07-07-2025
More than 1,300 jobs saved by SCARP since launch in 2021
Ireland's construction, hospitality and alcohol sectors have benefited the most from the Small Company Administrative Rescue Process (SCARP), with new data from Azets Ireland reporting a 15% rise in the number of firms availing of the scheme in the first six months of 2025.
According to the professional services firm, more than 1,300 jobs across a milestone 100 companies have been saved since the rescue business was introduced in December 2021.
SCARP aims to facilitate simplified out-of-court debt restructuring for small businesses deemed to be viable. As part of the scheme, a process adviser is appointed to prepare a rescue plan and to work with creditors to consolidate company debts.
Some 15 SCARPs have commenced to date in 2025, reflecting an increase of 15% on the same period last year, with some 240 jobs having already been saved in 2025 as a result of successful SCARPs.
The hospitality sector accounted for the highest proportion of SCARP cases in the first half of 2025, at 20%. It is followed by the construction (13%) and alcohol producing (13%) sectors, an indicator that uncertainty around trade tariffs may already be impacting the export orientated boutique spirits sector, Azets said.
More than half (53%) of businesses availing of the SCARP process have been based in Dublin.
'In a period of heightened economic uncertainty, Ireland's SMEs are navigating challenging trading conditions, from rising costs to elevated energy costs and supply chain issues," said Dessie Morrow, Partner in Advisory and Restructuring at Azets.
"In sectors which are heavily export dependent, the unknown position on tariffs and how that might recalibrate the trading relationship has caused considerable uncertainty and a slowdown in key decision making.
"This can have a major impact on firms from production slowdowns to pauses in capital expenditure and is particularly challenging for firms already struggling with the high cost of doing business."
To enhance engagement with the SCARP process among firms in financial distress, Azets is calling for the existing Revenue opt-out at the start of the process to be removed, which is deterring some businesses to undertake the process.
The firm also said that while the short time frame of the process allows a restructure to take effect quickly, there are resource constraints in particular for micro companies where individuals are responsible for a number of areas within the business. This, they say, is a barrier to increased take up.
'By reducing the burden on businesses and enhancing the flexibility of SCARP, we can support the future viability of more small businesses that may need to restructure in the months ahead," said Mr Morrow.
