Regional Language Network South West

Here to help

Thinking about entering a new market abroad? Businesses that use languages successfully see a direct positive impact on their bottom line. Speak to us about how we can help you to:

get around language problems
get the most from your website
use students for market research

Business advice - Photo: (c)iStockphoto.com/Marcin Balcerzak

2012 business opportunities

The British teams’ recent success in Beijing has inspired everyone and highlighted the opportunities that the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games could bring for businesses across our region. To benefit, begin preparations as soon as possible:

Look at 'information for your business' on www.london2012.com/business and register for business e-alerts
Speak to your local Business Link contact about new programmes being developed. Look at www.blbw.co.uk, phone 0845 600 9966 or email enquiry@businesslinksw.co.uk

2012 business opportunities - Photo: (c) iStockphoto.com/Devon Stephens

China Clinics

The China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) and UKTI are holding a series of events in the South West. A CBBC Business Adviser will be available for a one-to-one meeting to discuss any aspect of companies' activities in China – either exporting or working with Chinese companies to develop business in Asian markets.
Wednesday, 24 September - Taunton, Somerset
Thursday, 25 September - Swindon
Thursday, 23 October - Poole, Dorset
Thursday, 27 November - Bath
Thursday, 15 January 2009 - Taunton, Somerset

For more information – and for details of other events in the region – visit our Events page

China Clinics - Photo: (c) iStockphoto.com/Chandra Menard

Country Guides

Businesses can sometimes forget that there are many subtle differences between the UK and the USA, so following a business request, we have added a “Doing business in the USA” report to our website.

We now have free Business Culture / Country Guides, available as downloadable PDFs, for 36 countries on our website.

Over 25 of the guides are also available as free podcasts to listen to on your PC / laptop or iPod / MP3 player – an ideal way to pick up invaluable business tips.

Country Guides - Photo: (c) iStockphoto.com/Jeremy Edwards

The Queen's Awards for Enterprise

The Queen's Awards for Enterprise - the UK's most prestigious awards for business performance - recognise and reward outstanding achievement by UK companies. The awards are presented in three categories: International Trade, Innovation and Sustainable Development.

Winners will receive a range of benefits including worldwide recognition and extensive press coverage. For information, visit: www.queensawards.org.uk

The Queen's Awards for Enterprise

Language learning

Visit our website to learn more about the various options available, whether for business or to get more from your holiday

Contact Train to Gain to get help finding a suitable language course for you or your staff. They may be able to help with the cost.
Visit: www.traintogain.gov.uk or phone tel. 0800 015 5545

Language learning - Photo: (c) iStockphoto.com/Chris Schmidt

In brief

China surpasses US in Internet users
There are now more than 220 million Chinese internet users
(17 percent of the population), with the US trailing slightly behind at 216 million (71 percent). Since the internet’s penetration in China is still relatively low, huge growth is expected.

Search terms vary by country
Take advice when using your website to attract overseas customers – simple things can make a difference. For example, where Brits are likely to type “holiday” when searching for a travel destination, Americans and Canadians are more likely to use the word “vacation”.

The European Day of Languages
This Council of Europe initiative is held annually on 26 September in 45 countries across Europe, to celebrate language and cultural diversity. For details of planned activities in the UK and across Europe, visit www.ecml.at/edl/find.asp.

European Day of Languages