to enter
Competitive pressure is increasing as more companies go global
Economic uncertainty is creating hesitation that creates opportunities for bold movers
Technology evolution is changing customer expectations globally
Ready to Grow Global? Start Your Journey Today
Internationalisation shouldn’t feel like guesswork. With ISS Airview’s 3IP model, it doesn’t have to.
Eligibility Criteria:
- UK-based scaleup with proven domestic traction
- Scale up with Annual revenue between £500K - £50M
- Ambitious growth targets requiring international expansion
- Leadership team committed to global scaling
Book Your Session Today
📞 Contact our Anthony Graham - Our Partnership Manager
🌍 Location: ISS Airview, Newcastle International Airport
📧 Email: anthony@issairview.com
What Happens Next?
Don’t Become Another Statistic
Every week, another UK Scaleup learns the hard way that international expansion without proper guidance costs far more than getting expert help from the start.
The choice is yours:
Risk millions of pounds on trial-and-error international expansion
Partner with ISS Airview and get it right the first time
Remember: Going global isn’t cheap, but doing it wrong is even more expensive.
Ready to transform your scaleup into a global success story? The 3IP model is your roadmap, and ISS Airview is your guide. The world is waiting for what you’ve built—let’s make sure they get to experience it.
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