Amanda&Wai&Edwina

Subject: Progress report on future layoffs

Introduction

The purpose of this report is to review and suggest ways to arrange layoffs in the future. Management prefer no compulsory layoffs. For staff leaving voluntarily, attractive packages including pension protection, cash payments and retraining will be offered. I have divided the reports into 3 sections: background, findings and recommendations.

Background

Since the company faces strong competition and customers prefer telephone and on-line services nowadays, concentrating operations at a few Operation Centres ( O.C.s) is considered necessary.

Findings

The following matters are not compromised between management and Union

• Union requests to maintain a register of former staff who can be contacted first to fill temporary post. However, it is not accepted by management.
• For the size of retraining budget, Union suggests $6000 per employee but only $4000 is offered by management.

Moreover, 350 branches are needed to be closed over the next five years, and it leads to 10,000 layoffs.

Recommendations

In conclusion, I suggest that the company should consider the following recommendations to improve the arrangement of future layoffs.

1. Staff morale should be improved in long term when the new O.C.s start working.
2. Implement regulation to control over retraining, i.e. leavers are not allowed to go anywhere on any course.
3. Some of the retraining could be done in-company at cheaper cost.

Investigation will be performed and report will be prepared next meeting. Please have a look at the report and let me have your comments.

Report: Finosa shares ¡V a good time to buy?

Introduction
Finosa has a new drug to treat narrowed arteries, called Vipax. At a recent presentation, Mr. Gerard Haberer said that Vipax is very important product and expected to find a very big market for this product.

Findings
1. The Bergamot cosmetics group owned 53% of Finosa¡¦s shares. Four weeks ago Bergamot announced that they want to sell some of these shares. As a result, Fionsa¡¦s share price has climbed from 70 euros to 84 euros.
2. The pharmaceuticals industry has been going through a period of consolidation, with a lot of mergers and acquisitions.
3. Mr. Phillipe Cottet, a pharmaceuticals analyst in Paris, wrote Finosa are making very optimistic sales forecasts, because the price of Finosa shares already includes the profit potential of their new products.
4. Finosa is the world¡¦s 12th largest pharmaceuticals company in terms of sales.
5. The medical journal ¡¥The Doctor¡¦ said ¡¥The benefits of using Vipax are exaggerated. The high cost Vipax in comparison with existing treatments such as aspirin will restrict its sales.¡¦

Analysis
The Paris stock exchange is full of rumours that another French drugs group, Labsynth, is interested in forming some sort of merger with Finosa. But, Labsynth have denied these rumours.

Recommendations and Conclusion
Consequently, I highly recommend stock shareholders invest in Finosa Pharmaceuticals Company, as they got a good reputation and invest a new drug, Vipax, a very important product.

Arrangements for Sales Conference

Compare your answers to this one. Also do the exercise by completing the gaps using linking words.

Amanda,Wai & Edwina

Subject: Arrangements for Sales Conference

Introduction
The purpose of this report is to review and suggest ways to arrange a Sales Conference. I have divided the reports into 3 sections: background, findings and recommendations,

Background
The Sales Conference consists of 2 parts: Motivation and Communication. The speakers of both sections are confirmed. We have invited Sandra Brett and John Lam as our guest speakers. As the number of participants is around 165, the capacity of the conference hall should be above 200.

Findings
There are a few problems found last year:
Although we received good feedback from the participants about Belmont Hotel, it is far from conference center and room price goes up.
The amplification problem was found in the conference center last year.
Food quality is not up to standard and the instruction on the lunch location was not clear enough.

Recommendations
In conclusion, the sales conference of this year should be improved by the following recommendations:
Request a quotation from other hotels such as York hotel in order to compare the prices.
Have a rehearsal one day before the program and prepare a spare set of amplifier
Request 2 quotations: one for coffee and snacks and one for lunch.
Set up a café in conference center

Please have a look at the report and let me know if late bookings are necessary.

Billy & Rita

Subject: Arrangements for Sales Conference Report

As requested at the Board meeting of October 13, here is my report. The full report is attached as a Word document, but I have written a brief summary below.

Introduction
The purpose of the report is to suggest the ideas of arrangement for sales conference. It is based on the number of participant, this year we will have total 165 participants.

Accommodation
A good feedback from our members, Belmont Hotel has a good environment and atmosphere for the conference. However, price has gone up and it is far from conference centre. Alternatively, maybe you can get quote from York Hotel.

Conference Centre
For this year we need a conference centre with 200 capacities. Otherwise, there will an amplification problem same as last year, if the booking late. As a result, we need to confirm the place conference centre one month before the conference.

Speakers
Sandra Brett, honourable speaker, confirmed to join our conference; talk on ‘Motivation’. Nevertheless, we still wait for another guest speaker’s confirmation.

Food and Drink
Feedback of the luncheon and refreshment last year were not good. Confusion about the location was.

Firstly, the location of the luncheon and refreshment need to be printed on the conference confirmation, with a map provided. Secondly, refreshment will be provided during conference.

For late bookings please do not hesitate to call me at 12345678.

Billy & Rita

Kalai, patricia & Crystal

Subject: Arrangements for Sales Conference

Accommodation:
In fact, we had accommodation at the Belmont Hotel last year. The feedback was good. However, the hotel was far from conference centre and price for this year has gone up. So, we are considering getting quote from York Hotel.

Conference centre:
Firstly, we need a conference centre with capacity of 200 participants
Secondly, we should book bigger hall if there is a lot of late booking. Obviously, we need to avoid the amplification problem happened last year.

Speakers:
In relation to speakers, both outside ones are confirmed. In particular, Sandra Brett will talk on ‘Motivation’.

Food and Drink:
On another point, participants complained about the food quality and were confused about where lunch was. As a result, we should have two quotes:
1: One for coffee and snacks;
2: One for lunch.
Alternatively, we may use café in conference centre.

If there are late bookings please tell me.

Arrangements for Sales Conference by Andy & Yung ^^

Subject: Arrangements for Sales Conference

In relation to the above subject we would like to arrange for the following matters:

1. Accommodations: firstly the conference at Belmont Hotel last year. In general, the feedback was good except that the place was far from conference centre and price has gone up this year. Now we are thinking about asking for quote from York Hotel;
2. Conference centre: secondly, capacity of the hall would allow 200 people. In fact, we must confirm the size of the hall with York Hotel. As a result of the amplification problem last year we must ensure that this will not happen again;
3. Speakers: on another point, our speaker Sandra Brett will talk on “Motivation” once both outside confirmed;
4. Food and drink: quality of food and drink were a problem last year. That is to say, we must negotiate with the hotel for a better supplier especially with the place for lunch; and in addition, for solution of 2 quotes, we suggest that either one for coffee and snacks or one for lunch, alternatively, use café in conference centre;

At the moment we are still accept late bookings but please tell me as soon as you can.

Arrangements for Sales Conference - Algie & Etta

Subject: Arrangements for Sales Conference
As requested at the board meeting of 23 October, here is my report.

1. Accommodation
Last year the accommodation of the sales conference were provided in the Belmont Hotel, which gained a good feedback. However, it is far away from the conference centre and the price has gone up this year. I purpose that we can get quotation from the York Hotel.

2. Conference Centre
The capacity of the hall is 200. If there is any late booking of the participants, we will need to have a bigger hall. In fact the problem should be treated seriously. In addition, we faced the amplification problem last year, I suggest that we should check the speakers before the conference starts.

3. Speaker
Both outsides speakers are confirmed to attend the conference. Sandra Brett will talk on the “Motivation”.


4. Food and Beverage
Last year we faced mainly two problems. The first was the food quality while the second the confusion about where the lunch was. I suggest that we need to have at least two quotations. One for coffee and snacks and the other is for lunch. I recommend that we should also quote the café in the conference centre.

If there are any late bookings, please tell me as soon as possible. Thank you.

Garden Renovation

Look at the suggestions:

Dear Mr Adam

Thank you for considering Willow & Beech Limited’ s service.

I submit the service package proposal with regard the captioned for your
consideration as follows: (too formal and old fashioned)

1. Date: November 1 to December 30, 2006 (10 weeks)

2. Completion of Work: December 30, 2006

3. Details of Works:

I. 50 three- and four-year-old deciduous trees for wood $5,000-

II. Large pond preparation $5,000-

III. Shrubs, bushes $1,000-

IV. Garden shed (for tools, etc) $3,000-

V. Labor costs: twenty man weeks (two men for 10 weeks) $20,000-

4. Total Expenses: $34,000-

5. A 10% reduction if these terms are accepted:

I. 25% on signature of contract

II. 25% half way through completion

III. 50% on completion of work

6. Payment terms: 50% payment should be paid on or before November 30, 2006 50% payment should be paid after 10 days of completion of work

Mr. Adam, I hope the above arrangements will meet the requirements of your construction. If you find this service package proposal in order, please sign and return the confirmation form to us.

For more details please do not hesitate to call me at 1234-5678.
Thank you for your kind attention.

Yours sincerely, Rita Cheng

Dear Mr Adam

Thank you for considering Willow & Beech Limited’ s service. I submit the service package proposal with regard the captioned for your consideration as follows:

1. Date: November 1 to December 30, 2006 (10 weeks)
2. Completion of Work: December 30, 2006
3. Details of Works:
I. 50 three- and four-year-old deciduous trees for wood $5,000-
II. Large pond preparation $5,000-
III. Shrubs, bushes $1,000-
IV. Garden shed (for tools, etc) $3,000-
V. Labor costs: twenty man weeks (two men for 10 weeks) $20,000-
4. Total Expenses: $34,000-
5. A 10% reduction if these terms are accepted:
I. 25% on signature of contract
II. 25% half way through completion
III. 50% on completion of work
6. Payment terms: 50% payment should be paid on or before November 30, 2006
50% payment should be paid after 10 days of completion of work

Mr. Adam, I hope the above arrangements will meet the requirements of your construction. If you find this service package proposal in order, please sign and return the confirmation form to us. For more details please do not hesitate to call me at 1234-5678.

Thank you for your kind attention.

Yours sincerely,
Rita Cheng

Garden Renovation

See the suggestions below:

Dear group 1,

I are writing to confirm the project of garden renovation (word order).Please refer to information as below :

1) The garden have to ____ attractive wildlife and there is lots of deciduous trees which _____ planted at least 3 years old on the clearance site.

2) A flower beds are needed and A large greenhouse are also needed. (subject verb agremment)

3) A car parking area will be positioned in front of the house.

4) Project of the garden should be completed in 6 weeks. The total cost of the
renovation is $51,000. 25 % will be paid by cash cheque before signature of
contract. Balance will be paid on competion of whole work after 14 days

If you have any questions please feel free to contact at 1234 5678

Thanks & Best Regards,

Kalai

Dear group 1,

I are writing to confirm the project of garden renovation.Please refer to information as below :

1) The garden have to attractive wildlife and there is lots of deciduous trees which planted at leaset 3 years old on the clearance site.

2) A flower beds are needed and A large greenhouse are also needed.

3) A car parking area will be posit in front of the house.

4) Project of the garden should be completed in 6 weeks. About the total cost of the renovation is $51,000. 25 % will be paid by cash cheque before signature of contract. Balance will be paid on competion of whole work after 14 days

If you have any queris please feel free to contact at 1234 5678
Thanks & Best Regards,
Kalai

Garden Renovation

Look at the suggested changes / errors.

Dear Sir / Madam

We are writing to confirm the details of the garden renovation project. Please refer to the below information: (word order)

1/ Garden should be attractive to wildlife, with lots of deciduous trees that (verb)____ at least 3 years old when planted.

2/ A variety of flower beds and a large greenhouse are needed.

3/ A pond should be in one corner of the gardens and car parking
space should be in front of the house.

4/ The whole project should be completed in 6 weeks. Total cost of the renovation is $50,000. 50 % will be paid by cheque before the renovation (verb) ____ started. Balance will be credited to your company account after the whole renovation (verb) ____ completed.

Should you have any queries, please contact me at 1234 5678.

Yours faithfully

Mary Chan

Dear Sir / Madam

We are writing to confirm the details of the garden renovation project. Please refer to the below information:

1/ Garden should be attractive to wildlife, with lots of deciduous trees that at least 3 years old when planted.

2/ A variety of flower beds and a large greenhouse are needed.

3/ A pond should be in one corner of the gardens and car parking space should be in front of the house.

4/ The whole project should be completed in 6 weeks. Total cost of the renovation is $50,000. 50 % will be paid by cheque before the renovation started. Balance will be credited to your company account after the whole renovation completed.

Should you have any queries, please contact me at 1234 5678.

Yours faithfully

Mary Chan

ABC company, Paul & LeGrand

ABC, one of the biggest suppliers of leather soled shoes, has been operating in China, our biggest market, for 15 years.
Abacon, our main competitor, lost 3% of market share. Since the sports shoe market is a growing area of sales, it has been diversifying its product range to gain in the sports shoe market.
In order to secure a competitive market share, we also need to gain a foothold in this market. Therefore, new products including durable shoe, waterproof shoe and sports shoe are now explored.
We found that the increase of 5% in sales in February was because of our new marketing campaign in January 2004. Therefore, we have spent a lot on R&D over the last year and a half to promote new products being launched next January.

*************************************

Dear Paul

We are writing to place an order of 6 suits according to your standard fabrics and colours. Would you please arrange to deliver 2 suits to each warehouse in Paris, Lyon and Marseille within 3 days? Total 510 pounds will be paid 60 days after delivery.

Please be reminded that both of our names should be labelled in the suits. Moreover, we will return the unsold suits within six months of the order date in good condition, and please arrange refunds by bank transfer within 30 days of return.

I am looking forward to hearing your reply.

Best regards

LeGrand

Reply letter to Paper and Pen Ltd (by Andy & Sandy)

Dear Mr Page

Thank you for your letter dated on October 16, 2006 regarding the delay in drawing up the contract.

I am sorry to hear that you have been involved in an industrial dispute, resulting in closure of your offices recently. As you know we have had business relationship for a long time, so it is possible to renew a contract with your company in new terms. However, we cannot accept the similar situation in future.

Moreover, I can meet you next week to discuss the renewal of contract in agreeable terms.

Your sincerely,

Contract Renewal

Dear Mr Page

With reference to your email dated 16 Oct 2006, we are sorry for the situation you faced. With years of cooperation, we trust that this situation will not happen again.

Since this issue did cause inconvenience to our customers, we would appreciate it if you could offer additional discount so that we could offer the same to our clients to rebuild the goodwill. Please consider this option and we could discuss the details during our meeting regarding the contract renewal.

Early next week is also convenient to me. Shall we meet at 11:00am on coming Tuesday?

I look forward to your reply and meeting you next week.

Best regards

M. Fos
Chief Executive Officer

Reply to Paper and Pen Ltd

Dear Mr Page

Thank you for your response on 16 October.

We fully understand your situation but the dispute led to many problems with our customers. We are now handling several complaints and some of our customers are requesting compensation.

However, as we have good relationship with your company, we still consider renewing the contract next year.

Although this matter was beyond your control, much inconvenience has been caused. We would appreciate it if you could offer a discount in case of any late delivery.

I look forward to receiving your reply.

Yours sincerely

M. Fos
Managing Director

Dear Page

We refer to your letter of 16 Oct 2006 for the renewal of contract. We are glad to hear you that industrial dispute has been settled and back to normal.

In viewing the market situation, we could able to have another supplier to commit our schedule and special arrangement. But due to a good relationship with your company, we may consider to make a new contact with you company.

However, we cannot afford a similar situation happen again because your delay caused lots of complaints from our customer. We must have more conditions in the contact to protect both interests.

We would like to have meeting with you next Monday morning.

I look forward to seeing you.

Best Regards
M Fos
(Billy & Edith)

Reply to Paper and Pen Ltd.

Dear Mr Page

Thank you for your letter on 16 October concerning the industrial dispute that your company engaged in. We have heard of this before and understand the problem. However, owing to your delay, we have had problems with our customers which affected our relationship between them and deteriorated our reputation.

Regarding the contract problem, we have until now had a good working relationship with your company, but we would like to point out that we cannot afford a similar situation happened again.

We will renew our contract with you in a condition that your company offer 5% discount for us. However, we will probably terminate our contract and your company will be required to compensate our total loss if the situation occurs again.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours sincerely

M. Fos

Reply to Pen & Paper

Dear Mr Page

In connection with your letter on October 16 regarding renewal of contract, we understand what had happen to you. After we have taken into deep consideration in respect to your situation, we would like to inform you that we would be able to renew the contract for the coming two years.

However, because of your delay, we have suffered from numerous complaints from our customers as a consequence. We therefore request that remedies should be included in the new contract in order to secure our benefits.

We considered that 5% total sum of individual order value will be deducted from your account in case of 5 days delay in delivery incurred. Details of the terms will be sent to you under separate letter by our contract department.

Should you have any problem, please feel free to contact me at 12345678.

Yours sincerely,

M. Fos


by Rita & Yung

Le Grand Etta and Algie

Change words in red, hints in green.

Dear Mr Jones

According to our last conversation, we have finally agreed (tense) the order. The details are as follows:

The delivery time: within three days
Place of delivery: Delivery to LeGrand’s warehouses in Paris, Lyon and Marseille free of charge. Other locations charged extra.
Minimum Delivery: 6 suits
Price: 89.00
Payment terms: 30 days after delivery
Fabrics and colours: LeGrand specifies fabrics and materials at similar prices to the catalogue. This does not affect the right to return unsold suits
Labelling: Label reading ‘Designed by Paul Jones for LeGrand’
Time Returns: Returns on unsold suits within six months of the order date
Condition Return: Returns only accepted on suits in good condition
Payment Return: Refund by bank transfer within 30 days of return

If you have any problems, please feel free to contact us.

Regards
LeGrand

Paul Jones: Patricia and Ka Lai

Change words in red. Hints in green.

Dear Mr Grand

It was great (choose a more formal word) that we finally reached an agreement on your order of 100 suits. Here are the terms we agreed:

Delivery time: 3 days after receiving the order
Place of delivery: to Le Grand’s warehouse in Paris, Lyon and Marseille free of charge. Other locations charged extra.
Minimum delivery: 6 suits
Price: 89 Pounds per suit
Payment terms: 30 days after delivery
Fabrics and colours: Standard fabrics and colours from the catalogue.
Labelling: LeGrand plus Paul Jones names on the label
Returns 1 – time: Returns on unsold suits within six months of the order date
Returns 2 – condition: Returns only accepted on suits in good condition
Returns 3 – payment: Refunds by bank transfer within 30 days of return

We hope to have a long term business relationship with you and look forward to your earliest order.

Best regards
Paul Jones

Agreement

Change words in red, hints in green.

Dear Mr. Jones,

Thank you for attending the meeting with us last week. We would like to confirm the agreement of the terms and conditions, as follows:

1. Time of the delivery is 48 hours.
2. It (unclear what 'it refers to) would be free of charge for delivery to our warehouses in Paris, Lyon and Marseille.
3. Minimum delivery will be 1 suit
4. 83 pounds per suit
5. Payment terms is 30 days after delivery
6. Standard fabrics and colours from the Paul Jones catalogue
7. Labelling is “Designed by Paul Jones for LeGrand
8. Accepting (noun form needed) for returns on unsold suits in good condition within three months
9. Refunds by bank transfer within 30 days of return

Could you please draft a contract for us for our review?

Thank you for your kind attention.

LeGrand

ABC Company By Patricia and Ka lai

Change words in red. Hints in green.

ABC is one of the biggest suppliers of leather soled shoes.
We have been operating in China, our biggest market, for 15 years.
In January 2004 we ran a marketing campaign which led to a February 2004 sales increase by 5 %.
Our main competitor is Abacon. Although Abacon lost 3 % of market share, Abacon has been diversifying their product range and has gained a foothold in the sports shoe market. The sports shoes market is a growing area of sales. Therefore, we need to also gain a foothold in the sports shoe market.
ABC is exploring new products in the sports shoe market and has spent a lot on R & D over the last year end a half (Unclear). Next January we will launch a new product which is a durable, waterproof sports shoe. We hope to break into the sports shoe market and secure a competitive market share.

By Patricia and Ka lai

ABC Company By Edwina and Ka Yiu

Change words in red. Hints in green.

ABC, one of the biggest suppliers of leather soled shoes, has been operating in China for 15 years. Since China is our biggest market, in January 2004 we ran a marketing campaign. As a result, ___ (preposition) February 2004 sales increased by 5%.

Therefore (Choose a better phrase), Abacon, our main competitors, lost 3% of market share. Abacon has been diversifying their product range, so it has gained in the sports shoe market, which is a growing area of sales.
In order to gain a foothold in the sports shoe market, ABC is exploring new products and has spent a lot on R&D over the last year and a half. ABC will launch a new product – a durable and waterproof sports shoe next January. ABC hope the new sports shoe will help it to break into the market and secure a competitive market share.

By Edwina and Ka Yiu

ABC Company By Algie Etta and Sandy

ABC is one of the biggest suppliers of leather soled shoes. China is our biggest market and we have been operating there for 15 years. In January 2004 we ran a marketing campaign and so the sales increased by 5% in February 2004.

Our main competitor is Abacon. It lost 3% of market shares owing to our sales increase. However, Abacon has been diversifying their product range and they have gained in sports shoe market. ABC need to gain a foothold in the sports shoe market as the sports shoe market is a growing area of sales. ABC are exploring new products in the sports shoe market and it has spent a lot on R&D over the last year and a half.

Next January ABC will launch a new product which is a durable, waterproof sports shoe. As a result, ABC hopes to break into the sports shoe market as well as securing a competitive market share.

By Algie Etta and Sandy

ABC Company by Rita

Change words in red.

ABC, one of the biggest suppliers of leather soled shoes, has been operating in China, our biggest market, for 15 years. In January 2004 we ran a marketing campaign and in February 2004 sales increased by 5%. Our main competitor Abacon, lost 3% of market share and therefore has been diversifying their product range. Abacon gained in the sports shoe market which is growing area of sales. ABC is exploring new products to gain a foothold in sports shoe market. ABC have spent a lot on R&D over the last year and a half and new product, durable and waterproof sports shoes, will be launched in next January. ABC hopes to break into sports shoe market and secure competitive market share.

Homework - complaint letter

Change words in red. Hints in green.

Dear Easilife,

Please be informed that the office furniture has arrived. Although, you
advertise yourself as a top-quality brand, the product we purchase (present perfect ) was well below the standard we expected. Unfortunately, one of the executive armchairs is damaged _____ (reason word) the leather was torn. It would be appreciate it if the faculty goods can be replaced as soon as possible.

Also, you mention (past tense) before a 10% discount can be offered if we order over
$10,000-, but inside the invoice we could not found any discount or special
offer. Could you please issue another invoice for us, so that we can pay for it
immediately?

Thank you for your kind attention, and we hope to hearing from you
soon.

Rita Cheng

Otherwise a good email

Dear Easilife,

Please be informed that the office furniture has arrived. Although, you advertise yourself as a top-quality brand, the product we purchase was well below the standard we expected. Unfortunately, one of the executive armchair is damaged, the leather was torn. It would be appreciate it if the faculty good can be replaced as soon as possible.

Also, you mention before a 10% discount can be offered if we order over $10,000-, but inside the invoice we could not found any discount or special offer. Could you please issue another invoice for us, so that we can pay for it immediately?

Thank you for your kind attention, and we hope to hearing from you soon.

Rita Cheng

Homework - Complaint letter

Very good, except for one spelling mistake. It would also be better if divided into three paragraphs. Also, perhaps you should ask for a new invoice.

Dear Sir or Madam

I am writing about the delivery of the computers. One of them has a small fault. The on/off switch is a little bit loose. Also, the total amount on the invoice was wrong. This was not the high stardand of service that we have come to expect from you. Would you please help me to arrange the replacement of the computer? I look forward to receiving your reply as soon as possible.

Yours faithfully

Ann Chan

Homework - email reply to group 1

Look at the comments in red.

Dear Group 1

5 desktop computers of DC12 and 10 notebooks of NB347 have been received
earlier today. However, one desktop computer cannot be booted up (change word: 's_________'). Would you deliver the other (change to: 'e_______ f___ a________') one to me (delete) within this week?

Moreover, the invoice shows that no discount h____ b______ (present perfect passive) given to me. Please check and send the revised invoice for me to arrange payment.

I am looking forward to receiving your reply.

Best regards

Mary

Otherwise a good email

Dear Group 1

5 desktop computers of DC12 and 10 notebooks of NB347 have been received earlier today. However, one desktop computer cannot be booted up. Would you deliver the other one to me within this week?

Moreover, the invoice shows that no discount given to me. Please check and send the revised invoice for me to arrange payment.

I am looking forward to receiving your reply.

Best regards
Mary