Author: Henry Loveless
Finnbrit shares the top six reasons why every company should be investing in English classes (the last one is the best).
**By the way, because we’re teachers, we’ve added an explanation of the highlighted words at the end of the article. **
Let’s start with the obvious: It’s 2025, we’re all part of the global community – every company should have some sort of English language training. And not just so we can write formal emails or learn which closing says, ‘I’m fun but serious’. Hiring an English teacher has so many ‘hidden’ benefits that businesses can’t afford to ignore.
New Markets
For better or worse, the internet has connected us, which means we can buy running shoes from Germany and face cream from France (don’t judge me). But it also means we can sell our products, services, skills or knowledge to the rest of the world. Unfortunately, the rest of the world seems reluctant to speak Finnish, so we need to speak English. If we can, we have a very exciting opportunity.
But what if you only sell in Finland? Well, even if your market isn’t international, it is. At least 10% of people in Finland don’t speak any Finnish. That’s a lot of potential customers: customers that may feel neglected by your rivals.
Basic Business Skills
I hope I’m not repeating myself already, but it’s hard to imagine any business in today’s modern society that will never need some English. Even a tiny village cafe in the middle of Kanta-Häme occasionally has to deal with a grinning Englishman trying to buy pastries. (Yes, it’s me.)
We need to be able to quickly and confidently talk to clients, buy online, read important information, reach out to contacts, discuss with suppliers, manage projects, understand contracts and more. Many students have come to us saying they feel frustrated because of the time they are wasting trying to complete these normally simple tasks in English.
Developing Staff
Most sane people would agree that staff development is essential. On a very basic level, teaching an employee to do something better improves performance. But staff development also has benefits on a more holistic level.
English is a valued and universally important skill. Staff that get the chance to improve it will be happier and less likely to leave. This means you don’t have to find new team members and spend time and money onboarding and training them.
Training For Specific Goals (an event, expo or conference)
“It’s not what you say, but how you say it,” said poet William Carlos Williams. If you’re speaking at a conference or event, good English is essential. You are the face of your business and the voice. Using English confidently is a very attractive look for your business.
Or, if you’re attending an event or an expo – do you have the flexibility to interact, chat and network? Do you have the ability to talk up a product, or to politely wrap up a conversation with someone wasting your time?
Attracting International Talent
More stats? Okay. Just 0.06% of the world’s population is Finnish. As much as I admire Finnish people, their work ethic and talent, is it not possible that out there in the world is another person who can bring something to your business? Nowadays, many companies are out-sourcing jobs like writing and design work to international freelancers. Being able to quickly find an online service from another country can be a real lifesaver.
Creating Community and Team Building
And this, I feel is the most overlooked. With distance work increasingly common, we are losing that connection with our colleagues – the moments when we just share some quality time together.
Many of our clients have told us that regular English meetings at work have been an excellent (and useful) social activity for their staff. They’re a chance to talk, relax, share, laugh and bond with colleagues we might not see very often. It’s a great reason to come smiling into the office.
Conclusion
English classes are such a good way to improve your business – a sensible investment of time and of money. When done well, they’re something that everyone will appreciate.
If you think your business would benefit from English classes (it really would), give us a call. We speak Finnish and English, and we’d love to hear your situation. We can give you some suggestions to help you to start English classes in your business too.
Glossary
Closing – the final part of the email before your name. E.g. ‘All the best,’
Neglected – not receiving enough care or attention
Wasting – bad use of money, time, energy, abilities, etc
Holistic – treating the whole of something and not just a part of it
Talk up – to speak with enthusiasm about something
Wrap up – to complete or finish something
Lifesaver – something that helps when you are in a very difficult situation
Quality time – giving time and your full attention to someone important
About the Author
Henry Loveless is a copywriter, teacher and examiner based in Helsinki, Finland. He has worked for many notable clients including Otava, The Finnish Defence Forces and Lindström. He has been part of the Finnbrit team since 2015. He is currently writing a textbook for English learners, Come Along, which will be published in 2026.
When he is not working, he can be found trail running, orienteering or working on his allotment.