Date: August 18, 2016
In collaboration with Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC), Raneem Ja’lan Trading, a recently established business enterprise specialising in readymade garments, perfumes, cosmetics and other products, launched its renovated shop in Ja’lan Bani Bu Hassan.
The refurbished shop was inaugurated by Hani Muhammad Al Zubair, board member of The Zubair Corporation and chairman of Zubair Automotive Group. The inaugural event was attended by management executives from The Zubair Corporation and Zubair SEC.
Najlaa Bilal Al Shekeili, founder of Raneem Ja’lan Trading, has been an active member of Zubair SEC for more than two years and a winner of its Direct Support Programme for the year 2015.
The refurbishing work was undertaken since the shop needed a major makeover and structuring to cater to the customers’ expectations and also allow for proper display of the various items offered for sale. Some of the privileges granted to Najlaa on winning the Direct Support Programme in 2015 were to re-design and re-construct the shop after the Centre have created the brand and corporate identity for Raneem Ja’lan last year; the shop makeover was made in such a way that it best serves the marketing objectives and growing needs of the business.
Najlaa’s business Raneem Ja’lan Trading stands out for the social impact it has created since it has opened a source of income for local women in Ja’lan Bani Bu Hassan. Najlaa’s business model depends in part on home produced products which are manufactured and then sold by the local women of the wilayat. Raneem Ja’lan Trading’s marketing strategy focuses on enabling local women to operate through their networks as sale points to promote, sell goods and obtain a certain percentage of revenue. This strategy will also encourage these women to enter the market and secure a steady income. Najlaa aims at applying this concept into various governorates in the Sultanate.
Zubair SEC had earlier created and launched a corporate identity and branding for Raneem Ja’lan Trading as part of the marketing strategy set for the member to help her attract more customers and acquire the right market placing.
Expressing gratitude to Zubair SEC for the support extended, Najlaa Al Shekeili said, “I am grateful for the funds, strategic advice, logistical support and consultancy service that Zubair SEC has provided me with. Their support has been crucial in my entrepreneurial journey. My shop needed a facelift to attract and appeal to more customers. The refurbishing has done a world of good to the shop, and items on display look much better now.”
Praising Najlaa’s entrepreneurial spirit, Hani Al Zubair said, “It gives us great fulfillment to see young Omanis excel in the businesses they establish. They inspire Zubair SEC to support small enterprises all across the Sultanate. They also highlight the importance of equipping start-ups with short and long term marketing and business development strategies which Zubair SEC has been doing. We will continue to contribute with all what we can to the building and development of an environment and culture for entrepreneurial growth and success.”
While Zubair SEC today has more than 350 members, the Direct Support Programme is one of the strategic programmes of Zubair SEC which has been providing support and guidance to high-potential young entrepreneurs and business owners for the last three years. Those who have competed in its annual rounds of applications and have demonstrated high competitiveness and outstanding commitment and hard work, have been enjoying various privileges, business development opportunities and support mechanisms by the Centre. Today, the programme has on board 28 members and Zubair SEC is about to launch the 4th round of The Direct Support Programme early in September to start receiving new applications for the 2017 round.
It is worth mentioning that all Zubair SEC members are entitled to the centre’s advisory and capacity building services along with networking opportunities and business development support.