Operating costs, retaining staff and helping businesses thrive will be key focus of Waterford conference

The costs of operating a business, retaining staff and recognising the value of enterprises of all sizes will be the focus of a conference attended by the Taoiseach and Government Ministers this weekend.

The Small Business and Enterprise Conference takes place this Saturday, September 30th at the SETU Arena. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Ministers Simon Coveney, Paschal Donohoe and Neale Richmond will all be in attendance.

Fine Gael’s Small Business and Enterprise Council, established at the first Conference in Thomond Park, Limerick, in September 2022, has been engaging with businesses across the country in a series of workshops held nationally over the past year.

Kathryn Lynch, business consultant and Chair of the Fine Gael Small Business and Enterprise Council, said: “Small and medium businesses are the social and economic backbone of the country and the communities they are based in.

“That is why Saturday’s conference is so important so that we can discuss the challenges businesses face in the presence of senior Government Ministers at a crucial time ahead of Budget 2024.

“Sessions and panel discussions on the day will include Funding Ambition with Minister Paschal Donohoe, Running a Business today with Minister Simon Coveney, and Getting Future Ready with An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

“We have met some fantastic businesses who have real ambition to grow and expand their operations, but some of them told us that at times they have been hamstrung by a lack of access to capital and burdensome red tape.

“These enterprises encompass family-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, innovative start-ups and local stores that contribute so much to the economy and to their respective communities. How they have responded to Brexit, the pandemic, and cost of living challenges demonstrates their resilience, and proves that the SME sector is a success story.

“The help Government has provided to businesses including funding to offset high energy costs, access to appropriate and affordable finance, the expansion of grant supports and changes to our taxation system are extremely welcome, but we know that more can be done.

“Recent changes to duty of care legislation to help lower insurance costs, the launch of a review of the critical skills occupation list by Minister Neale Richmond, and enhanced supports to help companies install solar panels will also have a positive impact.

“These are just some of the ways Government has responded proactively with practical solutions after the issues were raised by businesses.

“Ongoing challenges remain, including the input costs, attracting and retaining staff and while inflation is slowing, energy costs remain high and are not slowing as quickly as anticipated. I know that Fine Gael in Government will not be found wanting in helping businesses further.

“I look forward to what will be a positive and fruitful day of engagement and debate with my business colleagues and Fine Gael ministers,” Ms Lynch concluded.