Issue 688 (Week ending 18/07/2025)

For the first six months of 2025, a 9% year-on-year increase of company start-ups was recorded. Several sectors saw growth - including motor (32%) and IT (16%) - while 22 counties reported more startups than the previous year, led by Roscommon, Laois, and Clare. April marked the peak with 2,716 new companies registered. Despite strong startup growth in H1 2025, company judgments doubled to E25.9 million, signaling increased financial strain.

Speaking on the H1 figures, Christine Cullen, Managing Director of CRIFVision-net said:

"While the increase in corporate judgments points to mounting financial pressure, reduced creditor forbearance, and a growth in relying on legal action for debt recovery, it's crucial to look at the broader landscape. Key contributing factors include the increased cost of living, persistent inflationary pressures, tighter credit conditions and higher interest rates for businesses, all of which will put pressure on the ability of some corporates to meet their financial commitments".

"The proposal put forward by the Tanaiste last week, to permanently reduce the VAT rate for SMEs in the next budget will be a huge help in combating these issues and will be warmly welcomed by Irish business owners".

Want to learn more about the trends shaping H1 2025? Simply click here