Chamber calls for improved SME access to credit

Make the tax system more business friendly; introduce policies that promote infrastructure investment; improve access to credit for SMEs and implement measures that boost consumer confidence are among a comprehensive set of recommendations contained in Cork Chamber of Commerce’s pre-budget submission. 

Speaking on the release of the submission Gillian Keating, Cork Chamber president, said, “Our recent Q2 Economic Trends survey revealed a continued positive outlook amongst Cork businesses, with 88% of those surveyed reporting confidence in the future of their business. In order to harness this fully we need to be creative in how we address the issue of consumer confidence. That is why we have identified a number of taxation, mortgage relief and health insurance policy initiatives that we feel will help put more money in the pockets of consumers to spend in the economy and help economic growth and job creation.”

Cork Chamber has outlined initiatives in five key areas of the economy. Included in its tax proposals it wants the Government to stand steadfast behind the 12.5% corporate tax rate.