The latest quarterly All-Island Business Monitor, conducted in Q3 2025, tells us something important about the mood of business across Ireland and Northern Ireland. It points to a more subdued economic sentiment.
The survey, which is the biggest across the island reveals that the proportion of firms reporting growth is 28 per cent, the lowest level since 2018. At the same time, 64% of businesses describe their position as stable.
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That rise in stability signals a shift in tone. Companies are prioritising resilience and operational certainty over rapid expansion. Profitability has edged lower.
This is not a downturn, but it does reflect a lack of pace. What we are seeing is caution. SMEs are navigating persistent cost challenges against a backdrop of global trade uncertainty. And yet, one particular bright spot shines through: exporting and cross‑border trade.
The latest data from our survey shows that larger firms and those active in export and cross‑border trade are outperforming their peers on all the key measures; growth, profitability, and sales. These businesses are proving more resilient, more confident, and more capable.
That matters. It tells us that exporting is not just an option for SMEs; but an important route to building resilience and long-term growth. And cross‑border trade is the easiest first step. It is the proving ground where firms can build capability, confidence, and resilience before venturing further afield.
The data is compelling. 59% of SMEs engaged in cross‑border trade reported improvements in confidence, negotiation skills, problem‑solving, and resilience. Seven out of ten would recommend the cross‑border market as a stepping stone to wider export markets.
These are not abstract benefits. They are practical skills that strengthen businesses. Cross‑border trade also helps firms master logistics and compliance paperwork, building further resilience. In short, it equips SMEs to thrive in a dynamic environment.
Take Long Meadow Cider in Co Armagh. This family‑run SME has been in operation for 60 years. Working with InterTradeIreland, it broke into the Republic of Ireland, secured a major retailer, and opened a new distribution channel. “It was intense and very welcome,” said Alana McKeever. Their journey reflects exactly what our survey shows: cross‑border trade builds resilience and opens doors to growth.
Or consider the recent Cross‑Border Trade Mission to Northern Ireland. Twenty businesses from across Ireland, from Carlow to Galway, joined the two‑day initiative. Agri‑Tech and Manufacturing firms were given mentoring, sales training, and direct introductions to new prospects. Each participant was guaranteed at least four sales opportunities.
These missions are about contracts but they are also about confidence. They give SMEs the platform, contacts, and belief to take their next steps into new markets.
Long Meadow Cider’s success, the Trade Mission’s impact, and the survey’s data all point to something which is clear to me. As Director of Strategy at InterTradeIreland, I see every day how cross‑border trade strengthens businesses. It builds skills, opens markets, underpins confidence and facilitates growth.
The survey also highlights a challenge and a further opportunity within that challenge. In spite of persistent high costs 70% of SMEs report they are taking no action to cut costs. Just 13% have introduced energy or sustainability measures, and only 4% have explored technology or automation in the past six months.
Standing still is not enough. Practical supports are available through InterTradeIreland and other economic agencies to help SMEs reduce costs and optimise their operations. My message is simple: use the support that is available to help your business grow and succeed.
A blog by Martin Robinson, Director of Strategy in InterTradeIreland.
