On 17 October 2022, ACCA facilitated a round table consultation between the UK Small Business Commissioner, Liz Barclay and small and medium accounting practices (SMPs) in Northern Ireland. The event was facilitated by Ulster University. Chaired by Ronnie Patton, ACCA global Council member, the event explored members’ experiences in a number of key areas, including: skills shortages and pandemic-related issues; government support; access to funding and banking; the cost of doing business; and late payment.
The round table identified skills shortages as the biggest issue for small businesses in Northern Ireland. The Roundtable noted that younger workers are increasingly looking to work for employers who aligned with, and delivering on, the UN Sustainability Development Goals and employers need to ensure that their business is so aligned if they wish to attract the best talent.
