BROADBAND, investment into the region and the costs of doing business are the key concerns for Limerick firms, according to a recent survey by Limerick Chamber.

The survey of the business community in Limerick and its environs asked members the key issues which are impacting on their business performance and unsurprisingly, the current economic slowdown is having the greatest impact on businesses.

Maria Kelly, Limerick Chamber CEO, said that “the top four issues which impact on businesses in Limerick are the current economic slowdown, availability and speed of broadband, investment into the region and the costs of doing business. These are all issues which the Chamber has, and will continue to lobby for on a regional and national level on behalf of our members”.

With a membership base of 560 companies, the chamber wanted to ensure that the services it offers meets the needs of its members.

“Now more than ever as we face difficult economic times the business community in this region needs a strong chamber working on its behalf.  We want to ensure that our members have a voice and that their concerns are listened to,” said Ms Kelly.

“We asked questions not only on the quality and range of services on offer from the Chamber but also about the priorities of businesses in Limerick in the current economic environment. This is a very significant survey as it has provided us with a very good snapshot of the concerns of businesses in the region. We had an overwhelming response rate of 32% and the feedback and suggestions we received from members will form our policy and lobbying priorities for the year ahead.”

Another major concern for businesses is the promotion of the city centre and Limerick’s image nationally and businesses expressed a strong desire to get people back into the city to create a vibrant and cosmopolitan city centre.

The chamber feels a more unified approach is needed and “is currently in the process of establishing a City Centre Action Group. This group will have a defined set of objectives and outcomes and will not be just another talking shop”.

“Investment in the region, connectivity to Shannon Airport and regional infrastructure have always been at the top of the chamber’s lobbying priorities and have been raised at the highest level of government in meetings with key ministers; most recently with Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey. We also look forward to raising these issues when the Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan is with us next month for our President’s Dinner,” Ms Kelly added.

Almost 80% of respondents said that there is a need for training in their company and

Maura McMahon, Sales and Marketing Manager at the chamber stated: “We were delighted to see that our networking events and business breakfasts continue to prove very popular with our members. We are holding a Joint Networking evening with Shannon and Ennis Chamber’s in Dromoland Castle on November 12, which will give our members the opportunity to network with 100 other companies.”

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