"Solid planning is vital" says Smith ahead of speaking at Go Global Conference in Manchester
Michael Smith expanded his marketing business Orb International into Europe and India in recent years and is set to share advice to other agencies considering international growth at the Go Global Conference on International Expansion in June.
Smith founded Orb International with partner Karen McBride in Glasgow in 1994 and together they have now built the business to an annual turnover of £5m, which also includes a specialist division called Sports Merchandise Global, with operations in Paris, France and Mumbai in India.
At Go Global Michael will talk about his companies global expansion and offer his insights into expanding a marketing business into mainland Europe and India and offer some guidance and advice to attendees on some of the logistical issues that such a move can have on a UK-based business.
Speaking of what growing internationally has brought to the business, Smith said: “Expanding to become an international business has added significant turnover, but it has also brought with it a certain amount of complexity. That is a major part of the challenge of operating on an international basis, which is what I will talk about at Go Global.
“Had we not taken the decision to grow internationally I suppose the business itself would still be fine, however what we now have are many more opportunities for business growth than we had say 12 months ago, which can only be a good thing for the business and our staff.
“I suppose my key piece of advice to any agency considering expanding into international markets is that it will probably take you twice as long as you think, so good solid planning beforehand is absolutely vital.”
To book your ticket to Go Global please visit the MiNetwork website.