Competitive horizon
A report published by the Bahrain Tribune (www.bahraintribune.com) has revealed a growing demand for slimline mobile phones within Middle Eastern countries. Analysts predict that slim phones will account for around 30 percent of the overall market in the region and leading mobile phone producers are rushing to increase their range of leaner handsets. The report claims that consumers seek out lightweight products that symbolize fun, excitement and style and the remarkably high demand in the Middle East is said to mirror global popularity of slimline phones packed with powerful features that were formerly only included as standard with top range models. Manufacturers recognize the importance of launching products that combine economy with elegance, and view advanced design and technology as being crucial in the race to remain ahead of the competition
Service sector expected to drive Japanese economy
Evidence of strong growth in the service sector has prompted leading economists at Barclay’s Capital to predict that non-manufacturing will be the main driver of Japan’s economy over the next two years. According to a report published by Bloomberg (www.bloomberg.com),confidence in the sector is at its highest for 14 years and the projected investment increase of 8.9 percent in 2006 is more than double that of the previous year. This figure indicates that the sector is closing in on manufacturing, even though investment among Japan’s leading manufacturers during 2006 is expected to show its highest increase for 16 years. The Tokyo-based bank anticipates that increased confidence will bring more jobs and higher salaries, and a further boom to the service sector in the shape of increased spending on leisure, travel and entertainment. The report points to demand for spas and beauty products as evidence that consumer spending is already on the rise.
Denmark leading exports to EU newcomers
Demand from new EU member countries in Eastern Europe is driving growth in Denmark’s export markets, an article published by The Copenhagen Post (www.cphpost.dk) reports. The 40 percent rise in exports to these countries over the first third of 2006 was almost three times greater than growth in Denmark’s traditional export markets. Including non-EU countries, exports to Eastern Europe increase by 36 percent over the same period and were worth 1.6 billion euros. Rubber, chemicals, sound equipment and telecommunications were among the products most in demand, though notable market rises in leather goods, hides, meat and transportation products were also recorded. The Danish Trade Council believes that exports to Eastern Europe will expand further as economies in the area grow, and has singled out Poland as a potentially lucrative market.
Better training needed for UK salesforce
A survey carried out by Silent Edge has revealed that UK salespeople lack the skills necessary to successfully close out sales. It also indicated a lack of ability to handle complaints. The training organization claims that only 20 percent of sales in the UK are closed, resulting in considerable waste of sales and marketing resources for many companies. According to the report, as published by Crimson Business (www.crimsonbusiness.co.uk),inadequate training rather than ineptitude is largely to blame. The situation could be improved if training recognized different competency levels and was tailored more to individual needs. Silent Edge believes that employee motivation would then also increase. The survey did reveal, however, that UK salespeople generally possess many important qualities including an impressive appearance,having a sound knowledge of the products or services being offered and the ability to communicate effectively with potential clients.
