Your analysis points to significant business potential in Switzerland. And that you need to be there on the ground in order to harness that opportunity. You are not alone.
Companies in financial services, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and technology have looked for years to capitalize on the various benefits Switzerland has to offer. Enough has been written why this is a good idea.
The mix of lawyers, tax advisors and other service providers competing for your business is overwhelming. Instead of hitting the ground running, you first need to select, interview, negotiate, hire, coordinate and supervise.
In this article, I would like to highlight a few considerations that are essential to successful market entry.
Everything is on offer. But what is really necessary?
There is no shortage of on-boarding services. Lawyers will help you to set up a company and offer to take a seat on your board. Tax advisors will optimize the mix of income streams. Third-party marketers will advertise access to their Swiss client network or even offer. And office providers will offer shared workspace to keep initial investments and the fixed cost base low.
Focus on revenue instead of admin
The tricky bit, of course, is to recruit, brief and coordinate all those providers. To select them for value, and not merely for the price. And deal with the laws, the local customs, and the four official languages.
Chances are, your country head is a sales-oriented person.
Instead of trying to get the accounting set up, shouldn’t she or he be turning every stone to fill the sales pipeline from day one?
Why not hire a local Chief Operating Officer at large?
Caution! Here’s my plug. By all means, shop for opinions, But if you are seriously considering a Swiss market entry, hear me out. Or better, read on.
I founded my first company before entering the financial industry. Which meant dealing with company registers, accounting, social security, and VAT since my university days.
Building on this experience, I was later responsible for the entire non-investment related operations of a Swiss-based multi-strategy hedge fund group. I also acted as a company secretary to several of its group companies and advised the Group Chairman.
Our market entry services take the complexity and hassle out of entering the Swiss market. And they reduce cost and other risks. Imagine making one decision, and having your scalable swiss office running within days. Including a seasoned country head of operations who oversees all operations. Just like that.
Here’s what antic.com bring to the table to make your Swiss market entry successful:
- Support of your marketers in establishing an initial Swiss presence
- Setting up or coordinating integrated marketing & communications activities, either in its entirety or by complementing your existing team
- Run either part of, or your entire business operation, including corporate legal & compliance, client service, IT, accounting and HR functions
In addition to simplifying the process, this may result in a quicker, cost-effective approach.
Whichever way you choose to proceed: don’t forget to get my two cents on your specific situation.
I’d be happy to provide some upfront value for free. Schedule your call-back today.