Exploring SME investment patterns in Ireland: New survey evidence

An empirical profile of SME investment in Ireland is critical to understanding the growth possibilities and productive capacity of Irish indigenous enterprises. However little is known about SME investment activity outside the more aggregate information. This paper uses new survey evidence compiled as part of the Department of Finance SME Credit Demand Survey to profile the types of assets SMEs are investing in, how firms are financing these investments and what barriers firms face to investment. We provide a detailed exploration of the trends across firms looking at different size classes, age groups, exporting status and sectors. A number of findings emerge. We find that two in every three SMEs invested in their staff; one-in-two invested in fixed assets; and less than one-inten invested in intangible assets in 2016. SMEs were in general satisfied with their investment levels or their current capacity with only one-in-five facing a capital gap. For those with perceived insufficient investment, a lack of internal funds, rather than access to external finance, was identified as the main reason. Finally, SMEs reported having significant liquidity levels in 2016. These findings suggest that any perceived sluggishness in borrowing or investment appetite could potentially be demand-side in orientation.