Five reasons why Europe still makes good business sense!

Five reasons to develop your business in Europe

Europe is still the most potentially lucrative and accessible location for Scottish companies. In this blog, Anis Mourad suggests five reasons why Europe might be for you:

1) It’s a free trade zone!

The EU is the biggest free trade zone in the world. Factoring in some of the associated countries, such as Switzerland, Norway and so on, the unhindered movement of goods and services between Scotland and the rest of Europe means a wealth of choice when buying raw materials or distributing goods.

2) It’s right on our doorstep!

Businesses can reach places such as the Netherlands, Germany and Scandinavia in only a few hours via budget airlines (other flavours of airline are available too of course!) and the Enterprise Europe Network can put you in touch with like-minded businesses from the continent using our local valued colleagues on the ground in all these countries.

3) English – the beautiful language of business!

I once read that around 40% of EU citizens learn English as their first foreign language. Stunning stat! Generally speaking, English also dominates as the language of business offering Scottish organisations more of an opportunity for comfortable business conditions than they may have thought! And…if there are any problems….our Enterprise Europe Network colleagues in regional offices all over the continent can assist in making the contact easy.

4) Etiquette – eti-what?

Similarities in business practices and etiquette put Scottish companies in a good position when dealing with continental European colleagues. We all know being smart and punctual will go a long way towards making a good first impression to potential clients and partners, but the Enterprise Europe Network also has the inside knowledge on regional preferences. A Swede once told me to “lose the tie and be informal”!

5) They’re all very nice too…

Not only are all my valued EEN colleagues across our 50 partner countries extremely nice, but they all have a great love of Scotland and interest in the country, business conditions and potential collaboration with like-minded organisations in this nation of ours. Don’t be surprised if they are a bit shocked to find out that not all Scots have red beards and wear kilts, though.!

These are just some of the reasons why I feel doing business in Europe is something that Scottish organisations should seriously consider, if they aren’t doing it already! The bonus of it all is that we, at the EEN, are willing and able to help your company as best we can.

Whether it’s market information, scouting for business partners or funding advice you’re looking for, the team is ready to support you.

To get in touch with a view to doing business in Europe, please just drop me a line on Anis.Mourad@scotent.co.uk

The Network Effect

The Enterprise Europe Network is a European Commission funded project that provides business and innovation support to local companies looking to access new and exciting markets. In this post Elizabeth McNeil explores what it means to be part of this Network.

We define ourselves as a Network but what does that really mean?

The Enterprise Europe Network spans 50 countries and is made up of close to 600 partner organisations employing 3,000+ advisors. The organisations include chambers of commerce, enterprise agencies, regional development organisations, research institutes, universities, technology centres and innovation centres.

Our Network covers the 27 Member States and, contrary to the name, extends far beyond Europe.

The European Commission has recently extended the reach of the Enterprise Europe Network by opening new contact points in Japan and doubling its presence in China.

We now reach southern Mediterranean countries, with eight contact points in place in Tunisia, a longstanding partnership renewed in Egypt and Moroccan branches to be set up soon.

Other new countries to have recently joined the Network include Ukraine, Moldova and Mexico.

At the heart of this is free business and innovation support for SMEs looking to access new and exciting markets. All done through our network of colleagues.

If you are looking for market information or have questions about doing business in a new country; need assistance in accessing EU Funding; or want to identify business opportunities based on technology compatibility, trade or manufacturing requirements the Network can help.

We have trusted colleagues that we can call upon to assist you in finding the information and local business contacts you need.

This is the Network effect!

For more information and a list of the countries we cover please visit the Enterprise Europe Network’s website.

Please e-mail me at elizabeth.mcneil@scotent.co.uk if you would like information on doing business in any of our partner countries.