BUSINESS WORLD delivers the latest views and analysis written by specialists from within the Russell Bedford network, together with guest authors from various other organisations from around the world.
Brazil: Improving the climate for business
Brazil's business environment, while attractive due to its market size and resources, is complicated by bureaucratic challenges and a complex tax system. Recent reforms aimed at simplifying taxes, reducing bureaucracy, and improving infrastructure are beginning to create a more favourable climate for foreign investment, however expert advice remains essential for navigating these complexities.
Author: Bruno Celidonio, International Manager at Russell Bedford Brasil.
Nurturing tomorrow’s talent: the power of internships
Internships provide valuable real-world experience for students and offer businesses benefits like fresh perspectives, potential future employees, and enhanced workplace dynamics. By carefully designing and managing internship programmes, companies can nurture talent, bridge the gap between theory and practice, and foster long-term industry growth while supporting community engagement.
Author: Leah Groves, Associate Director, and Tom Green, Founding Director at Lee Green & Co Pty Ltd, a member firm of Russell Bedford International in Adelaide, Australia.
Navigating Japan’s business landscape
Japan's economy is benefitting from increased tourism, but businesses face significant challenges due to workforce shortages and an aging population, particularly impacting SMEs. To address business succession issues, the government is promoting mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and younger management, while navigating complex corporate structures and tax regulations remains essential for successful business operations in Japan.
Author: Yoshitaka Horiguchi, Senior Partner at Russell Bedford Hibiscus in Sapporo, Japan.
Cybercrime – a perennial problem
Cybercrime is a growing threat as digitalisation advances, affecting not only large corporations but also individuals and small businesses, with significant financial damage reported. To mitigate risks, it is crucial to identify vulnerabilities early through proactive measures like regular penetration tests and timely software upgrades to protect IT infrastructure from various cyberattacks.
Author: Roger Palm, Senior Consultant and Head of Data Protection and Information Security at DOMUS Consult, part of Russell Bedford's Berlin member firm, DOMUS AG.
How lifelong learning gives you a competitive edge
In today's global business world, lifelong learning is crucial for staying competitive, yet many lack a deep understanding of the learning process. By following a structured model—capturing, processing, and fully embedding knowledge—you can achieve lasting expertise, enabling better skill application, adaptability, and value creation for clients.
Author: Michael Quigley, Founder & Director of professional and personal development company, Kataholos, and a regular speaker at Russell Bedford International events.
Once upon a time … how to tell the right story
Storytelling is a powerful marketing tool that simplifies complex topics, builds customer trust, strengthens brand image, and boosts employee engagement by positioning the company as a mentor in the customer’s journey. By sharing authentic stories about customers and employees, businesses can attract new clients and talent, while enhancing their unique value propositions and corporate culture.
Author: Simone Wesiak, Marketing and PR Manager at Hofer Leitinger Steuerberatung GmbH, a member firm of Russell Bedford International in Graz, Austria.
New Zealand: Untapped potential in the land of opportunity
New Zealand is an attractive investment destination due to its strong economy, political stability, and lack of capital gains tax, making it favourable for long-term investments in sectors like agriculture, technology, and property. The country's business-friendly environment, coupled with its high rankings in global indices for economic freedom and low corruption, presents significant opportunities, especially as foreign investment regulations are expected to ease under the current government.
Author: Adam Coleman, Managing Director, and Jo McMaster-Finch, Business Advisory Director and Group General Manager at Neovia, a member firm of Russell Bedford International in Auckland, New Zealand.