Darkening gloom envelops Irish small firms

Confidence levels amongst Irish SMEs have slumped to a record low, although firms based in Munster are the most optimistic, according to a survey. Latest findings from the Small Firms Association (SFA) show only 45% of member SMEs feel the business environment is improving.

That is down from 59% at the end of 2018 and marks the largest slump on record. However, the mood is slightly more upbeat among Munster SMEs, with 55% seeing an improvement. While 50% of SMEs, nationally, see their own business performance improving, 60% of Munster SMEs do.