Most countries, and many big cities and regions, have Investment Promotion Agencies (IPA), that promote Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through advertising and exhibitions. If the target has already decided on the country, and it’s a matter of promoting one region or city, perhaps these help. However, I don’t think this is the right way to get new converts. Here's why...

Many companies believe that the only way their overseas operation can be successful is if they send over an experienced manager as an expat. However, I’m sceptical. Here's why...

I’ve found that many companies only start to understand local employment laws and customs long after they’ve set up an operation and only when they hit problems. However, this is a real danger. I'll tell you why...

So you’ve decided on where to go, when and how to get there. In this second part of planning an exploratory business trip, I’m going to suggest who you need to meet and what you should be looking out for.

Thinking of growing your business in a new country? Nothing beats going out there and exploring. Even if you’ve been to the country or city before, whether on holiday or a business trip, it’s different if you’re thinking of setting up a base there. Here are a few things to bear in mind...

I’m recently back from Ethiopia, not a country often considered for international expansion. But things are changing fast… In the first of an occasional series on interesting but frequently overlooked countries, I’ll tell you more…

I see a lot of pitches from new start up companies from all over the world. Most see international expansion as a future ambition, a few years down the line. But I think that’s short sighted. Let me explain why...

Business terminologies come in and out of fashion, but the fundamentals of success are always the same. These are my 3 enduring fundamentals for ambitious entrepreneurs.

Even quite small companies can save money and improve their efficiency and productivity by setting up an Shared Services Centre or “Insourcing” (wholly-owned Outsourcing) operation abroad. Excellent. Now, where? There are hundreds of possible destinations. Leaving aside the financial, legal and technical matters that everyone thinks about, some other points often don’t get given the consideration that they should.

I believe the most important reason for international expansion is to increase the overall value of the business - but that's not what most SME entrepreneurs have to the top of their minds. Let me explain…