Expanding globally can reduce business risk, according to Alistair Cox, chief executive of recruitment giant Hays. 

Addressing delegates attending the CBI conference during a discussion with Lord Livingston, minister of state for trade and investment, and John Cridland, director general of the CBI, Cox said: “I do believe if you can spread your business throughout the world, not only is that a bigger platform for growth but it is a more stable de-risked platform. When economies come and go you can weather the storm a bit better.”

Cox pointed out that three years ago while the UK was going through a deep recession, countries like Australia were booming. “Is there an opportunity going begging and can you de-risk your business over time? If we’d not done it the way we did we would look like a very different, smaller business than we actually are.” 

Hays operates in 33 different countries and according to Cox generates two thirds or three quarters of its profits from international markets.  

• What do you think? Want to comment on this story? The Comment box is at the bottom of the page. Sorry for the glitch but just scroll right down and share your opinions!