Confidence in the SME sector declines
4th May 2018 10 out of 12 confidence indicators decline. Business confidence drops by 8%. 32% will increase pay by 2.5% to 5%. 34% of businesses will not be in a position to increase pay. 84% of businesses report an...
The department of public expenditure and reform must stand firm on public service pay demands
27th April 2018 We must not repeat the mistakes of the past Ireland’s public servants are among the best paid in Europe Resisting unjustified public service pay demands is absolutely essential ISME, the Irish SME Association today (April 27th) published...
Meaningful engagement is needed from the Oireachtas on insurance reform
18th April 2018 Reform of our personal injuries system is glacially slow Oireachtas must engage meaningfully with the Alliance for Insurance Reform ISME outlines six actions the Oireachtas should take ISME calls on the members of the Joint Committee on...
Are employers doing enough to employ people with a disability?
6th April 2018 Misconception that employing people with disabilities is costly. Investment in diversity and inclusion increases revenue for all businesses. Launch of the ‘Employer Peer Network’. ISME, the Irish SME Association is a consortium partner of the ‘Employer Disability...
Access to finance must be less restrictive for SME’s
26th March 2018 Loan refusal rates decrease from 32% to 24%. SME demand for credit drops from 42% to 31%. 49% stated that banks are making it more difficult to access finance. Businesses wait on average 6 weeks from decision...
Extreme weather bill would make bad law
16th March Bill does not consider impact on SMEs We cannot regulate everything by law ISME considers the introduction of an offence of ‘Dangerous activity in public place,’ which would modify the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, to be...
ISME’s statement on the PSO levy review
15th March The PSO levy has increased by over 270% since 2013 Independent review into the efficacy of wind generated power and a thorough investigation of viable alternatives needed ISME notes that the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU)...
Reports highlight Ireland’s current macro-economic problems
14th March 2018 Ireland’s tax base is too narrow and the taxation system requires change National competitiveness is an issue Ireland needs better targeted government expenditure ISME, the Irish SME Association today (March 14th) highlights the significance of two recently...
ISME welcomes action plan for jobs 2018
12th March 2018 Introduction of a new apprentice programme & 4000 traineeships welcome Focus on regional growth vital Greater emphasis is needed on the SME sector ISME, the Irish SME Association today (March 12th) welcomes the recent publication of the...
ISME concerned at high court ruling against a cork supermarket
7th March 2018 Concern that ruling could have implications for the business sector Quantum of the award appears to breach previous Supreme Court and Court of Appeal guidance on general damages ISME, the Irish SME Association today expresses great concern...
