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How to prepare your business for international expansion

Featured Businesses

Sam Whitear

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31/08/2022

How to prepare your business for international expansion

Most business owners – the ones who successfully navigate the challenges of the first five years – are always looking for ways to expand their company and maximise profit. This can involve moving to a bigger premises, opening more branches across the country, or moving into new fields of work. If you are finding secure success within the market in your own patch, one option for company growth is to expand overseas.

International expansion can be a complex task as this involves entering a new legal system and operating in an unfamiliar culture, so it is well worth getting professional advice on strategies for international business growth before launching your product abroad. If you plan carefully, there are all sorts of benefits to international expansion that you can continue to reap for years to come, from a broader client base to greater security. Explore the key stages in preparing your business for international expansion.

Research new markets

For a start, you should carefully research any new market you are looking to move into. Different countries have vastly different cultures, with varying interests, motivations, priorities, and traditions. If you make a cultural mistake when expanding, it could ruin your prospects in that country. A common trend is companies coming unstuck due to language translation errors. For instance, when HSBC expanded internationally, one of its American slogans of “assume nothing” translated in many places to “do nothing.” This damaged business and the bank had to find a new tagline. To avoid this, you should research carefully to make sure you understand all aspects of the country’s culture.

Adjust marketing strategy

Your marketing strategy will be key when you look to raise your brand’s profile internationally. Be prepared that what works at home might not work abroad and ensure that your strategy is adaptable to the new culture. Look at your competitors to see what works well with this market and learn from their past mistakes rather than repeating them. Check that your product is suited to your new target audience, making any necessary changes before you launch overseas.

Hire local experts

Advice from within the country you are expanding into is essential. Local experts can give you insights into any elements of the culture that could affect your operations such as the country’s traditions, beliefs, lifestyle aspects, and political climate. Speaking to a local will better help you to understand the culture of the new country more quickly. Make sure that your company is well-represented in your new target region, whether with business ambassadors or by opening a fully-fledged office or outlet with local staff.

Keep it legal

Last but certainly not least – do not forget the legal ramifications of expanding abroad. Whichever part of the world you are expanding into, there will be new laws and regulations to be aware of. Instead of making a costly mistake, do your legal research beforehand. By putting into place all the correct processes before you expand, you should be all set for a smooth arrival in your new country. Examining foreign law can be difficult, so make sure your team has time to carry out the work effectively.

Expanding overseas can take your business to the next level. Take time to thoroughly complete your preparations and you should assimilate seamlessly into the new market.

Deloitte North West chooses new charity partners to make an impact that matters

CSR

Sam Whitear

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30/08/2022

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Deloitte North West chooses new charity partners to make an impact that matters

Deloitte is continuing the success of its 5 Million Futures responsible business programme, which aims to help five million people get to where they want to be through access to education and employment, by partnering with 12 new charities in the UK. This includes two North West-based charities: The Hive, Wirral Youth Zone and Manchester Youth Zone (MYZ).

The new charities join a cohort of 10 organisations who renewed their existing partnerships with Deloitte for the coming year. A reoccurring theme through many of the partnerships and a key objective for Deloitte is to support children and young people. Six of the new charity partners are aligned to mental health and wellbeing while the remaining are aligned to homelessness, health, education, employment, and inclusion (disability, diversity, and social mobility).

Chris Rix, Tax Partner and North West Responsible Business Lead at Deloitte, said: “Our people were invited to nominate a charity they felt passionate about to be a potential charity partner for Deloitte North West. After receiving the nominations, we created a shortlist based on alignment to our social impact strategy of access to education, employment and inclusion, and invited each charity to apply. The final vote by our people was for the charity that they felt they could strongly support on a specific project or programme in their local area.

“Our goal is to break down barriers to education and employment, giving individuals the skills and opportunities to succeed. It is our pleasure to welcome Wirral Youth Zone and Manchester Youth Zone, alongside our national charity partnerships, to our 5 Million Futures programme and further demonstrate our purpose to make an impact that matters.”

The Hive, Wirral Youth Zone’s vision is for every young person on the Wirral to be happy, healthy and to thrive within their community. By always putting young people first, they combine high quality youth work with inspiring activities in an inclusive, safe space.

MYZ provides a unique safe place, with a wealth of sport, creative, education and employability activities. MYZ works to raise their members’ aspirations, equip them with the tools to increase their confidence, build positive relationships and add something back to their own community.

Mark Easdown, CEO at The Hive, Wirral Youth Zone, said: “We are so excited to have the backing of Deloitte North West. We rely on our volunteers to keep doing what we do, supporting thousands of young people across Wirral every year to raise their aspirations. To have the support of an international organisation like Deloitte means so much, and we look forward to welcoming their volunteers.”

Amanda Naylor, CEO at Manchester Youth Zone, said: “The Deloitte Manchester team have already been a huge help, with over 100 volunteers helping us maintain and update our world class facilities, keep our local areas clean, engage with our young people and attending events to celebrate our 10th birthday. We are really grateful for the support from the full Deloitte team, helping us reach even more young people with year-round support, inspiration and opportunities to fulfil their potential, and to bridge the gap between Harpurhey and the opportunities available in the city centre.”

Deloitte employees are encouraged to use 3.5 hours of the firm’s time each month to volunteer it’s 5MF partners. 150 team members from across Deloitte North West have been involved in the charity initiative. In May, volunteers took part in ‘Better Futures Month’- a month-long volunteering initiative that directly supports Deloitte’s ambition to build better futures across the UK through skills, education and employment.

In addition to their charity partners, Deloitte will continue to work with its 33 school partnerships across the UK. Last year Deloitte pledged to donate 7,500 of its laptops to UK schools, charities and families. The latest batch of more than 1,000 laptops have been donated to Ukrainian refugees arriving in the UK to help families stay connected with loved ones, support access to education and employment and connect to communities in the UK and elsewhere.

New app Linkup to launch in Manchester, set to revolutionise the way students socialise

Tech

Sam Whitear

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26/08/2022

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New app Linkup to launch in Manchester, set to revolutionise the way students socialise

25th August [Manchester, United Kingdom]: Linkup, a new app revolutionising the way people connect and interact in the digital age, is launching in Manchester on the 15th September just in time for Manchester freshers’ week. A pioneering new social app with a mission to take the pressure off of making new friends, Linkup recently closed a half a million dollars pre-seed round, with investment from hip hop duo Krept & Konan, YouTuber Calfreezy and other YouTubers and footballers. The app is open for pre-registration here to be the first to be notified when it launches in just one month, on 15th September.

Linkup is trailblazing a new era of community and socialising, offering users a unique way to connect with different types of events and new people in their area. Based on categories of interest, from sport to drinks to fitness, linkups are easily created in the user-friendly app and tackle the problem of loneliness and anxiety around socialising head-on. The Linkup mission is to be the global solution for like-minded people to meet and connect in the real world, by doing the things they love, or discovering a new passion. The app features a swipe through of different events, or ‘linkups’, happening nearby, a chat function to speak to people before attending and get the details, specific location services and integrated core safety features.

Ben Whatson, co-founder of Linkup and Manchester local, said: “Very simply, we want to help people socialise, meet and connect in the real world and I see Manchester as the perfect place to start. The pandemic coupled with a big focus on digital innovation has left people lonely, particularly Generation Z now known as the loneliest generation ever. We want to empower people to use technology positively to break out of those cycles and therefore it was key to our mission to provide something seamless, easy to use and ultimately fun; a social app that actually makes you social.”

Given that Manchester has one of the largest European student populations with over 96, 200 students (17, 500 are international), launching the app in Manchester was an easy decision for the founders; one of whom, Ben Whatson, was born and raised in the city. Often described as the most connected generation, a concerning 73% of Generation Z have reported feeling lonely. A nationwide survey of over 55,000 people led by The University of Manchester itself along with BBC Radio 4 found similar results, proving that 16-24-year-olds experience loneliness more often, and more intensely than any other age group.

The thriving technology industry has resulted in fewer reasons to need to leave home: from food delivery services to endless entertainment on TikTok to more films available on streaming platforms and immersive games in the metaverse; and a global pandemic that ate into the most socially developmental years of the generation, there is a sense of loss of how to connect with new people again. With no tools or support to return back to normal society, many young people have been left in a rut of social anxiety, seeking comfort in isolation.

“We’re building a community and we can’t wait to see Linkup take over Manchester in a few weeks. It’s been a challenging two years and the thriving student community deserves a genuine social tool, and incoming freshers will have something in their pocket that helps them experience the best Manchester has to offer,” continues Ben.

Determined to spark an authentic movement, Linkup is leading the social charge with backing from big names in the entertainment industry and key early investors and adopters. Amongst them was Tappable, a UK app development company, which recognised the ambition and potential of Linkup’s core values and principles.

Raj Singh, Tappable CEO, said, “Jack and Ben are building something genuinely exciting and important to the society we live in today. A product that encourages people to go out and meet other people with similar interests and form new relationships and genuinely get social again. After the few years we have had I can’t think of anything more valuable to society, particularly to the younger generations. Tappable saw the Linkup proposition was unique and was keen to be part of building a platform to tackle the problem of loneliness.”

Launching in just one month in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, to give Manchester a fresh burst of life, Linkup is currently available to pre-register here. The app is also on the hunt for student ambassadors who embody the Linkup mission and want to be a core part of the growing community; sign up to be an ambassador here.

Iconic Blackpool venue selects Mediaworks as digital partner

Creative

Sam Whitear

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26/08/2022

0

Iconic Blackpool venue selects Mediaworks as digital partner

One of Europe’s biggest and most historic entertainment complexes, Winter Gardens Blackpool, has selected marketing specialists Mediaworks to transform its digital footprint.

Opened in 1878, The Winter Gardens Blackpool has developed a long-standing reputation as a globally-renowned dance venue, but has also played host to an enormous range of events and shows, including World Matchday Darts and musical performances including the latest phenomenon, ‘The Cher Show’.

Mediaworks will be supporting Winter Gardens Blackpool as it transitions from Ticketmaster to take ownership of its own dedicated ticketing platform, creating a far more personal customer journey online. The partnership will aim to raise brand awareness within a range of diverse audiences through a mix of online paid search and social media techniques.

Anthony Williams, sales and marketing manager at the Winter Gardens Blackpool, said: “To be working with Mediaworks as we enter this new digital phase for us is really exciting. We wanted to work with an agency as a partner who could share their expertise and knowledge to build on our own rich history.

“Mediaworks is giving us all the tools to help take ownership of a far more personalised customer experience online, from driving awareness to upcoming shows through to ticket purchasing. It puts the power in our own hands, away from third party platforms, and enables us to reach a far wider range of demographics.”

Winter Gardens Blackpool is the latest in a list of clients that have selected Mediaworks’ Manchester office to help take ownership of their digital futures. These include Hill Dickinson LLP, Nelson & Colne College Group and Salix Homes.

Brett Jacobson, CEO and founder, said: “Winter Gardens Blackpool is such an iconic name in the history of British entertainment. We’re thrilled to be working with such a famous name. For a venue that’s nearly 150 years old to be taking ownership of its future in this manner shows everyone that a robust digital footprint offers huge long-term commercial success.”

Mediaworks delivers a range of services across SEO, PPC, web dev, brand, content and digital PR. The rapidly growing agency currently has 190 staff across its six offices in Newcastle, Leeds, Edinburgh, Manchester, London and as MWi in Dublin.   

Kuits Solicitors Certified as a Most Loved Workplace®

Legal

Sam Whitear

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26/08/2022

0

Kuits Solicitors Certified as a Most Loved Workplace®

Manchester commercial law firm Kuits Solicitors has become certified as a Most Loved Workplace®, backed by Best Practice Institute (BPI) research and analysis. Most Loved Workplace® validation provides the most comprehensive look at workplace sentiment for organisations today.

Kuits has been certified as a certified Most Loved Workplace® based on its Glassdoor reviews from former employees and which first brought the firm to the attention of Newsweek. Kuits were then able to support their application based upon internal staff surveys which seek to measure various elements around employee satisfaction and sentiment, including the level of respect, collaboration, support, and sense of belonging staff feel inside Kuits.

Steve Eccleston, Managing Partner at Kuits commented: “It is fantastic to be recognized as a Most Loved Workplace® especially as the certification is based on feedback from our staff. Our aim to create a workplace where people are happy, feel valued and receive job satisfaction while being supportive, collaborative and demanding of each other.”

Most Loved Workplaces® certify companies where employees are the happiest and most satisfied at work. Kuits became certified as a Most Loved Workplace® based on its scores on the Love of Workplace Index™, which surveys employees on various elements around employee satisfaction and sentiment, including the level of respect, collaboration, support, and sense of belonging they feel inside the Company.

Kuits’ brand values are based upon four competencies that define the business both internally and externally; communicative, commercial, collaborative and connected. The firm is proud of its Manchester heritage and is committed to investing in its people, clients and the community in which it operates.

LSH Auto supports Manchester Pride 2022

Partnerships

Sam Whitear

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26/08/2022

0

LSH Auto is proud to announce its participation in Manchester Pride 2022.

LSH Auto colleagues and a special Pride Mercedes-Benz vehicle will join the iconic Manchester Pride Parade on Saturday 27th August.

Ian Williams, Head of Human Resources for LSH Auto, said: “We are delighted to support Manchester Pride in its aim to build a community where all people are free to live and love without prejudice.

“Manchester Pride is one of the leading LGBTQ+ charities in the UK and aims to fight against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. The team is committed to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ people in Greater Manchester and beyond, and celebrates advancements in equality, as well as challenging discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ people.

“Two of our core values at LSH Auto are integrity and social responsibility. We respect our colleagues, customers and community and care about diversity, wellbeing, and mental health, so we’re really happy to be supporting Manchester Pride.

“Our colleagues from Mercedes-Benz of Stockport, Whitefield and Macclesfield are looking forward to coming together with our local community on Saturday to celebrate LGBTQ+ achievement, life and love. We will also be joined by some of our colleagues from Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham, Solihull and Tamworth as the whole business supports the celebrations.”

Manchester Pride Festival is a ‘party as protest’ and has grown exponentially in its 50+ year history. The famous Manchester Pride Parade is the city’s biggest parade, grinding traffic to a halt as tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ people and their allies march together for equality. Thousands more line the streets to spectate.

Martyn Webb, Managing Director LSH Auto, said: “We’re really pleased to be supporting Manchester Pride 2022 and look forward to joining our local community for the celebrations.”

LSH Auto UK is part of the world’s largest Mercedes-Benz dealership group (LSH Auto Holdings), with more than 120 premier Mercedes-Benz dealerships worldwide.

With Mercedes-Benz dealerships in the North West and the Midlands, LSH Auto offers all-new models from the Mercedes-Benz and smart car collection, premium approved used vehicles and exceptional aftersales services including maintenance, repairs, servicing, parts and accessories.

Manchester based impact software developer hits £1 million ARR

Investment

Sam Whitear

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26/08/2022

0

Manchester based impact software developer hits £1 million ARR

Culture Shift, the Manchester based tech for good developer, has reached £1 million Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) for the first time since being founded in 2018.

More than 1.7 million people now have access to Culture Shift’s reporting system, which gives organisations the insights they need to monitor and prevent bullying and harassment in educational institutions and workplaces.

The developer has experienced a significant period of growth over the last two years having secured two rounds of investment, £1.35 million in 2020, followed by a further £1.5 million in 2021, in a funding round led by Praetura Ventures and Blackfinch Ventures.

Further to this, Culture Shift has more than tripled its headcount since January 2020, having bolstered its team with new employees across various parts of the business including marketing, sales and customer experience.

“It goes without saying that the last few years have been challenging for organisations worldwide, so being able to achieve substantial growth during this time has been a huge achievement. We’re currently working with more than 90 organisations across the UK to maintain a positive culture and help them to take a preventative approach to problematic behaviour, and this number is continuing to grow.

“This is a monumental milestone for the whole business and I’m so proud of the team for achieving such incredible things over recent years. It’s been a truly exciting journey since founding the company in 2018. The fact we’re now giving a voice to over 1.7 million employees and students who may not have felt empowered to speak up about problematic behaviour previously is incredible,” comments Gemma McCall, CEO and founder of Culture Shift.

Culture Shift exists to lead positive change in organisational culture, through building products that empower them to tackle harassment and bullying.

Motor retailer launches satisfying web game based on packing your car boot

Creative

Sam Whitear

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25/08/2022

0

Motor retailer launches satisfying web game based on packing your car boot

UK Top 10 motor retail group JCT600 is putting some extra fun into packing for holiday travel this summer with a new online game that will also keep car passengers of all ages entertained on long journeys.

Car Boot Carnage was designed and built by JCT600’s long-term digital agency partner Code Computerlove to help position JCT600 as leaders in online experience, in a market that’s seen a number of new digital-first disruptors in recent years.

Inspired by Tetris, one of the world’s favourite puzzle video games, Car Boot Carnage is available to play for free with no download required at carbootcarnage.com/ To play the game, you have to complete the grid by packing various items to fill the boot within the allocated time, depending on whether you’re visiting the beach, going camping, moving to uni, or visiting the in-laws.

The game has already got people hooked and is being shared by retro gaming fans and YouTubers, which is supporting JCT600’s visibility amongst extremely online audiences and strengthening their overall domain authority so they can continue punching above their weight in search.

As one of JCT600’s strategic digital partners, Code is supporting the 76-year-old retailer on its transformation journey by enhancing its digital customer experience and streamlining its service processes, which has recently included creating a new self-serve car buying experience for customers.

Joel Stein, Content & Creativity Lead at Code Computerlove, said:

“We have a clear and compelling vision for JCT600’s core digital products. As well as making the car buying experience feel calmer, we’re always looking for creative ways to reach new audiences and stand out in a crowded, competitive car retail landscape.

“Despite the name Car Boot Carnage, there’s actually something deeply mindful and satisfying about puzzle games like this, and that’s a nice reflection of the wider brand experience we’re building for JCT600, all rooted in a sense of calmness and control.”

Code Computerlove achieved viral success with another online game – its famous Higher Lower Game that rocketed to number one in the App Store just days after launch in 2016 and was downloaded more than six million times.

APADMI ACHIEVES SIGNIFICANT GROWTH FOLLOWING EUROPEAN EXPANSION

Growth

Sam Whitear

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25/08/2022

0

Leading technology consultancy, Apadmi, is forecasting a 66% growth in turnover for its current financial year following the expansion of its group across Europe.

Headquartered in Manchester, and with further offices across the UK and the Netherlands, Apadmi is the digital product partner for some of the world’s leading organisations including Domino’s, Co-op, NHS, BBC, Chelsea Football Club, Co-op and Argos Financial Services.

Following a turnover of £11.8m for the 12 months to March 2022, Apadmi is expecting a further 66% growth for year ending March 2023, attributed to the continued execution of its strategic expansion strategy, as well as a strong performance within its digital product offerings.

Former Google and Facebook lead, Stuart Lunn, who was appointed as UK Managing Director for Apadmi in June, has praised the company’s financial forecasts in light of the difficult economic environment and widespread market downturns.

Founded in 2009, Apadmi’s continued success has enabled it to become one of the stronger names in the technology sector, with its strong strategic direction, longevity and sales growth.

Employing over 200 staff, the company recently opened offices in Edinburgh and Utrecht, in addition to its Manchester and London facilities.

Stuart Lunn, UK Managing Director, said, “We are currently in a very challenging economic period, however the strength of Apadmi’s bottom line and the company’s decisive action surrounding its expansion is testament to our strategy, agility and the expertise of the team who have worked impressively hard to deliver growth.

“The last 12 months have seen us accelerate our expansion across the EMEA region, while also ensuring our offering diversifies beyond the mobile technology products which we are renowned for and into wider digital remits such as systems integration and product strategy.

“I am particularly pleased with the forecast for the next 12 months. The wider market is facing significant economic challenges but I am confident that as a business we are in a strong position to successfully navigate the environment and maintain our growth forecasts as we become an integral part of the UK’s technology landscape.”

In the coming quarters, Apadmi will continue to focus on geographic and product expansion, with further offices mooted for Lisbon and North America.

4th Utility moves to state-of-the-art new home as broadband provider gears up for growth

Property

Sam Whitear

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25/08/2022

0

4th Utility moves to state-of-the-art new home as broadband provider gears up for growth

The move is a huge boost for firm, which is planning to expand its customer base and headcount

Full fibre broadband provider 4th Utility has moved to a new home in Greater Manchester as the firm gears up for another period of growth. 

The independent Internet Service Provider (ISP) has leased new office space at the prestigious Beech House on Cambridge Road in Hale, close to the town centre, announcing it as the firm’s new headquarters.

4th Utility, a business quickly expanding and creating access to fast and reliable broadband for the masses, says it is now ready for rapid growth following the move to the 700 sq ft contemporary office suite in Hale town centre. 

Tony Hughes, CEO of the firm, said: “We’re delighted to announce the move into this new, state-of-the-art block, which is a big boost for our fast-growing business.

“We’re a company with huge ambition and our new base will allow for further expansion, both in terms of the number of customers we provide for – and our staff headcount.

“It’s great to be located in Hale – so close to the high street and in the middle of a thriving business community containing everything from SMEs and sole traders to large corporations.”

The move to the office at the Victorian-era building comes as 4th Utility’s impressive story continues. 

The firm, which partners with residential and commercial landlords and property developers, has been rolling out its full fibre offering across the country.

Since its foundation just five years ago, the number of employees has soared from zero to 55.

It has recently passed the 30,000 mark for homes connected across the UK over the past year, addressing both new apartment blocks and retrofitting existing buildings with full fibre solutions. It now has customers spanning from York to South London and Essex to Bristol as its footprint continues to grow, and hopes to connect even more properties next year.

Mr Hughes added: “We’ve quickly become an established player in the ISP market, and our aim is to continue expanding and opening up access to fast and reliable broadband for as many people as possible.”

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