Latest news with #ISME
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
'SMEs are being squeezed from every side': ISME urges National Minimum Wage reset
ISME has published its pre-Budget submission, which calls for a reset of the National Minimum Wage, saying it is not the solution to the cost-of-living crisis. The business group, representing small and medium businesses, listed five issues to be addressed by the Budget in October. In relation to business costs, they said there are structural and statistical issues with the calculation of the minimum wage here. They said public sector wages exceed those in the private sector and with Ireland at full employment, they expect the matter to be reversed. They also said that SMEs in particular experience the 'crowding out' effects of the FDI sector in wage pressures, accommodation pressures, and pressures for access to water, sewerage and energy infrastructure. ISME said it was seeking a report within six months specifying why the components of Ireland's consumer and energy costs are the highest pre-tax prices in the EU. Neil McDonnell, Chief Executive of ISME, said: "SMEs are being squeezed from every side on energy, insurance, regulation, housing and wages. This Budget needs to stop the rot. We need policies that back Irish businesses, not just foreign multinationals. If we don't address this imbalance in the economy now, we will pay the price in jobs and lost investment. "We cannot continue with business as usual. If we want thriving towns, competitive employers and a balanced economy, we need to put Irish SMEs at the centre of policy, not on the sidelines." The group also made recommendations in relation to the public finances saying the State's current spending profile is unsustainable and is propped up by unreliable corporation tax receipts. "ISME considers it unwise to divert so much of this excess yield into core recurring expenditure. We must stop untargeted something-for-everyone spending and focus on right-now deficits in infrastructure, energy and security." They also called for changes to social protection and said supports must not encourage lower work intensity. "Everyone, including workers earning below €352pw, should pay into the social protection system," the submission states. Housing ISME said the prime driver of wage demand growth was the cost of housing, and that many medium and large companies have become the new local landlords. "The rapid decline in our available stock of accommodation post great financial crash is due to tax and regulation policy. These must be reversed." "We also need to understand the impact on housing stock that the influx of large numbers of foreign students attending our universities creates. Students should not be competing with families and adults for access to housing, and require a dedicated stock of accommodation," ISME said. They said planning laws have become the greatest impediment to the delivery of housing, commercial property and infrastructure and while the Planning and Development Act 2024 is intended to speed this process up, it will only impact new applications. "Government must consider strategies to expedite necessary applications that are already in the system," ISME said.
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Sligo man taking top ISME role will focus on minimum wage reform and town centre regeneration
A native of Sligo town, Finbarr operates the award-winning family-owned Centra store in Castle Street and has served as ISME Vice-Chair since 2023. He has held senior roles across the medical device, pharmaceutical, and construction sectors before moving into retail. Mr Filan has played a leading role in the revitalisation of Sligo town centre and the creation of the Sligo Business Improvement District (BID), which he chairs. He is also a member of the Government Advisory Group for the Town Centre First Policy, the National Retail Forum and steering group member of the Irish Town and City Development Association. He said: 'I'm honoured to take on the role of ISME chair at a time when the SME sector is facing both significant challenges and real opportunities. As someone based in the regions, I am particularly focused on ensuring that the voice of SMEs, the backbone of the Irish economy, continues to be heard.' Neil McDonnell, CEO of ISME, said: 'Finbarr brings exceptional experience and a deep understanding of both SME business realities and the broader policy environment. He is a passionate advocate for town centre regeneration and for ensuring our regional economies thrive. We are delighted to have him lead the Association at this important time.' Mr Filan will be focused on securing formal representation for SMEs on the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF). He argues for reform of how the National Minimum Wage is calculated, ensuring it reflects real cost-of-living solutions rather than driving what he says is unsustainable wage inflation. He also champions town centre regeneration through enhanced supports for repurposing derelict buildings and advocates VAT rule changes to support earlier SME entry into export markets. On legal and insurance reform, Finbarr is calling for a statutory defence against transient retail defamation and implementation of key recommendations from the Kelly Report to help reduce public liability insurance costs and protect SME viability. Finbarr holds a BTech in Manufacturing Technology, ACCA Dip in Accounting and Finance and Post Grad Diplomas in European Studies and Management. He takes over the role from outgoing Chair Marc O'Dwyer.
RTÉ News
4 days ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
ISME elects Sligo's Filan as its new chair
The Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (ISME) has elected Sligo businessman Finbarr Filan as its new Chair at its AGM in Dublin. Mr Filan will serve in the role for two years and will lead ISME's National Council and Board of Directors. A native of Sligo town, Finbarr operates has served as ISME Vice-Chair since 2023 and has held senior roles across the medical device, pharmaceutical and construction sectors before moving into retail. ISME Council member Elaine Dunne, Secretary of the Federation of Early Childhood Providers, has been elected Vice-Chair. "I'm honoured to take on the role of ISME Chair at a time when the SME sector is facing both significant challenges and real opportunities. As someone based in the regions, I am particularly focused on ensuring that the voice of SMEs, the backbone of the Irish economy, continues to be heard," Finbarr Filan said. Neil McDonnell, the CEO of ISME, said that Mr Filan brings exceptional experience and a deep understanding of both SME business realities and the broader policy environment. "He is a passionate advocate for town centre regeneration and for ensuring our regional economies thrive. We are delighted to have him lead the association at this important time," he added. As ISME Chair, Finbarr Filan is focused on securing formal representation for SMEs on the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF). He wants reform of how the National Minimum Wage is calculated to ensure it reflects real cost-of-living solutions rather than driving unsustainable wage inflation. He also champions town centre regeneration through enhanced supports for repurposing derelict buildings and advocates VAT rule changes to support earlier SME entry into export markets. On legal and insurance reform, the new ISME chair is calling for a statutory defence against transient retail defamation and implementation of key recommendations from the Kelly Report to help reduce public liability insurance costs and protect SME viability.
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Sligo businessman is new chair of ISME and will seek reform of how the National Minimum Wage is calculated
A native of Sligo town, Finbarr operates the award-winning family-owned Centra store in Castle Street, Sligo and has served as ISME Vice-Chair since 2023. He has held senior roles across the medical device, pharmaceutical, and construction sectors before moving into retail. Filan has played a leading role in the revitalisation of Sligo town centre and the creation of the Sligo Business Improvement District (BID), which he chairs. He is also a member of the Government Advisory Group for the Town Centre First Policy, the National Retail Forum and steering group member of the Irish Town and City Development Association. He said: 'I'm honoured to take on the role of ISME Chair at a time when the SME sector is facing both significant challenges and real opportunities. As someone based in the regions, I am particularly focused on ensuring that the voice of SMEs, the backbone of the Irish economy, continues to be heard.' Neil McDonnell, CEO of ISME, said: 'Finbarr brings exceptional experience and a deep understanding of both SME business realities and the broader policy environment. He is a passionate advocate for town centre regeneration and for ensuring our regional economies thrive. We are delighted to have him lead the Association at this important time.' Filan will be focused on securing formal representation for SMEs on the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF). He argues for reform of how the National Minimum Wage is calculated, ensuring it reflects real cost-of-living solutions rather than driving what he says is unsustainable wage inflation. He also champions town centre regeneration through enhanced supports for repurposing derelict buildings and advocates VAT rule changes to support earlier SME entry into export markets. On legal and insurance reform, Finbarr is calling for a statutory defence against transient retail defamation and implementation of key recommendations from the Kelly Report to help reduce public liability insurance costs and protect SME viability. Finbarr holds a BTech in Manufacturing Technology, ACCA Dip in Accounting and Finance and Post Grad Diplomas in European Studies and Management. He takes over the role from outgoing Chair Marc O'Dwyer.
Hans India
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Belarus Ambassador highlights power of cultural exchanges
Bengaluru: ISME (International School of Management Excellence), Bangalore, hosted its annual International Day on May 16, at Navatara, ISME campus, featuring a keynote address by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Republic of India, Mikhail M. Kasko. In his thought-provoking address, Ambassador Kasko underscored the vital role that culture plays in shaping diplomacy and global cooperation. Reflecting on over two decades of diplomatic experience, he remarked: 'Culture is a universal language one that transcends borders, politics, and history. In diplomacy, it plays a vital role in building mutual trust and understanding, opening the door to stronger economic, educational, and political cooperation. When we invest in cultural exchange, especially among young people, we are investing in a more peaceful, connected, and collaborative global future.
