The payroll landscape is changing rapidly. From AI to international compliance, staying ahead requires continuous learning and adaptation. That’s exactly what our team experienced at the Annual Payroll Conference & Exhibition 2025, held on 16 May, a single day packed with practical updates and strategic insights.

Just back from two excellent days at Accountex UK 2025, and as always, the value came not just from the headline topics but from the opportunity to step out of the day-to-day and reflect on where our profession is headed and what that means for how we support businesses.

Small businesses are at the heart of Ireland’s economy—driving innovation, supporting communities, and creating local jobs. To support this vital sector, the Irish government provides a range of grant schemes designed to help businesses grow. Unlike loans or equity investments, grants are non-repayable when used correctly.

With the economic environment becoming increasingly more unpredictable, financial stability can’t rely on static projections alone. From shifting consumer trends to evolving legislation, businesses are being asked to adapt faster and smarter than ever before. Scenario planning has emerged as a practical way to prepare for uncertainty while maintaining focus on long-term goals.

Ireland’s retirement framework is set to change significantly with the introduction of the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill 2025. This legislation will provide employees with the right to remain in work until the State Pension Age (currently 66) even where their employment contract specifies an earlier retirement age, such as 65 or below.

In today’s competitive environment, small and medium sized businesses have access to a powerful and increasingly accessible asset: artificial intelligence, commonly referred to as AI. While many business owners still view AI as a tool for large technology companies or firms with significant budgets, it is becoming increasingly clear that AI can be just as transformative, if not more so, for smaller operations.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI (GenAI) are transforming the business landscape. These advanced technologies are capable of learning, analysing, and generating new outputs, acting as powerful tools to improve efficiency and decision-making across all industries.

Many businesses already track financial metrics like profit margins, debt ratios, or cash flow. But knowing what these numbers are isn’t enough. To truly benefit, business leaders must use them to inform strategic decision-making, from hiring and pricing to expansion and investment.

When we think of reinvention, we often imagine scrappy startups pivoting to survive. But for mature companies with legacy reputations, reinvention is more complex. It’s less about radical change, more about careful recalibration. A recent segment on Bloomberg’s Wall Street Week offered a timely look into how one such business, New Balance, is managing this ongoing challenge.

CFOs and finance teams are under considerable pressure to ensure smooth operations, make better decisions, and support company growth. However, traditional methods—such as extensive spreadsheets and outdated software—are increasingly ineffective.

The introduction of pension auto-enrolment on 30 September 2025 presents significant budgeting challenges for Irish employers. Clearly understanding and proactively planning for these implications is essential for maintaining financial stability.

Expanding a business is an exciting opportunity, but it requires careful planning to avoid financial pitfalls. Whether you're opening new locations, diversifying your offerings, or scaling operations, ensuring financial stability is key. However, it also carries financial risks, such as cash flow shortages, increased debt burdens, and operational inefficiencies, which must be carefully managed.

We often hear that great leaders delegate, but what if we're delegating the wrong way? A recent article in the Harvard Business Review caught my attention; it challenges some long-held beliefs about time management and leadership. The piece, titled Leaders Shouldn’t Try to Do It All, presents an approach that moves beyond simply prioritizing important tasks.

Recognizing and rewarding employees is key to fostering a positive and productive workplace. While cash bonuses are a common way to show appreciation, they often lose impact due to tax deductions. The Small Benefit Exemption Scheme provides a smarter alternative—allowing businesses to reward staff with tax-free benefits.

A company's financial performance can make or break its success. Business managers, whether leading a small startup or a well-established enterprise, need a clear understanding of key financial performance indicators (KPIs) to maintain stability and achieve growth.

Ireland’s statutory sick pay scheme is a vital step in protecting employees' well-being and financial stability during periods of illness. This legislation ensures that employers provide a minimum level of paid sick leave, offering essential financial support when employees are unable to work due to illness or injury.

The Irish R&D Tax Credit is a valuable program that incentivizes companies to invest in research and development (R&D) activities. This blog post summarizes the qualification criteria for the credit and highlights recent changes implemented in January 2024.

Long-term financial planning is essential for businesses aiming to achieve sustainable growth. Taking control of your financial future allows you to navigate challenges with confidence and seize opportunities as they arise. It’s about more than just looking at the numbers; it’s a commitment to shaping the future you want for your business.

Leadership in times of crisis requires vision, determination, and a capacity to prioritize amidst chaos. Brian Moynihan, CEO of Bank of America (BOA), exemplified these qualities when he assumed leadership during one of the most tumultuous periods in the bank’s history.

The Irish government's decision to extend the reduced VAT rate on gas and electricity for small businesses until April 2025 offers a temporary reprieve. However, the looming increase to 13.5% in May 2025 threatens to deliver yet another blow to already struggling small businesses.