Doing business in Europe is no more difficult than in other parts of the world. But there are a good many differences to be taken into account, which in the HR arena include:

Employment Legislation - The regulatory framework within which companies in Europe have to operate is wide-ranging and often complex, and can be either national or Europe-wide. Generally employees in Europe have more statutory rights than in many other places.

Remuneration Packages - The total package is often made up differently and with different emphasis (taking into account state benefit provision and cultural issues).

Working Hours - The working day can have a different shape. In the UK, for example, the British often start late, and also finish late. In contrast, in many parts of Southern Europe the day may be extended with a long afternoon break, particularly during the summer months. The norm for holiday periods within employment contracts is higher in the UK than many parts of the world - but higher still in other European countries. And there is also a working-time directive, which regulates total hours.

Recruitment Culture - the nature of the process and the speed of decision-making vary greatly, and are often quite different to the expectations of a new business entering Europe for the first time.

Even Language has its pitfalls. The common business language may be English – but there is plenty of room for misunderstandings.

Bridgehead UK is a founder member of the British Service Providers Association through which we can also access for you all the other services needed by companies expanding in Europe – www.bspa.co.uk