Irish-owned firms which employ large numbers of people are being hit by the slump in sterling, the latest trade figures suggest.

The relatively high interest rates that Irish small companies are being charged for their loans could affect perceptions of success in getting bank loans in the first place, according to research from TCD Business School.

Two major business groups representing small business owners say it is time to set up an “IDA-style” government agency to look after the interests of Irish SMEs.

In this week’s Small Business column, Kehlan looks at why the push for businesses to export is justified and why SMEs need to look beyond borders.

Business bodies have welcomed legislation enabling the provision of an initial €150m of lending to small businesses.

Ireland received a clear warning that it must spend more on research and its SMEs must be much more progressive if it is to create the kind of jobs and growth needed to emerge from the crisis.

THE Irish Software Association is encouraging Irish SMEs to bid for more public sector IT contracts.

TEN of Ireland’s leading business women have been unveiled as “entrepreneurship ambassadors” in a European Commission drive to promote new job creation.

Irish small and medium-sized companies remain confident about the future despite deteriorating economic conditions, according to Ulster Bank.