Balbriggan Chamber of Commerce hosted their Annual Budget Breakfast in the Bracken Court Hotel on Friday last, 17th October. President Tom Walsh opened the event by welcoming the assembled guests and visiting Presidents Mary Saddlier and Patricia Rooney from Navan and Drogheda Chambers of Commerce as well as a packed room of local business people. He proceeded to observe a minutes silence for David O’Connor, a member and good friend of the Chamber who died tragically recently.

Robert Cashel of Cashel Consulting was the first speaker of the morning and his presentation was very enlightening. He clarified a number of key issues in the budget that affected the business community. Although the budget has widely been criticised Robert reminded the audience that the budget is looking severe in the context of recent giveaway budgets but he asked them to call to mind the very harsh budgets of the 1980’s and compare like with like.

Firstly he made observations on the personal tax issues followed by comments on the excise changes. He them proceeded to talk about changes affecting companies, property and other issues including VAT and payment of preliminary tax.

Minister for Trade and Commerce, John McGuinness then took to the floor. He thanked President and Chamber for the invitation. As a business owner in Kilkenny, Minister McGuinness explained that he knew only too well the challenges facing SME’s in Ireland. Prior to becoming a TD he was a Member and held a Council seat on the Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce. He talked about the Chamber of Commerce movement being an integral part of the economy and it is essential that the Chamber is at the heart of interaction with government agencies. He reminded Chamber members that the power of the Chamber needs to be more than just an annual plea. The Chamber needs to be more involved with the local authority to ensure that decisions are made that support the vibrant economy of the town. His key message to business was not to be afraid to interact with government both local and national.

Minister McGuinness talked about the role of the Enterprise Ireland/County Enterprise Boards – they are there to work with business. The Chamber has the power to drive the agenda and regular interactionis needed to ensure that they know the direction that local business and communities need in order to succeed. He reminded attendees that 800,000 jobs in this country are created by SME’s. From local to national and European Government he urged members to take up the challenge, make sure your voice is heard. He concluded by remembers that Business is a partners in the process of government – remind the State what business does, remind the State of the intrinsic value of business and never fear to remind the state that voice of the business community needs to be heard.