Online event
The smarter way UK SMEs are going global
Thursday 21 May at 11:00AM
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A practical session helping UK SMEs expand internationally with confidence by understanding compliant hiring, payroll, tax and growth models to reduce risk, cost and complexity.
What you’ll learn
- Identify the major compliance and tax risks that arise when UK SMEs expand overseas and recognise early warning signs such as misclassification, payroll errors and potential permanent establishment exposure.
- Apply practical, low risk approaches to testing and operating in new markets by understanding how to hire initial staff, manage payments in local currencies, navigate banking requirements and determine when a local entity is genuinely required.
- Evaluate how Employer of Record (EOR) models support safe, compliant international growth by simplifying global hiring, enabling access to specialist talent and reducing the operational burden of managing multi country employment laws.
Description
UK SMEs are increasingly exploring international markets to access new customers, diversify supply chains and secure specialist talent in mainland Europe and beyond. Yet many begin this journey without fully understanding the employment, payroll, tax and compliance implications of operating overseas.
This session gives SMEs a clear, practical understanding of how to expand internationally while avoiding unnecessary risk, cost or complexity. Delegates will learn how to “test the water” in new markets safely, including how to hire staff, pay workers in local currencies, navigate banking requirements and determine whether a local entity is truly required.
Mauve Group will show how course correction and early export planning can mitigate risks like misclassification, non-compliant payroll, unexpected tax liabilities and potential permanent establishment issues. For growing SMEs – especially those concerned they may already have taken missteps – this expertise is invaluable.
The session compares the most common international growth pathways, including early stage market testing, entity set up and Employer of Record (EOR) models, outlining their compliance, cost and operational implications. It will also explain how EOR helps SMEs overcome barriers such as regulatory uncertainty, payroll complexity and talent shortages in high demand areas like AI, cybersecurity and digital operations.
Attendees will learn how to spot early warning signs of compliance risk, ask the right questions before entering a new market, and understand when to engage specialist expertise. With real Mauve Group case studies and sector specific insights from service industries and tech enabled businesses, delegates will gain the confidence to navigate overseas expansion with reduced risk and renewed confidence.
Speakers
Carolina Merlin
Compliance Manager, Mauve Group
Carolina Merlin is Compliance Manager at Mauve Group, where she drives global compliance and risk advisory initiatives to support the company’s international growth. With a legal background and experience as Senior Compliance Counsel and Legal Specialist, Carolina brings deep expertise in regulatory frameworks, cross-border risk mitigation, and international employment compliance.
She works at the intersection of regulation, commercial strategy, and operations, partnering with senior stakeholders to navigate complex regulatory environments, design scalable compliance models, and deliver practical solutions that enable sustainable business expansion.
Carolina is particularly passionate about positioning compliance as a tactical business partner, ensuring governance frameworks not only protect the organisation but also support long-term growth and global success.
Joseph Mojume
Global Sales Manager, Mauve Group
Joseph Mojume is Global Sales Manager at Mauve Group, where he helps clients achieve their international expansion goals through tailored solutions and services. With over 18 years of management experience leading B2B revenue teams across the EMEA region and numerous industries, Joseph combines strategic leadership with hands-on operational expertise.
For Joseph, teamwork, accountability, and diversity are the pillars of successful business, building bridges of influence across global teams.
Educated in management and finance, Joseph excels at aligning commercial strategy with operational execution, empowering people, and delivering sustainable, profitable growth.