Tilburg Round Table: Navigating Opportunities and Challenges in France



Last week, we convened in Tilburg for a round table discussion hosted by the Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM), focusing on the opportunities and challenges presented by the French market.
As one of Europe’s largest economies and the Netherlands’ third-largest trading partner, France offers significant potential for innovative products, services, and partnerships. However, it is evident that successful market entry requires thorough preparation and a tailored approach.
Key insights from our discussion included:
A deep understanding of French business culture is essential; its unique and nuanced nature can yield substantial rewards when approached with sensitivity and respect.
Language plays a critical role: proficiency in, or respect for, the French language is not only courteous but often indispensable for establishing trust.
Relationship-building is a gradual process; however, investing time in developing these connections can lead to outstanding opportunities for collaboration.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all participants for sharing their questions, challenges, and success stories. The discussion reaffirmed that, with the right strategy, the French market is more accessible than it may initially appear.
We would also like to thank our esteemed speakers, Anneke van der Pasch and Jonatan Buttet from ORYX, Ingrid Jehanne from PRO PAIE CONSULTING, and especially Brigitte Duffhues from BOM, for organising and contributing to this insightful round table.