Urgent Survey Reveals 40% of Businesses Struggling with Energy Costs

UPDATE: A new survey from IP Telecom reveals that rising energy costs are pressing businesses as the winter season approaches, with 40% of surveyed leaders citing this as their top concern. This urgent issue is compounded by global uncertainty, which affects 36% of respondents, highlighting a challenging landscape for companies across Ireland.

The survey, conducted on 12 September 2025, included 500 business leaders and uncovered additional operational pressures. Nearly a quarter of the respondents—25%—identified labor shortages and wage pressures, while 23% pointed to regulatory costs and compliance requirements as significant strains. Other concerns included broadband and telecom infrastructure issues (20%), supply chain disruptions (20%), and rising office rent (16%). Alarmingly, just a small fraction, 2%, reported no operational strains.

Despite these pressing challenges, there is a surprising glimmer of optimism. An impressive 78% of business leaders expressed confidence in the Irish economy over the next year. This resilient outlook underscores a proactive shift in investment decisions, particularly in telecom technology, as businesses adapt to the evolving landscape.

Reflecting this trend, 62% of businesses indicated they are likely to switch their telecom provider within the year, emphasizing the growing demand for reliability and local support. Key factors influencing these decisions include product reliability (46%), support reliability (45%), and security (44%), with integration and innovation also playing crucial roles.

Robin Russell, CCO of IP Telecom, stated:

“While challenges such as rising energy costs and global uncertainty remain top of mind for our customers and business leaders across Ireland, these results show that companies are actively adapting, investing in technology.”

He emphasized the urgency of adapting to new tools, stating that innovation is no longer optional but essential for competitiveness.

As companies navigate these turbulent waters, the focus on resilience and strategic technology investments will be critical. The findings from this survey serve as a wake-up call, illustrating the immediate need for businesses to reassess their operations and adapt to the current economic climate.

The next steps for many businesses will involve not only switching providers but also exploring advanced technologies like AI to maintain their competitive edge. As this situation develops, companies must prioritize agility and innovation to thrive in an increasingly unpredictable environment.

Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to monitor how these economic pressures evolve and impact the business landscape in Ireland and beyond.