Posts by splash
European Central Bank expected to cut interest rates for seventh time in a year
The European Central Bank is widely expected to cut interest rates by one-quarter of a percentage point later today. The development follows the latest inflation figures, for countries that use the euro, showing prices rose by 2.2% in March, down 0.1% on the February rate. It means the rise in the cost of living is…
Read MoreHow to Structure Staff Bonuses Without Breaking the Bank
Rewarding staff is one of the most effective ways to boost morale, drive performance, and retain key talent — but for many small business owners, the idea of bonuses can feel financially daunting. The good news? A well-structured bonus scheme doesn’t have to break the bank. At KAAS we believe that by thinking strategically, you…
Read MoreGovernment urged not to overly delay pension auto-enrolment
The Government is being urged not to defer the deadline for auto-enrolment of workers into pension schemes beyond early 2026. The deadline is set to be pushed by beyond the current September date, in an effort to keep business costs low. Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers said it is expected to be a short…
Read MorePharmaceutical exports jump by 146% in February – CSO
Preliminary figures from the Central Statistics Office show that exports of medical and pharmaceutical products jumped by €9.2 billion, or 145.7%, to €15.6 billion in February on the same month last year. The CSO said this represented 63.2% of total exports in February, which underscores the significance of the pharmaceutical industry to the Irish economy.…
Read MoreGas use increases in March as weather shifts and wind energy output falls
Overall gas demand in March rose by 13% compared to February, and by 4% compared to the same month last year, new figures from Gas Networks Ireland show today. Gas Network Ireland noted that gas demand in the transport sector increased by 90% year on year, reflecting a growing shift toward compressed natural gas (CNG)…
Read MoreYour Business, Your Pension: Smart Planning for Long-Term Financial Health
As a business owner, you spend countless hours building a successful company, ensuring your clients are happy, and keeping the day-to-day operations running smoothly. But how much time have you invested in planning for your own financial future? At KAAS we know that while it’s easy to focus on the immediate needs of your business,…
Read MoreStronger economic growth in ROI compared to NI – study
The Republic of Ireland has higher wages, stronger economic growth and better living standards than Northern Ireland, according to a new study by the Economic and Social Research Institute. The report was commissioned by the Shared Island Unit in the Department of the Taoiseach. It found the population of the Republic was growing faster than…
Read MoreOil edges up on potential US tariff exemptions on cars
Oil prices inched higher today, supported by new tariff exemptions floated by US President Donald Trump and a rebound in China crude oil imports in anticipation of tighter Iranian supply. Brent crude futures gained 25 cents, or 0.4%, to $65.13 per barrel in early trade while US West Texas Intermediate crude was up 28 cents,…
Read MoreCalls for investigation into axed golden visa scheme
A golden visa scheme giving residency in Ireland and access to Europe has generated €500 million since it was axed by the Government two years ago. However the Government does not know how many “immigration permissions” it issued under the scheme. Figures relating to the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) were revealed to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland…
Read MoreEU should ‘be careful’ in tariff talks with US – Chambers
Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers has said that the European Union needs “to be careful about what we put on the table” in tariff negotiations with the United States. Speaking RTÉ’s This Week, Mr Chambers said lowering tariffs between countries has been the basis of prosperity built over decades. “We want to preserve the…
Read More