Brexit alert: SMEs told to hope for the best and plan for the worst

John Creedon, chair of the CPA Ireland conference; Lorraine Green, AIB; Gearoid O'Driscoll, president of CPA Ireland; and guest speaker Dr Declan Jordan, UCC Business School. Photo: Orla Murray SON Photo

Irish SMEs should plan for any eventuality as political turmoil goes on at Westminster, the annual conference of Certified Public Accountants Ireland (CPA) was told in Cork.

Guest speaker Dr Declan Jordan, senior lecturer in UCC's Business School, said: "For businesses, who should not discount the possibility of a no-deal Brexit, the optimal strategy is still to hope for the best and plan for the worst." The president of CPA Ireland, Gearóid O'Driscoll, advised small and medium businesses that "early planning is prudent given the current political climate in the UK", adding: "Smart action today will help soften the impact of a no-deal should it occur."

Pictured at the event are John Creedon, chair of the conference; Lorraine Green, AIB; Gearoid O'Driscoll; and Dr Declan Jordan.