Is this the calm before the great insolvency storm?

This year has seen fewer insolvencies than expected, particularly in the hard-hit hospitality and retail sectors. How is this happening – and will fortunes shift when the pandemic supports wind down?

Hilary Larkin, partner with Mazars: banks were supportive of businesses during the pandemic. Picture: Fergal Phillips

Hannah and Rachel Dare had to make some difficult decisions over the course of the pandemic to keep their business afloat amid the barrage of public health restrictions.

Organico, the sisters’ health food shop and café, had been a staple in the picturesque west Cork town of Bantry for three decades after being established by Alan, their late father, in 1992.

When the pandemic hit, it quickly became clear that the café, a community hub ...