Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:71. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his plans to help small businesses contend with rising employment costs. [66932/26]
View answerBusiness Supports
Questions (71)
Written answers
The Government recognises that rising business costs, including labour costs, have placed significant pressure on firms, particularly SMEs, in recent years. The Government continues to closely monitor cost trends across the economy.
Government is taking significant action to tackle the cost of doing business, including on labour costs. Last year, as part of measures designed to bolster business resilience and competitiveness, the Government agreed to extend the timeline for progression to a Living Wage from 2026 to 2029. This decision reflected the challenges faced by the enterprise sector in recent years, particularly SMEs where a significant majority of minimum wage workers are employed.
The Government has also delivered on several Programme for Government commitments relating to this issue, including through the establishment of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum and the publication and continued implementation of the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity.
The publication of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum report in August represents a notable step forward in this regard. The report is the product of nine meetings held with public and private sector stakeholders, with discussions encompassing a wide range of cost drivers, including energy and insurance costs, planning and infrastructure regulations, water services costs, legal costs, reporting and compliance requirements, as well as banking, payments and financial services.
The final report comprises 63 recommendations across these areas aimed at easing business costs, particularly for SMEs. Key examples include initiatives to consider the feasibility of a new scheme to reduce prices for large energy-intensive business users, to alter the Central Bank's remit to promote competition within the banking sector, and to pursue the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council's recommendation to exempt SMEs from the Enhanced Reporting Requirements (ERR).
It should also be noted that the Department intends to support SMEs beyond reducing business costs. The Action Plan for Competitiveness and Productivity was published in September 2025. The plan reflects a whole-of-government approach to the domestic drivers of competitiveness and focuses on areas that are firmly within our national control. It contains 85 actions, with just under half due for delivery in 2026.
One of the six key themes in the plan relates to the creation and scaling of SMEs. Key actions for completion in 2026 under this theme include establishing Start-up Ireland as a central coordinating body across the national start-up ecosystem and establishing an SME Scaling Fund to help close the funding gap for SMEs seeking to grow.
Other key actions in the plan that are particularly relevant for SMEs include introducing a "Red Tape Challenge" across Government to reduce regulatory burdens on SMEs and promoting the digitisation of tourism SMEs by supporting the adoption of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Finally, another important action is to further promote the application of the "SME Test", under which policymakers are required to assess the specific impact of new legislation on SMEs. Under the Action Plan, all Government Departments would be required to apply the test consistently in relation to all proposed measures, helping to ensure that the needs and circumstances of SMEs are fully considered in policymaking.
Business Supports
Questions (72)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:72. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the measures his Department is considering to support the Irish craft industry in Budget 2027. [66929/26]
View answerWritten answers
My department recognises the significant economic, cultural and regional contribution made by Ireland's craft and design sector. The Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) champions the commercial development of Irish designers and makers, stimulating innovation, elevating design thinking, and informing Government policy. The annual exchequer allocation to DCCI is approved by my Department and provided through Enterprise Ireland. Funding for 2026 amounts to €5.4 million. Decisions regarding funding levels and priorities for Budget 2027, including supports for the craft and design sector, will be considered as part of the normal Government Budget and Estimates process.
73. Reply not received from Department.
Departmental Policies
Questions (74)
Aisling Dempsey
Question:74. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on implementation of the White Paper on Enterprise 2022–2030. [66639/26]
View answerWritten answers
The White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030 was published in December 2022 and sought to ensure Irish based enterprise would succeed through competitive advantage founded on sustainability, innovation and productivity, delivering rewarding jobs and livelihoods. A subsequent two-year implementation plan for the White Paper on Enterprise was developed to ensure commitments set in the White Paper were realised.
This implementation plan for the White Paper on Enterprise was completed with the publication of the H2 2024 biannual progress report in H1 2025, with over 90% of activities in the implementation plan either completed or on track for completion at the time of publication.
Recognising the rapidly evolving global environment, the 2025 Programme for Government committed to developing Enterprise 2035 as a long-term ambition for enterprise growth and job creation over the coming decade. Enterprise 2035 will build on the White Paper on Enterprise and Ireland’s strengths as an open economy with strong trade and foreign direct investment.
Work on Enterprise 2035 is progressing through departmental, cross-Government and external advisory structures. An Inter-Departmental Group held its first meeting on 9 September, and the first meeting of the Expert Advisory Group is scheduled for 29 September.
Stakeholder engagement and supporting research are also under way. A public consultation launched on 31 July remains open until 2 October 2026, while further engagement with Government Departments, enterprise and regional stakeholders is planned.
Research to inform the strategy’s development is also progressing. This research is looking at Ireland’s enterprise system, employment and skills, international economic and industrial-policy developments, demographic trends and strategic foresight. Together with stakeholder input, this approach will ensure that Enterprise 2035 is an evidence-based strategy that maintains Ireland’s strengths as an open economy, which places Irish enterprise in a position to adapt to new challenges in an increasingly uncertain world.
Site Acquisitions
Questions (75)
Micheál Carrigy
Question:75. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the timeline for the purchase of a site (details supplied) in County Longford; and projected timeline for building. [66931/26]
View answerWritten answers
Balanced regional development is a key focus of the work of my Department and our enterprise development agencies. In this regard, IDA Ireland is continuing its strong commitment to promoting FDI in regional locations as part of its 2025-29 strategy, Adapt Intelligently, and is targeting 550, or 55% of FDI projects outside Dublin over the strategy's lifetime. Furthermore, the IDA is positioning the Midlands Region - including Longford - as a competitive destination for global investment and IDA is targeting 40 of these 550 investments to the Midlands Region.
The availability of suitable property and strategic sites is a critical component of the regional value proposition and can be a key differentiator in investment decisions from both new and existing clients as well as clients of Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs. The IDA Regional Property Programme supports the provision of land, buildings and essential infrastructure in regional locations and IDA is investing significantly in the development of Advance Building Solutions (ABS) in the regions to attract additional FDI investment.
The provision of property solutions is a key element of IDA’s marketing of Longford and the Midlands Region and IDA has committed to build an ABS in Longford during its current strategy.
While the site selection process still remains commercially sensitive pending completion of any land acquisition, IDA Ireland continues to engage with Longford County Council, wider stakeholders and the private sector to identify a suitable site aligned with investor needs for the proposed Advance Building Solution (ABS).
IDA also continues to work with regional stakeholders and the private sector on opportunities to add to the supply of competitive property solutions in regional locations.
There are 51 IDA client companies in the Midlands Region comprised of counties Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath, employing 7,501 people. The FDI performance in the region has been consistent over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 16%. The Midlands has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Life Sciences, Engineering, International Financial Services, Content, Consumer & Business Services and Technology.
1,572 people are employed in 8 IDA client companies in County Longford. Of course, my Department and our Enterprise Development Agencies also support Irish-based enterprise development in the regions including through Enterprise Ireland, the LEOs and our Tourism investment supports. There are an additional 2,581 people employed in Enterprise Ireland supported companies in Longford.
I can assure the Deputy that I remain engaged with the IDA on developments with this site.
Industrial Development
Questions (76)
Noel McCarthy
Question:76. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update on the plans, if any, for the development of the vacant IDA sites in Fermoy, County Cork. [66902/26]
View answerWritten answers
Regional development is a key focus of our Programme for Government and is central to the work of my Department and our enterprise development agencies. In this regard, IDA Ireland’s Adapt Intelligently strategy, 2025-29, seeks to build on IDA’s successes to date and to support continued long-term investment through the transformation of the existing client base across Ireland and leveraging new opportunities and sectors. A key component of the strategy is the continued and ambitious focus on maximising regional investment opportunities for all regions including the South-West region in the years ahead, through the delivery of agile, sustainable, flexible property solutions providing certainty to IDA and Enterprise Ireland clients in advance of demand.
IDA Ireland has approximately 250 hectares of lands available for marketing to IDA and EI clients in Cork. The presence of strategic landbanks in multiple locations in Cork positions the greater Cork area for new greenfield opportunities, which if successful will benefit Cork city and county and the wider South-West region. This is complemented by private sector development of manufacturing and office property solutions in the greater Cork area.
The Fermoy Business Park is maintained as part of IDA Ireland’s property portfolio and is available to accommodate investment and development by IDA clients and clients of Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices. The 8-hectare site is part of IDA’s wider strategic property portfolio in Cork offering greenfield sites in a landscaped and serviced environment to suit both manufacturing and international services projects. IDA Ireland continues to proactively market the site to qualifying client companies and to position it as part of Cork's broader regional property offering.
IDA Ireland will continue to promote the Fermoy lands for employment-generating development in line with the site's development brief. It will also work with relevant stakeholders to maintain the supportive environment needed to attract investment to Cork and the South-West region.
Ferry Services
Questions (77)
Michael Cahill
Question:77. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide funding for a feasibility study for a passenger ferry between Dingle and Valentia/Cahersiveen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66700/26]
View answerWritten answers
My Department leads on tourism policy, while Fáilte Ireland, as the National Tourism Development Authority, delivers tourism development and investment supports. Fáilte Ireland has confirmed that it has not been contacted by any promoter regarding a proposal to operate a passenger ferry service in the area.
Fáilte Ireland provides a range of funding and non-financial supports to tourism businesses and destinations, with individual funding schemes opening at different times and each having its own objectives, eligibility conditions and eligible expenditure. The availability of support for preliminary work, including a feasibility study, therefore depends on the terms of the particular scheme. There is no standing, generally open Fáilte Ireland scheme dedicated solely to funding feasibility studies.
Project promoters should consult Fáilte Ireland at an early stage to establish whether their proposal aligns with the relevant regional tourism development strategy and whether any current or forthcoming programme may provide suitable assistance. Fáilte Ireland also offers research, guidance, mentoring and other business-development supports that can help promoters assess and refine a project proposal. Details of open funding opportunities and related supports are published by Fáilte Ireland and updated as schemes become available.
Furthermore, Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) operating through all 31 local authorities, provide business advice, mentoring, management development, and signposting to relevant Government supports. In addition, the National Enterprise Hub provides a single access point to information on more than 250 Government business supports delivered by 32 Departments and State agencies.
Small and Medium Enterprises
Questions (78)
Eamon Scanlon
Question:78. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the measures his Department is considering to address the increasing cost of doing business for SMEs in the North West region; and whether a regional competitiveness package is being considered for businesses facing higher transport, energy and labour costs due to their peripheral location. [66597/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Government recognises the cost pressures facing SMEs, including those operating in the North-West region. Balanced regional development is a Government priority, and my Department and its agencies contribute to this through the Regional Enterprise Plans, enterprise agency supports and targeted regional enterprise funding.
The North-West Regional Enterprise Plan, covering Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim, focused on entrepreneurship, renewable energy, climate action, skills development, cross-border cooperation, and attracting investment and high-value employment. Since 2017, eight projects in the North-West have received over €17.5 million through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund and Border Enterprise Development Fund, while a further six projects have received approximately €1.88 million under the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme.
My Department is also developing a Regional Enterprise Framework Statement to align regional enterprise priorities more closely with the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies. This will strengthen the links between enterprise development, skills, infrastructure and wider regional planning.
At national level, the Cost of Business Advisory Forum was established in June 2025 as part of the Programme for Government’s commitment to reduce business costs and alleviate regulatory burdens. The Forum’s Final Report and its 63 recommendations were approved by Government on 22 July 2026 and published on 28 August 2026.
Already, the work of the Forum is informing Government policy development, for example, its recommendations are helping to inform the work of the National Energy Affordability Taskforce, chaired by the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, which is examining energy costs for businesses of different sizes. In addition, I am engaging with the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance in advance of Budget 2027, and issues identified in the report are being taken into account as part of those discussions.
Reducing unnecessary administrative burdens on businesses remains a priority. In 2025, I updated Government on my Department's progress in reducing red tape and simplifying processes for small businesses. Since August this year my Department is working with the Department of the Taoiseach on the Red Tape Challenge initiative, which aims to further reduce regulatory burdens for SMEs by asking Department, their associated agencies and regulatory bodies to audit permit and licensing frameworks.
More broadly, the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity was published in 2025 and implementation of its actions is continuing. Taken together, this work supports the Government’s efforts to address business costs, improve competitiveness and strengthen the enterprise environment, including in the North-West region.
Artificial Intelligence
Questions (79)
Barry Ward
Question:79. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the position regarding any Department-led initiative in relation to future proof employment legislation in the ever-changing jobs market due to AI technology changes. [66645/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Government’s recently published National Digital and AI Strategy, Digital Ireland: Connecting Our People, Securing Our Future, sets out a clear and ambitious roadmap for Ireland’s digital transformation and AI adoption in the years ahead. I recognise the growing importance of digital technologies in driving economic growth, enhancing public services, supporting innovation, and improving citizens’ quality of life. At Government level, there is a strong commitment to supporting this transition and ensuring that the benefits of digitalisation and AI are shared across society, so that no business, worker, or individual is left behind as these technologies continue to evolve.
I recognise that AI has the potential to significantly reshape labour markets, with implications for productivity, job creation, competitiveness, and the nature of skills demand across all sectors of the economy. While AI offers significant opportunities to enhance efficiency, support innovation, and create new forms of employment, I am also mindful that it presents challenges that must be carefully managed, including the need for ongoing skills development, workforce adaptation, and inclusion.
I note that recent evidence suggests employment growth in more AI-exposed sectors has moderated, highlighting the importance of monitoring labour market trends as AI adoption increases.
In August, the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) published a paper on this very topic. I note that this work, The Irish Labour Market and AI in 2026, identified a marked rise in AI usage across the economy, but also an uneven pace of adoption among enterprises and individuals. The research also highlighted that the Irish labour market is a global front-runner in AI, in terms of both demand and supply. This research followed another EGFSN report, published last year, on AI and the labour market.
I would also point to several other projects underway within my Department that will help inform our understanding of AI, the labour market, and the challenges ahead.
The EGFSN is funding a project on Skills for Digital Specialists 2030. I expect this report to be published in the coming weeks. It will identify skills needs and gaps for ICT and digital specialists, including those relating to AI.
The EGFSN has also co-funded a new Working in Ireland Survey on the Irish labour market, being conducted by UCD. Research outputs from this extensive all-island study are now becoming available, and work on AI and the labour market was published in August.
Recognising these challenges and opportunities, I am advancing the range of measures set out in the National Digital and AI Strategy to strengthen Ireland’s digital capabilities and support enterprises in adopting AI to enhance productivity and competitiveness. Given the pace of technological change, I recognise that continued workforce adaptation will be required, including the development of new skills and roles. Government commitments in this area include expanding access to flexible upskilling and reskilling opportunities, implementing a national digital and AI skilling campaign, developing a Technology Skills of the Future Roadmap, and establishing a National Skills Observatory to support evidence-based policy development in relation to AI and employment.
In this evolving landscape, I believe it is essential that workers are supported and protected. Ireland has a robust suite of employment rights legislation that safeguards workers and promotes fair treatment in the workplace. These protections continue to apply regardless of whether AI or other advanced technologies are used in employment settings. Employment legislation is under continuous review to ensure that it remains effective, robust, and fit for purpose in the face of technological change.
Traffic Management
Questions (80)
Maeve O'Connell
Question:80. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has conducted an analysis on the impact of traffic congestion on businesses across Dublin. [66603/26]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has not conducted a specific analysis of the impact of traffic congestion on businesses across Dublin.
The Department of Transport has undertaken research on the wider economic costs of congestion in the Greater Dublin Area. Its report, The Economic Cost of Congestion in the Greater Dublin Area 2022–2040, indicates that congestion is expected to increase over the coming decades, driven by population and economic growth. The report also finds investment in transport infrastructure, planned over the coming decades, does lead to a reduction in the rate of increase in the cost of congestion. However, additional levels of modal shift to sustainable transport modes or reduction in transport demand would be required to reduce the increase in the cost of congestion. The analysis also models the impact of an alternative future scenario which considers a reduction in transport demand due to increased working from home, which also helps reduce the rate of growth in the cost of congestion.
Traffic congestion can generally affect businesses through longer and less predictable journey times, delayed deliveries and business travel, higher logistics costs, and difficulties for employees and customers accessing workplaces and commercial premises. These effects can reduce productivity and increase the cost of doing business.
Transport policy and the assessment of congestion costs are primarily matters for the Minister for Transport. My Department will continue to engage with the relevant Departments and agencies on issues affecting the business environment and competitiveness.
Departmental Data
Questions (81)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:81. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of people employed by IDA Ireland client companies in the life sciences sector in Cork city and county in each of the years 2021 to 2025, in tabular form; his Department's assessment of the implications for Irish manufacturing sites of pricing and tariff agreements between the United States administration and pharmaceutical companies. [66805/26]
View answerWritten answers
This Government recognises the strategic importance of the life sciences sector to the Irish economy and its substantial contribution to employment, investment and exports. Recent US Most-Favoured-Nation pricing agreements and related tariff measures represent a significant development for the global pharmaceutical industry. My Department, together with other Departments and the State's enterprise agencies continue to monitor and assess developments closely.
We firmly believe that co-operation, engagement and constructive dialogue is the best way forward to address the challenges facing Ireland, the EU and the US. It offers the best means of addressing shared challenges and supporting a stable and predictable environment for international trade and investment.
Continued collaboration with European colleagues is also supporting efforts to enhance medicines access, availability, and affordability in Europe. Stronger EU co-ordination and co-operation has a vital role in building up the resilience and innovation of the pharmaceutical sector and delivering enhanced access to medicines for patients.
This builds upon our continued productive partnership with the pharmaceutical industry at a domestic level, through which new Framework Agreements on the Supply and Pricing of Medicines for the period of 2026 – 2029 were agreed and signed in March 2026. These Agreements provide stability to the medicines reimbursement market for the State and for Industry.
Finally, the Programme for Government includes a commitment to develop Ireland’s first National Life Sciences Strategy. Officials in my Department are continuing work on the development of this Strategy, which will help ensure that the sector remains competitive, innovative and well positioned to capitalise on future growth opportunities. It will also strengthen Ireland’s role as a trusted global location for life sciences investment, research and advanced manufacturing.
The figures of those employed by IDA client companies in County Cork in the life sciences sector for the period 2021 to 2025 is set out below.
Table 1. Lifesciences employment in county Cork 2021-2025
|
Year |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Lifesciences Employment County Cork |
19,678 |
20,465 |
21,505 |
22,529 |
23,969 |
Departmental Data
Questions (82)
Cathy Bennett
Question:82. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment their proposals to increase the number of overnight, multi-night regional stays in areas currently predominantly served by day-trips. [66919/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government commits the Government to working with Fáilte Ireland to spread tourism more evenly across the regions. This includes further developing and promoting Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Ireland’s Ancient East, the Wild Atlantic Way and Dublin, while encouraging longer visitor stays. To convert more day trips into overnight and multi-night stays, I have announced a coordinated set of structural, spatial and target-led measures. These are being delivered primarily through the national policy framework, A New Era for Irish Tourism, and the recently launched Fáilte Ireland Corporate Strategy 2026–2029.
In July, I chaired the inaugural meeting of the Tourism Policy Oversight Group, established to oversee implementation of 'A New Era for Irish Tourism'. This was an important milestone in delivering the policy. The Group will provide strategic oversight of delivery, monitor progress against the Policy's 71 objectives and associated targets, including measures designed to improve regional dispersal and encourage visitors to spend more time across Ireland's destinations.
A central priority of the Fáilte Ireland Corporate Strategy is to strengthen the competitiveness, productivity and resilience of tourism businesses. Through enhanced enterprise supports, skills development, data and insights, and expanded digital and artificial intelligence programmes, Fáilte Ireland will help businesses improve performance and visibility, convert demand into bookings and encourage longer visitor stays through the development of high-quality visitor experiences.
The strategy also provides for a new Culinary Tourism Strategy and an Outdoor Ireland programme to strengthen Ireland’s tourism offering. Building on our strengths in food, drink and outdoor experiences, these initiatives will give visitors compelling reasons to travel, stay longer and explore destinations across the country.
Fáilte Ireland is also continuing to work with local authorities and tourism stakeholders through Destination and Experience Development Plans to develop compelling destination propositions, improve the visitor experience and encourage visitors to extend their stay. These plans identify opportunities to develop attractions, experiences and supporting infrastructure that increase dwell time and tourism spend within local communities.
Festivals and events also play an important role in driving overnight stays and extending the tourism season. Through Fáilte Ireland's investment in festivals and events, including support for food festivals and strategically important tourism events, visitors are encouraged to stay longer, explore local destinations and contribute to regional economies throughout the year. In March, I announced €933,250 in combined festival funding through Fáilte Ireland, including a new dedicated €310,000 Food Festival Fund. Allocated to local authorities, this funding will strengthen regional food festivals, showcase local culinary strengths and support regional tourism.
Finally, Fáilte Ireland’s Find Yourself on a Short Break campaign highlights the depth, diversity and quality of experiences available nationwide—from cultural and city breaks to nature-based escapes. By encouraging people who already take short breaks to take them more often throughout the year, the campaign supports off-peak demand, competitiveness and a more balanced regional distribution of tourism, strengthening the sector’s long-term resilience and regional contribution.
Small and Medium Enterprises
Questions (83)
John Paul O'Shea
Question:83. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the additional supports that will be provided to small businesses in rural towns and villages that are facing increased energy, insurance, wage and operating costs; and whether targeted assistance will be introduced for businesses employing people in areas such as Cork North-West. [66946/26]
View answerWritten answers
At national level, the Cost of Business Advisory Forum was established in June 2025 as part of the Programme for Government’s commitment to reduce business costs and alleviate regulatory burdens. The Forum’s Final Report and its 63 recommendations were approved by Government on 22 July 2026 and published on 28 August 2026.
Already, the work of the Forum is informing Government policy development, for example, its recommendations are helping to inform the work of the National Energy Affordability Taskforce, chaired by the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, which is examining energy costs for businesses of different sizes. In addition, Minister Burke is engaging with the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance in advance of Budget 2027, and issues identified in the report are being taken into account as part of those discussions.
Reducing unnecessary administrative burdens on businesses remains a priority. In 2025, Minister Burke updated Government on my Department's progress in reducing red tape and simplifying processes for small businesses. Since August this year my Department is working with the Department of the Taoiseach on the Red Tape Challenge initiative, which aims to further reduce regulatory burdens for SMEs by asking Department, their associated agencies and regulatory bodies to audit permit and licensing frameworks.
More broadly, the Action Plan on Competitiveness was published in 2025 and implementation of its actions is continuing. Taken together, this work supports the Government’s efforts to address business costs, improve competitiveness and strengthen the enterprise environment.
At a Local level, my Department continues to support small Irish Businesses in towns and villages across the country through the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), based within the 31 Local Authorities including Cork North and West. The LEOs provide information, advice and productivity supports to small businesses in the areas of decarbonisation, digitalisation and implementation of lean business practices. This suite of supports, which is available to small businesses across most sectors of the economy, provides expert advisors who meet with small business owners and identify projects or changes to their work practices that can help them to reduce costs, increase efficiency and maximise profitability, saving time, energy and money.