Archive for November 2020

Last week, I spoke about making cents this Christmas. The expression ‘things are tight at Christmas’ resonates with many of us at this time though the lockdowns have precluded many from spending and there have been sizeable savings locked away. Bernard Manning once quipped: “For Christmas this year I gave my kids a set of…

The Government has decided to extend two measures which were brought in to help businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.  The Covid-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGS) will now stay open for new applications until the end of June. It had been due to close at the end of the year.  The suspension of redundancy provisions relating…

The Taoiseach has said that Brexit amounts to the most significant fundamental economic change the country has faced in 50 years. Speaking at Dublin Port, Micheál Martin said he remains hopeful that a deal can be struck, adding it is in the best interests of Ireland, the UK and the European Union. He warned that,…

Consumers shopping online this week are being advised to be on the lookout for scams. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are expected to see another increase in online spending this year. Fraudsters typically target consumers at busy times, but despite that, it looks like card fraud is on the decline. Debit and credit card fraud…

Consumer sentiment showed a significant and somewhat surprising rebound in November which may signal a stronger outlook for Christmas spending.  The latest KBC Bank Irish consumer sentiment index jumped to 65.5 in November from 52.6 in October, returning the index to its strongest level since March.  However, the November reading still remains substantially below both…

We like to save money in Ireland and much and all as we’ve generally disliked ‘lockdown’, and all that it has meant in terms of an erosion of our personal freedoms, it has enabled many people to put even more money aside. According to the Central Bank, deposits in banks and credit unions soared this year,…

A new loan scheme to help small businesses to prepare for Brexit has been launched through Microfinance Ireland. Loans for between €5,000 and €25,000 will be available to companies whose turnover has dropped or is likely to drop by 15% or more because of the UK’s departure from the EU. Firms with a short term…

Nearly 500 businesses and trade associations involved in the tourism, hospitality and events industries have signed an open letter to Taoiseach Micheál Martin calling for the sector to be allowed reopen or reopen to a greater extent than currently from December. The signatories say they recognise that although it will not be business as usual this…

The Covid-19 pandemic has not led to an increase in company insolvencies, according to new research from the Central Bank.  A report published today by the Central Bank suggests this is down to Government supports, loan payment breaks and forbearance from creditors.  The report also finds there was a sharp reduction of 36% in the…

A total of €8.24m in grants has been announced for 95 Enterprise Centres around the country under Enterprise Ireland’s Enterprise Centres Fund.  Enterprise Centres are embedded in communities in every county in the country and provide space and training for entrepreneurs. This allows them to work remotely, access training and advice and network with other…