Labour and energy costs top concerns for small firms
22/08/2006 - 07:35:50Labour and energy costs are the main concerns for small businesses across the country, according to the Small Firms Association's latest annual survey.
The association says 88% of respondents to the survey identified labour costs as a major concern, while 77% said energy costs were causing them problems.
The other concerns highlighted by the questionnaire include increased legislation, insurance costs and skills shortages.
The SFA says costs in Ireland are increasing faster than in competing countries and putting significant pressure on small firms struggling to remain competitive.
It says the move to a high-cost, high-wage economy must be matched by improved productivity in order to help businesses regain lost competitiveness and survive into the future.
