UK businesses are failing to appreciate the importance of local language fluency in overseas trade, experts have said.

A lack of foreign language skills among business managers has previously been highlighted as a barrier to international business success.

But a poll by workplace provider Regus found that 41% of UK firms do not think language skills are critical to winning trade overseas.

Experts believe the changing nature of international trade could see more businesses seeking language skills as a necessity among potential trading partners in the UK.

This will become particularly important as companies bid to build partnerships with South American countries such as Brazil and other high-growth economies including Russia, India and China.

Regus claims that British workers who cannot speak another language already face disadvantages in international business and marketing jobs, with such roles often given to foreign candidates with superior language skills.

Regus spokeswoman Celia Donne said: “Speaking the customer’s language helps build lasting relationships that make commercial dealings run smoother, and could even prove a decisive factor in winning new business.

“All indicators suggest that UK firms must reduce their reliance on English to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the world’s growth markets. If the British workforce cannot plug the skills gap, then foreign candidates with language skills will be first to the job opportunities.”