The managing director of a company that gave gifts to purchasing officers on NSW councils in return for orders admitted today that giving such gifts was tantamount to bribery.

Mark Moskow, who founded Momar Australia Pty Ltd, 25 years ago to supply cleaning products, plumbing supplies and a range of chemical products to the public and private sector, said the giving of gifts had been part of the company's marketing strategy.

He had built up a healthy business over 25 years and now had up to 16 employees.

Mr Moskow said that the company in America had provided a document called "Gears of Selling", which encouraged building up special relationships with purchasing officers.

The first "gear" involved getting to know personal details of each purchasing officer, including the likes and dislikes. The second "gear" involved introducing the products.