Irish SMEs paying more for loans than EU counterparts Independent.ie Irish small and medium enterprises (SMEs) pay on average three percentage points more interest on loans than the European Union average on amounts up to €250,000. https://www.independent.ie/business/small-business/latest-news/irish-smes-paying-more-for-loans-than-eu-counterparts-37833191.html https://www.independent.ie/business/article37635722.ece/e934e/AUTOCROP/h342/PANews_P-e1545d4b-26e9-4467-9730-05b44b4299b6_I1.jpg Email Irish small and medium enterprises (SMEs) pay on average three percentage points more interest on loans than the European Union average on amounts up to €250,000. The introduction of Government-backed risk-sharing schemes, such as the Brexit Loan Scheme (where interest is capped at 4pc), are helping to address the difference, according to the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI). Total lending supported by the SBCI has now passed €1bn, the agency said. It was … [Read more...] about Irish SMEs paying more for loans than EU counterparts
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Enterprise Ireland seeks ‘quality over quantity’ as spend falls
In 2018 the state agency responsible for the development and growth of Irish companies in global markets invested in start-ups to the tune of €23m, down from €31m in 2017. Speaking to the Irish Independent, Joe Healy, manager of the high potential start-up division of EI, said there were still very high levels of investment in start-ups, however its focus has shifted. “We are focusing on companies of quality that demonstrate a high potential to grow internationally and create jobs ensuring return on investment for the state,” Mr Healy said. He added interest in entrepreneurship here was “higher than ever.” “In 2018 alone, Enterprise Ireland received over 1,300 start-up enquiries, representing a 30pc increase on the previous year.” Overall the agency supported a total of 132 start-up companies last year, down from 181 in 2017. With just 42 days to go before the UK leaves the EU, Mr Healy said companies were viewing Brexit as an … [Read more...] about Enterprise Ireland seeks ‘quality over quantity’ as spend falls
PM arrives in Wutung, West Sepik Province
PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill has arrived in Wutung, West Sepik Province, with Governor Tony Wouwou, and senior State Ministers including officials to inspect border protection measures. Greeted on arrival at the Wutung Primary School Headmaster Evan Misih, PM O’Neill said he is looking forward to meeting with officials on the ground. “Maintaining security on the border is in the national Interest of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia,” the Prime Minister said. “Both countries work together to prevent the movement and contraband and other illegal activities.” … [Read more...] about PM arrives in Wutung, West Sepik Province
Abel opens K20 million Lae Coca Cola upgraded plant
By GORETHY KENNETH DEPUTY Prime Minister Charles Abel officially opened the K20 million upgrade to the Coca Cola plant in Lae yesterday. This is an installation of the new fully automated bottling line which comes on top of an estimated K120 million investment in establishing a world class supply chain in recent years. Abel was received by Morobe Governor Ginson Saonu, yesterday as he arrived in Lae for a three day visit. The DPM and Governor were joined by the Members for Lae Open, John Rosso, and Finschafen Open, Rainbow Paita, as they spent the day visiting a number of significant private sector investments. Opening the latest K20 million upgrade to the Coca Cola plant, the Deputy Prime Minister said ‘it is encouraging to see our policy changes, including tariff adjustments, have given the private sector confidence to be making substantial investments like this’. The installation of the new fully automated bottling line comes on top of an estimated … [Read more...] about Abel opens K20 million Lae Coca Cola upgraded plant
PM officially opens Banab Bridge in Madang
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, Works Minister Michael Nali and other State Ministers have just officially opened the Banab Bridge in Sumkar District, Madang Province. The Banab Bridge, which collapsed last year had an initial contractor Aces Ventures given the K5million contract to fix. The job was never completed and 3 months ago, O’Neill and Cabinet made a decision to fix the bridge, which has now been officially opened now. Madang Governor Peter Yama thanked the Government for this bridge. More photos to follow. … [Read more...] about PM officially opens Banab Bridge in Madang