London is a world business hub, and doing business here (not including the media and new-technology industries) is as formal as you would expect from the English. Looking smart at all times is still seen as a key indicator of professionalism, along with punctuality and politeness. Business cards are commonplace, “please” and “thank you” are great ways of softening the blow, and never underestimate the British sense of irony. Why a nation prides itself on saying one thing but meaning the exact opposite is baffling to many visitors, but it certainly adds to the multi-layered art of conversation.