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Business Culture in United Kingdom

Find out about doing business in United Kingdom, business culture in England and British business etiquette. Learn about United Kingdom business ethics, England business travel, United Kingdom business customs, Great Britain business communication and United Kingdom business practices. Discover business customs in United Kingdom, United Kingdom business negotiations, United Kingdom business gifts and United Kingdom business protocol. Receive latest information on United Kingdom business meetings, United Kingdom business dress and the use of business cards in United Kingdom. Get practical tips on business relationships in United Kingdom, business greetings in United Kingdom and much more.

Doing Business in the United Kingdom

Introductions are very important. The polite greeting is "How do you do?"; it is a rhetorical question--do not expect an answer. A woman should extend her hand first as a British male will not take a woman's hand unless she offers it. Do not rush to crush an individual's hand. The handshake should be firm but with a lighter pressure than most American handshakes. In business, it is best to be formally introduced by someone else. The exception to this rule is a large reception; one can properly introduce himself or herself in this environment. However, keep the conversation general, such as weather, hobbies, animals and gardens. Do not inquire about where someone lives, what school he or she attended or to which church he or she belongs. These topics are considered intrusive. ... » » » MORE

Brits usually want to chat with a new business contact at some length before getting down to business. Visitors are well advised to wait for their local counterpart to initiate the business part of the meeting. Asian, Latin and Arab negotiators find it quite normal that the English need to get to know their overseas counterparts a bit before talking business. In contrast, many Germans, Swiss, Danes and Americans become impatient and irritated with what they regard as unnecessarily long preliminary conversations. ... » » » MORE

Business Meetings and Negotiations in Great Britain

The visitor is expected to be prompt. His host should receive him after a short wait. The British usually have separate offices for the majority of their executives. And the office proper has long functioned as a status symbol. Dark wood paneling, classic desks, fine rugs, paintings, and exquisite light fixtures are all prestigious. A private secretary, near whose desk one might wait a minute or two, is another indication of the executive's status. One greets a Briton with a firm handshake. Bowing is uncalled for. Often the secretary will introduce the visitor. If he or she does not, the foreigner should introduce himself. Many British have difficulty with foreign languages, and are apt to misunderstand a series of unfamiliar names. ... » » » MORE

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