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9 Essentials You Need When Taking Your Business To The Global Market

Sam Whitear
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Taking your business from a national to an international entity is a challenging task. It can also be very lucrative if done well. There are a lot of steps you need to take to get your business ready for the global market, and you will need to prepare thoroughly for the challenges you will face. It is a good idea to deepen your understanding of business strategy and surround yourself with the most talented people.  

Utilise Communication Technology

When launching an overseas branch of your business, you will need to be in regular communication with teams in multiple locations. Communication technology can be invaluable in helping you stay connected with your team, increasing communication and collaboration.  

You should choose a reliable instant messaging system and make it the centralised form of digital communication across all teams and in all counties. You should also select a reliable video conferencing platform so that you can have regular face to face time with your employees regardless of where they are located.  

Familiarise Yourself With Local Regulations

You should fully understand the local regulations in any country you are setting up a branch in. It is a good idea to get in touch with lawyers familiar with a country’s laws. They will be able to advise you about any potential issues or changes in your practices you may need to make. It may also help to set up a compliance team to keep track of regulations and watch for changes. They can ensure you are compliant with a country’s local regulations.  

Hire Talented Individuals In Target Countries

It is vital to have talented individuals from the countries you are expanding to. Consider the skills that your international teams will need and start recruiting for roles as soon as possible. You should ensure that there is a clear progression path and offer an attractive salary to tempt the most talented candidates.  

Ensure There Is Demand For Your Product

You should carry out your due diligence and ensure there is demand for your product before you open up a branch in another country. You should consider the local competition and be certain that your product will be appealing to a new market. Expanding globally is expensive, and you will need to be confident you are making the right decision for the best reasons.  

Get Your Marketing Materials Professionally Translated

It is crucial that you get marketing and other materials professionally translated. While you could get a basic translation, it is often best to use a marketing translation service that will ensure that your content is translated correctly. The important thing is that the meaning of your content is translated appropriately, and nothing is lost in translation. You can learn more about marketing translation services from Brightlines, industry leaders in providing creative translations for businesses.  

Adapt To Local Culture And Demand

When you open a new branch, you will need to be prepared to be agile and change with the demands of your new market. You should be prepared to adapt your product or service to match the local norms and culture. While you may be able to anticipate a lot of the changes you will need to make, you will still need to be reactive to change.  

Consider The Global Political Climate

It would help if you kept a close watch on the global political climate and how it may impact your business. Things like elections and conflicts can have a significant impact on businesses, so you should have plans in place to deal with any issues that may arise.  

Partner With International Businesses

Partnering with an existing business in your target country can help make the transition easier. You will be able to use their existing knowledge of the country to help you navigate the markets for the first time. You should reach out to businesses in your destination country to find a good fit. It is best to avoid any company that is too similar to your own, as the chances that you will be in direct competition is high.  

Network Effectively

Networking can be invaluable in helping you launch your product in a new market. You should attend international networking events like conferences and conventions to give you the opportunity to meet with other business leaders and professionals. Take the opportunity to discuss your planned expansion and see if you can find any like-minded business people to partner with.  

Conclusion

Expanding internationally is often a logical next step for businesses that have achieved national success. It is crucial that you prepare thoroughly for the difficulties ahead and take steps to mitigate as much of the risk as possible. Surrounding yourself with talented individuals can be a tremendous asset to help you navigate new waters. You should also be prepared to adapt to new customs and cultures.

Beever and Struthers and Pareto Financial Planning announce strategic partnership as they look forward to the future

Sam Whitear
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The two Manchester-based firms will work closely together to ensure staff and clients of Beever and Struthers benefit from tailored and strategic financial advice and support. The partnership means Pareto specialist advisor Chris Colclough will
be based at the head office of Beever and Struthers at St George’s House, Chester Road, Manchester sharing his expertise with staff and national clients of the wider firm covering Blackburn, Birmingham, and London.

Maria Hallows, Executive Partner of Beever and Struthers said: “We look forward to our exciting and progressivepartnership with Pareto Financial Planning, which demonstrates how Beever and Struthers is dedicated to ensuring our
clients benefit from the independent and beneficial advice they require. Through this partnership we will be able to help our clients make informed decisions, reflecting both their personal and business needs, recognising that every client is
different.
“Working with Pareto in this way means we can provide a seamless service, including investment advice,measures to protect wealth, planning for retirement, and more general corporate advice, for example reviewing employee
benefit packages. We recognise that we need to practice what we preach, and so the starting point for this partnership is ensuring our valued staff have access to all the expertise and support Pareto can bring. Chris becoming embedded in our
team is fundamental to the success of this venture. We believe the wider range of services and support offered by Pareto aligns with our strategy of achieving better for, and with, our clients”.

Stuart Carswell, Director at Pareto Financial Planning, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Beever and Struthers as part of our continued growth plans to work with accountants and provide them with a robust financial services
proposition. We look forward to developing a successful long-term relationship with an ambitious and like-minded professional practice.The partnership exploits the natural synergies between us, offering a holistic approach to financial advice. I believe our
shared focus on ensuring a positive client outcome in everything we do will cement the success of the relationship going forwards.”

Middleton based VITA acquires USLEEP

Sam Whitear
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The Vita Group (or “Vita”), which is based in Middleton, Manchester, and is one of Europe’s leading providers of flexible polyurethane foam, has acquired mattress manufacturer Usleep Limited from Northedge Capital LLP.

Usleep produces a portfolio of foam, spring and hybrid mattresses for a number of the UK’s leading mattress retailers and Bed in the Box (BiB) brands. Usleep’s two sites in Ashton under Lyne and Castle Donnington utilise state-of-the-art machinery to create one of the UK’s most efficient automated mattress production processes.
This will be the 3rd acquisition completed by Vita in 2021 following the acquisitions of IMPE Srl, located in Naples, Italy, in Q1 and UK based Technical Foam Services (TFS) in Q2.
The Usleep acquisition significantly enhances and accelerates Vita’s strategy to grow its bedding business across Europe. Vita has existing mattress production facilities in France, Germany, Romania, The Netherlands, UK and Hungary. Vita has long term strategic relationships with a range of global partners in the bedding sector, building on a wide range of R&D capabilities via its innovation centres in the UK (Bedding) and Lithuania (chemistry/formulation).
Speaking on behalf of The Vita Group, Group CEO Ian Robb said: “We are very excited to have Usleep join the Vita family. Usleep aligns with our values of safety, responsibility, resourcefulness, integrity, and innovation. Together, we look forward to supporting our customers and suppliers. This acquisition will enable collaboration on innovation across the end-to-end service, from unique foam technologies through to innovative mattress design”.
Vita’s Managing Director, Comfort Division Gilbert Davids, added: “The Vita Group’s scale, innovation and operational capabilities complement well with Usleep, and together we will offer a compelling package of differentiated foam, right through to final white label production and fulfilment to consumers. Our commitment to increase our sustainability offering has made significant strides in 2021, and we have the advanced materials capability to enhance our offerings to our customers further.”

The Insights Family expansion continues with search for Managing Director, five new hires and a string of promotions

Sam Whitear
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The Insights Family, the global leaders in kids, parents and family market intelligence, have announced the recruitment of five new team members and that they have started the recruitment process for a Managing Director.

With the company now made up of 63 people, serving more than 100 clients in 18 countries from across the globe, the decision has been made to look to appoint a Managing Director to oversee the businesses continual growth and development. The new role will lead the day-to-day operations of the business and will be based at the company’s Manchester office.

Nick Richardson, Founder & CEO comments,
“We have just signed off our five-year plan as a board. We have some significant expectations as a business, as we look to further establish ourselves in a class of one, when it comes to kids, parents and family research and market intelligence. The appointment of a Managing Director will enable us to further accelerate growth, continue to scale globally, fulfil our purpose, whilst of course, retaining our incredible company culture and values”
The Manchester based business has also announced the appointment of Leyla Marasli as Account Manager and Tasmin Chatha as Data Analyst. Further, Lucy Wilson, Yennah Smart and Yan Jiao join as Client Success Coordinators, as part of the businesses graduate programme, which sees the business further expand to a team of 63.

The company has also promoted George Sarakinis to Client Strategy Director, Georgie Martin to Senior Research Manager, Dan McDonald to Research Manager, Beth Bleathman to Research Manager and Rajan Sundavadra, Sarah Waterhouse and Lucy Holland to Senior Research Executives.

Sarah Mitchell is also taking on the role of Client Success Director and heading up a new department within the business.

Nick Richardson, Founder & CEO adds,
“I am delighted to welcome Leyla, Tasmin, Lucy, Yennah and Kiko to our business. I am so proud and humbled by the quality of individuals that we continue to attract to our business, and who share our commitment to make our vision become a reality. One of the most satisfying parts of my role is seeing talented individuals grow, prosper and succeed in their roles, and I congratulate George, Georgie, Dan, Beth, Rajan, Sarah, Lucy and Sarah for their continued progression within the business”

Easing The Great Return to Work

Sam Whitear
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Top Tips for a Safe and Secure Post-Pandemic Workplace

As rush hour traffic returns to pre-pandemic levels and bosses call time on working from home, Stockport-based and photo ID card specialists Digital ID share a handful of expert tips to help formulate your plan, ease re-entry anxiety and safely manage employees and visitors on their return to the workplace.

 

Jonathan Fell, group managing director of the company said: “Whilst were seeing businesses offering ‘goodies like breakfast and lunches’, live DJ’s and drinks to persuade staff back to their place of work, safety and security shouldn’t be a last thought. The pandemic has accelerated security risks and vulnerabilities that we have seen first-hand for many years. Lack of photo ID cards, paper-based visitor management systems and natural ventilation in workspaces are just a few that spring to mind.

 

Fell went on further to say: “combining security measures with employee feedback creates a safe and secure setting, reduces re-entry anxiety and mitigates risk and illness.”

 

Here are the brand’s top tips on easing the return to work:

  1. Talk to your staff. It sounds simple but so many organisations fail to engage in conversations with staff about how they’re feeling returning to the office. It’s important to ensure a plan or process is in place to gather feedback from employees. Surveys, face to face meetings or even the end of week de-brief is a great place to start and it’s important that employees feel valued and their opinions heard. Many companies are adopting a hybrid approach to office working which in itself throws up some security issues, but there are solutions that can help keep track of who should be where and when.
  2. Create more space. If you have office with breakout areas or sofas it might be time to rearrange the furniture, if only temporarily. Employees that don’t have their own office, or work in open-plan areas, should still have a metre of space on all sides, with the option of a partition or cubicle. This can be at a request of the employee and demonstrates that you are making the first step to ensure their wellness is top priority.
  3. Photo ID. An outdated photo ID card or in the worst-case scenario, no form of photo ID being issued should be unthinkable post pandemic, yet many places of work have little or no security and ID card procedures in place. It’s more important than ever to know who is entering the building, when and how long they’ve been there. ID cards should be issued to employees and visitors as standard, and ID card policies should be updated with photographic ID cards and lanyards should be visible at all times.Staff shouldn’t feel worried if they see another person moving around the building not knowing if they should or shouldn’t be there. Everyone on-site needs to follow the same procedures day in day out.
  4. Limit on-site visits. On-site visits are great to show customers or prospective customers the setup, but while people are readjusting perhaps stop and think if they are necessary. And are they more important than protecting the workforce? As we head towards winter there will be the usual seasonal flu and colds circulating on top of coronavirus, so it’s still going to be important to limit mixing where possible. Again a visitor management system should be in place to keep track of who has been in the building.
  5. Is the workplace well ventilated? Providing natural ventilation and clean air into any workplace or business setting should be high up on the list. Opting for a UV air purifier such as the Atmofizer One is proven to eliminate ultrafine particles and kill small viruses such as COVID-19 with proven efficiency of 99.9%. Opting to invest in new products will significantly ease the anxiety of staff, visitors and customers returning and reduce absenteeism.
  6. Cleaning and Hygiene. Daily office cleans will need to be more frequent and visible efforts shown to put employees’ minds at ease. Think about frequency, products used and more importantly the recording of such activities. Upping the amount of time spent cleaning is great but it should be a tracked and continual effort.

Digital ID specialises in photo ID and access control helping businesses and their employees stay secure. It provides a range of products and services such as ID card printing, bespoke access control solutions, ID card printers and air purifiers to meet the requirements of customers. Visit www.digitalid.co.uk for more information.

 

Are cyberattacks on the rise?

Sam Whitear
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Our lives have moved increasingly online in recent years. The smartphone is now our bank, retail outlet, TV and cinema.

All of those apps means that a huge amount of your personal data is stored in online spaces – and accessing these details is a huge focus for cybercriminals, who may look to exploit you or profit from selling on sensitive information.

Here we’ll look at the numbers behind cyber crime and investigate what businesses can do to prevent themselves from being at risk.

What the numbers say

According to a recent survey by the UK Government, cyber crime is certainly on the rise.

• Almost half of businesses polled (46%) reported cybersecurity breaches in the preceding year
• A quarter of charities (26%) reported the same
• These figures rocket for medium-sized businesses (68%), large businesses (75%) and high-income charities (57%)

Compared to previous surveys, there is a rise in attacks on charities. Just 19% reported being breached in 2018, for comparison.

Among the companies that reported a breach, 32% said they experienced security concerns at least once a week in 2020, a considerable increase from 22% reporting the same frequency just three years prior.

Different types of cyberattack

• Phishing: A type of scam that sees malicious links placed into messages, such as SMS or email. Clicking the link could result in malware being spread to the network or contact details being harvested.
• Malware: Malware is a piece of software designed to do harm. You may see some versions referred to as ransomware – this will limit the usability of machines or networks unless a ransom is paid.
• Baiting: Similar to phishing, baiting involves tricking a user into downloading something – it may be masquerading as a smartphone app or a video clip – which then infects the device or network being used.

What can be done to stop cyberattacks

Preventing cyberattacks is as much about human action as it is about using technological assistance.

Making sure that your devices are properly password protected or company mobiles have biometrics activated ensures that data cannot be easily accessed if it falls into the wrong hands.

Similarly, remaining vigilant about messages from unexpected sources is key – as is driving these messages home to staff by way of cybersecurity training.

Protection can also be sought by way of taking out specific cyber risk insurance for businesses. This can help you repair the damage if the worst happens, but also provide you with further information on preventing attacks.

McCann to Kickstart careers in creative sector

Sam Whitear
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Manchester, September 24th , 2021: McCann Manchester, part of McCann Worldgroup is searching for the next generation of advertising and marketing talent as the agency pledges its support to the UK Government’s Kickstart Scheme. McCann Manchester is helping 16–24-year-olds gain meaningful long-term employment and experience in the creative industry.

The integrated agency, which is recognised for its work for clients such as Aldi, Smyths Toys and Matalan, has created 14 roles across a number of disciplines at its offices in Manchester city centre, Poynton and Prestbury. From strategy to production and new business, McCann Manchester is on the lookout for the next generation of advertising stars. The roles will be offered on a six-month contract from October this year.

Backed by the UK Government’s Kickstart Scheme, McCann Worldgroup announced its integrated network of agencies in the UK, including McCann Manchester, and sister agencies, FutureBrand and McCann Health London, have developed over 80 internships to address the serious skill and talent shortages in the UK.

Commenting on the opportunity, Karen Buchanan, CEO at McCann Manchester, said: “Our industry is fun, fast paced, challenging but above all can be incredibly rewarding. At McCann Manchester we connect all disciplines from production through to data and digital so our recruits will gain an in-depth understanding of the entire mix and how they work together to create effective connected ideas and experiences’.”

Mark Lund, president, UK and Europe at McCann Worldgroup, said: “We see it as our responsibility to leverage the unique breadth and depth of our network in the UK to help address the talent shortage among young people in our sector. Following the announcement of the Kickstart Scheme by the UK government we are working even harder to create new and sustainable opportunities for a generation of young people to experience all aspects of the marketing communications industry. Our aim is to create careers that have a wider impact on the future of our industry and use our platform to nurture the next generation of talent.”

Those interested in applying should contact their local job centre. Applicants need to be receiving or be eligible for Universal Credit to qualify.

Kuits advises on opening of Summit Up climbing centre

Sam Whitear
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Commercial law firm Kuits has advised on the opening of Summit Up, a new state of the art climbing centre in Oldham.

The centre is owned by the Stoller Charitable Trust, which was created and has been funded by Sir Norman Stoller.

Summit Up is one of the UK’s largest Clip ‘n Climb centres, featuring a variety of climbing walls, angles and holds. In addition to Clip n’ Climb it has traditional rope wall climbing and bouldering sectors.

The centre has 100 climbing routes across 47 rope lines, two official speed walls with timers and a two-tier floating boulder, all of which are equal to the standard of those used in the Tokyo Olympics.

The team at Kuits advised the Stoller Charitable Trust on all matters involved in the opening of the climbing centre, including purchase of the land, funding and company structure, employment contracts and commercial agreements.

Graham Wood, Partner in Kuits’ Private Client Team said: “We have been involved in this project right from its infancy, so to see the centre develop into what is going to be the best climbing centre in the UK is phenomenal and we are very proud.

“Summit Up is aimed at all abilities and ages, making it a great day out for young people and families as well as experienced climbers. The Stoller Charitable Trust is heavily involved in the advancement of young people in the Greater Manchester area, so there is a real passion that has gone into the design, construction and overall feel of the centre.”

Stephen Lowe, Chairman of Summit Up said: “This climbing centre is a community-focused project, with the young people of Oldham and Greater Manchester at its heart. We hope that the Summit Up will attract people from across the country to try their hand at climbing and see all the fantastic benefits this sport can bring. All of Summit Up’s distributable profits will go directly to supporting charity”

Bupa Global completes major rebrand to market new bespoke luxury ‘lifecare’ proposition

Sam Whitear
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Premium health insurer Bupa Global has today announced the launch of a new proposition targeted at ultra-high net worth (uHNW) customers. More than healthcare; Private Client by Bupa is “Lifecare”, which defines a new category within the health insurance market to meet demand for a tailored service, focused on prevention, holistic wellbeing, and sought-after therapies.

Research from Bupa Global found that 59% of uHNW customers are now investing in their health and wellbeing more than tangible luxury goods such as handbags and cars, demonstrating that health is a key priority for this demographic. A similar number (65%) said that the pandemic has prompted a renewed focus on their health and wellbeing over the past year.

The Private Client by Bupa proposition focuses on prevention and holistic wellbeing in addition to being there for customers when they need healthcare the most. It curates exceptional health and wellbeing services, bringing them together in one simple package.

Market analysis of cash-rich and time-poor customers reveals that there’s an appetite for increased service levels, personal guidance and greater tailoring to individual needs. As a result, each customer is appointed a named Lifecare Concierge Manager to handle all aspects of their individual or family health plan, with an understanding of their lifestyles, medical conditions, provider preferences and whereabouts.

The brand proposition has been developed in partnership with McCann Manchester, to identify the specific needs of the ultra-wealthy target audience and communicate to them directly. Private Client by Bupa will be introduced to the UK, in China in partnership with the Alltrust Insurance Company, and to Hong Kong based customers this month, and rolled-out across further products in September.

Analysis of the customer segment has shown that reaching uHNWs rely heavily on highly personalised, bespoke content and word of mouth referrals. To target this hard to reach group, a marketing campaign has begun this month with a media partnership with the Financial Times, followed by a series of targeted digital campaigns.

Customers are offered Lifecare, a newly branded proposition, which curates a complete service for the mind, body and being, with plans that are designed to be used. It provides them access to world-class health professionals and services that meet their health priorities, with a focus on prevention and holistic wellbeing. They can also share their health screening results with Bupa Global’s senior clinical experts, to actively manage potential conditions and work out the best ways to use the benefits that come with a health plan.

Neil Kirby, Marketing Director at Bupa Global, said: “Private Client by Bupa is an exciting first step in defining a new luxury ‘Lifecare’ category. This new proposition demonstrates our understanding of the ultra-high net worth market; we know this demographic is looking for a wellness partner, with a provider that understands their needs and priorities, helping to give them peace of mind that their health is in safe hands.”

Richard Aldiss, Managing Director at McCann Manchester, commented: “High net worth consumers demand the very best across all categories and lifestyle purchases. Our insights highlighted the desire for preventative treatments and personalised healthcare plans rooted in a prestige offering. Private Client by Bupa has a prestigious look and feel and is framed as a lifestyle commodity not a circumstance purchase.”

Love Hemp appoints new media partner SPORF

Sam Whitear
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Love Hemp, Britain’s fastest growing CBD brand, has appointed Social Chain’s sports brand SPORF as a new sports media partner.

SPORF is one of the biggest digital sports communities in the world with more than 15 million followers.

SPORF will work with Love Hemp to publish unique and behind-the-scenes content from UFC fights, training camps with some of the greatest UFC athletes of all time and all Anthony Joshua fights on its social media and digital channels.

In June, two-time Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua signed a three-year endorsement deal with Love Hemp and became a key shareholder in the business.

It follows Love Hemp’s signing of a five-year sponsorship deal with the Ultimate Fighting Championship and partnerships with the World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation and the World Boxing Organisation.

Love Hemp also sponsors several world-leading UFC athletes including Georges St-Pierre and current Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman – and SPORF will be regularly creating content with them.

In addition, SPORF will amplify the content Love Hemp creates around its UFC sponsorship, athlete ambassadors and run bi-monthly competitions for fans with exclusive prizes such as access to the biggest UFC events and Anthony Joshua fights, including the upcoming fight against Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk.

Ian Munzberger, Love Hemp’s Chief Partnerships Officer, said: “The global CBD market is growing at a rapid pace. As a trusted leader in our field we are looking forward to working with SPORF and driving our brand to the highest levels.”

Greg Rowell, head of SPORF at Social Chain, said: “Getting the chance to secure unrivalled behind the scenes access through Love Hemp’s sponsorship felt like the perfect fit for SPORF. We’re working on a number of formats that we know our audience will love.”

Love Hemp was founded in London in 2015 by friends Tony Calamita and Tom Rowland. The premium CBD health and wellness brand sells over 40 products including oils, edibles, sprays, cosmetics and topicals.

Its range of products are sold online across 70 websites and in over 2,000 stores including some of the biggest retailers in the UK, such as Holland & Barrett, Boots and Ocado.

Love Hemp has just opened a satellite headquarters in Manchester for its growing creative and marketing team as it gears up for global expansion.

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