Helen Barrett
I bring more than 25 years of legal, commercial and governance experience across the UAE and wider Middle East, together with a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing British businesses operating in the region.
I am an English-qualified solicitor and have advised businesses on entering and operating in the Gulf since 1998. Over that time, I have worked with companies ranging from SMEs to multinational organisations, advising on market entry, corporate structures, governance, regulatory requirements and the practical challenges of establishing a successful presence in the region. This has given me first-hand insight into what British businesses need when looking to enter, expand or invest in Middle Eastern markets.
In 2014, I co-founded a corporate services business, CSP Group, in 2014 specifically to support international businesses seeking to establish and operate in the UAE. We have subsequently grown the business across the region, establishing operations in KSA, Qatar, Oman, ADGM and DIFC. Building and scaling a regional business has given me direct experience of entrepreneurship, recruitment, managing growth, navigating different regulatory environments and, importantly, creating sustainable commercial opportunities. It also gives me a strong understanding of the practical realities faced by Chamber members.
My Chamber experience spans the past decade. I initially served as Legal Director, where I played a key role in shaping and strengthening the organisation’s governance framework. I have subsequently served as Deputy Chair, representing the Board at Government-level meetings and events and engaging directly with founders, sponsors, members and other key stakeholders. During my time on the Board, I have also led trade missions, attended and represented the Chamber at numerous business events, and helped develop the Chamber’s relationships and profile across the UAE and wider region.
My board experience extends beyond the Chamber. I served for nine years on the Board of DESS Group of Schools, where I contributed to strengthening governance and strategic oversight, while supporting significant institutional development, including the opening of a Sixth Form and the development of a new primary school, DESS Academic City. This experience reinforced the importance of effective governance, clear strategic direction, strong stakeholder relationships and Boards that remain focused on both accountability and long-term impact.
This combination of legal, entrepreneurial, commercial and board experience would enable me to bring a balanced and practical perspective to the role of Chair. I understand both the strategic responsibilities of a Board and the operational realities of running a business. I have experience engaging with Government, members, sponsors, investors, educators and business leaders, and understand the importance of ensuring that different stakeholders feel heard and valued.
As Chair, my objective would be to build on the Chamber’s strong foundations and ensure it remains relevant, influential and commercially valuable to its members. I would bring a collaborative leadership style, strong governance discipline and extensive regional networks, with a clear focus on creating tangible opportunities for British businesses, strengthening UK-Middle East commercial relationships and ensuring the Chamber is positioned to respond proactively to the rapid economic, technological and regulatory changes shaping the region.
