Scaling into the UK: Highlights from Our Exclusive Panel Event
- itgreymore
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 25
On 11 June 2025, Greymore and Sistem Global proudly hosted Scaling into the UK, an exclusive panel and networking event held at The Landmark London, focused on supporting Turkish companies in their journey to enter and scale within the UK market. Bringing together leaders from legal, financial, and investment sectors, the event offered strategic insights into navigating the UK business landscape, tackling regulatory challenges, and building sustainable growth across borders.
A Conversation Grounded in Experience
The evening opened with remarks from Cemal Türk, Managing Director at Greymore, and Ülkü Şengül, COO and Partner at Sistem Global. Both highlighted the strategic transformation of their firms and the importance of long-term, values-driven partnerships in enabling international expansion.
Moderated by Evren Çelik, Head of Corporate Accounts at Greymore, the panel featured Mete Uluyurt, Managing Director, İşbank UK, Aylin Alkan, UK & Global Desk Lead, Sistem Global, İlker Sözdinler, Managing Partner, Oleka Capital and Çağrı Coşar, Partner, Greymore.
Discussions explored the real-world challenges Turkish businesses face when entering the UK, from legal and regulatory gaps to cultural and financial misalignments, offering actionable advice and first-hand reflections.
Diplomatic and Business Participation
The event was attended by a distinguished group of guests, including His Excellency Elin Suleymanov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the UK, and Mustafa Erçakıca from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the TRNC, Vehbi Keleş, Chairman of ATMB, Ersan Söğüt, General Manager of Ziraat Bank London, Devlet Selim Paslı, Chief Commercial Counsellor in London, Ahmet Yalçın Yalçınkaya, Chief Treasury and Finance Counsellor in London.
Insights From the Panel:
İlker Sözdinler shared lessons from building fintech ventures and fundraising abroad, warning against entering the UK market without deep local understanding. He emphasised the importance of operational realism, financial transparency, and employing local expertise.
Çağrı Coşar addressed the critical legal distinctions between the UK and Turkey, highlighting the complexity of contract law and regulatory compliance in the Anglo-Saxon legal system. He underscored Greymore’s hybrid consultancy model, which bridges legal systems and cultures.
Mete Uluyurt outlined the financial frameworks required for sustainable international growth, reminding attendees that sound legal and financial infrastructure must evolve alongside business ambition. He noted that Turkish banks abroad often act as both advisors and cultural interpreters.
Aylin Alkan focused on go-to-market strategy and long-term brand building. She noted that success in the UK takes time, often up to 18 months to see tangible commercial traction, and that integrated support across legal, tax, and marketing channels is essential.
A Platform for Connection
The event concluded with a networking reception, where speakers and guests exchanged ideas and explored future partnerships. The evening reflected the shared ambition to foster meaningful commercial links between Turkey and the UK. Greymore is proud to play a part in facilitating this important conversation and committed to supporting businesses ready to take their next step in the UK market.
Press Coverage
The panel had great media coverage by British Yasam Tv , Hürriyet, Olay Gazete, Avrupa Gazete, Bisikletli Gazete, Eurovizyon and FinTech Istanbul.
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