 Business
Private Sector
Welsh Works! – Do you speak your customers’ language?
- Using Welsh as well as English in your business gives you a clear advantage.
- According to the 2001 Census, 21% of people in Wales can speak Welsh (that is, 575,604 people). This is 2 out of 10 of your customers.
- There has been a large increase in the numbers of bilingual young people. These young people are your future customers, so it makes sense to prepare for them now!
Advantages of bilingualism for business
- Attract new customers
- Increase the loyalty of your customers
- Create good will at little cost
- Create a difference between your business and others in the same sector
- Improve the quality of your customer service
- Gain an advantage on your competitors in marketing
- Show that you listen to your customers
How do I increase the amount of Welsh I use in my business?
- Show your customers which members of staff are Welsh- speaking (by distributing ‘Working Welsh’ badges)
- Encourage and support staff who are learning Welsh, or who are keen to develop their language skills.
- Produce bilingual office stationary
- Conduct promotion and marketing campaigns bilingually.
Assistance
The Language Officer of your local Menter Iaith (Language Initiative) would be very happy to assist you with:
- Preparing applications for funding for bilingual signage and stationary
- Short translations, and details of professional translators in your area
- Locating suitable language courses for your staff
- Preparing advertisements bilingually
Materials
There are useful materials available such as open/close sings, beer mats, mouse mats and much more. |
