SMEs feel renewed confidence, but rising costs must be curbed

Some invested, others consolidated, all survived. Now these firms are seeing the tide turn

Pat Whelan of Whelan's ButchersFeargal Ward

As small businesses around the country wait to see what Budget 2015 holds for them, new research has found that Irish SMEs have fared well in the latter half of the year, with many reporting increased business confidence.

The findings of ISME’s quarterly trends survey pointed to a “balanced recovery” in the SME sector, according to chief executive Mark Fielding.

“Overall, the SME economy is certainly picking up,” said Fielding.

“The GDP for ...