How BABC Carolinas Helped Breeez Establish Its U.S. Base in Charlotte, North Carolina

How BABC Carolinas Helped Breeez Establish Its U.S. Base in Charlotte, North Carolina

Overview

In 2020, Breeez — a digital marketing agency founded by Ian Cromie, one of two Directors at the UK-based agency Adtrak, alongside Chris Robinson — began exploring opportunities to expand into the U.S. market. Ian and Chris had identified a unique need among U.S. small businesses: While larger corporations showcased modern branding and polished online presences, small to medium-sized enterprises struggled to stay competitive online. 

With Breeez, Ian envisioned an agency dedicated to empowering these smaller businesses with the digital tools they needed to thrive. However, moving operations across the Atlantic posed significant challenges, including deciding where to establish the business, navigating U.S. legal frameworks, and building essential partnerships to support the transition.

That’s when the British American Business Council (BABC) Carolinas came into the picture.

Connecting with BABC Carolinas

Ian first learned about BABC Carolinas through the British government, and soon after attended a webinar hosted by BABC, that offered insights on business expansion to the U.S. 

The event provided Breeez with foundational guidance, revealing Charlotte, North Carolina, as an ideal base for its U.S. operations. Following this introduction, BABC worked closely with Breeez, guiding them through key decisions and connecting them to a network of essential service providers.

Strategic Support from BABC Carolinas

Recognizing Breeez’s needs as a newcomer to the U.S. market, BABC Carolinas played an instrumental role in facilitating Breeez’s relocation by offering strategic guidance and connecting them to local resources. 

• Webinars and Research Support: BABC’s initial webinars helped Breeez assess U.S. market entry strategies, setting the foundation for more targeted location considerations.
• Professional Introductions: BABC introduced Breeez to a comprehensive network of banks, accountants, lawyers, HR experts, and other professionals who helped with key operational requirements, from visa applications to drafting U.S.-compliant terms and conditions.
• Location Guidance: BABC pointed Breeez towards Charlotte, a city with a skilled workforce, competitive operational costs, and direct connectivity to the UK. They recommended specific areas within Charlotte that offered access to qualified candidates, aligning with Breeez’s hiring objectives.

Launching and Growing in Charlotte

With BABC’s support, Breeez officially began trading in Charlotte in July 2022. Today, the agency is experiencing growth beyond its initial projections, owing to a strong foundation built in collaboration with BABC and a network of local partnerships that continues to expand Breeez’s reach.

As Ian Cromie reflects, “We were introduced to BABC Carolinas in 2020 while we were in the initial research stages of opening a company in the U.S. They supported us by offering informative webinars and connecting us with relevant businesses to help ease our transition to the States. They remain an integral part of our journey and continue to introduce us to businesses that strengthen our company and expand our reach.”

Through BABC Carolinas, Breeez has not only established a successful U.S. base but has also joined a network of local and international businesses, gaining continued insights to strengthen its impact in the U.S.