Pax Britanica
I do that when visiting companies supplying products onto projects that we are involved in, and talk to people on the shop floor, and you are correct it does cause a little consternation in some businesses in UK and some in Europe and US. However I find it quite enlightening and interesting to observe and talk to the people making the products. The big gripe I have with the the UK and indeed US, is the over hype of the sales function of any business, in that they are really cosseted. For example if a sales man leaves the business they are often escorted of the premises, or put on gardening leave for a month, if that is their notice period. In contrast a Project Manager say, would always be asked to work their full period of notice, and lets not get onto the discussion of sales man / women's bonuses.
Cheers
Mr Mac