Trading internationally and exporting into new foreign markets with the current value of the pound is a credible opportunity for many businesses.
However, and perhaps because English is an internationally recognised language spoken by many European business leaders, UK businesses have in the past had a reluctance to communicate with potential customers in any language except English.
Communicating effectively with customers or prospects in your own mother-tongue language, let alone in a foreign language, can be tough. And the view that foreign language is a perceived barrier has been highlighted by the British Chambers of Commerce who asked almost 3,500 of its members why they did not export to Europe, to which 11 per cent cited language barriers.There is an abundance of export opportunities for UK skills and products, many of which can be found in emerging markets that could be tapped into should a company have the ability to converse with foreign customers in their own language.
Companies shouldn’t discount exporting because of language differences as perceived language barriers can be removed.
There are plenty of companies and organisations out there that can provide relevant services and advice to help UK companies export into new foreign markets. Organisations such as UK Trade & Investment and, on a regional level, the Midlands World Trade Forum both have advisers who can provide information and UK Trade & Investment help organise foreign business trips. Both organisations also hold regional networking events to provide opportunities to make business contacts with international trade specialists.
Translation, interpretation and localisation companies like Foreign Language Services can assist with getting your website, marketing materials, manuals and all your documentation translated professionally and correctly by considering localization, cultural factors, how the documentation will convert into other languages and by ensuring the target language documentation is well designed and looks professional.
I truly believe that companies shouldn’t discount exporting on the basis of language differences, as this perceived barrier can be removed with the right professional support.
