• Increase in 9 out of 12 SME Business Indicators.
• Exports figures sound warning for SME economy. 
• Indigenous SME employment levels still need to be incentivised. 
• Economic uncertainty main concern followed by reduced orders and access to finance. 

ISME, Tuesday 2^nd April 2013. 

The first Quarterly SME Business Trends Survey for 2013, launched today (2^nd April) by ISME, the Irish Small & Medium Enterprises Association, shows all 9 out of 12 indicators moving in a positive manner. However, the Association sounded a note of caution, based on the SME export statistics, which showed a marked decline in the quarter both in actual and expected exports. There is no doubt that the current business environment remains challenging, with weaker demand from the UK and Eurozone economies taking its toll on exporters which may delay the expected spill-over to the domestic economy. Read the rest of this entry »

•    Decline in 11 out of 12 SME Business Indicators.

•    Fear for jobs as 25% of businesses expect more job losses.

•    SME exporters affected by global slowdown.

•    Economic uncertainty continues to be main concern, as Jobs Action Plan falters.

ISME, Monday 8th October 2012.

At the launch of the third SME Business Trends Survey for 2012, ISME, the Irish Small & Medium Enterprises Association, warned the Government that the decline in SME business confidence has continued, with 11 out of 12 indicators showing a decline on the previous quarter with the increase in current investment due to seasonal factors. Most worrying is the expected reduction in employment, despite the Action Plan for Jobs and the reduction in exports, as the global uncertainty and in particular the slowdown in UK market continues to affect current and expected exports. Read the rest of this entry »

•    Reduction in SME investment a major concern.

•    10% of SMEs say they are less optimistic about business prospects compared to 2011.

•    Retail the most pessimistic sector of the economy.

•    Economic uncertainty is the major concern facing entrepreneurs.

•    Lack of effective pro-enterprise policies from Government delaying recovery.

ISME, 29th June 2012.

The second quarterly SME business trends survey results for 2012 from ISME, the Irish Small & Medium Enterprises Association, shows a decline in SME business confidence and expectations about the future. The principal concern for entrepreneurs is economic uncertainty followed by reduced orders, access to credit and lack of Government action.
The survey was conducted at the end of June and had a response rate of 16% with 700 owner managers responding. Read the rest of this entry »