Employers’ group Ibec has expressed concerns about proposals to introduce legislation to outlaw zero hours working contracts.

Around 900 companies responded to the research by ISME on how crime affects companies, with one of the main findings being the prevalence of cyber attacks.

A new perjury law is required to end the cultural tolerance among the judiciary and some sections of society for telling lies for cash, according to the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (Isme).

THE compo culture so alive in this country reflects poorly on us all. 

Commercial rates are based on an outdated system of “clauses, clichés, and constraints” that need reform, according to the boss of Cork Business Association.

Mel Brooks sang a wonderful ditty in his 1983 comedy To Be or Not to Be. In full Hitler garb, he looks sincerely into the camera and says “All I want is peace. Peace. Peace!’ Then comes the punchline: ‘A little piece of Poland, a little piece of France, A little piece of Portugal and Austria perchance...”

Almost half of small and medium-sized firms expect their profits to fall as a result of Brexit, according to a survey of employers in the sector.

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today

It has understood that the Department of Justice is to establish a statutory inquiry into allegations of Garda misconduct made by a former head of the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association.

The country’s next government needs to prioritise the small and medium-sized business needs and create a “truly entrepreneurial culture” to bolster the economic recovery, according to a business group.

Irish retail sales remained impressively strong amid a darkening European outlook last month with annual growth surging 11% in February.

The Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association says there has been a slight improvement in the rate of refusals for loans to small businesses.

Irish internet users are being charged almost twice the EU average for crucial broadband services as consumers continue to pick up the tab, despite rip-off rates being repeatedly exposed in the past.

More expensive education costs coupled with rising motor insurance policies and rents ended a series of eight months of deflation, in August.

Almost half of loan applications from small and medium-sized business were rejected in the past three months, according to new figures.

The number of people signing on the Live Register climbed for the first time in more than two years last month, pointing towards slowing job creation.

As the level of unemployment continues to fall, new figures indicate the number of people currently working is the highest it has been in six years.

Owners of small companies have no faith that criminals who target their trade will be brought to justice, at a time when the total cost of crime against businesses amounts to €1.62bn per year.

AS close on 60,000 students celebrate the results of their Leaving Certificate exams, the focus will inevitably turn to third-level education and the scramble for CAO points.

The Government’s competitiveness watchdog yesterday warned the bedrock of the country’s recent economic revival was under threat, on the same day Ireland’s mantle as Europe’s fastest growing economy was further cemented by "spectacular" growth figures.

A targeted tax credit for firms employing fewer than 10 people could create 80,000 new jobs at no net cost to the exchequer and reduce the current unemployment rate to 6%.

The Government will set a new minimum wage before the budget.

The Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association says banks are too slow in approving financing.

Retail sales dipped marginally last month but still recorded significant growth on a year previously, latest figures from the Central Statistics Office show.

A new Low Pay Commission will report back to the Government on changes to the €8.65 minimum wage by July, ministers have said.

Small and medium enterprises will next month have access to €400m worth of funding after the launch yesterday of the long-awaited Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI).

As many as 60,000 jobs could be created by small- and medium-sized businesses in 2015, but doubts over future employment levels and a potential loss of competitiveness remain a concern.

Christmas shoppers are being encouraged to buy Irish and to shop locally.

The chief executive of the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises association yesterday hit out at what he described as the ‘crocks of gold’ received by retiring university dons.

Consumers are being urged to shop locally this christmas — it’s the best way to support the economy and the ‘home team’.

Banks are turning away fewer small and medium-sized businesses in search of credit than earlier in the year, according to a new report.

Christmas has come early for the country’s retailers as Black Friday yesterday prompted a spending frenzy which is almost certain to last for the next 26 days.

Public sector workers earn on average 48% more than those employed in the private sector, according to figures from the Central Statistics Office.

Crime is costing small businesses in the region of €1.5bn a year.

Increases in the cost of third-level education and higher health and motor insurance premiums led to a modest rise in inflation in June compared to 12 months ago.

Small and medium businesses are increasingly dissatisfied with the Government and its support of SMEs, according to a new report.

Strong motor sales drove a 6.2% increase in the volume of retail sales in May, compared to the same period last year. This represents a 0.9% monthly increase from April of this year, according to figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

Up to €4bn in lending will be made available to small and medium businesses who will be given repayment holidays and up to 10 years to pay back loans.

Ireland is setting up a new state bank to pump hundreds of millions of euro into struggling small businesses.