The chairman of the Small Firms Association (SFA), A J Noonan has raised concerns for small businesses as the Troika departs. Mr. Noonan addressed 650 members and guests at the SFA Annual Lunch today at the Doubletree Hotel.
Mr. Noonan emphasised that one in four small firms still find it difficult to access credit and asked if sovereignty regained would it mean parity of esteem for entrepreneurs and small business in accessing finance and credit.
He said, "We now need to see the banks lending to more challenging but viable businesses to ensure they can access the credit they require for working capital and investment."
Mr. Noonan also questioned if small enterprises will gain a greater share of public contracts, stating that new Government buying policies on procurement has the potential to eliminate small businesses from the tendering process.
Pension contribution concerns were also raised and the chairman called on the Government to focus on assisting a pro-small business climate, to create an environment where business and enterprise thrive, where risk is rewarded and where wealth creation is redistributed throughout society.
© 2013 - Checkout Magazine by Genna Patterson
