Budget 2026 and the Cost of Doing Business
- ciaranbrodigan
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
For many Irish businesses, the last few years have been defined by rising costs, from energy bills and insurance premiums to payroll and compliance obligations. As Budget 2026 approaches on 7 October, SMEs in particular will be watching closely to see if meaningful relief is on the way.
At UHY FDW, we work with clients every day who are balancing these pressures while still planning for growth. Here are the areas we believe will be most relevant when it comes to the cost of doing business.
Labour and Payroll Costs
The combination of higher wages, PRSI, and the upcoming introduction of auto-enrolment pensions means staff costs are a major concern. Budget 2026 may provide clarity on employer PRSI, or offer limited reliefs to ease the transition for SMEs.
Even small adjustments here can have a significant impact on cashflow and hiring decisions.
Energy and Overheads
While universal energy credits are unlikely to return, targeted supports for SMEs investing in energy efficiency could be on the cards. Grants that help businesses cut long-term energy costs while meeting climate commitments would be a welcome development.
Insurance remains another high overhead for many sectors, with calls for continued reform to keep premiums manageable.
Access to Finance
Accessing affordable credit is still a challenge for many small businesses. Stakeholders have been calling for the expansion of loan guarantee schemes and grant funding to help SMEs invest in growth, digitalisation, and sustainability.
Budget 2026 may build on existing supports in these areas, giving businesses more room to plan and expand.
What UHY FDW Can Do for You
Rising costs are a reality, but with the right planning, they do not have to limit your growth. At UHY FDW, we support SMEs by:
Simplifying compliance – streamlining payroll, tax, and reporting processes so you spend less time on admin and more on growth.
Strengthening cashflow – forecasting, modelling, and stress-testing your finances to stay resilient against rising costs.
Unlocking funding options – guiding you through loan guarantee schemes, grants, and supports to finance expansion and investment.
We combine deep expertise with a practical approach, ensuring that even in a high-cost environment, your business has the confidence to plan ahead and grow.
Talk to our team today about how we can help your business navigate the cost of doing business in 2026.
