ISME is on the road to Cork
ISME, the Irish SME Association in partnership with Jobs.ie has today (19th February) announced that the Association will host its next Roadshow in Cork. The National Roadshows provide an opportunity for businesses to network and enjoy talks and discussions from...
Business Confidence Plummets as Brexit Fears Weigh
Brexit worry climbs to highest point for SMEs at 37% Business Confidence drops from 1% to -4% 65% of businesses expect to increase wage rates of employees 77% of businesses report an increase to their motor insurance 81% reported...
Greedy Plaintiffs: Wise-Up!
Court of Appeal stops the gallop of exaggerated claimants to higher courts Laws to ensure ‘equality of arms’ before the courts must be enforced by judges Sanctions against lawyers taking false, vexatious or exaggerated claims are urgently needed The Justice...
Share the Love with local Shops this Valentine’s Day
Irish consumers need to support retailers and local businesses Irish restaurants, florists, manufacturers, producers and retailers are significant employers Quality, traceability and value for money key features of Irish products The potential for a hard-Brexit is good reason for us...
ISME opposes 23% VAT on Food Supplements
Many health stores will close once purchases move online VAT will not accrue, due to online imports to Ireland Risk of lower quality, inferior products entering the Irish marketplace Minister must defer decision until an impact study is carried out...
Insurance Industry must pursue costs against losing plaintiffs
Insurers must secure debt judgments against losing plaintiffs Failure to do this encourages bogus claims Registration of debt judgements is a straight forward, cost-effective process It’s time to reinstate 2003 Irish Insurance Federation/Ibec protocol on dealing with claims ISME, the...
ISME is Going Local!
Irish SME Association will host a series of Roadshows in 2019 Key opportunity for businesses to network locally First event Thursday 31st January Clayton Hotel Liffey Valley, Dublin SME lobbying, key issues for business and Brexit will be discussed...
Demand for Credit High and Bank Charges Exacerbate
SME demand for credit is at 30%. Loan refusal rates decrease from 29% to 12%. 14% waiting longer than 10 weeks from permission to drawdown. 45% stated that banks are making it more difficult to access finance. Businesses wait...
Fiscal and taxation policies versus Environmental Sustainability
Property taxation policy running counter to the SDGs Commercial rates penalise those businesses which develop and improve town-centre premises Urban areas such as Dublin, Cork and Galway worst affected Real opportunity to reform commercial rates and local property taxes...
SMEs dissatisfied with Government throughout Q’3 18
ISME, the Irish SME Association published the results of its latest Government Satisfaction report today (14th January). SMEs overall satisfaction with the Government worsened in Q3’18. ISME emphasises the need for greater action on business costs and access to finance....
