Are you • Considering a market entry into the United Kingdom? • Concerned about the market opportunity and financial risks in taking the first step? • Uncertain about the tax, legal, and business issues in setting up a company in the UK? • Looking for a location base to optimise your integration into the UK business environment? Bridge to Growth (BTG) targets those companies who need help the most – typically the smaller and medium sized companies. Once they have taken the decision to enter the UK market, BTG provides a bridge to market opportunity and growth from a platform of free integrated services.
BIRMINGHAM
Manchester
London
Expert Support Team
The Bridge to Growth concept was devised by Advantage West Midlands – one of 9 regional Government Economic Development agencies in the UK. It is specifically designed to attract and assist hi-tech innovative companies. It will make their transition to the UK far smoother and less risky than ever before. Advantage West Midlands has convened an integrated team of business and professional partners who together offer: • Free establishment service • Free accommodation • Free market scoping • Free tax and financial advice • Free legal advice • Full access to additional services In short, everything needed to de-risk, manage and grow a presence in the UK. The free services are for a limited period or number of days.
Perfect Location
The West Midlands Region in the UK was home to the worldwide industrial revolution more than two centuries ago – the world’s first iron bridge is still in use. Its unique history has transformed the region by providing a comprehensive infrastructure to develop and deliver the diversity of products and skills internationally. • At the intersections of the national motorway and rail networks – the logical base from which to reach customers and suppliers quickly and easily. Birmingham, the UK’s second city, supplies more than 100,000 business and professional services people alone to assist companies in the region. Regional population of more than 5 million people; more than 200,000 companies to provide business opportunity and skills. Regional airport (Birmingham International) voted best in Europe by Airport Council International's (ACI) 2007 annual conference.
•
• •
Note: The Bridge to Growth offer is available to companies who intend to create a UK company and employ staff in the West Midlands Region only. The free services are not available to companies who wish to find sales and distribution partners with no intent to set up a company in UK.
1
Bridge to Growth Service Descriptions
Bridge to Growth is available to companies worldwide who fulfil the criteria of intent to create a UK company or subsidiary and which will employ full time staff specifically within the West Midlands Region.
Service
Company Registration and Secretariat
Description
• • • • • • •
•
Register: English Limited Company in the client’s chosen name free of charge. Administration: Carry out all the appropriate paperwork, register the directors and the
shareholders and respond to the enquiries from the UK authorities free of charge.
Establishment: Provide the minimum Share Capital, Company Secretary and Registered
Office (UK legal requirements) for the first year free of charge.
Accommodation
Accommodation: at one of the West Midlands Region’s cooperating Science Parks. Cost: Either free of charge for a number of months or at a substantial discount (depending on
the particular Science Park and supplementary offers).
Tax and Finance
Outsourced Accounting Services: The initial consultation, scoping through to the set-up of
the accounting system is provided free of charge (set costs normally equivalent to one month's fee). Expatriate Tax Packages: free advice on the various tax savings that are available for employees relocating on a temporary basis to the UK (secondment). Research and Development Incentives: free review of Research and Development activities that could be undertaken in the UK and subject to 150% tax deduction.
Legal Issues
• •
General guidance: about issues businesses may need to consider when setting up and
doing business in the UK.
Cost: initially free, although specific legal advice will be subject to separate agreement. Market size: and potential customer base Market structure: routes to market and buying processes Competitors: and competitor activity Market drivers: including trends, legislative issues and other external factors Cost: the number of free days will depend on service provider and opportunity
Market Introduction
•
• • • •
Additional Services
Advantage West Midlands has an extensive network of sub-regional partners covering all aspects of provision of business and professional services including banking, recruitment, locational, economic data (salaries, regional statistics etc.). It provides a free service to link clients with such service providers and in some cases can provide the information itself. Additionally Advantage West Midlands is in close contact with industry sector / cluster associations and providers of relevant help and guidance to facilitate business network introductions.
NOTE All offers are subject to clients pursuing individual agreements with each relevant service provider. Nothing contained or implied by this or any associated or related document forms part of any contract.
More information: email: bridgetogrowth@advantagewm.co.uk
2