Can you outline your activity in the past year, how it has evolved/changed and where the key areas of growth have been?
BDO has had a successful year, marked by strong activity across all service lines. Our core offerings continue to thrive and we have also seen significant expansion in areas that align with market demand. Our sustainability services, for example, have grown as businesses seek professional guidance on strategy. Additionally, we have also seen strong growth in Financial Services, reflecting the increasing complexity of the market and the demand for expert guidance.
What would you say are the main factors affecting your profession at present and how is your practice adapting to change? In particular, can you refer to technological change and artificial intelligence (and how this is affecting your own business and that of your clients).
At BDO, we see technology as an enabler rather than a disruptor. AI and automation are streamlining traditional processes, but the role of the professional advisor remains as crucial as ever. Our approach balances technology adoption with a focus on maintaining the highest standards of client service, technical expertise, and strategic insight.
Can you comment on the consolidation trend in your sector (and share if your practice has been involved in any mergers or acquisitions and why)?
While we continue to assess opportunities, our growth strategy remains focused on our core service areas, organic expansion, strengthening our expertise, and building long-term partnerships with our clients.
What is your reaction and insight into the early weeks of the Trump administration and what this means for your business and your clients (what advice would you give to businesses trying to prepare for the prospect of an EU-US trade war, for example)
There is heightened uncertainty surrounding EU-US trade relations, tariffs, and regulatory policies. Irish businesses, particularly those operating in export-driven sectors, must prepare for potential trade shifts and policy adjustments. BDO’s Customs and International Trade team, led by our colleague Carol Lynch, has been at the forefront of advising businesses on these changes. Alongside our Transfer Pricing and Tax Advisory teams, we actively work with clients to assess potential impacts, develop contingency strategies, and navigate new tariffs or regulatory adjustments.
Apart from geopolitical events, what are the other burning issues facing your clients in 2025?
Beyond geopolitical uncertainty, businesses in Ireland are struggling with several pressing challenges. Rising operational costs and inflation remain top concerns. Cybersecurity risks are also escalating as digitalisation accelerates, making resilience in data protection a key priority. At BDO, we work closely with clients to address these challenges and build long-term resilience.
What is your outlook for your own firm, business in general and the Irish economy for the next year?
At BDO, our strategy is centred on driving firm-wide growth by enhancing our core service offerings, strengthening our capabilities to deliver data-driven insights, and deepening client relationships through tailored, innovative solutions. We remain firmly committed to delivering excellence in our core services of audit, tax, advisory and consulting, ensuring our clients receive the highest standards of service and support. As part of our growth plans, we are focused on expanding our audit practice by welcoming additional audit partners to bolster our expertise and capacity, meeting the increasing demand for high-quality audit services. Sustainability also remains a key priority for BDO in Ireland and globally and in light of the recent omnibus proposal from the EU, we continue to support clients in embedding ESG principles into their operations to achieve long-term, responsible growth. As Ireland continues to attract foreign direct investment and grow key sectors, we look forward to another year of progress, working closely with Irish businesses to navigate change, seize opportunities, and build a resilient, sustainable future.