Menu
25/05/2004
Poor language skills weakens export growth, say BCC
A British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) survey of 1,000 exporters has revealed that poor language skills and a lack of cultural understanding of overseas markets are stunting UK growth.
The survey found that 31% of companies place the least value on languages whilst 25% place the highest value on these skills within their business.
Releasing the second part of a two-part research programme, sponsored by the Learning & Skills Council, looking at the attitudes to and quality of foreign language ability in British exporters, the BCC has found that the UK's export businesses could be missing-out on valuable opportunities because of poor language skills.
President of the BCC, Isabella Moore, said: "I am worried about what these findings mean for exporters seeking to strengthen their business. Although language skills are just one ingredient to the success of an exporter, there is clearly much room for improvement. Language skills must be placed higher-up the agenda as the majority of exporters do not speak foreign languages competently, have no formal strategy to capitalise on overseas markets and risk losing business as a result."
The survey shows a connection between the value an exporter places on language skills within their business and their annual turnover - the greater value placed on language skills, the greater the annual turnover. Only 33% of firms who place the least value on language skills have an annual export turnover above £500,000, whilst 77% of firms who place the highest value on language skills have an annual export turnover above that mark.
Export sales at firms who place the least value on language skills are declining by an average of £50,000 a year, while firms who place the highest value on language skills are on average enjoying growth of £290,000 a year.
Many exporters fail to adapt and localise their company's offering to individual foreign markets, communicating only in English. Though half of exporters have a foreign language qualification, four out of five do not have the competence to conduct business in a foreign language.
The survey revealed that 63% of exporters have no strategy to develop language skills and 77% admit to having lost export sales over the past two years.
(SP)
The survey found that 31% of companies place the least value on languages whilst 25% place the highest value on these skills within their business.
Releasing the second part of a two-part research programme, sponsored by the Learning & Skills Council, looking at the attitudes to and quality of foreign language ability in British exporters, the BCC has found that the UK's export businesses could be missing-out on valuable opportunities because of poor language skills.
President of the BCC, Isabella Moore, said: "I am worried about what these findings mean for exporters seeking to strengthen their business. Although language skills are just one ingredient to the success of an exporter, there is clearly much room for improvement. Language skills must be placed higher-up the agenda as the majority of exporters do not speak foreign languages competently, have no formal strategy to capitalise on overseas markets and risk losing business as a result."
The survey shows a connection between the value an exporter places on language skills within their business and their annual turnover - the greater value placed on language skills, the greater the annual turnover. Only 33% of firms who place the least value on language skills have an annual export turnover above £500,000, whilst 77% of firms who place the highest value on language skills have an annual export turnover above that mark.
Export sales at firms who place the least value on language skills are declining by an average of £50,000 a year, while firms who place the highest value on language skills are on average enjoying growth of £290,000 a year.
Many exporters fail to adapt and localise their company's offering to individual foreign markets, communicating only in English. Though half of exporters have a foreign language qualification, four out of five do not have the competence to conduct business in a foreign language.
The survey revealed that 63% of exporters have no strategy to develop language skills and 77% admit to having lost export sales over the past two years.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 September 2016
Series Of Export Skills Workshops Announced
Invest NI have announced a series of Export Skills workshops aimed at helping companies transform their business. Businesses which are interested in or already involved in exporting are encouraged to access "all the knowledge you can find".
Series Of Export Skills Workshops Announced
Invest NI have announced a series of Export Skills workshops aimed at helping companies transform their business. Businesses which are interested in or already involved in exporting are encouraged to access "all the knowledge you can find".
11 March 2016
Employer Skills Survey Results Published
The results of the 2015 Employer Skills Survey, managed by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), have been published by Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry. Minister Farry launched the report at an meeting of business, education and training representatives in Belfast Metropolitan College's Titanic Quarter Campus.
Employer Skills Survey Results Published
The results of the 2015 Employer Skills Survey, managed by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), have been published by Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry. Minister Farry launched the report at an meeting of business, education and training representatives in Belfast Metropolitan College's Titanic Quarter Campus.
08 April 2002
Basic Skills Committee praised by Minister
Minister for Employment and Learning, Carmel Hanna has given the seal of approval to the work of the Basic Skills Committee, set up in 1999 to oversee a programme of work addressing the educational needs of adults.
Basic Skills Committee praised by Minister
Minister for Employment and Learning, Carmel Hanna has given the seal of approval to the work of the Basic Skills Committee, set up in 1999 to oversee a programme of work addressing the educational needs of adults.
19 November 2012
Antrim Firm Announces Partnership Deal
The First Minister Rt. Hon. Peter D Robinson MLA, and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA concluded their week-long business mission to China with an announcement of a significant contract for county Antrim company, Texthelp.
Antrim Firm Announces Partnership Deal
The First Minister Rt. Hon. Peter D Robinson MLA, and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA concluded their week-long business mission to China with an announcement of a significant contract for county Antrim company, Texthelp.
15 March 2017
Invest NI To Host Export Skills Workshops
Invest NI has announced an Export Skills Workshops, offering 'all you need to know about exporting, in handy, practical, great value workshops'. Announcing the workshops, Invest NI said: "Exporting can transform your business, so at a cost of just £75 per person, per workshop, our one-day Export Skills and Knowledge Workshops are not to be missed.
Invest NI To Host Export Skills Workshops
Invest NI has announced an Export Skills Workshops, offering 'all you need to know about exporting, in handy, practical, great value workshops'. Announcing the workshops, Invest NI said: "Exporting can transform your business, so at a cost of just £75 per person, per workshop, our one-day Export Skills and Knowledge Workshops are not to be missed.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
