Press Release Rln London Website Launched To Help London ...
Press release
2nd March 2006
RLN London website launched to help London businesses profit from
languages
According to the European Cities Monitor 2005, London is the top rated city for
languages spoken – as well as for access to markets, the availability of qualified
staff, for international transport links and telecommunications. Regional Language
Network London believes that language and cultural skills are of central importance
in reinforcing London’s leading role in global business – extending horizons for
individuals and communities, as much as for the economy. We set ourselves the
challenge of creating an on-line tool which can harness these resources in order to
help realise London’s ambitions.
Our new website www.rln-london.com is designed to provide all the support and
knowledge that London and its employers need now and for the future – in one place.
Tailored sections address the differing needs of businesses and individuals, as well
as those of providers of education and language services.
A key feature of the site is the ‘Language and cultural skills and services route
planner’, which diagnoses an employer’s business and workforce needs, and guides
them step-by-step through the support and services on offer. BLIS Services, the
one-stop shop for language and cultural expertise, is fully integrated into the site, and
provides instant, free-of-charge access to quality-assured translators, interpreters
and language and cultural trainers as well as exclusive recruitment and course
search tools.
Jane Collis, manager of Regional Language Network London, said, “With over 300
languages spoken by its population, London has immense linguistic and cultural
wealth. We’re excited by the launch of our website, and especially the interactive
route planner – which helps employers understand how to make the most of
language skills and services. With London 2012 and the global market putting
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London on the map more prominently than ever before, the opportunities are
immense.”
Development of the RLN London website was funded by the Learning and Skills
Council London region, and supported by CILT, the National Centre for Languages.
To access the site now, log onto www.rln-london.com.
[ENDS]
For further information contact:
Jane Collis
Manager, Regional Language Network London
0845 0066 262
Notes to Editors
1. Regional Language Network London
The Regional Language Networks exist to promote a greater national capability in language
and cultural skills for business and employment across the UK. The Networks aim to improve
dialogue between businesses and foreign language service providers, and respond to the
need identified by the independent Nuffield Inquiry for greater language capacity in the labour
market.
Strategic links exist with key sponsors, intermediary and provider partners, such as Regional
Development Agencies, Inward Investment agencies, Learning and Skills Councils, UK Trade
and Investment (formerly Trade Partners UK), British Chambers of Commerce and Industry
(BCCI), Institute of Linguists, Institute of Translation and Interpreting, Business Links, HE, FE,
Specialist Language Colleges and schools. These have been reinforced at national level,
while being underpinned by consistent and continuing partnership activity at regional level.
www.rln-london.com
2. CILT, the National Centre for Languages
CILT, the National Centre for Languages seeks to promote a greater national capability in
languages, supporting and developing multilingualism and intercultural competence in all
sectors of society.
CILT manages major national and regional initiatives in support of languages. It works closely
with partner organisations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and supports language
networks throughout the UK. It is a key partner in the implementation of national languages
strategies and plays a significant role in languages initiatives at European level.
www.cilt.org.uk
3. Learning and Skills Council (LSC) London region
LSC London region is responsible for planning and investing in high quality education and
training. The LSC exists to make England better skilled and more competitive. It has a single
goal: to improve the skills of England's young people and adults to make sure we have a
workforce that is of world-class standards.
www.lsc.gov.uk
4. European Cities Monitor 2005 (Cushman & Wakefield Healey and Baker)
This survey, conducted each year since 1990, examines the issues companies regard as
important in deciding where to locate, and compares how Europe's leading business cities
perform on each issue. The survey is based on interviews with Senior Managers and Board
Directors of 500 of Europe's top companies.
www.cushwake.com
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