Britain’s businesses are being urged to take advantage of specialist export advice in light of the fact that 62 per cent of companies in the UK are being held back from exporting by language barriers.
Recent figures released by the British Chamber of Commerce have revealed that a mere five per cent of UK companies speak enough French to do business in the country, while 58 per cent doubt that their product or service is even good enough to market overseas.
As a result, language experts Comtec Translations has urged SMEs to make the most of the sizable network of support available to successfully launch your business internationally.
Sophie Howe, MD, Comtec Translations has stated: “There is an abundance of support available for businesses that need to take the first few steps to exporting. Organisations such as UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) offers introductory services to overseas markets and specialist translation providers can provide support around handling communications material for overseas trade.
“Your local Chamber of Commerce can also provide useful advice and support,” advises Howe, who was recently featured on national radio talking about the challenges the UK faces as an economy to develop the vital language skills businesses need to enter international markets.
Brian Mountford, International Trade Advisor at the UKTI explains the advantages exporting will bring to a business: “On average, companies who export see a 34 per cent increase in productivity in their first year of exporting; they are 11 per cent more likely to survive, and they benefit from operating in a more competitive environment; attracting and providing more opportunities for higher skilled workers.”