The Latest News from PlanA

2025 was full of challenges and lessons for business owners. And now’s the perfect time to take stock – celebrate wins, learn from setbacks, and set clear intentions for the year ahead. And this latest update helps you do just that, with practical reflection and forward-thinking ideas to kick-start your 2026 planning.

As we start the new year, I thought I’d share what I’ve seen over 15+ years working with owner-led SMB businesses and how that might apply to you for 2026 & what might let you find that secret sauce!

How Do You Know If a Business Advisor Is Any Good? Each year, I ask clients one direct question: ‘On a scale of 1 to 10, how likely are you to recommend me to a friend or colleague if they were looking for business support?’ No prompts. No follow-ups. Just honest feedback.

As the year winds down, it’s natural to start thinking about what’s next. For many business owners, that means growth. But scaling only works when the foundations are right. So I’ve written a short article with a few things worth thinking about before you push for growth in 2026.

Something to think about over the break. As the year winds down, it’s natural to start thinking about what’s next. For many business owners, that means growth. But scaling only works when the foundations are right. So I’ve written a short article with a few things worth thinking about before you push for growth in 2026.

Hi there, This month’s newsletter focuses on one theme: Strong businesses grow because of structure, not luck.

You will see this across the lead article, the video, the client story and the Business Builder Programme.

Family Business Harmony Through a Family Charter

No one wants to sit at Christmas lunch feeling the tension from a family fallout over the business. You know the look. Silence at one end of the table. Forced smiles at the other. It’s not the season you want to remember.

Cartel conduct is now a criminal offence in New Zealand. Two firms have just learned that the hard way. One was fined $500,000, another $30,000. One director received community detention and community work. Both now carry criminal records. This wasn’t a civil dispute. It was a criminal prosecution, the first of its kind in New Zealand by the Commerce Commission.