Despite all the doom and gloom surrounding the economy - There are still so many reasons to trade abroad. You may be a small business based in the U.K. however you may still have the potential to expand to an international market with the right support and advice from language specialists such as PAB Translation Centre Ltd.
UK exports of goods and services to Europe including the 12 new member states were estimated for 2011 to be in the region of £158.2 billion (HMRC OTS), and although our western neighbours remain the principal destinations for UK exports, the European Union's expansion has opened up new export markets for British companies particularly within Eastern Europe.
Hopping on a plane and visiting an International exhibition may be something that you already are accustomed to doing, visiting exhibitions such as Fruit Logistica in Berlin, China's International Industry Fair (CIIF), Agrotech in Poland and USTEC in Cologne, Germany, because given the importance of the European market for British exporters, finding new sources of growth is essential. It is a great starting point, to attend workshops, feel part of the international scene, identify your potential and make good contacts for future business negotiations.
A word of caution, however, it is crucial for any business to understand the impact of cross cultural differences in business, trade and negotiations. The success or failure of a business is essentially in the hands of people and if these people are not cross culturally aware then misunderstandings, offence and a breakdown in communication can occur. Take the time to do some research and attend cultural awareness and language courses to be well versed in matters such as language, etiquette, non-verbal communication, and values which can, and often do lead to cross cultural blunders. Regardless of the sector in which you operate - finance, technology, agriculture, manufacturing, computing or consumer electronics - global cultural differences will directly impact on you and the profitability of your business.
Nowadays, you don't even have to leave your office to begin the virtual journey. It is simpler than ever for a business to expand to the global market as the power of the Internet has allowed even the smallest companies to speak to people all over the world. For many businesses, a significant proportion of their website's visitors may not speak their native language, therefore consider the impact of how blunders can have devastating consequences on your business and be careful when selecting a translator, in order that the marketing message, logos, slogans and USP's translate into the international market. Although there are websites and software packages that can provide translations, they don't provide the accuracy and quality received from a native speaking professional translator. PAB employ staff who understand the nuances of language, and make the website sound natural to native speakers. The culture-focused website along with appropriate marketing materials is your passport to international business success. Whatever you do when considering the global market ensure that you only use fully qualified native speakers in order that you can be assured that your message will be translated accurately, ensuring global sensitivity
PAB Translation Centre is here to support your business. So start getting your business onto the global map click here to find out more
Iwona Lebiedowicz, Managing Director, PAB Translation Centre UK & Poland
