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Customer service is seen as the most influential factor in differentiating between suppliers, according to a survey by the software manufacturer Symix. Product quality is judged the most influential factor by just 6 per cent of the 50 manufacturing respondents, while the ability to deliver on time is picked by 26 per cent.

Work is where the heart is

Almost half of all business people believe emotions play a major role in purchasing decisions. A survey by purchasing card specialist Cendant Business Partners in conjunction with the Institute of Directors found that,out of a total of 360 decision-makers in a variety of business sectors, 45 per cent said that both emotion and logic influenced their choices.

Contractors ignoring advice

Top contractors are still accepting the cheapest tenders and neglecting partnering and long-term relationships, according to recent research.

Health and Safety Executive

Clothing blow to Scots firm

Marks & Spencer has ended a 30-year supplier relationship with Scottish textile maker Baird in its move to source more clothing overseas. William Baird supplies M&S with 7 per cent of its clothing, making it the retailer’s fourth largest supplier. M&S accounted for 40 per cent of Baird’s turnover in 1998. The loss of the retailer’s contract has jeopardised 19 Baird factories.

GE Global eXchange Services

Guardian unlimited football

Service targets late payers

A new online debt-chasing service targeting the construction industry is to be launched this month. The Solutionist Organisation will chase debts for customers and name and shame those that fail to pay up on their website (www.solpr.com).

Airborne communication lift

Airline passengers will be able to access the Internet, send e-mail and use pagers from early next year following successful tests by satellite communication companies Globalstar and Inmarsat. Using connections installed in the backs of seats and existing communication frequencies, data can be transferred without effecting aircraft navigation systems.

Aerospace jobs under threat

Up to 100,000 jobs in 1,000 small businesses are at risk from globalisation and defence cuts, according to a survey by the Society of British Aerospace Companies and management consultants AT Kearney.