SMEs in North West require more help from Government

Small businesses in the North West of Ireland feel that there is much more the Government can do to help them, as just nine per cent of SMEs in Sligo and the surrounding counties feel they are being supported.

That’s according to a recent survey conducted on behalf of cloud telecoms provider, Magnet. Almost two-thirds (60 per cent) of small businesses in Sligo and the Border counties remain optimistic about 2015, but firms with five employees or less are much less confident than larger firms, who all feel the Government is not doing enough to aid their growth.

In some cases of businesses in the Border counties, they have no idea who their local public representatives are, with only 12 per cent aware of the technology and business grants available to them worth up to €5,000.

More encouragingly, three-quarters of SMEs surveyed say the Irish economy is certainly improving, with the manufacturing sector most positive in its outlook for 2015, with hotels, restaurants and bars the most cautious in their outlook.

Mark Kellett, CEO, Magnet, said: “The first year of Magnet’s barometer shows SMEs across Ireland are far more positive about the future than consumers.

“Businesses are proving very resilient in the face of high operating costs and financing issues they are facing.

“While the upswing is seeping through to all businesses, it’s clear that the smaller ones are most vulnerable and in need of support.”

More than half (55 per cent) of small business owners were generally positive about the upcoming Budget 2015, with Kellett keen to see the country’s technology infrastructure keep pace with the rest of the continent.

“An acceleration of the planned roll-out of the national broadband scheme is critical so that all Irish SMEs can avail of the supports such as the online trading voucher,” added Kellett.

“We’re making it our mission to take Irish Business to the Cloud, and investment in the creation of our new regional business barometer for Ireland, where previously information was lacking, is one of the many things Magnet is doing to support SMEs in 2015.”

Date published 3 Feb 2015 | Last updated 3 Feb 2015