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SFA Message from the SFA


2010 was probably the most scrutinised and debated economic year in the history of the State. As we face the 2011 General Election in crisis mode, international forces continue to influence our direction. However, despite the wider economic


environment, it is heartening that the SFA’s business sentiment survey shows that owner- managers are confident in their own businesses and we need to focus on this confidence and optimism in 2011. I fully believe that growth in the Irish


economy will be driven by the strong enterprise base we have and at the heart is the small busi- ness sector – the engine of recovery! However, Budget 2011 did not go far enough


in providing the confidence or business environ- ment to assist businesses or encourage consum- ers to spend. Terefore we need the incoming Government to urgently create the supportive environment for indigenous small businesses.


Actions which will assist are: n A government-backed loan guarantee


n An urgent focus on the cost of doing busi-


scheme to facilitate greater access to funds for small businesses;


ness in Ireland, through tackling govern- ment-controlled costs such as electricity and other energy costs, local authority charges, regulatory burden and waste/water charges. While the National Recovery Plan has com-


mitted to addressing the cost of doing business, we have yet to see any detailed proposals from the Government on this issue. Tere is also a need for more ‘joined-up thinking’ with regard to policies that assist entrepreneurs. Providing support with one hand and yet placing barriers in the way, by raising the PRSI rate for the self-employed without providing any benefits, is not encour- aging for small-business development at a time when job creation and retention should be our primary objective. Small businesses know that a positive growth


outcome for Ireland is possible and they will continue to show that every day through inno- vation, creativity and hard work. Tat is why it is so important that a supportive environment is put in place to assist small firms in 2011 and into the future.


Avine McNally, Acting director, Small Firms Association


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Benefits of membership of the SFA


> Advice and assistance from the SFA Our most popular service, with 60,000 contacts a year. We offer professional advice and consultation to members on everything from employment law to debt manage- ment as part of the membership fee.


> SFA website –– www.sfa.ie A comprehensive range of information and services is available in the members’ section of the website.


> SFA National Small Business Awards Small businesses compete to be awarded one of six category titles as well as the Overall National Small Business of the Year award. Tese awards give companies the opportunity to: think strategically about their business; have their business plan reviewed by independent experts; market their company through broad


6 OWNER MANAGER VOL 4 ISSUE 1 2011


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 for members and


guests to network and develop business contacts.


> Annual conference and annual lunch Tese major events offer owner managers an opportunity to hear expert speakers, meet business colleagues, exchange views and learn from each other’s experiences.


> SFA surveys/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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