This week, we explore how large contract opportunities continue to transform the growth trajectory of SMEs, highlight the evolving benefits of SMEs for graduates choosing their career path, and spotlight a remarkable case of how investment in renewable energy can revitalise a local economy. As always, we wrap up with a roundup of current public tenders in Ireland.
Business Insights – What Does Your Ideal Employer Look Like in 2025?
As of Spring, it is a natural moment for reflection, especially when it comes to professional growth and aspirations. This recent piece from Supply Management taps into a growing trend, that bigger isn’t always better when it comes to building a meaningful career.
Traditionally, graduates have been drawn to large corporate employers, sleek headquarters, structured training programmes, and name recognition. But increasingly, career-savvy individuals are turning to SMEs, where agility, innovation, and direct impact are easier to achieve.
In smaller organisations, the barriers to communication are minimal, hierarchies flatter, and opportunities to build cross-functional skills far more accessible. With digital transformation levelling the playing field, SMEs offer graduates real influence and visible results, things often lost in the labyrinth of larger corporations.
For those seeking a hands-on experience and exposure across disciplines, SMEs are a compelling choice. The InterTradeIreland FUSION programme remains a standout initiative, linking high-potential STEM graduates with innovative SMEs, supported by academic expertise. The scheme part-funds graduate salaries for up to 18 months and includes a diploma in business and management. Details on applying can be found here.
Emerging Trends – Driving Growth through Public Contracts
When it comes to scaling a business in 2025, traditional growth routes still hold relevance — but often come with barriers:
- Working harder? Most are already stretched.
- Bank loans? Still restrictive, with cautious lending practices.
- Government grants? Competitive, bureaucratic, and slow.
- New product lines? Risky without capital or market testing.
- Hiring more staff? Useful, but not always viable.
- Equity investment? Costly, complex, and often dilutes control.
- Collaboration? Still underutilised in Ireland due to entrenched insular practices.
Yet one pathway remains glaringly underexploited: public sector contracts.
Public procurement in Ireland now exceeds €20 billion annually, with capital investment surging due to the revised National Development Plan. However, despite 300,000+ SMEs across the country, fewer than 4,000 win the lion’s share of this work.
Ask yourself:
- Are you excellent at what you do — and can you prove it?
- Have you explored what consistent cash flow from a multi-year public contract could do for your business?
The truth is, many average players win tenders simply because others never enter the race — or submit poor proposals. Public buyers increasingly prefer working with SMEs for their flexibility, value, and focus on outcomes. The opportunity is vast — the question is: will you seize it?
- If not you, then who? And if not now, then when?
You’ll find more guidance and support here.
Spotlight on Sustainability – Samsø, Denmark: A 100% Renewable Island
A recent success story comes from Samsø, Denmark, now globally recognised as a model for community-led renewable transformation.
Over the past decade, Samsø transitioned entirely to locally generated renewable energy, through wind, solar, and biomass. Residents co-invested in the infrastructure, keeping profits within the community. The result? Energy independence, hundreds of new jobs, increased tourism, and a thriving local economy driven by sustainable innovation.
As Ireland continues its own shift toward carbon neutrality under Climate Action Plan 2024, SMEs engaged in green solutions, energy efficiency, waste innovation, circular economy models — will find rising demand in both public and private sectors.
Current Public Procurement Opportunities – March 2025
As of this week, there are over 600 live Irish public tenders with deadlines beyond the next five days, covering a broad range of sectors including:
- Construction & Infrastructure
- Consultancy & Advisory Services
- ICT Supplies & Cybersecurity
- Media, PR & Communications
- Education, Training & Development
- Property & Facilities Management
- Vehicle & Fleet Services
- Food & Catering Services
- Cleaning, Hygiene & PPE
- Waste & Environmental Services
- Grounds Maintenance & Horticulture
- Research, Science & Environmental Monitoring
- Office Equipment & Stationery
- Healthcare & Medical Supplies
To view the full list and filter by deadline, sector or estimated value, visit the etenders.gov.ie website.
For any business unsure how to navigate the process, our advisory team is always available to help you match your capabilities to real opportunities, and develop competitive, compliant tender responses.
More insightful articles in our Procurement Information Center.
