Bloomfield manager is vice-chair of group aiming to cut costs of running businesses

The manager of Bloomfield House Hotel is the vice-chair of a new group that aims to drive down business costs and which met for the first time yesterday.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke established the group with the aim of reducing the cost of running a business, and addressing delays that the operation of businesses in Ireland.

Former Labour Court judge Kevin Foley is the chair and Ronan Byrne, manager of Bloomfield House Hotel, is the vice-chair.

For the first time, regulators will be directly in the room to hear from business owners and representatives themselves.

The forum brings together business owners, retailers, tourism operators, accounting professionals and representative groups, alongside regulators and state agencies, to look at the issues that are driving up costs and the steps that could be taken to mitigate them.

Minister Burke said he had been looking forward to the first meeting of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum, and hearing directly from the people who run businesses, employ workers and keep the economy strong.

“I believe it is important for regulators, government departments and decision-makers to hear directly from this key cohort, the people that are at the coal face when we implement policy and regulations.

“I want to thank Kevin Foley, former chair of the Labour Court, and Ronan Byrne, general manager of Bloomfield Hotel, for agreeing to be chairperson and vice-Chairperson.

“This forum is about balance and reflecting all sectors of business, and ensuring all voices are heard in this important discussion.

“After our initial meeting, each subsequent session will focus on a specific theme, like licensing, infrastructure, or regulatory fees, and the relevant regulators will be invited to attend and respond.

“The goal is to create a space where businesses can speak directly to decision-makers about the real-world impact of rules and charges, and identify areas to make practical changes.”