Archive for September 2026
Why Irish SMEs Should Review Their Insurance Cover as the Business Grows
At Lombard we believe that insurance should keep pace with the business it is designed to protect. As an Irish SME grows, its employees, turnover, equipment, premises, customers, suppliers and financial commitments can all change. Insurance cover that was appropriate when the business was smaller ma…
Read MoreThe Financial Risks of Expanding Into a New Market Without Proper Planning
At Lombard we believe that growth should be built on preparation rather than assumption. Expanding into a new market can create significant opportunities for an Irish SME, but entering a new region, customer segment or industry without understanding the financial implications can put pressure on cas…
Read MoreThe Financial Risks of Relying Too Heavily on One Customer or Revenue Stream
We here at Lombard believe that having a strong relationship with a major customer can be a valuable asset for any business. However, when one customer or revenue stream becomes responsible for a significant proportion of turnover, that strength can become a financial vulnerability. Understanding wh…
Read MoreHow to Prepare Your Irish SME for Higher Costs and Tighter Margins in 2027
We here at Lombard believe that preparing for higher costs should begin before those costs start putting pressure on your margins. For Irish SMEs, changes in wages, supplier prices, financing, insurance, energy and other overheads can quickly affect profitability. Preparing for 2027 now gives busine…
Read MoreTop 5 Signs Your Business May Need a More Formal Budget for 2027
We here at Lombard believe that a business does not need to be large or complex to benefit from a formal budget. As 2027 approaches, many Irish SMEs will be making decisions about hiring, investment, pricing, borrowing and growth. Without a clear financial plan, those decisions can become reactive….
Read MoreHow to Build a More Resilient Business Through Better Financial Planning
We here at Lombard believe that financial planning is about more than predicting what your business might earn. It is about understanding what could happen, preparing for different scenarios and making sure your business has the financial capacity to respond when circumstances change. For Irish SMEs…
Read MoreWhy Irish SMEs Should Review Their Supplier Terms Before Costs Rise Further
We here at Lombard believe that supplier terms deserve the same level of attention as pricing, sales and overheads. For many Irish SMEs, supplier costs can have a direct impact on margins and cash flow, yet agreements and purchasing arrangements can remain unchanged for years. Reviewing supplier ter…
Read MoreThe Hidden Cost of Holding Too Much Stock: A Cash Flow Review for Irish SMEs
We here at Lombard believe that stock should be viewed as more than a balance sheet figure. For many Irish SMEs, holding sufficient inventory is essential for serving customers and maintaining smooth operations. However, carrying more stock than the business needs can quietly tie up cash, increase c…
Read MoreTop 5 Financial Checks Irish Business Owners Should Make Before Increasing Headcount
We here at Lombard believe that hiring a new employee should be viewed as a financial decision as much as an operational one. Adding to your team can create capacity, improve customer service and support growth, but the true cost of employment extends well beyond the salary on the payslip. Before in…
Read MoreWhy Cash Flow Problems Often Start Long Before Cash Runs Out
We here at Lombard believe that cash flow problems rarely appear overnight. By the time a business owner realises there is not enough cash available to cover wages, suppliers or other commitments, the underlying problem may have been developing for months. Understanding the early warning signs can g…
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