Insights

A flurry of sign-ups in the first half of 2016 took the number of countries agreeing to introduce the minimum BEPS standards1, including country-by-country (CbC) reporting, beyond 80.

The ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) trade bloc is a growing force in the world economy and its increasing influence brings with it prime investment opportunities for businesses both inside and outside the region, not least through a stand-out e-health sector.

International student fees can significantly boost Higher Education Institutions’ (HEI) financial results. But competition is increasing for a piece of this lucrative market. Are you using the right techniques to capitalise on it?

Our latest global survey found that businesses biggest concerns stemming from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD’s) Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Action Plan are additional administrative burdens and cyber security. With the demand of information that will be required and the sharing expected across local and foreign governments, is this a big surprise? Probably not, but our survey surprising found that nearly one year after release 78% of businesses have not changed their planning approach to taxes.

Your board has a crucial role to play in steering your company to long-term success. To be the best it needs to focus on three Ds: diversity, digital and development

With more than 80 countries now having agreed to adopt at least the minimum elements of the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Action Plan, there’s no getting around BEPS.

Grant Thornton has prepared a high-level analysis, from a VAT, GST and Customs Duties perspective, of the potential impact of Brexit on supply chains involving the UK and other EU countries. The analysis assumes that the UK will not form part of the Customs or VAT territories of the EU and the analysis could differ depending on precise incoterms and transport arrangements.

The international student market is growing and proactive higher education institutions will work with policymakers to shape the agenda.

Many emerging economies still face tough social challenges but beyond the negative headlines, there is great investment potential for businesses to tap into.

The best drivers think ahead, anticipating potential hazards coming down the road and reacting accordingly. They also recognise when the landscape is opening up and they can safely put their foot down. In a similar vein, those with responsibility for driving today’s companies – boards and shareholders alike – need to be focused not just on this week or month, but on the future too.

In the battle for guests, branding has traditionally been a powerful weapon. Customers, whether travelling for leisure or business, sought familiar names that offered a consistent experience. Innovative loyalty programmes encouraged them to return to the same hotel groups again and again.

India is transitioning from an international aid recipient to a donor, but what role do private sector partners play in helping the country forge a new way forward? Vikesh Mehta, Grant Thornton India, shares his views on the dynamic future of India’s economic and social development arena.

The profitability of a business is directly impacted by how its supply chain is structured. As a business moves through its own life cycle the supply chain will also evolve, for example, as procurement, manufacturing and distribution strategies change.

Introducing innovations such as artificial intelligence into your supply chain takes time and effort but it can help you leapfrog the competition. The scope and ingenuity of artificial intelligence (AI) was demonstrated earlier this year when a computer won against a human opponent at Go – a traditional Chinese board game in which the aim is to surround more territory than your opponent. This was a breakthrough – revealing how machines have developed new levels of human-like intuitive capability and processing, much faster than anticipated.

Cross-border activity increases as the economic recovery gains more traction in developed economies

The healthcare sector is still experimenting with using big data but, as Anne McGeorge the national managing partner of healthcare at Grant Thornton US shares, it already has plenty to teach us about the benefits and challenges of big data analytics.