Although our international friendship is traditionally restrained, France has always had strong trading links with the UK and they are, in this respect, of major importance to each other.
Britain is the third largest foreign investor in France, which in turn is the third largest investor in Britain.
Thanks to Eurostar, France is more accessible than ever for the British businessperson and Lille and Paris are now closer to London than many major British cities
Some 8,000 foreign companies are already established in France, about 1,800 of which are British. Their presence is felt across a wide range of sectors, from retailing to financial services, food and beverages to construction and manufacture.
BP, ICI, Zeneca, Glaxo-Wellcome, Barclays, RMC, Abbey National and The Woolwich are recognised brands there.
Accessibility
Thanks to Eurostar, France is more accessible than ever for the British businessperson and Lille and Paris are now closer to London than many major British cities.
Although France has an extensive indigenous supply capability and a well developed competitive market, they exchange similar goods and services with the UK and it can be assumed that most of what sells in the UK is likely to have a market in France.
Despite these links, companies are advised to take professional advice, especially on legal and fiscal issues, before deciding any investment. There is, in general, more state intervention and regulation than in Britain, although this is changing.
There are many specialist companies who can help in these matters, from the international accountancy and legal firms to smaller consultants.
There is no general rule that defines the way a business is set up in France. Routes in can vary from opening a small representative office (bureau de liaison), to taking over an existing company, much as in Britain.
Office space is widely available (though of course it can be very expensive in affluent urban centres), and there are business centres where space and support services can be rented.
Unless their image is a large part of their marketing strategy, most investors prefer to adopt a low profile and assume a French style. The simple way to do this is to acquire a French company.
As some qualifications are not automatically recognised, there may be some restrictions on the types of work that may be undertaken by professional staff, especially in the service sector.
