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Published On: Mon, Mar 7th, 2016

Things to Consider When Opening a Branch of a U.S. Business in the UK

This planet we live on is becoming smaller by the day and as increasing numbers of businesses branch out in physical locations to capture a larger, more global market share, there are things to consider when moving to another country. Whether your ‘move’ is only temporary until you set up shop overseas or a longer prospect spanning several years, there are things you may want to think about before making the move.

Don’t Sign on the Dotted Line Just Yet

Even though you have done the research and checked into all the necessary formalities required of opening an overseas business in the UK, you have to remember that you will be living there for some period of time. Yes, you need to see what the government regulations would be and whether or not you will be legally allowed to operate in Great Britain, but of equal importance would be whether or not you will feel comfortable in totally new surroundings. Before making application to the proper authorities, take time to think about how you will handle the relocation, even if temporarily.

photo/ screenshot YouTube

photo/ screenshot YouTube

There Will Be a Time of Transition

It isn’t going to be as smooth a transition as moving from one state to another here at home. In other words, it’s more than just moving a business or opening a new branch. You will be moving yourself and perhaps your family as well. Consider the fact that they drive on the other side of the road in the UK. Will you be comfortable behind a wheel? If so, what are the requirements for how and when you will need a UK licence? Practice before the official written test with free trial exams on TopTests.co.uk before you actually have to take that portion ‘for real.’

More than Just a Business Relocation

The next piece of advice anyone can give you when thinking about opening a branch of your business in the UK is to make absolutely certain you will be comfortable living in a new environment. After you’ve conquered driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road and taken your driver’s test, it’s time to think about your lifestyle there. Even though there is no language barrier there will be some terminology that differs enough to be confusing, to say the least. If you are an avid football fan and ask to be directed to the local game, be prepared to sit through a game of soccer!

Now It’s Time to Think About the Move

Yes, it is a global society we are living in and this planet does seem to be getting smaller by the day. However, when moving to another country, even for a short period of time, there will be differences in the way you will be doing things. Idiomatic expressions will be different and some things you take for granted at home won’t be available in the UK. Even though you want to venture out to new locations and grow your business, you first need to be assured you will be happy in your new surroundings. Once you’ve assured yourself that you will be personally happy in a new country, you can go ahead with all the formalities.

Just remember that it would be a waste of time, effort and money to get the proper permissions only to realise you don’t want to make the move after all. This is probably the only time you will ever be advised to mix business with pleasure, so heed it wisely.

Guest Author: Carol Trehearn

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