About Copernicus
An international consultancy built on a UK hub and a global spoke of in-market specialists. 27 years, 72 markets, one model.
Footprint
5
Continents covered through a dedicated local network
Coverage
72
International markets reached via in-country partners
Delivered
1000+
Discrete engagements completed for global clients
Get to know us
- 72 markets, five continents
From our UK base we operate through a carefully built network of in-market specialists across 72 markets and five continents. That footprint means local-language execution, warm introductions to buyers and regulators, and the on-the-ground credibility no desk-based team can replicate, with particular depth across Europe, North Asia, India and West Africa.
- Trusted across sectors and borders
Across more than a thousand engagements, Copernicus has supported global consumer brands, national trade-promotion agencies and international institutions alike, from Barclaycard and Saks Fifth Avenue to Enterprise Singapore, Enterprise Mauritius and UNICEF. Clients return because the advice is independent, the standards are consistent, and their competitors are never on our books.
- One principal, accountable end to end
Every engagement is led from the UK by a named Copernicus principal, accountable from the free scoping call through to the final report. Proposals are fixed-fee, with scope, team and deliverables set out in writing, and in-market delivery is handled by Copernicus consultants who know their market from the inside.
ESTABLISHED
1999
- Independent by design, since 1999
Copernicus International Consulting was founded in 1999 and remains UK-headquartered and privately held. With no external investors and no conflicting mandates, we answer only to our clients: mid-market businesses, government trade-promotion agencies and ambitious SMEs that are serious about international growth.
- 72 markets, five continents
From our UK base we operate through a carefully built network of in-market specialists across 72 markets and five continents. That footprint means local-language execution, warm introductions to buyers and regulators, and the on-the-ground credibility no desk-based team can replicate, with particular depth across Europe, North Asia, India and West Africa.
- Trusted across sectors and borders
Across more than a thousand engagements, Copernicus has supported global consumer brands, national trade-promotion agencies and international institutions alike, from Barclaycard and Saks Fifth Avenue to Enterprise Singapore, Enterprise Mauritius and UNICEF. Clients return because the advice is independent, the standards are consistent, and their competitors are never on our books.
- One principal, accountable end to end
Every engagement is led from the UK by a named Copernicus principal, accountable from the free scoping call through to the final report. Proposals are fixed-fee, with scope, team and deliverables set out in writing, and in-market delivery is handled by Copernicus consultants who know their market from the inside.
Our culture
Our culture was set in a workshop when the firm was founded in 1999, and it still shapes how we work. We are ethical and plain-speaking above all: we never work for a client's recognised competitor, and we would rather write five clear words than ten clever ones.
The rest follows from there. The work is enthusiastic, innovative and good-humoured, and we measure success in human terms as much as financial ones. There is life beyond EBIT.
Ethical
Plain-speaking
Enthusiastic
Innovative
Good-humoured
Our UK team
(04)
Colin Jones
CEO and founding principal
With more than 30 years at the forefront of international business, Colin has guided clients through complex and consequential decisions, from market entry to strategic acquisitions worldwide.
His leadership of Copernicus is grounded in seasoned judgement, deep local market intelligence and a global network built over decades. Clients turn to Colin for clarity in complexity and commercial thinking that delivers results.
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Greg North
HR Director
Fourteen years at Copernicus have given Greg an unrivalled understanding of what makes international projects succeed from the inside out.
As the architect of the firm's people strategy, he ensures every engagement is backed by the right talent, the right structure and the delivery discipline to match. Quietly essential, Greg is the operational backbone that keeps Copernicus performing at its best across borders and time zones.
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Helen Flowers
Marketing Director
Helen knows Copernicus inside out and understands how to bring it to life for the audiences that matter most. With 16 years shaping the firm’s voice, she ensures every client communication is clear, credible and informed by a strong understanding of international business.
From brand positioning to targeted outreach, Helen makes sure Copernicus is seen, heard and remembered for the right reasons.
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Jane Powell
Finance Manager
Every successful international engagement depends on reliable financial control, and that is where Jane excels. During her five years at Copernicus, she has strengthened the reporting frameworks, commercial discipline and attention to detail that complex cross-border projects demand.
Jane keeps the numbers in order, allowing the business to focus confidently on delivering results for clients.
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AMERICA
(01)
Our UK Regional leadership
Our UK Regional leadership
From the Nordics to the Balkans, delivered by in-country consultants under UK direction, Copernicus has been present across the market for over 25 years.
AMERICAS
EUROPE
AFRICA
ASIA
Senior in-country consultants across the US, Canada and Latin America, directed by the UK hub.
Our deepest coverage, from the Nordics to the Balkans, delivered by in-country consultants under UK direction.
Established in-country consultant coverage across West Africa, anchored by trade-promotion and DFI-linked project experience.
In-country consultants across East, South-East and South Asia, including our China, Japan and Korea consumer-research platform, all directed from the UK.
(01) Business Idea
(02) Rational Promises
(03) Emotional Values
(04) Vision
(05) Position
What we really do
We offer unrivalled advice and support to mid-market businesses and ambitious SMEs, working closely with our clients to achieve financial, structural and cultural goals that will enable a sustainable competitive advantage.
What we promise to deliver
Highly ethical · Flexible · Proactive · Results-focussed The most distinctive of these is ethical. Once you have been a Copernicus client we will never work for one of your recognised competitors. Ever.
Our personality
Enthusiastic · Plain-speaking · Innovative · Good-humoured Plain-speaking matters most. We do not use ten words when five will do, and we do not write reports to prove how clever we are.
What we seek to achieve every day
To deliver cost-effective, plain-language solutions that enhance our clients' business, help them achieve their goals, and allow them to enjoy their success. There is life beyond EBIT.
Our brand print
The preferred guide to international business success for mid-market businesses and ambitious SMEs. Where success is defined in both financial and human terms.
Awards & memberships
2021
Market Leader Award
Lodz University of Technology, for leadership and contribution to international business research.
2015
FDI Award, Seoul
Seoul Metropolitan Government recognition for contribution to foreign direct investment in Northeast Asia.
2013
Best Business Enabler
National Entrepreneur Awards, recognising UK firms that help other businesses grow.
Market Research Society (MRS)
UK research body ensuring ethical conduct, confidentiality and rigorous methodology standards.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
Former UK government agency providing trade intelligence and export support programmes.
Business Finland
Finnish trade-promotion agency offering market intelligence and soft-landing programmes for businesses.
Enterprise Singapore
Singapore government agency providing market access and in-country networks for businesses.
Enterprise Mauritius
Mauritian trade agency offering structured market intelligence and government-backed business support.
Copernicus Consultant Network
In-market boutique consultancies delivering local-language execution and warm buyer introductions.