Expanding into international markets is an exciting ambition for many businesses but turning that ambition into reality requires more than quick wins. Our International Growth advisors see this tension every day: companies want immediate results, yet sustainable success demands strategic planning and commitment.
The Challenge: Vague Ambitions and Quick Fixes
When businesses first approach us, their goals are often broad and undefined. As Edy Heng, International Growth Advisor explained:
“Generally, they come with a very general desire: ‘we’d like to sell into this market,’ but lacking a strategic plan behind it. Our role is to help convert that into specific objectives: Which product? Which channel? How are you going to do it?”
While introductions can help, they’re not a substitute for a clear strategy. Without understanding your value proposition, target markets, and readiness, quick wins often lead to inefficient resource allocation and missed opportunities.
Our Approach: Turning Ambition into Strategy
International growth isn’t just about making connections; it’s about building a strategic roadmap with an execution plan. Our advisors use frameworks like the International Canvas to assess readiness and uncover opportunities. This involves looking at:
- Current performance in your home market
- Ideal customer profiles and/or jobs-to-be-done of your products/services and adjacent markets
- Analytics and data to guide decision-making
"It’s about drilling down into the business: what revenue you’re getting now, where the opportunities lie, and why it makes sense to think about other countries,” says Ishan Dutta, International Growth Advisor.
This methodical approach helps businesses prioritise markets and prepare for sustainable growth. For example:
- A Stockport-based food manufacturer came to us with ambitions to enter the US market. With our support, they developed a clear strategy and leveraged innovative marketing tactics, including working with distributor reps and nutritionists and using LinkedIn to build visibility. They have successfully shipped two containers to the US market, achieved over £1m in sales in just one year and are on track for £3m turnover within the next three years.
- Another client needed support with a tender for Cyprus, which required language and compliance expertise. We connected them to GMCC for technical guidance, who further introduced them to the wider partner ecosystem.
Why Quick Wins Don't Work
International expansion is complex. It involves navigating regulations, cultural differences, logistics, and market dynamics. Skipping the foundational work can lead to costly mistakes, such as entering the wrong market, mispricing products, or failing to meet compliance requirements. International growth requires planning, with the right mindset, market intelligence, commercialisation strategy, and execution excellence.
Why Our Expertise Matters
Our advisors don’t just provide advice, they act as connectors, linking businesses to partners like DBT (Department for Business and Trade) and GMCC (Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce) for technical or compliance needs.
“We’re the connector and the strategist."
The willingness to not only do foundational works but also have the vision and definition of success can bring a company far when coupled with BGH’s specialists’ knowledge, ecosystems of enablers and network connections.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
If you’re serious about scaling internationally, now is the time to act. Work with our expert advisors who can help you build a roadmap, identify the right markets, and prepare your business for success.
Book a 1:1 session with our team or join our upcoming International Strategy Workshop on 4th December.
Get in touch
Please contact us at 0161 3593050 or query below.
Take that first step and we’ll support you with whatever you need to succeed.
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