Culture Expert Explains The Difference Between UK and Italian Business Practices

EP 405 - Is Italy an entrepreneur’s dream or a business nightmare
compared to the UK?


In part 3 of our Business Without Baggage series, Andy speaks
with corporate lawyer Marco Pistis about the cultural and legal
contrasts between doing business in Italy and the UK.


From relationship-driven deals to bureaucracy that stifles scale,
Marco explains why British companies often struggle in Italy -
and what they can learn from its unique, trust-first culture.


What you’ll learn:


Why relationships and trust matter more than rules in Italy


The North-South divide: how culture, punctuality, and payments
differ


How family-run businesses dominate the market - and what that
means for outsiders


Why bureaucracy and employee protection laws slow scaling


How UK businesses can avoid costly mistakes when entering Italy


Where the real opportunities lie: Milan, the mid-market, and
creative industries


Perfect for entrepreneurs, investors, and advisors looking to
navigate UK - Italy business differences.


*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the
bottom right corner of your player*


Spotify Video Chapters:


00:00 Business Without Baggage #3 Italy


00:41 Meet Marco Pistis: The Insider's Perspective


01:38 The Emotional Approach to Business


03:50 Friendship and Business in Italy


10:25 The Importance of Punctuality and Flexibility


16:10 Hierarchy and Family Businesses


23:20 Employee Expectations and Labour Laws


26:07 Cultural Cues and Misunderstandings


29:15 Cultural Taboos: Money and Religion


29:54 Negotiating Business Deals in Italy


31:56 The Importance of Food in Italian Business


33:34 Challenges and Stereotypes in Italian Business


34:34 Setting Up Business in Italy: Banking and Bureaucracy


37:50 Tax Benefits and Wealthy Expats in Italy


48:36 AI and Cultural Communication


49:58 !Business or Bullshit Quiz!


50:22 Wrap Up


Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube


Follow us:


Instagram


TikTok


Linkedin


Twitter


Facebook


If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact -
mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me