Partnership

Olofsson & Ingmarsson, in partnership with BTR Group, helping companies expand into the Scandinavian market

Together with BTR Group, we can now support businesses throughout the entire journey – from identifying the right people to employing them locally in Sweden, Denmark, and Finland without the need to establish a legal entity from day one.

This partnership allows us to support companies earlier, smarter, and more seamlessly when entering new markets.

Expanding into a new market is not only about legal setup and compliance. It is also about finding the right people to build the business locally. For international companies entering Sweden and the Nordics, recruitment can often become one of the most decisive factors for long-term success.

What are the biggest recruitment challenges international companies face when entering the Nordic market?

One of the biggest challenges is understanding how relationship-driven the Nordic market can be.

International companies are often familiar with large-scale recruitment processes in bigger markets, but Sweden and the Nordics operate differently in many ways. Networks, trust, transparency and cultural fit are extremely important factors when attracting senior talent.

Another challenge is that many of the strongest candidates are not actively applying for jobs. They need to be approached professionally and strategically through executive search.

For companies entering the Nordics for the first time, local market insight becomes essential to avoid costly hiring mistakes and to position themselves as attractive employers from the start.

Why is local recruitment expertise so important when hiring in Sweden?

Local knowledge makes a significant difference, especially at leadership level.

A candidate who looks perfect on paper may not necessarily succeed in a Nordic business culture. Leadership expectations, communication style and organisational structures can differ considerably from other regions.

Companies often underestimate how much cultural alignment influences long-term retention and performance in Sweden.

Understanding salary expectations, notice periods, decision-making structures and what motivates Nordic professionals is a key part of building a successful local team.

How does executive search help international companies expand more successfully?

Executive search gives companies access to talent they would rarely reach through traditional recruitment channels.

At executive and specialist level, the best candidates are usually already employed. They are not actively looking, but they may be open to the right opportunity if approached correctly.

For international companies, this becomes particularly important when entering a new market where brand awareness may still be limited.

A strong executive search partner helps position the company locally, communicate the opportunity professionally and identify candidates who not only have the right competence, but also the right mindset for a growing international business.

What types of roles are usually most critical during market entry?

The first local hires often have a major impact on whether an expansion succeeds or struggles. The first employees become the face of the company in the market.

Commercial leadership roles, country managers, sales directors and business development profiles are often among the most business-critical hires. In many cases, companies also need specialists who understand local regulations, customer behaviour and market dynamics.

Finding people who can operate independently, build trust locally and navigate both local and international stakeholder environments is often essential during the first phase of expansion.

How does the collaboration between Olofsson Executive Search and BTR Group benefit international companies?

The partnership as a combination of two critical components of market entry: finding the right people and employing them compliantly.

Olofsson & Ingmarsson Executive Search helps companies identify and attract the right talent, while BTR Group provides the local employment setup and infrastructure. This creates a more seamless process for international companies that want to enter Sweden or the Nordics quickly without immediately establishing their own local entity.

Instead of coordinating multiple separate suppliers, companies gain access to both strategic recruitment expertise and local employment solutions through one collaborative setup.

What do international companies often misunderstand about hiring in the Nordics?

Many companies assume recruitment processes work the same way everywhere. In the Nordics, employer branding, transparency and long-term trust are often more important than aggressive recruitment tactics. Candidates also tend to evaluate employers carefully before making a move.

Flexibility, leadership style, sustainability, work-life balance and company values often carry significant weight in candidate decision-making. Companies that adapt their communication and leadership approach to local expectations usually build stronger teams and attract talent more successfully.

How can executive search support companies that are testing the market before making a larger investment?

Executive search can help companies build a lean but highly strategic local presence. Instead of hiring large teams immediately, companies can begin with a few carefully selected individuals who can establish relationships, generate business opportunities and provide local market insight. This allows companies to learn the market step by step.

Combined with BTR Group’s EOR solution, international companies can hire locally without first creating a legal entity, making the expansion process both faster and more flexible.

Want to get in contact?

Get in touch, and we'll discuss how we can best support you and identify the right approach for your needs.

+46 73 613 06 36

kontakt@olofssoningmarsson.se

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