Why Free Advice Isn’t Always Free: The Realities of Running a Business Advisory Firm

In the world of business advisory, offering free consultations has long been a hallmark of client-friendly firms like ours. We believe in building relationships by providing value from the outset, helping businesses understand their options before they commit. While this approach has worked well for many of our clients, it does come with challenges—especially when businesses, like a recent large Australian IT consulting firm, take the advice and choose to go it alone.

While we remain committed to offering free consultations, stories like this highlight why expert guidance is so important and why our approach truly adds value that is often hard to find elsewhere.

1. The Australian Firm Example: A Learning Opportunity

We recently worked with a large Australian IT consulting company, providing them with extensive advice on whether to establish their business in a UAE free zone or mainland. After several in-depth meetings and consultations, we recommended that the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) would be the best option for them.

However, their CFO decided to bypass our services and go directly to DIFC, believing this would save them money. The free zone itself encouraged this move, making it seem like a straightforward decision. While we respect their choice, the client has since shared that the process has taken much more time and effort than anticipated. Without our ongoing support, they found navigating the regulatory and procedural requirements alone far more challenging than they expected.

For us, this was a reminder of why our services are so valuable. It’s not just about providing advice—it’s about having an experienced partner by your side to help you every step of the way. Even companies with great internal expertise, like this Australian firm, benefit immensely from our local knowledge and connections.

2. Our Process: Built on 44 Years of Global Experience

Our firm is proud to offer something unique: over 44 years of experience in helping businesses establish themselves across multiple jurisdictions globally. Many of our team members have worked inside UAE free zones, which gives us deep local insights and strong networks with key contacts across the region. We’ve also built solid relationships with local banks, making the often-complex process of opening corporate accounts much smoother for our clients.

When clients choose to work with us, they gain more than just advice—they gain access to a well-established network and streamlined processes that make doing business in the UAE far easier. The Australian firm’s experience underscores the value of these connections. While they chose to handle their setup alone, they missed out on the benefits that come from having an experienced guide at your side.

3. Why We Continue to Offer Free Consultations

Despite the challenges that sometimes arise, we remain committed to offering free consultations. For us, it’s about giving potential clients the opportunity to explore their options and experience the value we bring without any upfront costs. We want businesses to feel confident in their decisions, and we believe that starting the relationship with no pressure to commit is the best way to build trust.

Of course, not every company will choose to move forward with us after receiving initial advice, and that’s okay. We see it as an opportunity to help where we can. However, for those who do, the benefits of working with a team that has decades of experience, strong local networks, and established banking relationships can be invaluable.

4. The Long-Term Value of Partnership

We’ve learned over the years that the real value of business advisory comes from ongoing partnerships. While free advice may give businesses a starting point, it’s the continuous support that makes a difference in the long run. By sticking with us through the entire process, our clients benefit from insights, troubleshooting, and strategic advice that can save them time, money, and stress.

For example, if the Australian firm had continued working with us, they would have had access to our team’s deep knowledge of DIFC’s specific procedures and requirements. Instead of facing unexpected challenges, they would have been able to focus on what they do best—growing their business—while we handled the complexities of the setup process.

5. Why Many Firms Charge for Advice

While we don’t charge for consultations, we understand why many firms have adopted fee structures. Law firms and other professional services have found that charging from the outset ensures that their time and expertise are fully appreciated. It also guarantees that both the advisor and the client are committed to achieving the best results.

For us, offering free consultations is part of our client-first philosophy. However, we acknowledge that it requires balance. Providing high-quality, tailored advice takes time, and we aim to ensure that we continue to offer the best possible service to both prospective and current clients.

6. A Positive Outlook: Why We Do What We Do

The experience with the Australian IT consulting firm reminds us of why we do what we do. Our mission is to provide businesses with expert guidance and local insights that make their journey smoother and more successful. While some companies may choose to go it alone, those who work with us benefit from over four decades of expertise, as well as the peace of mind that comes from having a trusted advisor by their side.

At the end of the day, we are proud of the value we bring to our clients, whether they engage us long-term or not. And for those who do partner with us, the rewards are clear: faster processes, fewer headaches, and stronger connections that help them thrive in the UAE market.

Conclusion: A Commitment to Client Success

Offering free advice can sometimes be challenging, but we believe it’s the right thing to do. Our experience with the Australian firm is a reminder of why expert guidance is so important, and why we continue to provide consultations at no cost. While some clients may choose to move forward on their own, those who engage with us enjoy the benefits of a seasoned team with strong local networks and long-term partnerships that drive success.

In the end, our goal is simple: to make the journey easier for businesses. With 44 years of experience, we’re here to help companies avoid costly mistakes, navigate complex processes, and unlock new opportunities in the UAE. And that’s something we’ll continue to do—one consultation at a time.

If you'd like to have a chat about your new venture, or plans for Dubai, please do get in touch gareth@dubaistartbusiness.com