The number of personnel in the Netherlands was 6,379, compared with 6,224
in the previous year.
Constant care for training within the Group continues to be of vital importance
for the continuity of the enterprise. Once again much attention was paid to
internal and external training programmes.
We acquired our own centre for non-technical courses.
The engineering and technological training centre at Zoeterwoude was attended
by 104 trainees, especially from firms associated with us in developing countries.
Our own courses in the field of training for management posts were expanded.
The co-operation with other Dutch enterprises and with appropriate specialized
institutes was successfully continued. Within this framework a study was devoted
to the subject of work adjustment and the reservation of posts for older em
ployees.
Our foreign breweries, too, made use of our knowledge and experience with
regard to various aspects of personnel policy.
Social developments are making the functioning of an enterprise increasingly
complicated. Continued effort by one and all, from high to low, is therefore
necessary in order to keep achieving satisfactory results. Our employees in the
Netherlands and abroad have contributed to the results achieved in the past
financial year, and for this we are very grateful to them.
prospects In most of the markets where we operate the economic situation is not very
bright at the beginning of the new financial year.
The trade cycle is not showing any signs of revivalin several countries, in fact,
the opposite is rather the case.
Whether or not in conjunction with a restrictive incomes policy, this may have
an effect on the spending possibilities. In addition, many countries apply a sys
tem of price control which prevents us from passing on increased costs in the
selling price.
It is also impossible to foresee what effect the developments with regard to the
consumption of alcoholic drinks will have in a number of countries.
Although, as we have already explained previously, it is by the nature of our
activities not possible to give concrete short-term forecasts regarding turnover
and profit, we consider a mild optimism to be justified for the current financial
year despite the difficulties outlined above.
In saying this we are relying on our good starting position, based on strong
brands, high quality of our products, abundant know-how and a wide inter
national spread.
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