What are the major differences between the two and how are companies adapting in their efforts to do business overseas were some of the topics raised. One thing is clear, the UK market is a definite “mini-me” version of the States with the UK legal population (95,000 or so) just a bit larger than the state of Texas. London is the epicenter of the UK’s legal community and allows US companies to reach a lot of influential decision makers in a very concentrated manner. However, with the advantage of location comes the disadvantage of only having one shot at making a respectable first impression. And, if you ask summit participants such as Karen Jones, a reputable London-based legal editor and publisher, many US shops don’t do their research when making the move into the UK and underestimate the vast differences in business styles/cultures. Others learn the hard way, but have the smarts to make adjustments and get it right.

Food-for-thought: What if somebody got into the business of US and UK technology company matchmaking? Who should work with whom? Who can resell what to what market best? Who should you know when it comes to law firm technology leaders, industry consultants, etc.? Also, it would be a great idea to have classes in multi-cultural business ethics/culture. Wouldn’t it be great for your sales staff to know where England is before you stake your claim to “own” the market?