Forget What The Papers Say - Here Are 12 Reasons Why The UK Economy Will Boom Again Soon!

Here’s a heretical thought: The UK economy is storming back to prosperity. In fact, if things carry on we’ll be back to 3 per cent growth pretty soon and all indicators will be pointing in the right direction. Even today things are pretty damn good.

Absurd? Well, most voters will tell you it is – the GfK index of consumer confidence in the economy over the next 12 months is at minus 30, indicative of mass national pessimism. Nationwide’s barometer of public confidence is low and falling.

Yet the data tells a different story, one of growth, job creation and low inflation. We really could be on the brink of a spectacular revival.

So if you want to start humming Rule Britannia and telling cynics that this sceptred isle is on its way back then are here are 12 cast-iron reasons you can reel off.

1 The economy is set to grow

The Office for Budget Responsibility, which provides the independent forecasts for the government, is forecasting real terms growth of 2 per cent next year, then 2.7 per cent and 3 per cent in 2015. Even this year growth will be 0.8 per cent.

2 Exports are up

Exports grew strongly in 2011, and hit a record high in October. Exports to BRIC nations are up 150 per cent in five years. (Read the latest BRIC countries news and business advice.) Exports to the Eurozone nations grew 11.3 per cent last year despite the ongoing crisis. There is a large number of high-perfoming sectors: for example, livestock exports are up 22 per cent on 2010, with the Far East being the fastest growing market.

3 We have the Pound…

…and not the Euro.

4 Jobs market is improving

Since December 2009 private sector employment has risen by 650,000 jobs – more than offsetting the net layoffs in public sector employment of 365,000. And what are the prospects for future hirings? Actually, a string of surveys suggests the rate of hiring is improving. The Federation of Small Businesses says there is a net balance of 1.2 per cent of small firms looking to hire. Looking long term the OBR forecasts employment rising steadily from 29.1m this year to 30m in 2016.

5 Savings ratio is back on track

In order to “detoxify” the economy it is necessary to recapitalise the banks and to reduce the appalling borrowing levels of consumers. This requires an increase in the savings ratio – the percentage of household income saved by consumers. During the 2000s the ratio was 4.3 per cent, indicative of the spend-and-borrow ethos of the Blair-Brown era. By comparison, the ratio during the eighties and nineties was 8.9 per cent.

At the start of the financial crisis in 2008 the ratio was a dreadful 1.7 per cent. Since then the rate has rallied. In the last quarter of 2011 the savings ratio was 7.7 per cent, a slight fall on the previous quarter, but undeniably in the right ballpark. Vicky Redwood of Capital Economics said: “Although the household saving rate nudged down in Q4, the back-data have been revised up a fair bit. So it now looks like households’ finances are in a bit better condition than before.” The detox is well underway.

6 We are in the right sectors

Ignore much of the blather about needing to “rebalance” the UK economy. It is, in fact, highly diverse with specialisms in precisely the right areas: pharmaceuticals, defence, nanotech, financial services, oil & gas, computer chips, hi-fi, computer games and mining. Our agriculture sector is world-class, and devoid of the terrible CAP-related problems facing Poland, France or Ireland. Our motorsport industry is larger than that of France, Germany and Italy put together.

7 Services sector is recovering fast

The Purchasing Managers Index, which reflects the health of the services sector, rose from 53 in February to 55.3 in March. Any number above 50 indicates growth. Chris Williamson, chief economist at Markit which compiles the PMI, said the data suggests the UK economy grew by 0.5 per cent in the first quarter, contradicting fears we slipped back into recession.

8 Public sector borrowing is falling

The biggest challenge of this parliament is to cut the difference between tax revenue and state spending. In 2011-12 the government borrowed £137bn to cover the shortfall. By 2016-17 this will have fallen to £21bn according to the OBR, or 1.1 per cent of GDP.

9 Inflation is low, and falling

In 2011 the Consumer Price Index hit 4.5 per cent. Cue panic! But this figure was partly due to high commodity prices and the VAT rise. The CPI is forecast to fall to 2.8 per cent this year and then stay at 2 per cent for the next few years – the ideal scenario.

10 Government borrowing is absurdly cheap

When Labour left office lenders were asking 4 per cent to lend to the UK government. Now the effective rate of interest on 10-year gilts is a shade over 2 per cent. This matters. The two percentage point fall equates to a saving of £43.2bn over the next five years.

11 The size of the state is shrinking

When the state gets too big it squeezes out the private sector, causing economic stagnation. In the noughties the government grew 53 per cent in real terms – the biggest expansion by a developed economy excluding war and socialist revolution. In Northern Ireland and Wales public spending reached more than 70 per cent of GDP, and 64 per cent in the under-performing North-East. Now the bloatage is deflating. The government will decline from 48.4 per cent of GDP in 2011 to 39 per cent in 2016-17. Still some way short of Hong Kong’s 17 per cent. But a welcome start.

12 Brits love entrepreneurs

While the French are wondering whether to vote for a guy who wants a 75 per cent top rate of tax (Francois Hollande, currently bookies’ favourite) or his rival who wants a 100 per cent rate (Jean-Luc Mélenchon, admittedly an outsider), the UK has cut the top rate and offers a raft of incentives to start-ups. Our universities are hot-beds of ambition. And we have the strongest investment environment of any European nation, ranking #1 for private equity by a considerable distance. Overall, the World Bank ranks the UK as the easiest place in the world to borrow money. Together, entrepreneurs and finance are the most powerful engine economic prosperity. And on both counts Britain is up there with the very, very best.

Article by Charles Orton-Jones of London loves Business

Link to Article

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In Praise of Longevity!

Seltek Consultants congratulates Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II upon her Diamond Jubilee!
2012 of course marks the 60th anniversary of Her accession to the throne on 6th February 1952. Her coronation followed a little over a year after that on 2nd June 1953. 60 days later, The Editor followed.

So apart from any other reason (social/political interest etc), I have followed The Queen's monarchy perforce, more or less day for day. There wasn't one of my over 20,000 days when she wasn't Queen!
And, having followed the lives of - literally - tens of thousands of individuals in my work over the years, whose CVs - their life stories - have passed under my nose, I believe I am in a reasonable position to comment that The Queen has done a pretty good job! At least She's stuck with it! No 'the job had no challenge' or 'I didn't get on with my boss' for Her! No sloping off to her friendly local headhunter for the Chief Hunter of the Order of the Buffalo Hunt (as the people of Manitoba know Her): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_titles_and_honours_of_Queen_Elizabeth_II

Therefore, filled with admiration for Her Majesty. all of us here at Seltek wish Her continuing health and and the good will of all Her people for many years to come.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Seltek approaches its 27th anniversary on 29th July. That's somewhere between silver and pearl in anniversary terms! A far cry from 60 years of course, but in a world when 33% of all start-up business fail within three years, and only 51% make it beyond five, we feel we have learned something from QE II about surviving! A gracious wave to you all!

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Counteroffer Acceptance: Road to Career Ruin!

A raise won't permanently cushion thorns in the nest

By Paul Hawkinson

Mathew Henry, the 17th-century writer, said, “Many a dangerous temptation comes to us in fine gay colours that are but skin deep?’ The same can be said for counteroffers, those magnetic enticements designed to lure you back into the nest after you’ve decided it’s time to fly away.  The litany of horror stories I have come across in my years as an executive recruiter, consultant and publisher, provides a litmus test that clearly indicates counteroffers should never be accepted ..EVER!        
I define a counteroffer simply as an inducement from your current employer to get you to stay after you’ve announced your intention to take another job. We’re not talking about those instances when you receive an offer but don’t tell your boss. Nor are we discussing offers that you never intended to take, yet tell your employer about anyway as a “they-want-me-but-I’m-staying-with-you” ploy.  These are merely astute positioning tactics you may choose to use to reinforce your worth by letting your boss know you have other options. Mention of a true counteroffer, however, carries an actual threat to quit. Interviews with employers who make counteroffers, and employees who accept them, have shown that as tempting as they may be, acceptance may cause career suicide. During the past 20 years, I have seen only isolated incidents in which an accepted counteroffer has benefited the employee. Consider the problem in its proper perspective: what really goes through a boss’s mind when someone quits? 

• This couldn’t be happening at a worse time. 
• This is one of my best people. If I let him quit now, it’ll wreak havoc on the morale of the department. 
• I’ve already got one opening in my department. I don’t need another right now. 
• This will probably screw up the entire vacation schedule.
• I’m working as hard as I can, and I don’t need to do his work, too.
• If I lose another good employee, the company might decide to ‘lose’ me too.
• My review is coming up and this will make me look bad.
• Maybe I can keep him on until I can find a suitable replacement.

What will the boss say to keep you in the nest? Some of these comments are common.

• I’m really shocked. I thought you were as happy with us as we are with you. Let’s discuss it before you make your final decision.
• I’ve been meaning to tell you about the great plans we have for you, but it’s been confidential until now!
• The MD has you in mind for some exciting and expanding responsibilities.
• Your raise was scheduled to go into effect next quarter, but we’ll make it effective immediately.
• You’re going to work for whom?

  Let’s face it. When someone quits, it’s a direct reflection on the boss. Unless you’re really incompetent or a destructive thorn in his side, the boss might look bad by “allowing” you to go. His gut reaction is to do what has to be done to keep you from leaving until he’s ready. That’s human nature.
Unfortunately, it’s also human nature to want to stay unless your work life is abject misery.  Career changes, like all ventures into the unknown, are tough. That’s why bosses know they can usually keep you around by pressing the right buttons.  Before you succumb to a tempting counteroffer, consider these universal truths: Any situation in which an employee is forced to get an outside offer be­fore the present employer will suggest a raise, promotion or better working conditions, is suspect. No matter what the company says when making your counteroffer, you will always be considered a fidelity risk. Having once demonstrated your lack of loyalty (for whatever reason), you will lose your status as a “team player” and your place in the inner circle. Counteroffers are usually nothing  more than stall devices to give your employer time to replace you.  Your reasons for wanting to leave still exist. Conditions are just made a bit more tolerable in the short term because of the raise, promotion or promises made to keep you. Counteroffers are only made in response to a threat to quit. Will you have to solicit an offer and threaten to quit every time you deserve better working conditions? Decent and well managed companies don’t make counteroffers...EVER! Their policies are fair and equitable. They will not be subjected to “counteroffer coercion” or what they perceive as blackmail. If the urge to accept a counteroffer hits you, keep on cleaning out your desk as you count your blessings.

Paul Hawkinson has been involved in assisting the careers of people at all levels for more than 20 years.
A well known author, publisher, and former Executive Consultant, he is widely regarded as one of the United States’ leading experts in careers.

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Why Worry?

There are only two things to worry about:
Either you are well or you are sick.
If you are well, there's nothing to worry about.

But if you are sick,
There are only two things to worry about:
Either you get well, or you die.
If you get well, there's nothing to worry about.

But if you die, there are only two things to worry about:
Either you will go to Heaven or Hell.
If you go to Heaven, there's nothing to worry about.
But if you go to Hell,

You'll be so busy shaking hands with friends
You won't have time to worry.

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Hot Jobs

Elementary for Bubba Watson as he ushers in a bright new era

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2012/apr/09/bubba-watson-masters-us-pga-tour

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/apr/09/masters-2012-bubba-watson-first-major

Congratulations to Bubba Watson upon an astonishing'maiden major' victory at The Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National on Easter Day.

Essentially a maverick, Bubba claims never to have had a golf lesson in his life, but some of his shot-making is sublime, reminding The Editor of his late great hero, Severiano Ballasteros! Bubba's shot from the trees onto the green on the second (and last) play-off hole was a wonder to behold and will surely reside in the annals of golf's greatest moments.

As fascinating as the positions that Bubba frequently finds himself in on the links, are the Hottest of Hot positions available at Seltek Consultants:

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• Summary: A very exciting opportunity has been created within one of the world's leading life science companies due to the recent acquisition of a technology and the need to launch this now to the European market place. The company has created a new division and is keen to recruit a Product Specialist in Europe to take a leading role in the commercialisation of this innovative technology. The role sits within the marketing group and will involve engaging with key opinion leaders in the UK and Europe to develop interest and excitement for this new technology platform. You will support regional account managers and liaise with marketing and product development groups to ensure a clear understanding of market perception and reaction to the needs of the market is achieved. You will be expected to develop early adopter sales and support fully the developing sales activity from a commercial perspective.
  
  
  
• Why you should apply for this job: This is a rare opportunity to step into a globally recognised company in a high profile position that will almost certainly lead to strong career development opportunities. Contact Scott Peacock in confidence on 01279 657716 or email scott@seltekconsultants.co.uk
  

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£43,000 basic basic salary

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£47,000 p.a. car, pension, laptop, phone, 25 days holiday

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• Summary: This ambitious SME is looking for a sales distribution manager to take control of the distributors throughout the UK. The products range from scientific systems to customised instruments. The products focus on heating and cooling technologies. You will be responsible for increasing the sales throughout the UK, firstly by managing, training and supporting the distributors, and secondly, by a small amount of direct sales. For more information, please contact Kristina Southcott on kristina@seltekconsultants.co.uk or telephone 01279 657716
  
  
  

• Why you should apply for this job? The company prides itself on their product quality and first class customer service and is well respected in the industry. The company is expanding - they have doubled in turnover over the least three years. They have a number of exciting growth plans for the next few years and foresee there being international opportunities available for the successful candidate in the future.
  
  
  

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£38,000 basic salary

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£48,000 p.a., car, bonus, pension, healthcare

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• Summary: A great opportunity has become available within a globally recognised life science company as a Key Account Manager to focus specifically on Cambridge University and the Sanger Centre. As the Key Account Manager you will be responsible for all commercial sales activity within these two accounts, and you will utilise other resources and sales specialists to support your activities and co-ordinate these to ensure you maximise every opportunity to grow the business.
  
  
  
• Why you should apply for this job: This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to join a world leading company! Contact Scott Peacock in confidence on 01279 657716 or email scott@seltekconsultants.co.uk
  
  

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• Summary: A leading diagnostics company is looking to recruit a diagnostics sales specialist to promote their point of care diagnostic products into into primary and secondary care throughout East Anglia You will build and maintain customer relationships which will maximise sales of the point of care products within the territory.The territory is very well maintained, so a large amount of your time will be focused on growing existing business.
  
  
  
• Why you should apply for this job: The company will offer you a excellent training and support and excellent career prospects! (Plus a competitive salary and excellent bonus scheme) For more information, please contact Kristina Southcott on kristina@seltekconsultants.co.uk or telephone 01279 657716

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• Summary: Do you have a track record of success in sales? Do you lack opportunities to progress beyond your current role? If so, this could be the role for you! This established company has professional training and routes for you to progress your sales career. The team is part of a much larger company offering future opportunities. This company has a global presence as a market leading supplier of liquid handling consumables and instruments. It is a highly regarded brand in the market place. This role is to cover the Scotland territory selling their molecular biology range, which includes novel technologies.
  
  

• Why you should apply for this job: This is a fast paced sales role but with realistic and achievable targets. If you have some sales experience, a life science degree and are ambitious and determined to succeed in a competitive marketplace then please apply For more information, please email Dr Caroline Searby at caroline@seltekconsultants.co.uk or call 01279 657716

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• Summary : We have a great opportunity for someone with a technical or scientific knowledge of food. Our client, part of a major European food manufacturing company is looking to expand their business in the UK by introducing their yeast and yeast extract product range to the food ingredients industry.The company is looking for an immediate starter, so what are you waiting for?This role focuses upon the development of new business partnerships. Based in London, this role will require travel across the UK. In return for your scientific understanding of food you will be offered a generous salary, company car, mobile phone and laptop and the chance to grow a strong network with some high profile clients in the food and beverage industry.
  

• Why you should apply for this job: The position comes with a car, a very attractive employment package and a great opportunity to develop your career within the UK food ingredients market. Offering a generous starting salary without the pressure of sales targets, this role is perfect for someone looking for their next step in the food ingredients sector in the UK. Contact Tom Dolton now for a free confidential discussion on 01279 657 716 or email tom@seltekconsultants.co.uk

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• Summary: If you have experience within a lifescience or biotechnology product facility we have a great opportunity with a fast growing and ambitious company. Our client is in the process of setting up an entirely new high tech production facility and is looking for someone to supervise and manage the process. This role will be given significant responsibility with the purchasing of equipment and raw materials alongside the recruitment and management of production staff. Experience within a production facility is required and those with a good understanding of science will be at an advantage. Candidates with experience working within Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) or Quality Assurance (QA) parameters would be of high interest.
  

• Why you should apply for this job: Based in Nottinghamshire this role is perfect for someone looking to join an exciting and vigorous company with good prospects for the future.In return for your experience this role offers a competitive employment package, high level responsibilities and the ability to be heavily involved with decision making in the production facility. Contact Tom Dolton now for a free confidential discussion on 01279 657 716 or email tom@seltekconsultants.co.uk

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• Summary: A well respected life science reagents company based in the London area is looking for a Marketing Executive to join their friendly team. This company is stable and offers an enjoyable and supportive working environment.
• Main responsibilities are:
• 1. Assisting in the delivery of marketing support services, in line with company expectations, business plans and deadlines. In the absence of the M.D., ensuring that marketing tasks are executed. Liaison & close co-operation with Marketing Assistant to achieve these objectives.
• 2. Providing guidance and support to customer communications campaigns; writing or suggesting content for all PR mailers (general or specific).
• 3. Briefing, directing and monitoring external agencies or resources used for PR/customer contact campaigns.
• 4. Monitoring and reporting on marketing communications targets in terms of cost and effectiveness.
• 5. Monitor resellers, contacting them where necessary.
• 6. Analysing the effectiveness of marketing communications activities. Providing feedback to M.D. and colleagues regarding the success/outcomes of campaigns.
• 7. Managing promotional material and branding.
• 8. Managing the evaluation and costing of PR materials and business gifts, in agreement with budgets and guidelines set by M.D.
• 9. Attending EU exhibitions, seminars, conferences and other official meetings as required by the M.D.
• 10. Responding to feedback from technical department, especially in respect of results from test sample evaluations: generating customer awareness campaigns.
• 11. Co-ordinating campaigns and literature between EC, France, Germany, Austria and Nordic territories.
  
  
  
  
• Why you should apply for this job: It's a heaven-sent opportunity to get your foot on that oh-so-illusive next rung of the corporate marketing ladder! Please call Jonathan Pearse on 01279 657716 or email jon@seltekconsultants.co.uk
  

Hot Candidates

Sorry to be a golf nut dear readers....

But I do find the thrills and spills of world golf quite inspirational!
Despite coming second to the above mentioned Bubba Watson, current Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen created a sensation at the par five second hole in the final round of The Masters by scoring an Albatross (Double Eagle in the USA) - three under par. This was only the fourth such feat in the 75 years the tournament has been played. Holes-in-one (aces) are unusual events - actuaries have calculated the chance of an average golfer making a hole in one at approximately 12,500 to 1, and the odds of a tour professional at 2,500 to 1. And yet there were two holes-in-one on the final day of this year's Masters alone, so you can see how rare Louis' incredible shot was.

Link to article

Between 1983 to 2003, there were 631 aces on the PGA Tour but just 56 albatrosses - and never more than six in one year. http://golf.about.com/od/faqs/f/albatross_odds.htm

Anyway, just as Bubba and Louis are two of the most outstanding players in World golf, so too are Seltek's incredibly outstanding Hot Candidates:

Scientific Sales & Marketing Division

* Marketing Manager (Medical) * Live Anywhere in Europe! * €58K * Ref: 117856

* Business Development Consultant * Paris, France * €50K * Ref: 117376

* International Sales Manager * Live anywhere! * £50K * Ref: 116562

* Sales Manager (Imaging Instruments) * Northern Home Counties * £50K * Ref: 117946

* Applications Specialist (Molecular Biology) * Scotland * £45/60K * Ref: 117895

* Account Manager (Chemicals) * Live Anywhere! * £43/50K * Ref: 117857

* Sales Representative (Laboratory Consumables) * London * £42/52K * Ref: 117821

* International Sales Manager (Chemistry) * Live Anywhere! * £42K * Ref: 78901

* Applications Engineer (Physics/Nanoscience PhD) * South East * £36K * Ref: 117973

* HPLC Service (Team Leader) * Northern Home Counties * £35K * Ref: 118028

* Service Engineer (Instruments) * Live Anywhere! * £28K * Ref: 97155

* Technical Support (PhD Endocrinology) * Midlands * £26K * Ref: 99901