- ERP, NetSuite, Sage 200, Sage Intacct
As 2025 unfolds, businesses in Dublin are navigating an increasingly complex and unpredictable economic landscape. From rising costs to talent shortages and the pressure to digitise, the challenges are mounting, and so is the need for smarter, more agile financial management. According to the Dublin Chamber’s Q1 Business Outlook Survey, 76% of firms cited cost management as their primary concern, highlighting the urgency for businesses to rethink their operational strategies and invest in technologies that can deliver greater resilience and profitability.
At Noledge, we understand how vital it is to have a robust financial and operational infrastructure in place. Whether it’s Sage Intacct, Sage 200, or NetSuite, we work with businesses across industries such as, distribution, manufacturing, and construction.
In this blog, we explore the economic concerns facing Irish businesses and how ERP systems can help build stability and scale in an evolving digital world. While the data reflects insights from the Dublin Chamber’s Q1 Business Outlook Survey, the challenges discussed – rising costs, digital transformation, talent retention, and regulatory compliance are equally relevant to businesses across the UK and beyond.
Rising Costs: Why Financial Efficiency Is Now Non-Negotiable
Rising labour costs are now impacting 89% of businesses, while energy costs are affecting 62%. Against this backdrop, managing costs has become a business-critical priority. The Dublin Chamber’s data reinforces this, with three-quarters of businesses placing cost management at the top of their agenda.
To remain competitive, organisations are turning to real-time financial insights, automation, and AI-powered analytics to improve decision-making and identify cost-saving opportunities. ERP platforms like Sage Intacct, Sage 200, and NetSuite offer the ability to:
• Automate manual processes to reduce errors and inefficiencies
• Improve compliance and governance through audit-ready, real-time data
• Gain visibility across operations, enabling smarter decisions about spending, resourcing, and investment
With 28% of firms citing regulatory compliance as a growing concern, implementing a secure, centralised ERP system is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
Talent Retention and Skills Development: Planning for the Future
As of 2025, 61% of Dublin-based businesses list talent retention as a key concern, while 79% say digital and leadership upskilling is a priority. These figures reflect the growing demand for businesses to evolve alongside the digital economy, and build a workforce equipped to thrive within it.
The right ERP solution can support talent strategy by:
• Improving employee experiences through digital tools that support remote/hybrid working
• Restructuring HR processes, from onboarding to training and performance tracking
• Enabling workforce planning to better align talent needs with business objectives
Investing in people is just as important as investing in technology and the two increasingly go hand in hand.
Digitalisation and AI: A Critical Step Toward Long-Term Growth
Digital transformation is an immediate business imperative. With 41% of firms prioritising digitalisation and AI adoption, companies are racing to build the infrastructure required to stay ahead.
ERP solutions are at the heart of this transformation. By adopting AI and automation early, businesses benefit from:
• Faster, more accurate decision-making with AI-powered insights
• Reduced administrative workloads, allowing teams to focus on growth-oriented activities
• Enhanced operational visibility, improving forecasting and strategic planning
Those who delay embracing digitalisation risk falling behind in an increasingly competitive, tech-driven market.
Sustainability and Compliance: Balancing Responsibility with Results
Sustainability is becoming a core pillar of business strategy. With rising energy costs and growing pressure to meet environmental standards, companies are being held to higher levels of accountability by stakeholders and regulators alike.
To meet these expectations, businesses need ERP systems that can:
• Track and report on sustainability metrics
• Ensure compliance with environmental and carbon regulations
• Support energy efficiency goals through better operational planning
Modern ERP platforms offer built-in tools for tracking ESG initiatives, reducing waste, and improving reporting – helping businesses align sustainability with profitability.
The Dublin Chamber’s Q1 Business Outlook Survey: What It Tells Us
The findings from the Q1 2025 survey provide a comprehensive view of the challenges businesses are currently facing. Whether it’s controlling costs, retaining talent, navigating digital transformation, or meeting ESG targets, Irish businesses need to be equipped with the right tools, strategies, and platforms to keep up with the pace of change.
Future-Proofing Your Business with Noledge
In uncertain times, a reliable ERP solution can provide the foundation for stability and long-term success. Whether you’re focused on cost control, productivity, or scalability, Noledge offers end-to-end ERP services tailored to your needs – from platform selection and implementation to training and ongoing support.
Our expert team works with leading solutions like Sage Intacct, Sage 200, and NetSuite to help you build a digital-first infrastructure that supports sustainable growth. Contact us today to start the conversation.
About the Author
Ray Ryan
Ray Ryan is the CEO of the Noledge Group.
With over 30 years of experience in the software industry, Ray's expertise spans from Unix systems to modern cloud ERP solutions. As CEO, he leads the Noledge Group in delivering cutting-edge technology that simplifies business operations for our clients.