- Business, ERP, NetSuite, Sage
Every year, Enterprise Ireland’s International Markets Week (IMW) brings together hundreds of ambitious companies preparing to scale internationally. Although IMW is primarily an Ireland-focused event, the insights shared there are highly valuable for UK exporters as well. Many of the challenges, opportunities, and strategic priorities discussed throughout the week resonate strongly with organisations across both regions that are planning to expand into global markets in 2026 and beyond.
With optimism growing on both sides of the Irish Sea, this is an ideal moment for businesses to understand what’s driving this renewed confidence, and what they need to put in place to compete internationally.
Rising optimism among Irish exporters
During IMW, over 700 Irish companies met with 140 market advisors representing 42 international offices to refine and strengthen their export strategies.
The theme for this year, “Succeeding in Key Markets,” focused heavily on diversification, preparation, and insight-driven decision-making. Through one-to-one sessions, companies explored global trends and sector-specific opportunities shaping their export potential.
Key takeaways from IMW include:
• 97% plan to enter new export markets within the next year
• 66% anticipate export sales growth in 2025, and 93% forecast growth in 2026
• 98% are actively working to enhance their competitiveness
• 87% are integrating, or planning to integrate AI into their operations
While these figures reflect the sentiment of Irish exporters, UK exporters are facing many of the same pressures, from ongoing supply chain disruption to increasing operational costs. For organisations across both regions, investing in digital capabilities and international expansion is becoming critical for long-term stability.
What’s driving export ambition?
The past few years have forced both Irish and UK exporters to adapt rapidly. Brexit, evolving trade rules, global logistics challenges, and accelerated digital transformation have all reshaped how businesses operate and plan for the future.
Rather than slowing momentum, these external pressures have encouraged exporters to become more innovative and agile. Many businesses are now:
• Advancing digitalisation to increase efficiency
• Introducing automation and AI to remain competitive
• Strengthening supply chain resilience
• Exploring new international markets to reduce reliance on local demand
• Using government and agency support to strengthen export readiness
With ongoing cost pressures and shifting trade dynamics, expanding internationally is becoming a key strategy for creating sustainable, long-term growth.
Opportunities for sustainable international growth
For organisations across Ireland and the UK, entering new global markets provides a range of strategic benefits:
New revenue streams
Selling into international markets reduces reliance on domestic demand and creates more resilient revenue structures.
Stronger brand reputation
Success abroad strengthens the credibility of Irish and UK businesses and positions both markets as centres of innovation and high-quality services.
Operational improvements
Growing internationally often prompts companies to modernise systems, adopt digital tools, and enhance operational efficiency.
Competitive advantage
Exposure to global markets encourages businesses to elevate quality, adopt advanced technologies, and refine their value proposition.
Diversification and risk reduction
A broader market presence helps protect against regional economic or geopolitical challenges.
Employment and skills development
International growth supports job creation and helps teams develop more advanced capabilities.
Challenges facing exporters
Despite strong confidence, exporters in both regions encounter similar challenges when entering new markets. Common barriers include:
Navigating regulatory complexity
Tax, compliance, and sector-specific regulations differ significantly across countries. Both Irish and UK exporters must be prepared for localisation requirements.
Managing multi-entity operations
International expansion introduces complexities such as multi-currency management, dispersed teams, and more detailed reporting structures.
Balancing standardisation with local needs
While consistency drives efficiency, products and processes often need to be adapted to suit different markets.
Economic and cost pressures
Rising operational costs, labour shortages, and economic uncertainty demand a flexible, future-ready operating model.
To overcome these challenges, organisations need robust systems, accurate real-time data, and a digital infrastructure capable of supporting multi-market growth.
How The Noledge Group supports international growth
The Noledge Group helps organisations across the UK and Ireland prepare for successful global expansion. As a trusted Sage 200, Sage Intacct, and NetSuite partner, we deliver modern cloud ERP solutions designed to remove operational bottlenecks, enhance visibility, and support long-term international growth.
Growing businesses often find that spreadsheets, manual processes, or disconnected systems limit their ability to scale. Our ERP solutions provide the structure needed to grow with confidence by:
• Automating reporting, data entry, and daily workflows
• Giving every department access to one unified system
• Replacing outdated systems with flexible, cloud-based tools built for change
We also support multi-market operations with consolidated multi-currency reporting, real-time visibility, and built-in compliance, helping leadership teams make accurate, timely decisions during expansion.
Finally, we prepare businesses for international readiness by configuring ERP systems to support multiple currencies, tax laws, regulatory requirements, and workflows, establishing a digital backbone that adapts easily as new opportunities arise.
Making the most of global opportunities
As Irish and UK exporters look ahead to new international markets in 2026, now is the time to ensure systems, processes, and financial structures can support sustained global growth.
If your organisation is planning to expand internationally, our team can provide expert guidance and the right ERP solution to bring clarity, efficiency, and confidence to every step of your journey.
Get in touch with us to learn how we can support your business as it enters new markets.
About the Author
David Burke
David Burke, Group CTO at The Noledge Group, leads the company’s technology strategy and oversees the design and delivery of both bespoke and off-the-shelf solutions. He is responsible for driving innovation across the Group’s product and service portfolio, ensuring customers benefit from scalable, future-ready cloud technologies.