http://businessculture.org - Find out about business culture in the UK. This guide is part of the Passport to Trade 2.0 project, which examined European Business culture in 31 countries looking at business communication, business etiquette, business meeting etiquette, internship and student placements, cost of living, work-life-balance and social media guide.

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businessculture.org
Business Culture
in the UK
http://businessculture.org/northerneurope/uk-business-culture/
Content Template
Last updated: 30.09.2013
businessculture.org
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This
publication reflects the view only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held
responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
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TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
Business
Culture
in
the
UK
........................................................................................................
4
Xenophobia: being a foreigner in the UK ........................................................................................... 5
International business in the UK ......................................................................................................... 6
General educations ............................................................................................................................... 6
Educational standards .......................................................................................................................... 6
Other issues such as transport infrastructure ....................................................................................... 7
Transportation ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Cultural taboos ..................................................................................................................................... 8
Business
Communication
..........................................................................................................
9
Face-to-face communication ................................................................................................................ 9
Language Matters................................................................................................................................. 9
Business Relationships ........................................................................................................................ 10
Making contact ................................................................................................................................... 11
Personal Titles .................................................................................................................................... 12
Business
Etiquette
..................................................................................................................
14
Corporate Social Responsibility ......................................................................................................... 14
Punctuality .......................................................................................................................................... 14
Gift giving ........................................................................................................................................... 15
Business Dress Code ........................................................................................................................... 15
Bribery and corruption ....................................................................................................................... 16
Business
Meeting
Etiquette
....................................................................................................
17
Importance of Business Meeting ........................................................................................................ 17
Business Meeting planning ................................................................................................................. 18
Negotiation process ............................................................................................................................ 18
Meeting protocol ................................................................................................................................ 19
How to Run a Business Meeting ........................................................................................................ 19
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Follow up letter after meeting with client ........................................................................................... 20
Business meals .................................................................................................................................... 20
Business Meeting tips.......................................................................................................................... 22
Internship
and
placement
.......................................................................................................
23
Work experience................................................................................................................................. 23
Internship and Placement advice ....................................................................................................... 23
Social security and European health insurance ................................................................................. 23
Safety .................................................................................................................................................. 24
Do I need a visa? ................................................................................................................................ 24
Internship and placement salary ........................................................................................................ 24
Internship and placement accommodation ........................................................................................ 24
Cost
of
Living
...........................................................................................................................
26
Money and Banking ........................................................................................................................... 26
Traveling costs .................................................................................................................................... 27
Work-­‐life
Balance
....................................................................................................................
28
National holidays ................................................................................................................................ 28
Working hours .................................................................................................................................... 29
Working culture .................................................................................................................................. 29
Health insurance ................................................................................................................................ 30
Social
Media
Guide
.................................................................................................................
31
Private individuals/students ............................................................................................................... 31
SMEs .................................................................................................................................................. 31
Search and Social Media Marketing for International Business ........................................................ 32
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Business
Culture
in
the
UK
Did you know about business culture in the UK? Watch this video animation to find out some
interesting facts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ldzHbSV5eJA
The acronym UK is the abbreviated form of “United Kingdom” or officially the “United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland”. The UK is made up of four countries:
England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and is a member of the European Union (EU).
The term UK is often confused with “Britain” or “Great Britain”, which actually refer to
England, Scotland and Wales without Northern Ireland. To add to the confusion, citizens of
the UK are called British.
The UK is located in the north-western part of Europe and covers an area of
243,610 km2 (94,060 mi2). The home nations (England, Wales and Scotland) and the northeastern part of Ireland (Northern Ireland) are based on the two large islands of Great Britain.
The only land border that the UK shares with Europe is in Ireland, where Northern Ireland
shares a border with the Republic of Ireland also known as Eire. The UK is surrounded by
water, the English Channels to the south, the Irish Sea to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the
northwest and the North Sea to the East. London is the capital of the UK, and is also the
country’s largest city, in terms of population, and one of the most influential centres in world
politics, finance and culture.
The 2011 UK census estimated the population of the UK to be over 63 million people.
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There are two official languages in the UK, English and Welsh. However, over 90% of the
population speak English and for the most part Welsh is only spoken in Wales. Other
languages and regional dialects exist; for example, Gaelic is spoken in some parts of Scotland,
although it is not an official language.
The UK can be described as a multi-faith society, although a majority of 59% classed
themselves as Christian in the 2011 census. The second most prevalent religion is Muslim
which is practised by approximately 5% of the population.
The UK is in the Western European Time Zone and observes Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
(CET – 1) during the winter months and British Summer Time (BST) from March to October,
to accommodate Daylight Saving Time (DST).
All four seasons are experienced throughout the UK, although the climate and temperatures
vary according to region. Winters are usually damp and cold, especially in Scotland, with lots
of snow particularly in the mountainous areas of the North. Summers are moderately warm
and wet. Being an island, rain is a persistent feature for the majority of the country with the
North West being the wettest and the South East tending to be the driest.
Xenophobia:
being
a
foreigner
in
the
UK
First of all, people in the UK do not like to be embarrassed. In many cases, they simply fear
they may say something that the other party finds offensive or which results in
misunderstanding. They reason therefore, that the best way to avoid this uncertainty is not to
start a conversation at all. Foreigners often find conversations in the UK to be shorter and
about general topics such as the weather, which is always popular and often used as an
“icebreaker”.
The people of the UK value their privacy highly. Although they may appear to be very open
in public, the implicit message permeating the culture is ‘please do not interfere with my
personal space’. Although the UK is multi-cultural, this privacy requirement forces many
people to be rather wary of making new friends. If a foreigner really wants to adapt to British
culture and make some valuable connections, they need to be patient and realise that creating
such friendships may take longer than anticipated. The high value put on personal space is
also visible in everyday life, as when people will avoid sitting next to someone else on a bus
or apologise if they touch someone accidentally.
Foreign business partners may find that their UK counterparts may even be too polite. People
in the UK do not normally criticise or openly complain in public; or even provide negative
feedback, when asked for their honest opinion, irrespective of whether or not such comments
are warranted. It is therefore essential to read between the lines and seek out the honest
opinions of relevant parties. Similarly, foreign business partners need to ensure that they are
sending a clear message, so that there is no room for assumptions and no hidden meanings
that could be misinterpreted. The British also value politeness and courtesy and, as a matter of
course, will express a significant amount of respect when interacting in a business situation,
either out of sincerity or simply because they are adhering to cultural norms.
Generally, it is probably impossible to develop a thorough understanding of British culture
during a short business trip. In order to develop a valuable business relationship with your UK
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counterparts, you should take a long-term approach, respect their values of privacy and
politeness, and look for shared interests.
International
business
in
the
UK
This section examines the general business environment of the UK. The first section will
focus on the attitudes and values of the people. The second section will concentrate on the
education system, training and placements in the UK, with particular emphasis on businessrelated matters.
General
educations
Education is of a very high standard in the United Kingdom, where the majority (74% of
adults aged 25-64) have achieved the equivalent of a high-school diploma. A significant
proportion of the population go on to acquire a university education, where a typical
undergraduate degree can be attained in three years, in contrast to most other European
countries where undergraduate study normally lasts for five years. An undergraduate degree
also known as a Bachelor’s degree may be undertaken in any subject, primarily within the
schools of Art (BA) or Science (BSc), and is the pre-requisite for entry onto a Master’s degree
program. A Master’s degree can normally be completed in twelve months (full time) or two
years (part-time) and is usually necessary for acceptance onto a doctoral program or PhD. A
Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) is often a stepping stone for professionals
who wish to advance into a management role within their respective company or industry.
Generally, undergraduate degrees are seen as a basic entry qualification to a career and many
business professionals seem to put greater emphasis on the status acquired through experience
rather than academic achievements. This is even more evident amongst the more senior staff
of an organisation. Therefore, the use of academic titles is uncommon in signatures or on
business cards. Very often this is in contrast to the practice in many other European countries
where to gain a respected professional status, success needs to be based on a solid academic
background.
With respect to computer literacy, it is possible to conclude that the younger your colleagues
are, the greater the chances of them being proficient and experienced, although there are
exceptions.
Educational
standards
The UK’s Higher Education System is one of the most developed in the world with some of
the leading universities educating business leaders in Business and Management Schools. Due
to the highly developed private school education system, comparisons between schools are
usually made, especially as to whether someone went to a private or public school (fee
paying) or a State school (free of charge). These decisions are made by parents, and in the
majority of cases are based on financial factors (private education in elite schools such as
Eton, Harrow and Marlborough is very expensive), and often shape the destiny of their pupils.
Overall, quality indicators of the educational system, in reading literacy, maths and science,
as part of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), are currently slightly
above the OECD average.
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Other
issues
such
as
transport
infrastructure
For the success of your business endeavours, it is essential to use the correct terminology
when referring to the national identity of your counterparts. It is advisable to call people
coming from Scotland “Scottish” (not ‘Scotch’ which should only be used when referring to
whisky), those from Ireland “Irish”, those from Northern-Ireland “Northern Irish” and those
born in Wales “Welsh”. Calling some members of these nationalities “English” may produce
surprise or resentment.
Transportation
Travelling By Public Transport
Major cities in the UK have an integrated transport system combining a rail network, tram or
metro system with buses and taxis. Outlying and rural areas are predominantly served by bus
services, where frequency and reliability often depend on the profitability of an individual
route.
Travelling By Train
The UK has a comprehensive national rail network, which is privatised and different routes
are operated by a number of private companies. It is normal for tickets for intercity routes to
be purchased in advance for specific journey times, often with reserved seating. Tickets for
short journeys using a regional network are typically purchased as Day Returns at the time of
travel and are available from machines or ticket offices at the departure station or from a
conductor on board the train.
Travelling by Taxi
The traditional British taxi is also referred to as a hackney carriage, London Taxi or Black
Cab. These are different from private hire vehicles, also referred to as minicabs or private
hire, which are licensed to carry people. Hackney carriages have special dispensation to be
able to be hailed on the street or hired from a taxi rank. However, minicabs may not be hailed
on the street and some can only be used if pre-booked. A tip of 10% is normally given on top
of the fare.
Travelling By Car
The UK is a densely populated country with a road network of varying quality and capacity.
Unlike most other European countries, people drive on the left hand side of the road in the
UK. This is not a problem if you are arriving from mainland Europe and intending to hire a
car, but it is something to be aware of as it may cause confusion, especially in rural areas or
where roads are unmarked. There are a few toll roads and bridges and congestion zones in
Central London and Durham that foreign drivers should be aware of, but most roads are free
of charge.
Seat belts must be worn all the time whilst driving and also by all passengers both front and
back. You can legally use hands-free phones, satellite navigation systems and 2-way radios
when you are driving. However, if the police consider that you might be distracted and not in
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control of your vehicle whilst operating these tools beware – you could still be stopped and
fined.
The UK has very strict alcohol limits for drivers, it is advised especially if you are driving in a
foreign country to not drink and drive since the penalties are severe.
Travelling By Plane
As a global centre for international trade, the UK has a number of international airports.
Major cities such as London have several airports and all have excellent bus or train
connections to local and regional transport networks.
Cultural
taboos
Although the United Kingdom has a generally open culture, there are some behaviours and
topics that are best avoided, particularly at the beginning of a relationship.
Behaviours to avoid:
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•
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•
greeting strangers with a kiss
gestures such as backslapping and hugging strangers
spiting in public
asking personal or intimate questions such as “How much money do you earn?” or
“Why did you divorce?”
Discussion topics to avoid
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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•
•
The historical conflict in Northern Ireland
Religion (especially if you are in Northern Ireland, Glasgow or Liverpool)
The monarchy and the Royal Family
Partisan politics
The European Union, ‘Brussels’ and the Euro
The Middle East
Personal questions about a person’s background, religion, occupation.
Class and the class system
Race and immigration
Age
Children
Appearance or weight
Money (“How much do you earn?”)
Crime
Criticism or complaints in general
You should also be aware that many of these questions are regulated in the business
environment under various employment and equality laws that are designed to prevent
discrimination in the workplace.
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Business
Communication
The business practices discussed in this section will apply to the majority of everyday business dealings
and situations. However, it is crucial to bear in mind that these recommendations are general
indicators of best practice and are subject to contextual and regional variations within.
Face-­‐to-­‐face
communication
Introductions depend upon the circumstances of a particular situation. Generally, the best practice is
to be introduced by a third party, although this may not always be possible. A handshake is the typical
greeting for a new introduction and should not be expected at subsequent meetings. For example,
colleagues don’t shake hands every day at work.
Beginning a conversation with someone new may be a daunting proposition because of British cultural
norms and expectations. It is generally advisable to open a conversation with a neutral topic, such as
the weather or something dictated by the immediate situation, such as asking for a recommendation
on something to do, eat or drink. It is good practice to start a conversation with open questions rather
than subjective assumptions or personal points of view as the reaction of your counterpart is not always
predictable. As you will find, many British people are tolerant and open-minded. Some people may
derive their opinions from the tabloid press that often depicts the world in black and white terms.
In order to create good business relations, you should allow conversations to develop organically,
following the lead of the person you are talking you, asking permission if you’d like to talk about
potentially sensitive subjects and not being overly negative or sarcastic.
As a general observation, people tend to be more open and friendly outside of London and in the
North in particular; in fact, there is still a north-south divide in terms of cultural openness in the UK.
Some exceptions exist, for example Scottish Highlanders or Welsh farmers will hardly say a word until
you get to know each other. Discussions tend to be emotionless and may become tense, with the
parties politely excusing themselves and withdrawing.
Another difficulty in verbal communication may come from the British penchant for understatement.
This sometimes shows itself in seeming self-deprecation and presents a challenge in understanding how
things, people and situations are really perceived by the British. For example, what might be described
as ‘a bit expensive’ may well really mean ‘very expensive’ and ‘a little problem’ might actually
constitute ‘a huge stumbling block’ for a British counterpart.
Language
Matters
English is the official and predominantly spoken language in the UK. It is unlikely that many of your
British counterparts will speak other languages and even if you speak English, there will be some
linguistic differences. Although the majority, especially the younger generation, will have had some
language training at school not all of them feel comfortable making mistakes in front of others and
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therefore pretend that they don’t speak other languages. However, be aware that this does not mean
that they can’t understand what you are saying.
Thus, it is important either to have at least some knowledge of the language or to ensure that
appropriate interpreting facilities are available. Although the UK does not constitute a great land area,
accents and dialects vary considerably from region to region, which may present even native English
speakers with difficulties in verbal communication. Therefore, although it is advisable to become
familiar with at least some common phrases, it is completely acceptable to ask for an explanation of
anything that you do not understand, or indeed to ask your host to speak more slowly.
Foreign language competence amongst British managers is generally poor. This characteristic seems to
have its historical roots in times when British companies traded mostly with other English speaking
nations and dependencies. At that time, there was virtually no need for knowledge of other languages.
In the vast majority of British companies, this historical legacy manifests itself as managers being
reluctant to speak any language other than English. If your English language capabilities are not at a
satisfactory level, it is strongly advisable to travel with an interpreter. However, using this service
deprives you of the unique opportunity of direct contact and, in some cases, may not allow you to
develop the business relationship in the way you desire.
However, there is some probability that you will encounter a business professional speaking a foreign
language as their numbers are continually increasing. More and more managers are becoming aware
of the fact that ignorance of foreign languages represents a serious barrier when attempting to expand
their business abroad. Even the government realises the importance of this issue and is concerned that
poor language skills may severely hamper the country’s ability to promote and protect interests abroad.
In the current business environment, it is possible to encounter managers who speak Polish, German,
Spanish, Italian or French. Asian languages, including Bengali, Punjabi, Hindi and Gujarati, are also
spoken by 2.7% of the UK population. Chinese community is also large with many major cities having
“China Towns” and many managers are now learning Mandarin as their foreign language.
As with any other languages, when it comes to specific business, legal or technical terms especially
when communicating with people from different disciplines, misunderstandings are common. To
avoid disputes, you should elaborate and clarify meanings to the point where there can be no room for
misinterpretation and no need for assumptions.
Business
Relationships
In the UK, an agreement will not normally be final and complete until a written contract has been
formally signed and witnessed. Thus, it is crucial to ensure that all the terms and conditions are
included in a formal contractual document. In many cases, depending on the size or value of the
business, a contract will be subject to review and approval by a solicitor or other expert in British
contract law. This is simply a matter of procedural correctness and “due diligence”, which should not
be taken personally nor does it cast doubt on the seriousness of the proposal. In fact, having a full
written contract that has been professionally reviewed and approved demonstrates both the sincerity of
the signatories and their intent to establish a significant and often long-term agreement.
Generally, there is a strict separation of business and social matters and therefore you do not
necessarily need to make extensive efforts to establish familiarity outside of the business relationship.
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On the other hand, it is essential to create an atmosphere of trust, reliability and fairness, as those are
values the British appreciate.
Following established protocol is critical to building and maintaining business relationships in the UK.
Verbal communications are usually confirmed in writing where exact details are set out. Business
communications can be difficult to read since the British do not like to offend their business partners
and sources of disagreements are not always obvious to detect. British businesspeople often operate an
open-door policy. People tend to work with their office door open although counterparts are expected
to knock and wait to be invited before entering.
In British business, hierarchies are becoming flatter with business units having delegated autonomy,
which increases overlapping and means loosely defined responsibilities and fewer distinctions between
roles and departments. British management style has a reputation for taking calculated risks and this
mentality is at the heart of the innovation drive in many British organisations. Professional rank and
status in the UK is generally based on an individual’s achievement and expertise in a given field.
Academic titles and backgrounds are not as important in business.
Expect a great deal of written communication, both to confirm and to maintain a record of discussions
and decisions. Even if you have a friendly or casual relationship with colleagues, you should remember
that on-the-job correspondence means that an e-mail is a business letter, in which professionalism
should not be forgotten. However, this varies and some individuals might not have a greeting in the
email and sign themselves with a single letter – abbreviating their first name. This is increasingly
widespread with the adoption of smartphones and tablet devices.
In The UK, it is generally not customary to state your full name including first and last name when
you answer the phone. In accordance with corporate identity trends, the customary way to answer a
phone at a British company is to state the name of the company and a greeting.
Making
contact
For the British manager, a handshake is the usual form of greeting on introduction. However, if you
are working with someone on a project and meeting over several days, it is possible that you will not be
offered a handshake each time – but would simply be greeted verbally. In the same way, after a
business meeting if you are going to meet again the next day you might not be offered a handshake.
When introduced to someone new you would be expected to shake their hand and say “Nice to meet
you” or the more formal “How do you do?” These phrases would normally be responded to in a
similar fashion: “Nice to meet you too” or “Fine thank you, how are you?” The handshake should be
firm, but take into account the hand of the person you are greeting and match the strength of their
handshake. A kiss is not an acceptable greeting in a typical business situation.
The normal greetings in the United Kingdom are “Good morning/afternoon/evening.” These are
usually followed by another common greeting “How are you?” Do not be tempted to give a full
account of the state of your health, as this is simply a courtesy greeting and not usually an actual
question.
You should not be offended when people address you with a seemingly over familiar name such as
“love”, “pet”, “duck”, “chuck”, “mate” or “darling” – these terms vary across the UK. Here you are
dealing with regional dialects and cultural conventions that have no deep or hidden meanings.
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Traditionally, the British are seen as an emotionally neutral nation. The “Stiff Upper Lip” is a
characteristic, which is defined by emotional restraint and courage in difficult situations. Public
displays of emotion are still widely regarded as unprofessional and unbecoming, particularly in a
business environment.
Increasingly, with the influence of North American popular culture, self-disclosure and the sharing of
private and personal information is considered to be a form of bonding. The death of the Princess of
Wales in 1997 marked an unprecedented moment in British culture, where people felt compelled to
share their outpouring of grief in public. The London 2012 Olympic Games also went a long way
towards changing foreign perceptions of British culture and demonstrating the warmth and welcoming
nature of the British public.
For foreigners, it is advisable to avoid explicit gestures and physical contact such as backslapping or
hugging and to maintain a sufficient distance not to invade the personal space of anyone around you,
except where this cannot be avoided (such as when using public transport, during the rush hour).
Unnecessarily long eye contact is also considered an invasion of privacy and can be interpreted as
anything from being rude to being a sign of aggression and should therefore be avoided.
Personal
Titles
People in Britain usually address each other informally in day-to-day communications using their first
names. This is the result of increasingly flat organisational structures and the encouragement of a
friendly working environment which is intended to facilitate better team work. This also depends on
the culture of the individual organisation and may be dictated by situations, such as at extremely
formal events or occasions where a certain naming etiquette must be observed.
In addition to social titles (Mr, Mrs, Miss, Ms), professional and academic titles (Prof. and Dr.) the UK
makes use of honorary titles (Sir, Dame, etc.) and hereditary titles (Duke, Earl, Lady, etc.).
When meeting your business partners for the first time it is more appropriate to use their surnames
following the title for example: Mr (for men), Mrs (for women) and Miss or Ms (for unmarried women).
If in doubt it is advisable to be more formal and do not use first name terms until you have been
invited to do so. Usually, you will be invited to use someone’s first name at the first meeting; but
sometimes it may not happen at all.
When referring to women and you are not aware of their marital status use “Ms”. It is worth noting
that titles should be used in conjunction with a person’s surname.
To address a man in public without mentioning their name use “Sir”. The equivalent form of address
for a woman is “Madam”, but the connotations associated with the word means it has fallen out of
common usage and may not always be well-received depending on the context.
Written correspondence tends also to start with a formal address “Dear Sirs” (if you don’t know the
names) and signing with “Yours faithfully”. If you do know the names, the form is “Dear Mr/Mrs X”
and ending with “Yours sincerely”. Particularly in email exchange if it is a follow up reply, the need to
use “Dear etc.” is not as important and some might simply write the main body of the message and
end with “Best wishes” or “Kind regards”. With the increasing use of social media the use of “Dear”
and names on networks such as Twitter are not necessary.
Overall, it is good practice to keep to a formal form of address until your correspondent indicates that
it is acceptable to use first names by signing off a letter or email with their first name only or by inviting
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you to use their first name when meeting or speaking in person. When sending a business email, it is
important to use British English, as opposed to American or US English. Similarly, you are
encouraged to use the same format of the person’s name as they have signed in their email.
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Business
Etiquette
Attitudes and values form the basis of any culture. They reflect the ways people both think and behave.
Knowledge of attitudes and values can therefore be of significant importance if you wish to
communicate with your counterparts effectively. Ignorance can result in a cultural barrier that may
hinder the communication process and have a detrimental effect on the success of your activities in a
given country.
How important is the work-life balance in the UK? How do they value fairness in business? Although
seemingly unimportant and often neglected during the preparation phase, an understanding of such
issues may prove to be invaluable when doing business in the UK. The following section will introduce
you to the essential attitudes and values you will find in the UK and highlight their implications for
business practice.
Corporate
Social
Responsibility
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is becoming more important for businesses in the UK, where
there is strong growth in consumer activism thanks to the prevalence of social media and grass roots
organisations.
The three main themes for CSR in the UK are work place issues (work life balance, human rights,
employment); community contribution (big society/social justice) and the environment (sustainability
of resources, etc). The UK has subscribed to the Millennium Goals of the United Nations and many
business leaders are actively working towards achieving these. The UK Government supports CSR
through tax breaks and the encouragement of charitable giving.
There are several issues that currently represent sensitive topics for UK society. Most notable is the tax
avoidance of large online retailers and international chains exposed by the media in 2013. In times of
austerity it is seen as distasteful that such profitable companies should be seeking legal loopholes to
reduce their tax liabilities when normal people and small businesses are struggling to make ends meet.
Waste management is an important environmental topic, due to unsustainable consumption of natural
resources and environmental damage caused by excess waste. The sector is currently undergoing a
period of substantial change and extensive discussions are taking place in order to find the best
solutions to the problem. The United Kingdom is substantially reducing the amount of industrial and
commercial waste disposed of in landfill sites and increasingly a growing percentage of household
waste is being recycled or composted.
Genetically-modified (GM) food has become a major health and environmental issue in the UK. Some
authorities argue that people still do not have enough knowledge about the way genes operate to be
able to determine the potential long term effects of any modified crops.
The United Kingdom is also concerned with global warming and, as a signatory to the Kyoto
Protocol, continues to reduce greenhouse gasses. This issue is closely linked to another problematic
area, that of transport and its impact on the environment and air quality.
Punctuality
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In general, the British value time-keeping for business arrangements. If you set up a meeting for two
o’clock, the chances are your counterparts will arrive on time or just before. Since the British are so
time conscious, sometimes you may feel their lives are very rushed. In fact, however, they are only
doing their best to avoid losing time, which is valued as an economic resource. It is considered very
impolite to arrive late for a business meeting. If your delay is inevitable and you arrive late, it is usually
sufficient to excuse yourself with an apology. If, however, you are running more than a few minutes
late, you should call ahead to apologise and give an indication of how long you will be; in the case of a
longer delay that would compromise the value of attending the meeting, you should consider offering
to postpone the meeting to a new time and/or day. The busier people are, the greater the likelihood
that they will have to leave for another engagement, so respecting their time is very important.
Attending social events is slightly different, and guests may be expected to arrive about fifteen minutes
after the specified time, but this is contingent on the nature of the event and the number of attendees.
You need to be particularly careful when using public transport, as some journeys may take
significantly longer than advertised. Public transport, such as trains and buses, is generally reliable
although it is recommended to allow extra time, especially if travelling in winter when the transport
network is usually unable to cope with even the slightest flurry of snow (unless you are travelling in
Scotland). The golden rule is that the more important the appointment, the more time you should
allow for potential delays.
Gift
giving
Gift Giving is not a usual part of British business etiquette, although reciprocation is good practice
when gifts are received. Some organisations are encouraged not to accept any form of gift and some
are prevented from doing so on legal grounds. However, where a gift is offered, it is important to
ensure that it is not expensive enough to be considered a bribe or so inexpensive as to be considered an
insult.
There is a large range of suitable gifts to choose from: company greeting cards, pens, books, diaries,
alcohol, flowers, souvenirs from the visitors’ country or invitations to a cultural event etc. If a gift is
received in public, it is advisable to open it immediately and express your gratitude to the giver.
Usually, the successful conclusion of negotiations presents an ideal opportunity for gift giving. Here the
meaning is an acknowledgement of the occasion. Ideally, such gifts will be gold, silver or porcelain and
it is important to consider the suitability of the gift and the taste of the recipient. It is not usual to
exchange business gifts at Christmas; however, it is still good practice to send a greetings card to
express thanks to your business counterparts.
If you receive an invitation to dinner or a party at the home of one of your business colleagues, it is
normal to bring a bottle of wine and possibly a small gift such as flowers or chocolates. When giving
flowers beware that red roses (which signify romantic intentions) and white lilies (which express grief
and are used for funerals) are best avoided.
Business
Dress
Code
When it comes to business dress codes, classical conservative attire is the norm for both men and
women in British culture and dark colours such as black, dark blue and charcoal grey are
predominant. It is common for women to wear either trousers or a skirt in an office environment, and
headscarves are accepted as part of religious freedom. Many senior managers are fond of quality and
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express their status through their choice of clothing. Shopping in designer boutiques is popular among
British society and bespoke suits, designer shirts, silk ties and hand-made shoes are signs of affluence
and status.
Denim is not normally acceptable for professional business meetings and the Scots do not wear kilts to
work. When in doubt about the dress code for a particular business event, it is advisable to be
overdressed rather than risk making a poor impression. It is always relatively easy to hire suitable attire
for special events; your efforts will be appreciated and you will feel that you are fitting in.
Many organisations provide their non-professional employees with a work-based uniform, which
enables everyone to look ‘corporate’ and reflects a certain image of the company. The type of uniform,
whether smart or more casual, will give you a good understanding of the type of organisation and the
culture to be found there. Many companies are adopting ‘informal’ smart casual uniforms, which are
comfortable to wear, but still present a professional image for the company.
Dress code inevitably varies across industries. In the creative sectors (e.g. digital marketing) a more
relaxed dress code is common – just a shirt and trousers. Numerous office-based organisations have
introduced Casual Friday, Casual Day or Dress-Down Friday, where a more relaxed dress code (and
hopefully increased creativity) is encouraged based on the California inspired Dot Com Business
Culture.
If unsure of the dress code and what to wear, it is perfectly acceptable to ask a representative from the
company. It is often better to find out in advance, so you can make any necessary changes before your
introduction to the company. This will put you at ease and make you more relaxed in your encounters
with the company representatives.
Bribery
and
corruption
A highly valued sense of fairness is probably the reason why the British are an honest nation with
relatively low levels of corruption. This has been confirmed in a recent report (2012) by the Global
Coalition against Corruption, Transparency International and the United Kingdom has regularly
ranked in the top 10% in the International Corruption Perception Index, which compares countries
from all over the world.
Bribery and corruption are generally taken very seriously in the United Kingdom and the chances of a
bribe being accepted are very low. The risks are too high and it is strongly advisable not to try to bribe
anyone.
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Business
Meeting
Etiquette
Business meetings remain an intrinsic feature of corporate life in the United Kingdom. They vary in
their nature and content, but are seen as a key element of business communications.
Senior managers and directors will often have personal assistants who plan their diaries and meetings
to fit into their working day. It is often necessary to plan a long time ahead when arranging meetings
with senior executives, as diaries tend to be booked up well in advance.
It is good practice to ensure that agendas are circulated in advance of any meeting, to enable everyone
to be fully prepared. Locations of meetings, attendance lists, and any required equipment, e.g.
computer and projection equipment need to be planned in advance. Meetings should be structured
carefully so they keep to time, follow the agenda, and are chaired effectively with minutes taken by an
appropriate person.
The use of technology has extended its influence into the world of meetings; video conferencing and
conference calls mean that managers do not have to travel too far to attend a meeting. This saves the
organisation costs in travel and time, but does not allow face-to-face personal contact, which some
cultures may find unsatisfactory. Any contributions to meetings should be thought through to ensure
that what is said is of value to the meeting and to the organisation as a whole.
In the UK, it is expected that any action items arising from the meeting are documented, and
circulated to all attendees. A person should be nominated, usually the person chairing the meeting, to
review the action items from the previous meeting, to ensure that progress has been made as expected
and any matters arising are dealt with. At formal meetings, minutes may be taken by a secretary and
circulated afterwards.
Importance
of
Business
Meeting
It is good practice to make meeting appointments at least a few days in advance. After arrival in the
country, you should always confirm the details of any meeting by telephone or email and ask for
directions to the meeting venue, if these details are not provided or are unclear. Although the British
have a reputation for respecting rules and for time-keeping, their cultural awareness provides some
degree of tolerance when dealing with foreigners. You do not need to panic if something goes wrong
during your stay and interferes with your schedule. This is simply a matter of keeping all the affected
parties informed and telephoning to cancel or reschedule your appointments. The chances are that
any business contact will understand and be more than willing to help you.
The most suitable time to arrange a business meeting is probably about 10am., particularly in the
initial stages of negotiations. It is unlikely that a first meeting would take place over a meal, however
this depends on the parties involved and the context of the meeting. In the United Kingdom, you
should not attempt to approach a business partner unannounced.
When meeting someone for the first time, most managers will value some advance information about
the company you represent. This will enable them to establish some basic details about your company,
which will save time at the meeting and increase your credibility. It is also useful for you, if visiting a
company in the UK for the first time, to find out some information about that company so that you
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can understand more about their business culture, interests and where there may be opportunities and
synergies that can be leveraged.
Recognising that meetings take up a lot of time and are often not very productive, some UK
companies have introduced a meetings policy. If you are new to a company, it is advisable to
familiarise yourself with all company policies as quickly as possible. A few companies in the UK have
adopted some US and Japanese practices in restricting meetings to a very brief time, to ensure that
managers keep focussed on what needs to be discussed. One leading supermarket for example,
removed all the chairs from its meeting room; because attendees had to stand, this kept the meetings
short and focussed. This is rare, but it is worth checking to see what the format, content and style of a
meeting will be, so that you are adequately prepared, mentally as well as physically.
Business
Meeting
planning
Organisations differ, but in the main there will be a secretary or Personal Assistant (PA) who controls
the diary of the manager you are visiting. The best way to set up a meeting is to arrange it with this
person, and then call the day before to confirm your attendance. You are advised to check in advance
if any resources or equipment you require are available, to prevent delays or embarrassment at the
meeting.
Meetings can be confirmed via email and the majority of UK organisations use this method. The
agenda and names of the attendees are often circulated in advance of the meeting.
Whilst many managers do work longer than the official 9am to 5.30pm, it is rare for meetings to be
held outside this time. Normally, the time executives spend in their offices outside of these hours is set
aside for them to catch up on work and correspondence they have not been able to get on top of
during the day.
Punctuality is expected and appreciated in the UK, but no one really minds if you arrive a few minutes
late for a one-to-one meeting, provided there is a good reason e.g. traffic. Obviously, if more people
are involved, there is a greater likelihood that someone will have another engagement to attend.
Finally, it should be remembered that the transport network in the UK can frequently cause delays,
which means you should always allow additional travelling time, especially when travelling to an
important meeting. Local radio stations provide detailed travel information throughout the day, so if
you get stuck in traffic, it is advisable to tune into a local station and telephone the person you are
meeting if you are going to be late. This will enable the meeting chairperson to decide whether to wait,
or whether to start the meeting as planned and give your apologies. Please beware that use of a mobile
phone is not legal whilst driving. So, you should park in a safe place to make or answer any phone calls
or use hands free kit.
Negotiation
process
It is advisable to send a senior manager to discuss business issues in the UK rather than a junior
employee. This stems from a certain degree of distrust of young managers that is still rooted in British
culture. This does not necessarily mean that British managers find young people to be incompetent.
Some senior managers may have relatively few formal qualifications and may traditionally value
experience and expertise as indicators of success. Moreover, sending senior individuals provides more
credibility and a sense of authority, which is essential for successful business negotiations. However,
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these attitudes are gradually changing and it is probable that in modern companies and young
industries such as Information Technology, these findings may not necessarily hold true.
Although discrimination on the basis of sex, race, age and other protected characteristics is unlawful in
the United Kingdom under the Equality Act 2010, it is still possible to come across an
“unreconstructed manager”. This varies depending on the industry and location of the company you
are visiting, with knowledge-based companies often being more liberal compared to traditional
manufacturing organisations. If you encounter prejudice or discrimination in your dealings with a
British manager, you should maintain a professional demeanour and seek advice or instructions from
your own company or an agent that you may be working with in the UK.
During the negotiation process, it is necessary to keep in mind that British business professionals often
approach their work in a detached and emotionless way. They will tend to look for objective facts and
solid evidence, so emotional persuasion techniques are usually a waste of time. Personal bonds also
seem to have little relevance for business in the UK, which differs from other European countries.
Aggressive selling techniques such as derogatory remarks about the competition, on the other hand,
will probably have very little positive influence on your business partners and may actually be
counterproductive.
Similarly, any facial expressions tend to be kept to a minimum, thus making it difficult to guess the
thoughts and opinions of British negotiators. This behaviour is not suspicious or mistrustful; it is just
the typical professional approach.
Also, it is advisable to be aware of the hierarchical structure of the particular organisation with which
you are dealing. In the UK, it is common for companies to declare that they value teamwork and
democracy even though, in practice, the senior manager is the person who makes the final decision.
Meeting
protocol
The traditional greeting among British managers is a light but firm handshake accompanied by a
polite greeting.
In general, British people are more reserved than continental Europeans and you should refrain from
physical contact apart from the initial handshake. Smiling, on the other hand, particularly at the initial
stage of an encounter is considered an expression of positive intentions. It is also worth mentioning
that it is not normal practice to shake hands with or greet everyone on entering a room full of people.
Sometimes at the start of a meeting, with many attendees, the chairperson will arrange to go around
the table, with each person introducing themselves, with their name and job title, and if external to the
organisation, the company they represent.
How
to
Run
a
Business
Meeting
When running a meeting, the most important factor to be aware of is the planning and preparation
necessary to ensure the meeting achieves its objectives. Hence, the agenda for the meeting should
stipulate clearly who is invited, the meeting location, date, time and what is expected to be discussed.
Individual communications with attendees might be necessary to explain the expected format of the
content. Increasingly, meetings are placing emphasise on shorter presentations and give more focus to
discussion and question and answer type activities. Although the agenda is usually followed, people are
not stopped if they digress and are allowed to explore related matters in detail. It is not uncommon
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that meetings finish with an agreement for another follow up meeting with decisions on the current
meeting’s main objectives not having been made.
It is important to ensure that all required attendees are aware of the meeting, and of any necessary
work they may need to do in advance. Attendees are always expected to confirm their attendance and
may sometimes put forward a replacement delegate, if they are unable to attend themselves.
It is also important to ensure a meeting location is appropriate, that the room has all the required
facilities, and enough space for the numbers likely to attend. If you are responsible for the meeting, it is
advisable to arrive early to check the room layout, chairs, desk or tables etc. If people arrive to find a
shortage of chairs, it will delay the start of the meeting and cause unnecessary disruption.
If a meeting includes non-English speaking attendees, it may be necessary to ensure that an interpreter
is available, which should be arranged several weeks ahead of the meeting. Any presentations that
have been completed and sent in advance may need to be checked and pre-loaded onto the computer
that will be used for the meeting or duplicated for distribution in print.
Some organisations prefer PowerPoint presentations and meeting documents to be circulated in
advance of the meeting, so that all attendees are able to review any materials that will need to be
discussed. This often increases the efficiency of the meeting, freeing up more time for valuable debate
and discussion and helping to advance business goals.
It is courteous in the UK to allow other people to speak, and not to interrupt them while they do. It is
also useful to obtain feedback after the meeting and establish what the attendees thought of the content
and the discussion. It is considered helpful to acknowledge others’ points and, if necessary, agree to
disagree; but at no time should you lose your temper or let your behaviour become overly animated.
Follow
up
letter
after
meeting
with
client
The minutes of any formal meeting will usually be circulated for comment and approval after the
meeting has concluded. Actions for any decisions that were taken, including the attribution of
responsibilities and deadlines applicable will normally be included in the minutes of group meetings
and should always be reviewed. In one-to-one meetings, individuals are normally responsible for
making their own record of any important points of discussion and action items.
It is important that action items are followed up and completed within the timescales agreed in order
to maintain credibility and prove that the responsibility was well-placed. Many executives will be
impressed by a prompt follow up of actions agreed at the meeting.
It is perfectly acceptable to make a telephone call to the attendees of the meeting before the next
meeting, to follow up on the progress of any action items or clarify any questions that may have arisen.
It is generally normal practice for managers to brief their teams on the outcomes of the meetings they
have attended, unless these are subject to confidentiality. It is good to ensure that open communication
channels exist within teams, and if you are joining such a team you should expect this approach.
The other area that can be followed up after a meeting is any learning that has emerged from the
meeting. Any items discussed that were not fully understood should be researched before any future
meeting. This will help to improve confidence and motivation within your team.
Business
meals
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It is becoming increasingly common for business referral networking to take place in the context of a
working lunch or an evening meal. Through the use of social media networks such as LinkedIn and
Eventbrite, it is possible to find numerous local business groups and networking opportunities.
Britain has some of the most prominent and expensive restaurants in the world, particularly in London
and other major cities. Most towns and cities offer a variety of cuisines, particularly Italian and French
inspired restaurant chains, as well as the multinational chains of fast food establishments. Larger cities
will often host a choice of Chinese, Indian, Middle Eastern, American, Thai, and Japanese restaurants
with multicultural cities like Manchester and London being able to cater for the most demanding of
tastes. In recent years, British food culture has seen the increasing popularity of “gastro pubs”, where
high quality restaurant food is served in a more casual public house environment, often with a good
selection of drinks and real ales served on the premises.
Probably the most famous national dish is Fish & Chips, typically battered cod, haddock or pollock
with a portion of chipped potatoes, deep fried and sprinkled with salt and vinegar. This dish is
available from numerous local fast food shops selling take-away meals. In England, another very
traditional dish is the Sunday Roast, most often this is a joint of beef, roasted in the oven with potatoes
and served with Yorkshire pudding, mixed seasonal vegetables and gravy. Most pubs, hotels and
brasserie-style restaurants offer a carvery roast dinner on Sundays as a comparatively inexpensive
menu option. In Scotland, a very traditional dish would be boiled Haggis served with mashed potatoes
and turnips; and in Wales you would find Cawl, a rich stew made with Welsh lamb, leeks, parsnips,
swede, potatoes and carrots. Generally, every region has its own specialty dishes and it is one of the
most pleasant experiences to discover the various tastes that are available.
In the UK, meals with work colleagues are more often the subject of social or festive gatherings than
formal opportunities to discuss business and may include spouses or partners, depending on the
occasion. Therefore, it is acceptable to use any such events as an opportunity for informal discussions
and the development of social bonds.
It is important to take note of the exact time of the meal and understand the various terms that may be
used to refer to any proposed meal:
•
Breakfast is the first meal of the day and may be served up until 11.30am;
•
Brunch is a mid-morning meal which features breakfast and lunch menu items;
•
Lunch or luncheon is the midday meal and can be served anywhere from 11.30am to 2.30pm;
•
Tea will frequently refer to a late afternoon meal, somewhere between 3pm and 6pm;
•
Dinner predominantly describes the main evening meal, traditionally served before 8pm,
although the exact time will vary for convenience and personal preference;
•
Supper is often a light evening meal, served up until 11pm at night.
Confusion around meal times is rife and, in fact, the British will also use some of the words
interchangeably with meanings often influenced by local dialects. For example, a fish supper in
Scotland is actually a very large portion of fish and chips, which can be eaten at any time of day. The
words dinner and lunch are reversed in some areas in which case tea replaces the word dinner which
simply refers to the main hot meal of the day. Also, different food names can have different meanings
depending on which area of the country you are in. If in doubt, it is advisable to ask a local person for
clarification.
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Generally, British managers are very willing to discuss business matters over a meal, where the
intention is clear beforehand. The golden rule is to follow the lead of your host since people will
inevitably differ in terms of their business entertaining practice. Over the last few decades, the practice
of inviting business colleagues into your home has diminished considerably and the vast majority of
business meals take place in restaurants, pubs or cafes.
Business
Meeting
tips
It is good practice to start a business meeting with an informal conversation about a general topic. This
will help to ‘break the ice’ and make the participants feel comfortable.
For any external meetings with new contacts or companies, ensure you bring enough business cards
and materials about your company. The ideal time for handing out business cards will depend on the
context of the meeting, but generally this will be at the beginning of the meeting.
Negotiations are usually open and flexible and the British will favour a collaborative win/win
approach to agreements.
Remember to respect people’s personal space and always maintain a respectful distance.
Do make direct eye contact with your British business partner, but use some discretion so as not to
stare and be considered impolite or rude.
Watch out for subtle communication that may be disguised as seemingly humorous or sarcastic
remarks, not that there are always hidden meanings to such remarks.
When entering a building for the first time, a doorman, receptionist or personal assistant (PA) are often
the first people you encounter. A ‘Good morning/afternoon’ greeting and then explaining who you
are there to see will suffice. You will probably be asked to sign a visitors’ book, in accordance with fire
safety regulations for most business premises. Depending on the security procedures of the company
you are visiting, you may also need to be issued with a visitor pass and be escorted onto the premises.
If you are asked to wait a short while for the person you are there to see, this time may be used to chat
informally. With strangers, the British tend to make small talk on fairly inconsequential topics like the
weather, commenting on whether it is raining, or brilliant sunshine outside for example.
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Internship
and
placement
Work
experience
During undergraduate studies, most courses will provide students with the option to incorporate a
placement year either working in a foreign company or studying at a partner University. Most
employers pay their placement students for the time they work, and the rate varies between industries
and areas. The academic courses that offer placements can be both at undergraduate (Bachelor) and
postgraduate (Masters) levels, but expectations will vary between universities and even amongst
programmes within the same University.
Depending on where and what you study, placements may be compulsory. Even though some students
choose to go abroad for an internship, the majority of students do their placement within the UK.
To get a placement in the UK, you need to apply with a CV and application letter, often through a
website or by email. Most UK universities have a good network of companies where they place
students and hold recruitment events on campus. Universities are involved in the entire process, from
approving the suitability of the placement, checking the conditions of the working environment,
ensuring insurances and procedures are in place to protect to the student, to matching student
candidates with placement opportunities and ensuring the student is adequately prepared.
The placement process is managed by coordinators working within the student placements office who
are typically the first point of contact for both students and employers. As student placements are in
high demand, students are often expected to seek out their own placement opportunity. Therefore,
placement coordinators are also able to assist with the research and application process for selfdetermined placements.
Due to the length of the application and approval process, placement applications have to be
submitted well in advance, following the respective University’s application procedure. Foreign
students in particular have to ensure that sufficient time is allowed for the application process and pay
attention to any restrictions or special requirements that may affect taking a paid work placement in
the UK. Numerous universities therefore offer volunteering opportunities to international students
who are ineligible for paid placements in order that they can still benefit from work experience. In
general, you are unlikely to receive feedback on your application; if you have not heard anything after
a stipulated time, you can assume that you have not been shortlisted for interview. If you are invited to
an interview or an assessment session you are likely to receive feedback on your performance and be
told the reasons why you have or have not been selected.
Internship
and
Placement
advice
There are many practical issues relating to international placements that need to be taken care of
either by the trainee or the host company and preparations often begin six months or more in advance
of the start date to allow time for all the necessary formalities and arrangements to be completed.
Social
security
and
European
health
insurance
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It is a good idea to find out before your arrival whether you will require health and personal
possessions insurance. If you are coming from an EU/EEA country, you might not need to have
accident and health insurance, but being insured is still highly recommended. As a foreign student,
relevant insurances to consider are health, accident and travel insurances.
National Insurance number
In order to work legitimately within the UK, you will have to register with the UK Government for
taxation purposes and will be issued with a National Insurance number. It is very important for you to
have this in place before you start your work placement. In order to get your National Insurance
number you have to have the right to study or work in the UK.
Safety
The UK is generally a very safe place with a low crime rate. However, internationally motivated
terrorism attacks do occur and tend to happen in major cities. Other crimes include pickpocketing and
theft from unattended vehicles again especially in larger cities and tourist areas. It is therefore
important to be careful of your purse, mobile telephone or backpack in crowded public places.
There is one standardized emergency number across the UK. You can dial 999 from any telephone,
free of charge, 24 hours a day to reach the police, ambulance or fire emergency services. All
emergency services have a strong local presence and can be expected to reach the scene within a few
minutes to render assistance.
Do
I
need
a
visa?
Depending on the country you are coming from, you might need to get a Visa before you can work in
the UK. Immigration is a major political issue in the UK and this means that there are frequent
adjustments to visa requirements. Therefore, it is always best to confirm your status with the UK
Border Agency or equivalent organisation.
Internship
and
placement
salary
As in other countries, internships in the UK can be paid or unpaid and there is no universal wage you
can expect. It is reasonable for placements to be compensated at a wage that is approximately half of
the starting salary for the job that is being apprenticed. In the UK, employees are entitled to a
minimum wage, which guarantees a certain standard of living. However, interns are not necessarily
recognised as employees and students who are required to do an internship for less than 1 year as part
of their studies are not entitled to the National Minimum Wage. This is an important consideration for
both the trainee and the host company, especially for placements in London, where the costs of living
can vastly exceed a student’s resources.
Internship
and
placement
accommodation
Doing a placement in the UK often means finding your own accommodation, although there are
exceptions. In certain industries, such as the hospitality industry, accommodation and food may be
provided to staff, and this can help to reduce expenses. Otherwise, renting is common in the UK and
furnished rooms are readily available for short-term lets. Rent is normally paid on a monthly basis and
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a deposit (approximately three months rent in advance) has to be paid prior to the handover of keys.
Again, London is extremely expensive, with high rents in the central region or long and expensive
commutes from the outlying suburbs and conurbations.
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Cost
of
Living
Usually, students are expected to be able to cover their living costs independently. Compared with
most European countries, the UK can be expensive; although compared to Scandinavian countries,
the cost of living in the UK is low. However, as with everywhere, the cost of living will depend on
what you do and where you live. The largest expense is usually rent, which can range from as little as
£300 per month in some areas like Manchester, to almost six times that in central London, where you
might have to pay upwards of £2,000. Other areas of London with access to the Tube underground
stations and bus routes will generally cost less depending on the area and its location.
Some universities and organisations, such as the British Council, offer grants to help international
students, but you would need to speak to university representatives who can offer more advice on the
available options.
Money
and
Banking
Payment for goods in the UK is made, as in most countries, using cash or debit cards and credit cards.
Almost all everyday money transfers – salary, rent, telephone, credit card payments, etc. can be made
directly via an online bank account:. The British Pound Sterling £ – GBP is the accepted currency
when paying in cash. Some stores and tourist attractions in larger cities may accept the Euro and
major international currencies; however, the exchange rate will be less favourable compared to
payment in GBPs.
If you plan to stay in the UK for an extended period, you will need to open a bank account. The most
widespread type of account in the UK is the current account and this could be with a bank or a
building society. Being mainly a services and especially financial services focused economy, most
international banks are represented in the UK. Once you’ve opened a current account, you can apply
for a credit card and both MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted throughout the UK. To apply for
an account, you will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means, either in the form of
regular incoming payments or through the deposit of substantial funds, and evidence from credit
checks.
Payment by credit card or cash is most common in the UK and although many businesses still accept
payment by cheque, these normally have to be authenticated with a cheque guarantee card. For
foreign travel and internet shopping, the possession of a credit card is essential, although online
payment systems via providers such as PayPal, PayYours and Nochex are also increasingly common.
European businesses wishing to expand into the UK can benefit from access to the UK financial
markets and capital funds. Companies usually choose between three main types of funding. They can
apply for loans at any of the commercial banks operating in the UK; however, the acceptance of their
application depends on their particular situation and the attractiveness of their business plan.
Another option is to find a physical or legal entity to co-fund your business. In England, there are
currently 18,000 informal investors or ‘business angels’ who are constantly looking for investment
opportunities. With some degree of luck, it is possible to find a suitable partner willing to share and
invest their capital in your venture. Increasingly, both investors and entrepreneurs are using online
crowd funding schemes to increase their reach.
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The UK Government is active in supporting innovation and business growth through a number of
grant initiatives. More information about how to apply for a government grant can be accessed from
the IS4PROFIT Business Profit Organisation.
Major Banks in the UK include:
•
HSBC
•
Royal Bank of Scotland
•
Lloyds banking group
•
Barclays
•
Co-operative bank
•
Tesco Bank
•
Sainsbury’s Bank
•
Standard Chartered
Traveling
costs
Unless your employer has stipulated otherwise, travelling costs have to be covered by you.
Some companies reimburse travel costs for interviews, but most will only cover your costs for
travel within the UK. It is always best to clarify the arrangements with the organisation you
are planning to work for. If your travel costs can be reimbursed, you would have to produce
copies of receipts. If you are a student and have to travel during your placement year most
public transport networks have special student rates, so having proof of student status with
you at all times is very helpful in reducing travel costs.
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Work-­‐life
Balance
The British are increasingly aware of the issue of work-life balance. The dynamic nature of the
economy and fast-paced business environment forces many employees to work quite long hours.
Customers in such an advanced economy expect to receive service at times that suit them, which in
turn requires many employees to work extra hours. In many cases, family life may give way to the
career of one or even both parents. UK organisations are however, becoming ever more aware of the
business case for a positive work-life balance and many of them are implementing policies intended to
reduce the pressure of work on private life. The current thinking is that an improved work-life balance
can help all parties – the organisation, the individual and the customer.
Although the working week is officially limited to 48 hours, the UK has opted out of the European
Working Time Directive, which means that some employees may work more hours by written consent.
The two most frequent concerns amongst UK employees are long hours and the intensity of work. In
fact, many employees say they are working as hard as they can and could not imagine being able to
work any harder. All these factors contribute to awareness of work-life balance as a pressing issue and
how work demands often stand in the way of family commitments.
It is not uncommon for managers to take their work home almost every day. For many professional
workers, Internet access and mobile phones represent a complete loss of privacy and downtime, even
when at home. Naturally, this has a negative impact on the family unit in the United Kingdom. Only a
small percentage of employers have family-friendly policies or personal support services in place to
moderate the situation; however, this is gradually increasing.
National
holidays
The UK has relatively few public holidays compared to other European countries, which are usually
referred to as ‘Bank Holidays’; the original meaning comes from the fact that these were days when
banks would officially be closed. Most retail shops now stay open on public holidays in order to take
advantage of customer demand, even though this practice is against the principal that Bank Holidays
exist in order to give the employee a break from work. People who agree to work on Bank Holidays
generally get paid extra for their efforts.
People normally take advantage of bank holidays in order to do activities that they may not get the
opportunity to do on a more frequent basis, including shopping for clothing or household items, or
visiting theme parks or seaside resorts. This means that bank holidays are often the busiest and most
profitable trading days for the retail, service and entertainment industries and for the significant parts
of the UK economy that revolve around tourism. The UK has a large number of traditional beach
resorts, with those in the south west of the country benefiting from a warmer climate and fantastic
scenery. Accessibility to travel abroad has become much easier since the year 2000 with the arrival of
low cost airlines which provide access to a wide number of European destinations at very reasonable
prices.
When planning a business trip to the United Kingdom, it is advisable to avoid the months of July and
August as this is when many British families take their annual holidays. Similarly, travel during holiday
times such as Christmas and Easter would make it more difficult and expensive for business trips.
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Due to the relatively small size of the UK, compared to its population, the roads and rail networks
tend to get very busy around holiday periods. So, it is best to prepare any travel plans well in advance
and to allow additional travel time to ensure your journey is as pleasant as possible.
Working
hours
In theory, typical office hours are from 9:00 am. to 5:00 pm., Monday to Friday. In practice, this can
vary quite considerably and shift work is now common in the manufacturing and service industries.
Most professionals and office workers will have a required or expected start time anywhere from 7am
through until 10am and will work an 8-hour day. However, many employees work considerably
longer hours and most office workers will be at their desks by 8:30 am. Executives and salaried
professionals often work even longer hours as required, in order to get the job done. Sometimes, the
British prefer to stay late at the office, rather than take work home with them. This is changing though,
and through the introduction of flexible working, sustainable travel and improvements in technology,
employees can now start work earlier and end later.
Some Government offices particularly in rural areas tend to close for lunch between 1:00 pm. and 2:00
pm. but stay open until 5:30 pm, however the number of such organisations is decreasing, with most
working throughout the day. For shops, opening hours have been almost completely deregulated, with
some supermarkets opening 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Banks are generally open from 9:30 am. to
4:30 pm. on weekdays, with most now having extended opening hours on one or two evenings in the
week and a half day on Saturdays. Shops, restaurants and tourist attractions tend to open longer hours
in London and in larger cities around the UK.
The UK government has adopted the EU directive preventing employers from forcing employees to
work more than 48 hours in a working week, by taking advantage of the “opt out” option. Therefore
where employers and employees agree they are able to ‘opt out’ and work additional hours that may
be available should they choose to do so. However, few employees regularly work over 48 hours per
week with the exception of doctors and those in the hospitality industry.
Technological advances have opened up the ability to work at different hours to reflect the time
differences around the world. Most of the big financial institutions in the City of London trade 24
hours a day to service the Asian Pacific and American markets. Such employers will have a shift system
in operation, so there may be 3 shifts of employees working 8 hours each to provide this cover.
Working
culture
Traditional working practices have changed in recent years with the UK becoming a more
multicultural and diverse society.
Businesses are increasingly trading longer hours to compete in a global economy. The traditional
image of a British worker in a pin stripe suit working Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm is long gone.
Developments in technology have freed up many workers to work from home. European legislation
has enabled part time and temporary workers to be protected by law. All organisations have to comply
with legislation designed to protect the workforce in a wide range of areas from equality and health
and safety to the minimum wage, which guarantees employees a basic minimum rate of pay.
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Businesses also create their own policies and procedures to complement their own values and
corporate culture. The best way to establish what these are is by talking to the employees and asking
how the organisation works.
Many organisations have employee representatives, or trade unions; to protect the interests of the
workforce and discuss various employment related subjects with management. Unions and employee
representatives are a good source of information about a company or industry although the level of
union membership is in decline.
Health
insurance
European Economic Area (EEA) citizens have access to free or reduced-cost healthcare in the UK.
The National Health Service (NHS) offers free medical care to all UK residents at the point of
delivery. If you are visiting from abroad you will need to prove any entitlements and may need to pay
fees and reclaim these against your own insurance, if you are ineligible. It is recommended that you
find out whether your country of residence has a healthcare agreement with the UK and what rights
you might have under that agreement, prior to your date of travel.
It is important to note that not all treatments are available on the NHS and only publicly funded
health treatment is included in reciprocal healthcare agreements. This means that some treatments
can be free, for some you have to pay part of the costs and in other cases the full amount and then
claim a refund on your travel insurance. So keep all your bills, prescriptions and receipts and it is
always advisable to consider taking out travel insurance for even short business visits.
Any medications that are government regulated must be prescribed by a doctor and can only be sold
in pharmacies. Prescriptions are charged on a regulated scale, so the cost of medication is subsidised by
the government. Medication that does not require a prescription is sold through pharmacies,
supermarkets and various retail outlets at market prices. Emergency healthcare is provided by the
ambulance service and local hospitals, but if non-emergency hospital treatment is required you must
be referred by a doctor. Dental care in the UK is only available free of charge to minors under the age
of 18 and those in receipt of government benefits or who meet some other pre-determined criteria.
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Social
Media
Guide
Internet penetration in the UK is one of the highest in Europe with nearly 85% of people being
connected to the internet. There are increasing numbers of highly connected individuals and
organisations who have access to the internet and social media at work, at home and on the move.
In general, British SMEs are quite familiar with the use of social media. In fact, they use a wide range
of social media networks for business purposes and acknowledge the way that different networks
should be used for specific purposes. Most SMEs are open to developing new skills and acquiring
further training.
Legislation covering the use of social media is being developed in the UK and the Advertising
Standards Authority (ASA) offers guidance, which stipulates that advertisers’ marketing
communications on their websites and social networks should follow the same principles as other
media.
Private
individuals/students
In the Passport to Trade 2.0 project survey, in the case of students, the most popular social networks
are Facebook and YouTube, followed by Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+. There are significant
variations in preference of social media between different age groups. Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn
for example are used much more by people aged over 35, whereas YouTube is used mostly by people
aged between 18 and 35.
Regarding social media etiquette, responses show significant similarities between SMEs and students in
the UK. A major difference however, is related to “speaking to people you don’t know” which is seen
as acceptable by British SMEs but unacceptable by British students. Therefore, students seem to be
more cautious about who they communicate with; a relatively understandable behaviour as they share
far more personal information on social media than SMEs.
Students have also mentioned some cultural differences. A relatively common difference can be
exemplified by the following quote “I’ve noticed that people from different countries, mainly mainland
Europe, don’t use their full names on social media sites like Facebook. Instead, they’ll use
abbreviations or a middle name in place of their surname”.
SMEs
In the UK, social media is increasingly being used by businesses and this was evidenced by the results
of the Passport to Trade 2.0 project survey. In fact, British SMEs seem to use a wide range of social
networks. Most popular among these are Twitter and LinkedIn, followed closely by Facebook. Due to
the high use of Facebook amongst employees it is often blocked in many companies. LinkedIn seems to
be particularly useful for companies who are experienced in working with foreign partners and
highlights the capacity for international collaborations using social media. The most popular social
networks in the UK are:
•
Facebook
•
Twitter
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•
LinkedIn
•
Pinterest
•
MySpace
•
Google+
There are a number of SMEs that do not currently use social media, this again is industry dependent,
either because social media is not important to their business, because they don’t know how to use it,
or because of a lack of resources.
Search
and
Social
Media
Marketing
for
International
Business
Learn how to use social media for business from one of Salford Business School’s latest
business management courses. The course was jointly researched by the Passport to Trade 2.0
project team and prepared in collaboration with some of the leading digital marketing
agencies in the UK.
This Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) can help businesses and individuals to make the
best use of search and social media platforms. The course is called Search and Social Media
Marketing for International Business and is applicable to students looking for placements
abroad as well as businesses thinking about new trade links; it comprises the following
twelve topics:
How to develop a personal brand online (1/12)
•
•
Whether you are a student beginning a job search
or a business person planning a new business
venture, personal branding can make a difference.
Learn about personal branding and why it is
important for you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=l9LYw0mgtn4&feature=player
_embedded
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How to use Twitter (2/12)
•
•
Learn the basics of using Twitter to develop an
individual or business profile.
Remember to use hash tag #SSMMUoS to share
your learning journey on this course so far!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=9CVY3pp91Dc&feature=playe
r_embedded
How to use Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) (3/12)
•
•
Learn the principles of SEO to ensure that your
website and any social media profiles are found by
individuals searching for your name, products and
services.
These basic principles of SEO include keyword
research, on-page optimisation and off-page
optimisation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=zw27cRcwtM0&feature=player
_embedded
How to use social media for international business development (4/12)
•
•
Social media networks break down the traditional
country barriers, but do you know which networks
are relevant for the country you are interested in
trading with?
Find out in this video how to identify the relevant
networks and what social media strategies you might
be able to use on these networks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=Bx-B56AHS4c&feature=
player_embedded
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How to use Facebook (5/12)
•
•
Facebook is currently the largest social media
network in the world and it can benefit you as a
business as well as an individual.
Learn how to develop a Facebook business page and
see how other businesses use it and what strategies
work for them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=UmRGn-vdcO8&feature=
player_embedded
How to use YouTube (6/12)
•
•
YouTube was identified as the second largest
social network amongst younger internet users as
part of the Passport to Trade 2.0 project.
Learn how to optimise your video content in order
to reach wider audiences for your profile.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
feature=player_embedded&v=G2
0OVpmTBss
How to use LinkedIn (7/12)
•
•
LinkedIn is one of the three main professional
social networks – the others being Xing and
Viadeo which are also popular in several
European countries.
Learn how to make the most of LinkedIn for your
profile.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=N6e_EAUQqic&feature=playe
r_embedded
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How to use Google+ (8/12)
•
•
•
Google+ is the second largest social network as of
January 2013.
It is one of the fastest growing social networks and
one that has the biggest impact when it comes to
search engine results integration for anyone who
uses Google as their main search engine.
Learn how to make the most of Google+ for you
and your digital profiles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
feature=player_embedded&v=8ti
3SPHkEWw
How to use copywriting online (9/12)
•
•
Copywriting is a process of translating technical
specifications and product descriptions into
engaging and understandable customer focused
text.
Learn about the basic techniques in structuring
your online content here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=5f1hx_f2ONI&feature=player_
embedded
How to stay legal on social media (10/12)
•
•
Everything and anything you do and say online
can be potentially viewed by anyone who has
internet access.
Always respect the law and familiarise yourself
with new options offered to you through a creative
commons licence which is popular online.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=eQxDpiHsdk&feature=player_embedde
d
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How to use monitoring and reporting (11/12)
•
•
Whether you are an individual or a business
spending time on social media – there has to be a
return on your engagement online.
How do you justify your engagement on social
media to your boss? Listen to the industry experts
in this area and see what you might be able to
measure in respect of your on-line engagements.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=LbEq7jsG0jg&feature=player_
embedded
How to blog (12/12)
•
•
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=OqVjR7oI8Rs&feature=player
_embedded
businessculture.org
•
Blogging is a process of writing text and sharing
content with others. It can help your customers or
friends to keep in-touch regardless of social media
platforms.
Think about the voice you might want to adopt
and who your audience might be. Share your
thoughts with us by writing a blog post about this
MOOC.
Tweet us the link to your post on the
#SSMMUoS Twitter hash tag.
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Passport
to
Trade
2.0
Project
Partnership
Five Universities:
Lead partner: Salford Business School,
University of Salford, United Kingdom
Elena Vasilieva
Aleksej Heinze
Alex Fenton
URENIO research unit at Aristole University
of Thessaloniki, Greece
Christina Kakderi
Nitsa Papadopouloui
TSE Entre Research Centre
Turku School of Economics, University of Turku, Finland
Satu Aaltonen
Elisa Akola
Institute for Information System Research
University of Koblenz-Landau, Germany
Verena Hausmann
Susan P. Williams
Petra Schubert
Valahia University of Targoviste, Romania
Adriana Grigorescu
Leonardo Badea
Three Small & Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
Spin, Italy
Carmine Antonio Donato
Dorella De Tommaso
Technology Development & Innovation – TDI LTD
Bulgaria
Milanka Slavova
Ivan Stoychev
TIS Praha, Czech Republic
Anna Klosova
Richard Adekeye
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