In the age of globalised investments and workforces, creating a unified company culture and following each country’s regulations can be challenging. 

In this episode, Nicola Ihnatowicz, Employment Law Partner at Trowers & Hamlins, discusses the evolution of UK employment law and its implications for global businesses. She explores the complexities of mergers and acquisitions, especially with TUPE regulations, and how businesses can effectively harmonise global workforces. Nicola emphasises the importance of building sustainable workforces that cater to generational shifts and evolving employee expectations.  

Key Takeaways:

(02:17) The UK is a strategic access point for global businesses.

(04:28) Unfair dismissal becomes a day-one right in new reforms.

(05:29) Understanding the regulatory landscape when hiring in the UK is a must.

(06:43) Critical questions global businesses hiring in the UK should ask.

(10:48) A sustainable workforce means well-being and a talent pipeline.

(11:27) Four generations in the workforce bring different expectations.

(14:15) Global companies must align values and expectations across locations.

(17:03) Legal obligations vary based on how staff are engaged.

(19:21) TUPE surprises non-UK buyers with restrictions on restructuring.

(27:40) Local knowledge is crucial when navigating global hiring challenges.

Resources Mentioned:

Nicola Ihnatowicz - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaihnatowicztrowers/

Trowers & Hamlins LLP - https://www.linkedin.com/company/trowers-&-hamlins-llp/

TUPE - https://www.gov.uk/transfers-takeovers

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In an era where businesses are increasingly crossing borders, understanding how to successfully scale globally is essential. In this episode, Aaron McDaniel and Klaus Børme Wehage, both Founding Partners of Global Class, share their insights on global expansion, local adaptation and the importance of mindset in international growth.

Key Takeaways:

(04:22) Assumptions about what works at home may not apply internationally.

(05:11) Cultural mindset and navigating bureaucracy are crucial.

(07:00) Market opportunity doesn’t guarantee success.

(16:08) Structured localization is key to efficient market entry.

(31:13) Autonomy for local teams drives market success.

(34:57) Balance company knowledge with local insights.

(50:26) Hard-coded practices hinder global adaptability.

(56:26) Long-term goals should shape market strategies.

Resources Mentioned: 

Aaron McDaniel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrbiz/

Klaus Børme Wehage - https://www.linkedin.com/in/globalscalingcoach/

Global Class | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/globalclasscompany/

Global Class | Website - https://www.globalclass.com

BlaBlaCar Case Study - https://www.blablacar.com

“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries - https://theleanstartup.com/

10X Innovation Lab - https://10xinnovationlab.com/

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In an era where businesses are increasingly crossing borders, understanding the intricacies of international law and market dynamics is crucial. In this episode, David Bates, Partner at Taylor Wessing, discusses the complexities of expanding into the European market, highlighting key differences in regulations and cultural norms.

Key Takeaways:

(02:17) The European M&A market shows signs of recovery.

(05:36) European employee protections are generally stronger than in the US.

(07:48) Hiring processes in Europe are typically slower than in the US.

(10:00) The EU is advancing digital regulations more comprehensively than the US.

(11:00) GDPR sets a global standard for privacy, influencing global legislation.

(12:18) Europe is not a homogenous market; each country has unique systems.

(14:30) France's "right to switch off" mandates an eleven-hour work break.

(15:49) Cultural differences significantly affect business operations in Europe.

(22:00) Understanding local market differences is crucial for success in Europe.

Resources Mentioned: 

David Bates - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dbates2/

Taylor Wessing - https://www.taylorwessing.com

Taylor Wessing | Website - https://www.taylorwessing.com/

GDPR Guidelines - https://gdpr.eu/

European Data Protection Board - https://edpb.europa.eu/

Digital Markets Act - https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/europe-fit-digital-age/digital-markets-act-ensuring-fair-and-open-digital-markets_en

Digital Services Act - https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/europe-fit-digital-age/digital-services-act_en

AI Regulation Updates - https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/european-approach-artificial-intelligence

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Understanding the current landscape of mergers and acquisitions is essential for navigating today's business world. In this episode, Ali Ramadan, Technology & Life Sciences Partner at Goodwin, explores the evolving trends and regulatory challenges impacting M&A activities.

Key Takeaways:

(01:48) 2023 saw buyer caution due to economic uncertainty, with a slow start in 2024.

(02:09) Global M&A deal value in early 2024 reached $1.3 trillion, up 5% from 2023.

(02:45) Mega deals are on the rise, particularly in the technology and energy sectors.

(04:00) Regulatory scrutiny is increasing, causing longer deal closures.

(05:07) Challenging funding environments make tech companies attractive M&A targets.

(07:21) Governments are tightening merger control and investment regulations.

(10:21) Emerging markets like Asia, LATAM and Africa show significant growth potential.

(12:18) ESG compliance is becoming a critical factor in investment and M&A decisions.

(19:29) Dual-track processes in IPO and M&A are more frequent due to market uncertainties.



Resources Mentioned:

Ali Ramadan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aramadan/

Goodwin | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodwin-law/

Goodwin | Website - https://www.goodwinlaw.com

National Security Investment Act - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2021/25/contents

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As businesses cross borders, mastering international employment law is key. Carlo Majer, Partner at Littler Italia, discusses the opportunities and challenges of hiring in Italy.

Key Takeaways:

(02:12) Italy's employment framework is characterized by comprehensive and well-regulated labour laws.

(03:00) Understanding the specificities of the Italian labour market is crucial for businesses.

(04:00) Italy's strategic benefits and supportive investment climate offer substantial potential for business expansion.

(08:47) Failure to comply with Italian labour laws can result in significant financial penalties and reputational risks.

(09:00) Persistent non-compliance can attract increased scrutiny from regulatory authorities.

(10:00) Effective management of employment practices is essential to mitigating risks.

(11:30) The spread of EOR (employer of record) solutions has significantly increased in recent times.

(13:00) Particular attention must be paid to avoid illegal labour intermediation in Italy.

(19:00) Only licenced agencies are legally permitted to provide labour-leasing services in Italy.

Resources Mentioned:

Carlo Majer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlo-majer-261320/

Littler Italia - https://www.linkedin.com/company/littler-italy/

Italian Ministry of Labour - https://www.lavoro.gov.it

Legal 500 - https://www.legal500.com

Chambers and Partners - https://chambers.com

Littler - https://www.littler.com

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In this episode, we’re joined by Raoul Parekh, Partner in the London office of Littler, the largest global employment law firm.

Together, we delve into the complexities of worker classification and international employment law. Raoul specialises in helping multinational companies solve employment law problems and co-leads the London office's international practice.

Key Takeaways:

(00:45) The growing importance of understanding employee classification in a globalised business environment.

(03:16) The importance of correctly identifying employees versus contractors to avoid legal pitfalls.

(04:00) The consequences of being an employee include protection from termination, unlike contractors.

(06:19) Different employment lawyers can give different answers about worker classification.

(08:00) In most countries, you’re either employed or self-employed.

(10:48) There is no harmonisation across the EU member states regarding worker classification.

(12:24) In some countries, regulatory bodies lead enforcement, while in others, it's up to individual contractors.

(16:07) Employees can file a claim for unpaid wages in employment tribunals for free.

(18:41) The tech sector often makes legitimate use of contractors, creating a grey area between employment and contract work.

(22:35) The remote work trend complicates the monitoring and classification of employees versus contractors.

Resources Mentioned:

Raoul Parekh -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/raoulparekh/

Raoul Parekh -

https://www.littler.com/people/raoul-parekh

Littler | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/littler-mendelson/

Littler | Website -

https://www.littler.com/

Chambers and Partners -

https://chambers.com/lawyer/raoul-parekh-uk-1:25483886

IEL Elite - International Employment Lawyers -

https://www.internationalemploymentlawyer.com/iel-elite

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In an era where businesses are increasingly crossing borders, understanding the intricacies of international employment law is crucial. In this episode, Christopher Hitchins, Managing Partner, London of the law firm Katten Muchin Rosenman UK LLP  and an experienced employment lawyer, discusses the legal challenges and cultural nuances that global businesses must navigate to thrive.

Key Takeaways:

(02:04) The importance of understanding and maintaining workplace culture across borders.

(02:52) The challenges of adopting a one-size-fits-all strategy in international employment. 

(04:07) The increasing trend of businesses hiring internationally early in their lifecycle. 

(06:27) The impact of Brexit on financial services companies setting up in mainland Europe. 

(08:44) The role of PEO solutions in large-scale multinational transactions. 

(10:34) Aligning corporate cultures during multinational transactions to mitigate legal risks. 

(14:09) The significance of ESG principles in shaping company identity and attracting investment. 

(17:00) The complexities of employee equity schemes in an international context.

(23:24) Legal considerations for regulated financial services employees.

Resources Mentioned: 

Christopher Hitchins - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherhitchins/

Katten Muchin Rosenman UK LLP | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/katten-muchin-rosenman-llp/

Katten Muchin Rosenman UK LLP | Website - https://katten.com/

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Navigating the complexities of international employee transfers is no small feat. In this episode, Omnipresent’s James Mallet, Co-General Counsel and Director - VP Corporate, and Emma Gleaves, Head of Global Benefits, bring their extensive expertise to the table. They discuss the intricacies of cross-border mergers and acquisitions, employee transfer mechanisms and compliance challenges. They also cover the importance of early planning, the legal nuances of 2P regulations and the human element of these transitions.

Key Takeaways:

(03:27) Aligning contracts is crucial for successful employee transfers.

(05:34) Legal compliance swings between protecting workers and being pro-business.

(09:24) Actions before and during transfers are critical for compliance.

(11:17) Clarifying how benefits like pensions and healthcare are handled.

(16:35) Understanding the material legal and financial risks in transfers.

(18:07) Multi-jurisdictional deals require thorough early-stage analysis.

(00:19:20) Transparent communication and empathy are essential during transfers.

(22:10) Start early with tax and legal advisors to avoid unexpected issues.

(24:10) Following compliance rules on employee consultation is mandatory.

Resources Mentioned: 

James Mallet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-mallet-07980828/

Emma Gleaves - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-gleaves/

Omnipresent - https://www.omnipresent.com/

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In a business environment where the wrong classification can cost you everything, understanding the distinction between employees and contractors has never been more crucial. On this episode, we’re joined by Omnipresent’s Senior Commercial Manager, Product, Suresh Jones, and Co-General Counsel and VP of Risk and Litigation, Stan Broome. They reveal the strategies that protect your company from costly misclassification risks whilst leveraging a flexible workforce.

Key Takeaways:

(02:04) Contractors are typically less expensive in the short term due to lower costs associated with taxes, social benefits and equipment. 

(03:27) Contractors offer flexibility, allowing businesses to quickly scale their workforce up or down. 

(04:07) Companies can access top talent quickly by hiring contractors for short-term projects. 

(05:30) Misclassification risks include compliance issues and potential legal repercussions. 

(06:11) Governments globally are shifting towards protecting workers, increasing scrutiny on contractor classifications. 

(09:19) Penalties for misclassification can include fines, back taxes and legal fees, as well as reputational damage. 

(16:01) Conducting regular misclassification risk assessments can help businesses stay compliant. 

(17:00) Having clear, compliant contracts and verifying contractor identities are crucial steps in managing classification risks.

Resources Mentioned: 

Suresh Jones - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sureshpjones/

Stan Broome - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanbroome/

Omnipresent - https://www.omnipresent.com/

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Have you ever wondered what it takes for a startup to thrive amidst acquisitions and global expansion? In this episode, Olle Råghall, COO of Soundtrap, reveals Soundtrap’s incredible journey from inception to recent reacquisition by its original founders. We explore strategies for talent retention, managing compliance across different countries and the challenges and successes of navigating a global workforce.

Key Takeaways:

(03:27) Advantages of contractors: cost, time and flexibility.

(04:48) Contractors can be less invested in long-term success.

(05:34) Legal compliance is like a pendulum between protecting workers and being pro-business.

(17:12) Knowing your contractor and protecting intellectual property.

(18:00) Clearly define roles and expectations in job descriptions.

(22:27) OmniProtect covers legal costs, penalties and taxes for misclassification.

(24:18) Regularly review contractors to ensure they haven't become de facto employees.

(31:12) Using contractors is a great way to step into the global workforce.

(35:27) Challenges arise when negotiating with people you must work with post-acquisition.

(43:00) There’s always more ability than opportunity; hire talented people to make a difference.

Resources Mentioned:

Olle Råghall - https://www.linkedin.com/in/olleraghall/

Soundtrap | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/olleraghall/

Soundtrap | Website - https://www.soundtrap.com

Omnipresent Homepage - https://www.omnipresent.com

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