Irish family businesses signal strong growth ambitions despite economic pressures.
Irish family businesses are projecting robust growth over the next two years, outpacing global peers, according to PwC Ireland’s 2025 Family Business Survey.
The report, which surveyed 1,325 family firms across 62 countries, found that 83 per cent of Irish respondents expect strong growth, compared with 73 per cent globally.
“Long seen as more resilient than non-family businesses, Irish family firms are feeling the economic pressures more so than global peers”
Despite economic uncertainty, one in five Irish family businesses achieved double-digit sales growth in 2025, while 63 per cent reported overall sales growth, ahead of the global average of 57 per cent. However, the proportion achieving double-digit growth lagged behind global peers at 20 per cent versus 25 per cent.
Resilience is in the genes
Mairead Harbron, Partner at PwC Private, said: “Long seen as more resilient than non-family businesses, Irish family firms are feeling the economic pressures more so than global peers. Despite this they remain more upbeat on growth ambitions over the next two years and are prioritising reputation and legacy.”
Economic conditions and operational costs remain key concerns, with 72 per cent citing macroeconomic risks and 61 per cent pointing to supply chain pressures. Workforce availability is a particular challenge, with 65 per cent of Irish family businesses highlighting talent shortages compared with 47 per cent globally.
While growth ambitions are strong, the survey indicates a cautious approach to disruption. Over half of Irish respondents said they stick to familiar management styles during market volatility, compared with 35 per cent globally. Yet agility remains a competitive advantage: 93 per cent reported rapid decision-making and 79 per cent operational flexibility.
Safeguarding the business and preserving family legacy rank as top priorities, ahead of dividend generation. Nearly nine in ten Irish family businesses have a clear purpose, and 98 per cent report strong family values. Governance structures are also more advanced than global peers, with 65 per cent having wills and 61 per cent shareholder agreements in place.
Tech investment challenge
Digital transformation and AI are viewed as critical growth drivers, with 65 per cent citing AI experimentation as a priority. However, investment remains limited: only 15 per cent are early adopters of technologies such as AI and automation, and just 2 per cent plan fundamental reinvention.
Harbron added: “The survey highlights that the pace of re-invention for Irish family firms remains slow. As new and emerging technologies transform the global economy, businesses must prioritise agility, innovation and their digital and AI transformation programmes if they are to remain agile and unlock new avenues for growth.”
Irish family businesses believe they hold a competitive edge over non-family firms, citing flexibility, long-standing relationships and employee loyalty. A large majority also report higher trust levels with customers and partners compared with non-family businesses.
Top image: Mairead Harbron, Partner at PwC Private
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