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  1. Grant Thornton UK LLP
  2. Services
  3. Consulting
  4. Expand into new markets

Expand into new markets

Broadening your business horizons

If your next move is into the international marketplace, that’s not always as simple as it sounds. Missing out on opportunities because they’re outside your domestic market isn’t good for business, so we're here to help you run your business without borders.

Expansion is a natural next step for many businesses. According to our survey1 of 300 mid-sized companies who had an average of 40% of their annual turnover from overseas customers. Europe is their biggest market, with 95% trading, followed by North America (49%) and Asia (45%). Our survey showed that in the future, Asia is likely to considered to be a more important market than North America. This may seem surprising given the US has traditionally been the UK’s biggest single-country trading partner, but many of the companies we surveyed are making decisions based on reaching new customers, following a more opportunistic than strategic approach to overseas markets.

Wherever your next big step takes you, we can help you recognise the opportunities and strategies you need to get there.

How we help you plan your overseas market entry

The three keys to a successful entry into a new market are connections, information and support. Our global network gives you access to experts in all fields. Whatever the question, we can connect you to the people who can answer it. Whether you are a business taking the first steps to international expansion or interested in entering new markets, our global tax, audit and advisory teams can help you identify opportunities and mitigate risks.

Entry to new markets means extensive research and structured planning. This is where we’re most experienced. We can help you to:

  • qualify the market for products and sales channels
  • execute strategic transactions like mergers, bolt-on acquisitions and disposals
  • access key skills and local talent
  • design capital structures that support your entry strategy
  • develop a long-term funding structure.
Where could your next big step take you? Contact Andrew Howie to find out

Read our insights, reports and case studies from our experts:

Shifting attitudes: International sales and supply chains

Should companies’ sales and supply focus be more domestic or more international?

Shifting attitudes: International sales and supply chains

Shenzhen: China’s buzzing high-tech hub

Shenzhen is home to leading technology businesses and trading companies, within the city’s young and dynamic workforce.

Shenzhen: China’s buzzing high-tech hub

Gateway cities to growth

Profiled cities cover everything from local business support and infrastructure to cultural differences and key growth opportunities.

Gateway cities to growth

Barcelona: the jewel of southern Europe

Barcelona is the leading hub for innovation, becoming the gateway to southern Europe for international investors.

Barcelona: the jewel of southern Europe

Osaka: a historic city that is building for the future

A history steeped in international trade and entrepreneurialism, Osaka offers world-class skills and attractive business culture.

Osaka: a historic city that is building for the future

Nairobi: trading at the heart of Africa

Nairobi has huge appeal for international business thanks to its history as a trading hub. We highlight its strategic location and entrepreneurial approach.

Nairobi: trading at the heart of Africa

Chennai: open the door to India’s markets

Chennai is regarded as a key location for Indian business. Find out why the area is so appealing.

Chennai: open the door to India’s markets

An insider's guide to operating in China

China’s mid-market represents a growing opportunity, our guide covers tried and tested business strategies for success.

An insider's guide to operating in China

Impact of geopolitics on international trade

How are internationally trading UK mid-market businesses leaders responding to the global political climate?

Impact of geopolitics on international trade

Things you should know when trading internationally

We asked 300 leaders of UK mid-sized businesses who are successfully trading internationally what they’d learned from their experience

Things you should know when trading internationally

An insider's guide to operating in India

India is expected to have the second largest economy by 2050, our guide supports your business in this growing market.

An insider's guide to operating in India

Brand Britain and the post-Brexit opportunity

64% of UK businesses say Brexit has weakened Brand Britain – is it still a good idea to promote Britishness abroad?

Brand Britain and the post-Brexit opportunity

International operations are key to growth for Top Track 250

How are mid-market businesses navigating these turbulent times for trade and what can you.

International operations are key to growth for Top Track 250

Connections and expertise

Our international business groups can help with specific entry market enquiries.

Get support on commercial strategies for growth across the world

Want to read more?

Globalisation brings a world of opportunities for your business to explore overseas markets.

Explore our team activity

Need help in another area?

Business without borders

Our resources, connections and expertise are just a phone call away, wherever you are in the world.

Business without borders

Finding the right international contacts

Introducing you to the people with the experience you need to succeed.

Finding the right international contacts

Getting more out of your existing international operations

How to stay in touch with, and make the most of changing markets.

Getting more out of your existing international operations

Setting up in the UK

Practical advice and expert input for anyone moving into UK markets.

Setting up in the UK

Footnotes

  1. Survey was undertaken before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
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