With a staggering 97% of exporting engineers holding the belief that overseas markets are key to longevity and future growth, there’s no doubt that the general consensus amongst engineering firms is that much of their future lies in exportation. However for the company yet to explore such markets, exportation can seem like an overly daunting process. Here we explain why, far from being an intimidating business decision, exportation should be regarded as a potentially essential step to unparalleled growth – and how we can help!
The challenges of exporting – An exaggerated topic?
When engineering companies (or any company for that matter) think of overseas exportation, the understandable reaction is one of slight intimidation. The seemingly complex landscape of logistics, differing languages and laws means that all too many businesses are put off before they even begin their market research into what can be the most lucrative decision they ever made. However such challenges are frequently overestimated. In fact, a recent study found that 34% of companies reported no significant barriers to exportation whatsoever.
Legal Issues
Undoubtedly the singular most reported issue with entering other markets is that of legal barriers, with two in five companies reporting difficulties that in some way related to legal or bureaucratic processes. Such an issue is easily surmountable with the help of solid legal advice and resources such as can be found via the UKTI (The United Kingdom Trade and Investment Body). Over the last 10 years – we’ve helped engineering companies understand the nuances of local legal practices. We have legal qualified translators across the globe and can help you operate legally and protect your intellectual property in all regions.
Languages and Cultures
Another frequently reported issue with exportation is, unsurprisingly, the differing languages and cultures of other regions. Key to overcoming language and cultural barriers are research and the right resources. Reputable and experienced translation services companies can not only ensure that differing languages become irrelevant in fostering good business relationships, but can additionally advise on the cultural nuances that can be the difference between winning a contract and causing outright offence! Translation agencies can also ensure that the essence and context of your brand is translated perfectly, beyond just the words on a page.
Sourcing reliable information
An additional issue that may be significantly over estimated is that of sourcing reliable information that can form parts of invaluable business decisions. The UKTI can prove to be an indispensable resource for both generic and industry specific information in relation to exportation and, if you want to carry out your own market research, we can help translate your questionnaires and criteria perfectly.
Domestic issues of a drastically under resourced industry
Notably one of the biggest challenges that an engineering company could face in the exportation of their services is a home grown one; it is estimated that by 2017 demand for engineering and manufacturing sector professionals will have grown to such a point that there will be a need for an additional half a million workers.
Depending on the approach of the engineering firm this could actually act as a reason for exploring the overseas market; utilising a drastically increased proportion of overseas engineering professionals is inevitable, meaning that there even more impetus for exportation.
We can help your recruitment drive overseas by translating job descriptions and competency evaluations. We could help you find the perfect outsourcing partner in the local region by ensuring all contract negotiations are translated quickly and accurately – ensuring complete clarity and both sides’ expectations being met.
For the engineering firm of 2014 the promising prospect of overseas exportation beckons; the challenges of exportation are frequently over estimated which should perhaps be seen as a positive for those companies who can make ground on their competitors.
Get in touch with us today to see how we can help provide translation services for your export challenges.
