News from the Regional Language Network South West

The Regional Language Network South West helps businesses find practical solutions to their language and cultural problems. We do this by giving free advice to exporters to overcome the international communication barriers to our region's productivity. 

Below are some examples of the type of advice and support we can provide. If we can help you please contact our office for more information.

 


British bosses see need for cultural awareness – but fall short

97% of British bosses think they should learn about business etiquette in other countries when travelling abroad, a recent survey shows. However, 68% are embarassed by their lack of actual knowledge and nearly a quarter confess to making a slip-up when doing business with people overseas.
Read more

Make sure you don’t fall into the same trap. The RLN SW website has resources to help you – read about our podcasts and cultural guides below – whilst advice and guidance is available through seminars and one-to-one sessions.

 

 


(c) iStockphoto.com/ravet007

What did other companies do? Case study updates

We recently spoke with some of the businesses we have helped over the past three years to find out how they have got on trading overseas. The results show that a little cultural and business knowledge can go a long way. For Cornish company Protection Racket, a bit of background on Japanese culture and business practice made a huge difference and helped them to successfully break into the Japanese market.

Read more about Protection Racket
Read about other companies

 

 

Tommy Armstrong, Protection Racket (left)

Free podcasts for over 20 countries

The Regional Language Networks across the UK have launched a new website where you can listen to or download podcasts of business advice for over 20 countries – free of charge!

The podcasts cover cultural and business etiquette and include some basic words and phrases to help you get by when doing business overseas. You can listen to these free podcasts on your PC / laptop or upload them to any MP3 player or iPod.

Find out more about RLN podcasts
Register on the free podcasts website


 


Market research seminars – “Tools of International Business”

During February and March, UK Trade & Investment are continuing their series of free seminars to help businesses ensure they reach the right customers in the right countries. Whether you’re looking to export for the first time, or are hoping to expand your overseas trade, the seminars can help with specialist advice and support such as sales leads.

The seminars take place across the region.
Find out more about the seminars

 

 

Seminar

New Business Culture Reports

Seven in-depth country reports have been added to the RLN SW website. These can be downloaded to provide free, invaluable advice on business culture in Denmark, France, India, Japan, Russia, Saudi Arabia and South Korea.

Download these and other business guides from the RLN SW website


 

Other news

  • India offers future success
    Digby Jones – now Lord Jones of Birmingham and Minister of State for Trade and Investment – believes there are huge opportunities to build links with India where growth is around 10% per annum. He is urging UK companies to look at this market. Read more
  • Health and safety abroad
    Travellers or British nationals about to go abroad should look at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for the latest advice.
    See the FCO website for safety advice and details of consular support if you get into difficulty.
    For health and vaccinations advice look at the Department of Health website
  • New immigration fees
    New charges have been announced for visas for people coming to the UK. There are also fees proposed for the new 'sponsorship' system where employers and other organisations will share responsibility with the government to ensure people follow immigration rules.
    Read more on the Home Office website

 




India Business Guide

RLN South West is supported by the South West Regional Development Agency

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