Survey aims to determine confidence at SMEs

RESEARCH for the Chambers Ireland/Irish Examiner SME Business Confidence Survey was undertaken by independent market research company MORI Ireland.

A total of 601 interviews were conducted between November 24 and December 21, 2005.

All businesses surveyed had less than 250 employees. Interviewing was conducted with senior staff in each business surveyed.

The main objective of this research was to determine business confidence amongst small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ireland in 2005 and moving forward to 2006. The research examined indicators such as turnover, size of workforce, level of investment, and the impact of rising costs.

Of those surveyed, 44% had up to nine employees, 40% had between ten and 49 employees, whereas 16% had between 50 and 249 employees.

The primary business sectors included 31% of those in the wholesale, retail, trade and catering sectors, 13% in the business services, real estate and renting sectors and 12% in manufacturing.

Of those surveyed, 24% had an annual turnover of between €1 million and €5m and 15% had an annual turnover of over €5m.