Experian, a global information services company, has released its Business Health Index for the first six months of the year in the Republic of Ireland. Monaghan is number one with an index score of 118 while Wicklow is at the bottom with a score of 96. An index higher than 100 indicates that a county has a lower percentage of companies at risk than the average. Dublin is ranked 20th with a score of 98. Fifteen of the 26 counties have a Positive Business Health Index Score.

Using Experian’s credit-scoring model, this index provides insight into the “business universe” of each county. Business universe means the level of business activity in an area based on factors such as the number of start-ups, the number of businesses that have stopped trading, and the number of companies struck off. By analysing these figures, a better picture can be given of the health of business in a given area nationally and regionally. Experian analyses data and determines a credit risk score for every business in Ireland.

It also analyses the number of new firms set up and closed. Cork has the highest net growth with 85 businesses this year, followed by Louth with 55 and Tipperary and Dublin, who both have 49 companies. Cavan was the worst performing county with a negative of 36, followed by Wicklow 33 and Waterford, 32.