Firms benefit from language and cultural network success
15 May 2008
The important contribution of language skills to exporting and productivity of regional companies has been marked by the Regional Language Network South West at an event to celebrate achievements in helping businesses improve performance in overseas markets.
Photo: Brian Kemp, Chairman RLN SW and Gwyneth Leonard, Manager RLN SW with guests at the event
The regional provider of information on international communications has since 2004, given specialist assistance to over 385 companies through advisory visits, presentations at some 325 business events and help to 4,200 firms who sought contact. Companies from new exporters to multi-nationals have accessed tailored communications advice, professional translators, cultural experts, interpreters, technical glossaries and cost effective web solutions.
Businesses from across the region that have benefited and who use languages and cultural understanding for performance success, came together to mark the Regional Language Network’s project 5th birthday at a celebration event held at Bristol International Airport.
The South West exports the least of any region in the UK. With funding from the South West Regional Development Agency, the Regional Language Network South West was set up to help address this imbalance. Businesses which export have higher productivity.
A recent report by Cardiff Business School shows that UK exports are increasingly to English speaking countries whose economies are growing more slowly than those of countries like India and China. UK under-investment in foreign languages acts like a tax on trade, equivalent to 3% -7% on British exports.
RLN SW chairman, Brian Kemp said: “Our work shows that firms in the region that use languages and cultural understanding to enhance international communications enjoy increased sales and an improved bottom line.
“This is backed up by the published research which points to significant gains for businesses with access to language skills. Those that are proactive in their use of foreign languages achieve on average 45% more export sales.
“It is great news that the Regional Language Network SW has exceeded all its targets from 2004 – 2008 and heartening, that the South West Development Agency has agreed further funding for another year to help businesses gain sales through improved language and cultural skills.”
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