Going global – Interpreneur survey

Mapping the route to interpreneurial success

It’s been two years since Kreston Global published the inaugural ‘Interpreneur’ report investigating what drives entrepreneurs to take their businesses international and what it means to be an interpreneur, and in that time the landscape in which business operate has shifted significantly. Growth remains slow across much of the global economy, while spiralling inflation has increased the cost of doing business. Geopolitical tensions have disrupted supply chains, and the outcomes of the many elections planned this year are hotly anticipated.

Despite these issues, the report reveals that mid-market businesses are optimistic about their global operations and ready to drive growth.

Download the full report now and discover more about the strategies and trends shaping the future of global entrepreneurship.

The respondents: What is an interpreneur

An ‘interpreneur’ is a term to describe a business leader who successfully expands their business’ presence into markets abroad.

The survey was conducted with 100 business leaders in each of the following 14 countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa, Spain, UAE, UK, and the US between 12 to the 19 February 2024. Survey respondents were C-suite executives, owners, chairs, partners, managing directors, directors or senior management across businesses earning up to £300 million in revenue. All percentages have been rounded up to the nearest whole number.

What are the biggest international expansion challenges in 2024 according to interpreneurs?

Going global is clearly a big adjustment, and businesses have to be prepared to adapt their thought processes and their operating models to differing local market dynamics, economic variations, logistical realities, regulatory requirements, tax obligations and cultural expectations.

With not much to separate them, the principal challenges interpreneurial businesses face are dealing with supply chain issues, local relationship building and grappling with economic volatility, where issues like currency fluctuations or inflationary pressures can have a significant impact on business success. Navigating global tax regulation (including transfer pricing, double taxation and VAT) and understanding complex compliance requirements (such as ESG obligations and other legal duties) have proved problematic for around a third (35% and 30% apiece).

Almost a quarter (24%) struggled with a lack of familiarity with utilising local tax breaks and benefits.

Inside the report you will find more information about what’s driving interpreneurs to expand globally, and the benefits they expect to obtain by doing so.

Click here to download the full survey report.