bISME Volume 1 Issue 16
THE
SPRING 2022
THE BUSINESS OF IRISH SMEs
Growing cross-border trade & business collaboration InterTradeIreland’s CEO Margaret Hearty looks at the challenges, supports available & opportunities across the island of Ireland
The b Issue How SMEs can make 2022 their year of sustainability The b Insight Four perks that will help you attract and retain talent in 2022 Marketing Focus Top 3 social media trends for SMEs in 2022 HR Focus Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Bill 2021
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bISME
THE
Contents
Volume 1 Issue 16 Spring 2022
16.
18.
CONTENTS
Dublin 2, Ireland. Phone : (01) 662 2755 E-mail: info@isme.ie Web: isme.ie
6. The b News News and updates for business
Published by iSME
Editorial: maeve@isme.ie Design: ciara@isme.ie Advertising: marketing@isme.ie
The bISME is the official publication of ISME. Individual views expressed in the magazine do not necessarily constitute ISME policy. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this publication, the publishers assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Copyright The bISME 2019. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form without the express written permission of ISME.
10. The b Interview InterTradeIreland’s new CEO Margaret Hearty looks at the challenges, supports available & opportunities across the island of Ireland 13. Member Feature The Burren Smokehouse 14. Marketing Focus Orla McDonnell highlights the top 3 social media trends for SMEs in 2022
15. The b Issue Brendan Lambert, EcoMerit looks at how SMEs can reduce costs & make sustainability a key part of their business in 2022 16. HR Focus Cait Lynch outlines the upcoming Amendment to the Protected Disclosures Bill 2021 18. Member Feature LeisureMax 19. Finance Focus Mercer’s DC Client Director, Carol Leonard addresses forthcoming changes to pensions & the implications for employers
22. Learning Focus Adam Weatherley reviews 2021’s Back to Work Mentoring & Coaching Programme 25. ISME at work for you The latest updates on ISME activity 28. Technology Focus Results from .IE Domain Profile Report 2021 30. Energy Focus How free online training from the SEAI can help reduce energy costs 31. Another side of… Orla Bakeberg, Snr Account Manager, The Printed Image
20. The b Insight Adam Coleman, HRLocker recommends 4 ways to attract & retain staff
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T H E B U S I N E S S O F I R I S H S M Es
17 Kildare Street,
4. A Message from the Chief Executive Neil McDonnell discusses SCARP, property rental, the impact of impending bill amends, inflation and more
THE
bISME
A Message from the Chief Executive
Emerging from under the pandemic cloud... Hello readers, I’m allowed to say Happy New Year as this is the first bISME of 2022! It looks like we’re finally emerging from under the pandemic cloud, but of course we realise that will not be the end of woes for a great many business owners. SCARP, also known as the Companies (Rescue Process for Small and Micro Companies) Act 2021, was commenced in November. The Government has delivered, now it’s up to creditors to engage with the new process in a sensible way. We expect to see the number of business insolvencies increase rapidly as COVID supports are withdrawn. And with the High Court decision in the Foot Locker case, we have a better understanding of how the courts will deal with commercial landlord-tenant disputes.
T H E B U S I N E S S O F I R I S H S M Es
We know many of you are facing difficult discussions with landlords at present. The Department of Enterprise Code of Practice between Landlords and Tenants is the best place for you to start. It is voluntary, therefore has no statutory footing. However, if one party to a rent dispute is seen to be following it, and another not, the courts may come to a view as to which party is being reasonable if it has to be decided by a judge. It is also important to know where you stand with your lease. Does it have review clauses, or is your lease already up? If your lease permits reviews, the landlord has a right to increase rent. However, if there is a lot of vacant possession in local commercial premises, it will not be in your landlord’s interest to push you. Have a discussion with a local commercial real estate agent/auctioneer, who will give you an honest view as to what your current premises is worth in rental terms, and whether your current rent is behind the market. For those of you with an interest in policy, ISME has made its Submission to the Commission on Taxation and Welfare. Feel free to share with those who feel the same way.
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Neil McDonnell, Chief Executive, ISME Statutory Sick Pay is on the way, as is the Right to Request Remote Working. Both are going to impact the cost of labour for employers, so you should be reviewing your cost of sales to accommodate them. Our Pension Equity Challenge will take place this year. We held a Pensions Equity Q&A webinar on 10th February, view a recording of the session here. We are delighted to note that the first Garda investigation of (alleged) perjury by a personal injuries claimant, following a successful defence by an ISME member company, is under way. We will provide further information as the situation develops, but our objective is not merely to reclaim costs from these chancers, it is to put them in jail. Lastly, you will have noted that inflation is back with a bang. We do not accept the views of the Central Bank Governor that consumer price inflation is a temporary phenomenon. Brexit has caused a permanent structural adjustment to the cost of trade with our largest trading partner which will increase consumer prices for years. Energy prices are undergoing a permanent adjustment, in our view, and will increase much further if there is a shooting war in Ukraine. It is an iron law of economics that inflation will be followed by interest rate increases. Our economist colleagues advise us to expect a 0.2% increase in the ECB rate later this year, with that rate climbing by 1.5% by mid-2024. This will impact what is already an expensive cost of credit for Irish consumers and businesses. Start planning for it now. And best of luck for 2022! Neil McDonnell ISME CEO
The b News USEFUL EVENTS FOR SMES InterTradeIreland Go-2Tender workshops Tuesday, 22nd February, Wednesday, 2nd March, Tuesdays 22nd March, 5th & 26th April, 9.30am - 1.30pm Book here. InterTradeIreland Oneto-one Equity Advisory Clinics Thursday 24th February, 10th, 24th & 31st March, 8.30am - 3.30pm Book here. InterTradeIreland Funding Advisory Service Workshops Thursday 10th March, Wednesday 6th April, Thursday 7th April, 10am - 11.00am Book here. National Construction Summit Thursday, 3rd March Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown Book here. Dublin IP and R&D Summit Tuesday 22nd & Wednesday 23rd March The Convention Centre Dublin Book here.
T H E B U S I N E S S O F I R I S H S M Es
SEAI Energy Show 2022 Wednesday 30th & Thursday 31st March RDS, Dublin Register here. The National Sales & Marketing Summit Thursday, 14th April, RDS, Dublin 9.00an - 4.00pm Book here. Cyber Expo & Conference Ireland Thursday, 28th April, Leopardstown Racecourse, Dublin 8.00am – 5.00pm Book here.
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Legislation to establish Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) has passed A new milestone law will see CEA crack down on larger scale and more complex breaches of company law. Minister of State with responsibility for Company Law, Robert Troy TD, welcomed the passing of the Companies (Corporate Enforcement Authority) Bill 2021 through all legislative stages in the Houses of the Oireachtas on Wednesday, 15th December. The Bill will now be sent to the President for his signature and enactment into law. The landmark Bill will transform the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) into a statutory and independent agency entitled the Corporate Enforcement Authority with additional resources to investigate and prosecute white collar crime. Find out more here.
Remote Working Bill 2021 On 25th January, An Tánaiste & Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment Leo Varadkar TD published details of the Right to Request Remote Working Bill 2021 which will provide a legal framework around which requesting, approving or refusing a request for remote work can be based. Details of the general scheme of the draft Bill, along with the regulatory impact assessment can be found on here.
COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme Extension An Tánaiste published on Friday 21st January the Redundancy Payments (Amendment) Bill, which gives employees who have lost out on reckonable service while they were on lay-off due to COVID-19 restrictions, and have subsequently been made redundant, a special payment of up to a maximum payment of €1860 tax-free to bridge the gap in their redundancy entitlements. Find out more here.
COVID Recognition Payment and New Public Holiday The Government has announced a COVID recognition payment of €1,000 (tax free), for eligible frontline health and ambulance workers and a new public holiday on Friday 18th March. In 2023 there will be a new permanent public holiday established in celebration of St Brigid’s Day. This will be the first Monday in every February, except where St. Brigid’s Day happens to fall on a Friday, in which case that Friday 1st February will be a public holiday. Read full details here.
The b News
HR QUERIES FROM SMES WHAT IS THE NEW MINIMUM WAGE?
The COVID-19 Response Plan template and Good Practice checklists, available to view here, have been prepared to help employers, business owners and managers to continue running their workplaces safely, and to help workers, in particular the Lead Worker Representative understand what they need to do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The template and checklists have been drafted, based on the Government’s advice and the Transitional Protocol – Good Practice Guidance for Continuing to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19. The Transitional Protocol reflects the most recent public health advice, and it is the current guidance for the safe return and continued safe operating of workplaces. The template and checklists should be read in conjunction with the guidance. Employers, workers and their representatives are encouraged to continue working together to help continue to keep workplaces safe. The Response Plan template and Good Practice Checklists will help you to do that.
Health Information and Awareness calendar 2022 The Health Information and Awareness calendar 2022 contains links to different campaigns and events, national and international for 2022. View the calendar here.
SEAI ENERGY SHOW The SEAI Energy Show is taking place on Wednesday 30th and Thursday 31st March in the RDS, Dublin. This is a businessto-business event, focused on sustainable energy solutions. This exhibition offers expert seminars, technology demonstrations and multiple networking opportunities for visitors. You can register to exhibit at the event here or register to attend here.
Category of Employee Hourly Rate •
Aged 20 and over €10.50
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Under 18 €7.35
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Aged 18 €8.40
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Aged 19 €9.45
Since 4th March 2019 trainee rates have been abolished. For the purposes of the National Minimum Wage your gross wage includes, for example, the basic salary and any shift premium, bonus or service charge. If employees receive board or lodgings, that is food or accommodation from the employer, the maximum amounts that can be included are: •
for board only €0.94 per hour worked
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for accommodation only €24.81 per week or €3.55 per day from 1st January 2022.
The following categories of employees are excluded from the National Minimum Wage: •
employees who are close relatives of the employer, where the employer is a Sole Trader
•
a craft apprentice within the meaning of the Industrial Training Act, 1967, or the Labour of Services Act, 1987
In order to ensure that the increase in the minimum wage does not result in employers attracting a higher level of PRSI charge solely due to this increase, the employer PRSI threshold will increase from €398 currently to €410 from 1st January 2022.
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T H E B U S I N E S S O F I R I S H S M Es
HSA’s COVID-19 Response Plan Supports
The national minimum hourly rate has become €10.50 as of 1st January 2022.
The b News
Guide on EU funding for tourism This online guide highlights the wide range of funding programmes financed by the new budget, multiannual financial framework 2021-2027, and Next Generation EU. It contains links to relevant EU programme websites with the latest developments (such as annual work programmes or calls for proposals) and further details per programme. For inspiration, you can also see concrete project examples funded by previous EU programmes. Find out more here.
InterTradeIreland Chairman appointed InterTradeIreland, the cross-border trade and economic development b o d y, h a s a n n o u n c e d t h e appointment of Richard Kennedy as its new Chairman. Mr Kennedy is Chief Executive of Belfast-based Devenish. Under his guidance, the agri-tech firm has transformed from a company focused on the Northern Ireland market to an international research, development and innovation business trading in over forty countries. Welcoming the new Chairman to the InterTradeIreland board, CEO Margaret Hearty said: “Richard is an expert in growing a business in new markets and has an outstanding record of achievement. We have no doubt that he will make a very significant contribution to InterTradeIreland. We look forward to his innovative vision and considered input.” Commenting on his appointment, Mr Kennedy said, “I am delighted to be appointed Chair of InterTradeIreland – a vital organisation that helps power economic prosperity across the island of Ireland. This is a pivotal time to be joining the board, as InterTradeIreland builds on the next chapter of its evolution and growth. It’s an exciting prospect to work with the rest of the board, CEO Margaret Hearty, the senior leadership team and all of the InterTradeIreland team.” With this new appointment, InterTradeIreland continues to focus on helping firms to grow. To date over 48,000 small businesses have been supported by InterTradeIreland to identify and develop trade and innovation opportunities. The organisation has created over 18,000 new jobs and generated more than €1.3bn/£1.2bn in business development value, with cross-border trade currently sitting at €8.4bn/£7.4bn, its highest level in 20 years.
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REACH Regulation Public Consultation The EU Commission is reviewing the REACH Regulation as part of the EU Chemicals Strategy to help achieve a toxic free environment. The Commission is hosting a public consultation on the REACH revision from 20th January 2022 - 15th April 2022. The public consultation aims to gather views from a wide variety of stakeholders on the main elements considered for the revision of REACH, covering registration requirements, introduction of mixtures assessment factors, simplification of communication in the supply chains, evaluation, authorisations and restrictions, and enforcement. If you would like to have your say, you can find more information and a link to the public consultation survey here and submit any feedback before 15th April.
Upskilling programmes support hospitality and tourism sector Education and Training Boards (ETBs) provide a broad range of training programmes specific to the hospitality and tourism sector that deliver upskilling and reskilling opportunities for employers and their staff. In 2021, two new highly subsidised ‘Skills to Advance’ programmes were introduced to complement existing provision, delivering critical team leadership and supervisory management skills to the sector. The Developing Leaders for Hospitality and Tourism programmes were developed by SOLAS and the ETBs in consultation with the Irish Hotels Federation, Fáilte Ireland and the Regional Skills Fora. They were positively received, with employers recognising that investing in people is a vital element in retaining and attracting talent, which are critical factors in rebuilding the industry. Skills to Advance works collaboratively with the ETBs, employer bodies and key stakeholders to design, develop and cascade targeted regional and sectoral initiatives to provide agile and relevant upskilling opportunities. These initiatives include Leadership and Management, Developing Leaders for Hospitality and Tourism, Green Skills and Digital Skills for Business. eCollege, an online learning service is also available under Skills to Advance in key areas such as project management, digital and business skills. eCollege courses are available on a continuous intake basis, with no waiting lists and flexible time for completion. Find your local ETB contact here.
Skills to Advance
Category
Make skills work for you
Developing Leaders for Hospitality and Tourism T H E B U S I N E S S O F I R I S H S M Es
Boost the retention and development of key talent Avail of highly subsidised training for enterprise Contact your local Education and Training Board or visit skillstoadvance.ie
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bISME
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The b Interview
Growing cross-border trade & business collaboration Margaret Hearty, CEO, InterTradeIreland Please talk us through your career and what has led you to this point? My background is in business and marketing; later on in my career, I completed an MBA. The majority of my working life has been spent in business development, supporting entrepreneurs and SMEs. It’s where I have learned the most, directly from the people that I had the privilege to work with the people who seized the opportunity to start a business and make a difference. They still inspire me to get up and do my job today. Entrepreneurs and companies are the backbone of our economy and central to our economic growth and prosperity. As the new CEO, I look forward to leading the organisation and team, and to continue the crucial work of supporting businesses to take advantage of the many opportunities to collaborate, export and innovate with partners across the island. You were recently appointed the new CEO of InterTradeIreland - what do you find enjoyable about this role and what are your plans over the next few years? Personally, I love seeing the difference that InterTradeIreland’s supports make to businesses. We are a responsive organisation and we really listen to what companies tell us. No two days are the same, which is great. InterTradeIreland is a unique organisation that has made a vital contribution to growing cross-border trade and business collaboration across the island. In fact, cross-border trade is now at an all-time high. InterTradeIreland has always been instrumental in helping businesses to trade and grow, both pre- and post-Brexit. Over the next few years, we’re committed to supporting businesses to adapt to the new trading rules and regulations as they evolve, and our supports reflect this - with our Brexit Advisory Service transitioning to a new Trade Support Service. Like other organisations, COVID-19 has changed many aspects of how we deliver our services and catapulted us on our digitalisation journey. We understand that many SMEs are going through the same process. We introduced a lot of new supports during the pandemic, some of which are mainstreamed today including our Digital Sales programme, which supports firms to seize opportunities in the online environment.
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Another priority is the significant growth opportunities for increased cross-border trade and co-operation across all sectors, in particular, the green economy and the adaption of new technologies. We’re actively supporting partnerships who address these challenges. Talk to us about InterTradeIreland and the work you do? InterTradeIreland is here to help businesses across the island of Ireland to innovate, collaborate and grow. At its core, we help firms to move forward – whether that’s exporting into the opposite jurisdiction, developing new products and services through cross-border collaboration, or becoming investor ready. For example, our Innovation Boost programme supports product development and innovation by linking academics and SMEs across the island. Our trade programmes help firms to gain the knowledge, skills and capability to access new markets in Northern Ireland. Cross-border trade has now reached an all-time high of €7.4 billion, which represents a huge opportunity for businesses.
What plans and supports does InterTradeIreland have over the next few years? As always, we will continue to be a proactive organisation. During the pandemic InterTradeIreland developed a range of supports to help companies and now we’re focused on helping firms through the recovery phase. Building innovation capabilities into businesses is one of our key pillars and we’re committed to it. We have always been very focused on the end users of our services, which are SMEs, and we will continue to be focused on them. We have exciting initiatives rolling out later this year, which are a direct response to what firms have been telling us, so watch this space!
The b Interview
I think the only certainty in life is change. I am lucky that at InterTradeIreland we get to work with some very innovative companies that keep us in touch with the pace of change. I know the majority of businesses have re-evaluated their strategy and approach on the back of Brexit and COVID. Firms know their business and sector better than anybody else, but it’s always good to validate those assumptions and plans. I realise that heading up a business can be a lonely journey at times, so take advantage of all of the supports and advice out there. Get involved in an industry network or group - collaboration is really the key to success. Take advantage of the help available from state agencies like InterTradeIreland, Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs. That’s our job, to help you get to the next level.
involved in an industry ‘‘ Get network or group - collaboration is really the key to success
What do you think will be the long-lasting impact of COVID for Irish business? As firms exit survival mode, it is important to invest in new skills and technologies in order to aid recovery and growth. The pandemic accelerated the shift to online, and cyber sales grew massively during this time. Now business owners need to think how they can expand and improve their user experience. COVID-19 saw challenges to innovation, however sectors such as health, wellbeing and biotechnology were all positively affected. In 2022, the ‘green economy’ is forecast to become a key driver of growth and businesses should think about these opportunities. What are the major challenges you or your organisation have overcome? I think for most businesses the biggest challenge they’ve faced has been the disruption caused by COVID-19, and it’s been no different for InterTradeIreland. We literally moved our existing supports and new COVID initiatives online and started remote working overnight.
Do you have a business mentor? What business advice was crucial to your success and what pieces of advice would you impart to an SME business in today’s competitive climate? I am fortunate that I have a mentor, as a well as a great network of people around me. I think one of the soundest pieces of advice I have ever received is to surround yourself with positive people who you can bounce things off. Another key insight is that you have to believe in what you do; it keeps you going. I think any SME business owner probably knows themselves at what level they’d like to operate, but maybe doesn’t have the means to do it. Another piece of advice is that if you know you need to innovate to keep up with your competition, contact InterTradeIreland or other economic agencies. It is the same if you need to export or if you need to network and find new buyers/suppliers. There is support out there to do those things. Go and make contact. In InterTradeIreland, we see the huge opportunity in cross-border collaboration. As a business, if you want to stay ahead in today’s competitive climate, it is a great place to start.
have to believe in what you do; it ‘‘ you keeps you going. Passion, planning and people are the three ‘Ps’ that many business owners attribute their success to. Would you agree with this mantra and/or what else makes a business successful? There is a lot I would agree with in that mantra, and certainly, it is something that I would attribute to InterTradeIreland’s success. As an organisation, we are full of people who are passionate about the opportunities for businesses in the opposite jurisdiction and we help firms plan for that success. I would also add opportunity and managed risk. We see that for many businesses to grow they need to export; however, they’re worried about taking that first step. At InterTradeIreland, we can help a company de-risk, taking the first steps to export by exploring the market in the opposite jurisdiction. To find out more visit www.intertradeireland.com
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T H E B U S I N E S S O F I R I S H S M Es
With all the challenges facing business over the next few years, what advice/insight would you give the business community in Ireland?
Like all organisations, our people are our greatest asset and the wellbeing of our staff is paramount. They’ve done an amazing job throughout the pandemic. Brexit was also a surprise for many people, and InterTradeIreland has been helping business prepare for Brexit since 2016. Our Brexit Advisory Service continues to keep businesses informed and offer post-Brexit supports and advice. Really, entrepreneurs and enterprises across the island continue to be incredibly resilient and many of our programmes can assist with driving innovation, growth and recovery.
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bISME
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Member Feature
Burren Smokehouse Co.Clare
The Burren Smokehouse was founded in Lisdoonvarna by Birgitta and Peter Curtin 33 years ago. The Smokehouse offers visitor experiences, food gifting online and supplies Burren Smoked Irish Organic Salmon to hotels, restaurants, independent retail and Dunnes Store’s Simply Better range. The company have recently entertained the Swedish Royals and provided for the State dinner at the historical visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 2011. Managing Director Birgitta Hedin-Curtin and her team are planning a range of projects to increase brand awareness and grow their business, availing of training opportunities and business supports given by agencies like Bord Bia, BIM, Fáilte Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. The company will be launching a next generation, trilingual website with their food gifting service enhanced with brand new images and intuitively userfriendly functionality. This digital opportunity is supported by project management from Nicola Martin, Insight & Brand Building Specialist in Bord Bia under the Brand Activation Programme. Burren Smokehouse teamed up with Granite, one of Ireland’s largest digital innovations and strategy agency, to achieve new goals. Food Tourism is hugely important to the business and they will launch a website featuring Burren Experiences at their Burren Micro Brewery, The Burren Smokehouse and their gastro pub, The Roadside Tavern. This B2C platform features their VIP and Family Food Tourism Experiences with titles like “Taste the Atlantic – the Salmon Experience” and “Master Class in Smoking Salmon”, plus Burren Brewery beer tasting and whiskey tasting in their gastro pub. Failte Ireland have been very supportive with training and workshops to increase capabilities in digital marketing tools and advice to build this B2C website. “Taste the Atlantic – the Salmon Experience” is their newest visitor experience supported by the partnership of BIM, the Irish Fisheries Bord led by Richard Donnelly, their Aquaculture Business Planning Manager, and Fáilte Ireland, connecting seafood producers along the Wild Atlantic Way. This educational, entertaining, multisensory and interactive exhibition showcases sustainability. It adheres to the United Nations SDG goals as applied to the Irish Seafood Industry explaining all about Irish organic salmon harvested off the wild Atlantic waters of the Irish West Coast, as well as the seasonal catch of wild salmon fishing in Irish rivers. Visitors can experience a shadow play of the story of the Salmon of Knowledge – as the salmon had a major role in Irish mythology.
Birgitta Hedin-Curtin The company availed of the Lean Start programme run by Enterprise Ireland. This is a consultancy process assisting increased integration into the ERP platform, as well as introducing barcode scanning to improve accuracy and efficiencies. She says “We believe in constantly improving our systems and products with NPD, for our Burren Smoked Irish Organic Salmon products as well as eco-friendly packaging.” She has recently re-joined ISME and sees it as an opportunity to engage more with other SME businesses and avail of marketing opportunities. Peter and Birgitta are founding members of the Burren Ecotourism Network that promotes the unique Burren Area, along with other visitor experiences, food producers, restaurants, gastro pubs, microbreweries, whiskey distillers and accommodation providers. Members of the Network are planning the annual Burren Slow Food Festival for the middle of May, when the Burren is in full bloom. Please visit the Burren Smokehouse, which is open daily in the historical village Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare or go to www.burrensmokehouse.ie and www.burrenexperiences.ie
Birgitta realises that integration of all systems is essential to achieve increased efficiencies and accuracy. Going paperless is also part of the company’s sustainability plans. These goals have Taste the Atlantic – the Salmon Experience been set as part of Origin Green and Burren Code at the Burren Smokehouse Visitor Centre of Practice Certifications from year to year.
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Top 3 social media trends for SMEs in 2022
bISME
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Marketing Focus
8 reasons for embracing video for your business:
Orla McDonnell, Owner & Founder, OMD Consultancy As an SME you may have a limited budget to market your business. Where should you be investing your time, money and energy in 2022? Social media has become a virtual shopping centre of sorts, which is right in the palm of our hands. People are also splitting their time between an average of 7.5 different social platforms. 2021 saw a 10.1% growth in social media users. Ask yourself these questions - Do you want to plan for success? Position yourself for success? and Find new opportunities? Read on to see what you should be prioritising this year from a social media perspective. Here are 3 of the key digital trends that you should note:
1. TikTok
T H E B U S I N E S S O F I R I S H S M Es
The growth of video can be clearly seen in TikTok. Insider Intelligence predicts that TikTok will reach 755 million monthly users in 2022, after seeing 59.8% growth in 2020, followed by 40.8% growth in 2021.
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If You Think TikTok is not for you, your demographic or your potential customers, think again! Some people might think they’re not the right demographic for TikTok which may lead you to avoid joining the app but look at Paul Merriman, AskPaul Financial Advice as an example. This would be considered a niche concept and Paul wouldn’t be who you would immediately think of when you think “TikTok Famous” or Viral - BUT he has 37.9K followers. All Paul is doing is giving advice to his following. No gimmicks, no dancing - simple! Video is where it is at. Video marketing is still increasing exponentially. Forecasts say it will be even more important in 5 or 10 years.
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Video gets more exposure (and engagement!)
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It’s growing in popularity across all channels
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Video typically has a longer shelf life
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It appeals to a Gen Z audience
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Video can be repurposed across multiple platforms
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It’s a more personable way to engage with your audience
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Video is a powerful sales tool
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Businesses report higher conversion rates with video marketing.
There are many ways to do video, and having a smaller marketing budget does not mean you have to miss out completely.
2. Instagram Reels & Stories This is maybe where you hang out already and are comfortable using. However, are you using all the new features on Instagram? Are you up to date with their new changes? Instagram is trying to compete with TikTok so they are currently making lots of changes on a weekly basis to stay relevant. Unlike Instagram Stories that disappear in 24 hours, Reels users will be able to view and share them for a longer time.
3. LinkedIn Newsletter LinkedIn is making it easier to share content and grow an audience. LinkedIn Newsletter is a perfect tool for you to establish yourself as an authority figure in your niche. It is a relatively new feature on LinkedIn but everyone can subscribe to a newsletter. This allows you to reach the inboxes of all who subscribe. When you publish a newsletter, your subscribers get notified, which increases the chances of people seeing and consuming your content. You can invite all your LinkedIn connections to subscribe to your newsletter getting your brand in front of 1000’s or more people. That said, don’t forget about Facebook. According to HubSpot 2022 Report, consumers spend the most time on Facebook, followed by YouTube. These two platforms dominate the social media world, each with over 2 billion monthly active users. For more tips on how to make the most of your social media make sure you are following OMD Consultancy across all social media platforms and visit the website here.
The b Issue
How SMEs can make 2022 their year of Sustainability
Most businesses are keen to play their part, but it can seem like a daunting task, especially for SMEs that don’t have in-house expertise in sustainability. With more than 10 years’ experience working with a wide range of enterprises, EcoMerit knows that businesses that take a proactive approach to sustainability can reduce their carbon footprint and reduce their financial costs at the same time. For example, members of the EcoMerit community have saved anywhere between €5,000 - €50,0000 per year while reducing their carbon emissions by an average of 9% per annum year-on-year over 10 years, amounting to over 60% in 10 years. One example of this is the cost savings the Dunamaise Arts Centre, Co. Laois made while improving their environmental performance and the average emissions performance of the EcoMerit Community vs Ireland’s average, see graphs below:
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Loft Insulation
If your loft insulation is less than 300mm this could be a very cheap, easy, and highly effective way of reducing your carbon footprint and heating bill. •
LED lighting
LED lighting is around 80% more efficient vs standard lighting solutions. This means that they are much cheaper to run and a simple way to make significant reductions in carbon footprint. •
Update Boiler
Older Boilers (>10 years) are around 10-30% less efficient than modern equivalents. While a sizeable investment, updating your boiler is very likely to save you money in the long run and lower your carbon footprint by several tonnes of CO2/annum. •
Clearly Communicate your Business Sustainability Actions
88% of consumers want brands to support their efforts to be more sustainable. If you are taking action towards making your business more sustainable this should be shouted from the rooftops - people want to know! Whether it’s on your website, social media, your business newsletter, or a press release to local news media, don’t be shy and get the message out there. •
Get independent professional support
The ‘environmental performance’ landscape is becoming more complex, with a wide range of offers being promoted from lighting to renewable energy. Understanding what is best for your business may not be easy so professional support can help you choose the best options – and avoid costly mistakes.
Tips for Business EcoMerit are happy to share some tips on how to cut your carbon footprint, reduce costs, and make sustainability a key part of your business in 2022: •
Lighting - check your usage
Many businesses have areas that are over lit or are lit unnecessarily at certain times. Check controls such as sensors/timers/dimmers as well as encouraging good practice among employees.
Government support is increasingly available under programmes such as the SEAI Community Grant Scheme and a range of Green for Business schemes. EcoMerit is actively involved with these schemes and would be happy to discuss with any business that is interested. For further information please contact brendan@ ecomerit.ie and visit www.ecomerit.ie. EcoMerit offer ISME members 10% discount on EcoMerit certification, find out more here.
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T H E B U S I N E S S O F I R I S H S M Es
With all the buzz around COP26 at the end of last year, 2022 is set to be a year where sustainability and environmental performance will become a must when it comes to staying competitive as a business. Carbon taxes will continue to rise, and businesses will be required to have meaningful green credentials – superficial greenwashing won’t cut it.
Brendan Lambert, Marketing Manager, EcoMerit
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HR Focus
Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Bill 2021 Cait Lynch, ISME HR Advisor The Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Bill 2021 will amend the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 to give effect to the European Whistleblowing Directive. In short, the Protected Disclosure Act provides protections for certain individuals who make a protected disclosure concerning relevant wrongdoing. The bill proposes to extend these protections in several ways.
Organisations who receive protected disclosures will be required to acknowledge their receipt within seven days, and to follow up on the report unless the prescribed person decides that the reported wrongdoing is minor, or that the disclosure does not contain any meaningful new information compared to a past report where the relevant procedures were concluded.
The bill broadens the definition of ‘worker’ to include shareholders, volunteers, unpaid trainees, a member of the administrative, management, or supervisory body including non-executive members, and people who acquire information on relevant wrongdoing during a pre-contractual process or recruitment process. It will place an obligation on all employers with 50 or more employees, including private sector organisations, to establish and maintain internal channels and procedures for employees to make protected disclosures. However, this will not apply to organisations employing between 50 and 249 employees until 17th December 2023.
T H E B U S I N E S S O F I R I S H S M Es
The bill also broadens the definition of relevant wrongdoing to include breaches relating to the internal market, competition law and state aid, corporate tax law, public procurement, financial services, transport safety, protection and welfare, risks to public health, and consumer protection and privacy and protection of personal data.
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Protection from retaliation for making a protected disclosure has been extended to board members, volunteers, unpaid trainees, and individuals who acquire information on relevant wrongdoing during recruitment or other pre-contractual processes. Unpaid individuals have access to redress in the Workplace Relations Commission or the Labour Court, subject to maximum compensation of €13,000. All forms of penalisation will potentially be subject to an order for interim relief. This could include withholding training, negative performance appraisals or employment references, and blacklisting.
The bill is currently in its early stages and will be subject to further negotiations and possible amendments. Employers should use this time to review existing whistleblowing policies to ensure they are fit for purpose given the amendments included in the Bill. Employers with more than 50 employees who do not yet have a whistleblowing policy in place should add this to their existing policies and procedures. You can find out more about the bill here. Visit our HR advice here and ISME members can contact our HR service by emailing hr@isme.ie
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Member Feature
LeisureMax Co.Wexford Aileen Whelan is the owner and director of LeisureMax Family Entertainment Centre in Wexford. She runs the business with her husband Adrian Whelan and they have been in business for over 30 years, 15 years at LeisureMax. They employ up to 28 staff both part time and full time. Aileen has been one of the main sponsors of Wexford School Boys Soccer League in Wexford for the past 10 years and was the Head of Administration for Rotterdam United FC for the past seven years. Back in 2019 when COVID hit the world, it floored their business. Aileen said
Aileen Whelan “We spent the following months in 2019
trying and planning to restructure to be a COVID-friendly environment. It gave us the time to rethink our business and made us realise how we had become such busy fools in our own business. We worked 7 days a week, so we turned a negative into a positive.” She added “Without our staff base to support our plans, it was hard to know where to begin with the rethink. Our staff have always played a huge part of our business.” Aileen had to start from the beginning and reached out to Tom Corcoran at ISME to help with this. For Aileen, his support was much appreciated at a time when the private sector was on its knees.
T H E B U S I N E S S O F I R I S H S M Es
From there LeisureMax has grown, it began to develop and rebuild its future for a new world. The team spent the time wisely thinking outside the box and diversifying their business to suit the needs of their customers.
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LeisureMax opened two new activities since 2019 - Escape Rooms and a new obstacle course, this was helped with their saving, support of grants and the subsidies from the government. Their bank thankfully supported the business throughout, otherwise the business would have had to close it’s doors. They also launched a new website and restructured their pricing. Aileen said “We come back with a bang and have already seen the difference it has made since we reopened back fully in 2022. Sales are at 70% already and growing each day.” She added “COVID has taught us one thing - to be more patience in our business and take more time to rethink our everyday business life. The team want to ensure that LeisureMax Is the best indoor, and a bit of outdoor entertainment venue in Wexford.”
LeisureMax is open 7 days a week and offers a range of activities for all the family including: Ten Pin Bowling, Indoor Adventure Playground, Outdoor Adventure Tower, Abseiling, Goggle Soccer, Indoor Soccer pitch, Lego, Minecraft, Gladiator, Indoor Soccer Pitch, Bungee Run, Sumo Wrestling, Body Zorbing, Hover Safe Archery, Footy Pool, Laser Tag and Archery. To find out more visit www.leisuremax.ie
Finance Focus
Preparing Employers for a New Era in Pensions
At a high level, a master trust is a professionally run, fully outsourced DC scheme used by multiple unrelated employers. A master trust offers: •
A board of professional trustees governing the master trust on behalf of all participating employers and members
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Full control for employers over benefit design, such as setting contribution rates
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Economies of scale by sharing the cost of compliance requirements
How does IORP II affect my pension arrangement? IORP II introduces a new regulatory regime for all occupational pension schemes, including both defined benefit and defined contribution (DC) schemes, affecting nearly one million savers in Ireland and even more retirees. It aims to provide better outcomes for members by: •
Requiring schemes to improve governance and risk management
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Ensuring members receive clearer and more frequent scheme and benefit information
Of particular note for SMEs is that the directive applies to smaller schemes, as confirmed in the Pensions Authority’s Code of Practice of November 2021. This means the minimum standards now apply to: •
All occupational schemes irrespective of their size
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Trust retirement annuity contracts
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One-member arrangements (from 22nd April 2026)
While IORP II should benefit individuals saving for retirement, the added regulatory compliance burden and likely related costs could be a challenge for some employers and schemes. What options should I consider for my employees’ pension provision? With the Pensions Authority expecting full compliance by schemes from the beginning of 2023, employers must consider the implications for their scheme in 2022. Many employers are retaining existing arrangements and ensuring their scheme implements the directive’s requirements over this period. However, many other employers who offer a DC plan are considering the benefits of using a master trust.
Carol Leonard, DC Client Director, Mercer
Master trusts are not a new feature of the Irish market; however, they have seen increased interest as employers face the reality of implementing IORP II. The Pensions Authority has noted it expects this outsourced solution to play an important part of future pension provision in Ireland. What is next on the pensions reform agenda? The next important change is the long-awaited introduction of automatic pension enrolment, which could transform retirement readiness and retirement savings adequacy in Ireland. Although the design of this auto-enrolment system is not yet finalised, key features are likely to include auto-enrolment of every worker on a salary of over €20,000 (with the ability to opt out), matching employer contributions, a choice of investment funds, a cap on fund providers’ charges and an additional top-up by the State. Headed in the right direction Implementation of IORP II and the introduction of auto-enrolment mark an important moment for private pensions in Ireland. We are also seeing the gradual implementation of new proposals for simplification and flexibility in retirement benefit options, with more on the agenda. While retirement savings adequacy within a simplified system remains the goal for individual savers, employers will have important decisions to make about pension provision for their workers and their options when auto-enrolment arrives. Read more about master trusts here. You can contact Mercer to find out more here.
T H E B U S I N E S S O F I R I S H S M Es
Irish pension arrangements are entering a period of significant change that should positively affect retirement savers across the country. A key development was the longawaited implementation of the EU’s IORP II Directive in April 2021, and other important reforms are on the horizon.
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The b Insight
Four perks that will help you attract and retain talent in 2022 Adam Coleman, CEO, HRLocker We’re operating in a candidate’s market like never before. Meaning Irish SMEs are having to make rapid changes to accommodate them. Fortunately, there is one thing uniting all workers right now. And that’s the principle of flexibility. This doesn’t just refer to where employees place their desk – they want flexible hours, working locations, equity options, and learning and development programmes. In the same way that retail has seen a growing desire for personalisation, workers too, are looking for ways to customise their jobs. The last two years have taught us the world can change almost overnight. Candidates are seeking perks and benefits that reflect an unpredictable world. The four trends I’m about to share will help you acquire and retain talent in 2022. But keep the concept of flexibility in mind. Because we at HRLocker might be the HR experts, but you know your team best. Work from anywhere Employees will want to take their remote working one step further and experiment with exciting new locations. After sacrificing so much time during the pandemic, workers are looking for ways to merge their desire to travel with their professional lives. SMEs can facilitate this remote-first transition by adopting a location independent business model, so that employees can work their contracted hours at any time of the day. This won’t be possible in every industry, but even just providing a small adjustment to working hours shows that you respect your employees’ personal lives too.
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Flexible working infrastructure Where, when, and the length of time people spend on the job is all up for debate in the new world of work. Four-day work weeks are no longer a trendy benefit for buzzy start-ups. But it’s not just a perk for employees. Businesses can expect increased productivity when they adopt a four-day work week. Just look at the data from Microsoft’s trial back in 2019. They achieved an astronomical 40% increase in productivity. Employees no longer wish to be chained to a set number of hours, on a set number of days. Businesses should look at ways they can implement a results-based system, so that performance is measured on achievement and not time spent at the desk.
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This investment should also apply to digital infrastructure. Commit to providing the most e f fe c t i ve to o l s a n d programmes for your employees and involve them in the selection process. This investment will resonate most with younger generations who want tech autonomy. Employee ownership Give your employees some skin in the game through an employee stocks and shares scheme. While you might not be able to compete with the big players on salary, this is one way you can boost employees’ earnings while remaining within your salary budget. There are a whole host of apps and experts that can help you design and adopt a shares scheme to reward your employees. The biggest mistake employers can make when implementing an employee stocks and shares scheme is not providing clear guidance for employees. Make sure you have legal support and access to financial expertise so that employees can make an informed decision. Revamped learning and development Here’s something that might surprise you: 94% of employees are likely to stay with a company for longer if they provide learning and development opportunities. For SMEs without a sufficient programme, that means they could be at risk of losing the majority of their staff, long before they should be. As we explored in our recent employee experience white paper, L&D is motivated by opportunities to progress - which gives a welcome boost to engagement and productivity levels too. Keep your options open, and invite your staff to suggest their favourite perks. But whatever you do, don’t hesitate – the future of work is already here. Visit HRLocker, Ireland’s all-in-one HR software solution for SMEs on www.hrlocker.com. ISME Members can receive 15% discount on their annual licence fee and more as part of ISME’s ADVANTAGE Affinity programme, details available here.
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Learning Focus
Boosting SME Success with ISME’s Back to Business Adam Weatherley, Learning & Development Manager Last year, the backdrop of uncertainty was difficult for businesses operating in Ireland, especially for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Rebuilding our domestic SME sector is an essential part of overall economic recovery. The OECD Report published in late October 2019 highlighted some of the challenges for SMEs. These included boosting the productivity growth of indigenous SMEs and ensuring Ireland has a dynamic business environment. Although the report was published pre-pandemic, many of its recommendations remain. We adopted digital technology in great haste, something we should have done pre-pandemic. If it took a pandemic for us to modernise our business processes, what will it take for us to adopt other technologies such as artificial intelligence? If the COVID-19 era had a silver lining, it accelerated entrepreneurial spirit and impressive innovation. To encourage the continuation of this innovative mindset, we developed a programme to assist business owners with their ideas, new business directions and improve their existing strategies.
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We partnered with Skillnet Ireland to launch a fully funded Back to Business Mentoring and Coaching Programme. With business coaching and mentoring widely recognised as a highly effective method to improve and grow a business, the programme offered business leaders access to expert coaches and mentors with sectoral or domain experience. The initiative assisted 65 participating businesses to develop new skills to improve their productivity and boost growth and innovation. The programme offered support in a range of areas including: • • • • •
Digital and Automation Growth and Finance People and Leadership Business Improvement Strategies Business Processes
With a panel of thirty qualified and experienced coaches, we provided the participants with a business advisor with domain or sector experience to help them address their challenges or aspirations.
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One particularly exciting new business that participated in the initiative was Portmagee Distilling and Brewing Company Ltd. in Kerry. Of the programme, Stuart McNamara, a director of the distillery said:
“Portmagee Whiskey were delighted to be selected to participate in the ISME Back to Business Mentoring & Coaching programme in 2021. The significant industry experience and personal commitment of our assigned specialist business advisor was quite exceptional. His advice and mentorship helped us to quickly close and eliminate an identified skills and capability gap in our small core management team. The results and impact were immediate, effective and tangible, allowing us to confidently transition and scale our business development plans and operations to a higher level.” He added, “Such valuable specialist support was an unexpected bonus of our ISME membership. We consider high quality mentoring and coaching support as an essential key enabler to small and medium businesses. It is a service all too often out of reach for many Irish SMEs. Thanks to our participation in this programme, we are looking forward with real confidence to taking Portmagee Whiskey to even great heights in 2022.”
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Learning Focus
Another growing business, this time in the technology sector, focused on increasing their sales capability. Peter Martin, a senior IT consultant with EVAD IT said: “The whole process was so inciteful and thoughtprovoking. The business advisor assigned to assist us had a great proactive approach. The process for me personally focussed on the ‘’live sales scenarios’’ that I was working through. I am confident sales will be made as direct result of this mentoring programme. I have no hesitation in recommending such a programme to other SME business owners. Well done on finding such an interesting mentor to pair me up with.” Some interesting facts from the analysis of the programme’s outcomes:
Figure 2: Company size:
Just over 30% of the engagements addressed SME digitalisation and improving eCommerce functions, followed by business process improvements and transformation. Human Resource practices and recruitment / talent acquisition strategies were also in high demand due to the rapid changes in policies and trading environment as a result of the pandemic.
A wide cross section of industry sectors was represented, with the main engagements covering Retail, Technology / Engineering, and Business Services. See below in Figure 1.
Figure 2 breaks down the size of the companies requiring the most assistance. The Micros (1-9 employees) lead, followed by the Small Business category (10-49 employees). In all, these two categories accounted for 95% of the overall initiative, but we were delighted that the final 5% addressed challenges for the medium category (50-250 employees).
Demand for the Back to Business Mentoring & Coaching Programme was high and we intend to continue this into 2022. If you would be interested to learn more on how we can help with the growth of your company, improve its business processes and manage your workforce, please email us at skillnet@isme.ie with ‘’Back to Business’’ in the subject field.
T H E B U S I N E S S O F I R I S H S M Es
Figure 1. Industry Sectors
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ISME at work for you
Business Crime Survey 2021 We have launched our annual Business Crime Survey and will be asking you to share your experiences with business crime during the 12 months of 2021. The results of the survey are published on our website and shared with media to show the impact of crime on businesses in Ireland. You can complete the survey here.
Promote with ISME The next issue of The bISME is out in May so book your ad now, view details here. We offer reduced rates for members and discounts for multiple bookings. Don’t forget our Shop Local B2C and B2B platforms, advertise your products and services by completing the form here. This is a great opportunity to promote your business and inclusion is free with your ISME Membership, non-members can also advertise, details available here. Take a look at the portal here. Members can also upload business news and job vacancies in the Members Area. For further information please email Marketing@isme.ie.
Watch on demand We have created a Cybersecurity page on the website here where you can get advice on managing cybersecurity for your business. Re-watch our free online panel discussion about protecting your business from cybercriminals here. You can also view a webinar from Spector IT here offering steps to follow to avoid a cyber-attack. ISME and the Health & Safety Authority (HSA) have developed a web page offering businesses support in managing stress in the workplace. Here you can find a Managing Stress at Work webinar, a series of videos and resources to help you and your employees.
Cost saving with ISME Affinity As business costs continue to rise and income for so many at the moment has been challenged, we want you to take ADVANTAGE of your ISME Membership to reduce your costs and add value to your business through ISME’s ADVANTAGE Affinity programme. Members can save up to 50% on broadband, insurance, accounting & HR software, advertising, merchant services and much more. To access these offers, Members need to log into isme.ie via the Members Area.
ISME in the news You can view a selection of ISME’s media coverage in January and February here.
Pensions Equity Campaign Q&A View our webinar on 10th February with ISME CEO, Neil McDonnell and Eamonn Kielty, Managing Director, Money Plus who discussed why ISME’s Pension Equity Campaign is so important and how businesses can get involved. The discussion was chaired by broadcaster Vincent Wall. View the webinar and download slides here.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY PowerPoint 365 Journey Tuesday 22nd – Wednesday 23rd February, 12.00 – 2.00pm Book here Returning to Work: New Guidance for Employers. Friday 25th February, 8.00 – 9.30am Book here ISME’s HR Series 2022: Managing a remote or hybrid workforce Friday, 25th February, 12.00 – 1.00pm Book here: PowerPoint Template Masterclass – how to create a template using the Slide Master Wednesday 2nd March, 8.30 – 10.30am Book here Pitch my business Thursday, 3rd March, 10.30am Register here. PowerPoint Video Creation Masterclass – how to create an MP4 video Tuesday 8th March & Friday 11th March 12.00 – 1.30pm Book here PowerPoint – presenting online with maximum impact Monday, 14th February, 12.00 – 1.00pm Book here:
ISME at work for you
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY ISME’s HR Series 2022: Absence Management, Income & Sick Pay Friday 25th March, 8.00 – 9.30am Book here ISME Regional Meeting: North West & Pitch my business Thursday 7th April, 3.30 – 5.30pm Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon Register here ISME’s HR Series 2022: Contracts and Handbooks Wednesday 27th April, 8.00 –9.30am
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ISME is coming to the North West We are inviting all businesses in the North West to join us on Thursday 7th April at 3.30 - 5.30pm for our first regional meeting in 2022. The event will take place in the Landmark Hotel in Carrick-on-Shannon and will be focusing on issues related to the North West, programme details tbc. After the meeting we will be hosting our Pitch your business networking event, the first time we could do this in room since 2020 – a great opportunity to connect and promote. This event is free and open to all, please book your place here.
Pitch my business The first Pitch my business of 2022 will take place on Thursday 3rd March at 10.30am. This online networking event is free and open to all. As an attendee you can network and promote your company and your business logo and contact details are shared on screen. Register here.
ISME at work for you
Lobbying update ISME calls for integration of the Taxation and Social Welfare systems ISME sent a submission to the Commission on Taxation and Welfare calling for the integration of the taxation and social welfare system. We have highlighted how the taxation and social welfare system are inherently interlined for the taxpaying-citizen, but has noted that the pace of reform in Ireland is too slow. We have outlined a number of recommendations for consideration by the Commission, including: Raising the Standard Rate Cut-Off Point to 95% of the average industrial wage as soon as possible.
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Pending removal of the 3% USC surcharge on the self-employed earning over €100,000, and apply this surcharge to all workers earning over €100,000.
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In order to encourage the stated goal of increasing private sector pension coverage: 1.
end the discrimination against private sector pension savers in the amount of income they can save for pensions;
2. maintain marginal rate relief and extend it to all savers; and 3. allow private sector workers with a chargeable excess tax liability, to discharge it in the same manner as a public sector worker. •
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Set the basic rate for qualifying for the medical card at more than 30% above the comparable Jobseekers assistance rate. Replace the child element in the Jobseekers’ payments and all other welfare schemes by substantially increasing Child Benefit, phasing out Working Family Benefit, and at the same time making the Child Benefit taxable.
ISME expresses concern over reports of scaled back Ministerial trips for St Patrick’s Day 2022 ISME has expressed its concern at reports that Government intends to pare back the number of Ministers travelling abroad for St Patrick’s Day this year. While acknowledging that the pandemic is far from over on a global basis, ISME believes that it is vital that our Government avails of the unique opportunity presented by the marking of St Patrick’s Day, after two years of restricted trade. Neil McDonnell, CEO of ISME said: “We ask that media outlets refrain from portraying these visiting delegations as junkets: they are an essential part of selling Ireland abroad, a function which we consider to be a basic duty for “the executive.” He added “Ireland is back in business, and St Patrick’s Day 2022 is the perfect opportunity for the Irish Government to deliver than message internationally.” Read more here. T H E B U S I N E S S O F I R I S H S M Es
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Significantly increase the income thresholds for access to social housing and reform or remove the link between income and local authority rent.
You can view the full submission here.
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Technology Focus
Ireland’s digital economy is growing New .ie domain registrations increased by 24% in 2021 compared to pre-pandemic 2019, as tens of thousands of SMEs built websites and online stores in direct response to the locked-down economy, according to new figures from .IE, Ireland’s country domain manager. The .IE Domain Profile Report 2021 assesses the full year of 2021 including the pandemic’s impact on .ie domain registrations. As .ie domains are a recognised forward economic indicator of digital intentions of Ireland’s SMEs and citizens, this growth augurs well for future digital-led productivity gains. David Curtin, Chief Executive of .IE said “Businesses are investing in new websites, integrating e-commerce technology, and making use of productivity-enhancing tools all year round because they now recognise the huge role they play in profitability and customer acquisition.”
Alan Finneran, Business Development, .IE SMEs are also no longer simply reacting to the pandemic. Instead, consumer behaviours are changing, and SMEs are changing with them.” Total database and market share There were 330,108 .ie domains in the database at the end of 2021, a 6.5% increase on 2020. The .ie domain accounts for 52.6% of all top-level domains registered in Ireland, ahead of .com by more than 20% points. It is also one of the fastest-growing country domains in Europe, behind only .pt (Portugal) and .ee (Estonia), which demonstrates the impact of COVID-19 as a catalyst in accelerating digital adoption and usage.
New registrations
T H E B U S I N E S S O F I R I S H S M Es
2021 was the second-best year for new .ie domain registrations, with H1 2021 the strongest half-year period on record. The rate of new .ie domain registrations in 2021 largely reflected the Government’s lockdown policy. In the months of 2021 when Ireland was in strict lockdown and non-essential retail was closed, new .ie domain registrations surged. SMEs moved online in order to continue selling to their customers and stay connected. In July, registrations bottomed out as reopening continued and the Government encouraged a focus on outdoor activities. However, the pandemic’s link to new .ie domain registrations appeared to ‘decouple’ in August as .ie domain registrations once again increased despite the Government’s accelerated reopening plans. Mr Curtin said “We believe this decoupling occurred when it did because the Irish economy has, for the most part, exited the ‘acute response’ phase of the pandemic. Businesses have factored in the uncertainty of restrictions and reduced trading ability to their commercial operations and planning.
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Cybersecurity It’s encouraging to see the majority of .ie websites (54%) have a security certificate, which ensures that consumers are protected from having their personal details stolen by cyber-criminals during an online transaction. However, comprehensive domain cybersecurity entails using the full range of available tools. A much smaller percentage of .ie domains use other cybersecurity features, such as DNSSEC (0.16%), which adds an additional layer of cryptographic security to a domain, and Registry Lock (0.03%), which protects a domain from malicious or accidental changes. It’s important that all .ie domain owners, particularly businesses and those that have a responsibility to protect sensitive information, are doing as much as possible to protect their users and their internal systems from cyber attacks. Read the full report here. .
Energy Focus
Upskill your employees with free online training supports from SEAI To help SMEs get started on their energy saving journey, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has developed free online training supports. The SEAI Energy Academy can help SMEs reduce their energy costs by 10% or more by educating employees on changing their energy use behaviours and effective energy management. Businesses throughout Ireland are increasingly becoming aware of the impact that their activities have on the environment. Creating a culture of sustainability and changing how your business works to adopt more sustainable practices requires both management buy-in and support from your employees. But where do you start?
It’s important that everyone in your organisation understands the basics of energy and what it is. Over the coming years, Ireland must use less energy, move to clean energy, and innovate to create new solutions to meet our energy needs. There is significant potential for businesses and for those who own or manage a business, to reduce their energy costs and influence Ireland’s sustainable energy future. The SEAI Energy Academy provides e-learning modules, and courses to businesses and their employees on energy related topics. With free access and over 3,300 learners, it’s proven to be a popular choice amongst businesses with 24/7 access and on-demand content. Through interactive and animated modules, learners increase their confidence in energy efficiency and motivation to implement change in the workplace. Modules help learners find the answer to common questions like; how is my energy use connected to climate change? What is a carbon footprint? And what does decarbonisation mean for my business? The modules also provide guidance on topics such as lighting, heating, solar PV, and electric vehicles. If you have employees working remotely from home, our Home Energy Challenge module will help them reduce their energy spend.
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If your business is ambitious and wants to show its commitment to sustainable change, you and your employees can also complete one of the free Energy Academy courses and receive a Certificate of Completion. Once everyone in your business is upskilled in the basics, it’s time to consider what actions your business will focus on over the coming year. SEAI’s Introduction to Energy Management Training is a free, interactive and live, workshop-based training hosted by one of Ireland’s leading energy experts. This training takes you through the six steps to create an energy action plan. It provides you with the skills to write an energy management statement, assign an energy coordinator, create the business case for energy management, and track your energy consumption through your bills. We recommend one employee per business attend this training, usually the person who has access to the energy bill and can implement change. Green Teams can also benefit from attending this training, where they are reporting to Senior Management and assisting with the development of the sustainability strategy for their business. Learn more about the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and how we can support your business on its energy efficiency journey by visiting www.seai.ie. To register for the SEAI Energy Academy click here or to read about our education or training supports visit here.
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Another side of
Orla Bakeberg, Senior Account Manager, The Printed Image What interests do you have outside of work? Photography is a lifelong passion of mine, with Natural Light Photography being my focus. Why does photography interest you? We are surrounded by amazing beauty, quirky sightings, colours and nature. What I enjoy most is seeking out the “photo within the photo”. Look for the moment and capture that forever. You can do this with your phone, camera, top-end equipment or the incredible bridging cameras now out there.
Talk to us about working in The Printed Image? I am part of a fantastic team across Sales, Marketing, Account Management and Production. The Printed Image are focused on building “The Home of Sustainability” with our design, print and branded promotional goods offering. We are proud to be ISO 9001 and FSC® certified, ensuring all of our paper is sourced from FSC® certified mills promoting good forest management which ties back to my love of nature. We recycle everything; wastepaper and board, ink tins, LDPE, HDPE, wooden pallets and plastic wrap and are an effluent free site. We are all so proud to be 100% Irish owned and in business for over 30 years. How has the last 21 months been for you and how have you coped?
Do you have an interesting story about your hobby? One vulnerable moment comes to mind, when visiting the Khutse Reserve, Central Kalahari, Botswana. I was out of the vehicle, on a treeless, open plain, safe from all – right? Scene-change as “Simba”, one of the largest male lions I have photographed in the wild, saunters past, to visit the female lions, his hunters. Thankfully I survived unscathed. Are there any hobbies or challenges you would you like to try? I have started linking words to my photos and writing something which I (liberally) call poetry. Having moved back from Africa to Ireland a few years ago, there is an air of encouragement around, offering many open canvasses and platforms for one to show off such writings to a variety of audiences.
A series that highlights the lives and interests of ISME members. In this edition, The bISME talks to Orla Bakeberg, Senior Account Manager, The Printed Image about her hobby and work.
How important do you think it is to have a hobby outside work and how do you think it can benefit your business? I live for work more than work to live. Building relationships is what I enjoy most about life, including work life. Having a creative type of job allows for my photography imagination to creep in, for my writing moments to step up as well. Yes, always have something to drive your passion – in and out of work. How important is work life balance and do you think this balance is something individuals need in life to have a successful career? Absolutely, it is up to each of us to work out what is best for ourselves, our careers and our families. Don’t push it back to a company to be responsible, we all need to make the most of work so we can feel fulfilled when we are at home as well as at work. Visit The Printed Image here.
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A photo by Orla in Khutse Reserve, Botswana
Having lived for many years of my life in different African countries, I learnt over those years how easy it is to adapt to what you need in order to make life work for me, my team and my family. We are all flexible and we all have an end game in sight – sometimes, like with events such as the pandemic which started in 2020, we need a push for us to open our minds to realise it’s easier than we thought.
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