CCPC report: Over half of Irish businesses report no expansion, citing recruitment and cost barriers (assets.ccpc.ie)

• 54% of businesses have not expanded in three years; 56% have no future expansion plans.
• Most cited barriers: recruiting employees (45%), operating costs (23%), raising capital (17-22%), global economy.
• Cluster analysis identifies four business segments: Market Leaders, Financially Resilient but Knowledge-Constrained, Vulnerable, and Knowledge-Driven but Financially Constrained.

"The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission's 'State of Competition in Ireland' report, based on over 500 survey responses, finds that 54% of Irish businesses have not expanded in the past three years and 56% have no expansion plans. Key barriers include difficulty recruiting suitable employees, high operating costs, raising capital, and adverse global economic conditions. The report identifies four core barrier factors: competitive environment, knowledge gaps, financial capacity, and administration & skills. It segments businesses into four clusters and recommends targeted policy responses to address these structural barriers."