Airbnb properties and similar short-term lets have been on the radars of global governments for some time. While they invariably encourage tourism and inject money into local economies, critics believe that an overabundance of holiday lets is choking the real estate market, and making it harder for local people to find somewhere to live. In light of this, the UK government has announced changes to the law around short-term lets. The headline news is that councils will have more power to control holiday lets in their area - but what they do with that power is open to question. Here’s everythin ..read more

The current UK government has made a show of being tough on immigration. Its latest announcement extends this rhetoric towards some seemingly unlikely sources. As well as skilled workers and the families of care workers, family members of British citizens will find it harder to get a visa, with the wage requirement for the latter increasing. While the family wage cap has been lowered following a U-turn, this latest in a line of moves to reduce immigration figures could have unintended economic consequences. The limits - and the feeling of a more hostile climate towards migrants - could stop t ..read more

2024 is shaping up to be the busiest election year in history. While the US election is no doubt the centrepiece of the global calendar, there are elections in dozens of countries that could significantly change the face of local, regional, and global politics. This includes Europe, where several key elections could see major shifts in policy. The European Parliament election is perhaps the most momentous, but national elections in the UK, Finland, Austria, and Belgium (and further afield, the United States) could all help to shape the future of the continent. Here’s a rundown of the most not ..read more

2023 wasn’t a great year by many metrics, but it has seen some interesting developments for businesses. AI has been a hugely disruptive presence, providing new tools that threaten to revolutionise many industries, and empower businesses to create content more easily. Ongoing news stories meanwhile have led to opportunities as well as challenges, with a difficult economic climate affecting consumer spending. Going into 2024, the startup landscape is ripe for innovation and disruption. Below, we’ll delve into a diverse range of startup ideas that could take off in the coming year, from response ..read more

Ireland’s status as a thriving modern economy is often taken for granted. Yet 30 years ago, the attractiveness of Ireland to businesses from across the globe could scarcely have been seen coming. A prolonged economic crisis made this largely agrarian country feel like an afterthought even within European business circles, let alone further afield. The journey Ireland has been on since that point has been nothing short of extraordinary. Here’s an overview of how Ireland went from a dire economic situation to an attractive destination for startups and corporations alike - and why it’s such a gr ..read more

The relationship between the British and the French carries a bit of history, and France’s feelings on royalty are fairly well established. So imagine the surprise of many commentators when King Charles received a welcome fit for - well, a king. A celebrity-laden banquet at Versailles was followed by a speech by Charles to the French parliament, and much back-slapping from President Macron. The optics of the visit seven years after Brexit - and a year before a UK general election - are notable. After a particularly frosty period in Franco-British and European relations, there are reasons for ..read more

Germany has long been a powerhouse of innovation and economic stability in Europe. With its robust infrastructure, highly skilled workforce and supportive business environment, Germany has become an increasingly attractive destination for entrepreneurs looking to establish their ventures or take their first steps in international expansion. Below, we’ve laid out our picks for the top five cities in Germany to start a business. With picks ranging from the storied capital to Germany’s tech and industrial heartlands, these cities offer the best opportunities for entrepreneurs in a range of secto ..read more

Portugal’s 'golden visa' scheme has long been a massive benefit for entrepreneurs and expats who wanted to take advantage of everything Portugal has to offer. Since 2012, the scheme had been offering a visa with a guaranteed route to permanent residency in exchange for a real estate investment or business investment. Under the last rulings, an expat wanting a Golden Visa would have to invest at least €350,000 in an area of urban renewal, or €500,000 for a property in any Portuguese location. Under these rules, a Golden Visa holder only had to reside in Portugal for 7 days in their first year ..read more

Take it from us: people love starting businesses in France. From its thriving economy to its rich cultural heritage, France offers tremendous opportunities for business growth, and an exciting life experience for entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, too many conflate their experiences as tourists with the realities of France as a market - and struggle to sell their products or services to a unique and discerning audience. While a good product will have universal appeal, marketing doesn’t. Learning to effectively market your business in France requires a nuanced approach that takes into account the c ..read more

The transfer of shares is a crucial step when owning a French company. Whether its involved in the sale of a business or for investment reasons, knowing how to transfer shares correctly is essential to ensure a smooth transition and protect the interests of all parties that have an interest in the business. To help with that transition, here’s our step-by-step guide that examines the different procedures and regulations surrounding the transfer of shares in French companies. Verification of company statutes: Before proceeding with the transfer of shares, it is important to consult the article ..read more