Year-End Planning for Small Businesses: Your 2025 Financial Checklist

The final days of the UK tax year present both a deadline and an opportunity. At Bernard Rogers & Co, we believe year-end planning isn't simply about ticking boxes, it's about smart decisions that ease your workload, improve your cash flow, and power your business growth. Here’s our top 5 tips for year end planning for your small business.

1. Get On Top of Your Numbers
First things first: clean, reliable financial records are your foundation. Take a moment to:

• Reconcile your bank statements and ledgers to ensure everything tallies.
• Review your profit and loss figures to spot where you’re doing well (and not so well).
• Check your stock levels and values; outdated inventory data can lead to forecasting headaches.

This clears the path for confidence in your numbers and helps you understand what’s really going on in your business.

2. Take Control of Cash Flow and Profitability
Year-end chaos often stems from loose cash flow and unclear margins. Here’s what to do:

• Look through your cash flow statements for signs of pinch points or opportunities.
• Check your receivables and payables: chasing overdue invoices or settling suppliers on time can ease tension.
• Compare earnings to previous periods; are margins improving?

Knowing your cash position means less scrambling and better decisions when it really matters.

3. Be Smart About Tax Now, Not Later
Staying tax-compliant isn’t just about avoiding penalties, it’s about being strategic. Make sure you:

• Submit VAT returns on time (every quarter)
• Prepare your Self-Assessment return early so it’s ready by the end of January each year.
• Be aware of any Corporation Tax deadlines, planning early to smooth cash outflows.

Think of tax planning as an ongoing effort, not a chore added to your to-do list each April.

4. Reflect on Performance, Shape Your Strategy
The regular business rhythm keeps us busy, but stepping back gives you vision. Why not:

• Run a simple SWOT analysis - what’s working, what’s not, and where you can seize opportunities?
• Define clear, realistic goals for the next year.
• Consider where a small investment or cost-saving measure could boost your bottom line.

That pause for reflection helps you grow, not just survive.

5. Kick Off the New Financial Year Confidently
A great finish sets up an even stronger start. Be sure to:

• Refresh your business plan with fresh market data and ambitions.
• Adjust your budget for expected revenue and costs in the new financial year.
• Note deadlines and any upcoming regulatory changes; smoother compliance means less stress.

Planning ahead helps avoid getting overwhelmed once the new year begins.

Overwhelmed? We’ve Got You
Year-end can feel like a whirlwind…but it doesn’t have to.

At Bernard Rogers & Co, we pride ourselves on being local, friendly, and practically helpful. Whether that’s reconciling accounts, forecasting cash flow, or navigating tax planning with calm, confidence, and clarity.

Let’s go OTT on your success.
Schedule a free, no-obligation chat with one of our dedicated Client Managers and let us help lift the pressure. We can help you plan, polish, and press forward into a thriving 2026 - together.