Comparing three mobile phones

We have three brand-name mobile phones : Motorola, Sharp and Sony Ericsson. Sharp mobile is like a Motorola mobile as they both have double screens. The Sony Ericsson is the best selling model, and has the largest camera 2 mega pixels. The Sharp is similar to the Sony Ericsson, but has less memory – it only has 64 MB, compare to 512 MB for the Sony Ericsson. The Motorola is cheaper than the other two models, and memory stick cannot be inserted externally. The Sharp and Sony Ericsson have a wider range of functions, including MP3, radio and Bluetooth, than the Motorola. In conclusion, it is worth to pay more for better models of the Sony Ericsson and Sharp.

Causal Wear: U2, Espirit and Polo Jeans

Regarding the price and product quality, Polo Jeans is the highest followed by Espirit. U2 is the lowest. The market of U2 mainly targets the low end users while Espirit and Polo Jeans targets middle income group and youngsters. The design of Polo Jeans tends to be more American style compared to the others. Espirit is the trendiest among three.

Hong Kong & Macau

Hong Kong & Macau

Hong Kong and Macau are both China SAR city but there are different legal systems. As the casino, Hong Kong SAR is an illegal building and government also have a legal rule to stop it from development. However, many casinos are built in Macau everywhere. And it is main tax income for society benefit such as children scholarship.

Besides, Hong Kong and Macau have different tastes to make sea food. Hong Kong almost use steam method because Hong Kong people dislike to strong tasting food. But Macau people use fry method to cook sea food

Comparing Hong Kong to Tokyo

Comparing Hong Kong to Tokyo

I went to Tokyo last week. The cuisine in Tokyo is different compared to Hong Kong; the food there is fresher than Hong Kong. The dress style is more modern than us, some of the latest fashion style I have ever seen. The manner of the people there are friendlier than the citizen in Hong Kong. The scenery in Tokyo is more beautiful than Hong Kong. In Tokyo there are lots of beautiful mountains and rivers; the most famous mountain is the “Mt. Fuji”.

Comparing Hong Kong to Bangkok

I have been to Bangkok last year. The weather there is much hotter than Hong Kong. The Chinese cuisine in Hong Kong is more delicious than Bangkok. In Bangkok there are as many temples as in Hong Kong. The beliefs of Bangkok are the strongest in the world.

HK vs Beijing

The area of Hong Kong is not as big as Beijing. Hong Kong is a multi-national city compared to Beijing. Since Hong Kong was a British colony and Asian financial centre, it becomes a hub which attracts different people from different countries.

In term of cleanliness, Hong Kong is more hygienic than Beijing as Hong Kong people are better educated in comparison with people in Beijing. Regarding the living standard, Beijing is much lower than Hong Kong in term of Gross Domestic Product. The history of Beijing is much longer than that of Hong Kong because Beijing has been the capital of Ancient China.

HK vs Singapore

After the 3-day trip in Singapore, I experienced its culture, economy and traditions.
Most of the people in Singapore are Chinese while others are Malaysian and Indian.
However in comparison with HK, about 90% of the population are Chinese.
The Singaporean is the friendliest I’ve ever met.

The goods in Singapore are not so expensive and about the same price as Hong Kong. Although the total area of Singapore is smaller than Hong Kong, the environment is nice and clean. The streets are less crowded than those in Hong Kong. I had a wonderful time there.

The future of mortgage market

The future of mortgage market

The property market in Hong Kong has been booming since 2003.The average property price rose by 40-50% in these few years. For example a 600-sq ft apartment located in Aberdeen, which was priced at HK$1.5M in 2003, is now sold at HKD2.3M. The boom in the property market is mainly due to the recovery of HK economy, marketing strategy and luxury apartment concept of the developer as well as the suspension of the Home Ownership Scheme by the HKSAR.

The average monthly household income of Hong Kong families (households is a better word than families) is about $25,000. Generally speaking, each of us spends about 100 times (yes, but a better definition would be 40% of our monthly income goes towards housing costs, as you state below) of our monthly income on home purchase. That’s why most of home purchases request mortgage financing through bank or other financial institutions.

According to the HKMA statistics, housing expense consumes about 40% of the household income. The rest (other) part of the income is used for food, transport and other daily utilities. It is hard for the working group to save a large sum of money for raising children and retirement life. To cope with the low birth rate and ageing population, the government should implement new policies and measures for the population planning in a long run.

Reverse mortgage is a mortgage product that enables senior homeowner to convert a portion of their home equity into cash. Proceeds can be in the form of a lump sum, a line-of-credit, or a monthly income. The homeowner does not make monthly payments and any borrowed funds are not repaid until the home is sold, vacated or upon death of the last surviving borrower. Title to the property remains in the name of the homeowner. Reverse mortgage is popular in US, UK and Canada as the elderly can receive steady amount of income during the retirement period. Similarly, there is a potential need for reverse mortgage in Hong Kong and will become a mainstream of the future mortgage market.

Very good

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,