Languages are a big asset for everyone working in a commercial business, and this is true for both big and small business. For example, French or German tourists always appreciate it, when, in a touristic place like London, the salesman of a cornershop says a couple of french or german words when he wraps some souvenirs and postcards in a bag. It makes him more friendly and a better merchant.
The British economy also relays on the exchange of goods with other countries. Many things like yoghurts, cakes, fruits, wine, beer, food, books, machines, pens, computers, chairs, cars... - in fact nearly everything you can buy in a shop except of Cheddar, Porc-pies and Yorkshire Pudding - come frequently from other countries. This means that prices have been negociated, commands have been delivered with those countries and this would have been absolutely impossible without people speaking more than their own language.
England however not only imports but also exports products and services to other countries. Here again, languages are needed in order to negociate and establish good relationships with foreign partners.
Remember: if you want to apply for a summer job in a clothes shop or in a music shop, mention your languages ! they can make the difference even if you will have only one foreigner visiting you in the year !
