Reasons for participation

The following key reasons for participation were highlighted by BLC businesses that took part in a recent survey: 

• Raising the status of languages (98% agree/strongly agree)
• Boosting language take-up at Key Stage 4 and beyond (98% agree/strongly agree)
• Supporting their organisations CSR agenda (85% agree/strongly agree)
• Because languages were core to their organisations work (76% agree/strongly agree)

Impact

In terms of impact, over three-quarters (77%) of businesses felt their BLC activities had been successful in raising the value of languages and intercultural awareness amongst businesses. Two-thirds of businesses (66%) also felt that participation in BLC had supported their CSR agenda, particularly for large businesses and multi-nationals.

Other key benefits include staff development (61%), recognition of the wider value of
languages (43%) and positive PR and press coverage (45%).

Business comments

"I think it’s had a lot of impact […] It has been used in lots of bids. We mention the Business Language Champions in the majority of early bid stage documents to illustrate to clients what we are doing to engage with community. It’s an excellent initiative and being involved in a national scheme that is recognised by CILT is very beneficial.” (Bouygues UK)

"Marshalls fully supports the Business Language Champions programme...We have contact with six schools in the West Yorkshire region and the feedback has been very positive.  As an employer we are pleased to engage with schools to help ensure that crucial language and intercultural skills are developed in the future workforce.’" (PM Stark, Overseas Marketing Manager, Marshalls plc)

"Flybe has been involved in supporting language learning since the [Business Language Champions] pilot in the South West in 2004/5.  This gave the company an opportunity to engage with young people to tell them about what working for this company is like and that we value language skills so much that we pay suitably qualified staff a salary enhancement to recognise this." (Steve Parrott, Director, Health, Safety & Environment)