A free guide on how to mind your Ps and Qs while doing business in different cultures in Europe is being offered to North Yorkshire exporters by Business Link.Titbits, prepared by Price Waterhouse, includes useful tips like the fact that: Italian business people tend to favour written confirmation of arrangements rather than a quick phone call Punctuality is important in Sweden. Meetings should begin and end exactly as planned, so ensure you have discussed all you need to within the allotted time space. In Poland negotiations usually take place in the company boardroom or a hotel conference room, and frequently spill out into dinner - where you may be required to drink vodka In Germany expect a lot of people to sit in on your meetings who may not participate. It is culturally more acceptable to remain silent than to say something just for the sake of it. In The Netherlands although written correspondence will always be formal, conversation will be friendly. The Dutch love to talk about sports such as golf, tennis and football. If you want to be really clever, find out which town your host is from and learn something about the local football team.You can receive a free copy of the guide by ringing the Business Link Information Centre on 01904 686000.

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