Doing Business in Italy

the italian market

Insights on the Italian market

Italy’s industrial base is dense and dynamic, comprising a network of 4 million SMBs that are able to adapt quickly and remain agile in times of change. These entrepreneurs are creative and innovative, and the technical labour force is extremely qualified in terms of knowledge and quality standards.

The Italian textile industry consists primarily of small- and medium-sized family businesses. Over 90% of industrial companies have fewer than 100 employees.

The luxury product market (haute couture, cars, gourmet foods)
represents a significant share of Italian economic activity, and Italy remains one of the main exporters of these types of goods.

More generally, Italy’s main industries are state-of-the-art machinery, motor vehicles, chemical products, pharmaceutical products, electric products, clothing, and fashion.

Altios in Italy

As soon as a company starts to have recurring commercial flows in Italy, the implementation of an HR and operational localization strategy must be imagined.

Mirko Mottino
Managing Director - ALTIOS Italy

With over 15 years of experience in the field, the Italian Altios team is based in Turin and in Milan. Altios also shares its premises with over a dozen businesses offering
flexible, expert services in order to quickly establish the company in Italy.

Marketing is quite regionalized and segmented in Italy, where culture varies by region. Knowledge of these differences is therefore essential and sets Altios apart—the company has supported more than 500 businesses to date by offering its clients business development, set-up, and investment services.

“In this market, design is very important,” said Mirko Mottino, Italy Director at Altios. He is referring to the luxury market, which plays an important role in Italy, but also to the aerospace, motorized and automobile engineering markets, which are currently expanding.

Mirko Mottino

In the field: market characteristics

Italian entrepreneurs greatly appreciate relationships and human interaction. For this reason, Altios puts structures in place that allow its
clients to be as close as possible to suppliers and potential partners.

If it’s possible, it’s crucial to be present in person,” said Mottino, who has advised foreign investors in Italy for over 15 years. “In order to be as close as possible, we encourage them to work directly with the manufacturer, without an intermediary.

Doing business in Italy

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