Archive for August 2026
How Rising Employment Costs Can Change the Profitability of an Irish SME
We here at Lombard believe that employment costs deserve much closer attention than simply looking at the salary paid to each employee. For Irish SMEs, the true cost of employment can include employer PRSI, pension contributions, benefits, recruitment, training, leave and other employment-related ex…
Read MoreThe Hidden Cost of Poor Credit Control: Protecting Your Business from Late Payments
At Lombard we believe that strong credit control is essential for maintaining a healthy and predictable business. Late payments can appear to be an ordinary part of trading, but when overdue invoices become a pattern, they can put pressure on cash flow, increase administrative costs and restrict an…
Read MoreThe Financial Case for Building a Business Emergency Fund in 2026
At Lombard we believe that financial resilience is an important part of running a successful business. An emergency fund can give an Irish SME greater flexibility when unexpected costs arise, customers pay late or trading conditions change. In 2026, where businesses continue to face changing costs,…
Read MoreWhy Irish SMEs Should Review Their VAT Position Before the Next Growth Phase
At Lombard we believe that VAT should be considered as part of a business’s growth strategy, rather than treated solely as a compliance obligation. As an Irish SME expands, changes in turnover, customers, products, suppliers and trading arrangements can all affect its VAT position. Reviewing this be…
Read MoreTop 5 Financial Questions to Ask Before Taking on a Major Business Loan
At Lombard we believe borrowing can be an important part of growing an Irish business, funding investment or managing a major opportunity. However, taking on significant debt is a decision that can affect cash flow, profitability and financial flexibility for years. Before committing to a major busi…
Read MoreThe Power of Financial Forecasting: Planning for What Comes Next
At Lombard we believe that financial forecasting gives business owners something that historical accounts alone cannot provide: a clearer view of what may happen next. For Irish SMEs, forecasting can help identify cash flow pressure, plan investment, understand upcoming tax liabilities and make bett…
Read MoreThe Hidden Financial Impact of Employee Benefits and Perks for Irish Businesses
At Lombard we believe that employee benefits can play an important role in attracting and retaining good people, particularly in a competitive employment market. However, the cost of benefits and perks can extend well beyond the headline figure. For Irish SMEs, understanding the full financial, payr…
Read MoreWhy Irish SMEs Should Review Their Debtor Days Before Cash Flow Comes Under Pressure
At Lombard we believe that strong sales are only valuable when they translate into cash. For Irish SMEs, keeping a close eye on debtor days can provide an early warning that customer payments are taking too long and working capital is becoming stretched. A business can appear profitable on paper whi…
Read MoreThe Financial Cost of Inefficiency: Where Is Your Business Losing Money?
We here at Lombard believe that many SMEs focus closely on obvious costs such as wages, rent and supplier prices while overlooking the financial impact of inefficient processes. Time wasted, errors repeated, unnecessary administration and poor communication can quietly reduce profitability every mon…
Read MoreTop 5 Tax Planning Checks Irish SMEs Should Complete Before the End of 2026
At Lombard we believe effective tax planning is about more than preparing for a tax deadline. For Irish SMEs, reviewing your position before the end of 2026 can help identify available reliefs, avoid unnecessary liabilities and ensure important financial decisions are made with a clear understanding…
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