US to UK business dictionary

US to UK business dictionary

We remain two countries divided by a common language – our US to UK business dictionary explains how some commonly used business phrases can differ across the pond…

USAUK
Reaching outContacting
ConnectingContacting via email or LinkedIn
C-suite/ C-level Executives at board level
ConsultantManagement consultant
Slide deckPresentation – e.g. PowerPoint
ResumeCV
Touch baseMake contact
VacationHoliday
HolidayNational or bank holiday
LockedCompleted and not changeable (as in “The document is locked…”)
Hard ballTough negotiations
PieceAspect of work (as in “He’s doing the legal piece…”)
PlaybookHandbook detailing strategy – often supplied by consultants
Drill downExamine more closely
Hard stop Firm cut off time
TravellingOut of contact between offices
B-schoolBusiness school
Bacon jobA role with no shortage of takers, a plum job
Bat a thousand100% record (from baseball)
Boiling the oceanAttempting an the overly ambitious
BucketizeOrganise into categories
DeckPowerPoint presentation
Fighting the tapeGoing against market trends
Helicopter viewBrief overview
Left laneAccelerate (e.g. a project)
Sales revenueTurnover
TurnoverStaff retention
401k plan A personal pension scheme
Corporate income taxCorporation tax
Form 1120Annual return
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)HMRC
Executive positions UK & USA
Our job titles vary in seniority very much on both sides of the Atlantic – so don’t assume the director you will meet in England is a manager – he might well own the business, and some Brits might expect VPs and Presidents only exist in the White House!
USAUK
Vice presidentSenior manager
Managing directorSenior manager
CEOManaging director / chief executive
CMOMarketing director
CFOFinance director
PresidentChairman/Chief executive
AssociateSenior professional below partner
PrincipalPartner (consulting) or part owner

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