With January just around the corner, now is the perfect moment for clubs to pause, review, and prepare for the year ahead. While 2026 may still feel a little way off, the decisions you make in the first few months of 2025 will play a major role in shaping your club’s financial stability, operational efficiency, and member experience in the long term.
December is the ideal time to take stock of what’s working, tidy up what isn’t, and ensure you’re entering the new year organised, informed, and ready to stay ahead of rising costs and changing regulations.
Whether your club is volunteer-led or supported by a full team, these practical steps will help you enter 2025 with confidence and set the foundations for a stronger 2026.
1. Review All Expenditure and Contracts
One of the biggest drains on club finances is unmanaged contracts and unnecessary expenses. Take the time to go through every cost and commitment with a fine-tooth comb.
What to review:
- Energy, water, telecoms, and waste collection
- Insurance and equipment leases
- Card machines and transaction rates
- Cleaning services and maintenance agreements
- Subscriptions or services no longer delivering value
Action steps:
- List all contracts with their end dates and notice periods
- Add them to a shared calendar
- Start renewal reviews 3–6 months in advance
- Check if Autumn Budget updates have affected your costs
- Look for opportunities to trim unnecessary spend
Small changes here can make a major difference to your annual budget.
2. Avoid Auto-Renewals — and Consider a Broker to Help
Allowing contracts to roll over is one of the fastest ways for clubs to overspend. Auto-renewals rarely offer competitive rates, especially in areas like energy, waste, telecoms, and card payments.
If your committee or team is short on time, a broker can shoulder the heavy lifting, saving you money and stress.
A broker can:
- Negotiate with suppliers
- Compare market prices
- Identify savings across multiple services
- Manage renewals to avoid missed windows
- Handle billing queries and discrepancies
This is particularly valuable for volunteer-led clubs where time and resources are limited.
3. Check Your Energy Bills and Meter Readings
It sounds simple, but many clubs are still paying based on estimated readings — and the costs add up quickly.
Make sure you:
- Submit up-to-date meter readings
- Understand whether your bills are actual or estimated
- Know when your energy contracts are due to end
- Track any upcoming changes to energy support schemes
With energy prices still unpredictable, accurate billing and early contract planning are crucial.
4. Factor In the Autumn Budget — It Will Influence 2026 Costs
Budget announcements directly affect your operational expenses. Keep an eye on updates regarding:
- Business rates
- Changes to energy support
- Duty or tax changes affecting hospitality
- Employment law changes impacting staffing
- Grants or funding available to community and sports clubs
If staying on top of policy changes isn’t your thing, ask your broker to flag updates relevant to your club.
5. Spot Problems Early — Then Fix Them Before They Grow
A new year is the perfect time to review the physical and operational health of your club.
Walk around your venue and check:
- Waste compliance — correct bins, correct collections
- Fire safety checks, alarms, extinguishers
- Electrical and equipment servicing
- Water leaks or energy waste
- Inefficiencies or “pain points” your team regularly faces
Fixing small issues now prevents bigger, costlier problems later.
6. Reduce Waste — Energy, Time and Cash
The smallest inefficiencies often cost your club the most. Look for:
- Lights left on unnecessarily
- Dripping taps or running toilets
- Equipment running when not in use
- Half-full waste bins being collected at full cost
- Operational tasks taking too long due to outdated processes
Optimising these areas leads to immediate savings and smoother day-to-day operations.
7. Review Transaction Fees and Card Machines
Your card terminals might be costing you more than you think. Even small changes in transaction fees make a noticeable impact on your bottom line.
Compare your current rates with market alternatives — especially before 2026 pricing updates kick in.
8. Engage Members and Volunteers Early
Your members and volunteers are at the heart of your club’s success. Keeping them informed and involved as you plan for 2026 avoids confusion later.
Consider:
- Planning events and bookings early
- Communicating fee or membership changes ahead of renewals
- Recruiting next year’s volunteers now
- Encouraging members to raise concerns or suggestions
When everyone feels included, your club runs stronger.
9. Consider How Much Time You Spend Managing Utilities
Managing utilities, renewals, billing queries, and compliance often takes far more time than clubs realise. Outsourcing this to specialists frees you and your team to get back to what matters most — running a great club.
Success in 2026 starts long before the new year begins. By reviewing your costs, planning your renewals, staying compliant, involving your members, and fixing small issues early, your club will be financially healthier, more efficient, and better prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
If you’d like help with energy, waste, telecoms, water, compliance, or finding genuine savings — we’re here to handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on your club.
Get in touch today and let’s get your club ready for a stronger, smoother, and more cost-effective 2026.
