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 Mark Fielding CEO. ISME. Thurles, Co. Tipperary born Mr Mark Fielding, Chief Executive of the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (ISME) has warned that while inflation remains low, business costs are steadily rising.
“Increasing costs are one of the most pressing issues facing SMEs at present. It is difficult for small businesses to grow and hire new staff, when their cost base is continuously rising and their margins reduce,” said Mr Fielding.
ISME warn of rising business costs despite new figures showing low inflation levels. Consumer prices increased by just 0.1 per cent over the year to December, according to latest figures published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
Transport-related costs fell by 4.3% over the year,due to a decline in the prices paid for petrol, diesel and air fares.
Motor Insurance premiums increased by 31% in the year to December, due to insurers continued to hike prices.
Clothing and Footwear costs were down 4.1%, due mainly to heavy discounting by retailers, while household-related items, e.g. furnishings fell by some 1.5%.
Alcoholic Beverages sold in Supermarkets and Off-Licences were lower in the period.
Education, Miscellaneous Goods and Services demonstrated the largest yearly price increases, with same up 3.8% and 2.6% respectively.
Fuel related prices and Communications costs rose by 2.1% and by 1.7% respectively over this same time frame.
Mark Fielding: As well as being Chief Executive of (ISME) Mr Mark Fielding is a member of the Company Law Review Group, the High Level Group on Business Regulation and the Advisory Group on Small Business. He also sits on the administrative council of UEAPME, the European employers’ organisation, latter a recognised European Social Partner representing more than 12 million enterprises, while employing 55 million people across Europe.
  
The 1st prize winner of €10,000 in the January 2016 Thurles Credit Union Members’ Cash Draw was M/s Frances Moore, Childers Park, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
Frances is pictured above, third from the left, being presented with her winners cheque by M/s Catherine Henderson (TCU) and Michelle McCormack (TCU). Also in the photograph is Mr Patrick Moore and Catherine’s granddaughter Miss Amy Lynn.
Congratulations also must go to three other lucky cash prize winners; Mr James Leahy, The Islands, Urlingford, Co Kilkenny; Mr John & Mrs Josephine Bourke, Holycross, Thurles and M/s Maura Purcell, Leugh, Thurles; each of whom received €1,000 in this monthly computer generated draw.
Note: Members can still join the TCU Members Monthly Cash Draw by simply completing an application form in any of 3 associated Thurles Credit Union offices.
Independent TD Deputy Michael Lowry has described the decision by the present Government not to proceed with a ‘statutory single waterways authority’ as simply disastrous. The government has instead set up a ‘co-ordination group’ to implement flood management infrastructure.
Deputy Lowry stated: “The setting up of a ‘co-ordination group’ instead of a ‘statutory single waterways authority’ is a formula for future confusion with regards to actual day-to-day management of Ireland’s rivers and waterways. For whatever reason best known to this Government, they appear to have panicked under the pressure of recent criticisms regarding their slow response to the unanticipated flooding crisis. In making this decision to set up a ‘co-ordination group’ they have guaranteed that any disagreements between state agencies and other bodies into the future, will only lead to long delays in almost all attempted implementation of future flood prevention measures.”
Lowry welcomed the decision to include aid under the Fodder Replacement Scheme together with Humanitarian Aid and Hardship Recognition assistance.
Lowry stated; “It is now essential that all fodder damaged through flooding be urgently replaced and that the Hardship Recognition Scheme should take into account not just the damage caused to farm buildings but also deflated farm income suffered in association”.
Deputy Lowry acknowledged the magnificent and professional work undertaken by community services, general staff and management at Tipperary County Council.
“I have now contacted Tipperary County Council in relation to recent flooding and the general repairs and works urgently required in mending drains, ditches and culverts as well as roads and bridges across Tipperary. I have insisted that I be kept fully informed of any reports or proposed future works that are to be carried out on all roads, which I have examined and listed. Requests have been forwarded on to the necessary personnel with the instruction that issues be investigated on behalf of residents. It is now essential that Tipperary Co. Council seek funding from Government for all necessary emergency repairs”, concluded TD Lowry.
 The 1st prize winners of €10,000 in the Thurles Credit Union (TCU) Members’ Cash Draw for December 2015, were Mr Dan and Mrs Josephine Taylor, Ballyerk, Templetouhy, Thurles Co. Tipperary.
Dan and Josephine are pictured here being presented with their cheque by Thurles Credit Union CEO Mr Donal Scannell.
Congratulations also to three other TCU Members who won cash; most welcome no doubt coming up to the Christmas period.
M/s Lisa Whelan, Edenderry, Co Offaly; M/s Geraldine Ivers, Littleton, Thurles, Co. Tipperary and M/s Kathleen Healy, Columba Terrace, Thurles, Co Tipperary; all who received €1,000 each in this monthly computer generated prize money draw.
Congratulation to all the lucky prize winners.
Mr Michael Harty (TCU’s Business & Strategy Manager) has desired that he take this opportunity, on behalf of all Thurles Credit Union staff, to wish the people of Thurles and all TCU customers, a very Healthy and Happy Christmas and a massive ‘Thank You’ for all your help in 2015.
 On Thursday night last, Tipperary County Council won the Public Sector Sustainable Energy Award at a ceremony organised by the National Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
The SEAI itself has a mission to play a leading role in the transformation of Ireland to a society based on sustainable energy structures, technologies and practices. SEAI is partly financed by Ireland’s EU Structural Funds Programme co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union.
The award was won by Tipperary County Council for work in relation to its energy management performance and on its uptake of renewable energy solutions.
Tipperary County Council contested strong competition from three other finalists in the Public Sector category, namely; The Dublin Airport Authority, Gas Networks and An Post, who were also strong opponents in this close run national contest.
Cathaoirleach Cllr. Mr Seamus Hanafin and Council Director, Mr Matt Shortt accepted the award on behalf of Tipperary County Council, at a gala ceremony in Kilmainham Gaol.
Speaking following the acceptance of this award, Tipperary County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Hanafin, stated that the award further highlighted the outstanding achievements by Tipperary County Council who, in partnership with Tipperary Energy Agency, were fully committed to upgrading their sustainable energy policy.
Praising all involved in finding genuine renewable energy solutions, Cllr. Hanafin stated, “Huge benefits have accrued to both Tipperary County Council as well as the people of Co. Tipperary. These benefits are borne out through achieving major cost reductions brought about by providing retrofits for both public buildings and houses, thus also greatly reducing our current carbon footprint.”
Entrants to the 2015 Sustainable Energy Awards have saved an unprecedented €48 million in the last year, through their extraordinary sustainable energy projects undertaken.
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