Crux are a specialized product design consultancy headquartered in the U.K. We offer end-to-end design services from Blue Sky innovation through to detailed design manufacture. Projects can be small, innovative, quite fast-paced through to multiyear development projects.
We would start with actually really uncovering what the problem is. What are we trying to solve? What is it that the user really needs from this product?
This is approached with innovation, with curiosity and with passion to ensure we're developing solutions for our clients that are truly innovative and truly class leading.
They are genuinely solutions which improve patients’ lives. And it really is a satisfying thing to come to work to develop new technologies with innovative people, to genuinely make an impact.
We are surrounded by opportunity on every corner. You've got our big pharma clients, biotech, you've got innovative startups.
You know, as the business has passed the 20-year mark, we've evolved to become a 130-plus operation in the U.K. And about 40% of our business was focused with U.S. clients.
We thought we would develop the U.S. office in earnest. It is a big puzzle. We knew we were up into a steep learning curve.
We went to an event and we met CLA.
I was with S&W on a secondment. We were presenting on how to expand internationally. We introduced them to the right people here in the U.S. and got everything, sort of, lined up.
My first big mission was let's do the U.S. venture properly. And I like to go in with a very regimented, detailed plan of exactly how we're going to execute that plan.
When my secondment with S&W concluded, I moved back to the U.S. and I was able to support them right when they were ready to execute.
It was exactly what we needed in terms of the puzzle from start to finish and all of the bits in between from specialist tax support, how to run a secondment, how to run a finance transfer pricing model.
It's very important that you are compliant from not just a legal perspective, but also from a tax perspective … walking them through the process of, you know, establishing an entity and then looking at it from all angles.
We had to help them get their employer identification number, create a bank account, register with the state. These were crucial steps for Crux while they were entering into the U.S. market, to make sure they have a smooth transition and expanding their U.S. presence.
So not only do we have to look at it from a tax perspective, locally here, but how does that impact the way that they operate in the U.K.
That's almost too much for someone new to the arena to handle themselves.
We've built out a digital compliance calendar that will help our clients stay on top of their compliance and have that visibility.
I find the compliance calendar to be a really good single source of truth to keep us and CLA on the same page as to what's coming next.
And when we did that, they were able to then move faster with their decision-making process, allowing them to go into a smoother transition when they were relocating into the U.S.
So a big part of the move to the U.S. was really having secondees like myself move over from the U.K. and embed quality and culture within our day-to-day practice. And from there, then expand into U.S. hires, and really ensure they are approaching their work and their day-to-day with the same mindset.
It's a major life event for them. And when we add tax compliance into the mix, it's even more overwhelming. We worked with their HR person, their payroll person to make sure that these secondees were compliant.
CLA was instrumental in making sure that we are not just providing technical experience, but we are providing the environment for Crux and its clients or its team members to thrive in new environment.
CLA were really helpful in really giving us the guidance that we needed and the advice so that we could do what we do best whilst they're doing what they do best.
The Boston office has grown far faster than we expected. We knew we were entering the U.S. with a really strong foundation and really strong groundwork, which meant we could enter the office and really start supporting our clients from the get-go.
| Organization: Global product design consultancy for biotech, consumers, MedTech, and beyond. | Need: Establish U.S. presence to serve clients and drive innovation. | Outcome: Seamless expansion, deeper relationships, and accelerated growth in Boston. |
Understanding the situation
Crux Product Design, a global leader in drug delivery and biotech innovation, recognized it needed to expand to the United States to better serve its clients and accelerate growth. Founded in the United Kingdom, Crux has built a reputation for robust engineering and end-to-end product development, delivering life-saving therapies for clients worldwide. With more than 130 employees and a growing U.S. client base, Crux chose Boston — a top hub for pharmaceutical innovation and talent — as its new base.
Ready to expand into the United States with confidence?
Exploring the challenge
Expanding into the U.S. biotech market meant overcoming complex challenges: entity setup, employment law, tax compliance, and cultural integration. Crux faced challenges navigating unfamiliar regulatory environments, managing payroll obligations, and handling visa requirements. They needed not only technical knowledge but also a systematic approach.
CLA, a founding member firm of the CLA Global network, became a key advisor — helping Crux set up operations and navigate the complexity.
A major challenge? Keeping up with the maze of deadlines and regulations across states and foreign jurisdictions. Manually tracking tax and payroll compliance requirements could have been chaotic and risky for Crux’s fast-growing U.S. operation.
The introduction of CLA’s digital compliance calendar provided peace of mind, helping Crux manage deadlines and stay ahead of regulatory changes. The calendar became a single source of truth, allowing Crux to focus on innovation and client service while maintaining tax and payroll compliance.
“Launching in the United States was a multifaceted puzzle, but with CLA’s support, we moved fast and built a foundation for success.” Stephen Gilmore, Managing Director, Crux Product Design
Achieving results
With CLA’s guidance, Crux set up its first U.S. entity while navigating unfamiliar U.S. regulations, cross-border tax implications, and compliance demands. After it launched its Boston office, the Crux team quickly won new contracts and continued to expand its team.
Today, Crux’s U.S. office is a true extension of its U.K. headquarters, delivering patient-centric therapies and driving biotech growth. The support and guidance from CLA empowered Crux to focus on accelerating its expansion, confident in their operational foundation and compliance.