Survey reveals high hopes for Southside businesses

A RECENT survey commissioned by Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Enterprise Board among business owners in the area has indicated a likely increase in employment levels over the coming 12 months.

The survey also indicated that Enterprise Board funded companies now employ over 2,000 staff and are contributing significantly to the Government’s action plan on Jobs 2012.

The main aim of the survey was to establish accurate employment data and future employment trends, and was carried out among businesses which had previously been approved for funding by the Enterprise Board.

The results highlight, for the first time in recent years, a high degree of optimism among business owners and the self employed within the Dún Laoghaire Rathdown area.

When asked how they expected employment levels to fare over the coming year, 56 per cent believe they will see a growth in the numbers employed in their business, while a further 41 per cent forecast employment levels to remain the same.

Michael Johnson, Chief Executive of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Enterprise Board, said the evidence from the survey made a compelling case for continued support from the State for local small businesses.

“The availability of credit and investment to these enterprises is critical to ensuring they can grow profitable business that leads to new jobs,

? he said.

“Because the jobs in small business are spread so widely they sometimes fail to get the level of recognition that larger scale projects receive.

?

He added:

“Dun Lao­ghaire Rathdown County Enterprise Board has investments of over

?¬4.5 million in local business and has already approved a further

?¬350,000 this year.

?