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Languages key to improving international trade

Language skills are key to improving international trade for the UK, according to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

While exports have continued to increase, economic growth is reliant on British businesses exporting more with international firms.

Findings show that global trade from the UK could be improved by providing businesses with language skills and training in foreign dialects to encourage links overseas.

73% of business owners say they have some knowledge of French, while only 4% can claim fluency.

British business leaders fell down in languages in the fastest growing global markets, as figures for knowledge of languages such as Chinese and Mandarin dropped dramatically to 4% compared with European langauges.

Collaboration with overseas partners was the biggest reason for businesses head to trade internationally (71%), while 57% saw a chance opportunity outside the UK and 52% had previous work experience abroad.

BCC advised that establishing a wider variety of languages into the national curriculum would be key in improving future foreign links and suggested that the Government should offer incentives to firms such as tax credits for SMEs that invest in providing language training.

John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “Encouraging companies to boost foreign language skills with incentives like tax credits is just one way of making sure we continue to export best of British products and services around the world.

“A renewed focus on language skills at school, as well as helping companies forge new connections overseas, could help ensure that current and future business owners are pre-disposed to thinking internationally.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .