Elevate & Expand – A CEO Lunch with Purpose - Nigeria Going Global

This week, the “Elevate & Expand” CEO Lunch, hosted by the A+ Agency, brought together some of the most dynamic Nigerian fashion designers ready to scale their brands globally.

It was more than a networking event—it was a catalyst for bold action, candid conversation, and transformative partnership.

At the heart of this exciting dialogue stood the new collaboration between Global Fashion Management (GFM) and A+ Agency, committed to supporting fashion entrepreneurs as they navigate the challenges of international expansion.

Why this partnership matters:
GFM brings 25+ years of fashion business expertise, supporting designers from their first trade show to multi-million-dollar operations.

A+ Agency excels in building brand equity through elevated PR and strategic marketing. Together, they offer a 360° approach—from business planning and operations to visibility and positioning on the global stage.

Top tips shared by GFM Founder and expert Thierry Bayle:

Clarity before scaling: Know your brand’s objectives, identity and core product strength. Don’t dilute your essence just to appeal internationally.

Plan before you pitch: Too many brands try to expand without a collection calendar, pricing strategy, or financial clarity. The solutions must be embedded within each business model the brand invests in.

Relationships matter: The room reminded us—buyers buy people before they buy products. Professionalism, consistency, and clear communication are key.
Ask for our article: 8 top reasons why buyers love your collection and price point and yet they will not buy it! Register on our website.

Operations win long-term: Beyond the runway and hype, fashion is about reliability. The ability to deliver on time and meet production expectations is what keeps clients coming back.

Common pitfalls:

• Underestimating lead times and international logistics.
• Jumping into wholesale without understanding margin structures.
• Relying solely on social media to break into new markets.
• Failing to invest in staff training, processes and leadership.
• Lack of knowledge on your targeted customer (B2B, B2C) and knowing what they want/ what the competition offers.

This partnership marks a new chapter of strategic empowerment.

If you're ready to elevate your brand and expand globally, the combined support of A+ Agency and GFM is your next smart move.

Stay tuned—your runway to growth starts here.

Contact 
[email protected]
International Team Whatsapp +44 7951 198 769

PS Call us if you want to know more about the work we have done with Nigerian designers in the UK, Nigeria and the key notes we have delivered in Abuja at the AiDCA conference, Africa Fashion Week London and the Africa Advancement Forum.