Latest news with #Censuswide
BreakingNews.ie
3 days ago
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
40% of large businesses in Ireland lost employees due to diversity policy changes
40 per cent of large enterprises in Ireland have experienced employee resignations due to recent changes to their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies in Ireland, according to a new survey. The survey, from global technology, engineering, and consulting service provider Expleo, got responses from 200 business and IT decision-makers in Ireland. Advertisement It found that the issue of DEI is having a profound impact on businesses in Ireland as they weigh up following global trends, versus doubling down on their existing policies. The research, conducted by Censuswide, found that large enterprises in Ireland are divided on how to address DEI. While 49 per cent said they are increasing their commitment to DEI – and 56 per cent said it is fundamental to the success of their organisation – some 42 per cent believe there is too much focus being placed on it. This uncertainty is already impacting employees, with 47 per cent of decision-makers admitting that individuals are worried about DEI becoming less important. Advertisement Since November 2024, 40 per cent of organisations operating in Ireland have already eliminated, or have planned to eliminate, DEI targets completely. And, of those who include employee pronouns in email signatures, 50 per cent are removing them. Furthermore, almost half (49 per cent) of enterprises who have operations in the US are removing references to DEI that may get them into difficulty Stateside. Managing director for Ireland, Expleo, Phil Codd: said: 'Committing to DEI is not easy. Shortcomings on targets can be demoralising and subject to board scrutiny. But if we abandon targets, we effectively stop holding ourselves to account. 'However, we do have reason to be optimistic. A significant proportion of enterprise leaders said they are increasing their commitment to DEI in Ireland. Advertisement "These are the businesses who are going against the grain and making choices that are not only principled, but commercially smart. In doing so, they are positioning themselves as true leaders who are capable of attracting top talent in an employee market where DEI matters more than ever. 'We see first-hand at Expleo, by enriching our workforces, diversity brings tangible value to organisations by widening perspectives and challenging accepted norms. "It is fundamental to the innovation we bring to our clients and our own revenue growth as a challenger in the IT services space in Ireland. It should be ingrained in the DNA of every organisation. It is time for companies to boldly go forward and embrace DEI at a time when it is under attack.'
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Workers have quit due to pushback against diversity policies
Around 40% of large enterprises in Ireland have seen workers quit due to changes to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies, new research shows, with almost half of companies with US operations scaling back references to DEI. The results come on the back of a push back against DEI policies by the Trump administration and show a profound impact on businesses in Ireland as they weigh up following global trends or double down on their existing policies. While 49% of companies reported increasing their commitment to DEI – with 56% regarding it as fundamental to the success of their organisation – some 42% believe there is too much focus being placed on it. The uncertainty is impacting employees, with 47% of decision-makers admitting that individuals are worried about DEI becoming less important. According to the research conducted by Censuswide, 40% of organisations operating in Ireland have eliminated since November 2024 – when US president Donald Trump took office - or plan to eliminate DEI targets completely. Almost half (49%) of enterprises who have operations in the US are removing references to DEI. The research was carried out for global technology, engineering and consulting service provider Expleo, and surveyed 200 business and IT decision-makers in Ireland, in enterprises with more than 250 employees, as part of its business transformation index 2025. 'Committing to DEI is not easy. Shortcomings on targets can be demoralising and subject to board scrutiny. But if we abandon targets, we effectively stop holding ourselves to account,' said Expleo managing director for Ireland Phil Codd. 'However, we do have reason to be optimistic. A significant proportion of enterprise leaders said they are increasing their commitment to DEI in Ireland. These are the businesses who are going against the grain and making choices that are not only principled, but commercially smart. In doing so, they are positioning themselves as true leaders who are capable of attracting top talent in an employee market where DEI matters more than ever.' Mr Codd said diversity brings tangible value to organisations by 'widening perspectives and challenging accepted norms. It is fundamental to the innovation we bring to our clients and our own revenue growth as a challenger in the IT services space in Ireland. It should be ingrained in the DNA of every organisation.'
Entrepreneur
21-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Building a Sellable Business
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur United Kingdom, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Few entrepreneurs dream of running their business forever, eventually hoping to sell up or secure a successor, so they can enjoy a well-earned retirement. This is precisely the mindset that 63% of UK business owners share, with 2024 Censuswide research revealing they plan to exit within the next six to thirty-six months. When the time comes to sell the company you've created, it's only natural to focus on numbers: revenue, profit, and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation – a core measure of profitability). Whilst these financials may be key to good valuation, alone however, – they don't paint a complete picture. Today's buyers want more than strong books, they are looking for long-term potential, brand strength, loyal customers, and proven room for development, as well. According to PwC's 2024 Global M&A Industry Trends report, acquirers are placing increased value on resilient brands that can withstand market changes and retain loyal customers. Such qualities are increasingly important, given that they indicate predictable growth, repeatable revenue and a competitive edge for future owners of the company, reducing the risk associated with their investment. Strategic foundations This is where strategic marketing plays a vital role. A solid marketing plan doesn't just drive sales, but makes a business more sellable, too. Yet, this value doesn't appear overnight, with the process beginning well before a sale is on the cards. Exit planning is about more than putting up a 'for sale' sign. It's about gradually building a business that the right buyers will want. This means defining your market niche carefully and building systems that can be scaled and replicated by anyone – not just the founder. Buyers need confidence that the business works – and will keep working – long after your exit. So, you need to present them with evidence of lasting customer relationships, reliable processes and a brand that will endure, regardless of who is at the helm. The growth blueprint Ultimately, prospective owners prioritise a business that's easy to take over and grow. This means they want clarity across your brand, customer journey, and product-market fit, with proven sales channels, top-performing services and clear routes to customer acquisition all boosting appeal. Founders who take time to define their Ideal Client Profile (ICP) – the customers most likely to buy, stay loyal, and recommend the brand – are one step ahead. Understanding your audience's needs and building offers that speak to them helps to create a sustainable, defendable market position that buyers will want. Strategic marketers can help businesses to gain this much-needed clarity by mapping buyer personas and aligning messaging with customer goals, challenges and habits. This ensures your products and services land with the right people, in turn, indicating that the business has potential to continue to strengthen post sale. Take software organisation, ProfitWell, for example, which was acquired by B2B Software as a Service (SaaS) company, Paddle, for US$200m in 2022. Both companies had strong brand identities and an easy-to-identify niche – within the SaaS sector – making it easier for the acquirer to identify market fit and alignment. The fact that ProfitWell was also able to demonstrate mature marketing operations and a proven history of successfully engaging with its audience via a content-led marketing strategy and expert-led thought leadership was further evidence to the buyer that their investment was low risk – given that they were purchasing a company with predictable, recurring revenue, with operations that they could simply repeat and then scale. This proves the extraordinary value of establishing brand equity early on. Your brand is your equity While every exit is unique, one thing remains constant: the brand maturity and equity that buyers want takes both time and intention. Building loyalty through consistent messaging and a definite market position is what gives buyers confidence. In today's crowded market, there's strength in having a proven brand. This is what builds trust and stability, signalling future revenue. Buyers look for efficient uplift and enduring value – and they'll scrutinise everything to ensure your brand can deliver. Your due diligence tool Your website is often the first impression for potential acquirers. As such, it must clearly articulate what your business does, who it helps, and why your brand is the best at it. Case studies, testimonials and performance data all add credibility and demonstrate impact. McKinsey reports that B2B businesses with high-performing websites actually turn 30% more site visitors into real-life sales than their competitors, also attracting more potential customers. A well-optimised site shows buyers that your operations are efficient and designed for the future growth they desire. Channels, systems and AI Buyers also want to see that the value you've built can be replicated. A joined-up marketing system – spanning SEO, social media, paid ads and partnerships – proves that upward trajectory isn't just down to luck or the founder's own hustle. It's something repeatable. That's why more buyers are also asking, 'how well are you using AI?'. Smart businesses are using artificial intelligence to personalise marketing, predict customer churn, and sharpen their decision making. Showing buyers that you have these capabilities signals a forward-thinking, data-driven approach – a green flag that they can trust in the longevity of your business. People power as an asset Of course, a sustainable, scalable business isn't just about systems. It's also about people. Buyers seek reassurance that the company won't collapse without the founder. That means having a capable team, refined succession plans and a resilient company culture in place well before the business goes up for sale. Marketing can help here, too. It supports employer branding, internal communications and visibility of leadership – all elements that show your company is built on more than just one individual. You need to show you're powered by real talent and a people infrastructure that's easy to build upon, replicate and further develop. Ready to exit? If, like many other UK entrepreneurs, you're planning to sell within the next six to thirty-six months, now's the time to strengthen your marketing muscle. This isn't about short-term tactics but long-term strategy – investing in your brand, customer relationships and systems that scale, so potential buyers see your business as high worth, low risk. Ultimately, prospective buyers won't just be asking what you're selling or how much you've already sold. They'll want to see how well you've built the foundations of your brand to enable growth.
The Independent
20-05-2025
- The Independent
29% of wedding guests say ‘I don't' to ceremonies overseas, survey finds
Nearly three in 10 (29%) people have declined invites to marriage ceremonies being held abroad in the past three years, a survey has found. The average cost of attending a wedding held overseas was put at nearly £2,000 by credit information firm Experian, which commissioned the research. Those who declined invites for weddings abroad had done so for various reasons, with some saying they could not afford to take time off work, the journey was too far, or that they were unable to afford the transport and accommodation costs. Some said they did not know the couple well enough to justify the cost while others said they had received too many invites to weddings being held abroad recently, according to the survey carried out by Censuswide among 2,000 people across the UK in May. Researchers also surveyed those who had attended overseas weddings, with the average cost put at £1,956, and travel, accommodation, outfits and gifts taking up the biggest chunks of guests' budgets. John Webb, a consumer expert at Experian, said: 'Attending a wedding abroad can be a magical experience and a great opportunity to explore somewhere new. But it's important to be mindful – costs can add up quickly.' He suggested: 'If you're worried about the financial side of attending, don't be afraid to talk to the couple. They'll want you there but not at the expense of your financial wellbeing – so it's always worth having an honest conversation.'
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Time Finance survey reveals 70% of SMEs miss out on broker support for growth
A recent survey by Time Finance has revealed that more than 70% of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) could benefit from broker support in accessing finance for growth. Conducted in partnership with Censuswide, the survey found that 28% of SMEs had utilised a broker to secure business finance. The Finance Apathy Survey, which included 500 SME owners and decision-makers, revealed that 52% were aware of brokers but had never engaged their services, while 20% were unaware that brokers could assist in accessing finance. Time Finance's survey also explored SME attitudes towards lending and awareness of different financial products. The UK-based lender said that despite a healthy appetite for business finance, many SMEs lacked knowledge of key financial products. Specifically, 21% were unaware of asset finance, 24% of invoice finance, and 36% of asset-based lending (ABL). Time Finance CEO Ed Rimmer said: 'Our survey has shown there is a real gap for businesses in their knowledge of the sheer variety of options they have when it comes to business finance. It is clear they would benefit from the guidance and support of our broker partners, all of which work with businesses to introduce them to solutions that suit their specific ambitions and circumstances. 'Only 28% of those we surveyed have used a broker to access business finance. There will be businesses in the remaining 70% that either don't need finance or are potentially accessing finance directly from a lender, but there will inevitably be a majority of businesses that don't quite know where to start with accessing finance. 'We need to help bridge this gap. We want to work with our broker partners to help break down some of these barriers, to educate SMEs on the options available to them and help them access solutions that will ultimately fuel their growth.' To bolster its support for SMEs, Time Finance recently appointed Terry Wolfendale as the new head of sales (South) for its invoice finance division. The appointment formed part of the company's efforts to enhance its business finance support across London and the South East. Wolfendale will lead the southern sales division, focusing on expanding Time Finance's presence and strengthening its brand within the invoice finance market. As part of its growth strategy, Time Finance aims to expand its lending book to exceed £300m ($398.14m) by 2028. "Time Finance survey reveals 70% of SMEs miss out on broker support for growth" was originally created and published by Leasing Life, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
