Globalization Partners review – Services, prices and features explained

Global expansion comes with challenges, particularly when it comes to managing local legal requirements, international payroll, compliance, and hiring. Globalization Partners (GP) is a well-known provider of Global Employment Solutions (GES), offering businesses the ability to expand internationally without establishing a legal entity in foreign markets. This review will explore Globalization Partners services, prices, and key features, helping businesses decide if it’s the right partner for their global expansion needs.

Services offered by Globalization Partners

Globalization Partners primarily operates as an Employer of Record (EOR). This service allows companies to hire employees in other countries while avoiding the complex process of setting up a legal entity in each market. Here are some of the key services they offer:

1. Employer of record (EOR) services

As an EOR, Globalization Partners handles the legal and HR responsibilities associated with hiring employees in over 180 countries. This means they take care of payroll, benefits, taxes, and compliance on behalf of businesses. This allows companies to focus on core operations and business expansion without the administrative headaches.

2. Global payroll and benefits management

The platform ensures that international employees are paid in their local currencies and receive benefits in line with local laws. Whether it’s pensions, healthcare, or paid leave, Globalization Partners ensures that employees across various jurisdictions are treated equitably, adhering to local employment regulations.

3. Legal and compliance expertise

Navigating employment laws and tax regulations in different countries can be overwhelming. Globalization Partners provides a team of legal experts who ensure that hiring and employment processes comply with local labour laws. This reduces the risk of legal issues or penalties for non-compliance.

4. Global talent acquisition

The platform assists businesses in sourcing, hiring, and onboarding talent from international markets. With access to a large global talent pool, UK companies can recruit highly skilled workers, regardless of location.

5. HR and onboarding support

Globalization Partners offers end-to-end HR solutions, including support for onboarding, employee contracts, and day-to-day HR management. Their platform is user-friendly, allowing businesses to manage employee records and contracts with ease.

Pricing structure

While Globalization Partners provides a premium service, its pricing reflects the high level of support and infrastructure provided to help businesses scale globally. Pricing details are generally customised based on the number of employees, regions, and services required, so direct engagement with their sales team is necessary for a precise quote.

However, based on typical industry standards, it’s possible to offer a general guide to their pricing model:

• Per employee, per month fee: Globalization Partners charges a flat rate per employee per month, depending on the country of operation and the complexity of the local employment laws.
• Onboarding fees: There might be additional costs for onboarding new employees, depending on the level of support needed in each region.
• Compliance support and legal fees: Given the legal intricacies in each country, there may be fees associated with ensuring full legal and compliance support, particularly in more complex markets.
• Custom solutions: The platform provides bespoke solutions for larger enterprises, and the pricing model adjusts accordingly.

While Globalization Partners does not openly publish its pricing online, businesses should expect to pay a premium for a service that offers substantial risk mitigation and reduces the need to hire additional HR and legal teams in every new market.

Key features

1. Global reach

With a presence in over 180 countries, Globalization Partners has one of the broadest global footprints in the EOR industry. This is crucial for businesses with aspirations to enter multiple international markets quickly.

2. Speed to market

One of the standout features of Globalization Partners is its ability to help businesses start operating in new countries in as little as a few days. Without the need for setting up a legal entity, businesses can onboard employees quickly, allowing them to move faster than competitors.

3. Technology platform

Globalization Partners’ cloud-based platform simplifies global workforce management. With features like automated payroll processing, employee self-service, and global HR data consolidation, it offers a streamlined user experience. Businesses can also track expenses, performance metrics, and compliance issues through the platform, improving transparency and control.

4. Compliance and risk management

Globalisation Partners takes full responsibility for staying up to date with local employment regulations, mitigating risks related to non-compliance. This is a huge benefit for businesses as it reduces the complexities and costs associated with monitoring local law changes across multiple jurisdictions.

5. Dedicated support

Businesses working with Globalization Partners benefit from dedicated regional experts who understand the local employment landscape. This helps with everything from onboarding new employees to ongoing HR support, making the expansion process smoother.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Reduced risk: Globalization Partners takes on legal and compliance responsibilities, reducing the risk of non-compliance.
• Scalability: The platform supports fast, scalable international expansion.
• Simplified operations: One unified platform for managing global payroll, benefits, and HR.
• Expert local support: Access to HR, tax, and legal experts in every market.

Cons:

• Cost: While the service simplifies global expansion, it comes at a higher price point than smaller businesses may be willing or able to pay.
• Dependency: Businesses relying on Globalization Partners for international operations may feel locked into the platform.

Is Globalization Partners right for your business?

For UK businesses looking to scale internationally, Globalization Partners offers a comprehensive solution that can remove many of the traditional barriers to expansion. Its services are especially beneficial for companies that do not have the resources or expertise to handle legal, HR, and payroll requirements across multiple countries.

However, small businesses and startups may find the cost to be prohibitive. In such cases, it might be worth exploring other EOR providers or considering a more regional approach to expansion.

Alternatives and comparisons

• Globalization Partners vs Deel
• Globalization Partners vs Velocity Global

Conclusion – Globalization Partners review

Globalization Partners stands out as a leader in the Employer of Record and global payroll industries, providing businesses with the ability to hire and manage talent across the world seamlessly.

While the service comes at a premium, the ease of use, legal protection, and risk management offered make it an appealing option for businesses aiming to expand globally without the burden of setting up local entities.

For companies looking to establish an international presence while minimising risk and complexity, Globalization Partners presents a reliable, albeit costly, solution to facilitate rapid and compliant global expansion.

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