A market worth entering
The UK is one of Europe’s largest economies and a demanding, well-organised market. A British client is also a strong reference for the markets that follow.
UK market entry · New business development
Specialist products need specialist partners.
We help Italian companies with specialist products find their first, and next, customers in the United Kingdom. Market and regulatory analysis, positioning and introductions to the right distributors and buyers, coordinated from London by a team that speaks both languages.
Why the UK
A large market, with its own rules.
Every sector is different
Pharma and healthcare, specialist food, industrial and technical products: each sector has its own regulators, distributors and buying cycles. Generic export advice is not enough.
New rules since Brexit
Customs, labelling, product registration and importer requirements have changed. Getting them right from the start avoids unexpected costs and delays.
How we work
From market analysis to first order.
- 01
Market and regulatory analysis
Size of the opportunity, competitors, prices and the rules that apply to your product in the UK, including licences or registrations where needed.
- 02
Positioning and offer
A UK-ready proposal: pricing along the supply chain, sales materials in English and a clear pitch for British buyers in your sector.
- 03
Finding the right partners
We identify and qualify specialist distributors, wholesalers and buyers, make the introductions and manage the follow-up: meetings, samples, negotiations.
- 04
Compliance and logistics
Labelling, customs, importer of record and sector-specific requirements, coordinated with trusted regulatory and logistics specialists.
- 05
First orders and growth
We support the first orders and the ongoing relationship with partners. When volumes justify it, we help set up a UK company with banking and accounting.
Who it’s for
Italian companies with specialist products.
- Pharma & healthcare products
- Specialist food & drink
- Industrial & technical products
- Fashion, design & luxury goods
- B2B services & technology
What you get
- UK market and regulatory overview
- Competitor and pricing analysis
- Sales presentation and materials in English
- Qualified list of target partners and buyers
- Introductions, meetings and follow-up
- Compliance checklist with trusted specialists
- Monthly report on contacts and results
Current project
An Italian pharmaceutical producer entering the UK market for the first time.
A completely new market in a regulated sector. Perpi is leading the new business development: market and regulatory analysis, positioning for British buyers and introductions to specialist distributors and wholesalers.
What we are doing
- 01Market and regulatory analysis
- 02UK offer and sales materials
- 03Introductions to specialist distributors
- 04Coordination with regulatory and logistics specialists
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Do we need a UK company to start selling?
Not necessarily. Many Italian companies start by selling through a UK distributor or importer. When volumes justify it, we can help you set up and run a UK company, with banking and accounting through our partner network.
How long does it take to find the first UK customer?
It depends on the product and the sector. In regulated sectors, approvals and supplier checks can take several months. We agree realistic milestones from the first month and report on every step.
Do you work with regulated products?
Yes. We work with products that need specific approvals or licences, such as pharmaceutical and healthcare products. Regulatory work is handled together with specialist partners, within one plan.
Can we work with you in Italian?
Yes. We work in Italian and English, so nothing gets lost between your team and your British partners.
How does a project start?
With an introductory call about your product and your goals. We then send a proposal with scope, timing and cost: usually a market analysis first, followed by ongoing new business development.
Useful reading
Articles on UK market entry.
Selling Italian food in the UK: a practical guide for first-time exporters
Channels, pricing, labels and paperwork: what an Italian food producer needs to know before chasing its first British buyer.
4 min read
Five mistakes Italian companies make when entering the UK market
From factory-gate pricing to translated brochures: the five traps we see most often when Italian SMEs try to sell in Britain, and how to avoid them.
2 min read
Everything your business needs, except coffee.
Let’s talk about your next step.
Tell us where you want your business to be in twelve months. We’ll give you an honest view of how we can help.
Get in touch- 1Send us a short message
- 2We arrange an introductory call
- 3You receive a clear proposal: scope, timing and cost