Work on Inward Investment into the UK is a distinct
specialisation at Martineau. The work involves advice to
clients (including business and private clients) operating in the
UK but whose headquarters or habitual residence is abroad. This
creates special but interesting demands for all our lawyers, including
a need to adapt our service to suit the varying demands of an increasingly
international clientele. For example, many foreign-owned businesses
in the UK have a relatively limited employee resource in this country,
meaning that we may have to discuss particular communication channels
and levels of authority with those instructing us. In every case,
however, the need to communicate in terms which the client understands
is fundamental.
This practice area draws on all the skill sets represented
by the technical groups in our firm. We support foreign-origin clients
in Commercial negotiations and advice, in Corporate transactions,
in Dispute Management, in Property matters, and in Private Client
advice. Likewise, our foreign clients reflect the sectors
in which the firm is strongest, i.e.: Martineau recognises that work for foreign
clients involves particular skills and requirements, including:
-
the need to explain, perhaps against a background of different
expectations and native languages;
-
the appreciation that the client often has a wider range of
choices, where the UK might not provide the sole solution;
-
liaison with the client and its other advisers, perhaps in
many countries;
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the desire to harmonise the client’s international practices
to the maximum extent achievable;
-
an appreciation of the tax, duty, and trade law implications
of various alternative structures;
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the need to be available outside the UK’s normal business
hours;
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the need to appreciate the particular local requirements of
the client, e.g. under its domestic legislation; and
-
the desire to control risk.
As a firm we have no desire to open our own offices
outside England. Thus we are happy to work with independent correspondent
law firms around the world, particularly those who are fellow members
of Multilaw (see www.multilaw.com)
and, in the USA and Canada, State Law Resources (www.statelaw.org).
Our approach is rapid, available, pragmatic, practical.
We are used to dealing with entrepreneurs and huge multi-nationals
and everything in between. Whatever the circumstances, “We
will find a way, or make one”. In this area of our practice we co-operate extensively
and intensively with other UK and foreign agencies as appropriate,
including:
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the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform
(formerly the DTI);
-
local and bilateral Chambers of Commerce;
-
Embassies, trade commissions;
-
local, regional, national, continental and multinational bodies,
such as Birmingham City Council, the Government office for the
West Midlands, Advantage West Midlands, HM Treasury, HM Customs
and Excise and other Government departments, the European Commission,
the International Chamber of Commerce and the World Trade Organisation;
- Advisory Network created by the UK Government - details
Martineau has identified the key economies
most relevant to Inward Investment in the UK now and in the future,
and has created core service teams to concentrate in those areas.
These are led by partners with particular experience of, expertise
in, and affinity with the areas concerned. Thus you can contact
a team with a real interest in, and knowledge of, your area.
The regions concerned and the team leaders are as
follows: These teams work together on specific projects,
and meet periodically to review developments of concern in “their”
area. Members travel frequently to the area concerned both to visit
our clients and to keep up to date with local developments.
This is an incomplete list of countries and regions
from which our clients derive. If you have any questions concerning
our capability as regards other areas, please contact William
Barker.
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