News Update
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A little effort goes a long way
In the present Global Market, having a good product is no longer enough to guarantee a business deal with a foreign client; cultural awareness and personal commitment are becoming important keys to distinguish yourself from the competition. The fact that only 10% of English people are aware of the importance of making an attempt at their client's language means that the minority who do make an effort are particularly well placed.
The expanding markets, such as China, India or Indonesia, are especially appreciative of this conscious effort from their British partners. In Asian countries a contract is not usually regarded as the end of the negotiations but as the starting point of a long long term relationship that will be continuously revaluated. This approach means that special respect is shown to those who make an effort to understand the culture and the language.
New addition to the LBC team
In this issue, LBC would like to take the opportunity to extend a warm and cordial welcome to the newest member of our in-house team, Isabel Hurtado from Valencia. Isabel is a Leonardo Project trainee and Business Management student who is currently showing us where we have been going wrong with our marketing and publicity for all these years! Just where does she get all that energy from? |
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Indonesia - an exciting market
Did you know that about 230 Million people speak Indonesian as a mother tongue? Are you also aware that in 2006 British exports to Indonesia were in the region of £400 million, placing the UK as the second largest EU exporter after Germany?
Many NW companies are looking carefully at this South East Asian market and are finding that potentially, there are lucrative opportunities.
"But even for us, Indonesian was a first ", says Eric Brass, Director of The Languages for Business Centre in Manchester. "Whilst we have designed and delivered language courses for companies in Arabic, Mandarin, Cantonese and even Korean, this was our first in Indonesian. Fortunately, we were successful in recruiting a qualified and experienced tutor who made this course for a Senior Executive relocating to Indonesia on behalf of his Company, both successful and enjoyable".
Indonesia is designated one of UKTI's High Growth Markets. Among major British companies with large investments in Indonesia are BP, which have invested over US$6 billion, Unilever, the Jardine Matheson Group, HSBC, PZ Cussons, Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, Boots and many more.
"Companies who are looking to enter overseas markets should consider the linguistic implications - how to present company, product, service and self as a credible professional - and find out about low-cost solutions to do this effectively and within budget. There are 'must do' and 'can do' solutions - but even the smallest effort with the language of the trading partner establishes confidence and shows long-term commitment to that market. The feedback we are getting from our clients' sales and customer service personnel is that doors that hitherto were closed, suddenly opened because they were able to introduce themselves, the company, the products and the service in simple terms in the language of their trading partner."
You cannot be serious!
UK TRADE AND INVESTMENT DEPARTMENT USING STUDENTS FOR PROFESSIONAL TRANSLATION SERVICES
Norfolk, UK (Business): Norfolk companies are being offered the skills of some of the county's foreign language students under a project aimed at boosting overseas trade. A new project, backed by Norfolk County Council in partnership with UK Trade and Investment, the East of England Development Agency and the Regional Language Network, is giving businesses the chance to use the skills of A-level language students to help write foreign language brochures or websites.
(Only ever use professional, qualified translators for all your translations)
We've moved!
After 15 rewarding years LBC has moved from its previous location in Alexander House, on Talbot Road, to our new office and training centre in Cooper House, 380A, Third avenue, Trafford Park Village. Access to LBC’s centre is via our free car park, at the back of Cooper House. Come and visit us! We can always rustle up tea, coffee and biscuits
The Languages for Business Centre
e-mail info@languages-for-business.com tel +44 (0)161 877 8964