Breakfast Business

Tuesday's business news review with Emmet Oliver.

Venture capital investment in generative AI jumped by 65% in the first 11 months of the year.  That’s according to new analysis from EY Ireland, whose Technology, Media and Entertainment and Telecommunications Industry Leader Grit Young.

Echelon data centres welcome the new direction from the commission for the regulation of utilities concerning large energy users. All to discuss with Niall Molloy, CEO, Echelon Data Centres.

Monday business markets news with Emmet Oliver along with Russ Mould from AJ Bell. 

All the market and business news with Joe Lynam along with Austin Hughes  from AJ Bell.

Needless to say cyber risks top the poll for major international companies as the biggest source of threats.  That's followed by a global economic slowdown and potential regulatory or legislative changes coming down the tracks.  The global risk survey was carried out by the professional services company AON. Speaking to Joe this morning was Rachael Ingle the Chief Executive of AON Ireland. 

There was another serious warning about Ireland’s over dependence on a small cohort of American multinationals today.  The ESRI said that these firms were making substantial positive contributions to the country But potential job cuts and America’s tilt towards nationalism could jeopardise that Foreign investment and growth in Ireland.  The report also looks at how we can grow home-grown productivity here. Prof Martina Lawless is the Director of the ESRI.

Thursdays business news headlines with Joe Lynam.

December and early January are usually the busiest period for furniture sales. Many of us like new stuff for Christmas and others like to refresh our homes during the Winter sales.  One of the biggest furniture retailers is of course IKEA and now they've launched an interest free financing for bigger purchases. But should we be encouraging shoppers to take out money on credit - even if the rate is 0%?  Joe discuss all with Callum Leavy, the Country Service Experience Lead with IKEA Ireland.  

For decades pharmacists have been giving free advice and care to their customers but now, they will be able to legally prescribe some medication as well.  It’s a step change and will hopefully unclog GP surgeries but also benefit pharmacies economically.  They will only be allowed to prescribe 8 very specific symptoms but it’s hoped the list will grow.  All to discuss with Caoimhe McAuley who is Director of Pharmacy & Superintendent Pharmacist with Boots and IPU Vice-president. 

Some of you out there may have already had free gifts from your employer. Some of you may have received a prepaid credit card and some of you may have received other rewards from the boss.But employers and employees need to know that the total value in any year can never exceed €1500 if Benefit in Kind is to be avoided.  We’re also approaching the deadline for contractors who aren't on payroll to be registered with Revenue if most of their income comes from one company.  All to discuss with Michelle Dunne, Employment Tax Director with Grant Thornton. 

We’re only a few weeks away from the start of auto enrollment whereby nearly everyone at work will be signed up to a pension scheme.  But many employers can opt to launch their workplace retirement schemes and often do this saving with giants like Zurich, Irish Life or Aviva.  As of this week they could choose to go for a brand-new Irish pension company offering a low-cost digital-only way for them to save their and their workers’ retirement savings. Speaking to Joe with more on this was Ailish Dooley the Chief Executive with Zen Pensions. 

Wednesday's business headlines with Joe Lynam.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s State of Competition in Ireland reports suggest that competition has weakened in several important areas within the Services Sector of the economy in recent years. Speaking to Emmet this morning was  Brian McHugh.

Tuesday's business headlines along with Emmet Oliver.

New research from Matrix Recruitment finds bullying and even far-right sentiment on the rise in Irish workplaces. Emmet spoke to Recruitment Manager Joanne Foley about the findings.

The average property in the existing homes market is being sold once every 50 years.  That’s according to a new report from property portal MyHome, in association with Bank of Ireland, which found that the rate at which existing homeowners, with mortgage debt, move home is now less than half the UK level.  All to discuss with Conall MacCoille, Chief Economist, Bank of Ireland.

Emmet Oliver takes a run through the major business stories and market trends along with Kathleen Brooks from XTB.

The government is today launching a new report Assessing Economic Trends in Ireland and Northern Ireland.  This is the first report in a new annual series from the Economic and Social Research Institute examining economic developments across the island of Ireland.  Joining Emmet this morning was Dr. Adele Bergin is an Associate Research Professor with the ESRI and co-author of the report. 

Senior directors and officers of a company currently must publish their usual residential address with the Companies Registration Office.  But the government is worried that may open these senior executives to abuse or even fraud.  That’s why it is consulting widely to see if the Companies Act needs to be changed to provide the public with a ‘contact address’ in Ireland - while keeping the residential details on file with the CRO.All to discuss with Niamh Smyth is the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise with special responsibility for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation.