Man: Even if they decide to sell, they're not likely to get very much for it, are they? Not at the moment. Property values are at an all time low. Can't we at least try to keep the Nottingham centre operational?
Woman: Well, it's not going to be possible to keep it running as it is now, but your idea for making savings might work. Do you think you'd be able to get the centre to break even within say six months? But remember, there's no extra money for major promotions.
Man: I'd like to have the chance to try, Sophie. I think I can do it, with minimal promotions. Yes.
Woman: Then let me have a written proposal in time for next week's Board meeting, will you?
Test2-Part One(1)
Man: Parkinson Machine Tools. Can I help you?
Woman: This is Mary Parsons of Murdoch Limited. Can I speak to Sandy Ellis? Man: Which department, please?
Woman: I'm not sure. Perhaps Assembly.
Man: No... erm ... here he is, Machine Services Section ... I'm sorry, he's on voice mail. Would you like to call back later?
Woman: I usually deal with him, but can I leave a message with you? Man: Certainly.
Woman: Your company has installed computerised cutting tools and packing machines in our despatch department. The last one, a packing machine, was installed in July, and it's recently developed a fault. Man: Mmm.
Woman: The measurements and materials for the boxes are all right, but there's some sort of problem with the box assembly mechanism. The boxes are weak, and goods get damaged Man: Right, I'll leave a message for Sandy, and I'll ask the Customer Services Manager if he has time to call in and look at the situation before he goes home this evening. We'll get an engineer out to you first thing tomorrow morning. Woman: Thanks, bye.
Test2-Part One(2)
Woman: Please state your enquiry, giving the name of the publication, the date of issue and the title or a description of the reprint you require.
Man: I need two articles from Finance Weekly, both in the February the thirteenth issue. The title of one is 'Sector Briefing' - on the second page. And the other is 'Best Performing Companies'. Next, I want something from Investment News, published on the twenty-first of January. It's an article called 'Stock Market Trends'. The third publication is Money Markets, and I want a piece called 'Interest-rate Forecasts', from the issue dated the fifth of February. Money Markets also ran a piece called 'Economic Development'. I don't know the exact date, but it was included in an issue about the Pacific Rim countries. And one other thing I need is the Corporate Register - the new edition should be out by now. If it is, please put it in with the rest, otherwise send it on later. Thank you.
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Test2-Part One(3)
Woman: This is the Radio Six programme information line. Next week, we have a special edition of The future of Business on Friday evening. Our studio guest is Max Bruner, the well-known writer and director of the Berlin Management School, currently on a lecture tour of British universities.
Many of you familiar with Professor Bruner's recent publication about worker participation, will appreciate hearing his views on the topic of industrial relations, and there'll also be the chance to ask Professor Bruner questions during our 'phone-in'. Important to note is that the programme will be starting later than the published time of seven fifteen.
And it's an extended edition, so it'll run from seven forty-five right up to the news bulletin at eight thirty. Of special interest to those listeners able to travel to our offices, there will be a special session, at the end of the broadcast, when Professor Bruner will be staying on for a book signing. So, an opportunity not just to hear Professor Bruner, but also a chance to meet him in person - that's next Friday on Radio Six.
Test2-Part Two(1)
Woman: I'd really like a change now. I've been working in the electronics industry for quite a while, but I feel I need to broaden my knowledge and skills. I could have tried simply moving to another sector, but I've decided to invest in doing an MBA as the best way to build my potential. I think engaging with new ideas and business systems will help me to improve my prospects.
Man: I work for a large national company at the moment, and it's been very rewarding ...given me a lot of experience. But I'd like to be in charge of my own business just a small one, nothing too big. I've got good qualifications, and I've done a business administration course to get more of the theory. I've put together a detailed business proposal and two or three of my friends are willing to help with finance.
Test2-Part Two(2)
Woman: We're the leading multinational in our field, and respected for the solid quality of our products. However, I've lust been approached by the CEO of another company to join them in a senior management position. The money they offer is tempting, but my field is R and D, and I've decided to stay here but get more involved with creating the next generation products. I think that'll be a rewarding direction to go in.
Man: I've had my own company for several years, but what I'm now on track for is heading up a much bigger operation, getting to board level. I'm convinced I've got the self-motivation and the independence of mind to take difficult decisions. The challenges are more important than the money. Self-employment has taught me a lot, and now it's time to apply some of those lessons. I've got valuable insights to offer.
Test2-Part Two(3)
Woman: You know, you work hard, get all sorts of qualifications, try to be the best in your field, and then what? Well, I've done all that, and now I'm interested in the new generation
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of men and women coming into business. I remember I needed plenty of encouragement and guidance along the way, and I believe that with my experience I can steer youngsters in the right direction to achieve what they want. That's my priority for the future.
Man: Now the conference has started, I feel pleased with our preparation. The speakers have been popular with audiences - we could ask one or two more next year. The centre we've booked is fine for this time, but the rooms are already being used to their full capacity. If we don't look elsewhere, we'll have to restrict delegate numbers next year. So, we should consider other options. Perhaps the location could also be more convenient for people coming by train.
Test2-Part Two(4)
Woman: I'm afraid I shan't be able to get to the conference on the first day as we'd planned. My flight's now been cancelled, so I'm trying to make alternative travel arrangements. Could we discuss your business proposal over dinner on the second day instead? And you can tell me then about the parts of the programme I missed. Or else, I could get my secretary to tell the centre we'll need to hire one of their meeting rooms.
Man: Thanks for your letter asking me to attend this year's conference, and to give a talk again. I'd already made other arrangements for that week, but I've managed to cancel them. I see it's going to be at the same place, so there's no need to send a map. I shall be driving to the venue and am intending to arrive in time for the preconference dinner, so yes please, do book me accommodation for that night.
Test2-Part Two(5)
Woman: I've got an early morning meeting at the airport. I'm not sure exactly what time it'll finish, but could you let me know the different options for getting from there to the centre, so that I can arrive in time to deliver my talk. According to the schedule you sent, I'm down as the first presenter. Also, I don't know this particular venue at all, so if someone could meet me at the entrance, that would be most helpful.
Man: I filled out the accommodation request form in the pre-conference information pack, but I hope it's not too late to change my mind - I only sent it in last week. The thing is, I've now got an urgent appointment at the office, so I'll have to leave early - I've tried moving the meeting to another day, but that just isn't possible. It's a shame, because this is the first time I've been able to come.
Test2-Part Three(1)
Woman: ... And our studio guest today is Giles Milton, Operations Director at the National Weather Centre. Giles, welcome. Man: Thank you.
Woman: Giles, firstly, most people will know the Centre provides weather reports for TV and radio stations, but they're not your only 'customers', are they?
Man: Not by any means. The Centre started out a hundred and fifty years ago, largely serving the shipping industry, but now it provides a whole range of services. We've been helping supermarkets for some time to predict when to buy more stocks of ice cream, for
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example, when a heat wave's approaching. Our forecasts for administrators of health authorities help them predict when flu outbreaks might occur. That's something we've only just got off the ground. And there's also our long-standing industrial advisory service for farmers, fishermen and airlines.
Woman: A real industry, then! Two years ago, the Centre announced its plan to relocate. What brought about that decision?
Man: Well, our first premises were near London and were leased to us by the government, and we'd always expected to stay there. But the site offered no scope for desperately needed development, and we had to do something. Although we were initially reluctant to borrow money to finance a relocation, there was no other choice.
Test2-Part Three(2)
Woman: Hm. Did it take long finding an alternative site?
Man: Over a year - which looking back seems excessively long, as we only seriously considered three locations: Oxford, Ipswich - and Plymouth, which was the one we eventually chose. All three places had a good labour supply and running costs were comparable; although I guess Plymouth is slightly cheaper - while being the furthest by road and rail from London. I think, in the end, we realised we could do our work just about anywhere - the data we deal with are all received and sent out via computer, after all.
Woman: And you were sure staff would be happy to make the commitment of moving permanently to such a nice part of the country?
Man: Well, yes, but this is different from tourism. We rely on the expertise of specialist IT people and where we were before, there are hundreds of businesses in the same position. We think there'll be less demand for their services here.
Woman: Didn't you have to offer them more money to relocate?
Man: We decided on a generous relocation package, and that seemed to be enough. Woman: Are staff who relocated to your new base happy they made the move?
Test2-Part Three(3)
Man: So fag yes. We thought they'd be most impressed by the beautiful countryside, but all they've said is how pleased they are they can now afford to move up the ladder in terms of finding a place to live - accommodation costs near London have shot up in recent years. And they're finding Plymouth has the same amenities they were used to before, so no complaints there.
Woman: Did the Centre receive any local government support to relocate?
Man: Yes, and that was enormously useful. We didn't have to buy land from the local council, and our offices were purpose-built according to our specifications. We were liable for business taxes from day one, but our first rent isn't due until the site is fully developed, in about twelve months' time. Woman: A big incentive, then!
Man: Yes. We're very pleased we've established such a good relationship with the local government. There's a range of generous incentives in this region, and they are available equally to local and national organisations. They see us as a nationally high-profile
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