Find sales agents or sales representatives in the United Kingdom

For a lot of products working with a local sales agent or with a dedicated sales representative can be a good solution.

Especially if you have a customized product or service, or you want to work with a number of resellers in the country, an agent can be the one connecting these parties to your organization abroad.

Agents can be individuals, but I often recommend to work with established companies who already have a good network and where you are not dependent on just one person.

Set up your sales force in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is one of the larger economies of Europe, although not being part of the EU any more.

As of 2024, the United Kingdom’s population is estimated to be approximately 67.96 million. The population has shown a modest growth rate of around 0.35% from the previous year. It has a diverse set of overseas born populations, with the largest contributing countries being Poland, India, and Pakistan.

The UK has a mixed economy, which is the sixth-largest national economy in the world by nominal GDP. It is characterized by a highly developed and market-oriented sector. The largest city and capital is London, which is a major global city and financial center.

WHAT ARE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM?

Foreign direct investment (FDI) to the UK slumped during the economic crisis. Fortunately, it has been improving significantly. Main sectors that attract FDI are:

Financial services
Professional, scientific, technical services
Mining
Metal products, machinery
Computers, electronics, optics
Food, beverages, tobacco

Agent, local office or distance selling?

An agent sells in your name for a commission and has limited room to negotiate. A local office gives you full control, but costs staff and facilities. Distance selling works when your product can be delivered and serviced from abroad.

Be careful with agent contracts. In many countries agents are well protected by law, and ending the relationship can mean compensating the income you take away. Agree territory, targets, commission and termination before you start.

Do you need help in the United Kingdom?

Our service providers are local specialists. They know the market, the regulations and the parties that matter, and they can support you with the steps on this page.

Ask a professional

Finding a sales agent in the United Kingdom in three steps

Step 1

Describe the role

Decide what the agent does: generate leads only, or close deals and handle after-sales too. Set the territory, the type of customer and the commission.

Step 2

Find and screen

Prefer an established agency over a single individual. Check which brands they carry, whether those compete with you, and ask two of their clients for a reference.

Step 3

Contract and manage

Put targets, reporting, commission and termination in writing, and plan regular contact. An agent who hears nothing from you sells nothing for you.