As 2025 draws to a close, now is the ideal time to take stock of your business performance and make sure you finish the year on a strong footing. Whether you are a franchisee, franchisor, or independent business owner, taking a proactive approach now can make all the difference to how you start 2026.
At the dt group, we work with clients across the UK to help them review, plan, and prepare for the year ahead. Here are some practical steps to strengthen your financial position before the year ends regardless of whether you are a franchisee, franchisor or regular SME business.
Your business plan is not just a document to support funding. It is a guide that should evolve with your business. Reviewing it regularly helps you measure how your plans are performing and identify where adjustments might be needed.
If you worked with our Business Planning & Funding team to build your plan, now is a good time to revisit those forecasts. Compare your actual results to your projections, assess what went well, and take note of any areas that need improvement. Small course corrections now can help set you up for a stronger start to 2026.
Accurate bookkeeping gives you a clear picture of your current position. It also makes your year-end process far easier. Our Accounting and Bookkeeping team recommends reconciling your accounts regularly and ensuring all invoices, receipts, and expenses are logged correctly.
If you use Xero or QuickBooks, check that your bank feeds are working and that all transactions are up to date. Good data means better decisions and a smoother start to the new year.
Cashflow is the lifeblood of any business. Even profitable businesses can face challenges if cashflow is not managed properly. Reviewing your upcoming commitments and payments now can help avoid pressure later, this is also something our Fractional Finance support can help you with.
Think about supplier payments, tax liabilities and any seasonal fluctuations that could impact your cash position. Our Business Planning & Funding specialists can also help you explore options such as asset finance or working capital loans to ease short-term pressures and support your growth plans.
Getting ahead on your tax and compliance obligations can prevent unnecessary stress as the year closes. Whether it is VAT, payroll or corporation tax, preparation is key. Our Tax and Compliance experts can help ensure everything is accurate and filed on time.
It is also worth being aware of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. From November 2025, all directors, people with significant control (PSCs) and LLP partners will need to verify their identity with Companies House. Getting organised early will make compliance much simpler.
As interest rates have began to settle and the Autumn Budget will soon to provide certainty about the year ahead, many business owners are looking again at growth opportunities that had been put on hold. If expansion or refurbishment is on your agenda, now is the time to plan.
Our Funding Solutions team can help you assess your position and prepare a lender-ready business plan. Whether you are acquiring another territory, investing in new equipment or simply strengthening your cash position, the right funding approach can make all the difference.
Finishing the year strong is about more than balancing the books. It is about having the right people to guide you. The dt group brings together specialists across accountancy, business planning and funding, offering joined-up support that helps businesses make confident financial decisions.
If you would like to review your position before the end of the year, our team can arrange a tailored business health check or funding review to help you plan ahead.
A strong year-end sets the tone for future success. Taking the time now to review your numbers, tidy your records and prepare for 2026 will give you clarity and control.
Book a free consultation with our Accountancy or Business Planning & Funding teams today to ensure your business finishes 2025 in the strongest possible position.