Entering a new national market inevitably means getting used to its cultural norms and common business practices. Here are some of the UK’s key business customs to be aware of:
Introductions
In a business or social setting, introductions usually involve a brief handshake while maintaining eye contact. People usually introduce themselves by their first name, and people are generally on first-name terms with their colleagues and business associates.
Business dress
Traditional business wear in an office environment is a plain suit for men and women, or a dress for women.
Over time, however, many sectors and companies have adopted more casual dress codes. And since the pandemic, casual dress on video calls has become widely accepted.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to check before going to a meeting, or starting at a new workplace. If that’s not possible, then dressing more formally is better than being too casual.
Meetings
There aren’t many formal rituals surrounding business meetings. But they generally start on time – people often arrive a few minutes early. Try to call or message if you’re running late.
Attendees are likely to exchange small talk for a short time before the meeting begins properly. The meeting host will typically be the one to move proceedings on from casual conversation to business matters.
Regional distinctions
The U.K. is made up of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each has its own strong, national identity, so avoid referring to anybody as ‘English’ unless you know they’re from England.
An important aspect of UK culture is the friendly rivalry between the four countries, and between the different regions and cities. People will often poke fun at friends and colleagues for being from other parts of the UK. To avoid causing offence, it’s better not to join in, unless you’re very familiar with the complex relationships involved.
Communication
British people often avoid direct statements or commands, seeing gentle suggestions and indirect expression as more polite.
For example: “Perhaps you could finish that later” may be a way of actually instructing you to finish the task later. If somebody says, “That’s an interesting point, but...”, they probably aren’t agreeing with your idea.
Socialising
In the workplace, people will regularly offer to make tea and coffee for the team. It’s a good idea to take your turn!
Outside of the office, colleagues often go out for a meal at lunchtime or a drink after work, especially on special occasions – such as to celebrate a success, or for somebody’s birthday.
Obviously, these occasions are a great opportunity to get to know your colleagues or business associates, and to feel part of the team.
While nobody expects you to go along every time, constantly declining social invites may be seen as unsociable. That said, you won’t be expected to stay until late – joining for a short while is more than acceptable.
