PAB Sema4 Latest News

FREE TRAINING FOR BUSINESSES FROM GLOBAL GATEWAY PROGRAMME THANKS TO THE UK SHARED PROSPERITY FUND

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 19:27:57 GMT

PAB Sema4 has been allocated extra funding to support businesses after the success of its Global Gateway Programme.

Designed to amplify growth across business community by equipping local companies with essential skills for international success - surpassed outcome targets and received fantastic feedback from customers.

Intercultural Communication Trainer and Advisor at PAB Sema4, Iwona Lebiedowicz, said: “We are delighted to offer this exciting programme of courses for professionals, giving them the opportunity to harness the latest research, innovation and thinking that the PAB Sema4 team has to offer. Across the UK, many people work in cross-cultural settings, engaging with remote or international teams. However, the messages we send are not always the messages received, as culture influences our thoughts, behaviours, and communication methods.”

E-commerce & Marketing Specialist Advisor at PAB Sema4, Nigel Garner, said: “Leveraging a rich foundation of academic insight, hands-on expertise, and cross-disciplinary research, this programme is designed to equip people with practical competencies required to excel in the international arena. Ideal for professionals overseeing multicultural teams within logistics or manufacturing, those immersed in the intricacies of sales and marketing, or navigating the complexities of international markets, Global Gateway offers strategies and tools to enhance effectiveness in a global setting.”

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is the government's domestic replacement for the European Structural and Investment Programme (ESIF). It provides funding for communities, places, businesses, people and skills. The Rural Prosperity Fund supports investment opportunities in rural areas.

Contract Manager, Lorna Hine, said: “It is an honour to work alongside Iwona and PAB to deliver this exciting Programme of courses for professionals, giving them the opportunity to grow. With the help of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, we have been able to provide PAB with a Grant to assist this project in delivery. This in turn aids many individuals to receive support, especially people who work in cross-cultural settings, enhancing their knowledge and productivity.”

East Lindsey Councillors Steve Kirk, portfolio holder for The Coastal Economy, and Adam Grist, portfolio holder for Market Towns and Rural Economy, said: “East Lindsey District Council is excited to support PAB Languages in delivering this interesting programme of courses for professionals through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This programme will give those who access it the opportunity to grow and, in turn, aid many individuals to receive support, especially people who work in cross-cultural settings, enhancing their knowledge. This has the intended aim of supporting those in employment to become confident in dealing with international trade and international markets, supporting East Lindsey’s drive to get our businesses exporting.

Overwhelming Positive Feedback: Our Workshops Exceed Expectations

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 15:37:36 GMT

The Global Gateway Programme - designed to amplify growth across Lincolnshire's business community by equipping local companies with essential skills for international success - surpassed outcome targets and received fantastic feedback from customers.

We are thrilled to share the overwhelming success of our recent Global Gateway Programme workshops. Receiving such positive feedback from our participants is incredibly encouraging and inspires us to continue delivering impactful experiences and enhancing our programmes.

We successfully delivered our first Global Gateway training series across multiple locations, with over 70 organisations and businesses joining the programme. The Global Gateway Programme is an initiative created to empower local businesses with skills and strategies for a global marketplace.

100% of participants found our workshop content "very useful"

85.7% of attendees said our workshops exceeded their expectations!

We are beyond proud of this achievement, and it's all thanks to the support and vision of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, who funded this transformative programme.

Here’s a snapshot of the training topics we covered:

Website and Digital Content Localisation:
Practical guidance for building an international online presence that truly resonates in new markets.

Intercultural Communication:
Essential skills to foster effective client and team interactions, promoting workplace cohesion and cross-cultural understanding.

Customer Service Excellence:
Tailored for diverse markets, this training deepens multicultural marketing skills and enhances customer engagement.

Client testimonials like these inspire us to continue our mission. We're committed to supporting local businesses and look forward to the continued success of the Global Gateway Programme!

PAB SEMA4 is dedicated to helping businesses thrive in global markets by providing a suite of services designed to enhance cross-border communications.

For more information, visit https://www.pabsema4.co.uk/about-global-gateway

Free Online Business Support Sessions

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 13:25:37 GMT

FREE ONLINE BUSINESS SUPPORT SESSIONS

PAB Sema4 is running the funded workshops, which are designed to equip businesses with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate and thrive in a competitive market. By participating, they will gain valuable insights into effective communication, cultural awareness, and community engagement, all of which are essential for business growth and development.

Over 70 organisations and businesses signing up for the programme and almost 50 individuals took part in the first series of Global Gateway Training sessions, which received excellent feedback.

Now PAB Sema4 – an organisation dedicated to helping businesses thrive in global markets by providing a suite of services designed to enhance cross-border communications - is urging other companies to get involved to reap the benefits of the fully funded training.

The workshops are part of a broader initiative to boost economic growth and community development in the region, funded by the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP) People & Skills Programme via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The following Global Gateway Training workshops have now been arranged and are being delivered online for ease of access:

• Tuesday 18th June at 10am – Workplace Communication Training , which aims to foster an inclusive and effective communication environment, enhancing team collaboration and productivity in a culturally diverse workplace.

• Wednesday 26th June at 10am – Website and Content Localisation , training which will provide strategies to effectively adapt digital content for international audiences, ensuring messages are culturally relevant and accurate, which enhances global brand appeal and market penetration.

• Thursday 27th June at 10am – Sales Communication Training , focusing on learning how to effectively communicate across diverse cultural backgrounds, increasing the potential for successful market expansion and improved client relationships in new geographical markets.

• Tuesday 2nd July at 10am – Build Real Relationships in your Community and learn how to effectively engage with members of your community.

• Thursday 4th July at 10am – Multicultural Marketing for Community Engagement , which concentrates on learning to connect authentically with diverse communities through targeted marketing strategies that reflect cultural sensitivities and preferences.

Eligible companies interested in attending can sign up using the button below.

PabSema4 Awarded UK Funding to help British businesses flourish

Thu, 02 May 2024 09:29:02 GMT

PABSema4 has been awarded UK shared prosperity fund and rural prosperity fund funding to launch its Global Gateway programme

A new scheme by PAB Sema4 is getting underway to help bolster the Lincolnshire economy by supporting businesses to flourish internationally.

It is free, funded support for businesses in Boston, East Lindsey, and South Holland and is designed to boost economic growth and community development.

E-commerce & Marketing Specialist Advisor at PAB Sema4, Nigel Garner, said : “Leveraging a rich foundation of academic insight, hands-on expertise, and cross-disciplinary research, this programme is designed to equip people with practical competencies required to excel in the international arena. Ideal for professionals overseeing multicultural teams within logistics or manufacturing, those immersed in the intricacies of sales and marketing, or navigating the complexities of international markets, Global Gateway offers strategies and tools to enhance effectiveness in a global setting.”

Intercultural Communication Trainer and Advisor at PAB Sema4, Iwona Lebiedowicz, said: “We are delighted to offer this exciting programme of courses for professionals, giving them the opportunity to harness the latest research, innovation and thinking that the PAB Sema4 team has to offer. Across the UK, many people work in cross-cultural settings, engaging with remote or international teams. However, the messages we send are not always the messages received, as national culture influences our thoughts, behaviours, and communication methods...Cultural preferences also shape how we manage people and negotiate deals. Our programme addresses these challenges, equipping people with the skills to manage, negotiate, and build impactful relationships across varied cultural and social contexts, which is essential for success in today's global organisations.”

Nicola Dicker, Contract Manager for the South East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership working in the UKSPF Team, said:
“I am really looking forward to working with Iwona and PAB on their project aimed to help people expand their skills to enable their business to expand into the international market by enhancing their digital and cross-cultural communication. We are looking forwarding to seeing the results achieved using UKSPF funds for people and skills.”

Whether looking to enhance intercultural communication skills, lead diverse teams with confidence, or expand a global customer base, the Global Gateway Programme offers a strategic pathway to achieving goals with inclusivity and effectiveness.

The programme content is highly applicable to the workplace, addressing internal and external communication, marketing, management, and leadership skills.

PAB SEMA4 is dedicated to helping businesses thrive in global markets by providing a suite of services designed to enhance cross-border communications. To further support your export endeavors, we offer CROSS-CULTURAL AWARENESS TRAINING, empowering your team to navigate and manage cultural differences effectively. Our extensive MARKET RESEARCH SERVICES provide valuable insights that inform strategic decisions and facilitate smooth entry into new markets.

Global Commerce: Business across regions navigating the new era of International Trade

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 16:03:06 GMT

Our recent comprehensive survey conducted across South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the East Midlands has unveiled critical insights into how businesses are navigating the challenges posed by language and cultural barriers.

The findings reveal that a significant majority of businesses have encountered language barriers that adversely affected their operations and led to missed opportunities. Despite these challenges, businesses are actively seeking and utilising professional translation services and are unanimous in their recognition of the importance of language and cultural competencies.

A notable insight from the survey is the proactive approach businesses are taking towards multilingual communications and marketing materials, with many leveraging professional translation services and in-house resources. The desire for comprehensive services, including intercultural communication training and language skill development workshops, highlights the broader recognition of the need to effectively navigate cultural complexities.

The survey across diverse business sectors revealed consistent concerns and insights regarding language and cultural barriers in business operations. It showed:

A significant majority of respondents have encountered language barriers in their business operations. 100% of participants from South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, and 80% in the East Midlands survey indicated facing such barriers.
There's a notable impact on business opportunities due to language barriers, with 100% in Doncaster, 67% in Lincolnshire, and 50% in the East Midlands survey reporting lost opportunities.
Over 60% of respondents are actively exploring new tools and AI technology to overcome these barriers, with 100% expressing concerns regarding privacy, copyrights, accuracy, and the risk to reputation from translation discrepancies.
All respondents engage in international trade, underscoring the importance of addressing language barriers for business growth and expansion.
The majority of businesses have used professional translation services, indicating a proactive approach to overcoming language barriers.

The survey highlighted several aspects of cultural differences impacting business, including communication style, marketing strategies, and customer interactions, pointing to the complex nature of navigating global business environments.

More than 100 businesses responded to the survey, which was carried out between 20th January and 20th March 2024.

Whether you're taking initial steps towards international expansion or looking to strengthen your presence in existing markets, PAB SEMA4 is your partner in achieving seamless and successful global engagement.

When you’re are looking beyond national borders for new opportunities, we can assist you along the way.

Navigating International Sales and Marketing for UK Exporters with Sema4 Team.

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 10:39:59 GMT

With over 6,500 languages spoken worldwide, the global market offers vast opportunities for UK exporters, alongside notable challenges. Europe is home to 225 languages, the Americas to 350, Africa boasts 2,000, and Asia leads with 2,300 languages. This linguistic and cultural diversity highlights the immense potential and the complexities of international trade.

UK businesses, whether seasoned in international trade or contemplating global expansion, must navigate these waters carefully. Entering the global market is not just an exciting venture but a strategic move towards unlocking untapped revenue streams. These could soon represent a significant portion of your annual turnover, perhaps 10, 20, or even 30%.

In today's interconnected economy, understanding and leveraging cultural nuances is crucial for success in international sales and marketing. As UK exporters look to broaden their horizons, the importance of cultural intelligence in e-commerce and digital advertising cannot be overstated.

Understanding Cultural Sensitivities: Recognising the importance of color symbolism and gestures across different cultures is vital. For example, while red symbolizes luck in China, it might represent danger in other regions. Such nuances must inform your marketing materials to avoid unintended offenses.

Language Localisation and Cultural Relevance: Beyond mere translation, localizing content to include idiomatic expressions and culturally relevant humor can greatly enhance your brand's appeal. KFC's translation mishap in China underscores the importance of nuanced language localization.

Product Offerings and Social Norms: Tailoring products to meet local tastes, as McDonald's does with regional specialties, and aligning with social values, such as sustainability in Scandinavia, are key strategies for market penetration and success.

Leveraging Cultural Festivals and Local Influencers: Aligning marketing efforts with local holidays and utilizing influencers who resonate with the target culture can significantly boost your brand's relevance and appeal.

Embracing Technological Preferences: Adapting to regional preferences for online platforms and mobile usage is crucial for engaging effectively with international audiences.

Your Pathway to Global Engagement

Navigating these cultural nuances requires a blend of intelligence, empathy, and adaptability. Crafting messages that resonate across cultural landscapes is not just about translation but about meaningful engagement.

SEMA4 is equipped to support UK exporters in creating multilingual campaigns that are effectively localised for global audiences. With local experts in every major territory, we ensure your marketing messages maintain their power, consistency, and authenticity, fostering a lasting connection with customers worldwide.

For UK businesses, large or small, aiming for international growth, understanding cross-cultural and linguistic nuances is crucial. Effective communication that is thoughtfully translated and localised can significantly ease market entry, ensuring your brand resonates with new audiences regardless of cultural or linguistic barriers.

Contact us now and let our experts assist you in launching a successful global campaign, tailored to emotionally engage your audience on a global scale, reinforcing your brand's international presence.

Complete a Brief Survey & Unlock an Intercultural Communications Course.

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 10:18:41 GMT

The world of international business is both thrilling and full of challenges. Companies stepping into global trade need to build and maintain relationships with partners across the world, including suppliers, distributors, and other partners. As businesses grow internationally, they often face cultural and language barriers that can slow down their progress and success.

Understanding how important it is to navigate these challenges, we are conducting a survey to learn more about the hurdles businesses face when operating in global markets. To show our appreciation for your participation, every business that completes this survey in the next 14 days will receive free access to our top-notch online training on cultural competencies, worth £299. This training is crucial for grasping the subtle aspects of language, etiquette, and the deep-seated values that shape business practices globally.

Launching in overseas markets is not only challenging but can also stretch your resources thin. With so many tasks to manage, both big and small, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. However, being culturally aware and sensitive can make your marketing campaigns more effective and respectful, helping you connect better with a worldwide audience and driving your international growth and success.

Take Our Survey

Take a moment to fill out our survey on the challenges you encounter in international markets, and we'll thank you with free access to our online course on cultural competencies. If you have any questions please email us at info@pabsema4.co.uk and take the first step towards global trade success today.

Did you know you could access funding of up to £9,000 to help expand your business overseas?

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 10:54:05 GMT

From October 2020, as part of the governments export growth plan, a £38 million Internationalisation Fund has been created to help businesses in England bounce back after the pandemic which will assist SME’s grow their overseas trading and help strengthen their business.

At Sema4 we are driven to help UK business overcome barriers to European export and overseas expansion.

Sema4’s multilingual and cultural awareness services have a proven track record in successfully overcoming cultural and language barriers. Our strategy, consultancy and partnerships allow UK business to tackle the unknown market conditions and lack of professional connections in new markets.

With the help and funding of the UK government we can now overcome the additional financial barrier facing SME’s planning to trade internationally.

Funding between £1k-£9k is available depending on the project: eligible projects have a minimum project value of £2000 and maximum £18,000 with up to 50% grant funding available.

To apply follow 4 simple steps:

1. Make initial contact with the DIT’s Regional Network.

2. Discuss their plans with an adviser at the DIT’s Regional Network.

3. Settle and agree on an export action plan with the adviser.

4. If the DIT finds their support suitable for the business, the DIT adviser will provide further application details on how to proceed with the application for the fund.

As an SME you can spend this grant on market entry consultancy, as well as market and consumer research.

At Sema4 our team of consumer experts, market analysts and specialist advisors can conduct such research, creating a tailored market strategy sure to capitalise on current consumer behaviour, market conditions and technological advancements.

At the heart of this strategy lies a comprehensive understanding of the importance of language and culture within international business communication. Our translation, localisation and cultural awareness training ensure UK businesses marketing material, documentation and branding are accurate, clear and engaging to foreign audiences.

Sema4’s services not only create the strategy needed to seamlessly enter new markets but provides the business relations needed to continue to thrive in new market environments. Our partnerships allow your business to achieve a connected and established business network.

The Importance of Localisation: Why every business should ‘Just do it’

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 09:31:37 GMT

We have all heard of Nike’s famous marketing slogan ‘Just Do It’, but its meaning fails to be successfully interpreted across global languages and cultures.

The slogan ‘Just Do It’ is concise, clear, and in the English language, effectively evokes notions of bravery, determination and decisiveness. These traits reflect desired characteristics for Nike’s sport orientated audience, who wish to increase their ability to use these important sporting attributes. Therefore, the message resonates and engages Nike’s audience.

However, the success of the marketing campaign relies upon its interpreted meaning, one that fails to effectively translate into foreign languages.

In many languages this abstract slogan is untranslatable, often relying completely upon the target countries population’s ability to speak English. This results in the complete failure to attract a non-English speaking audience and therefore creates far less potential for global customer interest and understanding. This is the case for many marketing catchphrases.

The population of non-English speaking countries that attempt to translate these slogans in their native language, often require complete cultural adaption and linguistic modification to be understood.

This is because direct translations of ‘Just Do It’ lead to an ungrammatical and nonsensical phrasing. For example, in many languages such as Russian, words are more concrete and therefore fail to convey the meaning of contextually bound abstract slogans without creating a non-grammatical and foreign sounding interpretation. Additionally, in some instances direct translations can lead to completely novel meanings, for example, ‘Just Do It’ directly translated into Hindi is, ‘This is the only thing to do’ which is not quite as motivating.

The consideration of an overseas audience and their interpretation and understanding of marketing material is integral for international branding and overseas growth. Relying upon overseas audiences’ English ability not only fails to attract a non-English speaking audience, but disregards the importance of an overseas country’s language and culture. If approximately 1.35 billion people can speak English, then it is estimated that 80% of the world’s population cannot, representing a vast global audience international brands like Nike are failing to adequately communicate with.

Whether you are a large corporate or an SME with aspirations of achieving international growth, cross cultural and language considerations are highly significant when successfully engaging a foreign audience. Efficient and targeted communication that is translated and localised to specific audiences will greatly support market entry, as native speakers will easily interpret and accept the presence of marketing material. This enables a brand to achieve seamless communications to new target audiences regardless of culture, language and location.

Dedicated packages for exporters available in Essex, in the new post-Brexit landscape

website@sitemodify.com (Website Editor) — Thu, 06 May 2021 18:51:31 GMT

Essex Chamber of Commerce is welcoming a new member - SEMA4 offers Market Entry and translation services to assist UK Businesses expansion and export to promising European territories, predominantly packages for Polish, Romanian and Bulgarian markets.

SEMA4 helps UK businesses understand and overcome challenges to growth whilst identifying opportunities and long-lasting business relations that create seamless market entry and support for UK exporters.

Iwona Lebiedowicz, CEO of PAB Group said:

“We are thrilled to join such a great team and very much look forward to working with the Essex Chamber and their members. Bringing communication, cross-cultural and international growth expertise, we believe SEMA4 packages, will offer a unique range of solutions to meet the evolving requirements of all businesses, from SMEs to larger corporations . ”

Nick Brown of Essex Chamber of Commerce said:

“Delighted to welcome SEMA4 to the Essex Chambers of Commerce & Industry. Sema4 through their expertise and close partnerships in Europe supports exporters and helps UK businesses to identify opportunities, understand risks and challenges, connect, and establish long lasting business relationships.

We look forward to working with Iwona Lebiedowicz and William Milsom over the next year and foreseeable future.”

William said:
“We at Sema4 are delighted to join Essex Chamber of Commerce and look forward to becoming an active member of this professional network. From attending networking events to hosting free seminars, we can’t wait to start and meet you all.”

Sema4 assists UK businesses growth, expansion, and export to new European Markets.

These new markets provide a host of opportunity that bring new horizons to UK business. However, new market conditions require a calculated approach in order to overcome the challenges and risks inherent within market entry.

Targeted communication

We understand that language and cultural barriers can prevent UK businesses succeeding in new international territories. However, our experienced multi-lingual translation ensures effective communications that are localised to engage a business’s target audience.

In addition, we provide cultural awareness training that enables UK businesses to have a respectful and knowledgeable outlook on business tradition and national culture.

Grow your Business Network

From our extensive network of European connections, we can identify strategic partnerships to form advantageous business relations overseas. These B2B introductions will establish your own network of European connection that solidify a lasting position in your desired market.

Create Marketing Strategy

Market environments are constantly changing, as shifting patterns of consumer activity, technological development and economic conditions create obstacles to trade and expansion. Yet the combination of our expertise alongside our network of close European partnerships offers a flexible and tailored approach to achieving successful Market Entry.

Enhance Engagement

Working closely with PR, Digital Marketing, and Advertising Agencies we offer content creation and transcreation services that adopt a creative and engaging tone sure to naturally attract audiences in new markets.

We offer virtual secretary services that allow customers to interact within their native language, creating approachable customer care regardless of language and cultural differences.

Lincolnshire turns the spotlight on doing business in Poland

website@sitemodify.com (Website Editor) — Thu, 06 May 2021 18:51:31 GMT

Do you have a question on trade with Poland, but do not know where to turn? We are here to help.PAB SEMA4, in partnership with the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, invites British businesses for an online event on Tuesday, 20th July. The session will provide insights into Poland’s market, including the latest market developments, the legal framework for expanding your business to Poland, and how PAB SEMA4 partners can assist with this process.

PAB SEMA4 is a specialist arm of the PAB and offers a range of services including company registration services, free trade zones company information, implementation of projects in Poland, accounting, tax and legal trusted partner introduction, market study and partner search in Poland, B2B, direct contact search, virtual office and secretarial services, and ongoing business mentoring.

“We are delighted to partner in the UK with PAB SEMA4 to assist British companies planning expansion in Poland. The Industrial Cluster of the Central Industrial District (COP Cluster) is a multi-sector, non-governmental business organisation that brings together many companies, local governments, and universities. Its activities cover not only the entire territory of Poland but also go far beyond the borders of Europe. The COP cluster based in Warsaw has been cooperating with PAB SEMA4 as an exclusive partner in the UK since 2019. Professional and individual approach to each project and at the same time full knowledge of business conditions and control of the implementation of the project from start to finish, distinguish this dynamic company. I can recommend the PAB SEMA4 team with full responsibility to entrepreneurs in Great Britain who want to enter the Polish market as effectively as possible.”

Jacek Kopyra -
President of the Management Board of the COP Cluster.

Webinar activities include:

• Discussion with experienced legal advisors on setting up your UK business operations and positioning your company for success in the Polish market.

• Practical advice on how to successfully engage, communicate, and build relationships with Polish business partners.

SEMA4 specialises in seamless overseas market activity – supporting exporters and helping UK businesses to identify opportunities, understand risks and challenges, connect, and establish long-lasting business relationships in Europe.

There are several things to consider when entering the market in Poland. Usually, we recommend starting with an in-depth market analysis to get an understanding of your target industry sector, potential local competitors, and customers. Based on the results of this analysis, we will assist you with market entry strategy development which will consider the local tradition, communication style and culture. In collaboration with our associate partners based in the UK and Poland, we help our clients to grow by providing a full range of specialised services including marketer research, competitor analysis, marketing, distribution, and logistics.

“We are glad that we can cooperate with the COP Cluster. SEMA4 holds a proven track record in both strategy development and execution of export promotion services in multiple industry sectors and has helped many of non-Polish companies to enter the Polish market,” said Iwona Lebiedowicz, Chief Executive of the PAB Group.

The company – part of the PAB Group – is a trusted partner of the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce and a long-standing partner for UK-Polish business entry. Entitled Doing Business in Poland, the webinar will take place on Tuesday, 20th July.

To find out more about PAB SEMA4 visit https://www.pabsema4.co.uk /

To register for the event please visit the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce events page https://www.lincs-chamber.co.uk/events/chamberconnect-poland/

Reasons to Export

website@sitemodify.com (Website Editor) — Thu, 06 May 2021 18:51:30 GMT

The global lockdown has forced companies and individuals to embrace immediate change, whether they like it or not. These enforced changes have shown many companies – sometime much to their surprise - that many of the barriers to E-Commerce are not only imaginary but E-Commerce brings many benefits to companies and employees alike. Moreover, the world is not going back to a pre-coronavirus reality any time soon; if ever. Therefore, we all must adapt to these changes.

According to the World Bank, international trade was 62.27% of world GDP in 2019; according to Macro Trends this was 64.29% for the UK.By early 2019, B2B E-Commerce sales reached $12.2 trillion27. More than 6x that of the global B2C market.

If you are targeting SMEs with 10-250 employees, then in the European Union alone there are an estimated 1.47 million enterprises small firms with between 10 and 49 employees plus approximately 236 thousand were medium-sized firms that had 50 to 249 employers. Globally, according to the World Bank, there are approximately 35-45 million formal non-agricultural SMEs globally (World Bank).

Why should you consider exporting to Europe?

Broaden your customer base

Exporting can reduce your business risks by developing alternative markets, should a slow down or disruption occur in your domestic market. Exports reduce your business risk – if one market goes down there is the good chance that your other markets will at least remain stable if not actually increase.

Balancing Production Schedules

If your domestic product is seasonal, you can sell it to countries with coinciding seasons or, better yet, whose seasons start when yours ends. If you have idle capacity for any reason, this can be re-directed to supporting your exports.

Improving Economies of Scale

With increased export production and sales, you can achieve economies of scale and spread costs over a larger volume of revenue. You reduce average unit costs and increase overall profitability and competitiveness

Extending Product Life Cycles

Exports extend product life cycles. As technology advances and tastes change, many products become obsolete or lose their appeal, particularly in highly industrialised markets. But these products may still be valued elsewhere. Over half the world's economies are less developed. They may not need or cannot afford your latest model. They may even prefer less costly, earlier versions or used or reconditioned products. Pursue exports in markets that still value goods no longer in demand in the domestic market.

Gain New Knowledge and Experience.

Going international can yield valuable ideas and information about new technologies, new marketing techniques and foreign competitors. The gains can help a company’s domestic as well as foreign businesses.

Exporting outside the UK can change your business. Like any fundamental change to the way you trade, there are risks as well as benefits you should consider when exporting to Europe. Please contact our friendly team for assistance.