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Business Etiquette in the United Kingdom

by Cate Rushton

Overview

Business Etiquette in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom comprises four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. According to Nations Encyclopedia, the U.K. is smaller than the state of Oregon, but its population includes a diverse range of cultures. Business etiquette may vary a bit in the U.K., depending on which country you are visiting, but overall, business travelers will find that expectations are similar from one country to the next.
Dress and Appearance

The British are traditionally restrained and dignified, and their clothing reflects these characteristics. Business travelers should wear suits in dark colors for meetings. In the U.K., business contacts notice high-quality fabrics, well-shined shoes and other details of dressing. Dark brown suits, tweeds and corduroy are viewed as colors and textures for the country or for hunting. Leave them out of the boardroom. Avoid striped ties. In the U.K., many schools or associations have their own striped pattern to denote membership.

Meetings

Schedule meetings in advance and confirm a few days before the meeting. Try to arrive on time, but it's acceptable to be 15 minutes late, especially in a meeting with just a few clients. Business people in the U.K. value tradition, hard facts and statistics. Because a dignified, experienced composure is expected, there tends to be some distrust toward young businessmen. Women also experience distrust or disrespect at times, so the businesswoman traveling to the U.K. should strive to maintain professionalism to gain a positive outcome during meetings and negotiations. The British do not appreciate flamboyant behavior and are dismayed by pushiness.
Conversation

The British value personal space and will talk in moderate voices. Small talk is not typically exchanged with strangers; your client will most likely need some time to get to know you before personal topics are introduced. Avoid conversation about religion, Northern Ireland and politics, the royal family, the European Union, the Middle East, sex, class and race. These are particularly sticky topics for the British. Stick to the weather, sports, your experience in the U.K., food and beverages.
Tips and Taboos

The British are not fond of physical contact in public. Avoid hugging, backslapping or other touching beyond a firm handshake. Avoid talking with your hands or gesturing wildly, but keep your hands out of your pockets while conversing. Queues, or lines, are common in the U.K., and a particular etiquette is required. If you encounter a queue, go directly to the back of the line and wait quietly. It is not considered good form to discuss the length of time spent waiting with your queue mates or even to engage in small talk with those you do not know.
Gifts

Gifts are not typically exchanged while doing business in the U.K. If you feel that a token of thanks is in order, a pen or book with a short inscription will be appreciated. If you are invited to a client's home, bring flowers, wine or chocolate. Christmas presents are not exchanged in the business world of the U.K.