An industry figure has claimed that jewellery firms looking to improve their turnover during the recession should invest in sales training.

Writing for JCKOnline.com, I'm a Salesman! Not a PhD author Brad Huisken explained how sales training can help employees make the most of any customers that come into the store.

Mr Huisken wrote: "Get the sales manager trained to help the staff be more effective and all the pieces will fall into place. Great sales staff are developed - they just don't happen."

He added that managers should be prepared to provide sales training to staff dealing with customers and set up "non-negotiable standards" for securing transactions.

Making sure the customer either buys a product, gives their details or is handed over to another salesman should be necessary, the expert believes.

The Forum of Private Businesses recently reported that small companies are becoming increasingly optimistic about the future of the economy, although some believe that sales training will need to be implemented to deal with the upturn.