Protect Your Business in Europe

If you want to expand your business, looking beyond your own country’s borders can be a daunting step, but is one which could create major growth in your business.

One of the European Union’s most noted achievements is the creation of the European Single Market – a market with around 500 million consumers – and small and medium sized enterprises can benefit greatly from this. In the past doing business in Europe had many barriers, not least regulatory differences between different countries, which in the past would have made it difficult for you buy and sell products and services in another EU Member State.  The establishment of the Single Market has seen these barriers swept away, replaced by common procedures, standards and rules.

A new regulation coming into force across the European Union will offer UK businesses extra protection, when making advanced payment for goods purchased within the European Union. This protection will also be afforded to all European Union businesses making a purchase for a UK based company.   In January 2009 the European Parliament regulation establishing a European small claims procedure will come into effect. 

The small claims procedure is intended to simplifying cross-border small claims litigation in civil and commercial matters and reduce costs. "Small claims" are cases concerning sums under EUR 2 000.  Whilst applicable to all business, not just SMES, the procedure is especially useful to small business as it has been formulated with the intention of cutting down on the cost and burden of small claims, for example a lawyer is not required to go through the procedure.  

A step by step system has been created to help small and medium sized enterprises to pursue an action against a business based within another member state.  Judgments delivered under the procedure are enforceable and recognised across the European Union (except Denmark).  The costs of the proceedings are borne by the unsuccessful party.

The Enterprise Europe Network North East can offer more information and advice about actions eligible under this regulation, the full details of the procedure as well as information and advice on any European regulation which may affect your business.