Introduction

Introduction

We are delighted to present our Fingal Chamber Business Sentiment Survey.

This survey has been designed to pinpoint key challenges for business in Fingal and identify solutions to support them. It will also help refine Chamber policy on the significant issues that have been highlighted.

The Chamber advocates for business, provides advice, support, referrals, lobbying and represents members to deliver positive change for Fingal and its businesses.

Fingal Chamber works with Government Ministers, MEPs, the Mayor of Fingal, Fingal County Council and local representatives to deliver pro-business and employment initiatives.

The Chamber conducted this Business Sentiment Survey over a two week period from 17 – 28 January, 2022. The survey focused on the immediate and short term challenges facing businesses in the Fingal region.

Of the total number of responses received, 36% were from businesses with 50 plus employees while 64% of responses came from businesses ranging from one to 50 employees.

Almost 60% of responses came from the hospitality and tourism area, business and professional services, transport and logistics, retail and wholesale, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and production sectors.

The survey concentrated on key areas such as business challenges and competitiveness, staff retention and skills gaps, local authority support and policy, and work practices.

It highlights the significant challenges Fingal businesses have with staff retention and recruitment, while others cited the availability of skills and talents together with the lack of housing and public transport for employees as the biggest risk for Fingal’s competitiveness in the coming year.

The responses provided strong optimism for the future of Fingal with between 60- 80% of respondents expecting increases in staff numbers, training, revenue and profits for the year ahead.

The report also includes feedback on support already supplied to Fingal businesses by local and central Government as well as commentary on what changes those businesses think should be adopted to provide additional assistance.

Fingal Chamber intends to conduct its business sentiment survey twice yearly providing critical feedback to its members, the local authority and local representatives on the important issues facing businesses in Fingal.