Studies
The Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR) reveals that, despite the ongoing sovereign debt crisis, business leaders remain very supportive of the single currency. The research reveals that almost four in five (78%) business leaders in the eurozone believe joining the euro has had a positive impact on their business. The main positive impacts cited are the boost to trade with other euro countries (23%), the elimination of exchange rate risk (15%) and greater transparency on prices (12%).
The Grant Thornton IBR 2011 reveals that global business optimism dipped again in the fourth quarter. And businesses optimism in Switzerland declined again in Q4, dropping to -4%, down from 0% in Q3.
Cleantech opportunities for 21st-century business
“Cleantech” is still a young industry. The term “cleantech” is still imprecisely defined. In our experience, it is not unusual for cleantech market entrants to invest significant upfront time defining who they are — and who they are not — as they seek investors, talent and business alliances.
The white paper “Cleantech on the rise” concentrates years of our firm’s professional experience on four areas we believe cleantech companies must excel at if they are to succeed in the sector:
- the ramifications of global governmental policies;
- global operational and funding opportunities;
- corporate management and talent; and
- the need to stay focused.
The International Business Report (IBR) became a quarterly survey in 2011, allowing us greater flexibility in analysing and understanding the impact of key events on business growth. This new approach allows us to deliver not only the economic perspective of business leaders on events such as the Arab Spring, renewable energy and global lease accounting changes, but also deep insight into strategic issues such as the proportion of women in senior management and corporate social responsibility activities. Drawing on more than 13,000 interviews in 40 economies - including the Swiss economy - this report explores the trends that will shape the speed and trajectory of the recovery over the next 12 months, including demand, employment, investment, inflation and access to finance.
Businesses recognize the impact of CSR activity on their financial and commercial success is increasing. They have taken a broad range of CSR initiatives over the past 12 months, but the focus remains on improving the work-life balance of staff.
Many companies are choosing to relocate part or all of their operations. For example, recent media attention has focused on Ineos migrating from the UK to Switzerland. Grant Thornton member firms around the world have significant experience in advising clients on how their businesses can benefit from relocation.
Grant Thornton has welcomed publication of the European Commission's green paper on auditing and remains committed to making a positive contribution to the debate on the role of the auditor and the structure of the audit market. Grant Thornton believes that a key element of the green paper relates to the structure of the audit market. April Mackenzie, global head public policy and external affairs, explains, "It is important to highlight the risks to the market that arise owing to the current concentration of audits."
The 2011 edition of the IFRS Top 20 Tracker continues to take management through the top 20 IFRS issues identified by Grant Thornton International Ltd. (Grant Thornton International) as potential challenges for IFRS preparers. The member firms within Grant Thornton International have extensive experience in the application of IFRS. of budgets to the sector both to massage public opinion and in the pursuit of economic growth.
Whilst the meeting of world leaders in Copenhagen in late 2009 did not ultimately produce a binding climate change accord, the importance of the cleantech sector to the world economy continues to grow. Both mature and developing economy governments are assigning large proportions of budgets to the sector both to massage public opinion and in the pursuit of economic growth.
The report provides a complete summary of this year's survey results, focusing on each topic covered in IBR 2010: economic climate, business indicators, constraints, raising finance, stress, employment, M&A, tax and IFRS for SMEs.
Privately held businesses (PHBs) need to pay more attention to local tax regulations when deciding where to invest overseas. Amongst PHBs who did consider tax in their overseas decision making, the most popular tax incentives were a tax free period of five years (41%), low tax rates on business profits (39%) and a stable tax regime (38%).
The food & beverage sector did not escape the financial turmoil of the past 12 months, although some sub-sectors suffered more than others. As credit dried up and consumers tightened their belts, higher end restaurant sales plummeted, but the subsequent increase in people eating at home has been a boon for supermarkets.
The report covers the IBR 2010 results as well as the views from two businesses within the sector who have agreed to share their experiences and challenges over the last 12 months.
The present survey reveals growing confidence of private equity investors in Vietnam. These investors are accustomed to viewing a market over several years. Now they have increased confidence. Positively viewed are the opportunities for investment in health, pharmaceuticals and retail sectors. However, they are reluctant to invest in transportation and logistics.
Grant Thornton International has published a study on the health care market in the Middle East. The study provides an overview of the key issues and the forthcoming unprecedented growth in demand in this sector. It demonstrates great opportunities for private operators and investors in these countries. Highlighted are Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
