Looking to the Future

Businesses were asked how they expect their business to perform in the next six months:

Over the next 6 months do you expect your:

Despite the challenges of recruitment and retention, skills gaps, lack of housing, soaring energy costs and inflation, the outlook remains positive for Fingal all businesses. Over 45% said they expect staff numbers to rise, while almost 70% said staff training will increase in their organization.

Almost 65% of organisations said they expect revenue to increase and almost 45% expect profits to increase over the next six months.

Conclusion

Despite the huge challenges that comes with of lack of housing, difficulty in attracting and retaining employees, rising business and energy costs, Fingal businesses are working hard to provide products and services across all sectors of industry.

Businesses have just completed a full year of post pandemic trading and they are continuing to adjust to the changes that two year disruption brought to everyone’s lives.

The pandemic has forever changed how we do business, how we work, how our employees want to work. New phrases such as ‘the great resignation’, ‘quiet quitting’, ‘stay interviews’ are common in workplaces.

The overriding outlook from Fingal businesses is positive with an increase in recruitment, upskilling, revenue and profits forecasted for the majority of businesses. However, now, more than ever it is important that businesses in the region work together to build resilience into their business models so we are all better prepared for the next disrupter.

Fingal is a great place to do business and there is huge appetite to build on what the region has to offer. It has significant economic advantages including Dublin Airport, fast access to Dublin Port, rail, road, power and telecommunications infrastructure.

The implementation of Fingal County Council’s 2023-2029 Development Plan has now been ratified. This plan is important for the future success of the region, it will bring great opportunities for businesses and residents of Fingal. Further development of enterprise zones, ambitious housing targets, enhanced public spaces, new greenways and cultural developments will bring major transformations to the area. Fingal Chamber will continue to work in collaboration with Fingal County Council to support these positive changes for everyone’s benefit.

The Chamber will continue to leverage its association with Skillnet Ireland and Adare Human Resource Management to support businesses requiring training and HR expertise in the Fingal region.

Fingal Chamber Skillnet supports regional development by helping local businesses to arrive at shared local solutions that are more accessible, affordable and effective in meeting their needs. The collaboration of the two organisations address both technical and non-technical skills needs across multiple sectors. Benefits of Skillnet training include more productive staff, improved retention rates, increased staff motivation, cost-effective training, a skilled workforce and a competitive and progressive workplace.

Feedback from this Business Sentiment Survey forms an important part of the Chamber’s work enabling us to effectively advocate and deliver further positive change for Fingal and its businesses.

The next Fingal Chamber Business Sentiment Survey will be conducted later this year.