The Business of Language East Midlands issue 21 - January 2009

HSBC survey reports language and cultural barriers

Four in five businesses in the UK plan to grow over the next 12 months, despite concerns over the current economic environment, according to the 'Business without Boundaries' report from HSBC Commercial Banking.

The report, which surveyed over 5,300 UK businesses from start-ups to corporates, revealed that of those expecting to grow, 46 per cent believe they will need to trade internationally to make that a reality.

Significantly, half of the businesses questioned (51%) are already trading overseas and seven in ten (68%) of those are actively trying to use this as a catalyst to grow their business.

A further 8 per cent of businesses can expect to start doing business internationally in the next 6-12 months.

Steve Bottomley, head of commercial lending at HSBC, said:

"It is very encouraging that despite the current negative sentiment around the economy, both in the UK and internationally, businesses still recognise it is important to consider their growth potential."

Despite this optimism, 46% of businesses believe that trading internationally is more 'threatening' than trading within the UK, with manufacturing and wholesaling sectors finding it the most risky.  Almost three quarters of businesses considering overseas trade feel ill-equipped to take full advantage of the opportunity, with 47 per cent blaming a lack of experience from within their own company.

Much of this risk could be due to the etiquette and cultural barriers, which eight out of ten businesses trading internationally agree can make trading more challenging, with two thirds of businesses also citing the language barrier as a problem.

Steve Bottomley concludes:

"There are pitfalls that need to be considered before settling on expansion plans.  Information, expertise, language, currency, payment terms, etiquette and technology all differ significantly depending on where and what you are deciding to trade in.

It is vital to take advice on all elements of trading to ensure that logistically the operation is viable and that it becomes a profitable experience for your business both internationally and closer to home."   

If you are looking to expand your business overseas this year and want to find out more about the support available then why not book yourself onto UKTI's 'Get Growing: Go Global' seminars taking place in February 2009...

Get Growing: Go Global Seminars

UKTI are holding two seminars in February to help your business get to grips with the major aspects of exporting and introduce you to the funding and support available to help you expand your business overseas.

'Get Growing: Go Global' will be held on:

• 4 February 2009 at the Kettering Conference Centre, Thurston Drive, Kettering - from 10.00 - 12.20pm
• 11 Feburary 2009 at Breadsall Priory Hotel, Moor Road, Morley - from 10.00 -12.20pm

Expert speakers include the RLN's Suzannah Hutton, who will be talking to delegates about the importance of understanding the language and culture of their customers and how to overcome barriers to international communication.

A case study of a successful exporter will also be included as will the opportunity to network with like-minded business people from across the region.

For more information on these seminars or to book your place please visit the UKTI website.  For a list of all forthcoming language and culture-related events across the East Midlands please visit our website.

Will languages mean business for you this year?

2009 is shaping up to be a challenging year across all industries and you may be wondering how you'll get the competitive edge in such a difficult economic climate? 

The downturn in industry is likely to affect us all in one way or another and looking overseas for new customers or improving your communications with foreign-speaking employees could help you gain momentum and increase productivity at a time when your rivals may be suffering.

If you could better understand the language and culture of your customers wouldn't that put you in an advantageous position?  If someone could point you in the direction of available funding and suggest ways to improve your international communications wouldn't you be crazy to pass up the opportunity?

Well fear not, there's still time to register your interest in the RLN's Languages Mean Business project.  Funded by the Learning and Skills Council, Languages Mean Business identifies your company's language and cultural training needs, signposts you to suitable providers and suggests possible sources of funding.  What's more, this service is provided free of charge and need only take up around an hour of your time.

Places are open to all businesses, not just those who export products or services overseas, so if you deal with migrant employees, work in the tourist industry or have any contact with overseas customers why not call us today to arrange for your free consultation?

Time is of the essence, this project comes to an end in March 2009, so contact the RLN today on 01332 826432 or email info@rln-eastmidlands.com to avoid disappointment. 

Your chance to champion languages 

If your business trades internationally or you use language skills at work perhaps you would like to inspire the next generation of business leaders to follow suit and take the languages plunge?

Uptake of languages at GCSE level and above has fallen over recent years and at the RLN we are doing our bit to encourage youngsters to continue with their language learning by partnering schools with local businesses to show pupils how languages are used in the world of work.

In each newsletter we bring you a new opportunity to get involved with a school in your area by participating in our Business Language Champions programme. 

This month we are looking for a dynamic company or individual in the Mansfield area who can enthuse students at a local school.

If you or your company use languages in your day-to-day business and could spare a few hours to share your experiences we would love to hear from you!

Please contact Karen Illsley at karen@illsley.fsnet.co.uk for more details or to register your interest.

France study opportunity for 17-19 year-olds

17 - 19 year-olds from across the UK are being offered the chance to undertake a four-week study project in France.  The Charles de Gaulle Bursary, a scheme run by the British Council, is a unique opportunity for youngsters to soak up the French language and culture whilst completing a study project of their choice.

The project can relate to any aspect of the French language or culture, from French wines to Parisian fashion and does not necessarily have to be academic in subject matter.

To apply for the bursary candidates need to be aged between 17 and 19, have competent linguistic skills in French and hold a UK/European passport.

Applicants will be required to submit a detailed proposal outlining what project work will be undertaken and highlighting specific aims and objectives.  A reference from the applicants' school or college will also be required.

The deadline for submitting applications is 31 January 2009.

For more information please visit The British Council website.