Clune hosts small business workshop in Cork

Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune hosted a recent Fine Gael Small Business and Enterprise Council Workshop in Cork, which was attended by Minister for Enterprise, Simon Coveney, and Minister of State for Employment Affairs and Retail Business, Neale Richmond.

MEP Clune, who sits on the European Parliament’s Single Market & Consumer Affairs Committee, says “small and medium size businesses are the backbone of our economy.This workshop was an excellent opportunity for SMEs in Cork to engage directly with government and public representatives and provide feedback on the challenges they face.

It is vital that we hear suggestions and ideas first hand, to continue backing these businesses in the most effective manner.A key issue raised was the current energy crisis, which is drastically affecting business operating costs.

The discussion also touched on supports available to SMEs including management development, mentoring and trade promotion in Europe.It was great to hear the incredible work businesses in Cork are doing, creating jobs and employment opportunities across all sectors.We should also improve the opportunities for SMEs to access finance, reduce the regulatory burden and help the move towards digitalisation.

 I am looking forward to taking these discussions back to the European Parliament to find out what I can do to further support Irish SMEs.”