Read the latest reports on Western Europe, with local insight, sp...
Read the latest reports on Western Europe, with local insight, specialist knowledge and a comprehensive breakdown of key market data. Our research identifies key strategic themes relevant across the region, while also providing a more granular unders...
Portugal ranks in the top third globally in the Index of Economic Freedom (IEF) ranking, yet lags behind key regional peers. The country’s business environment is clouded by a relatively heavy tax burden, elevated interest rates and rigid labour…
The Irish economy is characterised by a favourable and free business environment, and comparative advantages, which makes it an attractive destination for FDI. Despite short-term challenges, such as declining business confidence and escalating global…
The Netherlands has a highly developed economy, with a competitive business environment and a stable financial sector. The quality of the country’s judicial system is among the highest in the world, and political corruption is not tolerated. The…
The UK continues to boast among the most favourable business environments globally, supported by a stable economy, advanced infrastructure and a skilled workforce. While the UK’s medium-sized enterprises are set to benefit from reduced regulatory and…
In 2022, Sweden maintained high business freedom and an attractive investment climate, placing it among the best locations to conduct business. Strong infrastructure and a high digitalisation level, along with supportive tax policies for R&D…
The Spanish business environment is globally recognised as one of the most appealing, thanks to its membership in the European Single Market that grants Spanish businesses access to a vast and diversified customer base, as well as the absence of…
Greece’s business environment lags behind it regional peers, burdened by rigid labour market regulations, slow and inefficient judicial system, prevalent corruption, heavy taxation and weak financial system. The country boasts rather highly educated…
Despite heavy tax burden and complex regulatory procedures, Germany remains among top most attractive countries in terms of business environment globally. The country boasts sound judicial system, stable political environment and high government…
This report provides a global overview of commodity market trends from 2017 through to 2022, including price forecasts up to 2024 for the key commodities in the Agriculture, Energy and Metals sectors. Insights analyse long-term global trends that can…
The global economy is forecast to slow considerably in 2023. This comes as businesses and consumers remain constrained by the adverse combination of persistent inflation and high interest rates. Amidst the sharp slowdown, growth prospects have…
Increased economic uncertainty, digitisation of business activities, the need to improve operational efficiency, and stricter regulations encourage companies to review their supply networks and fortify them against the potential risks in the future.…
Belgium ranks high in financial freedom indicators globally fostering positive business growth and expansion. Belgium’s economic stability, high level of R&D, strong infrastructure and abundance of skilled workforce continues to attract foreign…
Thanks to the high level of transparency, efficiency of operating a business, and robust rule-of-law indicators, Finland remains among the global leaders in terms of economic freedom. The country benefits from a highly-educated workforce, low…
Austria’s economic freedom ranking remains high, indicating a competitive business environment. The country’s businesses benefit from economic and political stability, low barriers to trade, a skilled labour force, and high capacity for innovation.…
In Norway, general merchandise stores only includes variety stores, as there are no department stores in the country. In 2020, the channel saw exceptional current value growth as consumers looked for items such as cleaning products when the pandemic…
Heavy tax burden, persisting bureaucracy hurdles and struggles with government finances place Italy among the worst performers in Western Europe in the Economic Freedom ranking. The business environment is also clouded by cumbersome regulatory…
Denmark’s strong infrastructure and neat legal system as well as great conditions for opening a business result in strong business environment. The main economic advantages of the country also include flexible labour regulations and advanced digital…
The world is rapidly evolving due economic, political, geographic and climate changes. This is contributing to a change in consumer’s habit and behaviour as they try to keep pace with these newer developments. Deeper understanding of these changes…
Ongoing depopulation in Greece in 2021-2040 will be driven mainly by natural decrease as birth rates remain low. Ageing will affect consumer trends and add to pressure on state resources. Athens will remain the key consumer market, despite shrinking…
It is important to understand how urbanisation is being driven in emerging markets, and how new suburban developments are occurring in developed markets, what changes in household types and sizes will occur, and how the modern home will evolve,…