Practical worksheet

Annual business review checklist

Review what changed in customers, profit, cash, people and risk before planning the next year.

Last reviewed 2 October 2026

Before you start

Use actual records and invite the people who know operations. Separate observed facts from assumptions.

A yearly pause helps you keep what works and address small weaknesses before they compound.

Complete after year-end accounts are available or before the next planning cycle.

You should leave with a small number of priorities, each with a measure and review date.

Each prompt explains what to enter. The example is a guide, not a target for your business.

01. Sales and customers

Which products and customers grew or shrank? What feedback repeats?

Sales rose 12%, but the largest customer now represents 38% of revenue.

02. Profit and cash

Compare sales, margin, net result, cash lows and overdue debts with last year and budget.

Gross margin fell from 42% to 37%; investigate material costs.

03. People and systems

Where did capacity, skills, software or process limit delivery?

One employee approves all jobs; document a backup process.

04. Risks and obligations

Review insurance, cyber, supplier concentration, registrations and professional advice needed.

Check cover after moving premises and test the backup restore process.

05. Next-year priorities

Pick three priorities with owners, measures and dates.

Reduce overdue invoices by 20% by March; owner checks monthly.

Your entries remain on this device. The site does not upload or save them.

This worksheet is general planning information. Ask a qualified accountant, tax agent or lawyer where your decision needs specialist advice.