Press Release

Research links languages to export success

2 March 2007

A study of the impact of languages on enterprise has shown that language skills can significantly improve export success for European companies. SMEs which have a languages strategy and invest in staff with language skills are shown to be able to achieve 44% more export sales than those which don’t.

The ELAN research was undertaken by CILT, the National Centre for Languages and InterAct International on behalf of the European Commission and unveiled by the European Commissioner for Multilingualism, Leonard Orban last week. CILT will present the findings and implications to UK stakeholders at the Goethe-Institut, London on 21 March 2007, at 11.00.

Recommendations from the study include improved business-education partnerships and the dissemination of successful models, enhanced articulation between the needs of business and European/national/regional language policies, more opportunities for work experience abroad and strengthening of language teaching within education and training at all levels.

Anyone wishing to attend the UK stakeholder presentation should contact CILT, the National Centre for Languages on 020 7379 5101 ext. 281 or e-mail press@cilt.org.uk.