Small firms 'backbone' of recovery, assocaition claims

Small businesses are key to economic recovery, the Small Firms Association claims.

The achievements of small business and their vital contribution to the economy are being marked by the SFA National Small Business Awards 2014.

Now in their tenth year, the awards are expected to attract around one thousand entries from across the country.

"We're on the ground in every village and every town, every parish, employing two, three, four, 10, 12 people - and making the whole thing work," said AJ Noonan, Chairman of the Small Firms Association, ahead of the event.

"I would suggest that we are the backbone of any recovery that's taking place in Ireland."