Leisure boom opens doors in sales

Kung Sheung International Group is seeking sales staff for its group of companies which has taken advantage of the spread of the leisure boom from Europe and the United States to Asia.

The Hong Kong-based group, led by chief executive Benedict Chan, is one of the leading distributors of leisure products in China. Its companies range from Golf Link Supplies, which specialises in providing hi-tech golfing products, to Kung Sheung Engineering and Contracting, which provides after-sales service.

With China's growing economy and flourishing tourism industry, the group is capitalising on potential in the sports, recreation and leisure fields. But administration manager Paul Yam stressed it sought people who wanted to build a career in sales, rather than just another sales job.

'First of all, they must ask themselves whether they can withstand the pressure,' Mr Yam said. 'There is often shift work so, if people are looking for a nine-to-five job, I would ask them not to come to our company.

'They are likely to be dealing with people from China every day and may face problems which they would be required to solve. It will be a challenge and they will have responsibility.' The group's first company, Kung Sheung International Company, was set up in Hong Kong in 1975 and quickly established distribution agencies in the region for a number of leading manufacturers. In 1983, it was awarded the exclusive agency for US Jacuzzi whirlpool and swimming pool equipment.

The group now consists of 10 subsidiaries, including VIP Health and Leisure Spa in Tsim Sha Tsui - the largest health spa in Southeast Asia, according to the company - and BioFit Systems, which distributes exercise and sports-conditioning equipment for commercial and home use.

BioFit has recently been awarded dealership rights to Canada's Mendes bowling systems and plans to establish up to 300 bowling lanes on the mainland by the end of next year.

The group even branched out into building supplies and set up Kung Sheung Building Supply Company in 1992. The company initially concentrated on specialist materials required by the recreation and leisure industry but has expanded into general supplies to take advantage of the mainland's building boom.

In March this year, the group's fixed asset investment was US$12.8 million and total assets stood at US$25.6 million.

The group employs more than 500 in Hong Kong, where its head office is in Wan Chai, and China, where it has four main offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Qingdao.

The group has distribution rights to more than 100 products in leisure and recreation, health and beauty, sport and fitness, bowling and golf facilities, and building materials. In Hong Kong, staff sections include sales, marketing, administration, finance, shipping and warehouse work. Although all staff in China are local, Hong Kong managers are often required to assist with training on the mainland.

About 70 per cent of the group's sales turnover comes from China, nearly 30 per cent from Hong Kong and a few per cent from the rest of Asia.

Mr Yam said as the group explored more opportunities in China and, as more mainlanders found themselves with disposable income, sales and support from Hong Kong would increase.

The group is looking for sales managers, assistant sales managers, sales administrators and sales office staff. Managers with experience are preferred and a knowledge of the China market is beneficial. Putonghua is essential.

Staff who serve a year are paid 14 months salary and benefits include provident fund and medical insurance. Annual leave starts at 10 days and increases each year.

Training emphasises sales skills and product knowledge. The group has developed the first management training programme for the industry together with three mainland universities and the Nanjing Institute of Hotel Management.

The group's clients were mainly corporate but individuals were becoming more interested in spending money on leisure, Mr Yam said.

'The leisure industry in Hong Kong is limited by the high cost of land but, in China, it is a different story,' he said.

'In Hong Kong, most clients are people with a lot money but, in China, we are finding some customers who are not rich are willing to pay more on leisure. It seems to be an encouraging lifestyle choice.'