I need help researching European cities

ScarySquirrel

ScarySquirrel

ScarySquirrel

Soldato
Joined
13 Jan 2004
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Hi all,

I have been asked to put together a document for our CEO with some information on European citites that we could look at opening offices in.

If I do a good job, it would be well worth my while as I have only been here 7 weeks or so. I have done a bit of it but now I am completely stuck and I need some advice on where to look for some of the following information:

- Finding out the number of universities and colleges in the city (I have found SOME info on wikipedia but I don't know how reliable this is, and it isn't available for every city I have)

- Cost of living and wages compared to Orlando, FL/London (I have found plenty of free COL calculators but only for US vs US cities, no european ones that are free. I am unable to pay for this)

- Cost per sq. foot for commercial property (no idea)

- Number of true competitors with HQ's and representation offices in the city (I have access to Hoovers but I don't know how to narrow the search down to what we do - we are primarily a web design and build agency)


Seriously guys/girls, ANY help of guidance is appreciated. I am splitting hairs here and it has to be done by tomorrow :(

Some of the cities I am researching are Paris, Munich, Berlin, Moscow, Brussels, Rome and more.
 
You will find cost of living and wages will differ vastly between cities, don't get tempted to use country's gdp/capita as a scale. For example, just today I read on a German site that residential rent prices in Munich are 70% higher than in Berlin.

Regarding commercial property, try looking for English speaking estate agents overseas (there are plenty for Barcelona, for example) and give them a ring. Try looking through that country's British Embassys, maybe they have a contact there that can help you.

Universities and colleges - "city name + university" into google helps.

As for competitors - try accessing their yellow pages, or put into google "city name + web design"
 
Try finding the chambers of commerce for the major cities. Or searching out the publicly funded bodies aimed at encouraging business growth.

Most cities have active bodies aimed at getting business to move there.
 
You could have a look at the cost of living reports by Mercer.

I know that Moscow will probably come out as the most expensive though as it's is the most expensive city in the world for cost of living at the moment. My gf is always reminding me of this fact :rolleyes:
 
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