Grow your business in Europe:

It’s safe to say that political fallout, economics, and global health issues have indeed plagued Europe’s economy over the last year. Brexit, the devastating financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and other inter-regional economic issues certainly contributed to a weaker market than in years past. And while the market may appear to be precarious right now, the truth is that this won’t be for long.

​As European countries continue to do what they can to rebound and come back from the COVID-19 pandemic, you can be sure that the markets will recover, and you will be able to leverage all of the benefits of expanding into Europe in due time. With that said, now is the perfect time to begin planning your expansion.

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​One of the most important things to consider regarding how the European market is structured is that it is virtually left entirely wide open. Remember, the EU is massive, and there are several countries within the EU that would provide an international business with a fantastic opportunity for expansion. Of those countries, you’ll have to determine which ones make sense for your own unique business.

​Because the EU generally supports the free flow of goods, you’re not merely expanding into one country—you’re expanding into a wealth of opportunity because you’ll be able to lend your services and sell your goods/products in every country within the European Union —and that’s quite a unique opportunity.

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​One of the things that make the European market unique is that businesses are often positioned together in “clusters.” As JP Morgan says, “Clusters are groups of companies in related industries that operate in a concentrated area—based on demand, supply chain, and resources—and they form naturally as a result of spillover. Well-established across Europe, clusters can be beneficial at both the company and regional levels, and they often become areas of concentrated employment.”

​These clusters are essential for expanding businesses to consider because they offer easy and virtually direct and immediate access to a comprehensive supply chain explicitly built for their industry. Because the businesses within each specific cluster have already made headway within their respective markets, they’ve already established clear and effective supply chains that your expanding business could benefit from.

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​In speaking about developing partnerships within your new market, it goes beyond the big, monumental decisions. It can even be something as simple as packaging and language translation. Packaging is a good example. Don’t assume the French text on your packaging translated in Canada will meet the standard. Nuanced language means it will need to be adapted for French-speaking customers in Europe. A local expert can help you identify these and other subtle differences or business requirements.

​Building those regional partnerships and working with local businesses to help you navigate these new markets is critical. We provide this local know-how on the ins and outs of your industry in that specific region.

​In the international business world, every business leader understands that no decision comes without its challenges. In this final instalment, we’re going to talk a bit about the potential challenges that come along with business expansion.
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As we get into some of these potential challenges, please be aware that due to the complex nature of the European continent, these challenges are mostly general and could be more complex or arbitrary depending on your desired location of expansion.

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Many European gardens and nature reserves host dedicated butterfly houses, where chrysaliis are displayed, offering opportunities for people to learn about and appreciate these remarkable transformations.