Next year could see a 'spike' in small firm restructuring cases 

Dublin saw the largest concentration of Scarp cases

Advisory and restructuring partner at Azets Ireland Dessie Morrow said without further supports, 'we could see a significant spike in small businesses closing their doors in the early months of 2026,' as the cost-of-doing business rises. File picture

There could be a “significant spike” in the number of companies availing of the Small Company Administrative Rescue Process (Scarp) in the early part of next year as a number of increases to the cost-of-doing business are due to come into effect from January 1, business advisory group Azets has said.

Scarp aims to facilitate simplified out-of-court debt restructuring for small businesses deemed to be viable. As part of the scheme, a process adviser is appointed to prepare a rescue plan and to work with creditors to consolidate company debts.