Businessmen and women should make sure they’re punctual for a meeting in The Netherlands, but should expect to be kept waiting by Italians, who like to be tardy to show you who’s the boss.

These are some of the findings from global credit insurer Atradius, which has compiled a global guide to etiquette to help British firms get to grips with the cultural quirks of their overseas customers.

Italians believe that ‘le persone importanti si fanno aspettare’ – important people arrive late – while the Dutch believe people who can’t use time wisely can’t be trusted.

The guide also gives readers some tips on some seemingly innocuous body language that is best avoided in some places. In India, you should never point your feet at someone as they are considered unclean, while in Saudi Arabia the ‘thumbs up’ gesture is offensive.

Will Clark, Atradius’ regional director of the UK & Ireland, said: “Products and services from British firms are much in demand around the globe. So it would be a shame to lose business simply because you were late for a meeting or your host found your body language offensive.”