One third of SMEs will hire in 2015

Fine Gael’s leader in the European Parliament has said Ireland must try to ensure that its small businesses face fewer regulatory hurdles than in any other EU member state.

Speaking yesterday, after attending a high-level meeting of SME representatives from Ireland and European policymakers in Brussels, Sean Kelly said Fine Gael and its colleagues in the European People’s Party are “committed to reducing red tape and fostering a competitive business environment”.

At the meeting, Mr Kelly heard directly from Patricia Callan — head of the Ibec-affiliated Small Firms’ Association — that 30% of all SMEs intend to expand and create employment opportunities at home during 2015.

Mr Kelly said that this was “extremely welcome” news and showed a returning confidence in the business sector. However, Mr Kelly also stressed the importance of lowering regulatory barriers to small business growth.

“The difficulties facing the sector include burdensome bureaucracy, a lack of financial credit or lending from financial institutions and over-rigorous public procurement procedures in Ireland,” said Mr Kelly.

“We should aim to have less, not more, bureaucratic burdens on Irish SMEs than the rest of the EU. This would help make us more competitive and make life easier, and more profitable, for our SMEs.

“Creating a stronger, more innovative digital and ICT sector in Europe will also be key in reinforcing our future business potential. I have always said we need a more vibrant manufacturing sector in Europe, so we can make the goods we invent.”