Your Growth Team, Without the Headcount

Scaling internationally is exciting, but it's also expensive, complex, and easy to get wrong. Hiring full commercial teams across business development, marketing, legal, and operations before you've proven a market rarely makes sense.

That's where Lime comes in. We act as your outsourced growth function: taking your products and services to market across international territories, managing the commercial strategy, and plugging the operational gaps that slow businesses down. Whether you need a full outsourced business development capability, strategic advisory support at board level, or specialist support across marketing, legal, HR, or product management, we deliver it with the focus and accountability of an in-house team, at a fraction of the cost.

Our track record spans education technology, SaaS, and international services with particular depth across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America.

Globe held in a hand, with the Lime leaf mark

How Lime Supports Your Growth

From commercial strategy to hands-on delivery, Lime provides the expertise and execution your business needs to grow internationally. Our services flex around what you need. If you don't see it listed, ask.

Outsourced Business Development

  • Taking your products and services to market internationally: identifying, qualifying, and converting opportunities on your behalf.
  • End-to-end pipeline management: from lead generation and prospecting through to closing.
  • Measurable ROI without the cost of building an in-house sales team.
  • Conference, event, and trade mission support to generate face-to-face opportunities.
  • Stakeholder management
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International Commercial Strategy

  • Identifying target markets and developing go-to-market strategies tailored to specific countries and regions.
  • Market research to understand competitive landscapes, buyer behaviour, and entry routes.
  • Strategic planning for businesses looking to expand from domestic to international markets.
  • Advising on product strategy and localisation.
  • Stakeholder management
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Outsourced Services

  • Marketing: outsourced marketing strategy and execution, from brand positioning to lead generation campaigns.
  • Legal: commercial contract support, market entry compliance, and partnership structuring.
  • HR: recruitment support, team structuring, and people strategy for scaling businesses.
  • Product & Project Management: managing product launches, roadmaps, and delivery programmes on your behalf.
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Non-Executive Director Services

  • Independent advisory to challenge, support, and drive business growth at board level.
  • Mentoring for senior leaders and commercial teams navigating growth or transformation.
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"I have known Ian for several years and have consistently valued his insight into the education landscape, both in the UK and internationally. He has an exceptional grasp of developments across the sector and is invariably ahead of the curve in understanding emerging trends, policy shifts and the evolving needs of schools. What distinguishes Ian is not simply the breadth of his knowledge, but his ability to translate that knowledge into practical advice and meaningful connections."
Simon O'ConnorHeadmaster, Harrow International School ›
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"Ian has worked closely with the Department for Business and Trade for several years, supporting Trade Missions, conferences, events and our International Trade Advisers/Commercial Officers worldwide (speaking at BETT Global, BETT Asia, GESS Dubai etc). Ian has a great understanding of the international education market and education technology."
Sarah ChidgeyHead of International Education, Dept for Business & Trade ›
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"I've known Ian for several years and he always puts himself in the shoes of the customer, he has a deep understanding of the international schools' market globally and is trusted by educators worldwide."
John Gwyn JonesCEO, FOBISIA ›
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"As a much respected and well-liked expert in his field, Ian continues to demonstrate his deep commitment and dedication to helping schools, students and staff to thrive. With the highest level of integrity, Ian is always an absolute pleasure to work with. His creative, positive and solution focused approach is always inspirational. For the benefit of children and young people worldwide, working with Ian on numerous projects over the last 10 years, has always been successful, rewarding and enjoyable."
Colin BellCEO, COBIS ›
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"I've long been an admirer of Ian's huge knowledge and experience of EdTech, both in the UK and in education systems around the world. Ian has advised Governments, local authorities and MATs and more during the course of his impressive work in EdTech and his down-to-earth, friendly and pragmatic approach will be invaluable to education companies looking to develop their UK and international education strategies."
Caroline WrightDirector General, BESA ›
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"Ian Hunter's knowledge of the international education market and the strategies and practical steps that companies can take to maximise their growth overseas is outstanding. He is also one of the most well-connected people I know and someone I do not hesitate to recommend."
Julia GarveyDeputy Director General, BESA ›
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"I first met Ian more than a decade ago and have been fortunate to work with him on multiple occasions since then. Ian's knowledge and understanding of the international schools market is immense. His generosity in sharing that knowledge is matched only by his desire to see global education improve and his clients succeed."
Nalini CookChief Operating Officer, BSME ›
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"What struck me most was Ian's ability to connect big-picture thinking with practical action. In a sector facing constant change, it is refreshing to meet someone who combines deep expertise with genuine curiosity, optimism and a clear commitment to improving outcomes for learners and employers."
Jonathan LedgerInternational Education Strategy Delivery Lead, Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade ›