Ekco, one of Europe’s leading security-first managed service providers (MSPs), announced the acquisition of UK-based Solsoft Group Limited. Ekco, founded and headquartered in Dublin, is on an aggresive acquisition trail, with Solsoft marking its third acquisition this year.
Solsoft is a Bristol-headquartered MSP with over 26 years of experience delivering proactive IT services to small-and-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and not-for-profit organisations across the South and Southwest of the UK. Key sectors include legal services, construction, engineering, energy, health, and social care. The company’s 16-strong team will join Ekco’s workforce of more than 1,000 people globally across Ireland, UK, Netherlands, Malaysia, and South Africa.
Solsoft will form part of the Ekco MSP Division and expand Ekco’s capabilities in the UK market under the leadership of Cian Prendergast. The latest deal in Ekco’s ambitious growth strategy, Solsoft is the seventh company to be acquired by Ekco in the last two years. This acquisition follows the purchases of MSPs Radius and Adapt IT, marking another milestone in Ekco’s strategy to build a unified MSP platform across Europe.
Solsoft is led by Managing Director Neil Farnworth and Operations Director Ilona Clark, who together bring over 40 years of industry experience to the business.
Paul Nannetti, Chair of Ekco, said:“Solsoft is a fantastic addition to the Ekco MSP Divisionas we accelerate our expansion strategy and continue to grow our footprint and capabilities in key markets. Their long-standing commitment to proactive service and their alignment with industry best practices give us real confidence in a fast, effective integration and a stronger UK presence—delivered with the discipline and consistency our customers expect.”
Cian Prendergast, CEO of the Ekco MSP Division, said: “Having known Solsoft very well for many years, we have always admired their rock solid, client focused, proactive service in the UK. With Ekco’s world class expertise in security-first managed services and cutting-edge technology, this partnership is a perfect match – and we are looking forward to growing and learning together.”
Neil Farnworth, Managing Director of Solsoft, added:“Joining Ekco lets us bring more capability and resilience to our customers, backed by Ekco’s scale—while maintaining the responsiveness they value. Our aligned ways of working and approaches to service delivery means we can really hit the ground running.”
Over 6,500 SMEs have been directly supported by the all-of-Government National Enterprise Hub (NEH) in the first 12 months since its launch.
The top grants availed of by businesses ranged in value from €3,000 to €7,000 and focused on supporting businesses with cashflow, expansion and productivity to help them deal with concerns around rising costs, and competitiveness.
The National Enterprise Hub has attracted over 220,000 active online users to its website over the last 12 months and also offers a full-time dedicated phone line, connecting business owners with specialist advisors who can discuss potential grant options over the phone.
The National Enterprise Hub, an initiative of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and Enterprise Ireland, brings together information and resources on over 250 Government supports from 30 different Departments and State Agencies. Looking ahead, there will be a continued and renewed focus on simplifying business grant applications for SMEs engaging with the National Enterprise Hub.
The businesses are from a range of industries however the majority fall within Tourism & Hospitality, retail & consumer products, food, health & beauty, professional services and the construction sector. This free service makes it easier and more efficient for businesses to access and avail of supports such as grants, funding, loans and expert advice across a range of sectors.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, said “With over 6,500 companies engaging in its first 12 months, the National Enterprise Hub has proven effective in streamlining and simplifying access for SMEs to government supports, equipping them with vital digital and sustainability resources to navigate rising costs and stay competitive.
Research from my Department shows that four in five businesses believe sustainability is important. An awareness campaign is currently underway showcasing how the NEH can support businesses in cutting costs through grants such as the LEO’s Energy Efficiency Grant and SEAI’s Business Energy Upgrade Scheme.
My focus now with the NEH is on reducing administrative burdens and red tape for businesses by consolidating multiple grant applications into a single, simplified process. We must redouble our efforts to simplify processes for businesses and make sure that we think about small businesses first. I look forward to its continued growth and positive impact on Irish SMEs.”
Conor O’Donovan, Head of Start-Ups and the National Enterprise Hub, said: “SME engagement with the National Enterprise Hub has met and exceeded our targets to date, supporting 6,500 businesses within our first year of operation. One of the main aims of the Hub was to engage with businesses who haven’t availed of government supports to date and to make the process of availing of government supports faster and easier.”
“We know that Irish SMEs are operating in a complex environment and being able to access grants and supports is more important than ever. Small businesses who are engaging with the National Enterprise Hub are concerned about rising cost of business and competitiveness – that is why a single source of government supports for businesses is important to ensure that accessing the right information is made easier.
The National Enterprise Hub has a team of dedicated advisors who are directing SMEs to the right support that will help them. It’s for every business in the country and we’d encourage every business to go online to neh.gov.ie or pick up the phone and start the conversation around your business needs today.”
Audrey Hughes, CEO ofPrinciple HR said: “Like so many Irish SMEs, we are focused on providing the highest quality of service delivery to our customers, while remaining competitive. Accessing government supports to assist can feel daunting but the National Enterprise Hub made the process so much easier by putting us in contact with the right agency whose support and expertise fitted our needs. Through our initial engagement with the National Enterprise Hub, Principle HR is now an Enterprise Ireland client and in a short period of time our business has been helped through the strategic marketing review support and engagement with their overseas market advisors. With the business environment constantly changing, I’d encourage all SMEs no matter what stage they are on their growth journey to contact the NEH today to learn about what supports could be available to them.”
Top Supports Availed of by SMEs through National Enterprise Hub:
• Dept of Social Protection: Wage Subsidy Scheme
• Dept of Social Protection: Jobs Plus Subsidy
• Enterprise Ireland: Pre-Seed Start Fund
• Enterprise Ireland: New Frontiers Programme
• Enterprise Ireland/LEO: Innovation Vouchers
• LEO: Energy Efficiency Grant
• LEO: Mentoring
• LEO: Start Your Own Business Programme
• LEO: Grow Digital Voucher
• MicroFinance Ireland: Start-up Loan
• Revenue: Start-Up Relief for Entrepreneurs SURE
• SBCI: Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme
• SBCI: Leasing and Hire Purchase
• SEAI: Exceed Grant Scheme
• Skillnet Ireland: Skillnet Business Networks
• Skillnet: Mentoring
• Solas: SOLAS Micro-Qualifications
The Hub team can be contacted through the website (www.neh.gov.ie), email enquiry@neh.gov.ie or by phone (01 727 2100), where users can engage directly with an advisor.
IT.ie, a leading Irish IT managed services company, is today urging SMEs to strengthen their cybersecurity defences as the deadline for the EU’s NIS2 directive approaches. The need for businesses to reinforce their cybersecurity measures is highlighted in research carried out by IT.ie and SonicWall, which found that one in 10 office workers have pirated content on a work device in the last year.
The research of 1,000 office workers based in Ireland was carried out by Censuswide on behalf of IT.ie and SonicWall, a global leader in cybersecurity innovation. The research emphasises the human role in cybersecurity breaches, as well as a discrepancy between vigilance at home versus in the office.
The majority (65%) of office-based employees said they used a work device for personal tasks in the last 12 months. Of these, 32% have used it for online shopping, 24% for accessing a personal social media account, and 17% for streaming movies and TV shows. Additionally, 9% have used it for gaming and 7% for gambling. Many of these figures are significantly higher for office workers aged 18 to 24. Of this age group, in the last 12 months, 36% checked their social media on a work device, 24% gamed and 17% pirated TV shows or movies.
The survey suggests that these extracurricular activities are more likely to happen when employees are working from home, with 53% saying they are more inclined to use websites and apps that are not approved by their employer when they work remotely. Furthermore, 64% said being in the office makes them more vigilant about cybersecurity. This may explain why 58% feel more exposed to cyberattacks when working remotely.
Despite this, 28% of office workers said they do not use a company-provided VPN (virtual private network) when accessing work systems remotely. In fact, 23% say their employer doesn’t have specific remote working cybersecurity policies at all.
The research comes as the latest NIS2 Directive deadline approaches, requiring EU member states to provide a list of organisations that will fall under it. It is expected that compliance will be costly, highlighting the financial burden of adequate cybersecurity for SMEs. To address this, IT.ie is launching CyberProtect, a multifaceted solution designed to make cybersecurity more accessible to SMEs.
Eamon Gallagher, founder and managing director, IT.ie, said: “As the EU-wide NIS2 Directive approaches, businesses are now facing the ever-present risk of cybersecurity attacks, along with the new risk of non-compliance with the Directive. Our research shows that human error – and simple human nature – remain significant risks to businesses. For example, we found that 46% of employees have viewed confidential work documentation in a public place in the last 12 months.
“Such practices should be addressed – and hopefully eliminated – with frequent cybersecurity training. But that must be backed up by combined measures that can help to protect a business if, and when, an employee does make an error. Employees are not acting maliciously, but they do make mistakes. This needs to be countered by simply making it impossible for employees to access pirate websites, gambling sites and many others using their work devices.
“Many SMEs struggle to implement comprehensive security measures due to financial constraints and poor availability of options. CyberProtect recognises this urgent need by making cybersecurity more accessible to businesses, regardless of their size. It is a comprehensive security stack that eliminates the need to deal with multiple vendors. With SMEs accounting for 99.8% of businesses here, we must ensure we do everything we can to protect them – and our economy.”
Stuart Taylor, Regional Director for Northern Europe, Sonicwall, said:
“These office behaviours, especially in hybrid or remote environments, highlight the importance of a layered security approach – one that extends beyond traditional perimeter defences. Solutions like SonicWall’s layered security architecture integrate advanced threat protection, cloud secure edge, zero-trust access, endpoint control, and secure mobile connectivity can help organizations protect every access point, whether in-office or remote.”
LeanBPI,the Irish digital growth consultancy for SMEs and microenterprises, today announces the launch of a new report aimed at supporting the essential digital transformation of small businesses in Ireland. The report, “Exploring Technology Readiness of Irish Small Businesses”, was launched in the presence of Minister of State for Digital Transformation Dara Calleary T.D. It found a strong appetite amongst this cohort for digital transformation while also identifying challenges to its adoption.
Conducted in partnership with the LEO Network, LeanBPI surveyed owner-managers of microenterprises and small businesses across the country to determine their digital fitness level and identify their technology readiness profile, ranging from Avoiders to Explorers. This profile is then used to prescribe the best course of action in driving digital adoption for that business.
According to CSO data, there are nearly 350,000 businesses* of this size in Ireland, yet they risk being left behind as they often lack the in-house skills and budgets required for digital transformation. The report identified the need for tailored strategies to support them at various stages of readiness, focusing on customised training, promoting a culture of innovation to meet specific needs, and addressing barriers to technology adoption.
Highlighting the potential benefits of adoption, 87% of those surveyed said the digital technology that they used significantly enhanced their productivity. However, the need for support to maximise these benefits was clear as just 60% said they were satisfied with the digital tools they were currently using. Showing respondents’ desire to move with the times, nearly two-thirds (63%) cited relationships with customers, employers and peers as the main reason for adopting digital technology.
The report recognised the role of existing Government supports for driving digital transformation in small businesses. These include the Digital for Business initiative, as well as the Grow Digital vouchers, which provide grants of up to €5,000 for software subscriptions, training and configuration. Expanding on these, it recommended an adaptive policy framework to annually assess the effectiveness of current policies, as well as targeted data collection to inform future policies and tailored interventions that address sector-specific needs.
Co-written by LeanBPI managing director John O’Shanahan and Professor Anuragini Shirish, Institute Mines-Télécom Business School, France, the report was launched at Breaffy House Hotel, Co. Mayo by Minister of State for Digital Transformation Dara Calleary, TD, and John Magee, Chairperson, Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Network.
Commenting on the research, Minister Dara Calleary said, “Small businesses and microenterprises are of huge significance to the Irish business sector. As Minister of State for Digital Transformation, it is very encouraging to see the enthusiasm that these organisations have for adopting digital tools, driven by Government supports. Knowing that through them, even businesses with only a handful of employees see digital transformation projects as realistic goals gives us confidence that the sector is ready to embrace the future.”
John Magee, Chairperson, LEO Network, “LEOs are working daily with small businesses to support their digital journey, which enhances their productivity and competitiveness, builds resilience and drives innovation. This report highlights that there is a genuine appetite among small businesses for digital transformation and emphasises the value of our Digital for Business and Grow Digital supports. While small businesses face constant challenges, there is relevant and practical support available from their Local Enterprise Office”.
John O’Shanahan, managing director, LeanBPI, commented, “What we see in this sector is a strong desire to transition into the digital world and seize the opportunities it brings. By collaborating strategically with all stakeholders and building on existing supports, we can help Irish entrepreneurs realise their businesses’ full potential. Together, we aim to make a meaningful impact at the local level, fostering innovation, resilience, and lasting benefits for communities while positioning Ireland as a global leader in small business digitalisation.”
ISME has announced a partnership with Fexco International Payments, a leading provider of cross-border payment solutions. This collaboration aims to help Irish businesses compete globally, by offering innovative payment services that avoid the high costs and complexities of traditional banking providers.
Neil Mc Donnell, CEO of ISME, commented on the partnership: “As an Irish business headquartered in Killorglin, Co Kerry, Fexco understands the unique challenges faced by Irish SMEs when trading internationally. Its tailored solutions are designed to make cross-border payments simpler, faster, and more cost-effective for our members compared to traditional banks.”
Sean Crowe, CEO, Fexco Financial Services, expressed his excitement: “With over 40 years of experience in delivering payment solutions to companies of all sizes, we understand the crucial role that SMEs play in Ireland’s economy. We are thrilled to announce this partnership. Fexco is uniquely positioned to offer competitive exchange rates, low fees, and a seamless user experience backed by award-winning service and support to SMEs who send, receive, or make international payments.”
He continued, “together with ISME, we are committed to driving growth and supporting the international ambitions of Irish businesses.”
.ie, the trusted national registry for over 330,000 domain names, has launched Ireland’s Digital Readiness Monitor, which analyses the level of digital sophistication of websites in Ireland, and has revealed that 36% of websites in Ireland have a low or very low level of sophistication.
Ireland’s Digital Readiness Monitor which includes websites using the .ie domain, as well as those using .com, .co.uk or any other extension, presents a comprehensive picture of Ireland’s digital readiness with research conducted by .ie in partnership with the Irish Institute of Digital Business, DCU and the JE Cairnes School of Business and Economics at University of Galway.
The Digital Readiness Monitor introduces a new national measure of digital readiness – the Web Technology Intensity Score (WTIS). The WTIS is comprised of eleven indicators that measure the digital readiness of organisations in Ireland including basic website; website with sophisticated functionality; websites with evidence of basic analytics, sophisticated analytics, social media integration, mobile optimisation, online advertising, sophisticated online advertising, internationalisation, selling online and cloud computing.
The Government’s digital strategy, Harnessing Digital: The Digital Ireland Framework, aims to position Ireland as a European and global digital leader. SMEs make up the majority of Irish businesses and the ability of Irish SMEs to adopt sophisticated digital technologies will be fundamental to increasing Ireland’s digital competitiveness.
The report reveals that 36% of websites in Ireland have a low or very low level of sophistication despite various Government grants and programmes to support digital advancement. A website and associated technologies are a proxy for an organisation’s degree of digitalisation, so this statistic demonstrates that SMEs’ websites are under-developed.
At the other end of the spectrum, one in four websites (27%) have a high or very high level of sophistication, showing there is considerable room for improvement.
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke said “Ireland has outlined its ambition to be a digital leader, reflecting the key role that digital technology does and will continue to play in shaping our competitiveness and driving productivity. The findings of this report demonstrates that we must continue to drive the digital agenda, ensuring digitalisation and technology remains a priority across all facets of Irish enterprise. My department has implemented a number of grants to support SMEs on their digital transformation – the Digital Transition Fund which will continue to be rolled out to 2026 is particularly supportive of SMEs while the Grow Digital portal is up and running to help businesses assess their digital needs. Together with my colleagues in Government, we remain committed to supporting enterprise in Ireland.”
Speaking on the report findings, David Curtin, Chief Executive at .ie said “The development of the WTIS measure marks a significant step forward in understanding the levels of sophistication of websites in Ireland. Despite the many Government supports in place, it is dispiriting to see that 36% of websites in Ireland have a low or very low Web Technology Intensity Score. For Irish SMEs, digital technologies present the potential of the ‘death of distance’, overcoming the limitations of location for Irish rural and urban businesses. However, there is evidence of a digital divide based on location, sector and size. In order to drive increased adoption of digital technologies by all businesses, but specifically micro SMEs with less than 10 employees, a supportive digital ecosystem optimised for SMEs is going to be required and we need the financial support of Government and key stakeholders to help make that happen.
Ireland’s Digital Readiness Monitor – Key Findings
Online Advertising
Less than 1% of websites in Ireland make use of sophisticated online advertising tools which utilise targeting techniques to reach specific audience segments
The WTIS measured both basic and more sophisticated forms of online advertising being utilised by websites in Ireland
Social Media and Mobile Friendliness
The vast majority of websites in Ireland made use of social media integration on theirwebsites
Facebook integrated into over 86% of websites analysed in 2021 and 74% in 2022 followed by Twitter (avg. 33%), Instagram (avg. 22%), LinkedIn (15%), and YouTube (13%)
Integrating social media into websites acts as a form of social proof, where users can see real-time interactions with the organisation. The motivation for more sophisticated use of social technologies includes increased access and reach to markets, cost reduction and process optimisation
It was also reassuring to see that Irish businesses recognise the value of mobile optimisation as part of their offering. While the percentage of domains optimised for mobile has dropped from 68% to 63%, the raw number of mobile-friendly domains has increased suggesting that Irish firms recognise the importance of mobile readiness. Google reports that for many advertisers, a substantial volume of website traffic comes from people on their mobile phones and visitors are five times more likely to leave a website that is not mobile-friendly
Internationalisation
The WTIS measures foreign language support and foreign currency support as signals for internationalisation.
These factors indicate an organisation’s commitment to expanding its presence in the global market along with an ambition to move beyond local or regional markets
The Digital Readiness Monitor found that less than 10% of websites demonstrate evidence of international activity
Associate Dean of Research, DCU Business School, Professor Theo Lynn said “The Digital Readiness Monitor is a critical methodology and tool for understanding the digital landscape in Ireland. By establishing the Web Technology Intensity Score (WTIS), we can now quantitatively assess and track the digital sophistication and evolution of organisations across the country and compare it with other countries. This study not only highlights the gaps in digital adoption but also provides a roadmap for improvement. In a rapidly evolving digital economy, such insights are essential for guiding SMEs and other businesses in leveraging technology to enhance their competitiveness, both locally and on the global stage.”
Ireland’s Digital Readiness Monitor can be viewed here.
Pat Kane is a sustainability advocate and strategist, speaker, writer and the founder of reuzi, a business that has evolved to become a whole hub for environmental living and awareness.
Here Pat writes about sustainability for SMEs – and while some SMEs may perceive sustainable practices as costly, the reality is that they often lead to cost savings in the long run.
Sustainability is no longer a buzzword reserved for large multinational corporations or niche industries; it is a critical business imperative that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) cannot afford to overlook. As global awareness around environmental and social issues grows, SMEs are increasingly recognising that sustainable practices are not just ethically sound, but also economically advantageous. The integration of sustainability into the core strategy of an SME can unlock new opportunities, enhance brand reputation, and build resilience against future challenges.
The importance of sustainability for SMEs stems from several interrelated factors. First and foremost, consumers are becoming more discerning, favouring companies that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices. This shift in consumer behaviour is not a passing trend but a fundamental change in how people choose to spend their money.
SMEs that fail to adapt risk alienating a significant portion of their customer base.
Regulatory landscapes are also evolving, with governments around the world implementing stricter environmental and social governance (ESG) requirements. SMEs that proactively embrace sustainability will find themselves better positioned to comply with these regulations and avoid potential penalties.
Another critical factor is the financial implications of sustainability. Although some SMEs may perceive sustainable practices as costly, the reality is that they often lead to cost savings in the long run. Efficient resource management, waste reduction, and energy-saving measures can significantly lower operating costs. SMEs that incorporate sustainability into their operations are more likely to attract investment, as investors increasingly prioritise companies with strong ESG credentials. These companies are viewed as lower risk, given their proactive approach to managing environmental and social issues, which can lead to better financial performance over time.
Starting on the sustainability journey might seem daunting for SMEs, especially given limited resources and expertise compared to larger companies. However, the key is to start small and gradually build upon those efforts. The first step is to assess the current environmental and social impact of the business. This could involve evaluating energy usage, waste production, supply chain practices, and community engagement. Identifying areas where improvements can be made will provide a clear roadmap for action.
Once the assessment is complete, setting achievable goals is essential. These goals should be specific, measurable, and aligned with the company’s overall business strategy. For example, an SME might commit to reducing its carbon footprint by a certain percentage within a set timeframe or to sourcing a portion of its materials from sustainable suppliers. These goals should be revisited regularly to track progress and make adjustments as needed.
Learning from SMEs that have already embarked on their sustainability journey can provide valuable insights and inspiration. Take, for instance, the story of Innocent Drinks, a UK-based company that started as a small business and has grown into a well-known brand. From the outset, Innocent Drinks placed a strong emphasis on sustainability, using 100% recyclable packaging and committing to sourcing ingredients ethically. Their approach to sustainability is deeply embedded in their brand, which has resonated with consumers and contributed to their success.
Pat Kane
Patagonia is another great example that, while larger, offers lessons in transparency and ethical business practices. They started with small steps like using organic cotton and recycled materials, which over time evolved into a comprehensive sustainability strategy. SMEs can take inspiration from Patagonia’s gradual, transparent approach to incorporating sustainability, understanding that the journey does not have to be perfect from the outset but can develop and improve over time.
Finally, it is important to remember that sustainability is not just about environmental impact; it encompasses social responsibility as well. This means that SMEs should consider how their operations affect employees, communities, and society at large. Building a sustainable business model involves fair labour practices, community engagement, and contributing to the broader social good.
I think it’s fair to say that sustainability is crucial for SMEs not only to stay competitive and compliant in a rapidly changing world but also to ensure long-term viability and success.
Starting with a clear assessment, setting realistic goals, and learning from those who have successfully integrated sustainability into their business practices can set SMEs on the right path. The shift toward sustainability is an ongoing journey, one that offers SMEs the chance to innovate, build stronger relationships with customers and stakeholders, and contribute positively to the world.
Pat Kane bio
Pat Kane is a sustainability advocate and strategist, speaker, writer and the founder of reuzi, a business that has evolved to become a whole hub for environmental living and awareness.
reuzi exists in both the real and virtual worlds, with pop-ups, some very exciting in-store concessions and a busy online presence.
Pat’s mission is to inspire and empower individuals and businesses to drive positive impact through a wide offering of sustainable products and strategic services.
Pat is also a partner and Chief Sustainability Officer for environmentally-focused consultancy, Pragmatica. Pragmatica aims to support organisations from family businesses to SMEs to large corporations, on how to improve their green credentials.
SD Worx Ireland, the leading payroll and HR solutions provider, has announced that it is investing €3 million to expand its payroll offering and roll the service out to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ireland. Historically servicing medium and large enterprises of over 250 employees, SD Worx’s innovative payroll solution is now available to SMEs across all industries.
The investment will span five years across technology, services, and people within SD Worx Ireland. During this timeframe, the company forecasts that 20% of its business will stem from SMEs and expects revenue growth from the SME sector of 60% per year.
Driving the demand for the service among SMEs in Ireland are new reporting regulations, such as gender pay gap reporting. This requires increased payroll visibility and accuracy and applies to SMEs with over 150 employees for the first time this year, and those with more than 50 employees in 2025. Meanwhile, legislation relating to statutory sick pay and upcoming auto-enrolment for pensions brings additional administration, meaning smaller businesses may not have the necessary internal resources to keep pace with the rate of change.
In addition to these challenges, according to SD Worx’s Payroll Proficiency in Ireland report, the movement of personnel within organisations, such as joiners or leavers, is making payroll handling more difficult for a quarter (25%) of businesses in Ireland. Meanwhile, the administration of employee presence and absence (cited by 56%) was ranked as the process that complicates payroll the most. Data collection and access to, or integration of, data sources was also signalled as a challenge by 51% of organisations.
SD Worx’s €3M investment will ensure that all organisations, no matter their size, have access to the same resources as larger enterprises in overcoming these challenges. The company’s investment covers the establishment of a dedicated team to support SMEs in Ireland, customisation of operational design, and technology upgrades. With these enhanced capabilities, within the next 12 months, the company expects to grow its customer base by up to 50 SMEs in sectors such as retail, hospitality, and construction, as well as customers in financial and professional services.
The establishment of its SME service comes at a time when SD Worx is on an aggressive growth path in Ireland and will support its strategy in this area. In February, SD Worx announced that it will create 40 new jobs in Ireland in the next two years, growing its team to 115 as part of a €2.9M investment in its workforce. Ireland’s fastest-growing payroll technology company, SD Worx has been operating in Ireland for nearly 30 years, previously as Intelligo until it was acquired by SD Worx in 2022. Its enterprise-grade payroll solution pays one in five employees in Ireland’s corporate sector.
Eimear Byrne, Country Lead, SD Worx Ireland, said: “We have scaled up our own capabilities so that businesses who may lack the necessary internal resources can keep pace with evolving payroll trends and requirements. SD Worx aims to empower SMEs to focus on their core business activities while leaving the complexities of payroll management to trusted professionals.Our new offering means that amid intense competition for top talent, increasing regulations and rising costs, SMEs can continue to grow and thrive with on-hand payroll support and cost certainty.
“SMEs can often be stretched in terms of resources and this enhanced service will provide peace of mind for those who seek the reliability we offer by never missing a pay date or Revenue submission. The service will also guarantee that SMEs are compliant with regulations and effectively safeguarding confidential company and employee data. We are looking forward to working closely with organisations in the SME space to drive value and underpin their continued success.”
SD Worx’s flexible and scalable managed payroll service relieves pressure on businesses, reduces administrative burdens, and frees up resources that can be refocused elsewhere in the organisation. SD Worx’s outsourced payroll solution is updated in line with the latest legislation, ensuring customers remain compliant. SD Worx also has a dedicated expert team in place to support growing organisations.
SD Worx’s managed payroll offering is built on highly secure MegaPay software and protects customers’ sensitive information, with all data securely hosted in Ireland. In addition, a fixed monthly cost provides price transparency for businesses.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ireland that sell online appear to be experiencing a growth period, with 96 per cent seeing an increase in online sales over the past 12 months. A similar proportion (95%) are feeling optimistic about the growth of their business over the next year.
PayPal’s 2024 ‘Business of Change Report’* revealed that on average, SMEs selling their products or services in international markets generated €240,605 in the last 12 months. Those surveyed that don’t currently sell internationally, but are planning to do so in the future, estimated that the move would generate €122,728 annually for their business.
Cross border trade a catalyst for growth
Further exploration into the prevalence of international commerce uncovered that half (50%) of SMEs in Ireland are presently engaged in international sales, with an additional 30 per cent intending to do so within the next year. Among those already selling internationally, 77 per cent have experienced a surge in international sales volume over the past three years.
The primary impetus behind international expansion is the belief that Ireland is strategically positioned to seize opportunities in global markets (41%). However, a significant 31 per cent of those surveyed indicated that their survival hinges on international expansion.
Not surprisingly, 34 per cent of SME owners prioritise delivering an improved customer experience as a crucial factor for business expansion—second only to providing high-quality products or services, which garnered 38 per cent. Rounding out the top five priorities were adopting emerging technologies, utilising online marketplaces, and ensuring affordability of products or services, each at 32 per cent.
Concerns and challenges
While there is a general feeling of optimism, almost a quarter of SME owners (23%) cited poor purchasing processes for customers as a top barrier to future business growth. Meanwhile, more than a fifth (22%) identified that they lack the skills or resources to fully leverage online platforms.
As well as internal factors, external trends most impacting SMEs in Ireland that sell online are:
A rising demand for more payment methods (such as buy now pay later and digital wallets like PayPal) – 40%
More people wanting discounts, promotions and deals – 38%
Customers wanting more convenience (such as click and collect, and package tracking) – 37%
Three in 10 (30%) are concerned with the trend that fewer people are converting at checkout – more browsers than buyers.
Looking forward, the vast majority (92%) of SME owners prioritise technology investment for their business’s future growth. Nearly a quarter (23%) desire to allocate resources to Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning, while 21 per cent plan to invest in Virtual Reality experiences.
Regarding specific areas earmarked for investment within the next year to bolster expansion, 38 per cent plan to prioritise enhancing their online presence. Following closely are investments in marketing (33%), additional shipping/delivery capabilities (32%), team expansion (32%), and social commerce (31%).
Moreover, 27 per cent intend to invest in ecommerce capabilities, with secure payment methods and international sales processes on the agenda for 26 per cent of SME owners surveyed.
Jonas Breding, General Manager, PayPal Northern Europe shared, “For over twenty years, we’ve been a trusted partner for Irish entrepreneurs and ecommerce businesses. We recently launched PayPal Complete Payments, our most advanced offering in the market. Our comprehensive solution fosters growth, provides advanced fraud protection, and streamlines cross-border trade, empowering entrepreneurs to thrive.”
