Published:
-
-
Author: Our Reporter
~ 2 minutes read
Nine out of ten Irish Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) plan to maintain or increase investment in sustainability practices and solutions in the next twelve months to meet what many see as a growing consumer appetite for more sustainable products and services.
That’s according to the bi-annual Uisce Éireann SME Sustainability Sentiment Survey, which found that the majority (73%) intend to maintain current levels of investment, while over one in five expect to increase their spend in this area.
Satisfying customers’ desire for more sustainable products and services is now the second (43%) most important key driver influencing SME decision-making on investment in sustainability, ranking behind achieving cost savings (55%). More than half of Irish SMEs (52%) believe operating a sustainable business attracts more customers.
While 72% of SMEs continue to identify cost concerns and rising costs as the stand-out barrier to investing more in sustainability practices, three out of ten state a lack of information on sustainability practices and lack of Government support (45%) as problematic barriers. The survey found the majority of Irish SMEs (64%) are not aware or not sure where to access supports including information and financial guidance to achieve sustainability savings.
Commenting, Geoffrey Bourke, Business Operations Manager at Uisce Éireann, said: “The B&A research shows Irish SMEs fully realise the importance of offering sustainable products and services to their customers, with the vast majority planning to continue investing to introduce sustainable practices and solutions.
“However, the survey also found they feel there is a lack of guidance for businesses around sustainability, with nearly seven out of ten not aware or not sure where to access supports.”
Pictured: Geoffrey Bourke of Uisce Eireann.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune:
Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App
Download the Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App to access to Galway’s best-selling newspaper. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.
Or purchase the Digital Edition for PC, Mac or Laptop from Pagesuite HERE.
Get the Connacht Tribune Live app
The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.
More like this:
Call for plebiscite on directly elected Mayor of Galway to be included in June 7th elections
Senator Lisa Chambers is seeking a meeting with the Minister for Local Government Darragh O’...
Events across Galway to take place for Hello, How are you? on May 15th
Events will be held across Galway city and county on May 15th to mark Mental Health Ireland’...
Local groups encouraged to attend EU Just Transition Fund meetings Ballinasloe and Glenamaddy
A series of public information evenings exploring the EU Just Transition Fund are to be held in B...
Call made for Department of Health to consider new outpatient parking plan at Merlin Park Hospital
A call has been made for the Department of Health to look at a clear plan for new outpatient park...
Camera assistant from Clifden races across world’s largest ocean in ocean race
A camera assistant from Clifden has raced across the world’s largest ocean as part of the C...
Drivers face massive cut in speed on county roads
Sweeping speed limit reductions on major roads in the county have been recommended in a review cu...
Directly-elected Mayor can trigger renewed city growth
World of Politics with Harry McGee The role of Mayors in Irish cities and, sometimes, counties...
A time for our Church to break free from the chains of history
Country Living with Francis Farragher There are times as one gets older when wistful little as...
Shefflin’s charges get the breaks to reel in Kilkenny
Galway 2-23 Kilkenny 0-29 THERE was no shadow boxing in Salthill on Sunday. Say what you li...