This snapshot, taken on
22/02/2010
, shows web content acquired for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search may not work in archived websites and contact details are likely to be out of date.
 
 
The UK Government Web Archive does not use cookies but some may be left in your browser from archived websites.

We're creating a single website for everything to do with BIS but, while we do that, you'll find information in three places. > Find what you're looking for

 
 

New opportunities for business

Online business portals in other EEA countries: www.eu-go.eu

 

Doing business in Europe is becoming easier!


From 28 December 2009, most businesses in the services industry (see Will my business benefit?) will be able to take greater advantage of European markets thanks to the EU Services Directive.

As an EEA* business you will benefit from:

  1. Online licence applications

Every country in the EEA has been required to set up a web-based “Point of Single Contact”, where you will be able to find the information you need to operate or establish in another EEA country. If you need a licence to operate, you should be able to apply for this online.

In the UK, you will be able to see new features on Business Link. Businesses from outside of the UK can see Business Link functions through a specialised UK Welcomes portal.

If you wish to operate or establish in other EEA countries, you should be able to apply for licences online through each country’s Point of Single Contact. You can find these at www.eu-go.eu.

You can identify Points of Single Contact in other European countries by the EU-GO logo:

eugo logo

 

 

  1. Streamlined regulation

  • If you have already meet equivalent requirements in UK, there should be no need to satisfy certain criteria when applying for licence in other EEA country.

    Bodies which issue authorisations are also under certain obligations. They must process applications within a reasonable time period. Tacit authorisation could also apply: if the body fails to respond within an advertised time, this will imply that your licence has been granted and enable you to start doing business.

    1. Less red tape

    European countries have had to screen a vast number of their laws and remove unnecessary barriers to businesses. Some countries have simplified or removed business registration procedures, while others have deregulated certain industry sectors.

    1. A wider customer base

    As a result of the changes above, businesses will have easier access to consumers from across the EEA.

    To ensure consumers anywhere in Europe consider buying services from abroad, the Services Directive will ensure they have access to a minimum amount of information no matter where in Europe a business is based. The requirements are simple and should not need businesses to take much action to fulfill them. See this link on the information requirements for more information.

    For further information, please see:

    Guidance for business on the Provision of Services RegulationsPDF document (814KB)


    or e-mail servicesdirective@bis.gsi.gov.uk with any queries.

     

    * European Economic Area, i.e. EU countries plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

     

© Crown copyright2010