We’re a few days into 2026. If you’re like most small business owners, you’re probably thinking about what needs to happen this year. Growth plans, new projects, maybe some changes to how you operate. But what about your IT?
We’ve worked with businesses that start the year strong, then hit IT problems in March or April that derail everything. A security incident, a system failure, or just falling behind on maintenance. These problems are usually preventable, but they require some planning upfront.
Here’s what we recommend focusing on in the first quarter of 2026 to set your business up for success.
Review Your Security Posture
Security should be your first priority. We know it’s not exciting, but it’s essential. Start the year by reviewing your security measures.
Check that multi-factor authentication is enabled on all important accounts, review who has access to what systems, remove access for people who no longer need it, and update passwords if they’re old or weak.
Also review your backup strategy. We’ve seen businesses discover their backups weren’t working when they actually needed them. Can you actually restore from backups? When did you last test them? Test your backups now, not during a crisis.
Make sure all your software is updated, including operating systems, applications, security software, and network equipment firmware. Outdated software is a major security risk. Set up automatic updates where possible, and schedule time to check for updates that need manual installation.
Audit Your IT Spending
January is a good time to review what you’re spending on IT. Go through your bank statements and credit card bills from last year and add up everything IT-related, including software subscriptions, cloud services, hardware, and support contracts.
You might be surprised by the total, as many businesses are spending more than they think, often on services they’re not using anymore.
Review all your subscriptions to see if you’re using everything you’re paying for, whether there are unused licenses, and if you can downgrade plans or cancel unused services. We’ve helped businesses save hundreds of pounds per month just by cleaning up unused subscriptions.
Think about what you’ll need this year too. Are you planning to grow? That might mean more software licenses, more cloud storage, or more equipment. Plan for these expenses now so they don’t catch you by surprise later.
Plan for Equipment Replacement
If you have computers or other equipment that’s getting old, plan replacements now rather than waiting until something breaks. That’s when you’re forced to make quick decisions, which usually means paying more or settling for something that’s not quite right.
Create a replacement schedule. Ask when you bought each piece of equipment, when it will likely need replacing, and how much that will cost. Then spread that cost over the months leading up to replacement so you’re not hit with a huge bill all at once.
Consider whether your current equipment is still appropriate. Technology changes, and what worked a few years ago might not be the best option now. But don’t replace things just because they’re old. If equipment is working well and meeting your needs, there’s no need to change it.
Review and Optimise Your Cloud Services
If you use cloud services, take time to review them. See if you’re on the right plans, whether you’re using all the features you’re paying for, and if you can optimise costs.
Many businesses accumulate cloud subscriptions over time, signing up for services, using them for a while, then stopping but forgetting to cancel. Review all your subscriptions and cancel what you don’t use.
Check if you’re on the right plans. Many cloud services have multiple tiers. You might be paying for features you don’t need, or you might need to upgrade to a plan with more features. Review your usage and adjust plans accordingly.
Consolidate where possible. If you’re using multiple services that do the same thing, consolidating simplifies management and can save money.
Update Your IT Documentation
If you don’t have good documentation, now’s a good time to create it. Document your IT infrastructure, including what equipment you have, how it’s configured, and what services you’re using.
Document procedures too. Cover how you do common tasks, what the process is for adding users, handling security incidents, and restoring backups. Having procedures documented makes everything easier, especially if you need help or if someone else needs to handle IT tasks.
Update contact information for IT vendors, service providers, and emergency contacts. Make sure you know who to call when you need help.
Set Up a Maintenance Schedule
IT maintenance is easier when it’s scheduled. Create a simple schedule for regular tasks like checking for updates, reviewing security, testing backups, and cleaning up files.
Maybe the first Monday of each month is “IT maintenance day,” or maybe you do different tasks on different schedules. The important thing is having a routine so maintenance doesn’t get forgotten.
If you have an IT support contract, make sure they’re handling regular maintenance. If you handle IT yourself, schedule time for it, because don’t let maintenance slide when you’re busy. That’s when problems start.
Think About Growth
If you’re planning to grow this year, think about what that means for IT. Will you need more computers, more software licenses, more network capacity, or more cloud storage?
Plan for these needs now, because if you wait until you need them, you might be scrambling to get things set up quickly which can lead to problems. Better to plan ahead and have things ready when you need them.
Consider whether your current IT setup will scale. If you’re planning significant growth, you might need to rethink your IT infrastructure. Cloud services often scale better than on-premises systems, but there are other considerations too.
Making It Happen
We know this can feel overwhelming. You’re running a business, and now we’re asking you to become an IT planner too. But you don’t have to do everything at once.
Start with the most important things like security, backups, and spending review. These are the things that can cause major problems if they’re not right. Then tackle the other items as you have time.
And remember, you don’t have to do it alone. If you need help reviewing your IT, planning for the year, or implementing improvements, that’s what we’re here for. We can help you assess where you are, plan where you need to go, and make it happen.
If you want to discuss your IT priorities for 2026, or if you need help getting started, get in touch. We’ve helped businesses plan their IT for the year ahead and can help you too.