Tag Archives: ISME

CONCERN has been raised by the Chairperson of the Covid-19 Committee that restrictions associated with the coronavirus have disproportionately impacted on small business and driven economic activity “into the hands of multinationals”. Deputy Michael McNamara made his remarks this week as the committee heard from representatives of the business sector. The Scariff-based deputy handed over the chairperson’s role to Deputy Mary Butler, in order to question witnesses Danny McCoy of IBEC and Neil McDonnell of ISME. He noted that a concerning trend during lockdown had been a boost in business for multinationals at the expense of small business. “One of the most worrying economic or financial aspects of the restrictions was the extent to which all economic activity was driven into the hands of multinationals, many of which are headquartered outside of Ireland and pay their taxes elsewhere,” he told the committee. “Farmers’ markets, for example, were inexplicably shut down and people had to go to supermarkets, all of which …

ISME, the Irish SME Association, in its E-crime report, has noted the high number of cyber-attacks on small and medium sized enterprises over the last 12 months. The issue of cyber-attacks and online computer related incidents has increased over the last decade. This E-crime report is part of wider research publication launched earlier this week and makes several recommendations on preventing and tackling cyber-crime. Commenting on the report, ISME CEO Neil McDonnell said, “Crimes against business takes many forms, but the area in which we see most increased activity is cyber-crime”. “Increased online business activity has expedited and expanded trade, creating a cheaper, more flexible, and far reaching business environment; but with this comes security risk”. “Businesses must become more aware of the threats posed by cyber-attacks and take proper preventative measures. It is worrying that 20% of businesses surveyed do not change their password settings. This is a very simple preventative measure any business can take”

Ireland’s leading business groups, which represent the vast majority of the country’s employers, have called for ongoing negotiations on the formation of the next government to deliver a clear, comprehensive agreement that will ensure the next administration is in a position to run its full term. The next government needs to have an unwavering focus on the significant challenges we face as a country, one with the mandate, authority and capacity to plan ambitiously and take difficult decisions if needed. The country would not be served well by a government preoccupied by the possibility of an imminent general election, according to the SFA, ISME, Ibec, Irish Exporters Association, Construction Industry Federation and Chambers Ireland. “Any political agreement must first and foremost serve the interests of the country as a whole. Over the coming days, all parties and TDs must play their part in supporting the creation of a stable environment for policy making and legislation that will last a full …

The majority of Irish small and medium companies will not be changing wage rates in the next 12 months, according to the results of a new survey. The survey results show that this is the position of 71% of member of the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (ISME). The Association has cautioned against unrealistic pay expectations being touted by some politicians and as a result of a big business/semi-state survey. Mark Fielding, ISME CEO, said, “Fortunately we are starting to see signs of stability and possible growth in the domestic economy. However, the situation for SMEs remains precarious. They have been struggling to stay afloat and owner-managers in particular have borne the brunt of the pain by taking huge pay cuts, and in some cases no salary at all, in an effort to keep their businesses afloat. The survey findings indicate that the majority of SMEs will not be in a position to increase wages during 2015 and in a small …