Small firms need to make far greater use of equity financing to offset lower levels of bank lending and grow their business.

Tackling Ireland’s rising inflation rate must be made a number one priority by the Government, according to a statement released by the Small Firms Association (SFA) today.

The annual Small Firms Association (SFA) National Employment Survey shows that 50,243 jobs were created in the small business sector in 2006.

EXPORTS fell by €500 million in August, while imports dropped by €168 million, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) initial trading figures for the month, revealed yesterday.