We are pleased to introduce Laurent Solomé-Genevray, Antal International Owner and Managing Partner of one of our Paris offices. Laurent is leading the way on sharing business internationally having successfully connected countries on opposite sides of the globe – France and China. His main focus is on the automotive industry and in particular the B2B service sectors.

In discussing his achievements, Laurent explained that the process begun when he launched his Antal office in June 2016. Part of this procedure involved Laurent networking with contacts across the Automotive industry in France. It soon became apparent to Laurent that there were many opportunities with French companies expanding to China and these companies required French nationals to relocate. Some companies were struggling in China to attract the right resource due to cultural variances and also time differences. As Antal has a well established and successful office network in China, Laurent was keen to capitalise on this and find a solution for the clients.

From this starting point, Laurent developed his network of potential clients, over a number of months, and identified 10 key decisions makers in French companies which he was able to approach in China. Jonathan Edwards, the Country Managing Director of Antal China was more than happy to collaborate with Laurent and went one step further and funded the business trip. This was in exchange for the introduction opportunities being opened by Laurent for Antal China.

Laurent arranged 8 meetings / conference calls with the highest level of local contacts in China. Each meeting was attended by Laurent and a representative from Antal China offices. Laurent was able to formally introduce the Antal recruitment solution to the clients with a warm and familiar welcome in French and the rest of the meeting being held in English. Laurent said where necessary, he inputted in French to overcome small translation questions which the clients greatly appreciated as this smoothed the flow of conversation.

The result of this international collaboration is an impressive pipeline of international trade with these French companies based in China.

In order to replicate this success, the model of sharing has been extended by Tony Goodwin, Group CEO & Chairman of Antal International; he has pledged to cover the cost the business travel expenses should other Antal offices be able to leverage international contacts at the same high level and scale as Laurent achieved.

The challenge has been set in stone….. we look forward to reporting on the next major success on sharing business internationally across the Antal Network.