YOUNG people are to be given the chance to broaden their horizons in a major initiative to improve language skills, following the establishment of the Regional Language Network.
By becoming a Business Language Champion, firms will show students how their careers can benefit from studying languages.
Isabella Moore, director of The National Centre for Languages, explained the importance of having Business Language Champions in the south-west.
"As regions vie for investment, south-west companies have recognised the competitive advantage of language skills.
"We want to raise awareness with both employers and schools that languages give young people the confidence to compete with overseas competitors."
HSBC Bank is now a language champion.
The bank's Philip Spencer said: "At HSBC we pride ourselves on being a global local bank.
"What this means for our customers is that they can visit a HSBC bank in 80 different countries and still be able to communicate effectively with our staff."
To find out more about becoming a Business Language Champion telephone: 01392 264371
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