Employers

Helping you succeed at home and abroad

Introduction: the strategic imperative

This page provides guidance on how to adopt an international perspective in the way you do business.

Why languages?

Being capable in languages demonstrates adaptability and flexibility, which creates a favourable first impression. That means business will come your way rather than to your competitors.

There are simple actions you can take using languages to increase your competitiveness such as:

  • Translate your website - Internet users are four times more likely to buy when addressed in their mother tongue (Forrester Research).
  • Train junior personnel basic language skills in order to screen calls and transfer enquiries to the correct department - 94% of the world's population does not speak English as their first language (Language Advantage).
  • Utilise translation/interpreting services in the first instance to assess the benefits of foreign language capabilities - over 70% of UK trade is with non-english speaking countries (HM Customs and Excise).
  • Develop an export and international communications strategy as part of comprehensive business planning - Export sales of companies that most value languages are growing by on average, £290,000 per company per year (The British Chambers of Commerce).

 

The RLN NE has developed a toolkit for internationally trading businesses. The toolkit aims to highlight best practice for companies to develop their international communication skills. It contains examples of best practice, along with a range of valuable contacts, information sources and useful tips.

View the RLN NE toolkit for internationally trading businesses on our toolkit page.

 

Our case studies offer a chance to see how other businesses within the region have successfully adopted an international communications strategy.