| Follow me on: |
|
|
|
Thursday Sep 09 |
Blog
After a faltering start to the month, sales and enquiries started to pick up as the month progressed. The weather was unpredictable which mirrored the political party conferences. Who made the best speech and was rightly critical of their opponents depended on your political persuasion.
We have gone past all bank holidays for 2009 (except Christmas) and now hoping that ‘Green shoots' will materialise and enquiries will turn to orders.
A month since my last blog, centered around Girling Supplies.
Business has been eratic. Good one week and poor the next. Plus I was encouraged by the boss (wife of 31 years) to take a holiday. Two weeks off and in the middle a visit to Germany.
First of all this blog was originally written last Monday. Gremlins within the web site meant that instead of saving, the item disappeared into space. Telephone calls to those in the know to solve the minor problem.
I have had 2 contrasting weeks. One with telephone enquiries, which resulted in orders and then very little telephone or e mail interest, during the last working week. The web site continues to get hits. Now need those looking for equipment to fill in an enquiry form. Or are the hits competitors with time on their hands?
Sales have resulted for standard and bespoke equipment.
I attended 3 networking events in Warrington and Chester. The Indian restaurant in Warrington and Italian restaurant in Chester provided lovely snacks. The third at a small business unit. The food there was provided by a new catering company. Well done Office Food. Met some interesting contacts and hope to develop these into business partners.
The intention was to visit on the Saturday, but it never happened. Instead I visited this morning (Sunday). Oswestry was quiet and part of the festival had moved. Evidently some companies were only there on Saturday. It was so successful for them that they ran out of produce. Either planning for lower sales or as I believe more people want quality food and are prepared to pay a little more for it.
One of the early calls was to 'The Old Trout'. A lovely lady who sells very good pies, pates, smoked fish and trout. I also met some ladies who sell organic Welsh lamb. With their enthusiam for life and food they cannot fail. Two or was it three micro breweries. (No drinking as I had to drive home.) local bakers, meat producers, fish merchants etc. The list goes on. definately worth a visit next year. In the meantime, I will see some other food companies at farmers markets in Cheshire.
Received a telephone call from a London Borough. Needed gastronorm trays as had a demonstration the following working day. Able to supply where their regular source was unable to help.