More than half of all UK trade abroad is with our near neighbours.

In December it was reported that the UK may be falling behind in business due to the lack of language skills among many British people.

The 'European Survey' on language competences has also affirmed that only nine per cent of English teenagers today can demonstrate credible foreign language skills.

If young people in the UK do not have the language skills required by businesses in an increasingly globalised world they will be putting themselves at a distinct disadvantage compared to many of their European counterparts as businesses continue to globalise. Businesses in the UK will simply employ people from other European countries instead of you.

You can read more here: Why businesses need more language skills