we have answers.
As we move toward the end of the year, many small business owners feel the pressure of the annual “mad rush” to wrap everything up before the holidays. It’s a hectic period, and for your clients, it can be difficult to think beyond day-to-day demands.
This time of year is the perfect moment to encourage clients to step back from working in the business and start thinking about working on the business.
A Chance to Facilitate Honest Reflection
Before your clients shut down for Christmas, consider prompting them to reflect on their 2025 performance with you by their side. Key questions might include:
- Has cash flow been tight throughout the year?
- Are ATO debts starting to build up or becoming unmanageable?
- Has profitability been gradually slipping?
- Is the owner working excessively without paying themselves appropriately?
- Do they feel like the business is staying afloat through sheer effort rather than sustainable performance?
If these signs are emerging, your clients are far from alone. Many business owners experience these pressure points especially in challenging economic conditions. What matters is recognising the signs early and helping them take proactive steps.
Your guidance now can make all the difference.
Planning Now Sets Your Clients Up for a Stronger 2026
When a business feels overwhelmed, owners often default to “just pushing through.” But as their advisor, you can help them pause, evaluate, and plan for a more stable and profitable 2026.
Depending on the circumstances, the right path forward may include:
✔ Business improvement and turnaround strategies
Enhancing profitability, improving cash flow, tightening systems, strengthening operations, or securing funding. Small strategic shifts can create meaningful improvement.
✔ Access to working capital or new funding
Relieving short-term cash-flow pressure and giving the business room to breathe.
✔ Small Business Restructuring (SBR)
A flexible, formal pathway that enables eligible businesses to compromise ATO and creditor debt while the directors remain in control—an option many clients still don’t realise exists.
✔ Voluntary Administration
A structured reset that gives a business temporary protection while a long-term plan is developed for creditors.
✔ Liquidation
If a business is no longer viable, liquidation allows owners to meet legal obligations and close down properly so they can move forward without ongoing stress.
Every client’s situation is unique. The role you play in helping them understand these options early is invaluable.
If you have clients showing signs of financial stress, uncertainty, or performance decline, now is the ideal time to start a conversation with them and with us.
We work closely with accountants and advisors to support clients in a confidential, practical, and judgment-free way. Whether the best path is improvement, restructuring, or an orderly wind-down, we’ll help you guide your clients toward clarity and confidence for the year ahead.
Reach out to book a confidential discussion. We can help your clients start 2026 stronger, clearer, and better prepared for success.