Complaints Given About British Manufacturers

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30901, 6 November 1965, Page 7

Complaints Given About British Manufacturers

Mr H. M. Bullard, head of the overseas department of the london Chamber of Commerce, heard complaints about delivery delays, inadequate information about British machinery, and tardy correspondence from British manufacturers. when he visited the Canterbury Manufacturers' Association yesterday. Mr C. W. Mace, the association's president, told Mr Bullard that it was important for British exporters to know their customers. He was sure Britain could do a lot more business with New Zealand if it did a good selling job.

Mr Bullard said that if the London Chamber of Commerce sent out a trade mis sion it would be a team of men selected for their ability for discussing machinery and materials on the factory floor.

"We are very conscious that our participation in New Zealand trade will slip unless something is done in this direction,” he said. “New Zealand is an expanding market, particularly in the Pacific Basin, and what is often not realised in Britain is that other countries are knocking on your door with good products and good delivery dates.”

Speaking of New Zealand's traditional ties with Britain, Mr- Bullard said there was little blood flowing in the arteries of trade—it was price and early delivery that counted in business.

He said that he was beginning to understand "that simple document," the Import Licensing Schedule, and he would be able to tell British businessmen that it was not.

impossible to do business with New Zealand Asked by Mr Mace if the London Chamber of Commerce could help South Island businessmen by approaching shippers on the problem of nxire direct ships to Lyttelton. Mr Bullard said he had already been told that the shipping problem was serious, and he would be glad to help.

“1 think it would be helpful if we included a shipper in our businessmen’s group to New Zealand." he said.