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Each year, International Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSME) Day, 27th June, highlights the critical role smaller businesses play in driving employment, innovation and economic growth.
In Ireland’s construction sector, MSMEs make up a significant proportion of the industry, and supporting their resilience and growth is essential to the sector’s future. The CIF provides practical supports, representation and expertise to help MSMEs navigate an increasingly complex operating environment.
CIF CEO Andrew Brownlee said: “Construction SMEs are the backbone of the sector, delivering the homes and infrastructure that communities across Ireland need. In fact 91% of CIF’s members are small and medium enterprises. This International MSME Day, we’d like to acknowledge the work of these companies as they deliver vital construction projects to support local communities and the wider economy.
“We know from talking to our SME members that they face significant pressures, managing rising costs, workforce development, an increasingly complex regulatory environment, and the need to go digital. Construction SMEs also face a unique set of challenges, with many being owner-manager led, overseeing busy workloads in a high-demand environment and juggling day-to-day operations, while actively and successfully delivering projects. Despite this, they continue to show remarkable resilience, adapting to change, finding solutions and consistently stepping up to deliver for their clients and communities.
“We’d encourage all construction SMEs to get in touch with us to find out more about how we can help you meet your business needs. CIF has a wide range of practical, accessible supports designed to help SMEs manage day-to-day operations. We provide training and upskilling programmes, health and safety support and training, HR and employment guidance, procurement and tendering support, information on regulatory updates, support for digitalisation and innovation, and networking and peer learning opportunities at regional and national level. As the voice of Ireland’s construction sector, we continue to bring the needs of SMEs to the attention of Government and policy-makers.”
A single point of support for growing businesses
For many micro and small construction firms, accessing specialist advice can be expensive and time-consuming. The CIF bridges this gap by giving members access to expert guidance across core business functions, including:
- Training and CPD
- Procurement, tendering, contracting and dispute resolution
- Advice on employment and compliance, plus HR training for managers. Also represents members at trade union and workplace hearings
- Health and safety in the workplace
- Pensions
- Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
This allows MSMEs to make informed decisions and manage risk, without needing extensive in-house resources.
Alan Hora, of Loughglynn Developments, said: “You will pay a lot of money for different consultants, advisors, and stuff that you don’t need to be paying. If you’re a member of CIF, it’s the whole HR department, the whole health and safety department. All that stuff can be done for you. If you only use them one or two times a year, the cost that will probably cover your membership.”
Developing skills and building capacity
Workforce development and evolving regulatory requirements remain key challenges for MSMEs. The CIF addresses this through a broad range of training and upskilling programmes, delivered via CIF Training and Construction Professionals Skillnet – SME Programmes.
These include:
- Accredited health and safety courses
- Technical and management training
- Subsidised upskilling programmes tailored to industry needs
By supporting continuous learning, CIF helps MSMEs stay compliant, improve productivity, and build the internal capability needed to scale.
Niall McDonagh, of Roofing and Rope Access Services Ltd, said: “The biggest benefit of CIF membership? Contacts, contacts, contacts. For me, it’s about the networking more than anything else.”
Supporting competitiveness through insight
The CIF provides members with up-to-date market intelligence, policy updates and industry briefings, helping MSMEs anticipate changes and plan effectively.
Access to timely information is particularly valuable for smaller firms seeking to remain competitive in a market shaped by cost pressures, regulatory shifts and evolving client expectations.
👉 Read more: IGBC launches Home Performance Pathway for SME Homebuilders
Creating opportunities through connection
Through its regional branches (Eastern, Southern, Western and Midland), sector groups and events programme, the CIF offers MSMEs meaningful opportunities to network, collaborate and grow their business.
From industry forums to targeted initiatives, such as digital collaboration events supporting MSMEs in implementing new technologies, the CIF facilitates knowledge-sharing and peer learning across the sector.
👉 Read more: Digital Collaboration Network: Providing a structured forum for collaboration, shared learning, and practical support
Building a stronger sector together
On International MSME Day, it is a timely reminder that the strength of the construction sector depends on the success of its MSMEs. Through its integrated support offering, the CIF enables smaller businesses to compete, grow and contribute to the delivery of Ireland’s built environment.
Niall Healy, of NHC Construction Ltd, said: “When you’re coming as a CIF member, it carries weight. One of the things for me was to be associated with professionals and be considered a professional. CIF membership gives you a bit of a status that says this company is professional.”