Dear Members and Colleagues
Finally, I have some good news to bring you this Friday, next week we are promised the ‘July Stimulus’ and we are being told to expect a significant increase in business supports. We have lobbied for far more grant supports, less debt, and bigger Government Guarantees and an extension of the wage subsidy. So, let’s see what’s going to happens early next week.
Regardless of the result, tough times are still ahead and we will still need you to keep constant pressure on your political representatives locally.
We have two surveys live and we ask that you complete these as soon as you can- the data provided is extremely important to us.
- Firstly, is our Q2 Trends Survey. Take the survey HERE
- Secondly there is our COVID-19 survey. This is the third time we have run this survey and your input is very much needed as it has informed our lobbying to date on this subject. Take the survey HERE
The slowing down of the business reopening is bad news- but not as bad as another lockdown, which you can see happening in other countries. Retail Ireland Skillnet have announced a range of training supports for the retail sector. You can view here.
As you know our own Skillnet are also providing free webinars to help SMEs overcome the challenges of COVID-19. Next week they will run the following courses:
- Breaking the “Fear Of Rejection” in sales – 21st July
- Prioritising Under Pressure – 22nd July
- Effective Written Communication in Business– 23rd July
ISME Skillnet is also offering a free Business Advisory / Coaching Service to help business owners relaunch their business in a confident and organised manner. The service consists of 6 hours of mentoring with a professionally qualified business coach, carefully selected by ISME. If interested, please contact Adam at [email protected]
We are keeping our Back to Business portal updated with advice, information and discounts to help you and your business. This week we have updated our COVID-19 FAQs, added information on the role of the lead worker representative and added a visitor or contractor COVID-19 declaration. All of these can be viewed here.
It is really important for you to show leadership within your own business and by making sure that people maintain social distancing, use face masks, and ensure good hand hygiene. We need the COVID-19 crisis to end as soon as possible, so all of us will have to play our part in avoiding a second wave, and avoiding a second lockdown.
Thank you,
Neil McDonnell,
ISME CEO
