Helping Irish SME businesses expand, set up, and succeed in the UK marketplace
For Irish SMEs however, the UK remains the most natural next step as part of an international growth plan.
But whether expanding abroad into the UK, or indeed further afield into the EU or elsewhere isn't just an opportunity, it is also a potentially expensive and high-risk project that needs proper evaluation, proper planning and forecasting, and where possible needs some local, on-the-ground advice.
That's where Sakura comes in.
Book a Discovery Call →Thinking about expanding internationally?
With Sakura already operating with an office in London, we don't just incorporate a UK company and leave you to do the rest, we can also offer that local, on the ground support and advice as well.
Even for Irish SMEs with wider international locations in mind, with Damian having lead or being part of the project teams responsible for expanding into the UK, Spain, South Africa, Australia, Dubai and Hoing Kong (twice) – we have got you covered !
More importantly, with unsuccessful expansion projects into Japan and China, we also understand the value of proper planning ahead ahead of the decision top go ahead.
NO detailed Evaluation Process -
Not reviewing the potential opportunity in detail ahead of committing any investment to it e.g. what is the opportunity, how easy is it to unlock it, what is the strategic € value, what is the likely financial value € of it etc
NO Budget or Investment Plan
Not considering the likely costs of the pre setup phase, the setup costs, the time period the local entity requires financial support, the costs of ‘backfilling’ existing management
NO Clear outline of the existing management involvement
Not discussing/agreeing a realistic time commitment for the existing management team which impacts the expansion (one or other can no longer commit more time), or mot having a clear plan to reduce existing management involvement with the local team
NO Local, on the Ground Support
A lack of reliable local, on-the-ground advice and support can lead to headaches of operating in the new business environment, require unrealistic support from Ireland and constrain the ongoing development of the local office If you are considering expanding overseas with your business, it is a GREAT opportunity, BUT have your supports in place.
A clear roadmap for your UK expansion
We work with Irish businesses across a range of sectors who are focused on successfully expanding and developing their presence in the UK, helping them avoid the common pitfalls and headaches of operating in a new environment.
With previous experience setting up subsidiaries in UK and elsewhere, we understand the key issues these projects involve.
Unlike larger, more traditional accountancy firms, we provide a clear, straightforward roadmap to give you the best chance of success, from initial evaluation, through project planning and budgeting, to incorporation and registration with HMRC, and ongoing support during your early operations.
The 5-step roadmap
Step 1
Information and guidance on the UK
- Guides on how to set up a limited company in the UK
- Short explainer videos and FAQs on key UK setup questions, available any time
- Regular workshops and webinars, held online, in Dublin, and in London
Step 2
Project evaluation and planning
- A discovery meeting to understand where you are in your plans, your goals, your risks, and how to evaluate the project
- Signposting to LEO and Enterprise Ireland overseas expansion grants that may help cover some of the project costs
Step 3
Budget and planning
- A clear feasibility plan and budget, setting out costs and staffing requirements
- UK tax planning to clarify residence, intercompany investment, and repayment considerations
Step 4
UK incorporation and ongoing support
- Full incorporation and setup of your UK limited company, start to finish
- A local registered office address, if needed
- Tax, payroll, pension, and VAT registration, so you're compliant from day one
- Outsourced bookkeeping and finance team support, with clear management accounts you can review easily
Step 5
Local support to develop UK operations
- Access to our London team for ongoing admin and accountancy support
- On-the-ground assistance for UK visits, whether scouting premises, meeting clients, or reviewing operations
- Introductions to our trusted UK contacts in legal, HR, marketing, recruitment, property, and banking
What sets Sakura apart
- Personal relationships, not junior staff handling your account
- Practical, first-hand cross-border insight into both the Irish and UK markets
- A clear, comprehensive programme with transparent pricing, no uncertain costs
- Regular in-person availability in Dublin, not just a voice on the phone
- Full UK incorporation, setup, and ongoing support, all from one team
What you walk away with
- A clear, honest evaluation of whether and how UK expansion makes sense for your business
- A UK limited company that's fully compliant from day one, with no delays and no surprises
- Ongoing local support from a team who understand both the Irish and UK markets
- Guidance on grants that may help fund your expansion
- Trusted introductions to legal, HR, marketing, recruitment, property, and banking contacts in the UK
Vic Kimmel
Damian Connolly and Sakura are like an extended part of our own team with super powers in the area of finance.
Ronan Reilly
Damian and the team at Sakura have provided excellent advice to me and also assisted a number of clients to whom Sakura have been recommended. Sakura advised in a professional and capable manner and now, post BREXIT, their offices in Dublin and London are likely to be very valuable to prospective clients seeking professional advice.
Liam Hughes
Damian’s critical eye and creative thinking have been invaluable for me over the last year of strategic review meetings
Caroline Durack
Working with Sakura gave us the ability to understand our finances more accurately and helped us in our strategic thinking. This in turn allowed us to make more informed decisions pertaining to our direction of travel as a business.
Dominic Goodfellow
Fantastic company. Damian is clear, professional and very measured in his approach, which is welcomed. Excellent customer service. A breath of fresh air. Highly recommended.
Eamon Chawke
Thanks to Damian’s advice and guidance, the finance team operates more efficiently and our financial visibility of the business has materially improved. We are now much more confident that we can achieve our 5 year goals !
Sheena Campbell
I have to do next to nothing to expedite matters... I think you are wonderful. Once again in a shorter time than it takes to say 'Damian, you are wonderful', you respond to my query. I have to do next to nothing to expedite matters and immediately any stress or worry is lifted.
Deirdre Monks
I got back in touch with Damian last November after a few years, and it honestly felt like no time had passed. He was the first person who came to mind when I had a very specific query, and I knew he was the expert to ask - and he absolutely delivered. Damian has a real talent for explaining things clearly and in plain English, which gave me total confidence in his advice. And rightly so, because everything he advised turned out to be 100% spot on. Highly recommend!
Evan Frechette
Damian was very helpful in his consultation, and took the necessary time to listen to my situation in great detail. His explanation for what I needed for my new business was very informative and knowledgeable.
Cyril Lynch
Damian and the team at Sakura provided great support when I set up my consulting company and on an ongoing basis they continue to provide professional, timely and reliable services with regard to the production and filing of annual accounts and the associated compliance requirements.
I would highly recommend Sakura Business Solutions for their dedication, commitment and ability to get the job done!
Cathy Moore
Sakura Business Solutions and Damian have provided invaluable guidance to our business as we transitioned from sole-trader to limited company. They have also advised us throughout the Covid-19 crisis and kept us fully updated on available government supports. The introduction of Quickbooks has been very useful to us, it is easy to navigate and a very effective tool for managing our accounts. We highly recommend Sakura Business for accountancy and business advice.
Jane Manzor
I have known Damian from Sakura Business Solutions for just over a year. He is a true professional and has been very helpful to me in particular in tax and planning advice. He is also very current and has been a huge help in keeping me up to date on government supports since Covid 19. I would highly recommend Damian and his team for all of your accounting and financial needs. 5 stars!
Jo-Anne Mac Millan
When I moved from my previous accountant, I was feeling overwhelmed and unsure about the financial side of my business. Accounts and bookkeeping aren’t my strong points, and I needed support I could trust. Damian and the team at Sakura stepped in and made the transition seamless. They handled the handover efficiently and took time to understand how my business works and what I needed from them. I’m no longer worried about year-end surprises, and I feel more confident making decisions. It’s been a genuinely positive shift, and I’m delighted I made the move to Sakura.
Jean Evans
Damian is a fountain of knowledge and is so generous with his time and knowledge around all things accounting, tax, scaling your business, getting exit ready and working to go international in business between Ireland and UK or vice versa.
He is a true gentleman, very approachable, particularly on topics that can feel and seem overwhelming. He is calm and patient; definitely an ally to have in your corner!
Not sure where to start? Download our guide
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Ready to take your business across the water?
Book a Discovery Session with Damian and let's map out what expanding into the UK could look like for your business.
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