Supporting businesses to launch & scale

Lauren Byrne

BIK on Commercial Vehicles – CAREFUL NOW!

What is BIK?

Benefit in Kind (BIK) is a tax charge applied when an employer provides an employee with any benefit, such as a company car, which is used for personal purposes. The value of the benefit is subject to PAYE, PRSI, and USC.

There are many misconceptions about Benefit in kind (BIK) on commercial vehicles.

  • “It’s a van, so no BIK.” – Incorrect. When a van is used for personal trips, even occasionally, it can be subject to BIK.
  • “It’s my company, so I no BIK.” – Incorrect. All directors and employees must follow Revenue rules.
  • “The vehicle is parked at the workplace overnight, so no BIK.” – Incorrect. Any personal use outside of work, even if minimal, can lead to BIK liability.

It is essential for all business owners and employees who use company vehicles, to understand the rules around BIK on commercial vehicles. With increased Revenue scrutiny, it’s crucial to ensure compliance while managing costs effectively.

BIK on Commercial Vehicles

BIK treatment for commercial vehicles is different to that for passenger cars.

General Definition of Commercial Vehicles:

  • A van (designed primarily for carrying goods, not passengers)
  • A pickup truck (with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 3,500kg)
  • Other vehicles under Revenue’s classification as commercial for tax purposes

How is BIK on Commercial Vehicles Calculated

For commercial vehicles, the standard BIK rate is 8% of the Original Market Value (OMV) of the vehicle, compared to rates of up to 37.50% for passenger vehicles.

To qualify for the 8% rate, the vehicle must be:

– A commercial vehicle used primarily for work purposes.
– Necessary for the employee’s role (e.g., for deliveries, construction, or servicing work).
– Not used extensively for personal travel beyond incidental use.

For 2023, 2024 and 2025, a reduction of €10,000 can be applied to the OMV of vans for the purpose of calculating the cash equivalent.

Exemptions from BIK

  1. Employees will not pay tax on the benefit of an employer provided van where the employer provides your employee with the van for work purposes and they have to bring it home afterwards and the employee is not allowed to use the van for private travel apart from travelling to and from work and the employee spends at least 80% of their working day away from the main work premises.
  2. If the employee uses an ‘employer provided’ van in a van pool, they do not have to pay any tax on that benefit.
  3. There are also certain BIK exemptions and discounts available where the van made available to the employee is an electric van.

How to Minimise BIK Exposure.

  • Limit personal use: Ensure commercial vehicles are used strictly for business needs.
  • Keep mileage records: Maintain logs to demonstrate that the vehicle is not used personally.
  • Ensure proper classification: Verify with Revenue that the vehicle qualifies as commercial.
  • Explore alternatives: Consider mileage reimbursement instead of providing a vehicle.

Conclusion

BIK on commercial vehicles is an area of tax that must be managed.  If your company provides vehicles to employees, you must ensure compliance with Revenue guidelines to prevent any unexpected tax liabilities.

 

As always, Seek professional advice to assist in compiling vehicle policies efficiently while controlling costs.

MF 24/06/25

How to Scale Your Marketing

By Lissa McPhillips | Strategic Marketing Adviser | www.dynamicmarketing.ie

Scaling your marketing isn’t just about spending more – it’s about being smarter with your time, tools, and tactics. Whether you’re looking to attract new customers, improve conversions, or expand into new markets, success comes down to clarity, consistency, and smart execution.

Here’s your quick guide to doing just that.

Get the Basics Right

Before you ramp things up, make sure you’ve got strong foundations:

  • Know your audience. Get clear on who you’re targeting – and just as importantly, who you’re not.
  • Choose the right channels. Be where your audience is, whether that’s Google, Instagram, email, events, or all of the above.
  • Set goals and track them. Define what success looks like and measure it regularly.

Make Automation Your Ally

You don’t need to spend a fortune to work smarter. Start small:

  • Send automated welcome emails (Mailchimp or MailerLite work well).
  • Schedule social media posts ahead of time (try Buffer or Meta Business Suite).
  • Set up forms that send instant follow-ups (using Google Forms or Typeform).

These tools save time and keep your marketing moving – even when you’re not online.

Follow Up Like a Pro

Getting someone’s attention is just step one. Use tools like email flows, retargeting ads, or simple chatbots to guide potential customers toward taking action. Match your follow-up to what people are actually interested in so you’re always relevant.

Test, Improve, Repeat

Especially if you’re selling online, conversion optimisation is key. Tools like Hotjar show you how people engage on your site so you can improve product pages, landing pages, and calls to action. A few small tweaks can lead to a big lift in results.

Don’t Go It Alone

Growth doesn’t always mean more ad spend. Partnering with complementary brands, influencers, or affiliates can open new doors and bring in new audiences without breaking the bank.

Scale Smart, Not Big

Don’t focus on just doing more – focus instead in doing what you’re doing better. Focus on high-quality leads, automate routine tasks, and fine-tune what’s already working. Less guesswork, more growth.

 

Need help? Get in touch with Lissa at Dynamic Marketing!

Congratulations to the DLR’s newly elected Cathaoirleach & and Leas-Cathaoirleach!

Bridge Enterprise Centres in Nutgrove and Sandyford Industrial estate extends its warm congratulations to the newly elected Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Cllr Jim Gildea, and Leas-Cathaoirleach, Cllr Pierce Dargan, as they take up their new roles.

 

We look forward to working closely with them to enhance our community and continue developing the west of the county as the leading destination for both working and living.

ARE YOU ENTITLED TO GRANTS PREVIOUSLY WITHHELD DUE TO GOVERNMENT ERROR?

Local SMEs entitled to grants under the Increased Cost of business (ICOB) and the Power Up grants launched in 2025.

Due to, what the Department of Enterprise is calling a ‘misclassification’ issue and what we  call the usual negative attitude to SME funding, more than 6,000 small and medium enterprises were flatly refused funds or denied eligibility by the Department.

Now that the ‘misclassification’ or Big Cockup has been discovered, upwards of €40million grants are owed to SMEs.

To add insult to injury the SMEs involved must now go through an ‘appeals process’ to be administered by the local authorities. We have been told that this ‘appeals process’ will open, in the usual civil service lingo, ‘as soon as possible’.

Under the ICOB grant SMEs were entitled to a proportion of their 2023 commercial rates refunded as a grant. The Power Up grant gave €4,000 to businesses in some sectors.

Watch out for notifications from your Local Authority, which we expect ‘as soon as possible’.

MF 23/06/25.

Office Available to Rent – Sandyford Campus

Are you looking for Office Space in Sandyford? We have a vacancy at Unit 7 Bridge Enterprise Centres, Sandyford Campus!

  • Detached two-storey own-door office
  • Two large open-plan rooms per floor
  • Private office/boardroom on each level
  • Separate ladies and gents toilets
  • One designated parking space included
  • Additional spaces available at €1,400 per annum
  • Situated in a highly accessible and well-serviced area
  • Available on a flexible 5-year lease

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE AND GET IN TOUCH TODAY TO ORGANISE A VIEWING!!

Building Connections: The Importance of Networking for SMEs

When you’re starting or running a small business, every connection counts. No doubt you’ve already heard the phrase “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” meaning that while knowledge is important, in business, relationships often open doors that skills alone cannot.

At Bridge Enterprise Centres, we regularly see first-hand how strong networks can help local start-ups and small businesses thrive. Whether it’s finding new customers, sharing resources, getting advice, or discovering unexpected partnerships, networking is one of the most powerful tools available to small business owners.

In this blog, we’ll explore why networking matters, the different ways to build your network, and how local spaces like ours can support you in making the right connections.

 

Why Networking Matters for SMEs

Running a business can feel isolating, especially in the early days. You’re juggling a million tasks – marketing, sales, accounts, customer service – and often doing it alone.

Networking gives you access to a community that understands your challenges and can help you move forward.

Here are some of the key benefits of networking for small businesses:

  1. New Opportunities

Whether it’s a lead for a new customer, a referral, or an opportunity to pitch your service to a wider audience, networking puts your business in front of the right people. It’s not always immediate, but when someone in your network hears of a need you can meet, you’re more likely to be recommended.

  1. Learning from Others

Connecting with other business owners can help you learn from their experiences – both successes and mistakes! You might pick up tips on managing staff, using social media, or navigating tricky customer issues. These shared insights are often more valuable than anything you’d find in a textbook or online guide.

  1. Emotional Support

Let’s be honest, being a small business owner can be tough. Having a network of people who’ve been there (and are still going through it) offers much-needed encouragement. A quick chat with someone who gets it can be just what you need to stay motivated.

  1. Collaborations and Partnerships

Sometimes the best ideas come from working with others. Networking can introduce you to potential collaborators – whether that’s someone to co-host an event, a supplier with a great deal, or even a business you can bundle services with to offer more value to your customers.

  1. Staying Informed

Trends, regulations, funding opportunities – things change quickly in business. Staying connected with others helps you keep your ear to the ground so you’re never out of the loop.

 

How to Start Networking (Even If You’re New to It)

If you’re just starting out, the word “networking” might feel intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be about formal events or big sales pitches. Think of it as simply building relationships with people who might support your business journey – and who you can support in return.

Here are some simple ways to start:

  • Attend Local Events

Workshops, coffee mornings, business breakfasts – there are usually more opportunities than you think. Keep an eye on noticeboards, local Facebook groups, and our events at Bridge Enterprise Centres.

  • Use Social Media

LinkedIn is a great platform for professional networking, but local groups on Facebook or WhatsApp can also be valuable. Remember, it’s not about just promoting yourself. Take part in conversations, offer help, and be genuinely interested in others.

  • Ask for Introductions

Don’t be afraid to say, “I’m just starting out and would love to meet others in this area/industry.” People are often happy to help connect you, especially in a supportive local business community.

  • Join a Co-Working or Business Space

Spaces like Bridge Enterprise Centres are more than just a desk and Wi-Fi. We bring people together, host events, and create opportunities to meet others in the same boat. Many collaborations and friendships have started over a casual chat in the kitchen or shared workspace.

 

What Good Networking Looks Like

Networking isn’t about collecting business cards or pushing your product at everyone you meet. It’s about building genuine relationships that last.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your networking:

  • Be curious – Ask questions and learn about the other person. What challenges are they facing? What are their goals?
  • Be helpful – If you know someone who can help them or you’ve experienced something similar, share your insight. Generosity builds trust.
  • Follow up – If you had a good conversation, send a quick message or email afterward. Keep in touch, even if it’s just now and then.
  • Be yourself – You don’t need to be super polished or outgoing. Just be authentic. People connect with real people.

 

How Bridge Enterprise Centres Can Help

We believe strongly in the power of community and connection. That’s why we’ve created a space that’s more than just office units or meeting rooms.

At Bridge Enterprise Centres, you’ll find:

  • Workshops and training where you can grow your skills and meet like-minded people
  • Mentorship opportunities to learn from more experienced business owners
  • Shared spaces that encourage informal chats and collaboration
  • A friendly, supportive environment where you’re never just a number

Our goal is to help you not only grow your business but feel connected and supported every step of the way.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Networking is one of the most important – and often underrated – tools for business success. For small businesses, especially those just starting out, building the right relationships can make all the difference.

You never know who might open a door, give you a tip that saves you time, or become a long-term collaborator. And often, those connections start with a simple “Hi, what do you do?”

If you’re looking for a space to connect, grow, and feel part of a community, we’d love to welcome you at Bridge Enterprise Centres. Drop in, say hello, and see how we can help you build the network that supports your business journey.

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Be sure to check out our news and updates page where we post regular updates and supports for businesses. In addition, if you would like to speak with one of our business advisers around a business idea you have, or an issue you’re currently experiencing in running your business, contact admin@bridgeec.ie to book a complimentary 45min advice session.