|
To assist European software companies that are considering setting up a business operation in the UK, the following feature list compares the traditional method of starting a UK software Business in the UK, with the Business Launch Program. Rather than taking the high risk route of investing immediately in UK staff, offices, administration etc, the UK Business Launch Program provides for full UK market testing of your software and services and is designed to generate early business results. These revenues can then be ploughed back into the business and used to fund the UK as a profit rather than cost centre. When European companies are ready to directly invest in UK premises, need product incubator services, or contact with UK Universities, ICTlaunch can assist. We recommend the services of UK Trade and Investment and London and the UK’s South East England and other Regional Development Agencies. Please contact us for further information. See the Three Phase UK Business Launch page for an overview of the program or contact ICTlaunch for full details. |
|
UK Business Launch Program—Feature List |
|
If you would like a confidential discussion with full details of how the Business Launch Program can help develop your UK software Business, contact ICTlaunch for further details. |
|
Phases and Features |
Traditional UK Start Up (TSU) |
UK Business Launch Program (BLP)
|
Notes |
|
Phased UK start up
|
Not Applicable |
Yes |
BLP allows for market testing prior to investing in full launch.
|
|
Phase 1. Commence UK Office
|
Not Applicable |
Yes |
BLP provides minimal Cost Virtual Sales Office |
|
UK staff |
Not Applicable |
Yes |
BLP provides full time office staff for sales enquiry capture. Sales staff available as required.
|
|
Offices |
Not Applicable |
Yes |
BLP provides UK office address and telephone number, plus meeting rooms as required.
|
|
Costs |
Not Applicable |
Low monthly fee |
BLP Phase 1 fee depends upon features selected.
|
|
Phases and Features |
Traditional UK Start Up. (TSU)
|
UK Business Launch Program (BLP)
|
Notes |
|
Phase 2. Proactive UK Sales & Marketing
|
Not Applicable |
Yes |
BLP based on shared risk/reward model. |
|
UK Staff |
Not Applicable |
Yes |
BLP provides UK operation staffed as required, including Sales/Country Manager (Designate). Staff can be recruited by ICTlaunch or by your recruitment consultant to the HQ clients specifications.
|
|
Sales Management |
Not Applicable |
Yes |
BLP includes, coaching, sales and business start up training. Business administration, invoicing, receivables.
|
|
Offices |
Not Applicable |
Yes |
BLP provides office resources and dedicated meeting/demo rooms.
|
|
Costs |
Not Applicable |
Low monthly fee |
BLP Phase 2 fee, includes above features and also depends upon staffing requirements.
|
|
Phases and Features |
Traditional UK Start Up. (TSU) |
UK Business Launch Program (BLP)
|
Notes |
|
Phase 3. Investing in the UK Operation |
Yes, no test period |
Yes, based on proven sales |
With BLP, the business is already successfully functioning. With TSU, the likelihood of success or failure is unknown, however staff, offices and other costs remain high and fixed.
|
|
Business Objective |
Launch UK Business |
Expand Existing UK Business |
With BLP, the business is fully operating and looking to expand. With TSU advice is required from multiple agencies, legal, financial, etc. before commencing.
|
|
UK Staff |
Need to be Sourced |
Staff Migrated from Phase 2 |
With BLP, staff are trained and effective. With TSU, staff capabilities are untested but still need to be fully remunerated.
|
|
Sales Management |
Need to be sourced |
Migrated from Phase 2 |
With BLP, the staff are already self sufficient and familiar with reporting to Europe HQ. With TSU, the UK staff need remote management from Europe HQ.
|
|
Offices |
Need to be sourced, higher cost |
Can be sourced during Phase 2 |
With BLP specific office needs can be measured based on more accurate business forecasts. With TSU, office requirements are not fully determined as business is not underway.
|
|
Staff Costs |
High |
Medium |
With TSU a proven existing UK Country Manager and support staff need to be recruited, typically salary plus 20% recruitment fee. With BLP the UK Sales Manager may already be on a lower salary as ICTlaunch has provided sales management and there is no recruitment or transfer fee. The UK Sales Manager can be promoted to UK Country Manager if desired.
|
|
Office Costs |
High |
Medium |
With TSU full time offices need to be sourced. Probably 12 month minimum lease, plus legal fees. With BLP, the company may continue to use ICTlaunch shared facilities, or can switch to own UK facilities at any time.
|