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Irish Independent
03-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Almost half of businesses in the North West require upskilling of their workforce
A recent research report from Skillnet Ireland entitled Ireland's Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report, authored by Ipsos B&A, shows a strong demand for upskilling among businesses in Ireland's North West, with a particular focus on digitalisation and the green economy. Minister of State for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Marian Harkin TD, attended a Skillnet Ireland regional roadshow event at the AIM Centre in Sligo. Speaking at the event, Minister Harkin said: 'This important research from Skillnet Ireland offers crucial insights into the changing needs of the North West's business landscape. 'It is evident that digital and sustainability skills will be key drivers of future growth. Addressing these challenges requires a strong, collaborative approach. 'By working in partnership with industry, we can support businesses across the region to have access to the talent, skills, and innovation they need to succeed.' The findings in the report will inform Skillnet Ireland's strategic commitment to the regional development of businesses facing an increasingly digital future, and a low-carbon and sustainable economy, as well as aiming to bolster foreign direct investment through a focus on talent development. Annually, over 1,100 businesses located in the North West participate in upskilling programmes with over 50 Skillnet Business Networks nationwide, some of which are located in the in the region, including Retail Ireland Skillnet, Rural Enterprise Skillnet Sligo Chamber Skillnet and Tech NorthWest Skillnet. Mark Jordan, Skillnet Ireland Chief Executive, said: 'Our findings for the North West are reflective of national trends. Irish businesses are ambitious and resilient but staying competitive in a rapidly evolving economy requires continuous investment in talent. At Skillnet Ireland, we recognise that upskilling and training are strategic drivers of innovation and growth. 'We are committed to partnering with industry to support companies to focus on talent development that is future-focused and closely aligned with business needs.' The research, part of the national talent development agency's Ireland's Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report, highlights the upskilling demands of companies in counties Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal to remain competitive in Ireland's rapidly evolving digital and green economy. 91% of businesses surveyed in the North West regard their business as strong or very strong, while 59% expect a change in their core skills in the next two to three years. A quarter (26%) of businesses in the North West said they will need sustainability upskilling for their workforce in the coming years. Energy efficiency (79%), innovation and creativity (71%), and sustainable supply chain management (64%) top the list of climate action skills needed by local enterprises, while digital skills such as Microsoft Office proficiency (80%), cloud computing (63%), and Internet of Things (63%) are in particularly high demand. Despite the appetite for upskilling, the research also notes that time constraints are a significant barrier for businesses in the region, with over half (53%) of businesses citing time commitments as a major obstacle to employee development. The Skillnet Ireland Ireland's Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report, authored by Ipsos B&A, has built on the inaugural Ireland's Talent Landscape study of last year. The Ireland's Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report is available to view at
RTÉ News
19-05-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
20% of SMEs applied for bank finance last year
A new survey shows that 20% of SMEs applied for bank finance in 2024, an increase from 18% in 2023. The Department of Finance's latest SME Credit Demand Survey also shows that of those companies seeking finance, 37% cited working capital/cash flow requirements as the main reason. The survey showed that the average value of a credit application for new finance was €260,059 last year, up from €185,857 in 2023. Meanwhile, just 9% of SMEs applied for government financial support or other non-bank finance - no change year on year from 2023. Today's survey also reveals that 74% of SMEs who did not apply for credit said their sufficient internal funds was the reason for not seeking credit. The Department of Finance said that 44% of all businesses surveyed reported increased turnover for 2024, a decrease from the 52% in 2023. 36% reported no change in turnover, while 20% reporting a decrease in turnover similar to year 2023. It noted that the Hotels & Restaurants sector reported one of the lowest net turnovers, with a notable decline seen in trading conditions from 2023 to 2024. They survey also found that the average Irish SME had outstanding debt in 2024 of just under €444,000 up from €369,000 in 2023. Average outstanding debt ranged from €53,000 among micro businesses to €1.45m among medium sized companies. 54% of all SME outstanding debt was to retail banks, with the balance owed to non-bank bodies. Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said the SME Credit Demand Survey provides a critical understanding of the Irish SME landscape. "This in turn enables, not only Government bodies, but numerous other businesses and stakeholders, to develop, refine and implement policy measures to support SMEs that are critical to Ireland's economic performance and a vital source of employment across the country," Mr Donohoe said. Today's survey has been conducted by Ipsos B&A, on behalf of the Department of Finance. It is the most comprehensive survey of SME Credit Demand in Ireland, covering over 1,500 respondents through in-depth discussions.
Irish Examiner
18-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Drop in SMEs seeing higher turnover, survey shows
The number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that reported an increase in turnover during the last calendar year has declined, with the hotels and restaurants sector seeing a notable decline in trading conditions, a new survey has shown. According to the latest SME Credit Demand Surveys, conducted by the Ipsos B&A on behalf of the Department of Finance, 44% of all businesses surveyed reported increased turnover for the calendar year 2024 which is down from 52% in 2023. It said 36% of SMEs reported no change in turnover, while 20% reported a decrease in turnover similar to 2023. The survey said the hotels and restaurants sector reported one of the lowest net turnovers, with a notable decline seen in trading conditions from 2023 to 2024. The survey included in-depth discussions with 1,500 people working micro-enterprises, small-sized enterprises, and medium-sized enterprises across the country. It covers the calendar year 2024. Profitability among SMEs remains steady with 73% posting a profit last year —down slight from 74% in 2023 — while 9% reported a loss and 15% broke even. The survey found that the average Irish SME had outstanding debt of €440,000, up from €369,000 in 2023. Average outstanding debt ranged from €53,000 among micro businesses to €1.45m among medium-sized companies. More than half of all SMEs' — 54% — outstanding debt was to retail banks, with the balance owed to non-bank bodies. One in five SMEs applied for bank finance during last year, of which 37% cited working capital/cash flow requirements as the primary reason, while 9% applied for government financial support or other non-bank finance. The average value of a credit application for new finance was €260,059 up from €185,857 year-on-year. Speaking on the publication of the survey, finance minister Paschal Donohoe said the data provided 'enables, not only Government bodies, but numerous other businesses and stakeholders, to develop, refine and implement policy measures to support SMEs that are critical to Ireland's economic performance'. Read More Monthly employee index rises marginally in March
Irish Independent
10-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Nearly one in four e-scooter users have been involved in a collision, finds RSA
The survey, conducted by Ipsos B&A and commissioned by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), revealed trends in e-scooter usage across Ireland, alongside growing safety concerns surrounding this mode of transport. It was conducted online in October 2024 among 1,254 adults aged 16 years and older, with a sample including regular e-scooter users who use the e-scooter at least monthly. Among all adults surveyed, e-scooters are now perceived as the most dangerous form of transport in Ireland, surpassing motorcycles in terms of perceived risk. Nearly one in four regular e-scooter users – 24pc – have been involved in a collision, while one in three – 32pc – have experienced a near miss, with all reported collisions involving male riders. One in three regular users ride on footpaths, even though it is not permitted under the new regulations, as they can pose a safety risk to pedestrians. Approximately one in 10 said they carry a child passenger – 13pc – or an adult passenger – 8pc – on an e-scooter. However, three in five – 60pc – indicate they wear a helmet and two in three – 66pc – wear reflective gear when using an e-scooter. Emergency medicine consultant at St Vincent's Hospital and board member of the RSA, Dr John Cronin, said the research aligns with injuries being treated in emergency departments. 'E-scooters have quickly become a popular mode of transport, particularly in our cities — but with that popularity comes vulnerability,' he said. "As an emergency medicine consultant, I've seen just how frequent and serious the injuries can be when things go wrong - from broken bones to serious head trauma. "E-scooter users have very little protection and very little room for error, especially when mixing with larger, faster vehicles. 'We're seeing a high and growing number of incidents, particularly among younger people, often involving no helmet or use in inappropriate or unsafe settings. "E-scooters offer real mobility benefits, but without responsible behaviour, proper care and awareness from all road users, they also bring a high risk of injury,' Dr Cronin said. The survey has shown that three in five regular users drive e-scooters daily or weekly, with 65pc of users living in Dublin and 97pc residing in urban areas. It also found that 5pc of adults had used an e-scooter in the past 12 months, with 4pc being regular users. Meanwhile, 76pc of regular users are male and 75pc are under the age of 35. Therefore, the data revealed that e-scooter usage is concentrated among young, urban males, particularly in the capital. Three in four users are aware that e-scooters were now legal to use on Irish roads, with strong public support for the laws introduced. Although there is public uncertainty on the enforcement of the e-scooter laws, regular users consider it likely that they will get caught by the police if they break them. Half of all responders think the new 20kmh speed limit is appropriate, compared to 35pc of regular users. Over one in three – 36pc – of all responders indicate they believe the speed limit is 'too high', compared to 30pc of regular e-scooter users. Director of partnerships and external affairs with the RSA, Sarah O'Connor, said that although e-scooter are a 'sustainable and convenient way to travel, especially in urban settings, safety must come first.' "These findings show that while there is support for the new laws among all adults, risk-taking behaviour by e-scooter users is of concern, as is the safety of these users on our roads. 'As e-scooter use continues to grow, it's essential that riders, pedestrians, and all road users remain aware of and respectful toward one another to ensure everyone's safety,' she added.
Irish Times
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
Irish voters want to support Ukraine but not get involved militarily
Irish voters say they want to support Ukraine but they stop short of saying that Ireland should get involved militarily in the conflict, according to a new international survey on public attitudes to the war by Ipsos B&A. The survey, carried out by Ipsos in 29 countries across the world, finds that voters in the countries surveyed worry that doing nothing in Ukraine will encourage Russia to take further military action in Europe and Asia. However, they are wary of their own countries becoming embroiled in the war in Ukraine. Only in Sweden – which joined Nato as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine – does a majority favour military involvement, while the Netherlands is split 50-50 on the issue. In all other countries surveyed a majority agrees with the statement that their country 'should avoid getting militarily involved in this conflict in Ukraine'. In Ireland 71 per cent agree with the statement, in line with the 29-country average of 70 per cent. In the United States the figure is 63 per cent; in the UK it is 58 per cent. READ MORE Almost two-thirds (65 per cent) of Irish voters agree that Ireland 'must support sovereign countries when they are attacked by other countries', again in line with the 29-country average of 66 per cent. However, support for helping other countries who are attacked has fallen since 2022 in all 13 Nato countries included in the survey. In the United States support for helping other countries who are attacked has fallen from 74 per cent in 2022 to 64 per cent this year. Comparative data is not available for Ireland as the survey has not been carried out here before. Voters have a pessimistic view of Russian intentions. Almost two-thirds of voters (63 per cent) agree that 'doing nothing in Ukraine will encourage Russia to take further military action elsewhere in Europe and Asia' but 61 per cent believe that taking military action will 'encourage attacks on other countries'. As efforts to secure a truce and negotiations on a peace deal continue, majorities in many European countries think it is unlikely that the war will end by next January. In Ireland just a third of voters (33 per cent) expect the war to end by January. The survey was conducted separately in each country among a total sample of 23,216 adults across 29 countries including Indonesia, India, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Brazil, Turkey, Mexico, the US, Spain, the UK, France, Australia, Italy, Poland, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland and Ireland. Some 500 people were interviewed for the survey in Ireland, and the margin of error is estimated at plus or minus 5 per cent.
