As we move further into 2026, many businesses across Northamptonshire are thinking ahead – planning for growth, investment, and bringing new people into their teams. But one thing we often see being pushed to the bottom of the list is financial planning.
At Elsby & Co, we believe starting the year with a clear understanding of your finances isn’t just sensible – it’s one of the most effective ways to reduce risk, make confident decisions and avoid unnecessary stress later on.
Start with clarity, not guesswork
Whether you’re running a growing SME or an established business, having a firm grip on your numbers makes a real difference.
Taking the time to review things like cashflow, budgets and tax planning early in the year can help you spot issues before they become urgent — and opportunities before they pass you by.
As our Managing Director, Claire Emery, explains:
“Starting the year with a clear understanding of your finances is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk and make informed decisions. Taking time to review things early can save businesses significant stress and cost later in the year.”
Cashflow: the foundation of a healthy business
Cashflow is often where problems first show themselves – and where proactive planning can have the biggest impact.
We encourage businesses to review:
- Payment terms and how quickly customers are paying
- Outstanding invoices
- Working capital requirements
Understanding where cash is coming from (and going to) allows you to address gaps early, rather than reacting when pressure builds.
Are your pricing and profits working hard enough?
Another area that’s easy to overlook is pricing and profitability.
Regularly reviewing your margins can highlight:
- Services or products that are underperforming
- Areas where costs have crept up
- Opportunities to improve efficiency or profitability
Creating a realistic budget and forecast for the year ahead gives you a framework to test decisions, plan growth and invest with confidence.
Planning for growth, recruitment or investment?
If 2026 is the year you’re planning to expand, invest in assets or take on new staff, financial planning becomes even more important.
Reviewing funding options, workforce costs and ongoing obligations – such as payroll, pensions and compliance – helps ensure growth is sustainable and doesn’t put strain on the business or your team.
Systems, compliance and risk – often overlooked, always important
Good financial planning goes beyond the numbers.
It’s also a good time to review:
- Your accounting systems and processes
- Insurance cover
- Regulatory compliance
- Overall risk exposure
Small changes in these areas can have a big impact on efficiency, resilience and peace of mind.
Don’t miss out on tax reliefs and allowances
Tax rules and allowances change regularly, and without forward planning, businesses can easily miss out.
Depending on your circumstances, it may be worth reviewing:
- Corporation tax planning
- Capital allowances
- Research and development (R&D) reliefs
As Claire notes:
“Planning ahead allows businesses to make the most of available reliefs. It also gives owners peace of mind, knowing that their affairs are in order well before deadlines approach.”
Why now is a good time to review your finances
With the Government’s Spring Statement taking place in March, this is a natural checkpoint for businesses.
While major tax changes aren’t expected, it often gives insight into the wider economic landscape and signals where future priorities may lie — making it a sensible time to pause, review and plan ahead.
Once budgets are in place, setting clear key performance indicators (KPIs) and short‑term goals — such as four‑week and 12‑week targets — helps turn plans into action. Just as importantly, regularly reviewing actual performance against those plans keeps businesses accountable and on track.
Ongoing review: time‑consuming, but vital
We know that regular financial reviews take time – and that’s often why they get missed. But they are crucial to long‑term success.
Through our Business Hub and Virtual Finance Director service, we support growing businesses that don’t yet have an in‑house finance director, helping them stay focused on the numbers while they focus on running their business.
As Claire puts it:
“We want all Northamptonshire businesses to feel confident about their finances as they move through 2026. Even a simple review can uncover opportunities and prevent problems before they arise.”
How we can help
Elsby & Co offers Power Hour consultations for businesses and individuals who want:
- A one‑off financial review
- Support with planning and forecasting
- Ongoing strategic guidance
To book a Power Hour or find out more about how we can support your business, email help@elsbyandco.co.uk or call 0330 053 9189.