Positive First Signs For 2010?

We had two sets of customers place their orders with us today. Normally this wouldn't be such a big deal but what surprised us is that both of them said that they weren't at all bothered about paying the higher VAT rate which comes into force from 1st January. Bear in mind also that these customers had originally been quoted in June, they both had plenty of time to place their order with the 15% VAT applied.

I think what this shows us is that when the VAT rate officially goes back up to 17.5%, just like when the VAT rate was lowered last year, it's not going to make the slightest bit of difference. This can allay any fears that a rise in VAT would cause damage to consumer confidence.

What is also good to see is that we are still doing decent levels of business despite the time of year. This months figures so far have shot way past last December’s which is great to see. It is important to sell a good handful of jobs in December to give the installation teams healthy levels of work to come back. There is no worse way to start the New Year than a spluttering one, scrapping to find the odd window here and door there to fit.