Preston Finance Leaders Event: Exploring International Growth into the Future
· Posted on: June 10th 2025 · read
On Wednesday 4th June, senior finance professionals from across the North West gathered at Farington Lodge Hotel for the latest MHA Finance Leaders Networking Event. The morning brought together CFOs, Finance Directors and Financial Controllers for a focused discussion on the strategic considerations and challenges facing businesses looking to expand internationally in 2025 and beyond.
With breakfast in hand and the historic setting of Farington Lodge as the backdrop, the event opened with networking before moving into a thought-provoking panel discussion. Experts in international trade, global mobility, economics and employment law shared their insights into the risks and opportunities associated with cross-border growth.
The conversation was underpinned by a central theme: how North West businesses can unlock new markets while navigating the increasingly complex global landscape.
Challenges and Complexity in a Changing Landscape
Andy Halpin of CG Professionals highlighted the internal cost pressures that UK businesses are juggling alongside global ambitions.
“The conversation around trade is crucial and I referred to it as an ‘external factor’, but it's the internal cost landscape and factors—minimum wage rises, national insurance changes, and the ongoing evolution of employment rights—that will shape how businesses manage people and productivity in the next 12 months.”
Jimmy Smith added perspective on the tax implications of international expansion.
“Expanding a business internationally can be a complex problem to solve, but it offers excellent opportunities to grow. It is important at the outset to understand how tax interacts with your business’ plans. Customs duty and local VAT/GST obligations are a key risk consideration for all businesses selling goods overseas. Understanding how your supply chain will operate will help to manage these obligations.”
James Smith of MHA explored the intricacies of cross-border mobility, drawing attention to how regulatory complexity varies by jurisdiction.
"Moving people across borders can be complex – multiple jurisdictions and often different fiscal years compound the tax and social security reporting requirements for employers. When looking at the States, this goes further with both a federal and state system, often with the states taking different approaches to international taxes – cross-border work in Florida will be inherently different to New York."
These practical challenges reflect the need for careful planning and expert guidance, especially for organisations stepping into new regions for the first time.
Global Ambition Grounded in Expertise
Attendees left with a clearer sense of the strategic planning required to support international expansion – from ensuring compliance and managing people, to understanding local market conditions and financial obligations.
In true FD Network spirit, the morning also provided a valuable platform for peer-to-peer learning, as attendees exchanged their own experiences and challenges during the networking session.
As the conversation continues beyond the event, MHA remains committed to helping finance professionals across the region lead with ambition, connect globally and build the partnerships that will drive their businesses forward.
