If you’re thinking of opening a company in France, then Limoges is a city that is making life increasingly attractive to foreign entrepreneurs, especially English-speaking business people.
The city is best known for its porcelain industry but is also one of the world leaders in building electrical equipment for the building industry. In the last decade the leaders at the Limoges City Council have been ramping up the area to attract every type of business, especially ones from abroad.
The Attraction of Limoges
The Hautes-Vienne department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region is a popular one with expat Brits due to the pleasant climate of south-west central France, the beautiful unspoiled natural beauty and the friendly population, many of whom speak good English thanks to the tourist industry. Another attraction is that the property is 40% cheaper than Paris, and considerably cheaper than a house in South East England.
It’s also got great transport links. The central road system is perfectly positioned for haulage and freight to reach all areas of France, and there are direct rail links to Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux and Toulouse. There is also Limoges International Airport with direct flights all over the world and the port of Bordeaux - two and a half hours away – which is the largest estuary in Europe and is a plus point for those in the trade business who want to access destinations by sea.
Tax and Property Benefits in Limoges
The city of Limoges has created various incentives to attract entrepreneurs. The council has set up a real estate offer for new businesses (especially those in electronics) promising low rents in the nearby purpose-built industrial parks and development zones. The Schéma Région de Développement Economique, aims to assist companies setting up in Limoges by helping them financially with their property investments and job creation.
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There are also tax exemptions which Limoges City Council voted for in order to create the best financial environment for businesses. There are business tax exemptions on Cotisation Foncière des Entreprises (Corporate Property Tax) and Cotisation à la Valeur Ajoutée des Entreprises (Contribution to Added Business Value).
Expert Help for Business in Limoges
Limoges Business Club has been going for over a decade and helps to facilitate recruitment (the area has a highly skilled workforce) and connect entrepreneurs with local businesses and the region’s major economic players which is perfect for the import/export and trade industries.
The Haute-Vienne Chamber of Commerce and Industry is also on hand to help new foreign entrepreneurs settle into the French way of life, by setting up an installation system to help businesses and families integrate in the region. If you’re thinking of making the leap to Limoges, then you’ll be greeted with a welcome morning reception to find out about municipal services (health, housing, leisure and culture). You’ll also be able to contact your delegated city councillor whose main responsibility is to welcome new residents and businesses.
Another independent organisation is the Agence de Développement et d'Innovation de la Nouvelle-Aquitaine which has a large bank of employees that specialise in financing and networking to help connect you with the experts in the region. The Limoges Accueille is an association specially set up to help new residents and businesses make contacts in the area.
Out of business hours, there is plenty to occupy a new arrival. Limoges is one of France’s basketball capitals, and other sports in the area include skiing, trekking, swimming, surf, golf, spa, football, rugby, handball, tennis, horse riding and cricket. There is also a rich cultural scene which includes plenty of museums and music events.
So if you want more information on Limoges, you can find it at the Limoges City Council, or for more details on how to open a company in Limoges along with a registered business address, office space or a virtual office, a business bank account, tax and accountant advice, please download our free guide below and either call our team on 0033 (0)1 53 57 49 10 or email us from our contact page and we’ll be happy to help.
