General good manners are always accepted in any land or part of a country. There are, however specific customs or taboos you will want to be aware of before travel. Many customs have to do with the basic issues of etiquette anywhere, such as food and dining, dressing for dinner, greeting strangers or hostesses, removing shoes, speaking too loudly or too directly, ignoring local religious customs, gift giving, and the consumption of alcohol.
When in England on business emotions are seldom vented and the social climate may deem rather cool until you get used to it. In social situations the British may begin equally reserved and understated. You will find that the Welsh, the Irish, and the Scots are a bit more informal.
The British formality is a real issue. Even among well-acquainted persons in the country, official titles are always used. If a formal title such as a royal lineage or a peerage or knighthood is the case, the formal title actually seems to become a part of the person’s name.
Business associates are becoming less formal, so on first meeting it is well to listen to the local conversations and greetings to hear what seems to be acceptable. Maintaining eye contact is necessary, especially when trying to emphasize important points. Speak in a moderate tone; talking loudly and shouting is unacceptable. It is considered appropriate to point toward your head, rather than directly at another person, to summon attention. A wide distance is often maintained between the participants in a conversation. Backslapping and hugging are usually discouraged.
Be punctual, it is very important both in business and social gatherings. However, you may be ten minutes late, but never ten minutes early.
The British, as a rule do not do business after hours unless a special meeting has been called just for that purpose. When work is finished, they prefer to keep the work talk at work and the social discussion becomes the more acceptable.
Getting an invitation to dinner in a business relationship is not as common as in other countries as the business entertaining is generally done at the public house, restaurant, or the gentleman’s club. If you do get invited, flowers for the lady of the house are in order as is a nice box of chocolates – but don’t buy Swiss, Dutch, or German chocolate, the English, too, are very proud of their own.
If in the course of the evening, usually at the beginning, a toast is offered to Her Majesty’s health, you may smoke after the toast but not before. Whatever your feelings about the Royal Family, keep them to yourself. The British may take great leave to criticize their own royals, but that is not your privilege.
Entertainment is now replacing gift giving; this may be in the form of lunch, dinner, drinks at the club, or an evening at the ballet or the theater.
Hen wearing a ne cktie, avoid stripes as they may be copies of British Regimental colors; and that is not allowed if that is not your regiment.
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