#irishindependent

Irish Independent : Independent | Popular Kildare business to close after 60 years – ‘A sense of pride is what's keeping a lot of family-owned businesses open in Ireland’ AI generated summary, Read the full article for complete information. Popular Kildare business The Elms Home & Living, a family‑run furniture store that has been operating for over 60 years near Punchestown Racecourse, is closing its retail outlet while the adjoining café will remain open. Owner and Senator Aubrey McCarthy said the decision reflects the challenges faced by small, family‑owned firms in Ireland, where limited state support and fierce competition from multinational companies make survival difficult. He added that, unlike many enterprises that close for purely financial reasons, a sense of pride in the family legacy is a key factor that keeps many Irish family businesses ticking over despite the pressure. Read more: https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/popular-kildare-business-to-close-after-60-years-a-sense-of-pride-is-whats-keeping-a-lot-of-family-owned-businesses-open-in-ireland/a267912652.html #AubreyMcCarthy #IrishIndependent #ElmsHome

Irish Independent : Independent | Home Economics: ‘We didn’t qualify for a bridging loan to downsize – what can we do?’ AI generated summary, Read the full article for complete information. Home Economics: ‘We didn’t qualify for a bridging loan to downsize – what can we do?’ – Sinéad Ryan answers a reader’s property‑finance query about trying to downsize last year. She explains that while the government wants to free up larger, under‑occupied homes for younger families, it has not provided the practical tools—such as accessible bridging loans—to make that possible. Ryan outlines alternative options for couples in this situation, including exploring other financing routes, renegotiating mortgage terms, and assessing the timing of a move, while highlighting the broader challenges the current policy framework poses for downsizers. Read more: https://www.independent.ie/business/money/home-economics-we-didnt-qualify-for-a-bridging-loan-to-downsize-what-can-we-do/a1447674611.html #SinéadRyan #IrishIndependent #Government