Small and medium sized companies have a lot on their plate this year.  Inflation and energy costs may be easing and interest rates look set to fall but the national minimum wage is up, auto enrolment is set to start and employers will have to cover sickness and holiday pay for the first time. 

Despite that, a survey of SMEs by Azets formerly known as Baker Tilly found that economic prospects stood at a more than respectable 7.4 out of 10.  BUT smaller or micro businesses were far more pessimistic than their larger cousins.     

Speaking to Joe about the findings of the survey was Neil Hughes the Chief Executive of Azets Ireland.