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BT has confirmed the sale of its Irish wholesale and enterprise unit to Speed Fibre Group in a deal worth €22 million. The agreement, which includes BT Communications Ireland Limited (BTCIL), is currently awaiting regulatory approval and is expected to be finalised later in 2025. As part of the transaction, BT and Speed Fibre Group will continue working together through a long-term connectivity agreement, ensuring seamless service delivery for their respective customers. Strategic Move for BT in Ireland BT’s decision to offload its Irish wholesale and enterprise division aligns with its broader strategy of streamlining operations and focusing on core…
Launching a startup is an exciting yet challenging endeavour, especially in today’s uncertain economic climate. While the UK remains a hub for entrepreneurship, recent figures show that only 316,000 startups were launched in 2023, the lowest rate since 2010. With rising costs, market saturation and increasing competition, business hacks for startups are more crucial than ever for staying ahead. The good news? Startups now have access to smart strategies and cost-effective tools that can reduce expenses, enhance customer engagement, and drive growth without overstretching budgets. Here are six key business hacks that can help UK startups stay competitive. 1. Adopt…
A retail investment opportunity has emerged at Dublin Landings, one of the capital’s most prestigious mixed-use developments. A portfolio of nine retail units, along with five secure car parking spaces, has been brought to market by CBRE with a guide price of €4.5 million. The north docklands development, a joint venture between Ballymore and Oxley, is home to over 750,000sq ft of office space and 13,750sq ft of retail accommodation, making it an attractive proposition for investors seeking strong rental returns and future growth potential. High-Profile Tenants and Strong Rental Income The retail units span a total of 13,750sq ft,…
Retail sales growth picked up in December as shoppers increased spending on clothing, footwear, and cars, according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The data showed a 1.1% rise in retail sales volume, signalling a modest rebound in consumer confidence. However, while several retail sectors experienced gains, spending in bars continued to decline, highlighting the lingering effects of the cost-of-living crisis. Fashion, Cars, and Home Improvement Lead Retail Gains On an annual basis, retail sales volumes climbed 0.8% compared to December 2023. Inflation has put pressure on consumer spending over the past year, but real wage growth…
European stocks saw a volatile trading session on Tuesday, ultimately finishing higher as investors navigated a mix of corporate earnings reports and ongoing trade tensions. Market sentiment remained cautious following US President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats, though a temporary pause in planned surcharges provided some relief. The Stoxx 600 index, which had suffered its sharpest daily decline of the year on Monday, rebounded as financial and automotive shares led the recovery. Meanwhile, concerns about China’s retaliatory tariffs continued to weigh on global markets. Dublin Market Bounces Back Ireland’s Iseq index climbed 1.1%, recovering losses from the previous session. AIB…
European stock markets managed to shake off early declines, closing higher on Wednesday, buoyed by strong performances in the healthcare sector. Meanwhile, Wall Street faced challenges due to disappointing tech earnings and concerns over global trade policies. Dublin Market Remains Steady The Irish stock exchange remained flat following Tuesday’s 1.1% gain. AIB and Bank of Ireland shares remained steady at €5.72 and €9.54 per share, respectively. Despite an initial dip, Ryanair shares edged up by nearly 1% to €20.50, following a modest 2% increase in January passenger numbers. The airline attributed the slower growth to delays in Boeing aircraft deliveries.…
More than two-thirds of tourism businesses across Ireland raised their prices last year, citing increasing operational costs as the driving factor. While the industry has seen a rise in revenue and maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook, many businesses are struggling to balance affordability with financial sustainability. A recent analysis by Fáilte Ireland presents a mixed scenario. The 2024 tourism barometer, published by the national tourism body, reveals that despite financial pressures, 56 per cent of businesses turned a profit, while 24 per cent broke even. However, many in the sector are concerned that continuous price hikes could impact Ireland’s appeal…
In the 1970s and 1980s, cars rarely lasted beyond a decade before rust or mechanical failure rendered them useless. Fast forward to today, and vehicle durability has vastly improved, with many cars on Irish roads running smoothly for 20 years or more. While this is economical for consumers and waste reduction, it presents a challenge for reducing carbon emissions. A large proportion of the 100,000 new petrol and diesel cars purchased annually in Ireland will still be in use by 2040, continuously emitting greenhouse gases. Additionally, most second-hand imports into Ireland are also fossil-fuel-powered, locking the country into high road…