Insights

Shop Local this Black Friday and Cyber Monday & Give Back to Your Own

Are you gearing up for the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales? This year, please keep a bit of that festive spirit close to home and support your local Irish small and family businesses?

When you spend with a small or family-run business, your money stays right here in the community — helping to pay local wages, sponsor our local team or school raffle, and keeping our towns and villages thriving.

Every euro spent locally is an investment in the people and places that make Ireland such a special place to live. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Here are a few easy ways to support Irish small businesses this season:

• Shop local first – check your local main street before the big online giants.
• Spread the word – leave a glowing review or tell a friend.
• Be sound – patience and kindness go a long way during the busy rush.

Let’s make this holiday season a celebration of community, connection, and conscious Irish shopping. Ní neart go cur le chéile – there’s strength in unity.

Mark Fielding    06/11/25.

Ireland is entering a new era of VAT compliance. What Ireland’s Move to E-Invoicing Means for Your Business

Revenue has confirmed that mandatory e-invoicing and real-time reporting will be introduced as part of its VAT Modernisation Programme, one of the most significant changes to how businesses manage VAT in decades.

This update will align Ireland with the EU’s VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) initiative, to improve efficiency, transparency, and compliance across all member states. The Revenue VAT Modernisation document linked here

Timeline – Revenue plans to phase in the new system as follows:

• Phase 1 – November 2028:Launch phase – large corporates begin issuing domestic B2B e-invoices and reporting in real time for domestic B2B transactions.
• Phase 2 – November 2029:Expands to all VAT-registered businesses engaged in EU cross-border B2B trade and who benefit from the 0% VAT rate for such trade.
• Phase 3 – July 2030:Full implementation under ViDA – all cross-border B2B transactions must follow e-invoicing and real-time reporting rules.

NOTE: From November 2028, all Irish businesses must also be able to receive e-invoices from their suppliers, even if they are not yet required to issue them.

What is E-invoicing

A structured electronic invoice (e-invoice) is a digital invoice created and transmitted in a standardised format, such as XML or UBL, that allows accounting and financial software to automatically process it without human intervention.

 What this means for your business

The VAT Modernisation Programme will gradually change how invoices are created, sent, and reported.

Businesses will need to ensure that:

• Accounting and ERP systems can issue and receive e-invoices in structured formats.
• Invoice data can be transmitted directly to Revenue in real time.
• VAT records are stored digitally in line with updated compliance standards.

So, watch out for the GUIDELINES. Revenue has confirmed that detailed technical specifications and testing guidance will be released well before each stage of the rollout, allowing time for preparation.

Why the change

This is part of a broader move across Europe to modernise how VAT is managed. The new system is designed to:

• Reduce VAT fraud and close compliance gaps.
• Speed up reporting and reduce administrative work.
• Improve accuracy and consistency across EU VAT systems.

Prepare Now

While 2028 may feel a long way off, early preparation will make the transition much smoother.

• Review your accounting and invoicing software for e-invoicing compatibility.
• Talk to your software provider about upcoming integrations.
• Map your VAT reporting process to identify where real-time data can be introduced.
• Engage with your tax adviser to plan your readiness timeline.

As always, get in touch with your accountant/tax adviser to discuss how VAT Modernisation will affect your business and how they can support your preparation for e-invoicing and real-time reporting.
MF 31/10/25

We’re Hiring: Business Executive

Job Title: Business Executive
Location: Bridge Enterprise Centres, Nutgrove Way, Dublin 14
Reports to: CEO
Website: www.bridgeec.ie

About Bridge Enterprise Centres

Bridge Enterprise Centres (BEC) is a vibrant community enterprise with campuses in Sandyford and the headquarters in Nutgrove Way, Dublin 14.

We offer vital business support initiatives for local entrepreneurs, start-ups, and SMEs, while providing flexible office and small light industrial units, hot-desking, meeting room hire and postal services.

Our mission is to strengthen the local business ecosystem through innovation, community engagement, and opportunity creation. From supporting idea stage founders to scaling businesses in TheHub@Bridge, to the expanding DLR West Business Association (DLRWBA), we are passionate about building a vibrant business environment that supports and celebrates success at every stage.

Role Overview

We are seeking an energetic, creative Business Executive  with Digital Marketing experience to help us promote, grow, and strengthen the BEC brand and community.

This is a dynamic role that blends marketing, event organisation and business community engagement with hands-on support for our business centres. You’ll play a leading part in increasing awareness of our services, driving participation in our events and initiatives, and growing the membership of the Business Association.

If you have a flair for marketing, communications and networking and thrive on creating opportunities for others to connect and succeed, this role is for you.

The role has two key aspects:
A) Developing and promoting the wider Association Network
B) Supporting the smooth running of our two Enterprise Centres

Key Responsibilities

A) Wider Association Network

• Grow and Expand Membership: Build and nurture a thriving member network by actively recruiting and engaging new businesses.
• Brand & Marketing Development: Shape and promote the Network’s identity through compelling PR campaigns, communications, and branding.
• Manage and Grow the Social Media Engagement
  • Develop and implement a social media strategy to increase our online presence.
  • Create and curate engaging content to share across all platforms’
  • Monitor, respond, and engage with online communities to build relationships and encourage support for our initiatives.
  • Work closely with the CEO & board to align social media efforts with organisational goals.
  • Promote our activities, opportunities, and events to the wider business community.
  • Keep up to date with social media trends and tools to ensure we are using the best strategies for expansion of our various services.
• Business Events & Networking: Organise high-quality business forums, masterclasses, and networking sessions with engaging speakers—sourcing venues and delivering events that inspire and connect.
• Membership Benefits, Awards & Competitions: Create impactful membership programmes, launch awards and competitions, and manage publicity that spotlights success stories.
• Promote Member Companies: Showcase our members through social media, website features, testimonials, and success stories.
• Surveys & Research: Conduct surveys and focus groups to highlight members’ needs and position the network as a voice for local business.
• Partnerships & Collaborations: Build relationships with business leaders, influencers, universities, multinationals, and government agencies to expand visibility and secure new opportunities.
• Advocacy: Represent and promote the voice of local SMEs in discussions with local councils and government departments.

B) Enterprise Centre Management Support

• Support the day-to-day facilities management of our two centres.
• Promote our facilities services including meeting rooms, hot desks, postal services, and non-tenancy solutions.
• Champion TheHub@Bridgee, organising events and workshops that encourage collaboration and growth among hub members.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing across all BEC enterprises.
• Build strong connections with other Enterprise Centres to stay ahead of industry trends and opportunities.

Key Requirements

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in marketing, business development or community enterprise roles.
• Proven experience in Business Social Media Engagement.
• Demonstrated success in developing and promoting events, training, or education programmes.
• Ability to work independently & collaboratively as part of a  mission-driven team.

Skills & Attributes

• A confident networker who enjoys building and nurturing relationships.
• Marketing and branding mindset – creative, strategic, and results-focused.
• Have Core Digital Marketing Skills and experience with social media management
• Persuasive communication skills with a creative mindset.
• Ability to leverage data analysis and analytics to advance BEC’s objectives.
• Passionate about supporting individual entrepreneurs and making a positive impact in the community.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team with a flair for problem-solving.
• Organised project manager with the ability to deliver high-impact results.

To Apply:
Please send your CV and a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role to Ciarán.

Autumn & Winter Energy-Saving Tips for SMEs

As the colder months draw in and energy costs rise, your business can take practical steps to cut overheads, boost comfort, and strengthen resilience. There are also commercial supports available from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and your Local Enterprise Office (LEO) – tailored for business premises rather than domestic use.

1. Begin with an Energy Review

Start with a walkthrough of your premises to spot where energy might be wasted – draughty doors, old lighting, or heating left on in unused areas. Simple actions like sealing gaps, installing radiator reflectors, or programming heating to match working hours can deliver quick savings. Lowering the thermostat by just one degree can cut heating costs by up to 10%.

2. Set an Energy Policy and Appoint a Champion

To make energy efficiency part of your business culture, establish an Energy and Sustainability Policy. This should outline your company’s commitment to reducing consumption, cutting carbon emissions, and investing in sustainable operations.

Appoint an Energy Champion – someone responsible for tracking usage, communicating progress, and engaging staff. This person can coordinate regular reviews, lead awareness campaigns, and act as a point of contact for suppliers and grant bodies. Setting measurable goals (such as reducing energy use by 10% over 12 months) ensures progress is visible and achievable.

Regularly review performance and share results with your team. Recognition and small incentives can help maintain momentum and make sustainability part of everyone’s daily routine.

3. Optimise Lighting and Equipment

Lighting often accounts for a significant share of your electricity use. Upgrading to LED lighting reduces energy and maintenance costs, while fitting motion or daylight sensors ensures lights are only on when needed.

Encourage staff to adopt energy-saving habits: switch off equipment overnight, use sleep modes on computers, and make the most of natural light.

4. Invest in Long-Term Efficiency

Once the quick wins are complete, plan for more substantial upgrades such as high-efficiency boilers, heat pumps, improved insulation, or solar PV panels.

SEAI offers several commercial grant schemes to support such investments:

• The Support Scheme for Energy Audits helps fund professional audits to identify the best opportunities.

• The Non-Domestic Microgeneration Grant (NDMG) supports the installation of solar PV systems for businesses, allowing you to generate your own renewable electricity.

5. Access the LEO Energy Efficiency Grant

Your Local Enterprise Office (LEO) can provide additional funding for small businesses aiming to improve their energy performance.

The Energy Efficiency Grant offers up to 75% funding, from a minimum of €750 to a maximum of €10,000, for projects recommended in a Green for Business report, GreenStart report, or SEAI energy audit.

Eligible costs include smart heating and lighting controls, meters, system upgrades over five years old, heat recovery, and water-management systems. Solar panels and insulation works are not covered (these fall under SEAI’s remit).

To qualify, your business must:

• Employ 1–50 people and be trading for at least six months;

• Operate from a commercially rateable premises (or have a lease with at least 12 months remaining);

• Be tax compliant;

• Not be a client of Enterprise Ireland or IDA.

Contact your LEO before applying – they can confirm eligibility and guide you through the documentation process.

By acting now, your business can reduce costs, increase comfort, and contribute to Ireland’s low-carbon future.

See helpful links below:

1. SEAI Supports – Link
2. LEO Supports – Link
3. Winter Energy Checklist – Here
4. Energy Policy Template – Here