SFA Message from the SFA


Many economists believe that the Central Statistics Office’s recent statement that Ireland has emerged from recession is just an illusion and this optimism is misplaced. The CSO figures certainly do not reflect the


reality of the situation formany small firms on the ground. While the Irish economy is still going through a


very difficult adjustment process some economic indicators, such as retail sales, tax revenues and exports, are suggesting that our dramatic decline in economic activity is starting to level out. However, the outlook still remains uncertain and


challenging. Many small firms are fighting for survival on a daily basis and the reality is in order to generate economic activity that will result in meaningful job creation and improvements in tax revenue,we will need to see a recovery in consumer spending, in business investment and greater access to credit. Any real and meaningful growth will come from


the small business sector, but that is unlikely to happen for some time yet as many firms are struggling to survive due to cash flow difficulties, input costs and restricted access to credit. The high level of unemployment, currently at 13.4pc, highlights the employment challenges the


economy faces. The Live Register figures for June showed an increase of 5,800 in one month to 452,882 people. These figures show the weakness in our labour market, with many firms still placing people on short-time working or implementing redundancies. The eurozone is fighting a serious growth and


fiscal crisis. If the single currency is to work successfully, the barriers to economic growth and employment creation will have to be removed and long-termgrowth strategies will have to be put in place. We need to ensure the Irish Government focuses


its attention on an enterprise-driven society. It is, therefore, time that we move from merely talking about the importance of having the right environment for small businesses to putting the needs of small business at the centre of policy-making. It is impossible to believe that the statistical


emergence from recession will result in a visible improvement in the issues that effect small businesses in Ireland.We have not turned a corner – while we may have started to move in the right direction,we still have a long road to travel.


Avine McNally, acting director, Small Firms Association


Benefits of membership of the SFA


> Advice and assistance fromthe SFA Our most popular service, with 60,000 con-


tacts a year.We offer professional advice and consultation to members on everything from employment law to debt management as part of the membership fee.


> SFAwebsite ––www.sfa.ie A comprehensive range of information and


services is available in the members’ section of the website.


> SFANational Small BusinessAwards Small businesses compete to be awarded one


of six category titles as well as the Overall National Small Business of the Year award. These awards give companies the opportunity to: think strategically about their business; have their business plan reviewed by independ- ent experts; market their company through


6OWNER MANAGER VOL 3 ISSUE 3 2010


broad media coverage; and recognise the achievements of their team to date. See www.sfa.ie/awards.


> SFA National Centre of Excellence (NCE) Providing SME owner managers and their


senior management team with high-end training and development. See www.centreofexcellence.ie.


> Briefing sessions Held throughout Ireland on key issues, from


employment law to public procurement.


> Range of member publications A whole range of publications free to


members, covering various aspects of business, including a free copy of Owner Manager magazine.


> Members-to-members business evenings Regular informal events formembers and guests


to network and develop business contacts.


> Annual conference and annual lunch These major events offer owner managers an


opportunity to hear expert speakers, meet business colleagues, exchange views and learn from each other’s experiences.


> SFAsurveys/reports To assist us in informing the media and


lobbying to the Government, the SFA carries out a whole range of regular surveys and reports on the SME sector.


> Members’ group discount schemes As business costs increase, the SFA offers a


range of discount schemes for member companies.


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