Category Sponsors



CILT, the National Centre for Languages is the Government’s recognised centre for expertise in languages. It seeks to promote a greater national capability in languages, supporting and developing multilingualism and intercultural competence in all sectors of society. CILT supports private companies and public sector organisations through a range of advice, information and networking services delivered by dedicated teams working nationally and regionally.

CILT also hosts BLIS Services, the one-stop-shop for languages and cultural expertise. BLIS Services comprise of BLIS Professionals, BLIS Jobs, BLIS Courses and BLIS Facilities and can be accessed at www.blis.org.uk. Solvit is a vital on-line tool for any UK business trading in the increasingly global business environment, and wanting to succeed. Solvit is maintained by CILT, the National Centre for Languages and can be found at www.solvit.org.uk

The adage 'You can buy in your own language, but you must sell in the language of your customer' has been attributed to many, including Willy Brandt, but nowhere is it more strikingly illustrated that in the UK's export figures. Where English is the language of our customers, we sell more than we buy. However, the situation is reversed when our customers' language is not English.

CILT, the National Centre for Languages is pleased to sponsor the award for the Export Communicator of the Year, which recognises effective strategies for improving international communication and the value of language skills in the global market. Research shows that nearly 50% of exporting companies experience linguistic and cultural barriers. Companies who are proactive in their export approach, taking steps to address these barriers and overcome language and cultural differences, are seeing an increase in business