KPMG Enterprise™

Dennis Fortnum

Dennis Fortnum
Canadian Managing Partner,
KPMG Enterprise

Is your business model ready for the 21st century global trade?

Despite market turns, the playing field is wide open for Canadian businesses of any size to be successful growing their business on the world stage. And many business leaders of Canadian private companies are doing exactly that. Over the past three years as we talked with business owners regarding their strategies to expand or enter new markets – almost all of the companies we surveyed reported that they transact business beyond our borders and more than half of the business owners interviewed said doing business abroad was important to their company’s overall growth strategy.

We are often asked, “At what stage of development should a private company consider expanding globally?” We suggest owners and entrepreneurs think of it from the very start – it’s a mistake to think about it after the fact. Building a business strategically is a long term venture. Success in other markets requires homework and a sound business plan but importantly it requires relationships both here and abroad.
Some misperceptions exist about doing business globally:

  • Foreign markets are too risky
  • The company does not have the skills or resources to succeed in the United States – or abroad in high growth markets like China, India and Russia
  • The products or services aren’t considered ‘exportable’
  • The business is better off remaining domestic and ‘manageable’

These are worthy concerns, however the potential risks while sometimes daunting are worth the reward. The case for continued globalization remains strong. Canadian private companies should lead the way; we have the talent, innovation and intangible quality of being Canadian, which we can leverage to seize market opportunities.

Canadian companies should not overlook the significant potential gains of going global. Regardless of size, any business can be successful in foreign markets. Despite financial crisis scenarios of countries like the US and Greece, now is not the time to be complacent or withdraw from the market. Canadian business owners need to be on the world stage sharing our products, services, ingenuity, great ideas and good business sense.

As a leader of a private business, it is important to choose an expansion strategy that is in sync with your business goals and objectives. This edition of Business Adviser covers a snapshot of subjects related to building business opportunities in markets outside of our country. Watch for the release of the next edition of Taking on the World scheduled for early 2012. This research report looks at how Canadian companies have fared building their business beyond our borders and will include a special feature regarding financing to support global expansion strategies.

If you’re doing business abroad or thinking about expanding your business internationally, KPMG Enterprise gives you ready access to all KPMG’s resources across Canada and the power of KPMG member firms around the world. We can provide you with information on local business practices, regulatory issues and specific tax considerations for any country you might be expanding to or considering doing business in. Visit kpmg.ca/goglobal for recent articles and reports that might help you enter new markets.


  articles in this issue

My market is different
 Read the article

Setting up operations abroad?
Welcome to the wonderful world of transfer pricing

 Read the article

Importing and Exporting? – Top ten things your business should know
 Read the article

Trade with the United States can be taxing
 Read the article

The global imperative and risks
 Read the article


  insights

Emerging market acquisitions in developed economies
DOWNLOAD

Emerging market acquisitions in developed economies

Global Transfer Pricing Review – 2011 Edition
DOWNLOAD

Global Transfer Pricing Review – 2011 Edition

International Strategy: Future Markets, Future Growth
DOWNLOAD

International Strategy: Future Markets, Future Growth

High Growth Markets
DOWNLOAD

High Growth Markets

Product Sourcing in Asia Pacific: New Locations, Extended Value Chains
DOWNLOAD

Product Sourcing in Asia Pacific:
New Locations, Extended Value Chains

Think Beyond Borders
DOWNLOAD

Think Beyond Borders


Insight into International Markets

Through access to a global network, we develop focused publications in a variety of areas relevant to doing business in international markets. Click here to download latest titles to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of doing business in other markets.


Recommended Reading

Canadian manufacturing should look to supply chain partnerships to drive innovation

Manufacturers Should Look Beyond Simply Cost Minimization
Read More


On Demand

Doing Business in Non-Traditional Countries

Dealing with unfamiliar distributors or suppliers in unfamiliar places involves risk, whether they operate from another street, another city, or another country. Listen to Barb Stegemann of 7 virtues.

On Demand

Beyond borders: The risks and rewards of foreign expansion

Even under adverse economic conditions, most entrepreneurs say they will continue their global growth and expansion strategies. Listen to Dragon Jim Treliving to find out more about expanding a business into the global marketplace.

Join the Global Enterprise Institute

Global Enterprise Institute was established to provide an open forum where business leaders can share knowledge, gain insight and access in-depth analysis about doing business abroad. Join discussions about key business issues and emerging trends to successfully compete in global markets. Registration is free.

Join the Global Enterprise Institute


Join Us ...


Join Us ...

At KPMG Enterprise™, we are interested in your business success. Our aim is to arm you and members of your management team with the latest developments and best practices that you can apply to your private company.

Our Private Company Seminar Series features guest speakers with experience on business issues of specific importance for owners and executives of privately held companies in Canada.  Our interactive sessions will keep you up-to-date regarding hot topics, business trends, and legislative changes that impact your operations.

Visit www.kpmg.ca/staycurrent to browse the seminars available in your city and register online to any that capture your interest.


Unleashing the power of entrepreneurs
Nominations for QuantumShift 2012 now open

QuantumShift 2012

Canada’s entrepreneurs are shaping our economic future. That’s why KPMG Enterprise™ and the Richard Ivey School of Business established QuantumShift™ nine years ago. It’s an intensive five-day

experience for 40 select entrepreneurs of Canadian businesses that have evolved past that initial start up stage and are ready to shift a thriving enterprise to a whole new level of success. QuantumShift challenges participants to discover innovative leadership strategies and capitalize on their growth opportunities. For these exceptional entrepreneurs, QuantumShift is the catalyst for even greater success.

Visit www.kpmg.ca/quantumshift to learn more about the program.  To nominate an entrepreneur, contact any KPMG Enterprise business adviser.


Business Adviser is published by KPMG Enterprise™ specifically for owners and executives of private companies. KPMG Enterprise is devoted exclusively to helping business owners and entrepreneurs build thriving enterprises. For further information about how KPMG Enterprise can help private companies, visit www.kpmg.ca/enterprise.

Business Adviser

November

2011

Business Adviser is published by KPMG Enterprise™ specifically for owners and executives of private companies. KPMG Enterprise is devoted exclusively to helping business owners and entrepreneurs build thriving enterprises. For further information about how KPMG Enterprise can help private companies, visit www.kpmg.ca/
enterprise
.