News

How Rising Employment Costs Can Change the Profitability of an Irish SME

25th August 2026

We here at Derek Madden believe that employment costs deserve much closer attention than simply looking at the salary paid to each employee. For Irish SMEs, the true cost of employment can include employer PRSI, pension contributions, benefits, recruitment, training, leave and other employment-relat…

The Financial Case for Building a Business Emergency Fund in 2026

24th August 2026

At Derek Madden we believe that financial resilience is an important part of running a successful business. An emergency fund can give an Irish SME greater flexibility when unexpected costs arise, customers pay late or trading conditions change. In 2026, where businesses continue to face changing co…

Why Irish SMEs Should Review Their VAT Position Before the Next Growth Phase

21st August 2026

At Derek Madden we believe that VAT should be considered as part of a business’s growth strategy, rather than treated solely as a compliance obligation. As an Irish SME expands, changes in turnover, customers, products, suppliers and trading arrangements can all affect its VAT position. Reviewing th…

Top 5 Financial Questions to Ask Before Taking on a Major Business Loan

20th August 2026

At Derek Madden we believe borrowing can be an important part of growing an Irish business, funding investment or managing a major opportunity. However, taking on significant debt is a decision that can affect cash flow, profitability and financial flexibility for years. Before committing to a major…

The Hidden Financial Impact of Employee Benefits and Perks for Irish Businesses

19th August 2026

At Derek Madden we believe that employee benefits can play an important role in attracting and retaining good people, particularly in a competitive employment market. However, the cost of benefits and perks can extend well beyond the headline figure. For Irish SMEs, understanding the full financial,…

Why Irish SMEs Should Review Their Debtor Days Before Cash Flow Comes Under Pressure

18th August 2026

At Derek Madden we believe that strong sales are only valuable when they translate into cash. For Irish SMEs, keeping a close eye on debtor days can provide an early warning that customer payments are taking too long and working capital is becoming stretched. A business can appear profitable on pape…

Top 5 Tax Planning Checks Irish SMEs Should Complete Before the End of 2026

17th August 2026

At Derek Madden we believe effective tax planning is about more than preparing for a tax deadline. For Irish SMEs, reviewing your position before the end of 2026 can help identify available reliefs, avoid unnecessary liabilities and ensure important financial decisions are made with a clear understa…

Why Business Owners Should Review Their Cost Base Before Their Profit Margins Decline

14th August 2026

At Derek Madden we believe that protecting profitability is not simply about increasing sales or raising prices. One of the most effective ways to maintain strong financial performance is to regularly review the costs of running the business. Many SME owners only begin examining expenditure after pr…

Top 5 Reasons Profitable Businesses Still Experience Financial Pressure

13th August 2026

At Derek Madden we believe that one of the most common misconceptions among business owners is that profitability automatically leads to financial security. While generating a profit is essential, it does not always guarantee that a business will have sufficient cash available to meet its day to day…

How Strong Financial Reporting Helps Businesses Spot Opportunities Earlier

12th August 2026

At Derek Madden we believe that financial reporting should do far more than explain what happened last month. For growing SMEs, good financial reporting provides valuable insight into where the business is heading and highlights opportunities that might otherwise remain unnoticed. Many business owne…