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THE YEAR IS racing towards an end and it has been one filled with mostly good news for the Irish economy after years of recession and austerity.
But how are things looking in the future for the country’s all-important small and medium enterprises (SME) sector, which represents about 99% of all Irish businesses?
Last month’s InterTradeIreland survey, which came from interviews with 750 SMEs across the island of Ireland, found 45% of firms were in growth mode in the 3 months to the end of September, up from 26% for the same time last year.
Some 43% of SMEs said they were holding steady while the remaining 12% had their business shrink.
Meanwhile, an October survey from the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (ISME) found business confidence and expectations were running on a high.
However, a separate poll revealed business sentiment towards the government and banks was still deep in negative territory, although it had been improving over the year.
That came a few weeks before the government delivered its Budget for 2015, which included an improved tax break for research and development, and general tax cuts for workers, although higher levies for the self-employed were left in place.
In TheJournal.ie’s own poll after the financial roadmap was laid out, it appeared most businesspeople were left nonplussed – with nearly half of all respondents believing they would be the same or slightly worse off after the Budget.
But now, as more positive signs flow for the broader Irish economy, we want to know: How are things looking for your business in 2015?
This month, as part of TheJournal.ie’s ongoing SME focus, we will be looking back on 2014 – and throwing forward to the year ahead. If you know a noteworthy business which has launched this year or an established one which has made a big splash, get in contact with the author below.
Originally published 4 December
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I’m afraid that Ireland is still a two speed economy, Dublin and the rest.
Don’t get me wrong I’m not bitchin’!, but it’s slow to filter down the country. But it’s improving slowly.
I agree Philip, but it’s the same with any 1 major city country. And before people start bitching, I’m from Cork. We are probably the best behind Dublin, but still a long way behind.
Agreed I travel to Dublin 4 days a week and 90% of turnover comes from Dublin. Some good news in Wexford a shop unit was sold yesterday for 1.15 million first big sale in years
It could be much better if they had broadband in rural areas
People need money to spend to keep all business alive. If I have money u will shop and have lunch etc. metered water will push many many people into water poverty. December 1oth we will make our voices heard. Check out Andrew Galvin/ Irekand will rise in youtube
why is the journal reposting yesterdays story’s again.?
is it really a slow day ?
Hi Simon, I was hoping to slip it in there this morning when everyone was half asleep – but there’s no getting one past you… But seriously, it’s a poll so we’re reposting because we like to get as many responses as possible.
Prob not enough participants in the poll, (I cannot tell how many did or the result as polls are ridiculously designed on this site)
I think the economy is getting better and jobs are being created. The problem I see is the terms and conditions for new jobs are terrible. Slave labour is alive and well in most new jobs created while some manager gets rewarded with huge bonus at the top for have it that way.
I give the government little credit for the increase in jobs tho i will hand them,Unions and IBEC the blame for the slave labour jobs created.
New jobs look great on government statistics sheets on saying unemployment is down but sure if people can’t pay the Rent or feed themselfs or put clothes on there backs what’s the job worth ? Nothing really.
It’s looking good if you are Google. It’s looking great if you are homeless, or you prefer to “not pay for water”.
Other than that, as if we are not struggling enough already, we are heading to become the first socia-communist state in Europe.
have your say