MittelstandsWiki

According to the Forsa opinion research institute, German consumers are paying more and more attention to energy consumption when they buy high-tech devices. For 41% of Germans economical energy consumption is an important factor in the choice of computers, monitors, printers and other high-tech products. Thus, energy consumption is almost as important as the technical performance data of these devices. +++

In April 2008 consumer prices increased less than in March this year. As was reported by the Federal Statistical Office, the annual inflation rate in April will presumably amount to 2.4%. In March this year the rate had been 3.1%. In the period between March and April consumer prices even fell by an estimated 0.2%. +++

Small and medium-sized entities (SMEs) invest more and more in the further training of their employees, as was revealed by a survey carried out by the TechConsult market research company among 400 German businesses. 89% of interviewees are already offering their employees particular training courses. One quarter of managing directors think that computer and internet based e-learning is an alternative to traditional courses where attendance is required. Social skills are becoming increasingly important too. +++