Irish businesses are reporting a recovery in sales but the sluggish global economy is still causing a drag on a genuine recovery, according to a new survey published today.
The sales survey conducted by Hamill Spence O'Connell on behalf of the Sales Institute of Ireland found that 69 per cent of Irish businesses expected sales to increase over the next six months.
The survey, which interviewed firms across a broad range of sectors, reveals that 59 per cent of businesses saw their sales increase in the third quarter of 2003 16 per cent seeing sales increase by over 10 per cent. The industry appears optimistic for the period ahead with predictions that the sales force will increase by 31 per cent over the next six months.
But this confidence could prove to be brittle if the global economic recovery fails to take root. The survey also found that 12 per cent of businesses believe that the forthcoming budget will not be sales-friendly suggesting a fear of increases in indirect taxes.
The survey was released to coincide with details of the Sales Institute of Ireland annual conference which will take place on November 5th.