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UK | About
UK is comprised of:
Great Britain
Scotland
Northern Ireland
Wales
Also refers to the Islands of Wight, Scilly,
Angelesy, the Hebrides and island groups of
Orkney and Shetland
UK | Population Data
Total population is over 60.8 million people
300
200
100
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2008
66%
73%
27%
34%
London
Considered a “world city”
#1 Financial City in the World (by trade volume)
Manchester
Rated best for business headquarters and back office functions
(accounting, logistics etc.)
Newcastle
Rated best city location for call centers in the UK
Lowest labor costs in the UK
UK | Cultural Diversity
No defined language Religion
English is spoken by 70% Christian
95% of the UK
15% Atheist
Other languages
3% Muslim
include Welsh,
Cornish and Gaelic
Ethnic / Racial Comp.
90+% Caucasian
~1-2% each: Indian,
Mixed Race, Pakistani
UK | Human Rights
Common Law vs. Bill of Rights
UK Citizens are free to do whatever they want,
but must abide by laws established by the
Parliament
(but no specific list of inalienable rights or
liberties, as in US Constitution)
Universal suffrage mandated in 1928,
must be 21 years old to vote
Limited Gay Rights - Civil Unions allowed
UK | The Queen
International
Ambassador
Power to declare war
Head of the
Church of England
Limited Check & Balance
for the Parliament
Prominent Figurehead in
British Culture
“God save the Queen!”
Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions
100
75
50
25
0
Individualism/ Masculinity/ Power Uncertainty
Collectivism Feminity Distance Avoidance
Be respectful
Set clearly defined break times
Allow for “normal” lunch hours instead of
eating at your desk
Do not attempt to hug them, not OK unless
close
UK | Sample Company
Network consists of leading residential
brokerages
Utilize numerous marketing venues:
Local and regional news publications
National and international print media
Use Internet to display the inventory
and market to a worldwide marketplace
“Showcase Property”
Business Practices:
Pride the company on
approaching a task with
sensitivity, confidentiality,
concern and professionalism.
Language
Time Difference
Transportation
Amenities
Economics
Currency Exchange
£1 = $1.67
£5 and up are “notes”
£5 and under is “change”
Other Differences
Privately-owned companies vs.
government owned
Culture is very arts-centric
Public Works systems are more
efficient than US
Nationalized health care
Public transportation is more
easily accessible and efficient
Informational Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rs2_J3fV1f8
References
Population Statistics | Wolfram Alpha, Google
Data
Culture | American Expats
http://www.americanexpats.co.uk/very
%20british.htm
Hofstede Graph | International Management Text
British Life | Woodlands School Website
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/
customs/questions/
References
Cultural Quirks | Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands
2nd Edition by Terri Morrison and Wayne Conway
British Expats | British Embassy Website
http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en
Sotheby’s | Website
http://www.sothebysrealty.com/en/home.aspx
Sotheby’s | More Info
http://rismedia.com/2009-10-04/william-pitt-sotheby’s-
international-realty-acquires-six-brokerage-offices/
Misc | http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/
economics/article3137506.ece