Michael's mission to boost Egypt's economy

A Pershore man has been working with the fledgling Egyptian Government in a bid to boost the country's struggling economy.
Bridge Street resident Michael Amies flew out to Cairo as an independent consultant to work with officials on ways of expanding and promoting small businesses.

The project is aimed at raising awareness of how small businesses can be franchised in a country still trying to recover following the political revolution which saw the overthrow of President Mubarak and his regime.

Mr Amies, who has carried out similar projects in developing countries including Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Malaysia and Ghana, will be visiting the Egyptian capital again in November to present recommendations on what improvements can be made to the country's business sector.

It is hoped an established franchising business strategy will create more jobs in both the short and long-term and help stabilise Egypt's economy.

"I have been doing this work since 1993 and it is always an honour to be able to help out these developing countries which are in need of fresh ideas to secure a healthier future," Mr Amies, who back home is chairman of Pershore Market Town Partnership, told the Observer.

"The aim is to return in November with a list of recommendations and support through the development to improve the small business sector which can then give people in the country more opportunities.

"The economic impact of a successful franchise sector can be profound with most successful economies having a solid base of small and medium enterprises operating in the formal sector.

"Additionally it provides security of employment and needs a skilled work force leading to an emphasis on training employees. The small business sector is also very reliant in times of economic downturn because it is so flexible."