As part of our buildup to the next Going Global at ExCel, London on May 17-18, we’ve interviewed some of the brilliant speakers who will be on the show’s roster. In the first of four interviews, we talk to Maupard Fiducaire who are speaking on ‘How to tackle the main challenges of entering the French market’.
Going Global Live is Europe’s premier event for anyone who is looking to extend their business overseas or increase their foothold in the international market.
Who are Maupard Fiduciaire?
Maupard Fiduciaire is an international business advisory and accounting firm. We have been managing the growth of British start-ups and SMEs coming into France for 15 years, providing them with domiciliation, support facilities, and tax and accountancy services. Working with small businesses is important to us as it encourages economic diversity and innovation in France, however we do also work with larger firms.
We are based in the heart of Paris’ business district in the 8th arrondissement, just off the Champs-Elysées. Managing partner Patrick Maupard set up the HLB France network in 2006, and as a member of HLB International, we have access to accounting experts in over 100 countries, meaning that we are always able to offer advice to our clients regardless of their location.
What will you be talking about at Going Global?
We will focus on the challenges associated with entering the French market and ways to combat them in order to truly profit from what France has to offer. During the talk, Patrick will provide niche and useful insights for British entrepreneurs and analysis with regard to investing in France. As a significant player in the Eurozone and a major hub for the rest of Europe, insights into how to approach starting up in France could be the next step for many SMEs looking to expand overseas.
How do you manage communication with your English-speaking clients?
As a firm, we employ two British Business Developers, whose fluent English skills enable our team to practice their English, as well as make sure all forms of communication (phone, Skype, email) are straightforward and stress-free for the client. Each client is managed by our Business Developers who ensure they have a constant point of contact and that any worries or questions they may have can be answered quickly and effectively. We also train our French employees using an online language learning software, meaning our English-speaking capabilities increase with every passing day.
On a more cultural level, it is important to be sensitive to the specific needs and traits of English-speaking clients. For example, we find UK and US citizens to be very punctual, therefore we ensure we are ready at least 5 minutes in advance for any preplanned Skype or phone call.
In addition, as most of our English-speaking clients operate within different time zones, we work in paperless manner where possible and upload all documents to our client space which is accessible 24/7. Distance can sometimes exacerbate our clients’ worries, making them feel ‘out of the loop’ of their company’s finances, so we find this approach helps us to alleviate their concerns.
Going Global – an unmissable event
Going Global is an absolutely unmissable event for those working or trading overseas. If you are thinking about taking your business overseas, or are looking to expand your foothold internationally, then you need to be at Going Global. In this current economic climate, it has never been more relevant or important to take control and advantage of trading in an international market. What makes this event even more spectacular? It is free to attend! To register for tickets visit, www.goinggloballive.co.uk.
