Curious about bigger markets? How Norwegian companies succeed in the UK

‘We work to build active and valuable connections between Norwegian companies and the UK market,’ says Hilde Hukkelberg, Head of our London office.

From their central location in one of London's busiest districts, she and her team support and advise around 400 Norwegian companies looking to expand into the UK market. When exploring new markets, it helps to have people like Hukkelberg on your side – people who understand the culture, regulations and business landscape that Norwegian companies need to navigate.

Jeff Petersen knows all about this. He is Head of Business Development at Origo Solutions, a full-service provider to the energy sector. They supply solutions and equipment for control, automation, safety and data management systems to the offshore and onshore oil and gas industry, the process industry, the maritime sector and renewable energy producers.

Petersen has seen first-hand how we have played a crucial role in their journey in the UK.

'For us, success is not just about winning contracts, but about building a strong network that can deliver results over the long term. Innovation Norway gives us credibility and helps us find the right contacts,' says Petersen.

He highlights the Global Growth programme and participation at the Team Norway stand at trade fairs as particularly valuable initiatives.

For Origo Solutions, a small player in a competitive market, our network and advisory services have been crucial in helping the company understand the market's complex requirements and expectations.

‘They not only give us access to key meetings, but also help us navigate the regulatory landscape,’ Petersen adds.

We work with many companies, including those in the healthcare sector.

For Dr.Dropin, which provides drop-in GP services, establishing a presence in London has been a strategic milestone. The company offers private healthcare services and identified an unmet need in the UK market early on.

‘We started with one clinic in Norway and grew quickly. When we considered expanding internationally, we chose the UK. Innovation Norway was an important partner throughout this process,’ says Daniel Sørlie, who moved to London with his family to stay closely involved in the company’s development.

Our role went far beyond building networks:

He emphasises that a local presence was crucial to their success.

‘Having a physical presence has given us a better understanding of the market and our customers’ needs. This has been essential to our growth,’ he adds.

A physical presence has also been important for Stavanger-based AI company Wenn. They have developed an innovative AI-powered solution for detecting damage to rental cars. The company has already established a presence at UK airports and has ambitious plans for the future.

'We started out in a car repair shop in Stavanger, and now we have a presence in the UK, with the aim of doubling our monthly activity by 2025,' says CEO Trygve Pedersen.

We have been a key partner on this journey.

‘They have introduced us to key players and given us insight into how we should approach the UK market. We could never have done this alone,’ says Pedersen.

He encourages other Norwegian companies to seize the opportunity to explore international markets.

Our London office offers much more than networks and market insights. Through dedicated programmes such as the Tech Executive Accelerator (TEA) and Global Growth, we help Norwegian companies validate the market, develop strategies and find the right partners.

Hilde Hukkelberg, head of our London office, is clear that the UK remains one of Europe's key markets.

‘The UK is a challenging market, but it is full of opportunities. We help Norwegian companies build the strongest possible foundation for success,’ she says.

Hukkelberg also highlights the many sectors where Norwegian expertise and technology have a competitive edge, including renewable energy, health innovation and artificial intelligence.

For Norwegian companies looking to expand into the UK, it is important to think long term. Petersen at Origo Solutions explains how we have helped them build a solid foundation.

‘We have a five-year plan, and we know that results will not come overnight. But with your help, we have gained access to meetings and contacts that are laying the foundations for future growth,’ he says.

Our London office is more than a source of support – we are a strategic partner, helping Norwegian companies navigate a complex and competitive market. Through close collaboration and targeted initiatives, we have helped create long-term value for companies such as Origo Solutions, Dr. Dropin and Wenn.

Hukkelberg sums it up like this:

'We give Norwegian companies the tools they need to succeed in the UK. Through networks, advisory and insights, we help them gain a head start in one of the world's most dynamic markets,' she says.