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Reaching Beyond Borders: Insights from MHA’s Manchester & Liverpool Finance Leaders Events

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· Posted on: March 27th 2025 · read

On the 12^th and 13^th of March 2025, finance leaders from across Liverpool and Manchester gathered to discuss the many opportunities and challenges of expanding into international markets. Hosted by MHA – the UK member firm of Baker Tilly International, Barclays, and Drax, these events considered the complexities of global expansion including regulatory considerations, economic shifts, employment law and global mobility.

Attendees praised the dynamic sessions with expert panellists sharing both honest and practical strategies. The gathering highlighted the importance of collaboration, where every insight shared was a step toward stronger, more sustainable global initiatives.

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International Expansion: The Challenges & Opportunities

Expanding into new markets can create significant revenue opportunities and diversify business portfolios, but it also presents major hurdles. The discussions centred around the common pitfalls businesses face and how to proactively address them.

Jonathan Main, Partner at MHA, highlighted how businesses navigating post-Brexit and post-pandemic conditions must be proactive:

We’ve worked with so many businesses since Brexit, and with the speed that things are changing Brexit seems a distant memory. But it’s just one of the many shocks the economy has faced. What’s surprising is how a bit of advice ahead of time can help businesses realise that something they thought was a major obstacle to expansion isn’t that difficult to implement.

All you need to start trading in a foreign jurisdiction in the EU is a third-party logistics warehouse to serve as a base which may require a local VAT registration. Debunking these worries will help businesses assess the viability of expansion.

One of the key discussions focused on talent mobility and the impact of flexible working requests.

"People are still requesting moves into different jurisdictions which has triggered employment law challenges. It’s essential to understand that these are requests, not entitlements, and there are valid reasons for rejecting them if necessary.

However, for those looking at international expansion, attracting and retaining talent may require businesses to embrace this shift."

Louise Meyers, CG Professionals

"Global mobility is often seen as an add-on but failing to comply with key requirements can result in lost business opportunities.

Something as simple as a £500 compliance process or corporate registration can mean the difference between winning and losing a contract. Getting in front of these requirements can be highly beneficial."

James Smith, MHA

How This Will Work in an Uncertain Economy

Right now, economic conditions are constantly shifting, and businesses must stay ahead of global financial trends to remain competitive.

Andy Johnson from Pura shared his outlook on the US market, highlighting the growing challenges businesses will face:

"We anticipate price increases, higher inflation and new tariffs in the US. Consumers will expect rising costs so businesses that manage costs effectively can gain a competitive edge and drive higher margins."

With price pressures mounting, companies that can maintain efficiency and control over their operational costs will likely be best placed to succeed. The ability to adjust quickly to these changes can provide a significant advantage in a market that is becoming increasingly unpredictable.

However, while businesses are facing new economic hurdles, Johnson also emphasised the importance of strategic consistency, especially considering shifting tariffs:

"The reality is to stick to the plan and adjust to tariff changes carefully. We’re still waiting to see the full impact of EU tariffs but adapting while staying focused will be key to long-term success."

This focus on a measured approach reflects a broader sentiment in the industry. While external factors such as tariffs may affect costs and operations, long-term success depends on sticking to well-laid plans and making careful adjustments where necessary.

David Millward, CFO of MPM Products, echoed a similar point when discussing the role of financial risk management. He spoke to the value of financial foresight:

"One of the things we’ve been encouraged to do by our private equity backers is implement a clear and disciplined FX hedging policy. This approach ensures stability amid currency fluctuations."

This approach provides a buffer against volatility and helps ensure that companies can meet their financial goals, despite the ups and downs of global markets.

Lastly, Jimmy Davies of MHA stressed the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective, particularly when faced with the current tariff environment.

“Businesses should take a long-term perspective. If you’ve got an expansion plan in place, don’t be deterred by the current tariff environment. The key is to integrate international growth into your core strategy”.

Davies’ point aligns with a wider industry consensus: it’s crucial not to let short-term challenges, like tariff changes, derail long-term growth ambitions.

Key Takeaways

The panellists and attendees concluded that while international expansion presents challenges, businesses that plan effectively, manage regulatory requirements and address financial risks will be well positioned for success. As businesses plan for 2025, the message was clear: expanding into international markets requires strategic preparation, but the rewards can be substantial.

For those interested in continuing the conversation and gaining further insights into international expansion, we encourage you to join us for upcoming events in this series. Let’s work together to support businesses as they enter new markets and strengthen their international presence, now, for tomorrow.

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