Companies in Bradford could be losing custom overseas because of their inability to understand the language and customs of clients abroad.

The Yorkshire Regional Language Network (YRLN) is warning that at present one in five businesses are losing out in export markets because of not translating websites or submitting it to search engines in other countries.

The network has teamed up with Bradford-based Chamber Management Services, the international trading expert organisation, to help businesses with the information they need to boost sales abroad and how to avoid cultural gaffes.

CMS is running a special half-day seminar on March 23 at The Village Hotel in conjunction with other organisations to help companies trade successfully abroad.

YRNL said that 75 per cent of the world's population did not speak English and 60 per cent of British trade is with non-English-speaking countries.

Tips being offered to would-be exporters to China include not showing someone the soles of your feet, a sign of disrespect.

The network said Chinese, Russian and Spanish were the languages being most overlooked by Bradford firms.

Tim Bailey, CMS international manager based in Bradford, who deals with businesses across Yorkshire and the UK, said: "For businesses, communications are key to success, whether with customers, suppliers and distributors, tourists, or staff whose first language isn't English.

"The seminar will help break through the language and culture barriers and improve competitiveness. We will be hearing from keynote speakers with practical business experience who can bring insight into the practicalities which can have an impact on your business."

Mr Bailey said CMS could also provide a national translation service through its relationship with Birmingham Chamber which operated a national translation service covering very technical and legal matters as well as fluent versions of more everyday documents.

"There will be plenty of time to ask questions that really get deep into the subject, and network with other people who trade overseas," he said. "We'll also provide information about UK Trade & Investment grants and other support your business might be eligible for."