Small firms could create up to 25,000 jobs in 2018, but the Government must take steps to bolster growth, with a specific focus on tax competitiveness. This is an estimate of the Small Firms Association, which represents 8,500 companies in Ireland.
71% of SFA member companies plan to take on additional staff and the group estimate that together small businesses will create 25,000 jobs in 2018.
Furthermore, as the year draws to a close, nearly two thirds of small firms feel that the business environment is improving.
SFA Chair Sue O’Neill said “Brexit, wage inflation and increasing business costs are the main obstacles for small businesses in Ireland. However, as the year draws to a close, nearly two thirds of small firms feel that the business environment is improving.
“Domestic economic growth in 2018 is likely to be close to 4% and our members see this as the biggest opportunity for their business in the coming year.
The Association warns that concrete steps are needed from Government in order for this job creation to be realised. The SFA says creating a strategy for growth for small businesses with special focus on tax competitiveness and the cost of doing business especially in light of Brexit should be the top priority in the coming year.
The SFA believe that by creating a real pro-growth tax system and making sure that work always pays, employees, small businesses and society as a whole will be better off.
In her end of year statement, Chair of the Small Firms Association (SFA), Sue O’Neill said, “The SFA has a vision of Ireland as the most vibrant small business community in the world, supporting entrepreneurship, valuing small business and rewarding risk takers. With a strong Government focus on tax reform and competitiveness, Ireland’s 245,000 small businesses can create 25,000 new jobs in 2018, reinvigorate towns and villages around the country and make a significant contribution to the Irish economy.”