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New websites aim to help UK businesses communicate abroad

Two new websites have been launched with the aim of helping UK businesses perform more effectively in the competitive international environment.

The SOLVIT website (http://www.solvit.org.uk) offers businesses advice and information on issues such as identifying language skills needs, how to approach website translation and adapting products for overseas markets. It also offers help on business etiquette and cultural problems likely to affect business performance.

The new BLIS Services site (http://www.blis.org.uk) offers organisations access to a searchable database of over 1,200 translators, interpreters, language trainers and cultural briefing consultants. Employers can advertise vacancies where language skills are required or search the profiles of the multilingual candidates currently registered. The site also details Export Communications Review consultants, and lists language courses and suppliers of other language-related services.

Isabella Moore, Director of CILT, the National Centre for Languages, which has developed the sites, said: “The idea that we can ‘get by’ in English is holding us back in the global economy.

“These sites provide practical help for businesses to improve their performance in situations where communication difficulties typically occur, such as processing orders from abroad, researching new markets or simply socialising in an international business context. Whether the solution is in-house or to bring in outside expertise, international communications should be an integral part of business planning.”

Peter Hogarth, International Trade Director, UK Trade & Investment said: “The new BLIS Services site should be the first port of call for anyone needing help with language and cultural issues”.

The sites have been developed in consultation with national and regional employers, business bodies and CILT’s Regional Language Networks, and in partnership with the Sector Skills Development Agency and InterAct International.

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