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We here at Lombard believe that winning a major customer can be an important milestone for an SME, but a large contract is not automatically a profitable one. Before signing, businesses should look beyond the headline value and understand the impact on margins, cash flow, working capital, resources…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

At Lombard we believe that protecting profitability is not simply about increasing sales or raising prices. One of the most effective ways to maintain strong financial performance is to regularly review the costs of running the business. Many SME owners only begin examining expenditure after profit…

At Lombard we believe that one of the most common misconceptions among business owners is that profitability automatically leads to financial security. While generating a profit is essential, it does not always guarantee that a business will have sufficient cash available to meet its day to day comm…