Regional Language Network South West

Farewell from RLN SW

As our funding is ending, sadly, the RLN SW office will be closing at the end of March. Since 2004, RLN SW has visited more than 480 companies, giving them specific advice to help with the language and cultural problems they faced.

However, our website, with lots of advice for exporters, will still be available at www.rlnsw.com. Visit the site for information about doing business in other countries, publications to download, details of other related websites and where to get more help.

Other RLNs in the network will still be operating and their contact details, together with those of other useful agencies, are on the website.

It has been a great pleasure to meet and work with so many of you and we wish you all well in the future.

www.rlnsw.com

Training & Events to help you develop your business

Business Link and other organisations provide services and training events - many free of charge - to help you develop your business.

Train to Gain: Leadership and Management Advisory Service - Free, half-day events at various SW locations during February and March 2009.

Specifically for business leaders, owners and managers, its content is highly relevant to both the current economic climate and future progression. There will also be the chance to find out about funding of up to £1,000 for leadership and management development, available to businesses with between 5 - 249 employees.

A Straightforward Approach to Marketing
Two free events, from 9.30am 4.30pm:
26th February at the Lostwithiel Hotel, Lostwithiel
12th March at Exeter Golf and Country Club, Exeter

For further details on these and other events, visit our website.
In addition to the RLN SW listings, you will also find links to UK Trade & Investment, Business Link, SWRDA and others.

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How to succeed - NEW South West Case Studies

Language and cultural differences can make or break a new business agreement. In America, for instance, a ‘scheme’ is an illegal fundraising activity, and 'turnover' means firing people, not sales revenue. Should you take gifts for your Japanese hosts - and if so, what is acceptable?

Preparation and knowledge of your potential market is vital. But don't take our word for it - find out how, with a little help and advice, seven very different SW businesses have succeeded in trading overseas.

Read their stories on our website.

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Icebreakers

This is an exciting new ESF/LSC funded project to give migrant workers in Somerset and Dorset access to basic English language skills in the workplace.

What will it cost? - Only some of your time! The scheme is free to businesses in Somerset and Dorset who employ migrant workers.

For more details visit our website.

How successful is the South West England economy?

Latest figures released by the Business and Economy Module of the South West Regional Observatory (BEM) show that:

In 2007 economic output (GVA) was approximately £94.2 billion.
GVA per head was £18,195 ranking the region the most productive English region outside of the 'Greater South East'.
The regional average hides a considerable amount of variation, with productivity in 2006 ranging from 63% of UK average GVA per head in Cornwall to 148% in Swindon.

The BEM was established in 2002 to develop and disseminate business and economic research and intelligence in the South West. Information is available free of charge thanks to support from the SWRDA.

With the UK now officially in the midst of a recession, you might need to know more relating to the current economic downturn in the South West England economy. The BEM is a vital tool for effective business planning, offering a reliable, up-to-date source and analysis of regional information.

Visit the South West Regional Observatory website for more information.