From Conversations to Opportunities: My Takeaways from the GCC Assembly in Paris

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the Global Cosmetics Cluster (GCC) Assembly during Cosmetic 360 in Paris, representing Cosmetics Cluster UK (CCUK) as both a member and Advisory Board member.

It was a great opportunity to meet fellow cluster representatives from around the world, exchange ideas and, perhaps most importantly, get a better understanding of what being part of this international network can actually mean for us as members.

One thing that struck me was how many opportunities are available if we take the time to explore them and get involved.

Making connections that have real business value

During the Assembly, I met and was introduced to several cluster leaders, including representatives from Korea and Türkiye. What made these introductions particularly interesting was how relevant they were to some of the business challenges I am currently working on.

For example, one of my clients, Core Biogenesis, a French biotechnology company developing innovative ingredients for the cosmetics industry, has been looking for a Head of Sales in Korea and exploring opportunities to find a distributor in Türkiye.

Having now connected with representatives from these clusters, I have people I can approach to ask for local insights, recommendations or potential introductions. Of course, this doesn't mean we have found the right people just yet, but it gives us another avenue to explore, and one that could prove extremely valuable.

For me, this is a perfect example of how the GCC network can go beyond simply exchanging business cards.

Finding out what's happening beyond our own markets

Another aspect I found particularly useful was discovering events and initiatives that I might not otherwise have come across.

We heard about Polo Innovation Days in Italy, Cosm’Innov and other activities taking place across the network. With many businesses already considering their plans for 2027, this kind of information is useful when looking at new exhibitions, potential partnerships or opportunities to enter different markets.

I also learned that the GCC will be participating at COSMEX in Thailand and is looking for speakers. This immediately raises a question for CCUK members: are you already doing business in Thailand, or is it a market you're hoping to enter? If so, could participating as a speaker be a way to share your expertise and introduce your business to a new audience?

Sometimes, it's simply about being aware of what's happening and recognising where an opportunity might fit.

It's also about what we can contribute

Something else I took away from the Assembly was that participation shouldn’t just be about what we can gain from the network, but also what we can bring to it.

For instance, with GCC planning to have a presence at Cosmoprof in Italy, I started thinking about how I could help raise awareness through my own relationships with international beauty trade editors, including those at COSSMA.

Another interesting discovery was Baguette, a Franco-Korean newsletter initiative. It made me wonder whether CCUK could explore something similar with another cluster, perhaps Türkiye. Could we collaborate on a joint newsletter, share insights into our respective markets, discuss regulatory developments or highlight innovations from both countries?

These don’t necessarily have to be large projects. Sometimes a simple introduction, an exchange of information or a joint initiative can lead to something much bigger.

We also shouldn’t overlook the promotional opportunities available through the GCC itself. Its network, website and social media channels offer additional ways to share members’ news, events and achievements with a much wider international audience.

Making the most of our membership

Coming away from Paris, I felt that one of the biggest benefits of being part of CCUK is having access to this wider international community. But like any network, the more we engage with it, the more we begin to see where the opportunities lie.

We all have different areas of expertise, challenges we’re trying to solve and markets we’re hoping to explore. Somewhere within the GCC network, there may well be someone who can point us in the right direction, make an introduction or offer a perspective we hadn’t considered.

Equally, we may be in a position to help another member or cluster with something they are working on.

So, my encouragement to fellow CCUK members is to get involved, ask questions, share what you’re working on and explore what the other clusters have to offer.

You never quite know where a conversation might lead, and that, for me, is one of the most valuable reasons to be part of the GCC.

Lili Gusto, CCUK Advisory Board member and director of WordofMouthCommunications