View this email in your browser Business Today Friday, 02 October, 2026 Editor's Note Good morning, reader The budget is almost upon us once again, so it is worth looking at how necessary, or otherwise, one of the most high-profile moves of recent years - the VAT cut on the hospitality sector - has been. According to new figures published today by PwC, the number of hospitality companies going out of business fell by 23 per cent in the first nine months of the year, as the Government’s VAT cut for the sector further boosted the sector. Ian Curran reports. On the flip side, adding to the Government’s headaches ahead of the budget, inflation hit a three-year high last month. Eoin Burke-Kennedy reports. Given the almost inevitable criticism that will come from Opposition parties, in Smart Money Cliff Taylor runs the rule over what the likes of Sinn Fein, Labour and the Social Democrats would do differently. Continue Reading Peter Flanagan   TOP BUSINESS STORIES Business Galway’s Taaffes shop, empty for 30 years, has a new owner Business Octopus Energy boss would ‘love’ to enter Irish consumer market Business Who owns Eyre Square? The billionaires, hoteliers and publicans of Galway’s central plaza Business Guinness Enterprise Centre to provide path to UK growth for Irish start-ups Business ‘There is certainly pressure on people to stay relevant in this economy’ Eoin Burke-Kennedy Europe’s China shock is hollowing out industry and shifting politics to the right MORE BUSINESS STORIES Business Hospitality sector insolvencies down 23% as VAT cut supports ‘stabilisation’ Business Catering worker who quit job over verbally abusive boss awarded €21,700 at WRC Business Shares tumble as government bond rout deepens on rising oil prices Business Dublin Airport cap move could face legal challenge, Minister warns Do you have questions about becoming an Irish Times subscriber, or about your subscription? You'll find handy guides in our FAQs, and you can manage many aspects of your subscription in the My Account section. Never miss a business story Subscribe now for just €1 for your first month SUBSCRIBE