Paris Enterprise Thought Exchange: Epitiro Group
Mark Hurley, Chairman of Epitiro Group, discovered his HSBC Company Contemplating Imagined Exchange to Paris thought-provoking and tough. 
Epitiro Group is one particular of the regional finalists in the HSBC Enterprise Contemplating initiative.
Based mostly in Cardiff, the organization was founded in 2000 and supplies network good quality measurement goods and providers to telecommunications organizations which includes BT Group, Vodafone and O2.
Epitiro’s products supplies info about users’ expertise of telecoms and is also offered to regulators such as Ofcom and non-governmental organisations which includes the Organisation for Financial Co-operation and Advancement.
Epitiro has a turnover of £5m and 60 employees.
Mark Hurley writes:
It is a cliché, but the contrast in between London and Paris is striking and profound. London is sprawling chaotic diversity, while Paris is compact and set with a timeless sense of purchase and precision.
So far, so predictable. But my English sentiments or prejudices had been rapidly confounded in the discussions at the Paris Believed Exchange.
There’s one thing new stirring in the enterprise consciousness, a move away from a public and government-managed economic system to 1 that draws on market mechanics.
President Sarkozy’s plans for “Grand Paris” might be underpinned by state-sponsored growth to enhance the metropolitan economy but it is an ambitious vision for the potential as lofty as the new skyscrapers in La Defense, itself the largest organization district in the European Union.
Epitiro is seeking to increase into new markets and France boasts some of the world’s most superior telecoms networks. Match that profile with a a lot more liberal, organization friendly climate and France has to be a single of our target markets, or potentially even at the leading.
Even so, 1 of my learnings from the Considered Exchange is that a mere awareness of cultural distinction isn’t ample – that comprehending has to inform your complete approach and perform.
Cautionary tales, even horror stories, abound, describing in excruciating detail the consequences of obtaining it wrong.
What did we understand? That centralisation is a feature of nearly all economic and enterprise existence, company and infrastructure and that the French seek certainty and clarity in enterprise discussions and will not tolerate ambiguity.
I discovered myself dredging up the memory of ‘O’ degree historical past lessons on the advancement of the Napoleonic code, and recognising enduring themes.
There is a suitable hierarchy within firm structures and adherence to boundaries of authority and choice-creating.
An essential note for would be deal-makers – it’s the individual at the head of the organization that often requires the selection and it might get longer than you are used to in negotiations.
In a hierarchy, the smart will observe the suitable formalities and courtesy in organization communications and in meetings.
And, whilst we may well be accustomed to English as the lingua franca, the adroit use of simple French phrases can go a long way to fostering that all crucial mutual respect.
The value positioned on formality and courtesy return a sense of measured deliberation and civility to enterprise, but packaged with rigid hierarchical structures, is it a recipe for inflexibility and procrastination?
In a planet where innovation, adaptability and responsiveness are crucial, the place teamwork and effective communication are essential for achievement, how will these organization skills play into and influence French organization culture and consciousness?
Nationwide cultural traits are critical, and they can make a worthwhile contribution to organization, but they can only be portion of the business image.
British organization is ready to understand, and to adapt. Are the French similarly ready to embrace change?
The Considered Exchange has been thought provoking and challenging. It has provided a clear and comprehensive image of what to expect when carrying out business in France, and what will be anticipated in return.
Doing organization in France efficiently will require British businesses to produce and consistently observe cultural norms and maybe even to embrace those characteristics and values that resonate with individuals of our personal firms.
A beneficial learning experience, 1 that can enrich our organization practice, and, peut-etre, possibly even influence our French partners.