Your End-of-Year Business Tune-Up: 5 Things to Sort Before Christmas

Oct 23, 2025 9:31:42 AM

As the year winds down, many business owners are focused on wrapping up projects, meeting targets and planning time off. But before you switch on the out-of-office message, there are a few important things worth checking off your list.

Think of it as a year-end tune-up for your business. A few hours of attention now can help you start 2026 stronger, clearer and with fewer surprises waiting in January.

Here are five smart areas to review before the Christmas break.

1. Review Key Contracts and Renewals

As the year wraps up, it’s worth taking stock of your major contracts to ensure they’re still working for your business. Many agreements automatically renew or require notice before a specific date, which can easily be missed once things quieten down over the holidays.

Now is the time to check your major supplier, client and lease agreements.

Check expiry dates and renewal or termination notice periods.

Review pricing, deliverables and performance to ensure they still align with your current needs.

Flag any agreements that may need to be renegotiated early in the new year

A brief review now helps you avoid unwanted rollovers, plan for any upcoming changes, and start the new year with clear commercial footing.

2. Update Employment Matters

The Christmas period often comes with a mix of leave requests, bonuses and celebrations. It’s also a good time to check that your HR and payroll processes are up to date.

Make sure annual leave balances are correct and policies are clear

Check that employment contracts reflect current roles and pay rates

Remind staff that workplace policies still apply at end-of-year events

Christmas parties are a great way to recognise your team’s efforts, but they can also expose the business to risk if things get out of hand. Employers still have a duty of care at work-related functions, even when they’re offsite or after hours.

Taking care of these details keeps things smooth for your team and protects your business if issues arise while you’re away.

3. Plan for Cash Flow and Debtors

December and January can be quiet months for cash flow, particularly if clients close for the holidays. Reviewing your finances now can help prevent a January scramble.

Follow up overdue invoices early

Confirm any large payments expected before Christmas

Consider deferring non-essential spending until cash flow stabilises

Planning ahead gives you a clear view of your runway into the new year.

4. Check Insurance and Risk Coverage

The end of the year is a great time to make sure your business is protected.

Review your insurance policies to confirm they reflect current operations

Check that new assets or staff are included in your cover

Update cybersecurity measures, especially if staff work remotely over the holidays

These quick checks can prevent major headaches if something unexpected happens while your team is away.

5. Prepare for a Clean Start in 2026

Once the essentials are covered, take time to reflect on what worked this year and what didn’t.

Are your structures and systems still fit for purpose?

Could automation or external support help free up your time?

Are there any upcoming regulatory changes your business should prepare for?

This is also the perfect time to tidy up loose ends, simplify processes and set clear goals for the new year.

How We Can Help

At Frank Law, we help business owners get clarity before they get busy. Our team can review your contracts, employment frameworks and governance settings so you can head into the new year with confidence.

No surprises, no jargon - just clear, practical advice designed for Australian SMEs.

If you’d like help with your end-of-year business tune-up, now’s the ideal time to get started.