Did you know exporting to overseas markets just got easier? Talk to UKTI about the first steps to expanding your business in France.

Transcription

1 Did you know exporting to overseas markets just got easier? Talk to UKTI about the first steps to expanding your business in France.

2 2 France an opportunity on the doorstep France an opportunity on the doorstep 3 France is not only one of the world s top holiday destinations, but it is also an ideally placed export market for British businesses. In fact, in 2012, the UK exported over 21 billion of goods to a population of more than 63 million people. Key facts about the French market Very similar market to the UK (population, demographics, buying behaviour). Only 21 miles from the UK, with excellent transportation links. Very strong commercial links with the rest of Europe. Very large and diversified market for almost all goods and services. Very large number of trade shows. Most popular tourist destination in the world creating an additional market.

3 4 France an opportunity on the doorstep France an opportunity on the doorstep 5 Which products and services? UKTI have teamed up with i2i Events Group to deliver a number of international trade shows in the following specific industries: Homewares, jewellery, gifts (Spring Fair), education and training (Bett, The Education Show), fashion and clothing (Pure), media (BVE), electronics, automotive and energy (CWIEME). Trade shows can be one of the best ways to promote your products, as well as find out much more about the market in which you want to export to. Be sure to explore how you can have exporting success in France by attending one or more of these trade shows. Thinking about exporting to France? Here are three top tips to help you prepare for exporting: 1. Do your market research by accessing the UKTI website and reading the Doing business in France guide. Search the Internet and talk to others who have successfully exported. 2. Make use of the UKTI experts, such as an International Trade Advisor (ITA) and Commercial Officer (CO). They will advise you and provide a myriad of services, most of which are completely free of charge. 3. Attend a trade show that attracts international visitors.

4 6 France an opportunity on the doorstep France an opportunity on the doorstep 7 The market, and how to get there Unlike a number of other prime export markets, think of France as a single market, which makes it simpler to set up in than some others. The major markets are Paris, Lyon, Marseilles, Toulouse, Bordeaux and Lille. Selling in these cities can range from exporting directly from the UK, through to establishing a French subsidiary, and your UKTI ITA will be able to advise on the best option.

5 8 France an opportunity on the doorstep France an opportunity on the doorstep 9 Tax, customs and regulations Thankfully, the tax and customs rules between France and the UK are fairly straightforward, but it is advisable to seek specific guidance via the customs website If both the British and French businesses are registered for VAT then normally the export will be zero-rated. French environmental regulations are very well developed, which is another attractive reason for exporting there. They take pollution, waste management and conservation very seriously.

6 10 France an opportunity on the doorstep France an opportunity on the doorstep 11 Tax, customs and regulations continued Intellectual property, trademarks and certification The Association Française de Normalisation (AFNOR) issues guidance through their website on French standards at a European and international level, as well as certifications that will be required. It is advisable to register your trademarks in all countries you intend to export to, as well as any patents through the French Patent Office (INPI). Culture and etiquette Doing business in France is quite different to how we are used to in the UK. The French are much more formal, especially if it is a first business interaction. Contacts should be addressed as Monsieur or Madame, followed by their last name. While English is the accepted business language, speaking a little French will go a long way to facilitating a good relationship. Remember to address your contact as vous until they invite you to do otherwise. In France, knowing the right people is more important than knowing the right things. Spend time getting to know your contacts really well, and think of the longer term benefits to both of you. Meetings in France often have no agenda, or don t stick to it, and can start and end very late. It is not uncommon to see what looks like an argument erupt, which subsides quickly. Just be prepared to enter into the spirit of the French culture and way of conducting business, and you can create a great opportunity to grow your business.

7 gov.uk/ukti UKTI UK Trade & Investment is the Government Department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. We also help overseas companies bring their high-quality investment to the UK s dynamic economy acknowledged as Europe s best place from which to succeed in global business. Disclaimer Whereas every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this document is accurate, neither UK Trade & Investment nor its parent departments (the department for Business, Innovation and Skills, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office) accept liability for any errors, omissions or misleading statements, and no warranty is given or responsibility accepted as to the standing of any individual, firm, company or other organisation mentioned. Crown copyright 2014 You may re-use this information free of charge in any format or medium, strictly in accordance with the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit: or psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk. Where we have identified any third party copyright information in the material that you wish to use, you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holder(s) concerned. Any enquiries regarding this material should be sent to us at enquiries@ukti.gsi.gov.uk or telephone +44 (0) This document is also available on our website at Published November 2014 by UK Trade & Investment UKTI HEAD OFFICE General enquiries: 1 Victoria Street London SW1H 0ET Telephone: enquiries@ukti.gsi.gov.uk Contact form: contactus.ukti.gov.uk