Business skills and support links
Arab British Chamber of Commerce (ABCC)
The ABCC offers a wide range of services to both Arab and British companies such as business information, seminars, translation, language and cultural training. The website contains country files for all Arab countries.
ABCC website
BBC: Languages for Work
Useful phrases, activities and language practice for a wide range of working situations in French, German, Italian, Spanish and Japanese -
Languages for Work from the BBC
Business Link
The national Business Link network provides help and support for small businesses and people starting businesses. Business Links in each region work closely with all the main business support organisations to provide advice on all aspects of starting, running and growing businesses.
Business Link in the South West
China-Britain Business Council (CBBC)
CBBC is a UK based agency which helps British companies do business in China. The organisation delivers a range of practical services to British companies wishing to export goods and services to, invest in, or establish manufacturing under license arrangements with China.
CBBC website
The website also contains an online 'Guide to China' offering practical advice for anyone planning to do business in China.
China guide on the CBBC website
Communicaid
Communicaid is a culture and communication skills consltancy based in London. It offers a variety of services such as cross-cultural and language courses, both public or tailored to specific requirements.
Communicaid website
Confederation of British Industry (CBI)
The CBI is the premier lobbying organisation for UK business on national and international issues.
CBI website
This site offers the expertise of the universities in the South West to local businesses. HERDA-SW, the Higher Education Association in the South West, manages this website.
Expert Solutions South West website
Export Clubs
The Export Club movement is a voluntary organisation that acts as a forum for the exchange of information, both between exporters and from 'government' to exporters. Export Clubs encourage businesses into exporting, by bringing together experienced exporters and those with little or no experience at regular intervals throughout the year.
Information about Export Clubs on the UKT&I website
British Chambers of Commerce Exportzone
Support for exporters from the British Chambers of Commerce including information on Export Communications Review.
Exportzone website
What is Export Communications Review?
Export Credits Guarantee Department (Export Guarantee Scheme)
ECGD, the Export Credits Guarantee Department, is the UK's official Export Credit Agency. ECGD works closely with exporters, project sponsors, banks and buyers to help UK exporters of capital equipment and project-related goods and services to win business and invest overseas.
ECGD website
Graduate / Student Placements in Business
There are numerous opportunities in the South West for businesses to take on a student or new graduate on a temporary placement to help with a particular aspect of the business or new project: perhaps to develop your language or cultural strategy? To find contacts at a university near you, contact HERDA SW, the Higher Education Regional Development Agency.
HERDA SW website
Information on student and graduate projects from the University of Exeter
Institute of Directors (IoD)
The Institute of Directors (IoD) is an association of members worldwide providing a professional network for the business community.
IoD website
Institute of Export
Provides education and training programmes to raise professional standards in international trade management and export practice.
Institute of Export website
Kwintessential
Language and culture resources and cross-cultural communication briefings for business on this useful website.
Kwintessential website
Middle East Association (MEA)
The MEA is a London based independent organisation for promoting trade and relations with the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey and Iran.
MEA website
Migrant Workers and Non-Native English Speakers
General advice on employing migrant workers with particular reference to language and cultural issues, Health & Safety, Cultural Diversity, and case studies from sectors including Construction and Food & Drink.
Links for employers of migrant workers and non-native Engish speakers
Russo British Chamber of Commerce (RBCC)
The RBCC exists to facilitate trade between Britain and Russia. Services include monthly business digest, in-depth regional and company profiles, exhibitions, conferences and up to the minute Russian business advice.
RBCC website
South West England China Forum
The information hub for developing trade and business between South West England and China.
South West England China Forum
Train to Gain
Train to Gain is a service for employers, designed to help businesses get the training they need to succeed. Training is free for employees for their first Level 2 qualification, and small employers will receive wage compensation.
Train to Gain website
UK Trade & Investment
UK Trade & Investment is the Government organisation that supports both companies in the UK trading internationally and overseas enterprises seeking to locate in the UK. UKTI can help develop export capabilities and provides expert advice, reliable data, and professional research.
UKTI in the South West
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