Munster SMEs lead AI Adoption with high optimism towards future-focused Investment plan

• Munster SMEs plan to invest an average of €170,000 over the next twelve months, with digital technology and recruitment as top priorities
• 40% of Munster SMEs have implemented AI technology in their operations, 10% higher than the national figure
• 36% of SMEs in Munster feel more confident making major investments now the General Election is over however opinions remain divided on government supports for SMEs

Business confidence among SMEs in Munster remains strong with 90% feeling optimistic about their prospects for 2025 despite rising business costs and geopolitical volatility. This is according to research conducted by Bibby Financial Services Ireland, a leading provider of financial support and funding solutions to Irish SMEs.

Six out of ten businesses in Munster say they expect sales to rise over the next six months, with none of those surveyed expecting sales to decrease. In comparison, 78% of Connaught SMEs expect an increase, however 6% foresee a decrease.

Munster businesses surveyed said their top opportunities for the next six months are attracting new customers (42%) and expanding their workforce (36%). In terms of business transitions, 26% are exploring the opportunity of a merger or acquisition and 8% are considering the full sale of their business to an outside entity – the lowest figure across all provinces with 14% being the national average.

Munster SMEs have big plans to invest in the coming months, with 90% intending to do so. When asked how much they plan to invest in their business over the next year, the average figure quoted by businesses, excluding those with no plans, was approximately €170,000. This compares to the national average figure of €193,000. The highest investment figure recorded is in Connaught, at €213,500. Investing in digital technology and AI is the top priority for Munster SMEs (38%), as well as recruitment at 32%.

40% of Munster SMEs have now implemented AI technology in their operations, with another 18% planning to do so. This is the highest figure across all provinces, 10% more than the national average. Across Ireland, AI adoption is highest in the wholesale sector (44%) with SMEs primarily using AI for enhancing customer service (57%), marketing and sales (38%), automating operations (36%) and data analysis and decision making (32%). However, some of the barriers to AI adoption included lack of knowledge (41%), high costs (31%), data security concerns (23%) and fear of using technology (19%).

36% in Munster say they feel more confident making major investments now the General Election is over, however, opinions remain divided on whether the new government will provide better support for SMEs, with one-third nationwide expecting improvement and another third anticipating no change. The top government measures SMEs would like to see include:

• Providing low-interest loans or grants for expansion and job creation (54%)
• Lowering or stabilising business energy costs (40%)
• Simplifying taxes and introducing tax incentives (36%)

Mark O’Rourke, Managing Director of Bibby Financial Services Ireland, says the results of this survey demonstrate the optimism and hunger for growth among the Munster SME community despite the challenging geopolitical factors influencing the wider industry.

“It’s always positive to hear that 90% of SMEs in Munster are optimistic and remain bullish about the months ahead and expect an increase in sale, regardless of outside influences causing uncertainty.

With 36% of respondents saying they feel confident making major investments now that the general election is over, it is crucial that the government support SMEs both large and small by introducing measures such as tax incentives, lower energy costs and low interest loans to encourage job creation and expansion.

Additionally, it’s encouraging to see the willingness and action in the province to adapt to the technology of today, with 40% having already implemented AI, the highest across the country, and priorities turning towards this advancement.

While there are promising signs of recovery, the market is changing and geopolitical divisions are continuing to grow. We must be prepared for these changes and it is vital the government takes action now to safeguard the future of these businesses.”

About Bibby Financial Services Ireland

Bibby Financial Services is Ireland’s largest independent provider of financial funding solutions to Irish SMEs. Operating across the island of Ireland for 18+ years, the company, on average, facilitates over €1m+ a week in new funding limits – in addition to the millions in weekly payments to existing clients - to enable a range of scenarios including cashflow funding, growth and expansion, management buy-ins and buy-outs, refinancing, corporate restructuring and mergers and acquisitions.