Contract killers
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ritish companies are losing foreign orders because their staff speak only English, reveals a survey by foreign language experts, Lingua Tel. Unwitting UK firms were phoned by callers pretending to be fluent in every language, except English. Most did not get past the incomprehending switchboards."I would like some information on your company. Can you help me please?" was the standard question put to companies like Bass, Forte, Allied Lyons, Hanson, Shell and Rank in languages including French, German and Italian. Nearly three-quarters of calls were abandoned at the switchboard with callers being left hanging on for up to six minutes while help was sought. Ask yourself, particularly if you haul internationally, does this sound like your company?