Focus on facts and figures
This report shows sales from 2000-2003
Finance requested a report on expenditure.
We must ensure our prices are competitive.
We suggest looking at a number of alternatives.
Our recommendation is to sign the agreement.
Marketing expenditure rose this year.
Revenue last year exceeded $35K.
66 per cent of our customers are satisfied with our products.
A third of our customers are not satisfied.
Spending rose by 8 per cent last year.
Sales rose substantially.
There was a sharp rise of 40 per cent.
Sales were dropped slightly by 2 per cent.
Compared with last quarter, sales are higher.
The decline in sales is due to increased competition.
Profits rose in the last quarter.
A formal or informal report has a clear title and sub-headings. The format varies depending on the purpose of the report and individual company style, but usually has the following sections:
Title; Background/Introduction; Details/Findings; Actions/Recommendations; Conclusions.
| Japan Visit Report Background The purpose of the visit was to take part in the Tokyo Technology Exhibition and appoint new agents to help promote our products in the Far East Details 10 000 visitors attended the Tokyo Exhibition. 2 000enquiries were received and 300 orders were placed. 2 new agents were appointed. Action/Recommendations. We need to follow up customer enquiries immediately. We recommend that the new agents should visit the UK to see our production processes. Conclusions The visit was very successful, resulting immediately in new business worth over £300 000. Japan will be a key market for us for the future. Report by Janet Robbins 14th October. |
Notices
Notices are used to inform people about changes of plan or to give instructions or warnings.
Notices need a clear heading.
The name and position of the person who wrote the notice and the date must be included.
| Staff notice On Wednesday 29 July, there will be a staff and management meeting to discuss opening a New York branch of the company. We look forward to hearing your suggestions as to how to ask for volunteers for relocation. Joanna Grey Office Manager, 26 July 2013 |
Meetings
Some useful phrases.
We need to set up a meeting. We are holding a meeting at 2 p.m. There will be a staff meeting tomorrow.
Can you let me know your availability next week?
How about next week sometime? What about Tuesday at 10 a.m. in my office?
Can you confirm the meeting on the 17th in Prague? Is 1 p.m. on Wednesday convenient?
I would be very pleased to visit you next Friday.
3 p.m. would be fine with me.
I look forward to seeing you again next week.
The purpose of the meeting is to brief you on the problem.
Please let me know in advance if you are unable to attend
Can you get back to me today?
It’s in my diary.
Can we reschedule for Monday?
Can you let me have all agenda items today please?
We’ll need to circulate the agenda.
Let me know if you want to make any changes.
We’ll need to rearrange the program.
I’ve attached the minutes of the meeting. (minutes of the meeting – are summary of the points discussed and agreed at the meetings).
Is it possible to put this on the agenda for Monday’s meeting?
I’d like to run through the final arrangements.
We need to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Can you please send out amendment to everyone. (an amendment is a change).
I appreciate your comments on …(to pass something on means to give someone a message or information from someone else).
Your support is greatly appreciated.
An urgent meeting
| M E M O R A N D U M (example) To:all senior manages From:Rick Lovell, Chief Executive Date:20 December We have a serious problem with the packing of one of our products. I want to meet urgently with all senior managers at 2 p.m. this afternoon in my office. The purpose of the meeting is to brief you (to give information) on the problem, decide the action we need to take and discuss how to manage the Media. Please clear your diaries for the whole of the afternoon RL |
Module 4
Companies and products
Warm up
1. Name some famous international companies and say what business sectors they are engaged in.
2. What famous companies come from your country? What do they d or make? What is special about them?
Use the following useful phrases:
….. is the biggest drinks - manufacturing company, based on (situated in)
….is the biggest automotive producer…/a Japanese car manufacturer
…an information-technology outsourcing company
… the company designs, manufactures and installs wind turbines…
… the company’s strategy is expanding its business in India..
… makes machines and equipment …
The company begins in ….(1995) as a clothing company…
The company makes clothing…
The company employs … people.
The company was started by …
The company produced the world’s best-selling cars
This company is the most admired in the world.
It is a large car-parts company.
It is a small garden- products company
The main company activity is Internet-equipment supplier
Is an international travel services provider
…..is an electronic-goods maker
…..is an IT company
….is one of the largest mobile-phone retailers in Europe.
We have more than 800 stores in 10 countries and the company is growing fast.
Short company profiles
Short company profiles are often found in publicity material. They tell the customer what your company does. They should be short, easy to read and interesting. Make sure the customer can see why your company is the best for him/her. Use bullet points to highlight the main points.
BASLE BANKING SERVICE
Our mission
Basle Banking Service (BBS) is the main provider of solutions in the market for business-to-business financial services. We want to be the number-one partner for your business.
Our services
BBS offers a wide range of services, including sales and investment financing, fund management and insurance.