Inflation hike 'a major shock': ISME

Today’s announcement by the CSO of an increase in inflation from 3.9% to 4.4% is a major shock to small business, small business association ISME has said.

"The reversal brings more bad news for business, as the turnaround indicates an increase in business costs over the next number of months, putting further competitive pressures on smaller Irish businesses and posing a serious risk to future economic growth," said ISME CEO Mark Fielding.