Northern Ireland firms forecast large sales increases

Firms in Northern Ireland have forecast sales growth of up to 8.1% during the coming year, outstripping the 3.5% national average, according to the latest Marketing Trends Survey (MTS) from The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).

An overwhelming 98% of marketers in Northern Ireland regard their current sales plans as realistic, while prices are expected to rise by 2.8% during the coming year – compared to an average of 0.8% nationally.

Firms are also planning to increase their sales resource by 2.7%, largely in line with the 2.9% national average.

Commenting on the figures, Michael Maguire, CIM Regional Director for Northern Ireland, said: "All firms questioned in Northern Ireland are intent on improving their UK market share over the coming year, and a big majority also intend to concentrate on achieving higher margins.

"The fact that every firm questioned in Northern Ireland intends to maintain the current size of their marketing function this year shows that they recognise the importance of a strong marketing team in achieving ambitious growth targets."

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