The TGS EMEA Conference in Sofia brought together advisors, investors, and business leaders from across Europe and beyond for two days of discussions on cross-border business, investment, taxation, technology, and the evolving role of advisory services.

Representatives from Switzerland, Germany, Serbia, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Brazil, Cameroon, and other countries shared practical insights into international business operations, governance, taxation, and digital transformation. The conference highlighted the growing demand for advisory firms that combine technical expertise with strategic and international perspectives.

Bulgaria in Focus

One of the central themes of the conference was Bulgaria’s growing role as a regional business and investment hub.                                                                 

Levon Hampartzoumian from the Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum shared insights into Bulgaria’s economy, tax system, and investment opportunities, highlighting the country’s strategic location and competitive business environment within Europe.

Viktor Manev of IMPETUS Capital discussed investment trends in Bulgaria and the Balkans, focusing on governance, scalability, transparency, and sustainable growth.

The conference also explored digital transformation and artificial intelligence. Tsanka Markova of FTS Bulgaria demonstrated how businesses can use AI and data analytics to improve decision-making and operational efficiency.

Another notable session featured Kalin Kunev from the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Bulgaria, who presented the history of the auditing profession, the regulatory framework governing the sector, and the evolving role of auditors in today’s business environment.

Together, these discussions positioned Bulgaria as an attractive destination for international business and investment.

The Value of International Collaboration

International collaboration and the increasing need for cross-border advisory expertise were also key topics throughout the conference.

As businesses expand across multiple markets, they increasingly rely on advisors who understand international taxation, governance, ESG requirements, and global operations.

Among the many presentations during the event, Mickaël Petitpres of TGS France shared examples of firms collaborating across jurisdictions to support multinational clients. Andre Derksen from TGS Innovised discussed developments in international taxation and fiscal policy, while Mihaela Robu of ACCA Romania explored changing workforce expectations and the future of professional careers.

Reflecting on the event, TGS CEO Andrew Menzies highlighted the value of knowledge-sharing across the network:

“The people in that room, advising each other across two days, represented a combined charging rate of something like €10,000 an hour. And every minute of it was free. That is the network and the entire point of belonging to one.”

These discussions reflected a broader industry trend: advisory services today require not only strong local expertise, but also an international perspective and the ability to navigate increasingly complex global environments.

Increasingly, businesses are looking for advisors who can combine local market knowledge with international coordination and strategic insight.

What This Means for Clients

For TGS Bulgaria, participation in conferences like this helps ensure clients benefit from:

• international expertise and collaboration,
• early insight into market and regulatory developments,
• practical applications of emerging technologies,
• access to cross-border knowledge, and
• strategic, forward-looking advice.

Beyond the conference itself, the TGS network continues to collaborate throughout the year, with member firms regularly exchanging knowledge, sharing international perspectives, and supporting each other on cross-border client matters. This allows clients to benefit not only from strong local expertise, but also from practical experience and insights from multiple jurisdictions when making important business decisions.

Today, businesses expect more than technical compliance. They need advisors who can help them manage complexity, respond to change, and identify opportunities for sustainable growth.

Looking Ahead

The TGS EMEA Conference in Sofia highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, adaptability, and international connectivity in the future of advisory services.

It also reinforced Bulgaria’s position as a growing regional centre for business, investment, and professional advisory services.

For TGS Bulgaria, the event reaffirmed our commitment to delivering practical, forward-looking support in an increasingly connected global market.