The 2025 NI Enterprise Barometer gives one of the clearest pictures of how small and medium sized businesses in Northern Ireland are really performing. It draws on responses from 859 enterprises, largely micro, small and self-employed businesses, and tracks performance over seven years. As a commercial finance broker working with SMEs across Northern Ireland, I recognise many of the themes in this report from everyday conversations with clients. Rising costs, pressure on cash flow, ongoing demand for finance and uncertainty about the future are all present. At the same time, there is resilience and a clear appetite for growth. In this article I want to highlight the main findings from the Barometer and reflect on what they may mean for

The Autumn Budget announced on 26 November 2025 by the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, sets out tax and spending plans that are likely to have immediate and longer-term implications for businesses across the UK. While the headlines will focus on headline tax changes, welfare reform, and the politics of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) leak, the more pressing concern for business owners is what this Budget means for day-to-day cash flow, funding arrangements, investment ability, and overall financial strategy of your business. For my clients, ranging from small business to high-growth enterprises, this Budget is not a theoretical exercise in economic policy. It’s a direct intervention in the cost structure, risk profile, and capital planning of real businesses that are

As we move through 2025, confidence and access to capital remain two of the most important ingredients for Northern Ireland’s economic growth. After attending the Belfast Chamber Economic Forum, I wanted to share a few reflections on what the data - and the discussion - really mean for local businesses looking ahead. Confidence as the common thread The Belfast Chamber Economic Forum brought together economists, business leaders, and government officials to explore Northern Ireland’s prospects for the year ahead. One message stood out: confidence. Confidence in our economy, in investment, and in our ability to adapt. Despite global uncertainty, the tone across the panels was cautiously optimistic - an acknowledgment that while growth may be modest, the fundamentals remain resilient.

The recently published Northern Ireland SME Access to Finance Report 2025, developed by the British Business Bank in partnership with Enterprise Northern Ireland, offers a detailed picture of how small and medium-sized businesses are managing, seeking and accessing finance.  With 1,014 responses gathered across all council areas, it provides a statistically significant view of the challenges, confidence levels and financial behaviours of Northern Irish SMEs. At Johnston Financial Solutions, our day-to-day work puts us in direct contact with business owners who are navigating this landscape in real time.  This report not only reinforces what we see on the ground but also offers insights that are critical for future planning and support.  Here's what stands out and what it means for

For many SMEs across Northern Ireland, applying for finance can feel like a daunting process, especially if you only think about your finances when you need funding.  All too often, businesses approach lenders at the last minute, armed with outdated accounts and limited visibility over their current financial position. This reactive approach not only reduces your options but can also drive up the cost of borrowing. At Johnston Financial Solutions, we see it all the time. Businesses with strong potential are paying more for finance than they should, simply because they haven’t kept their financial information up to date or had regular conversations about their funding needs. The good news? Regular financial reviews can unlock better funding options and help