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.
Science / Research / Technology
Catomance Technologies Ltd (Stevenage, Herts)
Catomance manufacture speciality chemicals for the textile and leather industry. The company encourages employees to learn a second language, which gives them the edge in sales negotiations.
Knight Scientific Limited
(Plymouth, Devon)
The company manufactures a unique biotechnological product for use in medical research. They are expanding their exports into Japan and have made a good impression after receiving advice about Japanese business culture and language.
Kore Technology Ltd (Ely, Cambridgeshire)
A partnership with the Horiba Corporation of Japan led four Kore employees to undertake Japanese lessons in Cambridge, and a further employee to be seconded to Horiba's head office in Japan, resulting in the creation of a joint-owned venture capital firm.
The Met Office (Exeter, Devon)
Languages and their importance in the work of the Met Office, especially its international role, have brought changes in how foreign language skills and cultural awareness are valued in employees and potential job applicants.
Palintest (Gateshead, Tyne & Wear)
Palintest Ltd has recently won new contracts in France - all thanks to the language skills of its sales team.
The Team Valley company is a market leader in the UK water industry, but faces tough overseas competition as it seeks to build on the 50 per cent of sales generated overseas.
(Case study opens on RLN North East website)
Shape Technology (Christchurch, Dorset)
At a recent meeting overseas business forum event held for the Dorset CCI, Malcolm Jenkins, Managing Director of Shape, outlined 4 strategies as a guide to success in the international market, languages and culture were high on the list of elements in each category.
SRK Consulting (UK) Ltd (Cardiff)
(70 kb pdf document)
SRK Consulting (UK) Ltd, an independent firm of consulting engineers and scientists, is a truly worldwide organisation. To operate efficiently and compete successfully in this global market, it has recognised the key value of languages capability and actively encourages its employees to acquire the appropriate language skills by funding training and development.
