Join your chamber of commerce

Too few English-speaking businesses take full advantage of the extensive chambers of commerce networks across the country, according to the head of the Caen chamber.

Jean-Paul Tourvieille said the networking opportunities - the bedrock of any successful business - form an essential part of the success of most French companies.

He said: “If you own a business in France, you are already paying for the service. It is wasted money, and also a lost opportunity, not to start taking advantage immediately.”

The first French chamber of commerce (CCI) was established in Marseille in the 16th Century by businessmen keen to bring together like-minded people for the greater financial benefit of the port.

Further chambers sprang up in other ports, and the CCI network across France is still largely focused around ports and airports.

All businesses pay the taxe professionnelle - a levy that goes directly to the local CCI.
Services include training, grouping together similar businesses into clubs that allow for greater networking opportunities and giving advice and contacts to new and established companies.

Importantly, CCIs also control apprenticeship schemes for youngsters wanting to get a foot in the door in a new profession and can provide French courses for business, for a fee.

Big companies pay much more than the small ones, although it is small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) that take the biggest advantage, said Mr Tourvieille.

He said: “Our CCI at Caen has one major focus - that of building business networks. It is a hugely useful tool.

“My message to English businesses is this: you have on your doorstep an organisation that is there to help you succeed. We are an accelerator of business, and I personally think there is not enough networking done between French and anglophone businesses.

“It goes without saying that to ghettoise yourself into an English-speaking clique, removing yourself from the French community, is not going to help, both socially and in terms of business opportunities.

“The CCI plays a big role in helping integrate people into the culture of business in France - which anyone will tell you is a massive shift away from the Anglo-Saxon model.

“We help people understand local markets, we put business people in touch with each other and we can point people towards relevant training and recruitment schemes. It won't cost you any more than your current financial obligations, so why not get in touch and see how we can help?”

Being able to speak French to a reasonable level is, naturally, important - although there are likely to be English-speakers at most CCIs.

CCIs are headed by local business leaders, who are not paid for doing so, although they are run by salaried civil servants.

For more information, or to find your local CCI, see www.acfci.cci.fr (website in French and English).