How to Set Up a UK Foreign Office

· 5 min read
How to Set Up a UK Foreign Office

If you're looking for growth and expansion, consider alternative futures. Global commerce has seen remarkable growth in recent years, and the world is a smaller place than ever before. Traditional business models no longer fit, and younger generations are looking for new ways to engage with the world. One option is to establish an overseas office with a view to exporting the company's services. The benefits of operating a UK foreign office are many, not least of which is the ability to retain your UK tax advantages. The additional cost of this form of business operation might be more than you'd expect, but with proper management and planning, the rewards can be considerable. This is the world of  satış ve ihracat danışmanlığı , and this article will tell you more about what it entails and the role you might play within it. Keep reading if this sounds interesting.

What is sales and export consultancy?

Put yourself in the shoes of a young business owner who's just started up and is looking to gain a foothold in an already competitive industry. You've got a good idea, a novel approach that's attracted interest from across the pond, and you're now faced with the daunting task of convincing potential UK clients to hand over significant funds for your services. The industry is highly specialised, and with just a small UK base, you'll find yourself struggling to gain acceptance across the whole of the country. Not an ideal scenario. The answer might be to establish an office overseas. Not only will this expand your client base, it will also allow you to tap into export markets that you might not have had the chance to reach in your hometown. This is the essence of sales and export consultancy. The UK Government's dedicated agency, UKTI, defines the role as follows:

"A sales and export consultant is someone who helps businesses to sell their products and services overseas. They provide specialist advice on trade policy, competition, visas and tariffs, and assist with setting up business operations in a foreign country. So, in effect, they are a business 'globalist' who has a particular expertise in international trade and foreign direct investment."

Why should you become a specialised consultant?

Consulting is a desirable career path for many reasons. For one thing, it can be highly specialised, with particular areas of focus such as pharmaceuticals, technology, or agri-food processing attracting a lot of interest from students. Another big draw is the variety of workplaces that you can take on. Sales and export consultancy is a very niche area, but it does offer a lot of job opportunities. You'll be working with multinationals, advising them on how to sell their products in other countries. You'll be assisting with trade agreements, negotiating the best terms for foreign markets, and ensuring that every aspect of the negotiation is handled correctly. Essentially, you're helping businesses make more money by increasing sales, and you'll find that the job attracts ambitious, driven individuals who want to make the most of the opportunity.

Setting up in a foreign country

The first step in establishing a UK foreign office is to register the company with the relevant regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This not only enables you to operate legally in the country but will also make you eligible for certain trade privileges that you might not otherwise be entitled to. Once this is done, you can move forward with exploring the options available to you. The next step is to consider the type of office space that you'll need. If you're seeking growth and expansion, consider setting up in a location that's already established as a hub for business. London is, of course, a popular choice due to its status as a global city, but you can also draw upon the vibrant economies of Birmingham, Leeds, and others. Remember that the more remote the location, the more expensive it will be to lease office space. This will impact upon your overall cost structure. You should also look to establish a physical presence in the location that you choose. The UK has some of the most amazing real estate agents and let's face it, finding good, professional office space in a desirable location is not easy. Don't underestimate the importance of a good, professional desk and chair.

Key areas of responsibility

Once you've set up your business in a foreign location, you'll be expected to handle a variety of tasks. Essentially, you'll be expected to establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders including UK Government departments, international agencies, and business partners, both existing and prospective. You'll be responsible for gathering and analysing information relating to the trade and investment environment in your location, including local, national, and EU legislation concerning business operations.

As a sales and export consultant, you might be expected to develop and implement a marketing plan, devise a sales strategy, forecast sales levels, and evaluate the effectiveness of current marketing campaigns. You might also be required to research and analyse customer behaviour, analyse market and industry trends, propose new product development, advise on pricing structures, develop and maintain effective relationships with existing and prospective clients, and represent the company at international events.

Depending on your specific area of interest, you might also be responsible for conducting trade missions, negotiating trade agreements, or providing due diligence services in connection with an overseas business investment. In the latter case, you'll need to investigate the prospective investment, satisfy yourself that all legal and regulatory requirements have been met, and then report back to the company on your findings. You might also be tasked with accompanying company executives on overseas visits as their personal representative, acting as a local business contact and advisor, and handling any necessary introductions to government officials or commercial partners.

Salary & benefits

For those seeking employment in this field, take heart. As a specialist consultant with an in-demand skill set, you'll be able to negotiate a competitive salary that takes into account your experience. If you're seeking additional benefits, take a look at the options available. Many UK companies offer a bonus structure that's tied to sales performance. For those seeking to expand their reach into lucrative new markets, this could be an attractive addition to your package. Remember to look at the scheme as a whole, as there might be other elements that you could qualify for.

Working hours

The hours that you work will depend on the nature of your responsibilities. In most instances, you'll be expected to work closely with the company you're hired by to provide value and gain access to key decision-makers. You might be called upon to work late into the night or on weekends, as clients can be located anywhere and may require face-to-face contact. The job might also come with the opportunity to travel, both within the UK and abroad. The hours might not be conducive to a social life, but you'd be a fool to say that being successful in this field isn't about building a successful career.