sfa feb 2014 newletter

SFA Now ThaT’s whaT I call BusINess FebruAry 2014 of 8

e-Day – September 19th 2014. From this date, the Public Sector will no longer issue or accept cheques in their dealings with businesses in an effort to reduce cost and improve cash-flow for Irish businesses

What is e-Day?The particular focus of e-Day is to encourage SMEs to migrate from cheque usage as they are either issuers or receivers of more than 60% of all cheques in Ireland. Cheques are an expensive means of payment for businesses with bank charges, stamp duty, postage and unpaid cheques adding to the overall cost of doing business. A shift from cheques to electronic payments as a preferred method of payment will result in reduced costs and improved cash-flow for the overall business sector. It is hoped that with the State leading by example, and with many businesses already using electronic payments rather than cheques, that other businesses will follow suit and switch to electronic payments resulting to a reduction in the cost of doing business and a positive impact on cash flow.

e-Day is a core element of the National Payments Plan (NPP) which estimates that if Ireland were to match best payments’ practices in Europe, savings of up to €1 billion per annum could be made across the economy. The plan targets a doubling of the number of electronic payments in Ireland between 2011 and 2015.

e-Day, set for September 19th 2014, was launched last September by Minister of State for Public Service Reform and the Office of Public works, Brian Hayes is the date from which Government departments, local authorities and state agencies will no longer issue or accept cheques in their dealings with businesses. A year’s notice of its implementation was given in order to ensure a smooth transition to the new arrangements and to give both the various public sector bodies and the

affected businesses plenty of time to make arrangements for paying electronically, Businesses will need to prepare for e-Day. If a public sector body currently pays a business by cheque, this will no longer be the case from e-Day so such businesses should ensure that the payer has full bank account details so that payments can be made electronically. Those making payments by cheque will need to confirm what alternative arrangements have been put in place. These are likely to include EFT (electronic funds transfer), direct debit and card payment options and, while it is expected that payers will be advised on the available options, businesses are also advised to check with their own banks to ensure that they have access to these alternatives.

Cheque usage in Ireland

and europeEU Cheques per Capita 2012

For the last number of years, cheques have been declining at a rate of about 10% per annum in Ireland. The NPP targets a doubling of electronic payments in Ireland between 2011 and 2015. This should result in a corresponding drop in the use of both cheques and cash to close to EU levels. In the case of cheques, this would see usage drop to about 30 million per annum (76 million in 2012) or about 7 cheques per capita per annum. Migration to SEPA (the Single Euro Payments Area), the continuing growth in both “e” and “m” channels, the emergence of “contactless” payment cards and the development of mobile alternatives

SMALL FIRMSASSOCIATION

ISSUE 1 2014OFFICIAL NEwSLETTER OF THE sMall fIrMs assoCIatIon

e-Day: Cheques to and from Public Sector bodies to end

wHAT’S InsIDe

News in Depth 2

Member Spotlights 3

News in Brief 4&5

SFA Event’s 2013 6&7

when and why of E-Learning 8

foreWorD

I am delighted to bring you our latest news and as ever we are always open to hearing your news and feedback .

You can email any comments to me [email protected] Kind Regards

Aviné Mc Nally Acting Director, SFA

NEwS In Depth…

sMall fIrMs assoCIatIon

and other NPP recommendations will all contribute to drive these trends. Ever-increasing choice of payment products, services, providers and channels to cater for their ever-evolving needs. Achieving these NPP targets would see Ireland improve it position relative to its European peers, with businesses benefiting from quicker transactions, improved cash flow and lower costs while enjoying an ever-increasing choice of payment products, services, providers and channels to cater for their ever-evolving needs.

Russell BurkeSenior Advisor – National Payments Plan

of 8 SFA Now ThaT’s whaT I call BusINess FebruAry 2014

SFA Activity report 20132013 was another very busy year for the SFA.

In numbers terms, the SFA

· Represents 7,500 members

· Dealt with 52,157 (telephone and correspondence) enquiries

· Provided one to one direct consultations with 869 member companies throughout the country

· Issued 48 press releases and delivered 669 TV / radio interviews and media extracts from national and local newspapers

Lobbying Wins in 2013 included· Proposals to bring forward the Pay and File deadlines were postponed.

· Reform of Capital Gains Tax and the Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme to assist entrepreneurs and incentivise business investment were announced in Budget 2014.

· Retention of 9% VAT rate for the hospitality and related sectors.

· Increased threshold for the Credit Review Office from €500,000 to €3m.

· Fast tracking of “Examinership-Lite” legislation.

· Successfully resisted government plans for a statutory sick pay scheme.

· Convinced government to drop plans for a €60 million packaging levy charge on business.

A full copy of the Activity Summary is available on www.sfa.ie

Late Payments Continue to Strangle Small Firms

Late payments in Ireland are compounding a difficult financial environment for many small firms, with the average payment in Ireland taking 62 days.

The SFA Late Payment Survey shows:

• 56% of small firms offer credit terms of 30 days or less

• 71% of companies experience late payments on their credit terms, (an increase of 3% on January 2013)

• Payment Terms: 52% of companies have a written contract on payment terms with their customers (an increase of 4% on January 2013). 44% carry out credit checks on new customers.

• Payment History: 69% review payment performance of customers and 58% give credit more selectively based on this.

• Payment Processing: Just 10% use debt collection agents and 8% include late payment charges to slow paying customers.

The amended Late Payment in Commercial Transactions was transposed into Irish law in March 2013. This legislation allows companies to automatically charge interest penalties on accounts outstanding beyond 30 days.

entrepreneurship Forum report PublishedThe SFA welcomed the publication of the Entrepreneurship Forum Report. The Report includes 69 recommendations on creating a better environment for entrepreneurs, stimulating growth aspirations and inspiring a culture of entrepreneurship throughout Ireland.

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, stated that many of the recommendations in the report will be implemented as part of the Action Plan for Jobs process, and that the Department will prepare the first ever Government Entrepreneurship Policy Statement.

Commenting on the report AJ Noonan, Chairman of the SFA said “in the past many outstanding reports have simply become rhetoric because of the failure of the political system to embrace the entire thrust of what was being proposed. That type of response to this report will result in a piecemeal approach to addressing the needs of entrepreneurs and small businesses.”

Noonan welcomed the access to finance recommendations stating that the access to finance and supports for investment are vital. “The proposals allow investment into small businesses and ensure that finance is available to support entrepreneurs create sustainable businesses and employment.”

Noonan stated that Ireland requires a tax system that should reward entrepreneurship. “Ireland now has one of the highest marginal tax rates in the OECD. The marginal tax rate of 55% for self employed at average earnings is well above the OECD average of 36%. These levels of tax rates are unusual across OECD countries and it is an obstacle for entrepreneurs and business start ups.”

The SFA echoed the recommendation for a reduction in Capital Gains Tax to encourage greater indigenous investment. “Many countries with high CGT rates have various incentives to support entrepreneurial investment – Ireland does not have such a system. As a result CGT is no longer supportive of investment.”

In conclusion, Noonan said “encouraging entrepreneurship is key to our continued growth and prosperity. A new national entrepreneurship strategy is needed with robust targets and indicators against which progress can be measured.”

NEwS In Depth…


Wincor Nixdorf Announces Dualtron as new reseller

in Irelandwincor Nixdorf today announced an expansion to its growing reseller community to include Dualtron as it’s reseller in Ireland. wincor Nixdorf’s partner program provides Dualtron with access to the broadest and most innovative portfolio of retail solutions available worldwide. The portfolio includes a range of solutions including Software, POS, Kiosk, SCO, Cash Management and other retail solutions. Dave Byrne MD of Dualtron commented “having worked with wincor Nixdorf in Ireland for years we are delighted to be formally welcomed into the wincor Nixdorf community and are proud to be able to offer our customers and Irish Retailers the solutions from a company whose brand name stands for innovative and reliable Retail solutions. we look forward to providing seamless retailing solutions to our customers in Ireland.

Martin Smethurst, General Manager wincor Nixdorf Retail UK&I, explains: “The partnership with Dualtron is the next step in a long standing relationship and makes perfect sense for us, like wincor Nixdorf, Dualtron have been a tried and trusted pair of hands for retailers and retail bankers in Ireland for decades. The partnership cements our relationship and I am sure it won’t be long until Dualtron and wincor Nixdorf begin to welcome many more Irish customers to the wincor Nixdorf community.

Top Technology entrepreneur launches new corporate identity E-MIT Solutions, headed up by technology entrepreneur Eamon Moore, recently launched their new corporate identity and website. Following a full corporate rebrand and months of hard work, the Santry-based IT Consultancy unveiling the company’s

MEMBER spotlIght…

.benefits with up to 90% of the harmful environmental and health effects associated with cement manufacture being eliminated. In 2012, these costs were independently estimated at costing the economy €140m.

If the cement and concrete sector achieves its roadmap targets it will reduce the impact of carbon compliance on the rest of the economy. Other sectors of national importance which are dominated by SMEs such as agriculture can meet their potential without adversely affecting the environment, thus ensuring that everyone gains from this transition.

Ecocem is now actively seeking submissions on this roadmap and has shown how a small firm can not only direct but lead the national policy to ensure that the voice of small firms is heard in this globally important issue.

The full report can be found at www.ecocem.ie/roadmap.2050

new vision. Speaking at the launch, Moore said: “There have been significant changes happening at E-MIT Solutions recently and we are taking this opportunity to showcase these. we moved to a new premises in Northwood, we have expanded our team of experts and we are launching our new website and corporate identity. I am delighted to be a part of this announcement which includes the addition of three fantastic new services based on our research and client feedback.” Along with a range of services including Outsourced IT Management and Cloud Computing, E-MIT Solutions is now offering IT Strategy, Social Collaboration and Commercial Property Services.

ecocem encourages other small firms to join in the fight to influence national policy Ecocem, the only independent producer of low carbon cement in Europe and a member of the SFA since 2005, is actively involved in influencing government climate change policy. To this end, in 2013, Ecocem published a consultation document entitled, “Carbon Reduction Roadmap for the Cement and Concrete Sector” in response to the Government’s request for input into the cement and concrete sector’s national roadmap process. This process aims to outline Ireland’s strategy to come in line with EU targets to reduce CO2 emissions.

This sector is failing to meet the targets set when it comes to current emission levels and if they remain the same Ireland will fall well short of these targets. Available green technology is being underutilised and radical technical innovation will be required to ensure the sector’s continued viability in a carbon constrained world.

However, Ecocem believes this can be a win-win situation for the industry, the environment and the economy. The transition to a low-carbon cement and concrete sector will.create between 600 to 1,200 new export focused jobs, primarily for small firms within three to five years

IrISH SMe’s GeNerATe €200MILLION IN 4 yeArS

BNI Ireland members are celebrating the generation of €200million worth of business generated among them in just four years. BNI which has been in Ireland for 15 years has over 1,200 members spanning more than 20 counties. Irish members are the most successful in Europe, generating an average of 30% more business than their European counterparts. Last year alone, Irish members generated more than €43million in business with this record set to be beaten by the end of this year. Each member benefits from BNI’s unique referral system which is similar to having dozens of sales people working as part of your team. Speaking of the €200million milestone, Sandra Hart, Executive Director, BNI Ireland South and west said “Networking in any form plays a major role in the success of a business. we teach our members not only how to generate business but also how to support each other in building a better business. The 200 million milestone is something we are hugely proud of is a testament to the dedication of our members who continue to work together to boost their local economies.”

E-MIT Solutions Eamon Moore & Michelle Carpenter


Protocol on Multi-banked SMe Debt The Irish Banking Federation announced that a new protocol on multi-banked SME debt been developed by the SME-lending banks. The objective of the protocol is to create a framework that allows an SME in financial difficulty, with multi-banked debt, to communicate with the relevant banks on a collective basis and to allow those banks to collectively discuss and consider the case.

For purposes of the protocol, multi-banked SME debt comprises the following three categories:

• direct SME debt advanced directly to the SME to finance the business,

• indirect SME debt advanced indirectly to the SME business to finance assets, such as premises, that are essential to the running of the business,

• and SME related debt which depends primarily for its repayment on the viability and cash flow of the business.

SME lenders are currently making the necessary preparations for the implementation of this protocol on 2nd January 2014.

NEwS In BrIef…

Changes in Illness benefit and Maternity/Adoptive benefitAs a result of budget 2014 there have been amendments to illness benefit, received when an employee is out on sick leave and also on maternity/adoptive benefit. There will be an increase in the number of waiting days for an employee to receive illness benefit from three days to six days before they can claim the benefit. Maternity/adoptive benefit has been reduced to a flat rate of €230 per week. These changes took effect from the 6th January 2014. Companies will need to update their policies if these changes will have an impact on them.

Health Innovation Hub supports collaboration between Health and enterpriseThe Health Innovation Hub (HIH) Demonstrator project, a Government supported initiative under the Action Plan for Jobs 2013, drives collaboration between the health system and enterprises leading to the commercialisation of new healthcare technologies, products and services.

The HIH has launched a second call for proposals including projects in infection control and hygiene management as well as an open call for innovative products or services that have the potential to significantly impact the healthcare system. Details are published on www.hih.ie

Speaking at the launch, Dave Shanahan, Chair of the Health Innovation Hub National Implementation Team, said: “Our second larger call provides greater opportunities for industry to work with health. Our website www.hih.ie explains the ambition and provides a portal for industry to access, support and understand how we wish to improve healthcare outcomes and create jobs, by commercializing more healthcare technologies, products, services and start-ups from Ireland.”

business in Ireland 2011 CSO reportThe Central Statistics Office (CSO) published the Business in Ireland 2011 report. The report focuses on the activities and performance of SMEs. There is a new chapter in the publication which details business costs in Ireland and there are special articles that address international sourcing and the distribution sector in Ireland.

A copy of the report can be downloaded from www.cso.ie

Solas (FÁS) Apprentices to Pay a Pro-rata Student ContributionEmployers involved with Solas (FÁS) apprenticeship programmes should note that from 2014, apprentices will be required to pay a pro-rata Student Contribution proportionate to the time they spend in Institutes of Technology (IOTs). Apprentices attend IOTs for two ten-week periods during their four year apprenticeships. The pro-rata student contribution (currently €540) in respect of each period spent in the IOTs, paid up to now by the Exchequer, will from 2014 be paid by the apprentices themselves. This is expected to yield an annual Exchequer saving of €1.6 million.

SMe Lending Demand SurveyThe Department of Finance published in early December the lastest“SME Lending Demand Survey” report. while demand for credit has fallen and remains low only 36% of SMEs are now seeking credit, of which 64% of applications have received full/partial approval by the banks.

Avine McNally, Acting Director, SFA said a worrying trend from the survey is that more conditions are being attached to credit approvals, 78% of respondents who had credit approved stated that conditions were attached - these range from conditions of personal guarantees; facility charges and other specific security. “It is critical that in providing finance to small businesses that the cost of credit is not too high and that loan terms and conditions are manageable and do not act as a deterrent for business survival and investment.”

McNally noted that the majority of applicants (73%) who have been declined credit don’t agree with the decision. In addition, the time for a decision averaged 21 working days, with just over half of the applications processed within the target of 15 days.

“It is critical in rebuilding the small business banking relationship, that clarity is given around decision-making rationale and that process targets of 100% of applications being dealt with in 15 days and all declines being informed of their right of appeal are achieved swiftly.”


examinership Legislation to be expedited The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, announced the fast-tracking of legislation to allow businesses to apply to the Circuit Court for examinership. The measure is aimed at reducing the costs associated with an application for examinership and enabling an increased numbers of SME businesses to apply for examinership as a route out of difficulties. In particular, businesses with large potential for growth and job-creation, but who are being held back by legacy debt problems, are expected to benefit from the move.

In company law small companies are those that satisfy two out of the following three conditions: • Balance sheet not exceeding €4.4 million

• Turnover not exceeding €8.8 million

• Number of employees not exceeding 50

The new companies bill is expected to be enacted by the end of 2013 and will also include other measures to reduce costs for businesses and improve the enforcement of company law.

New Completion Date For Migration To SePA AnnouncedNew statistics released this week by the European Central Bank show that migration to SEPA gathered pace strongly in December. According to the latest figures, 74% of Credit Transfers and 41% of Direct Debits in the euro area are already SEPA compliant.

SEPA migration by Irish businesses is well advanced and it is estimated that 95% of all payments and the vast majority of Irish companies will be fully migrated to SEPA by 1st February 2014.

while it is important that momentum is maintained towards 100% SEPA compliance. To enable companies who have yet to complete their migration to SEPA, the

Home renovation Incentive (HrI) The Home Renovation Incentive (HRI), announced in Budget 2014 is active until December 31st 2015. The HRI provides for tax relief for homeowners by way of a tax credit at 13.5% of qualifying expenditure on repair, renovation or improvement work carried out on a principal private residence.

The work must cost a minimum of €5,000 (exclusive of VAT) which will attract a credit of €675 and where the cost of the work exceeds €30,000 (exclusive of VAT); a maximum credit of €4,050 will apply. The credit is payable over the two years following the year in which the work is carried out.

The work must be carried out and paid for on or after 25 October 2013 and up to 31 December 2015. Homeowners must be LPT compliant in order to qualify under the incentive while Building Contractors must be tax compliant in order to carry out works.

while systems have yet to be developed, the incentive will be administered through Revenue’s online systems. The Revenue has put in place some transitional arrangements that will operate in advance of the online systems.

Further information is available on www.revenue.ie.

AIb Launch a new €350 million Sustainable energy FundAIB Corporate Banking Ireland has announced the launch of a new €350 million AIB Sustainable Energy Fund for companies operating in the energy sector. The new fund, which is available since December 2013, follows a steady rise in AIBs involvement in the sustainable energy sector in the last five years. The new AIB Sustainable Energy Fund will support this rapidly growing industry, which has been driven by a combination of higher fossil fuel prices and increasing concern over greenhouse gas emissions. The fund is designed to support companies working in many areas of the renewable energy sector, including CHP, bioenergy, wind and other emerging and proven technologies. Further details are available on www.aib.ie

NEwS In BrIef…

Irish Payment Services Organisation and the banks have agreed to extend the migration date to 31st March 2014. All businesses are being urged to renew their migration pace and to complete the successful migration to SEPA as early as possible.

Nearly one in four respondents were unaware of the legislation and just 8% have used the legislation to get paid. 73% of respondents who were aware of the legislation choose not to apply the interest penalty. The reasons for this vary:

• 59% of firms are reluctant for fear of losing business;

• 61% are reluctant because the customer is too big to challenge;

• 67% have concerns of gaining a reputation

as being a difficult supplier.

SFA Webinar Schedule

The SFA is delighted to announce the 2014 SFA webinar series. This is a great opportunity for you to be informed about a particular area that is relevant to you and your business.

28/01/2014 The first webinar in the 2014 series took place on the 28th of February covering the area of “Managing Absenteeism” presented by Aisling Heaton, SFA Executive.

Each webinar will last approximately 30 minutes with time allocated for questions and answers at the end of the presentation.”

upcoming webinars

19/02/2014 “Redundancy and Alternatives” presented by Alan Sherlock, SFA Executive.

25/03/2014 The “what where & How of Business Supports for Small Business” presented by Avine McNally, Acting Director SFA

29/04/2014 “Contracts” presented by Aisling Heaton, SFA Executive.

27/05/2014 “The Parental Leave Act, to include Force Majeure” presented by Alan Sherlock, SFA Executive.

24/06/2014 “Getting Paid on Time” presented by Avine McNally, Acting Director SFA.

For more information on SFA webinars please visit www.sfa.ie/events

DATES FOR THE DIary…


sfa events in 2013

SFA events…

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The SFA Annual Lunch 2013650 members and guests attended the 2013 SFA Annual Lunch, sponsored by Zurich Insurance with Guest of Honour Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar.

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The Overall Winner Megazyme of the SFA National Business Awards. The presentation of the award was made by Minister for Small Business, John Perry, TD at the Awards Ceremony in Trinity College, 7th March 2013. This was the ninth year of the SFA National Small Business Awards.

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The SFA Annual Conference 2013, the Clyde Court Hotel

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The SFA Annual Conference 2013. A J Noonan, SFA Chairman, David Thomas, Managing Director, Corporate Banking, Ulster Bank, Aviné McNally, SFA Director, Minister for Enterprise, Jobs & Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, John Fitzgerald, Economist, ESRI,

A J Noonan, Chairman, SFA, Guest of Honour Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar, T.D, Aviné McNally, Acting Director, SFA and Ken Norgrove,

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The Overall Winner Megazyme of the SFA National Business Awards. The presentation of the award was made by Minister for Small Business, John Perry, TD at the Awards Ceremony in Trinity College, 7th March 2013. This was the ninth year of the SFA National Small Business Awards.

The SFA Annual Conference 2013. A J Noonan, SFA Chairman, David Thomas, Managing Director, Corporate Banking, Ulster Bank, Aviné McNally, SFA Director, Minister for Enterprise, Jobs & Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, John Fitzgerald, Economist, ESRI,

sfa national small Business showcase 2013The SFA Finalists Small business Showcase 2013 took place on Thursday, 7th February in Chartered Accountants Ireland premises. The night was a great success with over 420 people attending the event.

SFA events…

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Launch of the SFA National Business Awards 2014. Celebrating 10 years of excellence.AJ Noonan SFA Chairman, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D., Avine McNally Acting SFA Director

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An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, T.D. at the launch of the SFA National Small Business Awards with Awards Sponsors

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AJ Noonan, SFA Chairman and Cameron Wallace, Eight Degrees Brewing Company.

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Pat Costello, Chartered Accountants Ireland, Bobby Kerr, Entrepreneur and Broadcaster and Colm Powell, Polar Ice.

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SFA/Vodafone Speed Networking took place regionally throughout 2013, with our Dublin event on the 17th July in the Marker Hotel, Dublin.


When and Why to use e-learningE-learning is hot. And for good reason. If done right, it can produce great results by decreasing costs and improving performance. Also, unlike a one-time classroom session, the e-learning course is available for others. This includes the static e-learning course as well as any ongoing conversations in networked communities.

Recently, I had a conversation with someone new to e-learning and it struck me that she didn’t fully understand the value of e-learning. I think this is common as more people are joining the world of e-learning. Understanding e-learning’s value helps you make the best decisions about when and why to use it.

e-learning supports the Organisation’s Goals• Improved training costs. Producing learning content is time consuming whether it’s online or not. with e-learning, each time the course is accessed your return on investment improves because you are dividing the fixed production costs by number of uses. You also have savings through decreased travel, reduced material, and hopefully improved (and more efficient) performance.

• Decreased material costs. Let’s say you have to train how to arrange equipment in a sterile environment like an operating room. If you had to use the real environment, it would be costly. Even setting up a fake environment has material costs and labour. By creating the environment online and letting the learner practice, you never have to worry about the costs associated with set up, use, and clean up.

• Increased productivity. Because e-learning is not bound by geography or time, you can control training’s impact on production by training people during down times. In addition, with the current economy, you’re asking people to do more with less. So e-learning is a great way to give them the tools and skills needed to enhance their performance.

• Standardisation. You may have a great facilitator, but that’s no guarantee that the courses are presented the same across sessions. E-learning allows you to create a standardized process and consistency in the delivery of content.

.• Encourage sharing. The foundation of a learning community is built on sharing what you know with others. This is where incorporating a forum or wiki really adds value to your e-learning. Depending on how the course is structured, you can encourage sharing of resources and insight gained from the course.

• Employer of choice. People want opportunities to grow. A canteen with high fat foods is one way. Another is a catalogue with all sorts of e-learning courses. This allows them to explore other opportunities in the organization. During downtime, it would be great to spend fifteen minutes learning to better manage meetings or improve working with peers. Offering these opportunities to learn makes you a place people want to stay.

Paula Kilfoyle, The Professional Training Academy. The Professional Training Academy are offering all SFA members 20% discount on any course.

Contact

e-learning supports the Learner’s Development• Real-time access. Live learning events require that those who participate align their schedules to the training calendar. E-learning eliminates this because the course can be accessed anytime, anywhere. This can also happen without Internet access

• Freedom to fail. Let’s face it, real learning requires some failure. But no one likes to fail in a classroom full of other people. E-learning lets you fail without fear. This encourages exploration and testing of ideas. with the right feedback you create a great learning environment. worst case, you can always start over. Something you can’t always do in class.

• Improved retention. The combination of multimedia and instructional design can produce a very rich learning experience that is repeatable. Throw in some good practice activities with feedback and you have a learning environment that’s going to help your learners retain the course content which will produce results.

• Personalised learning. Look out the window at your car park. My guess is that you’ll see a dozen or more different cars. They all do the same thing, yet we have personal opinions about what we want to drive. The same for learning. Learners want control. E-learning allows you to offer control to the learners in a way that classroom learning doesn’t.

e-learning Nurtures a Learning Organisation & Community• Ongoing access to resources. If you take a class in the real world and need a refresher, you better hope that you took good notes. Otherwise, you’re out of luck. That’s not the case with e-learning. Ideally, you continue to have access to the online content and resources to brush up on what you learned.

• Knowledge management. Many people see e-learning as only the authored courses. But e-learning includes all sort of online technologies. If you incorporate some of the tools that allow collaboration and conversation, you can capture organisational knowledge that is available for future learners

84-86 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 201-605 1500 [email protected] www.sfa.ieSMALL FIRMS

ASSOCIATION

[email protected] to obtain your discount.

Contact Details

If you need to contact the SFA team on

any issue, our direct contact details are:

Aviné McNally, Acting Director

01 605 1633 [email protected]

Alan Sherlock, Executive


Aisling Heaton, Executive


Richard Miley, Marketing Officer


sfa feb 2014 newletter

Documents

case of cheques

unpaid cheques

europeeu cheques

number of electronic

national payments

affected businesses

irish businesses

best payments practices