Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

James Dyson has voiced his feelings in regard to what it will take to save Britain's manufacturing industry in a report commissioned by the country's Conservative Party.  An interesting read and plenty of UK reader comments follow.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/recession/7400742/Sir-James-Dyson-plan-to-fill-UKs-engineering-vacuum.html

M00seUK and vacmanuk, I'll be glad to learn what you think.

Venson

Hiya MOOseUK,

Hope all is well for you on your side of the sea.  We'll have to see how this announcement proves out.  It sounds no more than a non-commital chat with the press.  People do it all the time for the sake of business.  You do have to entertain them now and then so they'll keep your name out in front of the public for reasons other than scandal.

At the tail-end of the article: The company’s recruitment drive comes after new figures revealed that there has been no relief from the downsizing of British industry. Statistics from the CBI last week showed that while the manufacturing industry is beginning to recover, deep job cuts of last year are not being reversed. Long-term statistics revealed that the British manufacturing sector has failed to raise employment levels since 2004. The company’s recruitment drive comes after new figures revealed that there has been no relief from the downsizing of British industry. Statistics from the CBI last week showed that while the manufacturing industry is beginning to recover, deep job cuts of last year are not being reversed. Long-term statistics revealed that the British manufacturing sector has failed to raise employment levels since 2004. The company’s recruitment drive comes after new figures revealed that there has been no relief from the downsizing of British industry. Statistics from the CBI last week showed that while the manufacturing industry is beginning to recover, deep job cuts of last year are not being reversed. Long-term statistics revealed that the British manufacturing sector has failed to raise employment levels since 2004. The company’s recruitment drive comes after new figures revealed that there has been no relief from the downsizing of British industry. Statistics from the CBI last week showed that while the manufacturing industry is beginning to recover, deep job cuts of last year are not being reversed. Long-term statistics revealed that the British manufacturing sector has failed to raise employment levels since 2004.

At the beginning of the article 560 jobs were regarded as lost due to the company's moving work elsewhere.  350 jobs lost doest quite match the amount lost.  As well, there comes another statement by Dyson himself as to the big IF of finding enough qualified persons for the proposed research and development positons -- It may be difficult to find 350 suitably qualified people, [but] despite the country’s failing in investment in education in the engineering sector I am sure we will find the right people.

Sounds to me like a deliberate opening and excuse for backing off on this whole deal later on.  In any event, we're not talking either skilled or unskilled labor here -- we're talking about the acqusition of real talent -- especially in light of the work called for and the salary proposed.  People just don't give away 45,000 pound yearly salaries and  I doubt if those of a mind to do business are prepared to wait for UK education standards to rise to their level of requirement if they are as low as Dyson's iindictment\ infers.  That kind of thing does not happen over night.

Last of all, worldwide economic improvement should be his barometer since he sells worldwide.  Thus far even myself -- just another dumb shopper -- does not see the advantage in his claimed intentions in that, bottom line, you have to have someone to sell the stuff you develop to.  Research and develop all you want but if there's no one to buy the final product, what's the good?

Venson

Hello Venson, M00seUK:

Seems my unique view is shared.  I have from the start cast a very weary eye on all things dyson, as Sir James is not a business man let alone a vacuum man.  He got lucky thanks to the persuasion of BEST BUY management to launch in the USA and 2 successful lawsuits with windfall profits.  3 cheers for all the dyson patents and political manuevering in the UK.  Maybe dyson can finally get a dishwasher to market after 3 years plus of patent filing.  Sadly patent laws accomplish just the opposite of their intent.  Especially when you have filers sitting on patents for years without ever bringing a product to market with the patent.   

Carmine D.

Ah but Carmine you have to admit that hollow fan is a heck of an idea. Why no one ever thought of it before, is beyond me.

Frankly I'd love it if Dyson invents a lawn mower that needs less emptying!

vacmanuk wrote:

Sorry to burst your bubble and shoot holes in your dreams but not for the dyson prices.  $300 plus for a 10-12 inch fan?  Don't like the desk top model at that price. Never will.  Prefer a window/portable AC for that price and they are in abundant supply.  As usual, Sir James invents the high price solution for the problem that no one knows/has except him. 

Carmine D.

Not having a fan that has to have its impellers cleaned because of dust forming on them is better in my book Carmine. When Dyson first launched the upright vac in the UK hardly anyone bought them because they were too expensive. However prices do drop due to demand and purchase. It wont be long before Dyson brings a small model to the market. It is a clean proposition when considering an air fan.

Two pieces of news off the back of the Dyson R&D job announcement this week...

Sunday Times Rich List 2010
Whilst I personally think these lists are little more than speculation, if you do follow them you might be interested to learn that James Dyson has seen his net worth rise 64 per cent from GBP 560m to GBP 920m
http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/8117554.Dyson_cleans_up_in_the_rich_list/

Royal approval for AirBlade
The Sun newspaper reports that Buckingham Palace has been fitted out with the Dyson AirBlade and illustrated by a mock-up photo of the Queen using the hand drier. Perfect news fodder for getting their message in to the tabloids - Dyson's PR machine is as well oiled as ever.

M00seUK wrote:

Hi MOOseUK,

These days that's what it's all about.  Hearsay, sound bytes and video clips to make you feel "fluffy" inside.  I'd ask if in reality the queen sent someone off to Harrod's or wherever to buy a houseful of fans or if Dyson somehow "contributed" to the effort.

Best,

Venson

vacmanuk wrote:

No blades to clean and concern about in AC. 

Carmine D.

M00seUK wrote:

Spelled vacuum wrong in the first sentence.  And is using 2008 financial and wealth results.  Dah!  It's 2010.  Sir James is living in the past glory days.  Time to get a new gig/rap. 

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:
1) Vacuum spelling: It's a local newspaper - they probably can't afford to employ a sub-editor at the moment.
2) 2008 results: To be fair, Dyson only currently have public accounts made up to 31 Dec 2008.