IrishSMEsnot overlyworried aboutaBrexit

MOST small business owners are not overly concerned about the possibility of the UK leaving the European Union.

Recently accountancy software providers Big Red CLoud carried out an extensive survey of Irish SME regarding the looming Brexit vote in the UK.

Surprisingly while many commentators are predicting a disaster for Ireland if the UK votes to leave the EU Irish small bsuiness owners seem much less perturbed by the possibility.

The survey showed that 43 per cent of the companies surveyed – including many in Kerry – feared that Brexit would have a negative impact on their business.

While 11 per cent felt Brexit would actually be positive for their firms 46 per cent think that a Brexit would have no impact on their companies whatsoever.

“The impact of next month’s vote could be huge – depending on who you talk to. And while there’s been a lot of discussion around the considered opinions of various economic commentators – less is known about the views of those on the ground – the Irish small business owner. So we thought it would be insightful and useful to ask these people what they think,” said Marc O’Dwyer of Big Red Cloud

“In addition, given Ireland’s large presence in the UK in the form of ex-pats and temporary workers we believe the question had to be asked – should we be trying to influence our British neighbours?” said Mr O’Dwyer .

Mr O’Dwyer said that there was no “slam dunk” percentages that claim we are on a precipice and the end is nigh and that the overall consensus would appear to be balanced in the main.

“Respondents were pretty strong in their understanding of what Brexit is but the understanding of implications for Ireland dropped to 67 per cent. What featured strongly was the fact that Irish business owners believe that we have a role to play in influencing the vote if given the opportunity,” said Mr O’Dwyer.

The margins were larger when businesses were asked how Brexit would effect the wider Irish Economy. 48 per cent said it would be disastrous with26 per cent saying Brexit would be good news for Ireland.