|
From September through November representatives from Bridgehead (Europe) Limited toured the United States
to speak with business owners, Human Resource professionals, and representatives from various international government
agencies to discuss doing business in Europe. The programs that the company is involved with are
Demystifying the European Union: 1 Nation, 27 Countries and Managing your UK HR from the US: Essential Tips and Strategies.
Demystifying the European Union: 1 Nation, 27 Countries
The EU is 50 years old, yet it still remains a mystery to
many Americans, including those who are interested in developing business
and academic relationships within the EU. This program provides a forum for
participants to advance their understanding of the issues around doing
business and establishing and fostering broader relationships within the EU.
The program also incorporates interactive panels and individual segments,
with participants who are international trade and development experts from
the old, new and non parts of the EU.
This program was conducted in Atlanta, GA in September as
well as Memphis, TN in October. Suzi Schmalbach, Vice President of Business
Development for BEL participated in the program by presenting a session
titled Soft Landing in Europe. In the presentation, Suzi discussed
how a US company can make a “soft landing” when opening an operation or
moving employees to Europe. They key lesson rings true across all
businesses and all industries – get the people issues right and you will
have a soft landing in Europe. When expanding into new markets the people
on the ground will be the company’s greatest asset; therefore, taking care
of those people will be an essential part of the success of the venture.
Managing your UK HR from the US
Expanding globally involves managing international employees. The UK draws many US
companies setting up operations or expanding existing ones because of its
commonality of language, similar business practices and supportive
environment for foreign owned business. Even though this program focuses on
the UK, it is a good primer for HR executives in companies of all sizes to
explore best practices in employee management abroad.
The program, conducted in November, was presented in Boston, MA,
New York, NY, and Washington, DC. Richard Alexander, Chairman of BEL, presented a session titled
People Management Abroad - Different Countries, Different Cultures - One
Business and Suzi Schmalbach presented a session titled From the HR Leader’s
Desk Lessons learned from real world experiences taking US companies to the
UK. Both sessions gave the attendees real-world examples of what is needed to
take their business to another country. Richard and Suzi both discussed
their experiences in helping US companies open a new operation the UK as
well as other countries.
This program was sponsored by the UK Trade and Investment offices in each
city. Together with a partner from the law firm Wilmer Hale from London,
Richard and Suzi gave all of the attendees an overview of the important
aspects of taking a business to another country.
For more information on
these and other programs sponsored by BEL contact Suzi Schmalbach, Vice
President of Business Development, at suzi.schmalbach@bridgeheadeurope.com.
| 