Posts by splash
How Weak Cost Tracking Leads to Poor Decision Making in SMEs
For many Irish SMEs, financial decisions are made every day. Pricing is adjusted, staff are hired, suppliers are selected and new opportunities are pursued. These decisions shape the direction and profitability of the business. However, when cost tracking is weak, decisions are often based on incomplete or inaccurate information. This creates a significant risk. Weak…
Read MoreThe Financial Cost of Poor Communication Inside Growing Businesses
The Financial Cost of Poor Communication Inside Growing Businesses At Francis O’Kennedy & Co Accountants we know as Irish SMEs grow, attention is often focused on sales, staffing, operations and customer acquisition. These areas are visible and measurable, making them easier to prioritise. Communication, by contrast, is frequently treated as a softer issue rather than…
Read MoreWhy Your Best-Selling Product Might Not Be Your Most Profitable
At Francis O’Kennedy & Co Accountants we know many Irish SMEs assume that their best-selling product or service is also their most profitable. It feels logical. If something sells well, it must be driving the business forward. In reality, volume and profit are not the same thing, and confusing the two can quietly undermine financial…
Read MoreTop 5 Signs Your Business Is Growing Turnover but Losing Control
Growth is often taken as proof that a business is on the right path. Increasing sales, a fuller pipeline and a busier team all point to progress. Yet many Irish SMEs reach a point where turnover continues to rise while control begins to slip. The business looks stronger from the outside, but internally it becomes…
Read MoreWhy Some SMEs Struggle to Turn Revenue Into Retained Profit
At Francis O’Kennedy & Co Accountants we know many Irish SMEs generate consistent revenue yet see little improvement in retained profit. On paper, the business appears to be performing well. Sales are strong, activity is high and the pipeline is active. However, when it comes to what is left at the end of the year,…
Read MoreThe Cost of Unclear Financial Goals: Why Many SMEs Drift Without Direction
Many Irish SMEs operate with a strong work ethic, a steady flow of activity and a clear intention to grow. However, despite this effort, progress can feel inconsistent. Revenue may increase, but profit does not follow. Decisions are made, but results are mixed. Over time, the business appears to move forward without a clear sense…
Read MoreThe Risk of Relying on “Gut Feel”: Why Financial Visibility Matters More in 2026
Many Irish SME owners take pride in knowing their business instinctively. Years of experience, close involvement in operations and strong customer relationships often create a sense that decisions can be made based on judgement alone. In the early stages, this approach can work well. However, as businesses grow and conditions become more complex, relying on…
Read MoreThe Cost of Always Saying Yes: How Overcommitting Damages Profit and Focus
At Francis O’Kennedy & Co Accountants we know for many Irish SMEs, growth is closely linked to opportunity. New enquiries, additional work and expanding client relationships are often seen as positive signs. As a result, there can be a strong tendency to say yes to every opportunity that arises. While this approach may increase activity,…
Read MoreTop 5 Areas Where Irish SME Owners Are Overpaying Without Realising
For many Irish SMEs, controlling costs is seen as a priority. Expenses are monitored, budgets are reviewed and efforts are made to operate efficiently. However, despite this focus, many businesses continue to overpay in areas that are not immediately obvious. These costs rarely appear as large, single expenses. Instead, they are embedded in day to…
Read MoreWhy Short-Term Decision Making Is Holding Back Long-Term Growth in Irish SMEs
Many Irish SMEs operate in a constant cycle of activity. Day to day demands, customer needs and immediate financial pressures often dominate decision making. While this focus is understandable, it can create a pattern where short-term thinking takes priority over long-term strategy. In the early stages of a business, this approach can be effective. Flexibility…
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