BUSINESSES in Manchester must look beyond their own backyard to make the most of the improving economy.

Speaking at pro.manchester’s international discussion group forum, Henry Paula, principal at US accountants and business advisors Reznick Group, talked about the importance of going back to basics with your customer base.

He said: “You can do a better job by walking in your clients’ shoes. Expect more clients to shop around. They know firms are doing all they can to keep work.

“You need to ease off on fees; there are no ‘opportunity costs’ in this market.

“When baby boomers and multiples get better, expect more firm mergers. International capability will be improved. Geography is bigger than your own backyard.”

Henry Paula has significant experience working with US and foreign multinationals in mergers and acquisitions, complex capital structures and multinational tax planning.

His trip to the UK was sponsored by Hurst Accountants.