Forklift News - Briefs

Brambles reports increase in sales

Global pallet supplier Brambles has reported a 13% increase in group sales for the 10 months from 1 July 2007 to 2 May 2008, reflecting continued sales growth across all regions of the group.

Since releasing its 2008 half year results on 21 February 2008, Brambles has bought back 29.2 million shares for a total consideration of A$279.9 million.
The group will report its usual trading update on 24 June 2008.

Demand for executives is at the lowest level since 2006

Demand for executives, except for accountants, has fallen to its lowest level since 2006 as the economy slows, according to a monthly index compiled by EL Consult.

There was a 6% fall in executive positions advertised nationwide, with a 2% increase in finance positions, a 5% fall in engineering positions and a 4% decrease in general management positions.

Demand for executives in the information technology sector was unchanged and there was a 26% drop in marketing and sales management positions.

Small business conditions moderate

The ACCI Small Business Survey shows that conditions moderated over the March 2008 quarter for small business, while labour costs continued to rise. At the same time, there was a moderation in the overall growth of employment. Growth of investment in plant and equipment slowed from previous high rates, while the growth rate for investment in buildings and structures was negative.

The survey has also found that:
• Business expects a further moderation in Australian economic growth over the next 12 months relative to the current annual growth rate;
• The growth of sales revenue was lower over the quarter. Expectations also moderated from previous figures;
• The growth of wage and non-wage labour costs continued to be high;
• Price growth moderated over the quarter from the previous all time high level;
• Profit growth declined further below the key 50.0 level and expectations for the March quarter were also negative, indicating small business was not confident of a quick turnaround.

The survey assessed business conditions and business confidence amongst 2,008 businesses around Australia over the January, February and March period.

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