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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.

  • Medium sized enterprises most satisfied with government.
  • Micro businesses least satisfied with government performance.
  • Government’s handling of business costs remains negative.
  • Retail and Services sector most dissatisfied with government.
  • Satisfaction drops dramatically for the Construction sector.

This report examines government satisfaction in key areas for the SME sector; ‘Banking’, ‘Business Costs’, ‘Jobs’ and ‘Overall Satisfaction’.

ISME CEO, Neil McDonnell commenting on the results stated:

 “Our report reflects the diversity of the SME sector, with small businesses least satisfied with government, and medium sized enterprises most satisfied.

Despite general economic improvements, government must not lose sight of the pressures SME’s are facing. The pressures SMEs face on the ground echo the observations being made by the National Competitiveness Council at a macro level. Government simply must reduce business costs and improve access to finance. We need robust action plans for dealing with these issues.”

He added:

In our pre-budget submission last year, we highlighted the practical measures that could be taken to reduce the pressures faced by SMEs. Sadly, Budget 2019 was a missed opportunity for the SME sector.”   

This survey from was conducted in the second last week of September, with 787 SME respondents, 49% of whom employ less than 10; 36% employ between 11 and 49; and the remaining 15% employ between 50 and 250. Geographically, 28% are from Dublin; 71% are spread across the rest of the country; and 2% have multiple sites.

View the full report here

ENDS.

For further information, please contact

Wayne Tobin, Press, Policy and Research Officer

T: 01 6622755

E: wayne@isme.ie