Archived News

Europe Key to Riding Out the Economic Storm

1 December 2008

Harris Cartier, Slough, November 21, 2008: European expansion could help small to medium size businesses (SMEs) ride the storm of economic recession, according to speakers at a recent seminar on European business.

The event, hosted by Harris Cartier, HSBC, UK Trade & Investment and SEGRO, was held at Eton College Rowing Centre and aimed to equip SMEs, with an overview of some of the areas to consider, when setting up an international business.

The seminar provided encouragement to those looking to expand into Europe. Angus Murray, an International Trade Adviser for UK Trade & Investment commented that developing an international business can help to spread business risk, particularly in the current economic client.

Murray commented: "ome regions in Europe are doing better financially than others, particularly in some of the emerging markets and so it can make good commercial sense to attract business from these regions, as well as the UK."

John Casey, Chief Operating Officer for Europe at HSBC Bank, also gave some useful information about how web technology is enabling SMEs to do more in Europe than ever before, including setting up a business, doing business online and carrying out financial transactions.

However, there are also many pitfalls that can beset a business looking to trade overseas. Legal differences can cause disadvantages, if they are not addressed properly. For instance, tenancy agreements can vary considerably across Europe, with some countries erring on the side of the tenant, while others have a greater emphasis toward the landlord.

At the seminar, Thames Valley law firm Harris Cartier, provided expert legal advice for SMEs about how to structure a business in terms of liability, what to look for in premises and tenancy agreements, and how Retention of Title can differ in Europe, as opposed to the UK. Harris Cartier was supported by several members of Eurojuris, a network of International law firms, who highlighted key legal differences across many European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Scandinavia.

Also speaking at the event was Neil Impiazzi, Inward Investment Manager at SEGRO, who provided an insight into SEGRO’s UK and European growth strategies. He highlighted how the company set about expanding into Europe by focusing on its core assets and commitment to helping customers, especially SME’s who make up a large proportion of the company’s customer base. SEGRO operates worldwide and Neil pointed out the importance of working with companies that know the market and have a presence at a local level.

Paul Norris, Chief Executive of Harris Cartier comments: "There was some genuinely useful information for businesses, from speakers who have a vast knowledge of how to support them in their expansion into Europe. With the valuable input from a number of members of Eurojuris, there was also a distinct continental flavour to the whole event, illustrating to delegates that Europe is a neighbour to be embraced, with many opportunities for those committed to developing an International business."

A free book by the Eurojuris International Business Group, available via Harris Cartier looks at European expansion from a legal perspective. 'How to expand your business in Europe – Opportunities, Risks & Pitfalls' is available to order from Harris Cartier on 01753 674443. Subject to availability.