Small firms in a giving mood this Christmas

SMALL and medium Irish businesses are getting ready for a presents bonanza this Christmas, it has been revealed.

The Musgrave Marketplace 2016 Corporate Giving Survey found 82% plan to buy corporate gifts for clients this festive season.

The study of 600 Irish SMES revealed generosity has risen by 7% compared to Christmas last year.

Mixed food and alcohol hampers are ranked as the most popular gifts with 45% of respondents.

But one in three business owners find it all to be a bit stressful, up 5% from last December.

And around two-thirds of SMES prefer in-store shopping to buying online.