Global Workforce Podcast

In this episode, Juan Bonilla [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-bonilla-3140507/], Partner, Attorney at Law at Cuatrecasas [https://www.linkedin.com/company/cuatrecasas/], explains the nuances of Spanish labour law and compliance essentials for international employers. He offers practical guidance for businesses operating or expanding in Spain regarding terminations, collective agreements and employer of record services. From severance costs to employee representation and the impact of post-termination covenants, Juan outlines critical considerations that can support a company’s smooth entry into the Spanish market. Key Takeaways: (02:22) Spain’s appeal for shared service centers and remote work. (03:16) Employee cost and quality of life balance in Spain. (07:03) Termination in Spain requires severance pay. (10:24) The concept of discretionary bonuses in Spain. (15:45) The advantages and disadvantages of independent contractors in Spain. (19:21) Spanish legislation prohibits employee leasing. (25:50) Compulsory collective agreements provide basic protections. (33:39) South America is a key investment region for Spanish companies. (39:21) Automatic transfer of employment when a business is acquired by another company. (00:43:58) Importance of tracking employee locations for compliance. Resources Mentioned:  Juan Bonilla [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-bonilla-3140507/] - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-bonilla-3140507/ Cuatrecasas [https://www.linkedin.com/company/cuatrecasas/] | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/cuatrecasas/ International Bar Association (IBA) [https://www.ibanet.org/] - https://www.ibanet.org/ Global Equity Organization (GEO) [https://www.globalequity.org/] - https://www.globalequity.org/ Cuatrecasas [https://www.cuatrecasas.com/es/spain/] | Website - https://www.cuatrecasas.com/es/spain/ Thanks for listening to the “Global Workforce Podcast”. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #WorkforcePodcast #GlobalExpansion #WorkforceCompliance #RemoteWork

Michael J. Blankenship [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/], Office Managing Partner and Co-Chair of the Capital Markets Group at Winston & Strawn LLP [https://www.linkedin.com/company/winston-&-strawn-llp/], discusses essential regulatory considerations and strategies for navigating international IPOs and M&A transactions. With extensive experience across the energy, healthcare and technology sectors, Michael covers the intricacies of regulatory environments in different countries, the impact of fluctuations in the tech sector and how the US elections may shape the IPO landscape. Key Takeaways: (04:59) Helping emerging companies reduce IPO regulatory burdens. (06:24) Differences in regulatory standards between the US and Europe. (08:10) Anticipated post-election increase in US transactions. (09:51) Inverse relationship between technology and energy sectors. (12:13) Capital-intensive needs in the healthcare sector. (15:24) Overlooked regulatory consent pitfalls in healthcare. (20:37) The importance of tailored diligence lists and data rooms. (23:21) Compliance differences in IPOs versus M&A processes. (28:46) Employee classification diligence in global transactions. Resources Mentioned:  Michael J. Blankenship [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/] - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/ Winston & Strawn LLP [https://www.linkedin.com/company/winston-&-strawn-llp/] | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/winston-&-strawn-llp/ Winston & Strawn [https://www.winston.com] - https://www.winston.com The JOBS Act [https://www.sec.gov/rules-regulations/jumpstart-our-business-startups-jobs-act] - https://www.sec.gov/rules-regulations/jumpstart-our-business-startups-jobs-act LSE (London Stock Exchange) [https://www.londonstockexchange.com/] - https://www.londonstockexchange.com/ NYSE Euronext [https://www.euronext.com/en] - https://www.euronext.com/en SEC (US Securities and Exchange Commission) [https://www.sec.gov/] - https://www.sec.gov/ FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) [https://www.finra.org/] - https://www.finra.org/ FDA (Food and Drug Administration) [https://www.fda.gov/] - https://www.fda.gov/ IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) [https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/inflation-reduction-act] - https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/inflation-reduction-act Thanks for listening to the “Global Workforce Podcast”. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #WorkforcePodcast #GlobalExpansion #WorkforceCompliance #RemoteWork

In this episode, James Bricknell [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesbricknell/], Head of Consulting - Expansion and Client Development of Bradford Jacobs [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bradford-jacobs/], examines the primary considerations for successful international expansion. Companies need precise data on skills availability, talent costs, language and cultural differences and local laws to ensure affordable and effective hiring. He explores how varying local costs, taxes and contributions can blow up budgets. James also expands on the challenges of retaining international talent and emphasises the need to consider cultural and linguistic nuances. Key Takeaways: (01:50) Core drivers for international growth are cost, skills and market entry. (03:13) Seventy per cent of employees prefer remote or hybrid work. (05:06) Understanding local costs for a successful international expansion. (08:38) Cultural diversity influences international decisions. (14:04) Remote adaptability expands talent options. (17:20) US firms face high costs for tech talent domestically. (26:06) Local legislation varies greatly and must be understood. (30:57) Local partners provide essential cultural insight. (34:39) Market expansion should be data-driven and strategic. (39:10) Understanding employer contributions in local markets to budget correctly. Resources Mentioned:  James Bricknell [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesbricknell/] - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesbricknell/ Bradford Jacobs [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bradford-jacobs/] | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/bradford-jacobs/ Bradford Jacobs [https://bradfordjacobs.com/] | Website - https://bradfordjacobs.com/ Thanks for listening to the “Global Workforce Podcast”. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #WorkforcePodcast #GlobalExpansion #WorkforceCompliance #RemoteWork

Understanding capital markets and listing reforms is essential for businesses aiming for growth. In this episode, Michael Jacobs [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-a-jacobs/], Partner at Herbert Smith Freehills [https://www.linkedin.com/company/herbert-smith-freehills/], and Dylan Doran Kennett, Venture and Growth Capital specialist, and partner at the same company, share their expertise on IPOs, M&A transactions and the impact of UK listing reforms. They discuss the contradictions between fast growth and compliance and the benefits of upholding and creating a unified work culture during IPOs and mergers. Key Takeaways: (03:00) The impact of UK reforms on capital markets.  (05:22) Reforms have eliminated eligibility requirements for IPOs. (08:43) UK pension funds have massively de-equitised. (14:01) Dual-class share structures and their benefits for founders.  (15:00) Examples of financial systems designed to channel money. (21:06) The role of dual-track IPOs in giving companies flexibility.  (28:15) M&A as a growth strategy for IPO candidates.  (35:30) Balancing aggressive growth and structural compliance in IPO preparation.  (45:39) The challenges of IPO due diligence and preparation.  (53:22) Understanding the difference between listing in London and the US. Resources Mentioned:  Michael Jacobs [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-a-jacobs/] - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-a-jacobs/ Herbert Smith Freehills [https://www.linkedin.com/company/herbert-smith-freehills/] - https://www.linkedin.com/company/herbert-smith-freehills/ New Financial [https://www.newfinancial.org/] - https://www.newfinancial.org/ UK’s IPO Reforms [https://www.fca.org.uk/news/press-releases/fca-overhauls-listing-rules-boost-growth-and-innovation-uk-stock-markets] - https://www.fca.org.uk/news/press-releases/fca-overhauls-listing-rules-boost-growth-and-innovation-uk-stock-markets FTSE 100 [https://www.londonstockexchange.com/indices/ftse-100] - https://www.londonstockexchange.com/indices/ftse-100 Thanks for listening to the Global Workforce Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #WorkforcePodcast #GlobalExpansion #WorkforceCompliance #RemoteWork

DISCLAIMER : THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED SOON AFTER THE RECENT UK GENERAL ELECTION SO SOME REFERENCES TO UK EMPLOYMENT LEGISLATION MAY NOW BE SLIGHTLY OUT OF DATE. In the age of globalised investments and workforces, creating a unified company culture and following each country’s regulations can be challenging.  In this episode, Nicola Ihnatowicz, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaihnatowicztrowers/] Employment Law Partner at Trowers & Hamlins [https://www.linkedin.com/company/trowers/], discusses the evolution of UK employment law and its implications for global businesses. She explores the complexities of mergers and acquisitions, especially with TUPE regulations, and how businesses can effectively harmonise global workforces. Nicola emphasises the importance of building sustainable workforces that cater to generational shifts and evolving employee expectations.   Key Takeaways: (02:17) The UK is a strategic access point for global businesses. (04:28) Unfair dismissal becomes a day-one right in new reforms. (05:29) Understanding the regulatory landscape when hiring in the UK is a must. (06:43) Critical questions global businesses hiring in the UK should ask. (10:48) A sustainable workforce means well-being and a talent pipeline. (11:27) Four generations in the workforce bring different expectations. (14:15) Global companies must align values and expectations across locations. (17:03) Legal obligations vary based on how staff are engaged. (19:21) TUPE surprises non-UK buyers with restrictions on restructuring. (27:40) Local knowledge is crucial when navigating global hiring challenges. Resources Mentioned:   Nicola Ihnatowicz [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaihnatowicztrowers/] - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaihnatowicztrowers/ Trowers & Hamlins LLP [https://www.linkedin.com/company/trowers-&-hamlins-llp/] - https://www.linkedin.com/company/trowers-&-hamlins-llp/ TUPE [https://www.gov.uk/transfers-takeovers] - https://www.gov.uk/transfers-takeovers Thanks for listening to the “Global Workforce Podcast”. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #WorkforcePodcast #GlobalExpansion #WorkforceCompliance #RemoteWork