Small Business Advisory Group launched
The first meeting was held today of the new Small Business Advisory Group, an initiative aimed at facilitating dialogue between the Minister for Small Business John Perry and representatives of the small business sector.
Minister Perry chaired today’s first meeting of the group, which was attended by Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
“Small and medium enterprises play a crucial and often underestimated role in our economy,” the Taoiseach said.
“My Government is committed to making Ireland the best small country in which to do business. We will work with all sectors of the business community in order to achieve this.”
Minister Perry said that the Small Business Advisory Group would be working against the backdrop of the most difficult challenge ever confronted by this State in relation to the position of the public finances.
“Any initiatives developed must have regard to what is deliverable in this context,” he said.
The launch was welcomed by the Small Firms Association (SFA).
“Through the establishment of the Group, the Government have recognised the critical role that small firms play in the Irish economy and this forum will focus on the key concerns for small firms and ensure that the correct environment is created that will support them,” SFA Director Patricia Callan said.
““The SFA are delighted to be involved in this Group and we look forward to working with the Minister for Small Business, John Perry TD as we are committed to ensuring that Government provide greater support for small indigenous businesses.”
Membership of the Small Business Advisory Group includes entrepreneurs, nominees from the main small business representative bodies, John Trethowan of the Credit Review Office and officials from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation as well as from the state enterprise support agencies, Forfas, Enterprise Ireland and the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs).
