Research published on Thursday (6 November) reported that confidence and employment prospects have improved in the last three months in the small- and medium-sized business sector. However, there is concern that a two-speed economy is emerging because manufacturing continues to lag.
Commenting on the results of its third quarterly SME business trends survey, ISME says that overall, the general indicators are more positive than at the start of the year. It adds, however, that manufacturing does not fare as well as other sectors and a change in State policy is required to prevent decline in the sector and outsourcing to cheaper locations.
