Doing business & staying in touch

Prior appointments are essential. Visitors should remember that ministries and most public offices close at 1345 and it is not possible to see officials in the afternoon, except by special appointment. Business attire is smart with a suit required for men and women, and a tie for men and stylish accessories for women. The odd designer label does no harm. .

Greeting takes the form of a handshake (social kissing is reserved for friends and family) and business cards are exchanged. If possible, it is best to have one side printed in Italian and one in English, and all company literature should be provided in Italian. Business visitors should always refer to Italian associates as lei (the polite form of tu), unless informed to do otherwise, and colleagues should be addressed by their surname and academic/professional titles respected.

Although some of the Italian business community will speak some English or French, Italian is the dominant language. Italians always appreciate a visitor who tries to speak their language, however poorly. It is often wise to take the precaution of employing an interpreter, to minimise the degree of misunderstandings.

Personal relationships are extremely important and it is unlikely that decisions will be made before trust has been established between the two parties. Business lunches provide the ideal opportunity to build relationships and small talk is an essential part of any business meeting.

Very often meetings will start late and run over and it’s not considered impolite to turn up after your appointed hour, unless for an important meeting.

Business tends to be more formal in the fast-paced Milan than in the more southerly cities of Florence, Rome and Naples, where business is often conducted over long lunches. In the North, standard office hours are Monday-Friday 0900-1700, with an hour-long lunch break, while in the South there is often a two-hour lunch break during office hours of 0800-1900