Case Studies
Don't just take our word for it. The Language Networks across the UK have helped hundreds of companies across the UK to develop or fine-tune their foreign language and cultural strategies. Below, businesses that have profited from understanding foreign languages and cultures share their experiences.
Consultancy
AKE Ltd (Hereford, West Midlands)
AKE Limited is one of several West Midlands winners of a Queen’s Award for International Trade 2005. The company, of roughly 50 employees, specialises in security and risk consultancy, training, intelligence and support services.
(Case study opens on RLN West Midlands website)
Apertech Ltd (Harlington, Bedfordshire)
Apertech found that language skills paid off when working in the southern states of the USA.
Arena Know-How Group (Washington, Tyne & Wear)
Twenty-five years in business consultancy at home and abroad have taught Brian Wilson that being culturally aware can mean the difference between success and failure in business.
(Case study opens on RLN North East website)
Catalist (Bristol)
The UK oil industry has acknowledged Catalist as the definitive source for petrol station information in the UK. The company now delivers a range of products and services across the world in local languages.
Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (London)
(69 kb pdf file)
Although based in the City of London with on-site mediation and training facilities, its statistics show that over 10% of its caseload has an international dimension. With tremendous growth expected in this area, CEDR, a registered charity, decided to undergo an Export Communications Review to improve international market development.
Cope Safety Management (Spilsby, Lincolnshire)
(54 kb pdf document)
With the accession of ten new Member States to the European Union in 2004, an increasing number of this company's clients are now employing foreign workers. Delivering essential training in foreign languages is a key element in ensuring that these workers remain healthy and safe.
E.ON plc (Nottingham, East Midlands)
(104 kb pdf document)
With its parent company based in Germany, 15% of E.ON's business is from overseas customers.
Falcon Global Ltd (Norwich)
Falcon Global provide development, technical support and expert resources to the oil and gas industry, predominantly in Algeria and parts of the Middle East, and have recently appointed a trilingual manager to run operations in Algeria.
Geothermal Heating International Ltd (Coventry, West Midlands)
The company designs heating and cooling systems powered by cheap, renewable energy drawn from underground, and also provides technical support and training. To date, the company has appointed overseas distributors in Spain, Portugal, Greece and Russia, who have secured overseas sales of well over £100,000.
(Case study opens on RLN West Midlands website)
HQA Ltd (Norton Canes, Cannock)
HQA Ltd, based in Norton Canes, Cannock, specialises in quality, environment and health and safety management systems, mainly for small and medium-sized manufacturing companies.
(Case study opens on RLN West Midlands website)
INTERKONSULT Limited (Nottingham, East Midlands)
(70 kb pdf file)
INTERKONSULT Limited operates through overseas offices in Spain , the Dominican Republic and India, where its staff come from a variety of professional backgrounds and offer competences in a variety of languages.
Trimark Europe (Coalville, Leicestershire)
(83 kb pdf file)
A winner in the small business category at the 2003 East Midlands Language for Export Awards, it is well aware of the central role of language competence in winning overseas business. The company distributes heavy-duty vehicle door hardware such as handles, latches and locks to the whole of the European market.
