Business Surgery: Huxley

• Year Established: 2015

• Where the company is based: Park Street, Bristol

• Sector: Film and animation for branded content

• Owners: Andy Eagles, Jose Macerola, and Alex Try

• Website: www.thisishuxley.com

Company Overview

Huxley is a full-service film production studio offering contemporary film making and animation services. The company creates branded content and online ads for a wide range of clients. Specialising in daring creative and high production values, Huxley offer competitive rates thanks to multi–skilled team with a wealth of industry experience. The company takes a cinematic approach to film making which perfectly complements lifestyle brands.

The Challenge

We have a multilingual team and we want to capitalise on this by pursuing work in Spanish speaking countries. We’re aiming to start in Spain, targeting the lifestyle sector, and we’re looking for guidance on how best to make connections and create a presence abroad.

FEEDBACK

Peter Woodall

Director, Deloitte 

“Research is vital before entering new markets – use the UKTI to assist you with this; they can help you make new connections and have advisory teams to support.  Focus on your sector, relevant industry events, identifying potential clients, learning about the competition and new trends in Spain whilst absorbing the culture specifically in relation to lifestyle.  Getting to know new contacts in a new location can be hard however creating an online presence and joining relevant Spanish online networks will help you ease your way in.  Having Spanish language skills is a bonus, you can create collateral or sample clips that reflect and resonate with the Spanish way of life.  By tailoring and showcasing your service you will position the business to make the most of all the connections you make.”

Alice Gardner

Partner, TLT Solicitors 

“In the first instance I’d speak with UK Trade and Investment as they offer UK based businesses expert advice and know-how on ways of exploring opportunities abroad. They have a strong base in Bristol and offer useful programmes for SME’s such as the Export Hub Road Show and Export Insight Visits.

Another tip is that while business is mainly conducted electronically, you can’t underestimate the value of a meeting in person. Personally I’ve found that best way of making new connections overseas is to physically visit them to discuss ideas, strategies and programmes face-to-face.

Depending on how opportunities develop, you may want to consider entering into formal arrangements with a local joint-venture partner who has detailed knowledge of your target market. These arrangements may start as some form of agreement, but may develop into a corporate structure as the new opportunities grow.”

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