Press Release

 

 

 

Embargoeduntil 00:01 hrs

Monday22 December 2003

 

 

 

Spiritof Christmas alive and well in corporate Britain

 

Remembering thereligious significance of Christmas, many businesses make substantial charitabledonations to mark the festive season, a new survey out today shows. TheInstitute of Directors (IoD), which carried out the snap survey of UKemployers, said 22% of bosses would be giving money to charity this Christmas.The survey found the average donation will be 1390.

 

Additionally, 54% ofbusiness leaders said that when sending Christmas cards to clients, contactsand business friends, they would use charity cards.

 

Richard Wilson,Business Policy Executive at the IoD, said:

 

The Christmas seasonis a time for businesses to confront challenges, think of others and showappreciation where it is due. Our survey shows that the vast majority ofdirectors celebrate Christmas in one way or another, with many wanting to helpothers through charitable donations."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Some of thechallenges that face business become more acute over the Christmas period. Forexample, 48% of businesses reported that their customers were less likely topay any bills that were owed to them on time over the Christmas period.

 

Stephen Lewis of theBetter Payment Practice Group, said:

 

"It is easy forbusinesses to let their usual credit management practices slip as the festiveseason gets under way, so it's important that they take action now to preventbeing the victims of late payment. A little forward planning by businesses cango a long way to ensure that, as far as cash flow is concerned, they start theNew Year on the right foot."

 

The survey also showedthat 77% of businesses hold a party, reception or meal for their staff orbusiness clients. While 86% of directors said that they would let their staffleave work early on Christmas Eve.

 

Richard Wilson, said:

 

The Christmas periodis an important time for many businesses, particularly those in the retail trade,the tourist and hospitality sector and the organisations that supply them. Thisis because there is usually a surge in demand for the products and services inthese sectors. Our survey shows that on average 15% of a businesss sales takeplace over the Christmas period (December 1st January 1st)."

 

ends 19.12.03No. 220

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Contact Points:

Richard Taylor, PressOfficer, tel. 020 7451 3264

Mobile and out of hours. 07721 734886

David Marshall, Directorof Public Affairs, tel: 020 7451 3263

mobile and outof hours: 07764 883420

Email. press@iod.com

Web. www.iod.com

 

 

 

 

Notesto editors

 

1.     The Institute ofDirectors is a non-party political independent organisation with around 55,000members. In addition to its wide range of business services, the IoD providesan effective voice to represent the interests of its members to government andkey opinion-formers. It also brings the experience of business leaders to bearon the conduct of public affairs.

 

2.     The Better paymentPractice Group has issued guidelines to help businesses keep the cash flowingover the Christmas period. See www.payontime.co.uk