Operational Framework for Export and Internationalisation
Initial Free Consultation
A preliminary 30-minute meeting to provide general information and help guide the company toward a tailored strategic path.
Engagement and Scope Definition Meetings
In-depth discussions covering all relevant aspects of interest to the client, aimed at the drafting and presentation of a Pre-Feasibility Plan within 30 days.
Pre-Feasibility Plan
The Pre-Feasibility Plan includes a Company Check-up, or Due Diligence (D.D.), to assess whether the business is truly ready to undertake an export or internationalisation process.
Due Diligence can be carried out:
- Internally by the company itself using in-house personnel,
- Or under the supervision of the consulting firm.
The goal is to determine:
- Whether the company is ready for the market or needs preliminary steps;
- Whether it is preferable to internationalise the product only or the entire company;
- Whether to pursue production internationalisation, or if it is sufficient to start with basic export operations.
Due Diligence typically covers four areas:
- Financial D.D. – Analysis of the company’s financial performance and the feasibility of the operation with or without the support of public funding.
- Technical D.D. – Review of the product’s technical specifications and compliance with UK market requirements.
- Legal D.D. – Assessment of patent protection, trademark verification, absence of legal barriers, and creation of a legal compliance update plan. This includes both general areas (e.g., privacy, employment contracts, taxation) and sector-specific issues (e.g., immigration regulations).
- Commercial D.D. – Identification of documents required for product compliance, verification of necessary accreditations with UK agencies, and documents to be held by the UK importer.
Market Research
Subsequently, market research is conducted to identify the most suitable market segment, through one of the following methods:
- Data-Driven Market Analysis
Based on reputable databases from research institutes, universities, private investment firms, and official statistics agencies. This is the consulting firm’s preferred method, supported by extensive proprietary resources. - Qualitative Marketing Analysis
Engaging key stakeholders (focus groups, trade fairs, industry associations, etc.). - Quantitative Market Analysis
Using custom pre-screening and targeted statistical sampling.
UK Market Entry Roadmap
Upon completion of the pre-feasibility phase, agreements are typically finalised to develop a multi-year roadmap (minimum 3 years), which includes:
- Identification and support for the Core Business (C.B.)
- Custom strategic guidance
- Assistance in drafting the Business Plan (B.P.)
The Core Business usually falls into one of the following categories:
1) Strategic Partnerships and Alliances
- Formation of joint ventures with local UK partners, under consulting firm supervision;
- Establishing licensing agreements to distribute the client’s product;
- Launching franchising models to replicate business structures and brand.
2) Organic International Growth
- Market development: selecting target geographic areas;
- Product development: identifying relevant market stakeholders.
3) Inorganic International Growth
- Mergers and acquisitions of existing businesses to secure local market share;
- Investment in start-ups or established companies as a first step into the market.
Complementary Services for Internationalisation
To support the client throughout the process, the consulting firm offers the following supporting services (non-exhaustive list), with reports and updates provided every 90 days to ensure strategic alignment:
- Identifying and participating in industry trade shows, with B2B meeting coordination and contact scouting;
- Guidance on sector-specific registrations and memberships;
- Submitting the product/service for relevant business awards, especially valued in the Anglo-Saxon market;
- Assistance in accessing fiscal and commercial optimisation tools (grants, deductions, tax reliefs, financing, etc.);
- Corporate law advisory: company formation abroad, contracts for transport, storage, banking, and brokerage;
- Negotiation and drafting of international contracts with foreign partners;
- Support with export-related insurance policies;
Dispute resolution with international business partners.