More than two–thirds of European businesses
plan to invest in growth opportunities abroad next year regardless
of the recession, according to a report by RSM International and
the European Business Awards.
The poll, which surveyed more than 300
business leaders in small or multinational businesses across 32
European countries, found only 16% of businesses in Europe would
not be pursuing any new markets but four of out five companies plan
to enter at least one new market in the next year.
The majority (77%) of respondents said the
main reason for expanding their business abroad is potential market
size rather than to save costs.
“The survey reveals that the trend amongst
successful businesses is about trading beyond your borders. Almost
half of businesses agree that intra-European trade offers them the
best opportunities,” European Business Awards chief executive
Adrian Tripp said.
“It’s imperative that in these times of
political and economical turmoil, European businesses can explore
how to take on international markets and build upon trade
corridors.”
