FOR A LONG TIME, Business by Phone had a vision to expand abroad and last winter, when setting up their fourth office in Sweden, they felt the timing was right to step into the international arena.

– Sweden is not that big and there are a limited number of customers. That is why we chose to expand outside of Sweden where there is greater potential and more customers, says Managing Director Martin Pettersson.

 

IN ADDITION TO a growing customer base, the recruitment base is also bigger as they reach all of Europe.

– There are many sales professionals in Europe who dream about moving to the Mediterranean for work, explains Martin Pettersson.

 

LAST DECEMBER, he himself moved to Malta to build the business and on April 7, Business by Phone started operations.

– So far, everything is running smoothly and we have not run into any major obstacles, says Martin Pettersson. The housing situation is very good and it is easy to find apartments and office space at reasonable prices.

The fact that English is one of two official languages means that it is smooth and easy to deal with local authorities and running a business on the island.

                                                                    Photo: Martin Pettersson
 

SETTING UP business abroad is different from setting up in Sweden and Martin Pettersson suggests a more generous time frame before getting started. Consulting expertise is a good idea, he believes.

– In fact, it is not that complicated getting established in Malta, but until you become familiar with bureaucracy, hiring a consultant makes it easier. There are many such consultants available in Malta.

Visiting and researching the market before setting up is also a good advice from Martin Pettersson.

 

TODAY, Business by Phone has almost 20 Swedish sales people at the office in Malta and they enjoy it very much. The climate is nice all year around; communication is easy since many speak English. The cultural history is well preserved and there are many sights. The company is planning to start hiring foreign personnel in the near future.

 

                                                                   Photo: Martin Pettersson

APART FROM telemarketing companies and thanks to favourable tax rules, a lot of internet game companies are setting up operations on the island. Over the past years, more than 250 game companies have set up in the country and the interest for game licence applications is increasing. Since Svenska Spel is the only company allowed to practice online games in Sweden today, Swedish game companies are moving their business abroad to get a game licence. Over the years, Malta’s game authority has gained a good reputation of being very reliable both with game operators and players, which has increased the interest further.

                                                                                                Emelie Ring