Leadr

From Switzerland to France

France is a large market. It is also a market of networks.

A country centralised in its laws, but highly regional in the way it does business. Leadr helps Swiss companies find the right contacts there, and the right tone.

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The codes of the market

What surprises Swiss companies.

The size of the market

13 metropolitan regions and very different economic areas. Aiming at the whole of France at once often means succeeding nowhere.

The weight of relationships

Networks and referrals often open more doors than the quality of the offer alone.

The decision path

Organisations that are sometimes more hierarchical, with several people to convince.

Business customs

Negotiation, payment terms, formality of exchanges: everything reads differently.

Market standards

French and European standards, certifications, sector regulations: to be checked product by product.

Our role

The right market, the right contacts.

  1. 1

    Choose the right region

    The one where your offer meets real demand and the networks are accessible.

  2. 2

    Check the rules of the game

    The standards and texts that apply to your product in France, so you can adapt your offer upfront.

  3. 3

    Test your offer

    With French buyers, before any major investment.

  4. 4

    Make introductions

    A direct approach to the right decision makers, identified through analysis of the market and its companies.

  5. 5

    Engage local partners

    Chambers of commerce, local authorities, business networks: the partners that matter in each region.

Example of an assignment

The question companies ask when they arrive in France.

“Who should I meet, and how do I approach them?”

Business services · New market

The situation
A company knew no one in its target market and did not want a cold calling campaign.
What we did
Market analysis, then analysis of the target companies one by one, leading to five precisely identified priority contacts, with a direct approach prepared for each of them.
The result
Five right contacts instead of hundreds of calls, and first meetings with real decision makers.

Frequently asked questions

Growing in France: your questions.

How can a Swiss company prospect in France?

By targeting specific regions rather than "France" as a whole. The country is centralised in its laws but very regional in its networks: each economic area has its own decision-makers, trade fairs and partners. We identify the people who matter and introduce you directly.

Do I need to set up a company in France?

Not necessarily at first. Depending on your business, you can sell from Switzerland, work with a sales agent or open a liaison office. VAT and tax representation obligations need to be checked for your case. A French subsidiary makes sense once the business is established.

Which region of France should I start with?

With the one where your target clients are concentrated, not necessarily the closest. Every sector has its hubs: industry, health, energy and food do not share the same geography. The first meeting also helps make that choice.

What are the business differences between France and Switzerland?

In France, decisions often go further up the hierarchy and personal relationships carry a lot of weight. Meetings are easier to secure with a recommendation, and negotiations are often more direct than in Switzerland.

Is your company ready for France?

Let us talk about your project and the regions where it stands the best chance.

Book a meeting

Introductory call, no commitment. You choose your slot.