Research indicating that companies that trade internationally generally produce better financial results than those focused on domestic markets. Undoubtedly this a stimulus to those governments, economists and other commentators who have consistently argued that exports are immensely important to countries around the world, especially in the current difficult economic environment. But it should also be a wake-up call to those businesses not yet exporting.

Maybe these stay-at-home companies feel it is just too difficult selling their wares overseas. But, with domestic growth hard to come by in so many markets, they should be at least considering the opportunities. After all, on the basis of what is commonplace at home can be exotic abroad, most products and services can be sold overseas.

True, there are risks to be handled and practical problems to be overcome. But business is largely about risk and many of the problems turn out to be more perceived than actual. For example, 34% of businesses questioned by the latest Regus survey stated that “the biggest obstacle to overseas expansion is setting up an office presence in a foreign country”, with 63% saying that property commitments associated with overseas operations need to be “very short-term” because they do not know how quickly such ventures will develop. But – thanks to flexible workspaces becoming available all over the world – there is no reason why companies should be saddled with property costs if the business does not expand as hoped or prevented from meeting demand because they are locked into premises that are too small.

Another frequently-voiced concern is about the need to hire local managers for new markets and the difficulty of finding them. But, again, taking a flexible approach is the key. Businesses that deal directly with customers may need to grapple with such issues. On the other hand, many companies expand overseas through intermediaries, distribution deals and the like and so may not need to worry about them.

The important thing is to make the most of the opportunities that are apparently so obvious to companies already exporting that they are nearly twice as likely as those sticking to domestic markets to plan on expanding still further. Those responding to the call will not just improve their own prospects, they will help to boost their national economies and also stabilise the world economy.

You can find the full report The Export Imperative below

Regus expands in Southern California; offers more flexible workplaces in premier locations

 An affordable and modern workspace is becoming increasingly hard to find in downtown Santa Monica. That’s why here at Regus we have opened a brand new location with a large coworking facility in the Yahoo! Center @ 2500 Broadway, right in the heart of Santa Monica’s entertainment district.

“Technological advancements, the growing number of mobile workers and the tectonic shift in workplace habits have given rise to an increasing number of professionals relying on and looking for communal workspaces”

—Sande Golgart, Regus’ Regional Vice President

The new center is one of the most distinct facilities the company has created yet. It has a large campus area to meet the specific needs of the Santa Monica business community, those local business owners and professionals who are looking to reduce the commute and improver their work-life balance.

 In addition to  the new campus space, the center offers private offices, virtual offices, meeting rooms, videoconferencing and an administrative staff to ease the workload and let businesses focus on the task at hand. The global footprint and scalability associated with Regus allows companies to enter new markets and expand operations without being locked into long-term, expensive leases. The new center is located in the Yahoo! Center which is home to companies such as Apple, CBS Broadcasting, HBO, eHarmony, amongst many more. There is also a great outdoors area that includes tennis courts, fields, parks, water features and outdoor seating. And for the fitness fanatic inside of you, there is an on-site gym that you can access.

 Are you based in Santa Monica? Come and check our new center out!

For more information on Regus please click here

Regus helps companies take advantage of the new revenue opportunities in the Balkans by expanding into Slovenia its 92nd country.

Are you interested in the growing opportunities in the Balkans? Looking to start a business in neighbouring Croatia, Hungary and Serbia? Then Ljubljana is the ideal place for your.

The new business centre is located at the heart of Republic Square, a sought after business address in Ljubljana, opposite the national Parliament. Facilities at the centre include meeting rooms, ready-to-use offices, video communications studio, high-speed secure internet, and multilingual administrative support.

The expansion of Regus’s network in the Balkans, and further afield, is a response to the growing demand for flexible workspace, as organisations adopt new ways of working. Over the next three years, Regus plans to increase its worldwide network by at least 75%, equating to over 800 additional business centres.

“Globally over eight out of ten (81%) businesses now offer their workforce some form of flexible working.  This trend is feeding into record levels of enquiries for Regus’s flexible workspace. We’ve opened the new centre in Ljubljana to satisfy that demand.”

—Mark Dixon, CEO for Regus

The availability of Regus flexible workspace in Ljubljana will allow local and international businesses to explore growth opportunities in Slovenia, which is starting to show a gentle economic recovery after being hit hard by the financial crisis of 2008. There are good opportunities in sectors like life sciences, pharmaceuticals and ICT. Businesses will be able to develop their presence in the Balkans, without making expensive, long-term property commitments. Slovenian companies can also use the global Regus network to explore opportunities abroad.

“The latest Regus Business Confidence Index showed that companies that trade internationally feel they have better prospects than those with mainly domestic markets. By expanding our network in the Balkans, and beyond, we’re making it easier for more companies to improve their own prospects – helping them open up new revenue sources and new opportunities for growth.”

—Mark Dixon, CEO for Regus

Four Facts of Slovenia:

• Slovenia has a high GDP per capita and a well educated workforce.
• The Ljubljana Dragon is the capital’s symbol, which symbolises power, courage and greatness.
• The country has great trade links with Austria, France, Germany and Italy.
• Ljubljana has a diversified economy with a variety of employers in the pharmaceutical, petrochemical, food processing, banking, finance, transport, construction, and tourist industries.

Do you run a business in Slovenia? Let us know in the comments below.

For more information on Regus please click here

Photo Credit:

Image provided by Leshaines123 via Flickr