Fastcom Managing Director Lorraine Gribbons, FCA, reflects on her journey from auditing to leading a regional business, championing gender equity in leadership and the challenge of achieving work-life balance in the fast-moving telecoms industry I became Managing Director of Fastcom over eight years ago, bringing with me my background in Chartered Accountancy and a deep-rooted passion for driving business growth.  My foundation as a Chartered Accountant, with its emphasis on strategic thinking, attention to detail and problem-solving, proved instrumental as I transitioned into the telecoms sector.  Although I hadn’t initially envisioned a future in this industry, I found myself increasingly drawn to the challenge of scaling a regional business on a national level.  This challenge became my mission: how to expand Fastcom’s footprint across Ireland while remaining true to our Sligo roots.  I am very proud of the company’s achievements. Under my leadership, Fastcom has grown into one of Ireland’s most flexible telecoms providers, built on a foundation of innovation, regional pride and dedicated commitment to customer care.  My focus is on positioning the company as one of Ireland’s top technology leaders—not just in terms of the services we offer, but also in how we lead, innovate and support our people.  This includes continuing to break barriers—for women in leadership, regional businesses and anyone who dares to grow beyond what’s expected.  Robust career pathway As far back as I can remember, accountancy was what I wanted to do. I’m not sure where that came from, but it was always on my radar as the route I wanted to take and the qualification I would ultimately achieve.  I attended school in Sligo and then went on to study Business, Economics and Social Studies at Trinity College Dublin.  I had worked in an accountancy practice in Sligo in the summer following my first year at college and then went on to complete a summer work placement organised by Trinity after my third year, in the audit department of KPMG in Dublin.  This experience gave me great insight into what the trainee programme would be like and I started my training contract with KPMG after completing my degree the following year.  Qualifying as a Chartered Accountant gave me excellent education and training, providing valuable insight into business operations and a robust pathway for career progression and opportunities.  Once my training contract was completed, I decided to move back west to Sligo, where I worked as an Audit Manager with Gilroy Gannon for over 10 years before transitioning into industry with Fastcom. I became the company’s Managing Director soon after the move.  Women in leadership: moving beyond the exception Moving from the world of finance and accounting into telecoms, I’ve worked in two industries where women in leadership were once the exception, not the norm.  I’ve seen some progress in gender equity over the years, but it is slow, and there is definitely room for improvement.  I recall my accountancy training days, when many of the more junior staff members were female, but the senior roles were nearly always male-dominated. There are certainly more women at the top table now, and the conversations are evolving, but there’s still work to be done.  I would love to see more women in senior roles across all industries, as well as increased support at key transition points in a woman’s career, such as returning from maternity leave or aspiring to leadership.  Family responsibilities also play a part in the progress of gender equity, as balancing these with an evolving career can be a challenge.  Helping others reach their potential Mentoring and networking have played a huge role in my career, even if not always in formal ways.  I have been fortunate to have had people whom I could look to for mentorship; they have given me honest feedback and encouragement when I’ve needed it most at all stages of my career. Just as importantly, I’ve always believed in helping others reach their full potential in their own careers, wherever and whenever I can.  Networking, too, has opened unexpected doors, whether through industry events, local business groups, education sessions or informal chats over coffee.  The moving target of work-life balance Work-life balance is a bit of a moving target, isn’t it?  For me, it’s not about getting it right every day as I don’t think that’s possible. Some weeks are more work-intensive, while others allow for space to recharge.  My biggest challenge is switching off, as I find this very difficult to navigate.  When running your own business, you’re fully invested, and this sometimes spills over into downtime. For me, it does depend on what’s happening at work and how pressing any issues might be.  It’s something I know I always have to keep working on and be very conscious of.  As great as technology is, especially when working in a technical industry, the ability to disconnect from your phone and emails is vital during personal time.  I have learned over the years that rest is just as important as work for long-term success. You need to be able to refuel yourself to keep going and bring your best to the business.  With three children, my own “rest time” is still busy, but it’s  great for distracting me from the office and what’s going on at work.  Learning from your own team Over the years, I have found real value in professional development programmes, leadership courses and peer learning. Sometimes, though, the most impactful learning comes from within your own team.  Listening, collaborating and remaining open to diverse perspectives has enabled me to grow and develop personally.  I am always reading a wide variety of business materials and books to gather ideas for Fastcom and for myself personally, so that I can continue to thrive. Interview by Liz Riley  

Is the environmental, social and governance movement in decline? We ask three of our Chartered Stars, each recognised for their outstanding work in support of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, for their take on the future of ESG Evan O’Donnell Chartered Star 2024 Accountant with Avery Dennison   As a Chartered Accountant, I view the future of sustainability through both a financial and ethical lens.  Sustainability is increasingly becoming a key pillar of business strategies, and I believe that over the next decade, it will shift even more from a niche concern to a mainstream priority.  Companies and governments will need to integrate sustainability into their financial reporting, with transparent disclosures on environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics becoming standard practice.  The rise of green bonds, sustainable investing and carbon accounting will drive capital towards businesses that align with sustainability goals, creating a clear incentive for corporations to adopt responsible practices. Looking ahead, I hope to see a world in which sustainability is embedded in every financial decision.  Businesses should not only focus on reducing their environmental footprint but also consider the social equity and long-term resilience of their operations.  This shift will require a redefinition of value, where profit is measured alongside positive social and environmental impact, creating a more balanced approach to growth. The current transitional period in geopolitics presents challenges, however. With some countries backtracking on sustainability efforts, there is a risk of fragmentation in global initiatives.  While international collaboration is essential, the rise of protectionist policies and divergent priorities may hinder the overall progress of global sustainability targets.  As a result, I expect businesses to face increasing pressure to navigate this geopolitical uncertainty, balancing national interests with global sustainability standards. In the future, we will likely see greater local innovation in sustainability, with businesses and governments in different regions leading by example.  While there are challenges ahead, however, the growing recognition of the financial value of sustainable practices gives me hope that we will continue to move towards a more sustainable and inclusive future. Peter Gillen Chartered Star 2023 Sustainability Reporting Manager with AIB   In the future, I hope to see further consolidation of global sustainability reporting standards to simplify implementation for companies. While progress is being made, however, challenges remain. Existing EU legislation, such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and EU taxonomy for sustainable activities, continue to evolve. At the same time, new measures are emerging, such as China’s recently introduced corporate sustainability reporting standards.  Continued global engagement on consolidating these is critical to encourage more companies to report against these standards. Given recent geopolitical shifts and the decision by some nations to scale back their sustainability efforts, I was initially concerned all the progress made would be undone.  However, European companies increasingly recognise the “business” rationale for sustainability, no longer viewing it simply as altruism.  Even companies outside the CSRD’s scope should still see the benefits of managing climate risks, such as rising temperatures and sea levels.  This isn’t about pandering to a “woke” environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda, it is about ensuring the long-term viability of one’s business. Despite the recent wave of anti-ESG sentiment, there are some who are refusing to accept calls for ESG to be omitted from investment decision-making.  In the UK, for example, the People’s Pension (one of the UK’s largest pension funds) recently moved £28 billion in assets from the US asset manager, State Street, noting that it wished to prioritise sustainability, active stewardship and long-term value creation for its near seven million members.  It remains to be seen whether other funds will follow suit.  I hope funding for pro-ESG funds continues to grow; not for political reasons, but to protect the financial futures of those whose pensions and savings are managed through funds.  It will also be interesting to observe whether asset managers continue to support ESG publicly or remain silent to avoid criticism (i.e. greenhushing). Fiona Hanafin Chartered Star 2022 Associate Director, Sustainability Advisory, Grant Thornton Sustainability is evolving from being viewed merely as a compliance requirement or ‘tick box’ exercise to a strategic driver of long-term business success.  I believe businesses that are proactive in addressing sustainability-related risks will gain a competitive advantage and thrive in an uncertain world.  Climate change continues to intensify at home and abroad, and businesses need to identify and address their individual physical and transition risks.  We’ve seen how extreme weather and floods can damage infrastructure and disrupt supply chains while shifting regulations create uncertainty.  To address these risks and build resilience, companies should adopt sustainable practices within their operations and integrate sustainability into their core values and decision-making processes.  Future-focused businesses that adopt sustainability, including social considerations within their strategy, will benefit from greater appeal among talented employees and environmentally conscious consumers. I hope business leaders across Ireland and Europe continue to embrace sustainability as a driver of growth and innovation. There are opportunities to be seized by reducing carbon footprints, adopting green technologies, diversifying supply chains and prioritising responsible stewardship.  Despite all the noise (regulatory and political), the fundamentals of sustainability have not changed. We are living beyond our means; our society needs to change.  Although the sustainability agenda has faced setbacks in some regions due to regulatory and political backlash, the global trend towards adopting sustainability initiatives and reporting continues to progress.  Investment in the energy transition remains strong, cand despite the proposed delay to the introduction of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive in the European Union, many companies are collecting data to ensure the availability of decision-making information.  Those aiming for long-term success will recognise that the broader global momentum driving sustainability is fuelled by market demand and risk mitigation.  With a well-informed sustainability strategy, businesses can protect their bottom line while making a positive global impact.

The Trump-Putin relationship is forcing NATO and the EU to shift from a competitive relationship to a strategic, collaborative mindset, writes Judy Dempsey In the wake of Russia’s 2022 invasions of Ukraine, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the European Union have both been forced to reassess their fundamental strategic roles as guardians of Europe as they explore collaborative responses to the crisis.  The real catalyst for this strategic shift is the actions of US President Donald Trump, rather than those of Russian President Vladimir Putin.  Trump has shaken Europe, challenging its long-held belief that the US would always provide a protective umbrella. During his first term as US President, Trump criticised NATO’s European allies for underspending on defence, underscoring a perceived inequity in burden-sharing within the alliance.  Now, he has signalled his willingness to consider withdrawing the US from NATO altogether, questioning the reliability of Article 5, which commits the military alliance to defending any member country under attack.  Not anymore, Trump says—if they have not spent enough on their security. Weakened US support for NATO, or a complete exit from the alliance, would leave the EU vulnerable.   The decades-long transatlantic relationship would be dangerously undermined—a goal of successive Russian leaders.  Trump is doing Putin’s bidding by putting Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity on the negotiating table. In doing so, the US President has ignored how Russia has repeatedly broken the ceasefire Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to in March.  With this major shift in American foreign policy, NATO and the EU, including neutral countries such as Austria and Ireland, must move fast in several ways.  First, the Europeans cannot wait for Trump to weaken his commitment to the alliance. Major NATO and EU countries—Britain, France, Germany and Poland—need to form coalitions of the willing to prepare for an eventual withdrawal of the US from NATO.  NATO’s European ‘caucus’ needs to be strengthened, military capabilities assessed and the expenditure required to compensate for a potential US exit assessed. That won’t be easy, and it will be costly. Second, the EU Commission wants member states to embrace serious defence ambitions, another costly task, requiring time and clear communication with voters.  In the meantime, there is no reason the EU and NATO cannot share capabilities under the special “Berlin Plus” arrangements, giving the EU access to NATO assets and planning capabilities if the alliance is not militarily involved. Such a partnership could serve as a foundation for an EU-led coalition of the willing for Ukraine. Third, in light of the ongoing conflict, it’s crucial for the EU and NATO to increase their military, economic and political support for Ukraine.  NATO’s European members could take over from the US leadership of the Ramstein forum, known as the Ukraine Defence Contact Group. Established in 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine, its 50 countries provide military support to Ukraine.  Finally, Germany and other countries are discussing Europe’s nuclear powers with France and the UK. This would have been unthinkable a few months ago, demonstrating just how much Trump’s relationship with Putin is upending the transatlantic relationship. Judy Dempsey is Nonresident Senior Fellow at Carnegie Europe *Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column published in the April/May 2025 issue of Accountancy Ireland are the author’s own. The views of contributors to Accountancy Ireland may differ from official Institute policies and do not reflect the views of Chartered Accountants Ireland, its Council, its committees or the editor. 

Key market indicators are flashing warning signs and investors should brace for turbulence, warns Cormac Lucey Timing global equity markets is not an easy task. But when several separate indicators signal caution, it may be time for alarm.  This is currently the situation regarding US equity markets as President Donald Trump launches his much-anticipated tariff wars on America’s allies.  Signal 1: US unemployment rate In the past, when the unemployment rate in the US started to rise after many years of steady falls, it has signalled a shift in the economic cycle, often presaging recession.  The US unemployment rate hit 4.1 percent in February, up considerably from its April 2023 low of 3.4 percent.  According to BCA Research, the investment research company, there has never been a situation in which the three-month moving average unemployment rate has risen by more than a third of a percent—as is now the case—without a recession following. Signal 2: The US yield curve The yield curve depicts the differing interest rates that apply to government debt of varying maturities.  When shorter-term debt yields higher returns than longer-term debt, it is usually the result of central banks raising short-term interest rates too high.  Recession generally follows shortly after the normal state of affairs, where longer-term interest rates exceed short-term rate returns. This normal state of affairs returned last December.  Signal 3: US price/earnings ratio  Right now, the Standard and Poor’s (S&P) forward price/earnings ratio (which compares today’s price to predicted—or forward—earnings) comfortably exceeds 20. That is one of the highest S&P ratios observed in a half-century.  In the past, higher prices have tended to anticipate lower investor returns. Signal 4: US cyclically adjusted price-to-earnings ratio A significant drawback of the conventional price/earnings ratio is that when we compare a highly inflated share price to cyclically inflated earnings, the situation can appear okay.  The cyclically adjusted price-to-earnings (CAPE) ratio seeks to correct this defect by dividing equity prices by their average earnings over the previous decade.  This way, the CAPE avoids the risk that cyclically elevated earnings may make cyclically elevated share prices look normal.  The CAPE ratio currently stands at 36.34 times cyclically adjusted earnings. This puts current equity values among the highest ever recorded.  If return patterns observed in the past are replicated, we might expect real equity returns (after inflation) to come in just slightly above zero over the next 15 years. Signal 5: US price/book ratio  The price/book ratio compares the market price of the equity market to the book value of the net assets on the balance sheets of those companies on the market.  The US market’s price/book ratio is currently higher than it has ever been, even at the peak of the tech bubble in 2000. When we examine our five bear market indicators, we can see that they are each signalling caution, suggesting extreme prudence regarding equity returns in the near future.  This caution is only increasing in response to the trade tensions US President Donald Trump continues to unleash.  Signal 6: US trade tariffs I expect continued turbulence as Donal Trump continues to push the trade tariff agenda he unveiled to the world on 2 April.  We might hope for signs of compromise to lead a relief rally, but the upshot in the first instance has been upheaval in the markets.  While the tariffs may be the catalyst that has unleashed this upheaval, however, it is my view that they are not the ultimate cause of the recessionary/bear market conditions we are seeing emerge in the US.  I don’t expect to see equity markets bottom out until some time later this year or early next. Investor caution Equity markets do not follow a neat pattern. They often overshoot in one direction only to then overshoot in another. Just because six key signals are all neatly pointing in one direction doesn’t mean equities will immediately fall in value. In the medium term, however, it does suggest that future returns will be weak and that investors should be cautious. Cormac Lucey is an economic commentator and lecturer at Chartered Accountants Ireland *Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column published in the April/May 2025 issue of Accountancy Ireland are the author’s own. The views of contributors to Accountancy Ireland may differ from official Institute policies and do not reflect the views of Chartered Accountants Ireland, its Council, its committees or the editor. 

Julia Rowan answers your management, leadership and team development questions I am highly qualified with both general and specialist accountancy qualifications. I work hard to high standards and meet my deadlines. I get on well with colleagues and other stakeholders. Over the past 18 months, I’ve applied for promotion twice, but I have not been successful. Candidates I consider less qualified and experienced than me have instead secured both roles. What can I do to increase my chances of success? You feel you are being overlooked and there are several reasons why this might be happening.  One thing is for sure, however: if you want people to see you in a different light, you need to do something different.  My guess is that people expect high performance from you, so when you deliver, you may be “simply” meeting expectations.  You sound like quite a task-focused person—nothing wrong with that. Any thoughts below are intended to complement, not replace, your task focus. Your question reminds me of an executive I worked with: he shared the same high standards yet also found himself overlooked.  He always downplayed his achievements. For example, at progress meetings, he would simply say “done” in the catch-up as a way to express that he had completed a task. In today’s busy (and often hybrid) workplace, we need to be a little more intentional about how we communicate. “Done” does not cut it.  Marketing people talk about “selling the sizzle, not the sausage” and this may be something you need to focus on. It goes without saying that long stories are not needed, but something like “I sent that out on X date. Three people replied, I’ve followed up with two more and I discovered that…” gives people a little more insight into you.  Task-focused people can come across as impatient, which can be daunting. Moving up in an organisation involves winning hearts as well as minds. Here are a few thoughts about what you can do: Focus on building relationships. This could simply mean taking a bit more time for daily interactions, or it could involve strategically building relationships to increase your visibility. Find reasons to meet with colleagues in person. Share interesting materials when you can. Work on your interview skills. In particular, you may need to build up your achievements (Google ‘competency STARS’), not just in interviews but also during performance reviews. If you haven’t already done so, get feedback on recent interviews.  Ask your manager or others knowledgeable about your field to support you in expanding your skill set. For example, ask them to organise a mentor for you, bring you to higher-level meetings or place you on a project team. You can also attend to this yourself through reading, attending courses, etc. Reflect on how you talk about yourself. There seems to be a perception that, despite your high standards, you are not ready for promotion. Perceptions can take a while to change. Honest feedback from people who have your back may be the most useful input of all. Julia Rowan is Principal Consultant with Performance Matters Ltd, a leadership and team development consultancy. To send a question to Julia, email julia@performancematters.ie

The safe stewardship of the accountancy profession means tackling the challenge of career burnout and prioritising work-life balance for the next generation, writes Dr. Caroline McGroary, FCA Like many professions globally, accountancy strives to be a beacon of excellence, with our members balancing multi-faceted roles as trusted business leaders and gatekeepers of the public interest.  Bestowed by decades of attracting and retaining the world’s brightest minds, this status ensures the safe stewardship of our profession from one generation to the next.  As we sit at this critical juncture in the history of our profession and contemplate our future, we are propelled to consider some of the greatest opportunities and challenges facing our profession and the next generation of business leaders.  In this article, we delve deeper into one such area of interest—namely the attractiveness of the profession to the next generation and the importance they are placing on well-being and work-life balance (or work-life harmony, as it is now commonly referred to). To focus this debate, we explore the concept of burnout, a topic of major concern for those at any stage of their career and one that is firmly on the agenda of well-being teams across professions, particularly in April, during Stress Awareness Month.   Burnout and the next generation The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) describes accountancy as “the language of business”. While this adage has been true for more than a century, our roles have changed drastically. In addition to providing robust financial information, accountants now assume the role of business leaders, responsible for actively leading and transforming organisations across industries and regions. Despite these changing roles, it has for many years been widely documented that working long hours, enduring stressful working environments and sacrificing personal time for work demands, is an “accepted culture” in the accountancy profession.  This was further reiterated in a recent study by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which asked young accounting professionals about their experiences. Recurring themes in the ACCA’s Global Talent Trend 2023 report included dissatisfaction with pay, a lack of interest in their work, burnout and concerns about work-life balance and flexibility. This work further highlighted that long working hours—previously considered a badge of honour—now act as a deterrent for younger people wanting to join the industry. These views align with Deloitte’s 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey which found that work-life balance was the top priority among respondents who believe long working hours drive stress. Based on these insights, we must challenge whether long hours, stress and burnout is an “accepted culture” in our profession and if so, properly consider the long-term effects on ourselves, our colleagues, our profession and the next generation.  We have learned that burnout can prompt early-career accountants to leave their jobs, and even the profession.  Recognising the potential cost of this, we need to gain better insights into the experiences of this group of professionals.  The value of such research was evident in a study of close to 400 junior accountants published in Australia. Researchers Vincent K. Chong and Gary S. Monroe found that role ambiguity and role conflict led to job-related tension for these professionals, which in turn contributed to burnout. This subsequently led to reduced job satisfaction and organisational commitment, with the final stage being intention to leave the profession. The practical implications of this research were the insights it offered into the drivers and outcomes of burnout, and thus the potential means to better support employees and reduce turnover.  Learning experiences of trainee accountants Reflecting on our role as educators of the next generation of our profession, we also need to consider the impact of burnout on the learning experience of trainee accountants. In research conducted at Dublin City University by Professor Barbara Flood (a Chartered Accountant), organisational psychologist Professor Yseult Freeney and I, we uncovered some useful insights.  In our study of approximately 1,200 trainee accountants in Ireland, we found that these younger members of the profession reported feeling “exhaustion” on a regular basis.  This had a negative effect on their ability to attend lectures, and their interest in and enthusiasm for their studies.  Despite feelings of exhaustion, they were committed to cognitively engaging in their studies, however, as they recognised the importance of passing their exams for career progression.  The main concerns emerging from this research included the type of learning taking place at the trainee stage and how these experiences were shaping their view of the profession—some referred to “feelings of resentment”, “anxiety” and “mental drain”.  For Sinead Donovan, past President of Chartered Accountants Ireland, supporting and advocating for the next generation of accountants is a priority. During her term as President, Donovan had as her theme the “next generation” (#nextgen).  She stresses the ongoing need to understand more about the challenges facing younger accountants and their more experienced counterparts, who act as crucial role models. Donovan also expressed concerns about the findings of a recent study commissioned by the Irish Centre for Business Excellence (ICBE) Skillnet on future leaders’ perceptions, motivations, skills and needs. The study revealed that future business leaders are “stepping out of leadership ambition...to avoid burnout at the top”.  “I would challenge the view that leadership roles needed to be overtly busy and always ‘on the edge’ of stress,” Donovan says.  “While I acknowledge that people still need to be pushed and challenged, the key is knowing when this becomes too much.”  The former Chair of Grant Thornton Ireland sees an important step in addressing this problem as “assigning responsibility back to the employer to help understand the challenges facing these future leaders, provide adequate support, and in turn, showcase how leaders can exist, and indeed thrive, without burnout.” Tackling the ill effects of burnout on younger accountants will be “integral to the future of the profession,” Donovan says. Tackling burnout: the employer’s role Donovan’s view is supported by Gillian Bane, a fellow Chartered Accountant and founder of Well Work 360. Bane established the workplace health and wellbeing consultancy in 2023 having herself experienced burnout in her career post-qualification.  “I wasn’t aware at the time that I was experiencing burnout and, in hindsight, had actually suffered multiple bouts before it stopped me in my tracks,” Bane says.  She highlights the importance of employer support and understanding to help tackle the causes and effects of work-related burnout, as well as the stigma that continues to surround mental health in the workplace. “Employee support needs to be much more than offering employees coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness classes,” Bane says.  “It needs to be a combination of supporting the individual with ways of coping, monitoring work design and workload, improving team dynamics and leadership setting the culture at an organisational level.” Supporting resilience in the profession Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW) recently launched its inaugural global report into the resilience of the Chartered Accountancy profession—a groundbreaking study conducted by the CAW Wellbeing Taskforce in collaboration with The Resilience Institute.. This report examines the state of resilience and well-being within the profession, drawing on insights from a global survey of 697 Chartered Accountants.  While Chartered Accountants play a critical role in safeguarding financial integrity, the report found that their work often entails significant stress and complexity. “This research highlighted some of the key strengths of the accountancy profession, such as curiosity, adaptability, creativity and a strong commitment to serving clients and colleagues,” says Dee France, Wellbeing and Support Lead at Chartered Accountants Ireland and Chair of the CAW Wellbeing Taskforce. “That said, these strengths lie alongside challenges such as multitasking, avoidance, worry and sleep deprivation, which over time can reduce resilience, lead to burnout, fatigue and impact negatively on mental health.” The profession now has a unique opportunity to lead by example, cultivating workplace cultures in which well-being is not an afterthought but an integral part of daily practice, France says.  Taking action to reduce burnout There is acceptance that burnout is something that can be experienced by anyone, at any stage of their career, in any profession.  It is a multidimensional concept embedded in an ongoing complex psychological process, and associated with a range of consequences that—if not understood and addressed—will negatively impact our profession in the long run.  As accountants, we can clearly make the business case for why this topic is important and needs further attention. Equally, as members of a profession built on a bedrock of trust, integrity, competence and respect for others, we recognise our moral obligation to take action and encourage our many stakeholders to engage in this important debate.    To this end, we seek the support of the accounting profession and other professions, academics, training firms, well-being teams and senior leadership teams to work together to:   Better understand the concept of burnout; Explore the prevalence of burnout across organisations and professions; Seek to understand its root causes and effects; Provide tailored support and resources for those who may be suffering from burnout or “on the edge”; and Challenge the stigma that still exists around mental health and burnout, as well as acknowledging that it can affect anyone. Collectively, we as Chartered Accountants are in a unique position to change the trajectory of our profession when it comes to tackling concerns like burnout.  In doing so, we will continue to attract the brightest minds and empower the next generation of accountants to go forward to lead our profession in the future.  Dr. Caroline McGroary, FCA, is a Lecturer at Dublin City University and a Council Member and Education and Lifelong Learning Board Member at Chartered Accountants Ireland

Pinergy founder Enda Gunnell, FCA, set up his renewable energy start-up in 2012, playing a crucial role in laying solid foundations for Ireland’s sustainable future Groundbreaking energy transition company Pinergy has grown to generate revenues of more than €250 million in little more than a decade by doing things differently, and founder Enda Gunnell sees more room for growth.  “That’s one of the reasons I want to stay in this industry,” he says. “The Irish energy sector is going through a once-in-a-century change and, with this level of change, there is always opportunity.” Embracing change is nothing new for Gunnell, who left behind a highly successful career in practice to set up Pinergy in 2012.  He had initially come to accountancy “through the usual route”, he says. “I qualified with a B.Comm from University College Dublin (UCD) in 1989 and did the recruitment milk round, before being taken on by Mazars.  “That was the last year the B.Comm exams were held in the autumn, and I had had enough of university by that time.” Gunnell didn’t yet know what lay in store, however. “I started my training contract with Mazars and within a fortnight I was back at UCD working on their audit,” he says.  “I spent 23 years with Mazars and was involved with UCD in one way or another for quite a bit of that time. The university then became my landlord when I founded Pinergy.” Gunnell had played a role in helping UCD acquire a building adjacent to the Beech Hill Office Park and helped to develop a strategy to host partnership ventures with industry. “They had some spare space and that was our first office,” he says. Having started his career with Mazars, Gunnell later moved into consulting.  “I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Mazars. I got great exposure to a wide range of clients across different sectors, including large corporates, institutional clients and a lot of owner managed SMEs.  “I was partnering with owner managers who had 50 or 60 people working for them but had no one to talk to. I was that person.” Having been a Partner with Mazars for close to 10 years, Gunnell decided the time was right to try something new.  “I was probably looking for opportunities for a few years by that stage,” he says. “I had got a bit disillusioned with professional services and the timesheets, chargeable hours and so on. Some of the projects I found interesting were not the type of things to earn high fee income in the short term.” At the same time, Gunnell was working with owner managers, helping them to build their businesses. They were, he says, “good people”. “I found myself thinking I would love a chance to do that myself. I hadn’t really thought about what type of business I wanted to go into, I just wanted to get out there and do it.” Entrepreneurial start: the early days The year was 2012, Gunnell was 43 years of age and a Partner with Mazars.  “I figured someone would give me a job if it didn’t work out. I was open to that risk,” he says. Ireland was in deep recession at the time in the aftermath of the financial crash and Gunnell spotted an opportunity in the fledgling pay-as-you-go electricity market.  “The energy regulator was putting pressure on the electricity suppliers not to cut people off, if at all possible,” he explains.  “One of the solutions chosen was to install pay-as-you-go meters in debtors’ homes and collect the arrears through the homeowners’ electricity credit purchases.” Gunnell’s approach was somewhat different. “We used the same technology, but differently. We went into the ‘lifestyle choice’ end of the market,” he explains. “Our market was people who wanted help budgeting. We used the technology to bring the same customer experience people had become used to with pay-as-you-go mobile phone accounts.  “Ireland didn’t have a pay-as-you-go electricity market up until then.  “In the UK, 15 percent of the market was designated as pay-as-you-go and, in Northern Ireland, it was much higher than that.” Although Ireland’s electricity market had been deregulated since the late 1990s, getting a licence to supply power was not easy.  “They said they welcomed competition, but I wasn’t sure if they were really interested in small start-up players like Pinergy,” Gunnell says.  “We partnered with an existing licencee initially and got our own licence from within the industry after that. We are now one of about seven national players in the market.” The licence was just the start. Power supply is a highly capital-intensive business.  “I was very fortunate to have the support of a high net worth individual in the early years of the business. I didn’t have the financial wherewithal to do it myself,” Gunnell says. “At that time and for a long number of years, half my time was spent growing the business and the other half was spent raising the money to fund the growth.” Raising money in Ireland post-crash was no easy task.  “The banks became too conservative. No doubt they gave out money too easily to property developers, but they went to the other extreme after that.  “We did everything to raise finance, from placing ads in newspapers to issuing our own loan notes. It was real shoe leather capital.” Pinergy has evolved considerably in the years since. “The industry is very old-fashioned. Customer loyalty is not rewarded,” Gunnell says.  “The incumbents sign people up for 12 to 24 months at a discount and then jack up the prices. That encouraged people to switch to get a discount somewhere else. We decided to do things differently and run the business from the customer perspective.  “We embraced technology. We were the first electricity company to embrace smart meters.  “Customers didn’t have to go to a shop; they could buy credit online or on their phone and it would go straight onto the meter, while being able to see their consumption on an app.” Paris Climate Accord  The Paris Climate Accord in 2015 gave added impetus to the firm’s growth. “A smart meter is an energy efficiency device. The average home wastes 20 percent of its energy. Smarter users use less,” Gunnell says. “We were a challenger brand and wanted to sell less electricity to customers. The incumbents were in the business of selling kilowatts, but how can they help save energy when their business models are built on selling as much of it as possible?” Pinergy then broadened its offering by going into business with other energy technology providers in areas like micro wind, solar, LED lighting and data services.  Two of those partnerships in the solar PV and data areas are now Pinergy subsidiaries. Energy efficiency and ESG reporting  The next pivot came with the company’s move into the commercial market. “There is only so much you can do in a domestic household. We used our capability in smart metering to bring a new offer to the commercial market,” Gunnell says. “We were able to supply data on consumption along with green, renewable power.  “We help our customers understand their power consumption and why they are using more than you should at different times.  “Our business is about energy efficiency. We are supporting customers through the energy transition and providing them with the data they require for emissions and environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting.” Commercial business now accounts for 90 percent of the Pinergy portfolio.  “We pulled back a little bit from the domestic market. The State was rolling out smart meters anyway. There was no point in us duplicating that effort,” Gunnell says. Next phase of growth: energy generation Pinergy is about to embark on the next phase of its growth journey following the acquisition of a majority stake in the business by Sojitz group, the Tokyo-based multinational.  Sojitz has acquired the holding of long-term shareholders, the Coates family. “We wouldn’t have been able to achieve our growth ambitions without our previous majority shareholder,” Gunnell says. “The Coates family have been phenomenally supportive of the company and the management team over the years.  “Without their support, we might not have been able to keep going during the energy crisis and we are eternally grateful for that.  “But, to keep going and moving forward in a capital-intensive industry like ours, we need access to funds that can’t be provided by a family office.  “The Sojitz group is a huge company with 25,000 employees and is listed on the Tokyo stock exchange.” Gunnell’s ambition now is to see Pinergy evolve into a vertically integrated company with capacity to generate its own renewable energy.  “To get involved in that in any meaningful way you need hundreds of millions of euros,” he says.  “Sojitz has been in Ireland for 10 years and already has a generating capacity of of almost 250 megawatts. “They are on the same wavelength as us and share our philosophy about partnering with customers in ways that make everyone more sustainable.  “We will now be able to start building our own generating assets.  “We will also broaden out to a dual fuel offering as well as broaden the energy services capability within the business.  “When we have our generating asset base in place, we want to move back into the domestic market.” The future of sustainable energy As Gunnell sees it, the future of energy is all about sustainability. “Energy providers have a key role to play in our sustainable future,” he says. “In the past, it was about supplying power generated by burning dirty fuel. In the future, it will be about minimising consumption of clean, green, renewable power.  “We have been embracing the sustainability agenda at Pinergy for the past 10 years. We will continue to support our customers through the energy transition and help them meet their sustainability and ESG reporting obligations.” Interview by Barry McCall

John O'Loughlin examines the global trade crisis sparked by Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs and their sweeping impact on EU exports and businesses US President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” announcement marked a significant and historic escalation of the US approach to international trade and tariffs. Exports from the European Union (EU) to the US are now in scope of Trump’s tariffs and some businesses will be significantly impacted by this latest round of measures. Immediate changes and impact  On Wednesday 2 April, the Trump Administration announced wide-ranging “reciprocal” tariff measures. President Trump invoked his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) to address the “national emergency” posed by the large and persistent trade deficit. These measures, imposed on all global trading nations, apply a blanket additional tariff rate on all products imported into the US. As expected, the measures were applied on a country-by-country basis with the following key markets impacted by the following additional tariffs: European Union: 20% United Kingdom: 10% China: 34% Japan: 24% Switzerland: 31% Brazil: 10% Australia: 10% India: 26% South Korea: 25% In addition to the above, a further 60 or so countries will have reciprocal tariffs applied at half the rate they charge the US, according to the Trump administration. These measures are due to be implemented on 9 April. Further to these specific tariffs, all other countries not listed will be subject to a baseline rate of 10 percent, which will be imposed from 5 April and will be in addition to the standard rate of duty (most-favoured nation rate).  The Executive Order imposing the “reciprocal” tariff rates have specifically excluded certain product categories which will not be subject to these new measures. These products include: Steel and aluminium articles already subject to additional tariff measures;  Auto and auto parts already subject to tariff measures implemented on 3 April; Copper; Pharmaceuticals; Semiconductors; Lumber articles; and Energy and certain other minerals that are not available in the United States.  Regarding imports from Mexico and Canada, those that meet the US-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement (USMCA) rules will not be subject to additional tariffs. However, goods that do not meet the rules under the USMCA will continue to be subject to the 25 percent tariffs imposed on 4 March. Trump’s tariffs have created a trade crisis on a global scale affecting companies across all sectors. These tariffs will remain in effect until he determines that the threat posed by the trade deficit— and underlying nonreciprocal treatment—is satisfied, resolved or mitigated. Other tariff measures As announced on Wednesday 26 March, 25 percent tariffs on imports of foreign-made cars came into effect on 3 April. The tariffs will impact cars from all countries with a value-based exception for the US value of cars covered by the USMCA. Additionally, on Monday 25 March, Trump also announced the possibility of a 25 percent additional tariff on countries purchasing oil or gas from Venezuela, with an implementation date of 2 April. As of yet, no tariffs under this measure have been imposed. Further to previous Executive Orders regarding tariffs on imports of Chinese goods, President Trump has signed an Executive Order removing the de minimis treatment for goods of Chinese and Hong Kong origin, effective from 2 May. This order imposes duties on goods valued at or under $800 which would otherwise have qualified for an import duty exemption. USTR Foreign Trade Barriers Report On 31 March, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) published its 2025 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers – a wide-ranging report highlighting foreign barriers to US exports, US foreign direct investment and US electronic commerce. Ireland is specifically noted within the report, but references are limited to commentary regarding alcohol labelling and reimbursements related to pharmaceutical products. European retaliatory measures On 12 March, the European Commission announced countermeasures in response to the US tariffs on steel and aluminium products, which it deems "unjustified".  Following a period of consultation, the EU has postponed the implementation of these measures until 15 April. These tariffs range from 10 percent to 75 percent with the majority of products falling within the 25 percent category. Additionally, the EU is set to announce further countermeasures on a wider range of goods. EU reaction On Tuesday 1 April, comments by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen indicated that the EU is prepared to retaliate against the US, if necessary, in response to Trump's tariff hikes. “Europe has not started this confrontation, we do not necessarily want to retaliate but, if it is necessary, we have a strong plan to retaliate and we will use it,” von der Leyen said. She further emphasised the significance of the US-EU trading relationship, noting that their trade volume is $1.5 trillion and that one million American jobs rely on this trade. Von der Leyen reiterated that Europe is open to negotiations, stating, "We will approach these negotiations from a position of strength. Europe holds many cards, from trade to technology to the size of our market. However, this strength is also built on our readiness to take firm countermeasures if necessary. All instruments are on the table.” Actions for businesses In anticipation of these tariffs, companies have placed significant focus on analysing their own data and scenario planning for the impact of tariffs. With Trump’s announcement, businesses should shift their focus to tariff mitigation strategies and options, including customs origin, valuation and tariff classification. Duty relief programs should also be considered. It is expected that the EU will push ahead with its retaliatory measures and other countries may look to introduce similar measures. Trump’s executive orders also contain modification authority allowing him to increase the tariff if trading partners retaliate, or reduce the tariffs if trading partners take significant steps to remedy non-reciprocal trade arrangements and align with the US on economic and national security matters. John O'Loughlin, Partner, Global Trade and Customs, PwC Ireland

Organisations must reimagine their approach to data protection, mitigating risk and adapting to new regulations in a fast-changing environment. David O’Sullivan explains why As we enter the second quarter of 2025, the data privacy landscape is on the cusp of transformative change. Rather than reacting to headlines, organisations are now compelled to reimagine their approach to data protection, blending strategic foresight with a renewed commitment to ethical stewardship. Here, we outline our top 10 data privacy predictions for the remainder of the year, pinpoint in the key trends that will shape how organisations handle compliance, mitigate risks and adapt to regulatory changes. 1. Changing DPO role in AI governance As artificial intelligence (AI) relies heavily on quality data, data protection officers (DPOs) are crucial in helping organisations understand and use their data effectively. Given the overlap between data protection and AI governance, DPOs are increasingly managing AI compliance and governance. Both roles require the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and adapt to evolving challenges. 2. Privacy by design and privacy-enhancing technologies  With the growing need for data in AI, protecting that data and transforming it into privacy-enhancing or anonymised formats is becoming ever more essential. These tools enable organisations to benefit from their data while maintaining privacy. Privacy by design is a principle-based approach that is set to become increasingly popular, prompting organisations to review their processing activities in depth, reducing risk and improving compliance management. 3. GDPR compliance frameworks Europe's digital regulations are complex and extensive. Privacy frameworks derived from the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) provide a solid foundation for building comprehensive compliance frameworks. These frameworks will be updated to accommodate new compliance requirements. 4. Shifting attitudes toward compliance We saw numerous headlines about data-related fines cropping up in 2024. Regulatory bodies, such as the Data Protection Commission, have intensified their efforts to manage complaints and breaches, putting more pressure on organisations. As consumer awareness grows, driven by global discussions on data privacy, we can expect to see more attention to data protection compliance. 5. International transfers under scrutiny International discussions will lead to greater scrutiny of data transfers. Recent findings by the Court of Justice of the European Union could significantly impact international data transfers, prompting organisations to reassess their practices. 6. Consumer awareness of data subject rights In Ireland, damages have already been awarded for GDPR non-compliance. While this hasn't yet led to a surge in claims, increased awareness will empower data subjects to hold controllers accountable. Organisations may shift their focus from regulators to data subjects. 7. Increase in cookie consent enforcement Cookies, often invasive and disruptive, are under scrutiny. The Data Protection Commission’s review of cookie compliance five years ago highlighted widespread non-compliance. Combined with the European Data Protection Board’s (EDPB) Cookie Banner Task Force and increased action by groups such as the European Centre for Digital Rights, we can expect enforcement actions to ramp up as organisations have now had time to implement recommendations.  8. Proactive approach to processor compliance As privacy programmes mature, organisations will focus on the entire data lifecycle, including third-party processors. The EDPB's opinion on data processors and sub-processors highlights the importance of controllers to ensure compliance throughout the data value chain. This will likely lead to more queries and demands from controllers to processors. 9. Board assurance on data protection With GDPR in effect for seven years, boards are increasingly concerned about data protection risks that extend beyond compliance, driving demand for assurance through audits and certifications, which are rapidly maturing.  10. Greater focus on transparency To empower data subjects, organisations must provide clear and practical transparency notices. Moving away from legalistic, lengthy and obscure notices to more informative ones will enhance transparency and build trust with data subjects. David O’Sullivan is Director of Privacy, Digital Trust and Artificial Intelligence Governance at Forvis Mazars

BlackRock’s 2025 Ireland Read on Retirement survey reveals Irish workers’ retirement anxieties. With auto-enrolment imminent, increased pension awareness is crucial, writes Tim Hodgson BlackRock’s 2025 Ireland Read on Retirement survey offers a revealing snapshot of the retirement landscape for Irish workers. The research exposes significant gaps between the recognized importance of pensions and the actual confidence workers have in achieving a comfortable retirement. Despite 81 percent of respondents acknowledging that pensions are the most effective means of securing a reasonable standard of living, just 41 percent feel they are on track to achieve this goal. The disconnect highlights the urgent need for enhanced financial planning and greater awareness of retirement savings. The survey identified a palpable sense of uncertainty among pre-retirees, aged 60–69, with more than a third uncertain whether their current trajectory will be sufficient to secure a comfortable retirement. This reality reflects broader anxieties within the workforce. It is evident that, while pensions are universally accepted as crucial, tangible readiness varies dramatically among workers, particularly between those with and without Defined Contribution (DC) workplace pensions. Workers lacking a DC pension express significantly less confidence in their retirement preparedness—just 26 percent of those without one feel on track, compared to 59 percent of their counterparts who enjoy the benefits of such schemes. Jumpstarting retirement savings As Ireland prepares for the introduction of the Auto-Enrolment Retirement Savings Scheme, called My Future Fund, the survey’s findings assume even greater significance. Scheduled to roll out in September 2025, this initiative aims to integrate as many as 800,000 Irish workers into an occupational pension scheme, jumpstarting retirement savings for many who have been without work or a private pension. The upcoming scheme is viewed as a watershed moment, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine how retirement savings are approached. More than two-thirds of survey participants indicated a willingness to opt into the scheme during its inaugural year, reflecting optimism about the potential of auto-enrolment to reverse current trends. However, the survey also revealed that only half of workers believe that an employee contribution rate of 4.5 percent is affordable, highlighting significant challenges that remain in the broader context of financial readiness. Generational divide Generational differences further complicate the picture. The survey found that saving for retirement ranks among the top three financial priorities for Pre-Retirees and Gen Xers. In contrast, Millennials treat it as the least pressing concern, placing it last among six financial priorities. This divergence suggests that while older generations are grappling with the immediate need to shore up retirement funds, younger workers may be postponing or deprioritising savings amid other financial demands. Additionally, 43 percent of overall respondents admitted that they should be saving more, and 32 percent felt they had started too late. A similar proportion expressed concern that state pension provisions might fall short once they retire. The research highlights that nearly nine in ten pre-retirees and Gen Xers lack a clear strategy to manage their pension pots upon retirement. A striking majority believe that pension schemes should prioritise guidance to help savers manage the transition from accumulation to decumulation. In essence, while saving for retirement remains a top priority for many, there is an urgent need for enhanced financial education and personalised solutions designed to ease the transition from saving during working years to drawing down those funds in later life. Retirement unease Overall, the insights provided by the Ireland Read on Retirement survey reflect a broader international trend of retirement unease. With initiatives such as auto-enrolment on the horizon, it is imperative that policymakers, employers, and financial advisors work together to bridge the gaps in awareness and affordability. Only then can the promise of a secure and comfortable retirement become a reality for all Irish workers. Exploring these themes further reveals the critical importance of informed financial planning, and it invites renewed discussion on how best to support diverse generations in their unique retirement journeys. Tim Hodgson is Head of UK and Ireland Defined Contribution Platforms and Retirement Solutions at BlackRock

With major tax deadlines ahead, strategic planning is crucial. Suzanne Mcilwaine outlines the changes on the way from 5 April and how to manage them wisely Announcements regarding Inheritance Tax (IHT) in the 2024 Autumn Budget have had a big impact on the business and farming sectors. Similarly, changes affecting individuals who benefit from the UK domicile and residence rules will significantly alter their tax landscape. While these topics warrant separate discussion, it's essential not to overlook several other changes that affect a broader range of taxpayers, as well as the usual considerations for tax year-end planning. To start, maximising annual tax-free reliefs and allowances before the 5 April 2025 deadline is crucial. Individuals have a personal savings allowance of £1,000 or £500, depending on whether they are basic or higher-rate taxpayers (this allowance is not available for additional-rate taxpayers). For those exceeding these thresholds or looking for a tax-efficient approach, the annual individual savings account investment allowance stands at £20,000. Additionally, contributing to retirement savings can yield significant benefits, with effective tax relief of 20, 40 or even 60 percent available on qualifying contributions, depending on individual circumstances. It’s important to review personal allowances and thresholds relevant to pension contributions before taking action. Those uncertain about their state pension position should apply for a state pension forecast and check their National Insurance (NIC) record for any gaps as soon as possible. This is particularly important, as the opportunity to pay voluntary NICs to bridge gaps from April 2006 to April 2016 will expire after 5 April 2025. Key changes to inheritance tax and capital gains tax There are several exemptions to IHT worth noting. An annual gift exemption allows individuals to give away £3,000 per donor, which can be carried forward for one year to a total of £6,000 if not utilised. Additionally, a small gifts exemption of £250 per beneficiary per tax year is also available. Be cautious with gifts of assets, however, as they may have other tax implications, including potential liability for capital gains tax (CGT). As of 30 October 2024, CGT rates rose from 10 to 18 percent for basic rate taxpayers and from 20 to 24 percent for higher rate taxpayers. The annual exemption for taxable gains is £3,000, so it’s important to use it, or you will lose it. Business owners eligible for Business Asset Disposal Relief will also see changes. The CGT rate on the first £1 million of eligible gains will increase from 10 to 14 percent, starting on 6 April 2025, with a further increase to 18 percent beginning on 6 April 2026. If a sale is anticipated, it is advisable to consider timing and pre-sale planning options sooner rather than later. Implications for property owners and investors The special tax treatment provided for Furnished Holiday Lets (FHL) will be eliminated from April 2025, resulting in the loss of favourable CGT treatment, full mortgage interest relief and Capital Allowances (CAs) on qualifying capital expenditures. FHL owners should re-evaluate their rental models; if short-term holiday lets remain a preferred option, they might consider accelerating qualifying capital expenditure to benefit from CAs while they are still available. Finally, for individuals purchasing residential property, the threshold for Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) will reduce from £250,000 to £125,000, effective from 1 April 2025. Additionally, the surcharge on individuals owning multiple residential properties has increased. Therefore, those looking to buy residential property should be clear about their SDLT liabilities and consider whether expediting their purchase could be advantageous. As with all tax planning, it is essential to consider both non-tax and financial implications, rather than focusing solely on the tax landscape. Suzanne Mcilwaine is a Tax Manager at Grant Thornton in Northern Ireland

As Irish businesses navigate economic uncertainty and technological disruption, Ger Twomey explores key insights from PwC and the WEF on future workforce challenges Irish organisations, like their global counterparts, are facing unprecedented transformation as they navigate technological disruption and economic uncertainty. As such, understanding the future of work has become critical.  The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Future of Jobs Report 2025 and PwC’s 28th Annual CEO Survey offer valuable insights into the evolving labour market. Drawing on data from over 1,000 leading global employers and close to 5,000 CEOs worldwide, these reports provide a roadmap for Irish organisations and employees preparing for the changing landscape of work. If Ireland’s workforce was represented by just 100 people, 67 would require further training by 2030. To break this down further: 31 could be upskilled within their current roles; 25 could be upskilled and redeployed within their organisations; and 11 would be unlikely to receive the necessary upskilling, putting their future employment at risk. This analogy paints a stark picture of the strategic workforce challenges organisations will face in the coming years. An evolving labour market The WEF's Future of Jobs Report 2025 projects significant changes in the global labour market, with 22 percent of today’s total jobs expected to be affected worldwide. This encompasses both job creation (equivalent to 14 percent of today's employment) and displacement (equivalent to 8 percent of current roles). This dynamic shift is characterised by two key trends. First, frontline jobs in sectors such as farming, construction, food processing and sales are expected to experience the largest growth in volume. Second, technology roles are anticipated to be the fastest growing by percentage. Among the roles poised for rapid growth are big data specialists, fintech engineers, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning experts, software developers and professionals in green transition and renewable or environmental engineering. This evolving landscape underscores the critical need for organisations to invest in developing relevant skills. Skills demand The evolution of the job market is driving significant changes in the required skills. The “skill instability” rate of 39 percent suggests that by 2030, two in five workers will need to transform their existing skill sets or risk obsolescence. Skills gaps have emerged as the primary barrier to organisational transformation. In Ireland, 75 percent of respondents identify this as a major challenge for the next five years, compared to 63 percent globally. This concern is echoed in PwC's CEO Survey, in which 91 percent of Irish CEOs express concern over skills availability. There are several skills that appear to be in demand: Analytical thinking remains the most sought-after skill, with 70 percent of organisations deeming it essential by 2025; Resilience, flexibility, agility, leadership and social influence are also core skills; and AI and big data top the list of fastest-growing skills, followed by technology literacy and cybersecurity. Notably, Ireland ranks most of these skills higher in importance than the global average. However, despite the emphasis on AI skills, only one-third of CEOs plan to integrate AI into their workforce and skills strategy, according to the PwC CEO Survey. Navigating the future of work The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 and PwC's CEO Survey offer crucial insights into the evolving landscape of work. These findings provide a roadmap for Irish businesses to build a resilient, adaptable and inclusive workforce ready for future challenges and opportunities. The global work environment is increasingly complex, influenced by factors such as: Growing geo-economic fragmentation; Rising cost of living; and Widespread adoption of AI tools. Despite these challenges, the outlook remains net-positive for employment. The rate of skills obsolescence is falling, thanks to successful reskilling, upskilling and redeployment initiatives implemented in recent years. Employers across various industries demonstrate a greater awareness and proactivity in addressing workforce challenges. However, skills gaps persist as the primary barrier to transformation. Future priorities are likely to include facilitating proactive and dynamic job transitions, as well as balancing deeper automation with broader workforce augmentation. By embracing these insights and taking decisive action, Irish businesses can position themselves at the forefront of the evolving work landscape, ensuring their workforce is well-equipped for the future. Ger Twomey is Director of Workforce Consulting at PwC

M&A activity in Ireland is growing, but post-transaction disputes continue to be a risk. Clear SPA drafting, due diligence and dispute resolution mechanisms are key to safeguarding deal value, writes Simon Rattigan Currently, there is a sense of positivity surrounding mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity in Ireland. We saw an increase in private equity-backed transaction activity in 2024 and this is expected to continue this year. The lowering of interest rates will make financing deals more affordable, and Ireland will remain an attractive location for foreign direct investment (FDI). Increased deal activity is encouraging for the economy, but transactions are not without risk, and post-transaction disputes remain a persistent factor in the M&A landscape. Disputes Buyers and sellers generally have different financial incentives, often leading to disputes when expectations set during the deal-making process are not met in the post-closing phase. To help safeguard deal value, it is important to understand the main types of disputes that can arise, including completion account disputes, earn-out disputes and breach of warranty claims. Completion account disputes When completion accounts are used for a transaction, they are typically prepared by the buyer, incorporating adjustments to working capital and other balance sheet items, as specified in the sales and purchase agreement (SPA).  While this mechanism adds complexity, it is generally favoured by the buyer because it provides an opportunity to test the balance sheet, which is appropriate where performance and/or working capital is volatile. Working capital disputes commonly arise when there is a lack of clarity regarding the accounting hierarchy in the SPA, which typically outlines the order of precedence. Issues can arise when: The SPA prescribes a valuation approach for inventory that is not in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The SPA states that bad debts should be fully provided for but does not clarify how they will be identified. The SPA requires the application of certain accounting policies but does not specify how judgment under those policies should be applied. The SPA is contradictory – for example, it requires completion accounts to be prepared consistently with historical accounts and practices, as well as in accordance with GAAP. This causes a challenge if historical accounts are not in accordance with GAAP. If the accounting hierarchy in the SPA is unclear, the scope for interpretation and, therefore, disagreement between the buyer and seller increases. Earnout disputes Earnouts are increasingly common features of purchase agreements, where part of the consideration paid to the seller is contingent on measurable, post-closing financial performance targets, such as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA). Earnouts are tailored to each deal and are generally favoured by buyers as they reduce uncertainty and offer cash flow benefits. However, disputes can arise when there is ambiguity in the SPA language regarding calculation methodology or the order of precedence of the accounting hierarchy. This can give rise to issues if there are changes in accounting polices during the earnout period or if the earnout calculation departs from specific accounting policies adopted for other reasons (i.e. preparing accounts for audit). Breach of warranty claims During a transaction, the seller will typically make representations to the buyer about the company regarding material financial, operational, legal, and compliance matters. Disputes can arise from factual misstatements made by the seller, which only come to light post-closing, caused by, for example: Material undisclosed liabilities; Status of key customer relationships and contracts; Compliance of financial statements with GAAP; Undisclosed legal or employment issues; and Fraudulent activity by management or employees. Where factual misstatements are identified post-closing, the buyer may seek to recover losses from the seller if it has suffered financial and/or reputational damage. As post-transaction disputes look to be on the rise, it is important to consider both prevention and cure. Mitigation Avoiding disputes is always preferable, and the risk of earnout disputes and completion account disputes can be mitigated with robust drafting of the SPA: that avoids flexibility/judgement in calculation methodologies; is specific in terms of accounting policies and assumptions; and establishes a clear accounting hierarchy. While misrepresentations may not be preventable, a robust due diligence process can help mitigate certain risks associated with a transaction. However, buyers often only gain full access to the financial and operational information when they take ownership. Post-closing reviews can help buyers identify issues at an early stage, minimise the disruption to the business, quantify the financial impact, and understand legal remedies available. Dispute resolution Disputes can still arise even with a well-drafted SPA, which is why dispute resolution clauses should introduce a level of certainty to the determination process. In most cases, the SPA will refer the matter for independent expert determination, but it is important that these clauses: Establish a clear expert selection mechanism; Preferably, identify the expert, not just the firm. Alternatively, they should be as specific as possible in identifying the required expertise; Clearly establish and limit which items can be disputed; Ensure the role of the expert is clearly defined, and the scope is within their area of expertise – i.e. an accounting expert cannot determine a point of law; and Clearly outline the dispute resolution procedure, including specific timelines. As deal activity in Ireland is expected to grow, post-transaction disputes remain a significant risk. To protect against these risks, businesses should prioritise the robust drafting of SPAs and ensure that clear dispute resolution mechanisms are in place to minimise business disruption. Buyers should also consider conducting post-transaction reviews at an early stage to investigate areas of risk or concern following the deal closing. Simon Rattigan is Director of Forensic and Investigation Services at RSM Ireland

Paul Guess explores how work stress can strain relationships and shares his advice on protecting your personal life from the impact of professional pressures Being on top of your tasks all the time sounds like a good thing. However, if you're glued to emails, drowning in deadlines and thinking about work 24/7, your relationship might be paying the price. In today’s fast-paced world, our careers can quickly spill over into our personal lives. In fact, 71 percent of people report that work stress has led to a relationship breakdown or divorce, demonstrating the potentially devasting consequences of demanding jobs.  Long hours, constant pressure and the mental strain of high-stress careers in professions such as accounting can push relationships to breaking point.  Recognise the warning signs We’ve all been there—juggling work deadlines, emails and endless tasks—but when that stress begins to creep into your relationships, the warning signs can be hard to ignore. You might tell yourself, “It’s fine, I’m just busy,” but this can create an emotional distance between you and your partner which can build over time.  In a recent report on burnout published by the Chartered Accountants’ Benevolent Association (CABA), more than half (54%) of respondents reported that feelings of burnout were affecting their ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance.   Burnout can make you feel more irritable, anxious or even detached, leading to more tension and miscommunication with your partner. Conversations become harder and you may just feel disconnected altogether.   For a busy accountant, there are often short periods of high stress, but when this pressure is prolonged over a period of months, the impact it can have on a relationship becomes evident. If you find your love life suffering because of work pressures, there are ways to keep things in check.    Set clear boundaries: It’s important to carve out time during your day when work can’t take over. Set boundaries at work and stick to them. Protecting your downtime is crucial for your mental health and your relationship.  Prioritise quality time with your partner:  It can be tough, but even small gestures like cooking dinner together, going for a walk or just talking about your day, can help you reconnect. It’s all about finding that balance between work and your personal life.  Practice open communication: If work is stressing you out, don’t keep it to yourself. Be open with your partner about what’s going on and how it’s affecting you. This way, they are not left in the dark, and they can offer support when you need it most.  If you are feeling overwhelmed, the first step is to acknowledge it and then talk to someone. Whether it’s talking to family and friends, or seeking professional support, relying on others can make a huge difference.   Next, see if you can implement helpful strategies, such as managing your workload or giving yourself small treats like going for a walk, or watching some football, for example. By setting boundaries, prioritising quality time with your partner and asking for help when you need it, you can make sure work stress doesn’t take over your life. Take proactive steps to protect both your career and your relationship—you’ll be better for it in the long run.  Paul Guess is a mental wellbeing expert at CABA

Russell Smyth explores KPMG’s latest research, revealing generational divides and public scepticism about Ireland’s capacity to meet our ambitious climate goals People are central to Ireland’s Climate Action Plan, yet KPMG research reveals that more than half (56 percent) continue to be concerned about climate change, down by just four percent from 60 percent in 2023. Climate concern is particularly notable among younger adults aged 18 to 34 and people aged over 65, with 62 percent in each group expressing unease.  In contrast, just 46 percent of those aged between 45 and 54 report similar levels of concern, suggesting a potential generational divide in attitudes toward climate change and Ireland’s capacity to tackle it effectively.  Twenty-six percent of the respondents we surveyed, meanwhile, do not believe efforts or plans to reduce emissions will be sufficient to meet Ireland’s Climate Action Plan goal. Fewer than one in 10 (six percent) believe Ireland will reduce emissions by 51 percent by 2030 in line with the current Government target. Thirteen percent consider this target to be completely unattainable, highlighting significant scepticism concerning Ireland’s ability to fulfil our climate commitments.  Clear and transparent communication With Ireland expected to cut total greenhouse gas emissions by up to 29 percent by 2030, the public scepticism captured in our research raises questions about the perceived effectiveness of current strategies and policies.  Our findings also underscore the urgent need to educate and engage communities on the role they can play in Ireland’s journey towards net zero. Instilling confidence in our ability to meet our decarbonisation targets requires clear and transparent communication and concrete actions that can deliver measurable progress. The power of data centres Data centres offer a promising opportunity to help transform Ireland’s energy sector. The transition towards renewable energy sources is key to reducing Ireland’s dependence on fossil fuels and achieving our net zero commitments. A prime example of this is the critical role data centres could play. Ireland’s rapidly growing data centre sector—if powered by renewable energy—could be crucial to achieving net zero emissions.  Data centres consume a lot of electricity. However, with proper investment and strategic planning, they could also help to drive demand for renewable energy, helping to balance the grid. Data centres with energy storage capabilities could store surplus renewable energy during peak generation periods, for example, and release it back to the grid during times of high demand. This would support grid stability and maximise the use of renewable energy resources.  Accelerating the transformation of the electricity sector will be crucial to supporting decarbonisation efforts across other industries. If powered by renewable energy, data centres could become a critical component of Ireland’s net zero strategy. They have the potential to meet higher demand for electricity while also providing essential services to businesses and consumers. Data centres also present a rare opportunity to attract inward investment from some of the world’s leading companies.  Stakeholder management Recognising the potential for renewable energy to drive Ireland’s decarbonisation will require significant investment in sustainable energy infrastructure, including greater wind and solar energy capacity and the development of adequate energy storage solutions. Collaboration among all stakeholders, including government, businesses and communities across the country, will be fundamental to ensuring data centres positively contribute to Ireland’s decarbonisation efforts.  Educating and empowering these groups to adopt sustainable practices will be critical. By making incremental changes—such as improving energy efficiency at home and work, supporting renewable energy initiatives and adopting low-carbon behaviours and technologies —every sector and citizen could potentially contribute to helping Ireland achieve our climate goals. Russell Smyth is Partner and Head of Sustainable Futures at KPMG 

Accounting firms can gain a valuable competitive edge by developing professional skills to complement technical excellence, writes Mary Cloonan For mid-sized accounting and advisory firms, growth and expansion isn't just about technical excellence. Winning new clients, strengthening relationships and building a standout reputation requires more than just number-crunching. When it comes to standing out in a competitive market, professional services can mean the difference between growth and stagnation. Your team may have deep expertise in tax, audit or corporate finance, but do they have the confidence to build relationships, communicate complex ideas clearly and position your firm as a trusted advisor to clients? Too often, firms fail to actively develop their team’s professional skills as a core element of their service offering. Why communication and commercial skills matter Traditionally, technical ability was enough to climb the ladder in accounting. If you were a brilliant accountant, career progression followed naturally—but not anymore. Clients now expect more than just technical expertise. They want commercial awareness, proactive advice and a relationship-driven approach. The most accomplished leaders in the profession have mastered their technical skills. What separates them from the pack is their ability to connect with clients, lead teams and create commercial opportunities. As artificial intelligence and automation become more embedded in accounting and advisory work, the human skills of communication, engagement and trust-building will likely become more prominent differentiators. The firms that recognise this shift are more likely to do well in the future—and, let’s be honest, calling these skills ‘soft’ is misleading. It makes them sound easy, like they can be picked up over tea and a chat. Anyone who has watched a technically brilliant, but socially awkward, colleague try to ‘build rapport’ with a client knows otherwise. Honing effective professional skills takes work, just like any other form of professional expertise. For a long time, many in the accounting profession believed these interpersonal competencies couldn’t be taught. However, professional skills can be improved and developed with practice, coaching and the right support One thing is for sure: if you don’t try, it definitely won’t happen. Firms risk losing talent if they don’t invest in professional development. Today’s accountants and advisors want more than a competitive salary, they want training, opportunities for career progression and scope to develop the skills needed to succeed in today’s dynamic business environment. Forward-thinking firms are responding by embedding business development, communication and leadership training into their culture. Recognising the importance of these professional skills is one thing, embedding them into your firm’s DNA is another. Here is how to make a real impact: 1. Offer training Firms invest heavily in continuing professional development and technical training but often neglect client-facing skills. Structured programmes covering business development, negotiation and executive presence should be built into career progression at every level. These skills are fundamental to long-term success. 2. Use mentoring to reinforce learning These skills cannot be developed in a seminar room alone. They require real-world practice. Pairing younger professionals with experienced partners can help build their confidence in client conversations, pitching and networking. However, mentoring only works when it is viewed and managed as a structured, firm-wide priority—not just an informal arrangement. A quick ‘shadow me in this meeting’ approach won’t cut it. 3. Measure what matters You are missing a trick if your performance metrics focus solely on billable hours and technical skills. Tracking client engagement, business development efforts and leadership contributions can help to reinforce the value of these skills. Encourage team members to record their networking activities and new business wins. This promotes accountability and highlights the contribution of rising stars in the firm. 4. Encourage client interaction Waiting until a team member is a senior manager before you put them in front of clients is a mistake. The sooner professionals gain experience in meetings, negotiations and relationship management, the better. Encourage managers and associates to lead discussions, present insights and handle follow-ups. This builds confidence and capability. (And let’s face it, the sooner they learn how to recover from a botched pitch or awkward introduction, the better.) 5. Embed a supportive culture If the partners at the top of a firm view business development as an obligation rather than an opportunity, this mindset is likely to filter down through the organisation. Senior leaders should lead by example by attending events, engaging in client conversations and mentoring their teams. A firm prioritising communication and relationship-building will stand out in a crowded market. The competitive advantage Firms that invest in interpersonal and leadership skills can potentially gain a real edge. They can build deeper client relationships, uncover more opportunities and create a culture in which growth is viewed as everyone’s responsibility, not just that of a few ‘rainmakers’. For managing partners, the message is clear: technical ability alone won’t drive your firm forward. The real differentiator is how well your team connects, communicates and builds trust. Make these professional skills a strategic priority, and the results will speak for themselves. If this sounds like hard work, so is tax legislation—and you mastered that just fine. Mary Cloonan is the founder of Marketing Clever

As US-EU trade tensions continue to escalate, now is the time for Irish businesses to prepare for any potential disruption by assessing their potential exposure and supply chain risks, writes John O’Loughlin On Wednesday, 26 February, during his first cabinet meeting, US President Donald Trump announced tariffs would be imposed on the European Union (EU), stating, “We have made a decision, and we’ll be announcing it very soon. It’ll be 25 percent.” Although no concrete implementation timeline has been disclosed, nor whether these rates will apply universally to all goods or only to certain industries, Trump indicated that levies would be applied “generally”, implying they would “be on cars and all other things”.  Digital services tax memo On 21 February, Trump signed a memorandum directing the US Trade Representative to renew investigations initiated during his first term and assess whether US companies are being adversely affected by countries levying Digital Service Taxes (DSTs). The findings of these reports may result in tariffs being imposed on these countries. Britain, France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Austria and Canada have been specifically noted within the memo as having DSTs and being subject to this investigation. The administration will also review EU and British policies that may undermine free speech or foster censorship. The Trump administration will also examine EU and British policies that could undermine free speech or encourage censorship. Previous tariffs were suspended to facilitate negotiations for a global tax deal, which have since stalled. Irish and EU reactions Given the heightened risk of a trade war between the US and the EU that has now emerged, companies in Ireland have been increasingly vocal about the potential impact. Glanbia noted that the risk of tariff wars “could potentially impact the importation of key raw materials and/or negatively impact on the group’s international sales channels”. Paul Merriman, founder of AskPaul and CEO of Fairstone Ireland, highlighted that “those who trade in pharmaceuticals and chemicals will see the most notable change as Trump has stated he wants to push manufacturing back onto US soil”. Key actions for businesses US import tariffs on EU goods now seem to be an imminent reality. Key actions businesses in Ireland can and should take include: Assessing your customs data to understand your exposure; Determining the customs origin of goods shipped to the US to see if they are considered to be EU-originating; and Gaining oversight of your end-to-end supply chain, including having the right data, to assess the impact on material sourcing and exposure for tariffs on component parts. Preparing for the future Keeping up to date with the policies and tariff measures implemented by Trump is crucial to evaluating the potential impact of these tariffs and risks to your supply chain. While the exact details of the US President’s EU tariffs are yet to be clarified, understanding your product portfolio and the implications these measures may have on your imports is a vital first step.  John O'Loughlin is Partner for Global Trade & Customs at PwC Ireland You can read John’s earlier article on the global threat of US tariffs at www.accountancyireland.ie

With nearly one-third of UK adults feeling anxious about money, Tom Barrett explores practical ways to manage finances without letting stress take control Financial stress is an increasing reality for many in the UK, with studies reporting a strong link between conditions like depression and anxiety with those experiencing money struggles. According to research from The Mental Health Foundation, close to one-third of UK adults (31%) feel anxious due to their financial status, while more than a quarter (27%) feel stressed.  Understanding financial anxiety   For many people, financial anxiety can manifest into habits like constantly checking their bank balance. A recent report by Lloyd’s Banking Group found that just 55 percent of Brits feel comfortable checking their bank balance, while one in four (23%) worry about their finances at least once a week.   While checking your bank balance isn’t necessarily a bad habit, if you find yourself becoming obsessive or feeling significant anxiety, it may indicate a larger issue and could be worth considering reducing the frequency with which you check your balance.   With 17 million Brits experiencing daily financial anxiety, it’s evident that financial well-being needs urgent attention. Frequently arising from historical money concerns, overspending or the fear of insufficient resources, cultivating a healthy relationship with your personal finances is essential.   So, how can you stay financially aware without triggering stress or worry?   While it is essential to manage your finances, habits such as frequently checking your bank account can lead to stress rather than control. Worrying about money involves not only the figures, but also the emotional weight connected to financial security. Fortunately, there are ways to maintain awareness without allowing it to negatively impact your mental and physical well-being. Schedule regular check-ins Rather than engaging in regular impulsive checks, allocate specific times (weekly or monthly) to conduct a thorough review of your finances. Think of it as a financial check-in and set a recurring appointment with yourself. During each ‘check-in’, review transactions, look for unnecessary expenses (e.g. subscriptions or direct debits you might have forgotten to cancel) and track your progress. Make necessary adjustments and stick to them. Review your direct debits   Don’t become complacent about your direct debits. Dedicate some time to shopping around for better deals on your regular outgoings once or twice a year. This includes things like insurance (e.g. car, home, life), phone contracts, internet providers and energy bills. Comparison sites can make this process easier, helping you save money and improve your bank balance over time. Build a financial safety net  This doesn’t generally need to be said to accountants, but it’s worth repeating for anyone: financial emergency funds are important. If you can do it, setting up a small emergency fund can provide reassurance and reduce stress related to unexpected bills or expenses. Knowing you have a safety net can make checking your finances less daunting and easier to handle.   Use budgeting tools   Even accountants need help sometimes. Budgeting tools are a great way to manage your money without the anxiety of constantly checking your accounts. Tools that help you budget can give you a clear overview of your spending patterns and allow you to stay proactive. Many apps also offer features like spending summaries categorised by type (e.g. food, travel, entertainment) and goal tracking all in one place. These provide valuable insights to keep you on track, which can then reduce your anxiety. Seek support when needed  If worrying about your finances is part of a bigger problem distressing you, it’s important to reach out for support. Whether it’s accessing advice from a charity like caba or seeking out financial resources, there is support out there to help you build healthier money habits, reduce your anxiety about your finances and provide tailored advice realistic to your situation. Tom Barrett is Financial Wellbeing Expert at caba

Dan Byrne explores the turbulent future of ESG investing as political headwinds, shifting investor priorities and global divisions challenge what was once seen as the surefire future of finance Things are heating up around environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing—a movement that, just a few short years ago, was supposed to be the future. For years, it seemed unstoppable, but now ESG is being tested. This is the year of backlash, motivated mainly by the change of government in the US. To put it simply, the Trump administration sees ESG less as the way forward and more as a punching bag. In response, some corporate giants in the US are disowning ESG or shutting up about it. Others are wondering what to do next.  It’s the pressing question for company boards: how do they proceed from here, given the considerable hostility towards a movement that continues to attract significant investment and, in many countries, solid legal support? The mayhem surrounding ESG Some reports suggest that investor support for ESG proposals may be waning.  According to a report from ShareAction, just 1.4 percent of ESG-related shareholder resolutions won majority approval in 2024. While this covers the US, it also includes the UK and EU, territories in which ESG was supposed to have strong backing.  These resolutions are not legally binding, but they can—and often do—pressure boards into shifting their goalposts.  One of the main drivers of the success of these ESG-related shareholder resolutions is the support of any asset managers who might have a stake in individual companies. The ShareAction report also found that the most prominent managers in the world, including BlackRock, Vanguard, State Street, and Fidelity, backed just seven percent of these resolutions.  It also found significant geographical discrepancies among asset managers in general, noting that those in Europe backed 81 percent of resolutions and those in the US backed just 25 percent. These numbers hammer home the idea that ESG lives two separate lives at this point, which isn’t easy to navigate for cross-border businesses. Future outlook With Donald Trump back in the White House and Republicans solidifying their influence on US business, ESG is going to have an even tougher time there. The US administration has already rolled back climate-related rules and made it harder for investors to push companies on sustainability. Trump’s Securities and Exchange Commission leadership is shifting power from shareholders to corporate boards, which means fewer ESG resolutions making it to a vote in the first place. Globally, the picture is different but equally puzzling. Europe still sees ESG as essential, with regulations such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) making sustainability reporting mandatory. Many Asian markets are also ramping up ESG requirements, particularly in finance.  If ESG now operates in two divided worlds, we can expect the trends in one to spill over into the other all the time, creating more headaches for anyone caught in the middle. Advice for corporate leaders The smartest thing corporate leaders can do right now is to read the room—focus on your stakeholders and what they want. If your investors, customers and regulators care about ESG, it should be a priority. In this scenario, you will need the right strategy and trained talent sitting on your board who will be able to offer the proper guidance when called upon.   However, there is no longer a universal ESG playbook—what works in Frankfurt might be poison on Wall Street. This means businesses need to take a more strategic, tailored approach. For companies operating in multiple markets, this balancing act is even trickier. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about messaging. How do you talk about sustainability in a way that resonates with European investors but doesn’t alienate US stakeholders? How do you maintain ESG commitments without getting caught in the political crossfire? This is where adaptability is key. Training executives and board members on regional ESG dynamics, monitoring regulatory shifts and crafting flexible ESG strategies will be essential. Shifting tides The ESG landscape has diverged, and businesses can no longer afford to take a one-size-fits-all approach in this kind of mayhem. While the movement still holds weight in many parts of the world, the political and financial headwinds emanating the US are impossible to ignore. Corporate leaders need to be pragmatic—ESG isn’t dead, but it is no longer a guaranteed win. The companies that succeed will be the ones that can navigate these shifting tides without losing sight of what matters most to their own stakeholders. Dan Byrne is Content Manager with The Corporate Governance Institute

Ireland’s transport sector is becoming more sustainable, yet sales of electric vehicles fell in 2024. Tackling affordability, infrastructure and incentives will be key to regaining momentum, writes Sean Casey Ireland’s transport sector is responsible for about one-fifth of the total carbon emissions generated in Ireland, with close to half coming from passenger cars. This makes the decarbonisation and electrification of passenger cars and other road vehicles critical to Ireland’s ability to meet our climate targets. Despite this, The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) reported a 23.6 percent drop in EV sales in Ireland in 2024 compared to the previous year. So, what are the roadblocks impacting Ireland’s EV uptake? The fifth annual EY Global Mobility Consumer Index report highlights consumer concerns regarding: EV affordability; Subsequent battery replacement costs; The sufficiency of adequate public charging infrastructure; Duration of charging time; Battery range; Depreciation; Future trade-in value; and The environmental effects of EV battery production. Although there are some indications of recovery in Ireland’s EV market, immediate improvements in state-backed measures—including those recently proposed in the draft Programme for Government 2025—are essential to recharging the EV adoption drive. Legislative and regulatory landscape Part of the wider Fit for 55 initiative, The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 (AFIR) introduces measures designed to ensure: The minimum infrastructure necessary for the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles across all transport modes; Full interoperability of this infrastructure; Comprehensive user information and adequate payment options at alternative fuel infrastructure (such as EV charging points). The regulation establishes several mandatory targets for the deployment of this infrastructure. To support the implementation of AFIR in Ireland, the Department of Transport has opened a public consultation seeking feedback to develop an updated National Policy Framework for Alternative Fuels Infrastructure in Transport. The updated framework has yet to be published but is expected to complement: Existing frameworks, including the National Road Network EV Charging Plan and Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan; Existing legislation, including S.I. No. 535/2022, the ‘Part L Amendment’ to Building Regulations 1997 to 2022, which sets out new regulations on charging infrastructure in building developments. The framework will also support the delivery of 2030 Climate Action Plan (CAP) targets, including 845,000 passenger EVs, 95,000 light goods vehicles, 3,500 heavy goods vehicles and 1,500 EV buses. Despite the continued rise in the overall number of EVs on Irish roads, sales dipped by 23.6 percent in 2024, year-on-year. The current rate of new EV registrations is below that needed to meet Ireland’s ambitious CAP targets.  Measures needed for acceleration State-supported measures are now required to boost EV adoption rates and we recommend that policymakers: Identify and address barriers to utilising available en route charging infrastructure funding. Additionally, subsequent grant scheme phases should aim to include all national single and dual-carriageway roads. Review all open market selling price thresholds and consider increasing vehicle registration tax (VRT) relief. Review customs duties on second-hand EV imports, as set out in the draft Programme for Government 2025. Consider a capped increase in EV purchase grants, restoring the amount available to motorists to pre-July 2023 levels (€5,000), and consider extending financial incentives to used EVs. Work with the regulator and system operators to launch a flexibility awareness campaign, consistent with actions set out in the Commission for Regulation of Utilities’ National Energy Demand Strategy, to reduce barriers to entry and support conditions in which  battery EVs can participate readily and flexibly. Ireland’s electric future The decarbonisation and electrification of transport will be essential to Ireland’s delivery of its climate targets, per the CAP. Sales of EVs in Ireland slowed in 2024, however, prompted by concerns about affordability, charging infrastructure and future trade-in values. Last year’s fourth quarter sales suggest a positive turnaround may be on the way for the EV market in 2025, but enhanced state-backed measures are needed now to boost EV adoption. A rebound is possible, but only if policymakers act swiftly to remove barriers and reinvigorate consumer confidence in Ireland’s electric future. Sean Casey is Partner and Consulting and Head of Energy and Assets at EY Ireland

Ornaith Giblin outlines the essential steps to achieving a healthy work-life balance for high-level executives striving to manage heavy schedules and competing priorities A high-powered executive who runs a multi-million euro business, also sits on the boards of several not-for-profits, is raising two kids and has just run a second marathon. How do they do it? How is it possible to lead a business, contribute pro-bono time and have a work-life balance that prioritises family and fitness? This “art” of time management and efficiency doesn’t come easy. We have all developed, read about, adopted and rejected various methods—some successful and some not—to try to boost our productivity. However, people often still find themselves frustratingly short of time. What is absolutely clear is that the people who rise to the top usually have the art of time management nailed—often to a level that puts the rest of us to shame. So, what principles do they employ that we could all learn from? Learn to let go and delegate If you are a new manager, you will understand first-hand the battle here. You hold on to the tendency to “do” because you’re the best one to do the job, and taking the time to train someone else doesn’t seem any more time efficient. Even for senior managers, this is an issue. You might have strengths that place you as the best project manager, process improver, statutory reporter or deep-dive analyser, but if you did all of this all the time, you would have no time for team leadership, strategy or driving commercial objectives. Approach this situation from another viewpoint: what do you do that no one else is qualified to do? You were hired to take care of the higher-level aspects of your job and this must be prioritised. Business-as-usual can be delegated. Not only will it boost your team, but you might be pleasantly surprised by what others can do when asked to step up to the challenge. Make a plan and then a contingency plan I write the next day’s plan the evening before. This practice helps me assess my progress and gain insights into my productivity patterns over time. I remove what I’ve completed from my earlier plan, reschedule unfinished tasks for the next day and note a few new priorities requiring attention. Even more critical, however, is the need for a contingency plan to help manage the unknown. It is crucial to set aside a “free” hour each day to manage unforeseen issues. If you find you don’t need this hour, use it to speed up the delivery of other outlined priorities. Focus on results rather than hours People focus on the time it will take to complete a task. Task completion will invariably expand to fill the allocated time. In accounting, you are even more susceptible to this mindset, even if you work in industry, due to the industry-accepted practice of “billable hours”. Instead of analysing a task in terms of how long you anticipate it will take, allocate the time to the task in a way that aligns with the value of the end result. Your success will not be measured by how long you work, but rather what results you deliver. Set your hours and create distance At first glance, it may seem arbitrary to set working hours for the sake of having a work-life balance. If you have nothing planned, why not work into the evening and get a few more things done? Because working all the hours you have available will dull your shine. Frequently, ambitious people work more because they’re always “on”, driven by the buzz, and feel that the more work they get done, the better. However, taking the time for yourself means you can show up the next day fresh and full of ideas. Whether it’s setting hours so you can get out and exercise, spend time with your family, or just kick your feet up, distance is essential for idea generation, innovation and creativity in your work. Ornaith Giblin is a consultant at Barden