Doing business in the UK
The British is rather formal. Many businessmen from the older generation still prefer to work with people and companies whom they know or who are known to their associates and familiar with them. Younger business people do not need long-standing personal relationships before they do business with people and do not require an intermediary to make business introductions.
Business Meetings
If you plan to use an agenda, be sure to forward it to your British colleagues in sufficient time for them to review it and recommend any changes.
Punctuality is a British trait. In most cases, the people you are meeting will be on time. Scots are extremely punctual. Call if you will be even 5 minutes later than agreed. If you are kept waiting a few minutes, do not make an issue of it.
Meetings always have a clearly defined purpose, which may include an agenda.
There will be a brief amount of small talk before getting down to the business at hand.
If you make a presentation, avoid making exaggerated claims and it should be clear.
Always be prepared to back up your claims with facts and figures. The British rely on facts, rather than emotions, to make decisions.
Decision-making is slower in England than in the United States; therefore it is unwise to rush the English into making a decision.
After a meeting, send a letter summarizing what was decided and what were the next steps to be taken.
The British Communication Style
In England, English is the official language, but it should be noted that Queen’s English and American English are very different.
The British have an interesting mix of communication styles encompassing both understatement and direct communication. Many older businesspeople or those from the ‘upper class’ rely heavily upon formal use of established protocol.
When communicating with people they see as equal to themselves in rank or class, the British are direct, but modest. If communicating with someone they know well, their style may be more informal, although they will still be reserved.
Written communication follows strict rules of protocol. How a letter is closed varies depending upon how well the writer knows the recipient. Written communication is always addressed using the person’s title and their surname.
E-mail is now much more widespread, however the communication style remains more formal, at least initially, than in many other countries. Most British will not use slang or abbreviations and will think negatively if your communication appears overly familiar.
Loud talking and disruptive behavior should be avoided.
|
Business Cards
Business cards are exchanged at the initial introduction without formal ritual.
The business card may be put away with only a cursory glance and always take with right hand.
Appearance
Business attire rules are somewhat relaxed in England, but conservative dress is still very important for both men and women.
Dark suits, usually black, blue, or gray, are quite acceptable.
Business women are not as limited to colors and styles as men are, though it is still important to maintain a conservative image.
Behavior
A simple handshake is the standard greeting (for both men and women) for business occasions and for visiting a home.
Privacy is very important to the English. Therefore asking personal questions or intensely staring at another person should be avoided.
Eye contact is seldom kept during British conversations.
To signal that something is to be kept confidential or secret, tap your nose.
Personal space is important in England, and one should maintain a wide physical space when conversing. Furthermore, it is considered inappropriate to touch others in public.
When socializing after work hours, do not bring up the subject of work.
When dining out, it is not considered polite to toast those who are older than yourself.
