Business confidence grows in spite of challenges

The KPMG Enterprise Barometer found a big jump in confidence in growth because of increased demand for products and services

Head of private enterprise at KPMG Ireland, Niall Savage, said despite ongoing 'tariff uncertainties and escalating costs' the businesses surveyed 'exhibit remarkable confidence and optimism, with 79% expressing growth prospects'.

Despite tariffs, increasing costs, and recruitment challenges, nearly four in five Irish businesses are confident about their growth prospects for the coming year, the latest KPMG Enterprise Barometer shows.

According to the report, 79% of businesses are confident in their prospects for business growth, compared to 72% at the start of the year, while 79% are confident in business growth because of increased demand for products and services which is a significant rise from the 45% recorded in January.