The United Kingdom

Making Appointments

In theory, official working hours are normally 09.00-17.00 Monday to Friday. In practice, most employees work considerably longer hours; many will be at their desks by 08.30 and executives rarely leave before 19.00. Professionals like lawyers and consultants may not arrive before 09.30 but, on the other hand, they may not leave the office until the following day. Generally, the British prefer staying late in the office to taking work home with them, even if they do carry a briefcase (their “executive lunch-box”).

Government offices close for lunch between 13.00 and 14.00 but stay open until 17.30.

The opening hours for shops are almost completely deregulated, though there are some restrictions on Sunday trading, and many outlets are open 24/7 even outside the major urban areas. Banks are generally open 09.30-16.30 Monday-Friday.

Appointments should be made at least a few days in advance and, ideally, confirmed on arrival in the UK. It is best to avoid July and August when those with children are almost obliged to take their annual vacation. Easter is also popular for holidaying and there are two Bank Holidays in May that may catch unwary visitor (especially in a year when Easter falls in late April). UK industry closes down almost completely between Christmas and New Year.

The easiest times of arrange an appointment are probably mid-morning (say 11.00) and mid-afternoon (say 16.00). Breakfast meetings are rare outside London and other major cities and it is unlikely that an initial meeting will involve lunch (or dinner).

Punctuality is appreciated but no one really minds if you arrive a little late (up to 15 minutes) for a one-to-one meeting. Obviously, though, if several people are involved then there is a greater likelihood that someone will have another engagement to attend. On the other hand, you should not arrive too promptly for social events – but aim to arrive a respectable fifteen minutes after the specified time; thus if a dinner invitation states “7.30 for 8.00”, it means that you will be expected at about 7.50.

Public Behaviour

Britons, and the English in particular, are notoriously undemonstrative. The “stiff upper lip” is not just the stuff of fiction and emotional displays, positive or negative; they are generally frowned upon. Gestures such as backslapping and hugging are discouraged and a wide distance should be maintained between participants in a conversation. Maintaining eye contact may be necessary when you are trying to emphasize important points but you must avoid any temptation to “eye-ball”. Talking loudly is unacceptable and shouting is beyond the pale. Some old-fashioned interlocutors may not hear you if you have your hands in your pockets. The British do not gesticulate frantically.

Introductions can be tricky. Ideally the British prefer third-party introductions but in certain situations, like a drinks party, it may not always be possible and, though awkward, you may just have to go ahead and introduce yourself. Firm handshakes are the norm as part of a formal introduction; a gentleman should always wait for a woman to proffer her hand before squeezing it gently.

If the British use few words, it is because they prefer to mean those they do use. They are polite and courteous for the most part. They expect to be treated with respect, in return for which they will treat you with respect.