The expansion of the European Union is likely to see an increase in the number of posts for interim managers overseas, according to one of Europe's leading IM providers.

The move will benefit both the UK interim management industry, which will see an upturn in orders and eastern bloc countries who will be able to take advantage of western business expertise, says Nigel Corby, managing director of Global Executives.

"UK companies looking to expand into one of the ten new countries will need someone with a combination of management expertise, linguistic prowess and in-depth cultural knowledge of the host country to handle the start up," he explained.

"He or she can also help the indigenous management and workforce by introducing them to western business practices to enable them to compete on a level footing with existing EU members.

"As well as being used by UK firms with overseas subsidiaries, IMs will also be in demand from businesses already based in the new EU countries which want to tap into the UK management expertise which has previously been denied them.

"A good interim manager can draw on his or her wisdom and experience to mentor the new countries. It?s two-way traffic, mutual back scratching."

Global is anticipating an increase in its own overseas business as a result of the EU expansion. Nearly 50% of its assignments last year were overseas 90% of those in Europe. More than a third of the interim managers on Global's database are fluent in a second language, with 35% of those fluent in three or more languages.

For more information on interim management contact Global Executives on 01276 671535 or visit www.globalexecutives.com.