Cyprus-Forum.com

[Svetlana]

As a foreigner running a business here, let me just say, that locals do not welcome competion from outsiders and for the first couple of years can make things very tough for you, by various means.

After a while, things settle down and you get accepted, but dont expect others to operate by, as the English say, Queensberry Rules!

Lana

[jazzy1]

Hey Lana,

That could not have been very nice for you, starting a new life and already having difficulties.

Did it make you think twice about what you had done?

What kind of businesss do you run?
Is it going well for you now?

What kind of troubles did you run in to?

Sorry about the questions, just trying to get my self prepared for the worst and then hopefully it may not seem as bad. x

[Svetlana]

My business was regularly 'raided' by the VAT man, Social Insurance Inspectors etc., in many cases koumbares (friends/'cousins') of my competitors. Rumours were spread about the company going out of business; competitors tried to persuade my landlord NOT to rent my office to me.

A Britsh company in Paphos set up storage facilites; it was burnt down in an arson attack with all their clients' possessions in it.

But after a while, most people realised I was not the Devil incarnate and have accepted me - and I swop stories with my rivals over coffee. I have never attempted to cheat anyone here and deal with everyone in an honest manner. I employ Cypriot staff; they are paid and treated better than in their previous employment, so I guess that has been good PR in the local community

And no car bombs, the occasional 'weapon of choice' between businesses here LOL!

Is my business going well?; to keep up with my spending schedule it has to go well

Lana

[jazzy1]

WOW, That sounds awful.

Glad its settled down and you are able to get on with your own thing now.

are you in the restaurant business?
x

[Supertrotter]

.....to keep up with my spending schedule it has to go well

Lana

Lana....you and my wife are one and the same!