Posted online: Jan 15th, 2010

By Sinéad Flanagan
Editor

WITH many businesses now counting the cost of the cold snap, experts are predicting more job loses as a result.
Forced to shut up shop for part of the big freeze, some businesses will have been pushed to the verge of bankruptcy as a result of the severe drop in footfall over the past two weeks and what was for many, not a great Christmas.
Having been one of the worst hit areas in the country weatherwise, Kildare businesses suffered more than most. Retailers in particular were worst hit as people left their homes only for essential supplies. In what is usually a relatively busy month with January sales, many have been left with their shops full of their autumn/winter stock. Unable to shift what is in store, many now face serious cash flow problems along with problems of where to put new stock.
A spokesperson for Naas Chamber of Commerce remarked that many business owners are “extremely anxious for 2010” as the New Year has got off to a “very slow start”.
Mark Fielding, Director of Irish Small and Medium Enterprise (ISME) said: “In retail, January sales were badly hit. In servicing and manufacturing there was a big increase in absenteeism and with the schools closed, many had to take time off as a result.”
“The first three months of the year will see more job loses than the last three months. Many businesses cut so much last year” that the only thing left to cut is the business itself, Mr Fielding said. Adding: “February and March will be a very sad time for many.”
Paul Cunningham, President of Athy Chamber of Commerce is optimistic however that trade will pick up. “Hopefully, this week it’s going to improve. They (businesses) didn’t just have two weeks for sales, usually the season will last for about a month.”