25
Strong sales figures expected in 2015
According to a recently released Dun & Bradstreet survey, businesses are expecting sales and profit numbers to increase in 2015.
A recently released survey predicts strong business sales and profits in 2015.
With just over a month until the end of the calendar year, there will be many sales and marketing executives who will be looking forward to watching 2014 come to an end.
There is no doubt that this year hasn't been the strongest year for sales, with low consumer confidence, offshore incidents and market conditions working against the fortunes of many businesses.
However, there is some hope on the horizon, with a recently released Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) survey suggesting business confidence is set to soar in 2015.
In its Business Expectations Survey, the credit financial firm revealed that 53.2 per cent of firms are expecting sales to increase in Q1 2015, with just 7.5 per cent predicting a decline. According to the survey, this result lifts D&B's sales expectations index to 45.8 points - its highest level since Q2 2000.
In addition, 71 per cent of businesses are more confident about growth in the coming 12 months compared to last year's survey - highlighting how the landscape has changed over 2014.
Gareth Jones, CEO of D&B Australia and New Zealand, explained that 2015 could be a year for real growth.
"After a 2013 during which businesses were motivated by risk minimisation, this year has been one of slowly building optimism, while these latest figures suggest that 2015 will see more businesses capable of growth," he said.
"Although still below trend, D&B is forecasting a lift in Australia's GDP growth from 2.2 per cent to 2.5 per cent in 2015, while a more accommodating currency level and a stronger United States economy will support business optimism."
Mr Jones did note one area of concern that could hamper progress.
"Consumer confidence, however, appears to be the missing piece in the recovery puzzle and one with the potential to derail the business sector's capacity to grow and drive a new phase in the economy's development," he summarised.
With profits and sales increases predicted in 2015, now will be the time for businesses to ensure that they have the right marketing personnel to meet this growth.
Ethos Corporation is an Australian owned Executive Recruitment Consultancy specialising in the $120k - $400k candidate market.
By Adam Forster