Catalyst Global is proud to spotlight a major development in the Middle East’s corporate learning ecosystem: Biz Group, a trailblazer in corporate team building Middle East, corporate training, team development, and learning technology, has officially entered a new phase in its extraordinary journey. After 32 years of independent growth, Biz Group has been acquired by Knowledge Group, a part of Nema Holding, a leading Abu Dhabi-based education powerhouse.
This milestone marks not just a transaction but a strategic partnership built on shared values, complementary strengths, and a unified vision for the future of workforce development.
Hazel Jackson, the dynamic founder and long-time CEO of Biz Group, began the company’s journey in Dubai in 1992 with little more than £500 and an unwavering vision. What started as a modest training outfit quickly grew into a team of 60 professionals, serving an expansive portfolio of regional and international clients.
Their story is one of grit, innovation, and a people-first culture. This vibrant culture famously includes a slide in their office, which remains untouched by the new leadership.
When the time came to explore new horizons, Jackson was clear: She wasn’t just looking for a buyer, she was looking for the right partner.
“We didn’t just want an investor,” she said. “We wanted someone who understood our business, shared our values, and believed in our culture.”
That vision found a match in Knowledge Group and its parent, Nema Holding, owners of Abu Dhabi University. The structure of the acquisition ensures a thoughtful and phased integration:
Hazel Jackson will remain CEO for the next 18–24 months, transition into a board role, and continue as a consultant for strategic initiatives she holds dear.
While Biz Group excels in corporate training and team building, focusing on sales, leadership, and learning technology, Knowledge Group brings deep expertise in government, military, and consulting engagements. Their combined offerings now span:
This synergy not only strengthens their regional foothold but also unlocks enhanced value for existing and future clients.
Growth in Saudi Arabia remains a priority. Despite its vast potential, Jackson acknowledges that the market requires a tailored approach, not a copy-paste of UAE strategies. Hazel said,
“Saudi isn’t a quick win, it’s about cultural adaptation, with Knowledge Group’s Arabic fluency and presence, we’re better equipped than ever to serve that market thoughtfully.”
Biz Group has always championed agile leadership, critical thinking, and employee engagement. Now, with AI disrupting traditional workforce models, the need for upskilling and reskilling has never been greater.
In 2023 alone, Biz Group posted a 54% revenue increase, signaling robust demand and strong market confidence. As Jackson puts it:
“This is no longer just training, it’s future workforce development.”
While preparing for eventual retirement, Hazel isn’t ready to step back fully. She’ll split her time between Dubai, Cape Town, and sailing the Mediterranean, remaining active in shaping the company’s strategic direction.
“Biz Group isn’t my baby anymore, it’s grown up. It just got married.”
At Catalyst Global, we salute Hazel Jackson and the entire Biz Group team for their three decades of impact and celebrate the exciting future this new partnership promises. The joining of Biz Group and Knowledge Group is more than an acquisition; it’s a fusion of missions, creating new opportunities for organizations across the region to build smarter, stronger, and more resilient teams. On behalf of the Catalyt Team Building Network, CEO, Guy Baker said,
"Biz Group has been an exceptional partner in the Catalyst Network for many years, delivering world-class team building experiences across the Middle East. We’re incredibly excited about this next chapter and the depth of expertise that Knowledge Group brings—not just to Biz Group’s regional operations, but to the entire Catalyst community worldwide. Most importantly, we’re thrilled that the people, culture, and identity that make Biz Group so unique will remain firmly in place as they grow into this new phase."
Stay tuned for more updates as this powerful alliance transforms the learning landscape in the Middle East and beyond.
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