Business Barometer
Commercial Judgments Up 67% as Insolvencies Shift Toward Older Firms.
Recent indicators suggest emerging financial pressures across the corporate sector, despite continued strength in new business formation. The latest data points to rising legal actions and increased vulnerability among established firms, underscoring a more challenging operating environment as the economy approaches 2026.
Signs of Strain: Corporate & Consumer Stress
Although the surge in start ups suggests a more diversified and resilient economy, our data also points to a sharp rise in commercial judgments and growing financial pressure on established firms - indicating that targeted supports will be essential to maintain this momentum into 2026.
Our data shows that 1,808 judgments against companies were raised, totaling E47.2 million. This is a 67% increase in value and a 29% increase in cases compared to 2024. This indicated the struggle of meeting payment commitments of businesses, forcing creditors to seek legal recourse.
Established Businesses Bear the Brunt of Insolvencies
Data shows that the usual age of insolvent companies is 11 years old - suggesting that established businesses are bearing the brunt of rising costs and tighter credit, rather than young start-ups.
Many of this companies have already survived past economic shocks however, they are now facing a more sustained combination of rising operating cost, higher interest rates and tighter access to credit.
It can be harder for mature companies who have fixed overheads, long leases and legacy debt, making them vulnerable as margins shrink and cash-flow pressures mount. This trend points to a challenging environment for the core of the business economy, not just its newest companies.
Commenting on this data, Christine Cullen says:
"While it is encouraging to see strong levels of start-up formation, the rise in commercial judgments signals that many existing businesses are under significant financial pressure. More companies are struggling to meet payment obligations, which is increasingly forcing creditors to seek legal recourse."
"If rising costs, tighter credit conditions and export market volatility persist without adequate support, there is a real risk that today's start-up momentum will not translate into sustainable long-term growth."
Read the full insights here
By Business Barometer.
Issue 717 (Week Ending 02/02/2026)
Your gateway to the very latest updates from Irish companies.
Review Your Company's Credit Report Today - For Free!
Great credit management begins with knowing where your and your customers credit rating is today. Get started with a free Vision-net Credit Report on your company and two of your most important customers.
Get Started For Free >>
Ireland Records Strongest Year for Start-ups in 15 Years.
26/01/2026
According to our latest data, 2025 was the strongest year for Irish entrepreneurship, with 26,500 new companies formed
It's Time to Kick Off 2026
16/01/2026
As we kick off 2026, we're thrilled to announce a series of enhancements coming your way over the next 12 months...
Clear Your Compliance Backlog Before 2026
15/12/2025
With the year-end fast approaching, now is the ideal time to streamline your customer data and start 2026 with a clean due diligence slate
CRIF has been named in the ESGFinTech100
24/11/2025
We're excited to announce that CRIF has been named in the '''ESGFinTech100''' for the second year running!