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Doing business in Europe is becoming easier!

08 January 2010
by eub2 -- last modified 08 January 2010

Businesses in around two-thirds of the services sector will soon be able to take greater advantage of European markets thanks to the EU Services Directive.


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 As an EU* business you will benefit from:

- Online licence applications through a web-based Point of Single Contact in every country to establish legal requirements for operating locally.

- Streamlined regulation, including greater recognition of licences in other European countries

- Less red tape as European countries remove unnecessary barriers to business

- A wider customer base.

UK Business Minister Ian Lucas notes that "the market for services in Europe is opening up. It's important that UK firms are ready to grasp the opportunities this presents for new jobs and growth." Mr. Lucas added that opening up European markets for services would also be good news for consumers with greater choice and lower prices.

To ensure consumers anywhere in Europe consider buying services from abroad, the Services Directive will ensure they have access to a minimum amount of information no matter where in Europe a business is based. From the end of 2009, businesses will have to ensure that clients have access to certain information about the service they provide. The requirements are simple and should not need businesses to take much action to fulfil them.

The Directive will benefit those in the service industry in a variety of ways. For example a locally based event organiser wishes to operate in France. They would be able to log onto the Point of Single Contact portal in France and there they would be able to find out what authorisations, if any, they needed to operate in France.

Similarly a Northern Ireland construction company wants to set up business in Sweden. They go to the Swedish Point of Single Contact portal where they can find out what they need to do to open a branch there, fill out any necessary applications, and receive their permits online.

The Services Directive came into force across the EU on 28 December 2009.

You can visit www.bis.gov.uk/servicesdirective for more details on how this can benefit your business, including FAQs and business guidance or e-mail servicesdirective@bis.gsi.gov.uk with any queries.  

Note


* The Directive applies across the European Economic Area, i.e. EU countries plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is building a dynamic and competitive UK economy by: creating the conditions for business success; promoting innovation, enterprise and science; and giving everyone the skills and opportunities to succeed.

UK Department of Business, Innovation and Skills