January always brings a sense of reset. Once the holiday dust settles, many business owners look at their team, their processes and their plans for the year ahead and think, “Right, where do I start?” And it’s a fair question.  2026 is shaping up to be a busy year in HR. Legal changes are moving slowly through Parliament, expectations around wellbeing and flexibility continue to shift, and a lot of people are taking time to reflect on what they want next from their work

As 2025 comes to a close, many small business owners are taking stock of the year and thinking about what needs attention before stepping into 2026. December can highlight gaps you do not always see during the busier months. Key people take time off, long-standing issues surface and festive pressures make everyday challenges feel heavier. This month’s newsletter focuses on the real people matters you are dealing with right now.