Thursday, March 7th, 2002
The February Survey looks at the impact of Insurance cost increases, availability of spare capacity, and whether grants and subsidies influence investment plans. Aspects of the Internet, Broadband and ICT were also surveyed, plus our core trends questions.
Results are summarised here but for the complete analysis please visit
and
Listed below are extracts from feedback received in Survey BB45 February 2002.
Comments are listed under sector headings.
Views expressed are those of individual panellists and may not represent those of the University.
Retail As yet the costs for insurances for the current year have not been given and until that time we do not know what the increases are if any, and how they will effect the business. Certainly we would be living in a make believe world if we thought they were going to be reduced. Want broadband at work-- currently unavailable and unlikely to be available in our village in the near future. Currently using isdn, broadband is so much faster we have it at have at home.
Business Services Interest rates look as though they are going to rise but by how much and when remains a mystery, this will much more impact on business added to which the question of joining the Euro remains uncertain again fuelling uncertainty which is not good for business planning. The sumggling of illegal cigarettes and tobacco products still greatly affects our market demand .
Re Q7 (Where are you most likely to obtain advice on new developments in ICT?)
We have our own information systems department with responsibility for scanning long and short term technical developments in ICT. They use a wide variety of sources but rarely Government.
Production & Manufacturing The rubber industry is suffering at the moment, due to lack of demand. Fortunately, we have a broad customer base and can spread the problems.
Construction
We are surprised that Sept 11th is suddenly having a marked effect either in fact or as an excuse for delay in projects.
Wholesale Re Q1 - Insurance - (To what extent have recent increases in Insurance Premia affected the amount of cover you choose? )
Our insurance costs have gone up by 20% - we cannot have less cover so we just have to put up with the rise !
Other
Cost of professional indemnity has increased significantly as a result of safety issues in the railway industry. Has resulted in increased prices to customers.
I particularly liked Q6. (Broadband availability for connection to the Internet is growing. From your perception, how easy is it to get advice on the benefits and practicalities of broadband? )
What a minefield this is .. alongside telephones and telephone systems ..pricing and the difficulty of establishing what is a good deal.
rick.eagles@nottingham.ac.uk / Tel: 0115 84 66860.
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