International Business: Current issues - Summer 2011

 

Property-related spend is often the second largest fixed cost for a company, which can be managed by various parts of a multinational group. We suggest how you can save up to 15% on your property costs.

 

Worryingly, disasters of some magnitude are occurring on an increasing basis across the world; could you respond effectively, manage the consequences and keep the business running? We look at disaster management and ways to avoid disaster not only for the business but for your people, customers and your reputation.

 

Effective cash management remains a key priority of international groups and part of this includes the flexibility to repatriate cash between territories on an efficient and timely basis to ensure group objectives are met and risk mitigated. Are you able to get cash out of the UK when you need to?

 

Other issues in the spotlight:-

  • The  M&A market displays signs of resurging activity. This recovery comes with a heightened risk in the form the Bribery Act, launched 1st July 2011
  • Strategic planning and decision support - we frequently see key strategic decisions being made where only a fraction of the level of diligence and analysis is done.
  • Third party contracts- we consider how you can get full value from suppliers.
  • If you import goods or services from other territories you could be affected by custom duties -we take a closer look at the impact and options.
  • Do you have operations in the North Sea? Then read this article where we look at how operational costs can be reduced.

 

We welcome your feedback on this publication and your suggestions for what you would like us to cover in future editions.