Feargal Quinn tops poll for business acumen

Irish SMEs have voted Feargal Quinn as the most admired entrepreneur, according to a survey which also found the sector was struggling with a lack of demand and direction.

The survey by Viking Direct found that depressed customer demand is the primary reason for small businesses failing in Ireland, ahead of a lack of finance. That is according to a survey of over 1,000 small and medium-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland.

Viking Ireland director Michael Walby said the findings should serve as a warning to entrepreneurs about how tough the business world can be.