- Business, ERP, NetSuite, Sage
Trade relationships around the world are under strain, and businesses in both the UK and Ireland are feeling the effects. From increased tariffs to ongoing geopolitical shifts, global trade tensions have become more than just background noise — they’re influencing supply chains, operational costs, and long-term planning.
For businesses on both sides of the Irish Sea, staying resilient today means going beyond short-term fixes. It calls for a smarter, more agile approach — investing in financial systems and business tools that empower you to adapt quickly, manage risk, and seize opportunities when they arise.
At Noledge, we support organisations across the UK and Ireland in building this kind of resilience. By implementing ERP systems like Sage 200, Sage Intacct, and NetSuite, we help businesses strengthen visibility, improve control, and plan confidently — no matter how unpredictable the environment becomes.
This blog explores how trade pressures are affecting local businesses, the value of proactive decision-making, and why investing in cloud-based ERP can position your business for success, even during economic uncertainty.
The impact of trade disputes on Irish businesses
Although based in Ireland, recent research from the Dublin Chamber reflects a broader trend affecting the entire region. In their Q2 2025 Business Outlook Survey, 81% of Dublin businesses anticipated negative effects from ongoing global trade disputes, with 29% already experiencing disruption due to tariffs, shipping delays, and rising costs.
These issues are not exclusive to Irish firms. UK businesses — particularly those trading with the EU, US, or Asia — are also grappling with uncertainty, inflationary pressures, and supply chain instability. Companies that import or export goods across multiple regions face higher compliance demands and increased complexity in operations.
While the survey data highlights Ireland specifically, the insight is clear: businesses throughout the UK and Ireland need the tools to remain agile and make fast, informed decisions in a constantly shifting trade environment.
Forward thinking wins: why proactive beats reactive
Economic disruption is nothing new, and the lessons from previous downturns still apply. In the 2008 financial crisis, organisations without strong financial infrastructure or up-to-date systems were hit hardest — and many struggled to bounce back.
Today, the external factors may look different, but the core challenge remains: reactive strategies rarely work in volatile markets. Businesses that thrive are those that take a forward-thinking approach — assessing their current systems, identifying inefficiencies, and putting data-driven tools in place to guide better decisions.
At Noledge, we see ERP as more than just software — it’s the backbone of a proactive business strategy. With the right system in place, finance teams gain the insights and flexibility needed to adapt, plan, and lead with confidence.
How we help businesses move forward – with confidence
Our team works with growing businesses across the UK and Ireland to modernise financial operations. Whether you’re implementing Sage Intacct, Sage 200 for greater control or adopting NetSuite for global scalability, we help you roll out ERP platforms that are fit for the future.
Here’s how our ERP offering supports resilience:
Real-time visibility
Modern ERP platforms give finance leaders access to live data — across accounting, procurement, inventory, and cash flow. With Sage and NetSuite, your team doesn’t have to wait for reports to identify problems or opportunities. Instead, dashboards provide a real-time view of performance, enabling quicker responses to market shifts, regulatory updates, or trade disruptions.
Support for multi-entity and multi-territory operations
Trade tensions often force businesses to restructure or expand into new geographies. Whether you’re diversifying supply chains or opening operations abroad, ERP systems like Sage and NetSuite are built to support complex structures — including multiple entities, currencies, and jurisdictions — all while maintaining control and compliance.
Scenario planning and forecasting tools
When conditions are constantly changing, the ability to plan for multiple outcomes is a competitive advantage. Sage Intacct offers robust forecasting tools that allow businesses to run “what-if” scenarios in real time — accounting for tariff increases, supplier lead times, inflation, or even shifts in demand. This helps finance teams adjust strategy before challenges escalate.
Replacing outdated systems
Relying on legacy systems during a period of rapid change is risky. Outdated platforms can create bottlenecks, reduce visibility, and make it harder to respond to urgent issues. At Noledge, we help businesses upgrade their financial infrastructure with flexible, cloud-based ERP solutions — enabling smarter resource allocation and faster, more informed decisions.
ERP: A strategic growth enabler
ERP systems don’t just support day-to-day processes — they help you scale effectively and respond to complexity. Whether you’re expanding into new markets, managing international subsidiaries, or handling evolving compliance requirements, a strong ERP foundation gives you the agility and clarity to move with confidence.
Solutions like NetSuite ERP and Sage Intacct are built to grow with your business, delivering real-time insights, automation, and integrated reporting across departments.
At Noledge, we don’t just implement software — we work closely with you to align your ERP system with your long-term vision and operational goals.
Time for a System Health Check?
Ask yourself: is your current financial system enabling strategic action or slowing your business down? Are you able to react quickly to global pressures? Are you confident in your data?
We help UK and Irish businesses evaluate where they stand — and where they need to go. Whether it’s a full ERP implementation or a system upgrade, we support your transformation with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and ongoing support.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re looking to future-proof your operations and strengthen your resilience against external pressures, we’re here to help. Speak to our team about how Sage or NetSuite ERP can help your business adapt, grow, and lead through uncertainty.
About the Author
Chris Hawley
Chris is the Managing Director at The Noledge Group and brings over 34 years of experience delivering ERP solutions across industries like retail, distribution, manufacturing, and construction. During his 24 years at Sage, he worked with nearly every product and notably transformed Sage 200 as its Product Manager, turning it into a leading solution for SMEs in the UK and Ireland. Chris takes pride in the continued success of Sage 200, supported by Sage Business Partners like Envisage.