Confidence among small business owners has slumped, according to the latest ‘Small Business Sentiment Survey’ report from the Small Firms Association (SFA ), with only 45% of SFA members stating they feel that the business environment is improving, compared with 59% in November 2018. Such a large slump is a first for the SFA Small Business Sentiment Survey.
Sven Spollen-Behrens, SFA Director, said: “Since the beginning of the year small businesses have faced rolling Brexit uncertainty, increasing tax, wage levels and additional regulatory burden. These mounting challenges are weighing heavy on small business owners and making it difficult for them to maintain competitiveness, expand and invest currently.
“Half of survey respondents indicated their intention to recruit over the coming year. However, ongoing capacity constraints in the labour market could challenge their plans to recruit. In order to fill vacancies and retain employees, where the performance of the business and the individual allows, survey respondents expect wage rates to increase over the coming months.
“In the long-run, wage increases will only be sustainable if we manage to reduce business costs or improve productivity among small business. Therefore, we need to boost confidence amongst our small business owners and make it easier for them to compete.
“The SFA is calling for a national Small Business Strategy, that places a clear focus on the 98% of businesses employing half the private sector workforce, which are the lifeblood of towns and villages around the country. It is time for a plan to boost the number and performance of small businesses.”
In conclusion, Spollen-Behrens stated “The fundamentals of the Irish economy and forecasts remain strong for the remainder of 2019. However, Brexit continues to pose one of the biggest challenges faced by small businesses in years and the SFA will remain focused on preparing members for the opportunities and risks to their businesses.”
