Letter: Keep the pound high

Sir: We have recently seen a plethora of statements by directors of companies bemoaning the high value of the pound and claiming that it reduces their ability to "sell" overseas.

While it may make it more difficult to close orders, the selling has never been easier. The high value of the pound means that overseas selling costs are greatly reduced. With return air fares to the Far East for under pounds 400 and, for the first time in years discounted hotel rooms in most Far Eastern cities, the opportunity to be there and sell has seldom been more cost-effective.

Similar, if less dramatic, reductions apply to other markets, and any company that has not flooded its overseas markets with sales people over the last six months is missing a great opportunity and has no reason to complain.

DAVID HAWKSWORTH

Bournemouth, Dorset