Small businesses still confident going into 2012: SFA

Small business owners say they remain confident for the coming year but need government support to succeed.

The fourth quarterly business sentiment survey released today by the Small Firms Association (SFA) reveals that small businesses' rating of their own business level held constant in positive territory, despite the fact that the Eurozone crisis has caused a dramatic fall in their confidence level of the overall business environment.

SFA chairman Ian Martin said it was essential that a credible solution is found to the Eurozone crisis, as turbulence in the markets has a knock-on impact to the real economy.

"The Government must ensure that Ireland remains at the heart of Europe – two-thirds of our members view our membership of the euro as very important for their continuing business success," Mr Martin said.

He also emphasised that business owners need comprehensive enterprise and jobs support from the government, in order to avoid a double-dip recession.

"However, in 2012, we believe that the Government must really turn its attention to the enterprise sector and develop a comprehensive enterprise and jobs support strategy early in the New Year," Mr Martin said.

"Specifically we need support in improving cashflow generally and in reducing the costs of small business, in particular labour market inflexibilities, commercial rates, energy costs and the cost burden of regulations."