The Small Firms Association (SFA) is participating in the All-Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit today (November 2), voicing the concerns and needs of small businesses.
Patricia Callan, SFA Director, stated: “Small businesses, especially exporters, are extremely vulnerable to the downsides of Brexit and need the Government to step in to support them. Financial support schemes targeting the exporting sectors should be made available as a matter of urgency.
“The Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland has a good track record of bringing products to market through on-lenders, so could be a ready made vehicle for such supports.
“A new export financing offering is another important element of Ireland’s response to Brexit and should be part of a general intensification of efforts by Enterprise Ireland and other State Agencies to help small exporters. These companies also need support to diversify their markets, as 43% of exports from all indigenous exporters are bound for the UK market,” Callan continued.
“The all-island basis of today’s dialogue is crucial. The number one issue that small businesses have asked the SFA to raise with Government is the free movement of people on the island. Issues affecting the border with Northern Ireland and businesses who operate close to the border must be given the attention and sensitivity that they deserve,” concluded Callan.
The Small Firms Association, is Ireland’s largest small firm representative organisation, with over 8,500 member companies.
© 2016 - Checkout Magazine by Donncha Mac Cóil
