About

Akemi Associates provides international business development and consultancy services for clients in the chemical manufacturing and engineering sectors.

A graduate in Natural Sciences and Chemical Engineering from the University of Cambridge, company founder Susan Brench offers over 30 years’ expertise in industrial strategic commercial management, stakeholder engagement, marketing and international business development, working with clients across the globe, including Europe, the USA, and Japan.

In addition, Susan has worked for 2 major financial institutions, most recently as Head of Chemical Sector at Santander UK. This was a strategic role in which her remit was to help the business understand the needs of the chemical industry and thereby develop tailored financial solutions to facilitate growth. Susan remains a Trusted Advisor to Santander CCB.

https://www.businessleader.co.uk/santander-makes-new-national-appointment/58689/

Mentoring of start-up businesses is of particular interest. Susan passionately believes in the importance of innovation in science and engineering for a sustainable society. As part of her portfolio, Susan is currently leading green chemistry start-up Starbons Ltd (see  https://www.starbons.com/).

Why Akemi Associates?

• Business needs analysis – with a strong techno-commercial perspective
• Strategic thinking and detailed, complex problem solving
• Dynamic and professional approach undertaken with diligence, discretion, energy, resilience and tenacity
• Established connections across industries, and across continents
• Collaborative partnerships founded on integrity and trust
• We do what we say we will do

Testimonials for Susan Brench

Linda Arntzen

Vice President of Sales & Marketing at PHT International, Inc.

I have had the absolute pleasure of working with Susan for about 10 years. In short, she is someone I much admire in industry. Susan is exceptionally professional, diligent, efficient, and well connected. In our projects together, Susan’s approach has always been: Do we know all that we can? Let’s get to a solution. In our work together, it has been across industries and often times, international.

Equal to her professionalism, she is also extremely engaging and personable. Susan is a great at developing and nurturing relationships. There is trust and follow through.

Susan’s commitment and energy will only allow for a successful outcome.

Brian Meldrum

Managing Director at FUJIFILM Imaging Colorants Limited

I have worked with Susan for over 25 years and have come to regard her as someone with a really extensive knowledge of the chemical/fine chemical industry. Susan is highly regarded for her professionalism and displays the upmost integrity and discretion in all business matters. Susan is extremely well connected throughout the industry and has proven excellent first hand experience of working in all the major international markets. On a personal level I can also say Susan is an extremely personable and engaging individual.