In this episode, James Bricknell, Head of Consulting - Expansion and Client Development of Bradford Jacobs, examines the primary considerations for successful international expansion. Companies need precise data on skills availability, talent costs, language and cultural differences and local laws to ensure affordable and effective hiring. He explores how varying local costs, taxes and contributions can blow up budgets. James also expands on the challenges of retaining international talent and emphasises the need to consider cultural and linguistic nuances.

Key Takeaways:

(01:50) Core drivers for international growth are cost, skills and market entry.

(03:13) Seventy per cent of employees prefer remote or hybrid work.

(05:06) Understanding local costs for a successful international expansion.

(08:38) Cultural diversity influences international decisions.

(14:04) Remote adaptability expands talent options.

(17:20) US firms face high costs for tech talent domestically.

(26:06) Local legislation varies greatly and must be understood.

(30:57) Local partners provide essential cultural insight.

(34:39) Market expansion should be data-driven and strategic.

(39:10) Understanding employer contributions in local markets to budget correctly.

Resources Mentioned:

James Bricknell -

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

Bradford Jacobs | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/bradford-jacobs/

Bradford Jacobs | Website -

https://bradfordjacobs.com/

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Understanding capital markets and listing reforms is essential for businesses aiming for growth. In this episode, Michael Jacobs, Partner at Herbert Smith Freehills, and Dylan Doran Kennett, Venture and Growth Capital specialist, and partner at the same company, share their expertise on IPOs, M&A transactions and the impact of UK listing reforms. They discuss the contradictions between fast growth and compliance and the benefits of upholding and creating a unified work culture during IPOs and mergers.

Key Takeaways:

(03:00) The impact of UK reforms on capital markets.

(05:22) Reforms have eliminated eligibility requirements for IPOs.

(08:43) ​​UK pension funds have massively de-equitised.

(14:01) Dual-class share structures and their benefits for founders.

(15:00) Examples of financial systems designed to channel money.

(21:06) The role of dual-track IPOs in giving companies flexibility.

(28:15) M&A as a growth strategy for IPO candidates.

(35:30) Balancing aggressive growth and structural compliance in IPO preparation.

(45:39) The challenges of IPO due diligence and preparation.

(53:22) Understanding the difference between listing in London and the US.

Resources Mentioned:

Michael Jacobs -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-a-jacobs/

Herbert Smith Freehills -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/herbert-smith-freehills/

New Financial -

https://www.newfinancial.org/

UK’s IPO Reforms -

https://www.fca.org.uk/news/press-releases/fca-overhauls-listing-rules-boost-growth-and-innovation-uk-stock-markets

FTSE 100 -

https://www.londonstockexchange.com/indices/ftse-100

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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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