English is spoken by many local business people, but it is an advantage to have a working knowledge of German, or an interpreter. Appointments should be made well in advance, particularly in the summer. Once made, appointment times should be strictly adhered to. Some firms may close early Friday afternoon. Always use titles such as Herr Doktor or Frau Doktor when addressing business contacts.
Punctuality is essential for business visits.
Information about the various schemes is available from the Department of Trade and Industry in London or from the various banks administering the incentive programmes for the Federal Government. European Recovery Programme credits for modernisation, effluent treatment and clean-air programmes plus its own investment credit scheme. The organisation is affiliated with 83 Chambers of Industry and Commerce. There are also Chambers of Industry and Commerce in all major German towns and a regional Chamber of Commerce for each of the states. Founded in 1973, the Bureau is a non-profitmaking organisation sponsored by Germany's major convention cities, hotels, travel agents and carriers, as well as the country's leading travel and tourist associations, including the German National Tourist Board, Lufthansa and the German Railways.