Explanation
In the United Kingdom, punctuality is a sign of respect and professionalism in business settings. Arriving late to a meeting is generally considered rude and can be interpreted as a lack of interest or poor time management. While a few minutes' delay might be forgiven with a sincere apology, habitual lateness damages professional reputation.
Local Tip
Always aim to arrive 5 minutes early to a business meeting in the UK, and if you are delayed, notify the host as soon as possible with an apology.
How it compares elsewhere
In Brazil, arriving 15-30 minutes late to a business meeting is often acceptable and can be seen as a sign of flexibility, though it varies by region and company culture.
In Japan, punctuality is extremely important; even being one minute late is considered disrespectful and can damage business relationships.
In Saudi Arabia, business meetings may start late due to cultural norms around time, but it is still advisable to arrive on time as a sign of respect.