10 Resolutions to Make 2026 a Year of Growth for your Hospitality Business

By Lana Gasimova, Head of Business Development, ETC Finance 

As we step into 2026, the UK hospitality sector faces both challenges and opportunities. 

Rising costs, staffing pressures, and fluctuating consumer demand mean businesses must be strategic. Setting clear resolutions for your business - now - can make the difference between just surviving and truly thriving this year.Use the quieting downturn of January to reset your mindset, focus on your goals for the next 12 months, and reduce your stress levels, by following these handy resolutions:

1. Prioritise Cash Flow Management

Cash flow management is paramount. Track daily inflows and outflows to ensure your business can comfortably navigate quieter months without last-minute borrowing. Create a forecast for the year ahead, identify potential pinch points, and set aside reserves to maintain flexibility.

2. Invest in Staff Training and Retention

Upskilled, motivated staff deliver better service and reduce turnover. Ensure open channels of communication - with staff and managers; encourage and welcome constructive feedback. Plan targeted training programmes, reward reliable performers, and implement initiatives that promote wellbeing, career growth, and a positive workplace culture.

3. Investigate and Embrace Technology

From booking systems to AI-driven pricing and contactless payments, technology can boost efficiency, improve revenue, and enhance the guest experience. Regularly review your tech stack, explore emerging tools, and consider automation opportunities to free up staff time for higher-value tasks. 

4. Focus on Guest Experience

Personalisation, sustainability, and seamless digital interactions create impactful experiences that encourage repeat visits. Review your online feedback - and pay attention to corrective actions. Review online feedback and take corrective action, anticipate guest needs, and continuously innovate to deliver memorable, high-quality experiences that set you apart from competitors.

5. Diversify Revenue Streams

Don’t rely solely on in-person experiences. Where relevant - explore takeaway, delivery, gift vouchers, events, and occasion-led specials to spread risk and increase income. Look for complementary offerings that leverage your brand and create multiple touchpoints with customers.

6. Optimise Costs

Audit your menus, suppliers, and operations. Reducing waste and improving efficiency protects margins without compromising quality. Track progress and implement small, measurable improvements consistently across the business.

7. Plan for Seasonal Peaks and Lulls

Use data from 2025 to forecast staffing, stock, seasonal trends and schedule promotions. Being prepared for fluctuations keeps your operations smooth and profitable.

8. Strengthen Marketing and Loyalty Efforts

Targeted promotions, loyalty programmes, and active social media engagement help elevate awareness, maintain customer interest and encourage repeat visits. If you’re not an expert in this area - consider outsourcing, even temporarily. 

9. Monitor KPIs Regularly

Track key metrics such as F&B margins, average spend per guest, labour efficiency, seasonal trends, and online engagement. Regular review allows for agile, informed decisions and helps spot emerging opportunities or potential issues before they become critical.

10. Build Resilience and Contingency Plans

Plan for economic pressures, labour shortages, and supply chain disruptions. Build pathways for staff recruitment, source backup suppliers, prepare to change utilities providers, or hours of operation and hot food service.

Being prepared ensures your business can adapt quickly when challenges arise.

Remember:

2026 doesn’t have to be a year of sleepless nights in stressful survival mode. By focusing on cash flow, staff, technology, and guest experience, UK hospitality businesses can not only weather challenges but set themselves up for realistic and sustainable growth.

Clearly - not every management team has the time, experience, or skills to tackle every challenge - and that’s absolutely understandable. Bringing in experts where needed isn’t a luxury, it’s a smart move. 

ETC Finance Ltd works closely with business owners to review current operational leakage and problem areas - then move forward to define practical solutions, shape achievable strategies, and provide a trusted sounding board for the big decisions. 

Whether you’re launching a start-up, scaling an established SME, or future-proofing your global brand - ETC will help you turn ambition into success - turning sleepless nights into dream-filled opportunities - and guiding your growth every step of the way.

For a free, no-obligation chat - Please contact:

Lana@etcfinance.co.uk or call: 0207 305 5660