The UK is multi-cultural, with a long tradition of global trading. It is therefore quite used to, and accepting of, people who come from around the world to do business here. After all, the British have been doing business around the world for over 400 years.

But etiquette in business still exists, and even though people will understand that you are new to the UK, and not aware of our unique cultural behaviour, taking the time to learn some essential etiquette rules might make the difference between success and failure.

Relaxed but formal

Most business in the UK is conducted in a relaxed but formal setting. Business suits are expected to be worn in most situations, and greetings usually consist of a polite handshake and the exchanging of business cards.

Being polite and formal is very important in this situation; the British usually view people who are informal and overconfident in a suspicious way. 

Overconfident, loud and boastful business people have been portrayed as untrustworthy ‘chancers’ or ‘spivs’ (the kind of people who sell you something that doesn’t work...). So, even if your  very friendly, backslapping sales routine works well at home, think about presenting yourself in a more formal way when on business in the UK.

Polite

Politeness means calling to make an appointment beforehand, switching off your mobile phone during meetings and avoiding excessive displays of passion or temper. Until you have spent time here it is best to avoid trying to tell funny stories or jokes, this can be a great ice-breaker, but the UK business environment has become strictly governed by political correctness (meaning respect for other peoples differences, whether gender, racial, physical or sexual) making it easy to cause offence if you do not know the rules.

What to wear?

With clothing there are different rules for different industries. For example, if you are a man and you work in media you are seen as old-fashioned if you wear a tie, whereas if you work in finance or the law you must wear a tie at all times. The media is generally more relaxed, and you can expect to hear informal language being used regularly.

People tend not to wear brightly coloured clothes, whichever industry you are in. Suits, for men or for women, are often dark colours with pale shirts. If you want to express yourself with colour, it may be safer to do so with your accessories (bags, belts, ties, handkerchiefs, and socks) instead.

So, follow these rules and you should be thought of as a credible and courteous person, just right for doing business in the UK. Rules of etiquette may seem a bit curious to some, but remember, the word etiquette and ticket both come from the old French word estiquet, and a ticket was invented to keep some people out and let other people in...

By John Hillman

USEFUL WORDS

manners = polite habits and customs

dress code = the way you are expected to dress

hospitality = food, drink or services that are provided by an organisation for guests & customers

cultural sensitivity = the ability to understand and respect other nationalities’ customs and feelings

political correctness (PC) = the principle of avoiding language and behaviour that may offend particular groups of people

Wish colleagues good morning at the start of the day

Keep mobile phones on silent / vibration mode during meetings so they do not interrupt the discussion

Do not interrupt a person who is making a speech

Note down questions or suggestions and raise them politely at the end of the speech

USEFUL PHRASES

Polite Question Forms

Polite question forms and indirect questions are often more polite than imperatives and direct questions.

Could you make me a coffee, please?
Would you please use spell check next time?
Could I have a word with you in private?
Is there somewhere I could plug my mobile in?
Would you mind checking these figures again?
Would you mind if I opened the window?
Could you tell me how this computer works?
Would you be kind enough to put it in writing?
Would it be possible to email it to me immediately?
Do you mind if we eat lunch before the meeting?
Do you happen to know the telephone code for France?
Do you think you could tell me the way to the nearest pharmacy?
Do you think I could ask you to work overtime this evening?