How Mid-Sized European Companies Can Benefit from India’s Shared Services Solutions

For many mid-sized European companies, expanding into fast-growing markets like India can feel like a big risk. You’re dealing with new regulations, unfamiliar hiring practices, and a business environment that’s very different from home. But there’s a smart way to make that leap without going all in: by using Shared Services Solutions (SSCs).

Shared services have come a long way in the past decade. What started as a cost-saving tactic for big corporations has evolved into a strategic entry point for mid-sized businesses too. India, in particular, has become a global hub for shared services - offering everything from finance and HR to compliance, procurement, legal support, and even ESG reporting.

For European businesses, this model makes a lot of sense. It gives you access to skilled, English-speaking professionals, reduces your upfront investment, and helps you navigate local regulations through trusted partners. Most importantly, it lets you test the market and build capabilities - without having to set up a full operation right away.

India’s shared services sector is especially strong in areas like manufacturing, consumer goods, fintech, digital platforms, and healthcare. Whether you’re a German industrial supplier, a Dutch agri-tech firm, or a French software company, tapping into an Indian SSC can help you streamline internal operations, improve margins, and lay the foundation for long-term growth.

And these centres are no longer just about back-office support. Today’s Indian providers are delivering high-end services like GDPR-compliant legal processing, multilingual customer support for pan-European markets, AI-powered financial forecasting, and sustainability reporting that aligns with EU standards. You can even manage contracts, payroll, and tax compliance for multiple markets - all from a single location in India.

So why choose India over other lower-cost destinations like the Philippines, North Africa, or Eastern Europe? Scale and experience. India offers a huge, tech-savvy workforce, deep familiarity with global business needs, and a highly developed digital ecosystem. Cities like Bangalore, Pune, and Hyderabad are now home to over 1,600 Global Capability Centres (GCCs), serving clients across Europe, the US, and Asia.

If you're a mid-sized firm looking to grow internationally, the shared services route lets you start small and scale smart. Begin with one function - say, HR or finance - and see how the model works for your business. You’ll gain valuable insight into how things operate on the ground and can gradually expand your footprint, without committing to a full-fledged subsidiary right away. It’s flexible, cost-effective, and puts you in control.