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news opinion
The big theme in business this autumn is ‘growth’ – with companies happy to set themselves ambitious targets as they plan for 2016, knowing the economy is likely to aid rather than hinder them
There are of course businesses that grew throughout the recession – which recently- released figures have shown was not as profound as economists reported at the time – but there are also many that only now are starting to apply the throttle, after years when they were forced to pootle along with one foot hovering over the brake.
The Thames Valley SME 100 Growth Index; the Solent Business Awards; the Solent 250; and the individual profiles and feature articles in our editions this month highlight success stories across the south.
The businesses that are winning awards trophies and experiencing, in many cases, headline-grabbing growth in turnover stand out by being managed by visionary leaders and by developing innovative new products and services.
Last month, The Business Magazine staged a roundtable discussion focused on sales. Without sales, of course, a business won’t survive, so it’s surprising that sales are rarely discussed. It’s almost as if we’ve convinced ourselves that it’s all a black art, not easily defined.
It’s amazing – when you consider the importance of sales – that the salesperson is not held in more regard. That’s why it’s good to see the emergence of bodies like the Association of Professional Sales, an organisation helping to promote standards, build knowledge, enhance professional standing and promote excellence and best practice at all levels.
The misselling controversies in the banking, insurance and other financial services sectors, and the scourge of the nuisance call have damaged the reputation of sales. And yet without strong sales, none of our awards winners or top-listed companies would stand out.
Sales should be a career option. Can you imagine someone leaving university with a sales degree? Why ever not ... ?
David Murray Publisher
www.businessmag.co.uk
Portsmouth City Council is in advanced negotiation with clothing brand FatFace to build a new distribution centre at Dunsbury Hill Farm in Havant.
The distribution centre is the first stage of an ambitious development project that will create hundreds of new jobs when the council builds a major new business park on the land it owns next to Junction 3 of the A3(M).
Leader of the council Donna Jones said: "Our plans to develop this land represent a rare opportunity to boost the local economy by creating jobs and generating income.
"We are attracting more and more investment into this area and we're dedicated to supporting projects that will not only improve our infrastructure and attractions but also boost the local economy.
"As the owner of the site, I am delighted that Portsmouth City Council has been able to reach an advanced stage of negotiation with this worldwide brand."
The new distribution centre is subject to successful planning and commercial negotiations and will provide up to 120,000 sq ft of working space to support FatFace's growth plans.
Simon Ratcliffe, FatFace infrastructure director, said the development would help the business to ensure the continued employment of the talented, local distribution staff who have an integral role in FatFace’s logistics operations, and would also offer further opportunities for employment and job creation going forward.
Ratcliffe said: "The new site will support our expansion plans while allowing us to better serve our customer base. We also look forward to continuing our support for local employment."
The council is working on the Dunsbury Hill Farm scheme in partnership with Havant Borough Council, Hampshire County Council, and regional bodies Transport for South Hampshire, the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH) and the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
The access road unlocking the site is currently under construction and due for completion in Spring 2016.
Image: Artist’s impression of how the distribution centre could look
FatFace to be stage one in ambitious project
In the December 15/January 16 issue of The Business Magazine
@TheBusinessMag Business THE M A GA ZINE TM
• Skills & Development • Solent 250: Ones to watch • Corporate Finance • Environmental Focus • Focus on Bournemouth & Poole
Details: 0118-9766410
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THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – NOVEMBER 2015
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