According to PromoLingua, a language and cultural differences consultancy firm, UK companies are missing out on Europe-wide business opportunities because they fail to bridge language and cultural gaps.

Sterling is currently weak against the Euro, which makes British prices competitive and provides opportunities, particularly for manufacturers. A company that broadens its business base by seeking new business abroad will gain a competitive edge during the credit crunch, according to PromoLingua. In a study by the National Centre for Languages, one in five exporting businesses in the Midlands admit they have lost business contracts abroad because of difficulties with language. The National Centre for Languages recently ranked Britain 27th out of 28 European countries in foreign language skills.

A British Chambers of Commerce survey found that 80% of English exporters could not competently conduct business dealings overseas in even one foreign language. 
 
Sue Clarke of PromoLingua, who is fluent in five languages, said, “It is worrying that 20% of companies in the Midlands have lost orders because of export contracts not using the right language skills. Solving this problem could make the difference to companies’  survival.  It’s clear that there are financial benefits and sales opportunities that can be created abroad, so companies are screaming out for language skills.”

Tim Kelly, director at Richard Austin (Alloys), who Clarke has worked with, said, “Use of language skills cut the chains holding back our business, by freeing up our position on suppliers. Locating different suppliers meant we enjoyed better costs and a wider availability of materials, which lifted and improved our business.”

Clarke claimed, “I helped to build relationships so that we had four suppliers rather than one, bring better prices and deliveries. People in business are also encouraging schools to promote the learning of languages. Using these skills in business is increasingly a benefit.”

www.promolingua.com

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