We quite like it here actually

I read with great disappointment your report on recruitment in call centres (MW November 22). Yet another piece of negative reporting on the telemarketing industry.

I cannot disagree that there have been problems in the industry and there are companies out there that don’t appreciate their staff. However, I do think it is necessary to point out that these companies are becoming a smaller and smaller minority; companies are beginning to understand the significance in motivating and retaining staff.

The industry has taken great steps to clean up its act and we have openly admitted the problems we have. There is no justification for continually making us the punchbag of the marketing industry.

I have worked in the industry for over 15 years, and began my career on the phones. Many of those in the industry have worked in telemarketing for a considerable time and still thoroughly enjoy it.

To highlight the long-term career opportunities in telemarketing, there is now a masters degree in the subject. There is little evidence that growth in telemarketing is slowing. As new call centre businesses emerge, the opportunities for staff progression will grow, but how are people going to know the great progress the industry has made when we only receive bad press?

Adrian Ingham

Business solutions director

The Listening Company

Richmond Upon Thames

Surrey