Expleo research reveals 77% of businesses are preparing for a stronger Irish economy in 2025

Expleo, a global engineering, technology and consulting service provider, has announced the results of new research, which found that 77% of businesses are preparing for a stronger Irish economy next year, while 74% are preparing for a stronger global one. The research is published in Expleo’s Business Transformation Index (BTI) 2024, which is launched today.

The study was carried out by Censuswide on behalf of Expleo among 202 business and technology leaders in medium- to large-sized enterprises on the island of Ireland. Its aim was to gain an understanding of how technology is helping enterprises to improve business outcomes, while lifting the lid on the obstacles to success.

The research found that as a result of their economic optimism, more than half (57%) of businesses are expecting to grow in the next 12 months. This comes on the back of years of economic uncertainty and peak levels of inflation, with many companies in Ireland suffering from the fallout.

Indeed, 55% of business and tech leaders surveyed in the BTI admitted that in the last 12 months, they have lost customers owing to economic concerns. However, just 28% expect to lose customers for the same reason over the next 12 months, suggesting a confidence among business leaders that economic growth is on the horizon.

Supporting this optimism is the fact that 65% of business and tech leaders believe that Ireland is a good location for digital innovation. This is being buoyed by a greater commitment to sustainability and green tech innovation, with 65% of businesses also believing that it is helping stimulate growth.

Phil Codd, Managing Director, Expleo Ireland, said: “Our Business Transformation Index provides a great insight into the optimism and resilience of business leaders in Ireland. Even though more than half of them lost customers last year, they are nevertheless preparing for better times ahead for them and therefore, our economy.

“It’s exciting to see that so many view Ireland as a favourable location for digital innovation and that the focus on sustainability is benefitting businesses here. While some had concerns that targets may stifle innovation, this marks a welcome change in attitude. We have seen phenomenal innovation in the name of sustainability in recent years and businesses are now experiencing the corollary benefits, both in terms of efficiency and customer sentiment.”

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