While there is no shortage of information about doing business in India, understanding the practical realities of establishing and operating a business is something different.
Malabou Advisory was created to help businesses navigate those practical realities.
Drawing on our own experience of establishing and operating businesses in India, we help organisations better understand the journey ahead, make informed decisions and approach new opportunities with greater confidence.
Our advisory services have grown naturally from the experience of building our own business in India.
Like every business entering a new market, we encountered challenges, solved problems and learned valuable lessons along the way.
That experience has shaped how we think about doing business internationally.
Today we share those experiences to help other organisations better understand the practical considerations of establishing and growing a business in India.
Government agencies such as New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), New Zealand's diplomatic network and their Indian counterparts provide valuable support to businesses exploring opportunities in India. We encourage organisations to make full use of these resources.
Likewise, lawyers, accountants, tax advisers and other professional advisers provide specialist advice within their respective fields.
Instead, we help businesses understand the practical implications of important decisions, coordinate many of the activities involved in establishing operations and provide an operational perspective based on our own experience.
Where specialist advice is required, we encourage clients to engage appropriately qualified professionals. We can also help clients identify organisations that may be appropriate for their particular circumstances.
Every commercial decision remains the responsibility of our client.
Our role is to help reduce uncertainty—not remove responsibility.
Our team combines experience across engineering, manufacturing, international trade, business leadership and strategic advisory, supported by practical experience operating in both New Zealand and India.
Every successful project begins with understanding the business behind it.
Dagmar works closely with organisations to understand their objectives, challenges and long-term aspirations before helping develop a practical pathway forward.
She understands that every business is different.
Rather than applying a standard approach, Dagmar helps clients explore opportunities, evaluate alternatives and develop strategies that align with their commercial objectives.
Her role is to help clients establish clarity before committing significant time, effort and investment.
Robert is the Founder and Managing Director of The Malabou Group.
Over the past decade he has led the establishment and growth of The Malabou Group's operations in India while supporting clients throughout New Zealand and Australia.
His experience spans engineering, manufacturing, international trade, quality assurance and business leadership.
Having personally navigated many of the practical challenges involved in establishing and operating a business in India, Robert helps clients understand the operational realities behind important commercial decisions.
Rather than telling clients what to do, he helps them ask better questions, recognise potential risks and make informed decisions with greater confidence.
Adarsh is a founding member of The Malabou Group's operations in India.
Based in Coimbatore, he has helped develop the relationships, systems and day-to-day operations that support The Malabou Group's activities throughout India.
Working closely with manufacturers, laboratories, logistics providers and professional advisers, Adarsh provides valuable local knowledge and practical support while helping bridge the expectations of businesses operating across New Zealand, Australia and India.
His understanding of local business practices helps clients see opportunities and practical considerations that are often difficult to appreciate from overseas.
Whether you're exploring India for the first time or expanding an existing operation, these are some of the practical areas where we may be able to assist.
Before making major commitments, it helps to understand the opportunities available and the practical implications of different approaches. We can help you think through questions such as:
Once you've decided to proceed, there are many practical steps involved in establishing your presence. We can help you understand and coordinate activities such as:
If your strategy includes manufacturing or sourcing from India, we can help you:
Where appropriate, our Manufacturing Solutions business can provide additional support with supplier development, programme management and ongoing manufacturing oversight.
One of the most valuable assets in any new market is a strong professional network. Based on your objectives, location and industry, we can help you identify organisations that may be appropriate for your requirements, including:
Recommendations are made with your objectives and circumstances in mind. Rather than recommending a single provider, our role is to help you identify organisations that appear well suited to your business and help you ask the right questions before making your own decisions.
One of the advantages of working with The Malabou Group is access to expertise beyond business advisory. Where appropriate, clients can also access support through our Manufacturing Solutions and Testing & Verification businesses, including:
This provides a coordinated approach from initial planning through to manufacturing, testing and ongoing quality assurance.
Our involvement doesn't necessarily end once your business has been established. As your business grows, we can continue supporting you through:
That experience doesn't guarantee success, and it doesn't replace specialist legal, accounting or technical advice.
What it does provide is practical insight that can help businesses ask better questions, recognise potential challenges earlier and make better-informed decisions.
We see our role as complementing the support provided by government agencies, professional advisers and your own leadership team.
Together, those perspectives help reduce uncertainty and improve the quality of decision-making.
We deliberately work with a limited number of organisations so our senior team remains personally involved throughout every engagement.
You'll work directly with experienced business leaders who understand the practical realities of operating in India and who are committed to open communication, honest advice and accountable delivery.
Our commitment is simple.
If you're considering opportunities in India and would value an experienced, practical perspective, we'd welcome the opportunity to have a conversation.
Whether you're still exploring your options or ready to take the next step, we'd be pleased to discuss your objectives, answer your questions and help you better understand the journey ahead.
Contact Malabou Advisory