News

Ich bin ein Berliner?

2 June 2008 Professional services firms from the East Midlands recently took part in an innovative new approach to win more business from Germany. Eleven accountancy, law firms, tax and payroll consultants took part in a UK Trade & Investment organised 'match making event' at the British Embassy in Berlin.

Using the in-country expertise available through the UKTI team at the Embassy, meetings were arranged with carefully selected accountancy and law firms from Germany, all of whom had been identified as potential matches for the UK firms.

The aim of the event was to build friendly alliances with German firms in order to cross refer client business between Germany and the UK. The event was led by Thomas Schaal (UKTI East Midlands) in close cooperation with the East Midlands branch of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and support from the East Midlands and Nottinghamshire Law Societies.
The event provided an incredibly efficient use of their time, with all the hard work in identifying suitable partners being overseen by the UKTI team in Berlin through the use of an Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS) working closely with the German bar and accountancy associations. The UKTI Embassy team were also able to make available the sumptuous surroundings of their Wintergarden and this proved to be an ideal venue to host an event like this.

All participants agreed that it was a very worthwhile day with many potential alliances being formed.
"We have greatly enjoyed this event and made some very promising contacts. It was very interesting to meet so many tax accountancy and legal firms dealing with German-English cross border matters. Both, the set meetings and spontaneous networking in the embassy's Wintergarten proved truly inspiring" said Nina Hellmig of Geldards LLP.
As a result of all the positive feedback from both German and UK participants UKTI in conjunction with the ICAEW and the Law Society are planning a follow-up event in the autumn. Other major events taking place in the future are the International Bar Association Conference in Buenos Aires, 12-17th October, where UKTI are providing a substantial package of support including a £650 travel grant for eligible companies.

For more information on international business opportunities and future events then contact UKTI's Thomas Schaal on 07825 344614 or thomas.schaal@uktiem.co.uk

Source:UKTI East Midlands|

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