- Network partners
- Sector group
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Retail
- Countries
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TÜRKİYE
Faced with a changing market, SMR Modern Raf transformed its business with tailored support from the Enterprise Europe Network, developing new sales channels, reaching international customers and increasing turnover.
When market conditions changed dramatically during the Covid-19 pandemic, Turkish SME SMR Modern Raf had to rethink its future. Based in Samsun, the family-owned company manufactures shelves and racks for the retail sector. Its traditional customer base, especially textile retail stores, was hit hard, leaving the business exposed and in need of a new direction.
That is when the company renewed its collaboration with the Enterprise Europe Network at the Samsun Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Having first connected with the Network in 2019, Sabri Arslanbas turned again to Network adviser Çağrı Isitant in 2022 to explore how the company could adapt, diversify and reach international markets.
Rethinking the business model
The Enterprise Europe Network team worked closely with SMR Modern Raf to reassess its business model and identify fresh opportunities. Strategic meetings led to a SWOT analysis and customer segmentation exercise. One important conclusion quickly emerged: the company needed to reduce its dependence on retail chains and start targeting individual consumers as well.
To support this shift, Network experts from Samsun Chamber of Commerce and Industry provided tailored advice on both sustainability and digitalisation. Rather than investing heavily from the start in a standalone commerce website, they recommended a gradual approach. First, the company redesigned its products for individual consumers. Then it tested demand through established online B2C marketplaces before moving towards its own sales platform.
Building an international strategy
At the same time, the Enterprise Europe Network helped the company develop a structured internationalisation plan. Using Harmonised System codes and research based on International Trade Centre and World Bank data, the advisers identified five promising markets: France, the Netherlands, Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Georgia.
The next step was to connect with potential partners abroad. The Network supported the company through partner searches and by creating a profile in the partnering opportunities database to attract international collaborators.
This support proved especially valuable when direct outreach became difficult. With help from Network partners in France and Bosnia and Herzegovina, SMR Modern Raf was able to establish new business relationships that might otherwise not have materialised.
From first online export to international partnerships
The results were tangible. In 2023, SMR Modern Raf made its first online export to the United States after launching its redesigned products on international B2C platforms. The company later created its own internationally functioning commerce website. In 2024 alone, it completed five e commerce exports and sold to 2009 domestic individual customers.
Its international market development also accelerated. In 2023, the company secured partnerships in Georgia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In 2025, further cooperation agreements were concluded with support from the wider Network, including a French partnership and another Bosnian cooperation.
Overall, with Enterprise Europe Network guidance, SMR Modern Raf secured four international partnerships, expanded its market reach, protected the employment of four people and increased turnover by 10%.
A long-term collaboration with Enterprise Europe Network
For Sabri Arslanbas, the value of the support went beyond market access. "Thanks to these great people, my understanding of business and business management has changed dramatically. I learned a lot and gained a lot of self-confidence. I realised that the world is a smaller place than it seems like and is full of opportunities" he said.
Çağrı Isitan also reflects positively on the long-term collaboration: "Our journey with Mr. Arslanbas was the most satisfying and best client journey I have been through in 8 years of my Enterprise Europe Network experience".
SMR Modern Raf’s story shows how the Enterprise Europe Network can help SMEs respond to disruption, test new business models and grow beyond their home market through practical, tailored and trusted support.