Last updated: 07 April 2012
Doing business
Business opportunities
Austrade’s business development specialists have prepared a range of market profiles that offer potential to assist in your exporting investigations. Austrade’s in-market teams have identified opportunities for Australian exporters in various industries (see 'Profiled industries in this market' on the right side of this page).
Business culture
The business culture is more conservative than Australia, with executives preferring a more formal approach. Most business people will wear suits, although ‘smart-casual’ is becoming more widespread in some industry sectors. If in doubt, always wear a suit. In addition, please note that the secription of 'lounge suit' on invitations typically means business attire, not 'smart casual'.
Many UK companies are entrepreneurial and interested in new ideas, but rarely agree to a ‘cold’ meeting. Expect to introduce your company and proposition at least three to four weeks before the planned meeting date. Make an introductory telephone call and follow-up with information by post, fax or email.
Links and resources
Government, business and trade
British High Commission Canberra –http://ukinaustralia.fco.gov.uk/en/business/investment-in-the-uk/
Confederation of British Industry – www.cbi.org.uk/home.html
UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills – www.bis.gov.uk
EU Customs – http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/customs/index_en.htm
HM Revenue & Customs – www.hmrc.gov.uk
HM Revenue & Customs: UK Trade Info – www.uktradeinfo.com/index.cfm?task=td_importdetails
London Chamber of Commerce – www.londonchamber.co.uk
National Statistics Online – www.statistics.gov.uk
Trading Standards – www.tradingstandards.gov.uk
UK Trade and Investment – www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk
News and Media
BBC – http://news.bbc.co.uk
Belfast Telegraph (Northern Ireland) – www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
Financial Times – http://news.ft.com/home/uk
Guardian Unlimited – www.guardian.co.uk
Independent – www.independent.co.uk
ITN – http://itn.co.uk
The Scotsman – http://thescotsman.scotsman.com
The Telegraph – www.telegraph.co.uk
Times Online – www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/
Please note: this list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only.