Sales Institute of Ireland says business is upbeat

A new survey commissioned by the Sales Institute of Ireland (SII) indicates that over 75% of Irish business predict a sales boost over the next six months in spite of current challenges.

The survey, conducted by accountants Hamill Spence O'Connell, also says that 30% of respondents cited increased costs as the biggest threat to their business, this figure is up from 12% last October.

It analysed sales performance in the construction, FMCG, manufacturing, retail, telecoms, transport, finance, IT, motor, pharmaceutical, service and tourism industries.

Discount market in the Irish grocery trade was found to be the second biggest threat to increased sales (17%), with the perception that Ireland was a rip-off society was third (15%).

Catherine Bodley, the Institute's CEO, said: "Sales professionals are the lifeblood of every business and industry and the reported increase in sales is testament to Irish sales professionals and an improving sales environment".