Speaking at APSCo’s Export Your Way Into Growth forum last week, Lord Green explained how recruitment companies should take the opportunity to support the British service sector overseas to facilitate the UK’s economic growth. Commenting on the shift in world power, he focused on growth areas in Africa, Latin America, Russia and the Asia Pacific region. He detailed how recruitment agencies should take advantage of opportunities to support British companies moving overseas – by having a presence on the ground and establishing long term links within the local environment.

According to Lord Green, 28% of British recruitment companies are working internationally, compared to just 20% of SMEs generally. He believes there is a global respect for the integrity of UK service industries – but there are not enough British companies operating overseas.

Presenting at the same event, Jeremy Baker, Affiliate professor of Marketing at ESCP Europe Business School explained how Britain should exploit global opportunities by offering services which we excel at. He drew attention to the fact that the UK is a world leader in finance, law, architecture and employment. He believes that British businesses have an international reputation for being reliable, upstanding, tolerant and decent – and we should use this to our advantage by exporting recruitment consultancies into growth economies.

The Export Your Way to Growth Event, chaired by Graeme Read from Antal International & John Mortimer from Angela Mortimer plc, also included presentations by John Nurthen from Staffing Industry Analysts who offered insights into international markets based on his company’s research. Tony Goodwin, CEO of Antal International shared his inspirational story of global expansion, and offered his top tips for success. Julia Levy of Terra Firma Associates also enlightened attendees on the global impact of smartphone technology, and how we as recruiters can harness it for growth. The forum was sponsored by Access Financial International SA.

Commenting on the event, Ann Swain, CEO of APSCo Said, “I’d like to thank all the speakers who attended the event – I hope our members were inspired by the knowledge and experiences they shared. There are undoubtedly extensive opportunities for recruitment agencies to thrive overseas. APSCo is happy to assist members with compliance issues as they take their first steps into international markets”.