European Union consultants can open doors to the world's largest trading power and a great place for business owners to increase product sales. Since there are 25 countries that are part of the European Union and each has specific regulations for how businesses are set up, hiring EU consultants can make this whole process easier and less time-consuming.

European Union consulting companies can help with everything from policies and public affairs to communications so that you can set up your business with confidence while meeting any requirements set up by the EU.

It's important to find out if a European Union consultant has a certain field of expertise or is able to work with various businesses and business plans. Some things to consider before hiring a European Union consultancy:

1. Decide which EU country you want to do business with, and then find an EU consultant that is familiar with that country's rules and regulations.

2. Research how many years and how many clients a prospective European Union consultant has had.

3. Find EU consultants that are set up to create business solutions in various languages throughout the European Union.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Hire EU consultants to help you find organizational grants

Setting up a business overseas can be an expensive undertaking, but you can easily apply for a European Union grant. EU business grant consultants can help you find what grants are available, not only for your particular business but also for whatever country you're interested in setting up your business in.

I recommend: European Consultancy Services has EU grant consultants to help you through the grant application process. It also can provide a directory of available grants that the EU is offering for various businesses. The European Commission has an online listing of grants offered through the EU along with information on how to apply for them. WelcomEurope has a search engine on its website where you can easily find information about grants offered by the EU.

Rely on European consultants to assist with EU regulations

Working with European Union consulting companies is the best way to find out about rules and regulations of your particular business or EU country. An EU consultant can also tell you about any requirements there are to ease the process of starting your business.

I recommend: Go to Kompass to find a listing of EU legislation consultants worldwide. This website also provides information about each EU consultancies listed so that you have an overview of what services they offer. Europa provides information about industry and trade regulations in European Union countries.

Hire European Union consultants that also specialize in public relations and marketing

Starting your business is only the first step. You'll also need to get your name out there so that your business can become successful. In addition to helping you to create a business plan and set up your business, many European Union consultants specialize in helping you with promotion.

I recommend: As one of the largest consulting firms in the world, Hill & Knowlton is more than able to help its clients, thanks to its knowledge of EU public affairs. EU-Consultant is a European Union consultancy that offers everything from marketing to legal assistance through the 25 EU countries. EU Consultants will help you create a public relations and advertising campaign for your business that meets the requirements of the European market so that EU customers can find you and your product.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If possible, meet with European consultants face to face before hiring them to ensure you are comfortable with the people you will be working with.
• •  Learn the language of the EU country or countries you want to do business with to help you increase your ability to communicate and also show that you are serious about doing business overseas.