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Expanding your existing business to France can be an attractive opportunity. France’s robust economy and strategic positioning in Europe make it an interesting prospect for UK businesses looking to grow.
France may offer a market ripe with potential, but expansion into this neighbouring country requires more than ambition. Successfully venturing into a new market like France will mean understanding local laws, working culture, and how French buyers think.
How to Take Your Business to France?
Visit France First
Before taking the plunge, take a trip to France. Seeing the country for yourself will give you a good idea of whether your business fits into the market.
While you’re there:
- Visit areas where you’d consider opening or trading
- Have a chat with shop owners, suppliers, or other local businesspeople
- Take note of what competitors are doing
- Pay attention to what people buy and how they buy it
There’s plenty you’ll pick up by being there in person that you won’t be able to pick up online.
Before any business trip, make sure to get set up with an eSIM plan for Europe for a seamless connection as soon as you land. It’ll connect your phone as soon as you arrive – no need to mess about with SIM cards or look for public Wi-Fi.
Navigating Local Tax Regulations and Laws
The French regulatory framework differs greatly from the one we’re used to in the UK. Getting to grips with tax laws, labour regulations, and legal structures to ensure your business is compliant is key to success.
Things to look at:
- Business structures: France has several legal formats for companies, and the right one for you depends on your setup. Local experts, like solicitors or accountants, can guide you through your options.
- Taxes: The corporate tax process in France has its own rules and filing expectations. Consult a local tax expert to work out corporate tax laws and ensure compliance.
- Hiring and staff: France’s famously strict labour laws are another minefield to navigate. You’ll need to find a way to marry your current UK labour practices with France’s. French labour customs include a 35-hour workweek, mandatory benefits, and a strong union presence.
Embracing French Business Culture
With the legal bit out the way, it’s also vital to consider cultural alignment. There are many customs to learn and respect when conducting business in France. French business culture is built on formality, personal connection, and hierarchy.
Respecting these customs is the first step for any UK business looking to build trust and credibility with French businesses.
Credibility is key when initiating business dealings in France. Face-to-face meetings are highly valued. When initiating business, it’s customary to have in-person meetings, especially for first-time encounters.
These in-person meetings can help solidify trust and accelerate deals, making that trip to France all the more critical.
A local business partnership or local representative could help you navigate the French business landscape.
Setting up a local office or partnering with a local distributor in France could help strengthen your credibility while also giving French consumers and businesses direct access to your brand.
What Matters to French Buyers?
It may be tempting to use your current marketing strategies to launch in France. But, winning over French consumers will require a tailored marketing approach.
Cracking the French market will mean localising your business offerings and marketing approach. This research will give your business a solid foundation to tap into the local consumer base.
In general, French consumers are discerning and favour quality goods with a rich heritage. Craftsmanship is highly regarded in French culture. Consumers often stick with trusted brands.
To give yourself the best chance:
- Hire French speakers to build your campaigns.
- Make sure packaging and labelling follow French regulations.
- Focus your messaging on what makes your product reliable, well-made, or worth trusting.
- Think about where your audience actually is, whether that’s local social media, specialist websites, or print.
France enforced relatively strict data privacy rules, so also make sure that your digital marketing is compliant.
If your product has a story behind it – how it’s made, where it comes from, who’s behind it – then this is a great time to tell it. That sort of thing matters more in France than generic promises.
Laying the Groundwork for Success in France
Expanding into France is a golden opportunity for UK businesses willing to do their homework.
Getting a grasp of French regulations, respecting the local culture, and crafting a marketing strategy with local flair are the keys to success. With the right planning, your move into the French market can be strategic, not risky.