4 Steps to Kick Off your 2026 Strategy
Coming to the end of the year at The View, it is the perfect time to start looking at next year’s strategy. For leaders of Irish Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) or start-ups, knowing how to pivot efficiently from reviewing 2025 performance to setting definitive 2026 goals can be challenging. Which is why we have compiled a simple guide, complete with specific Irish resource links, for approaching the end of the year and the start of the next one.
The Year-End Audit
Before you can plan for future growth, it’s important to look at the metrics that defined the past 12 months.
The transition from one calendar year to the next is the perfect time to review your financial stability and set a practical budget for 2026.
Reviewing 2025 profit & loss: Use this time to conduct a preliminary review of your 2025 performance. Identifying major areas of profit and loss now will allow you to allocate resources more efficiently for the new year. There are a variety of profit and loss templates here.
Key Irish tax dates: Familiarise yourself with the crucial deadlines for the start of 2026. Knowing the key dates for Corporation Tax and VAT returns ensures you avoid last-minute stress and penalties. You can find the official calendar here.
Setting the Foundations for Q1
January is about ensuring your systems and schedules are compliant, secure and ready to operate at maximum efficiency.
Confirm public holidays: Ensure your staff calendar and all project deadlines accurately reflect the official 2026 Irish Bank Holiday calendar. This is essential for accurate payroll and project timelines. You can verify the full list from Citizens Information.
After conducting a 2025 review, there might be areas where your organisation can improve. Q1 is a great time to invest in your team's development before the mid-year rush begins.
Access local support and resources such as Local Enterprise Offices. There are some invaluable resources for SMEs looking to upskill their teams. You can find more information about their subsidised training programmes here.
Setting 2026 Goals
Define and delegate: Ensure your goals are clearly defined and that your team understands how their daily work directly contributes to these large objectives. Identifying your goals starts with understanding your business.
Establish SMART goals by applying previous performance ensuring they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. Use this time to redefine roles and adjust responsibilities to eliminate confusion and increase focus.
Finally, offer support by give your team the opportunity to map out their own personal KPI’s. These might contribute to the company’s wider objectives or benefit your team’s overall professional development. Both will improve your organisation as a whole!
Setting yourself up for Success
Q1 strategy requires deep focus away from the daily chaos of the office.
A neutral space is ideal for facilitating Q1 strategy sessions away from daily distractions. Whether you are conducting performance reviews or finalising your 2026 budget, our purpose-built environment helps you maintain focus.
Ready to launch your 2026 strategy? Our meeting room fits up to 12 guests. Enquire about booking one of our distraction-free meeting rooms today!