Sales Skill Shortages Hits UK
Business
Despite sales performance being critical in
the current economic climate, one in five companies in London and
the South of England and one in four companies in the North of
England, Midlands and East Anglia are experiencing a sales skills
shortage according to a new report.
The research, by sales recruitment and
training specialist Pareto Law and its parent company Randstad,
found that 21% of London and South of England companies and 24%
North of England, Midlands and East Anglian companies reported a
lack of sales expertise in areas such as telephone selling,
negotiation, presentation and account management skills.
Jonathan Fitchew, joint managing director of
Pareto Law, says: “Developing and training a strong sales team is
critical to business success – now more than ever. Companies
need to invest in ensuring their sales people have the skills to
quickly impact on business performance. In a difficult market
it’s all about having the knowledge to think creatively, looking at
new markets, opportunities and strategies that will help the
business not only survive, but come out of the recession in a
stronger position for the future.
“The number of companies reporting a lack
of sales skills is very high, and the impact of this shouldn’t be
overlooked. Training is invaluable for many businesses, and
can transform low achievers into top performers, but the employer
needs to invest in the development of these skills now to help with
long term success.”