Supporting businesses to launch & scale

Lauren Byrne

January Self-Care Checklist: Daily Practices for a Healthier You

The start of a new year often brings a sense of renewal and the promise of fresh beginnings. January, with its quiet post-holiday calm, is the perfect time to focus on self-care and set the tone for the months ahead. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Here’s a January self-care checklist to help you embrace daily practices that will nourish your body, mind, and spirit.

1. Start Your Day with Hydration

After hours of sleep, your body craves water. Begin each morning with a glass of water to rehydrate and kick-start your metabolism. Make sure to bring a bottle of water with you to the office, and set yourself a target for the number of litres you wish to drink in a day.

2. Establish a Morning Routine

A structured morning routine can set a positive tone for the day. Consider incorporating mindfulness practices such as journaling, meditation, or stretching. Even five minutes of deep breathing can help centre your mind and reduce stress.

3. Prioritise Nutrition

January is an excellent time to reset your eating habits. Focus on incorporating whole foods into your meals, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Aim for balanced meals that fuel your energy levels and support overall health. Planning your meals for the week can help you stay on track.

4. Move Your Body Daily

Physical activity doesn’t have to mean hours at the gym. Find an activity you enjoy, whether it’s walking, yoga, dancing, or cycling, and aim to move your body every day. Even a 10-minute stretch or brisk walk can improve circulation and elevate your mood.

5. Set Realistic Goals

The pressure to achieve lofty resolutions can feel overwhelming. Instead, set small, attainable goals that build momentum. For instance, commit to reading one book this month, drinking more water, or decluttering one drawer a week. Celebrate each accomplishment to stay motivated.

6. Schedule Downtime

In our busy lives, rest often takes a backseat. Make it a priority to schedule downtime each day, whether it’s enjoying a cup of tea, taking a bath, or simply sitting quietly. This time allows your mind and body to recharge.

7. Limit Screen Time

Too much screen time can strain your eyes, disrupt sleep, and impact mental health. Set boundaries by designating tech-free times during the day, especially before bedtime. Instead, use this time to read, journal, or connect with loved ones.

8. Practice Gratitude

Starting or ending your day with gratitude can shift your mindset and improve overall well-being. Keep a journal where you write down three things you’re grateful for each day. These moments of reflection can help you focus on the positive.

9. Connect with Nature

Spending time outdoors has been shown to reduce stress and boost mood. Whether it’s a walk in the park, gardening, or simply sitting in your garden, make it a habit to connect with nature regularly. Even in winter, the fresh air and natural surroundings can be rejuvenating.

10. Prioritise Sleep

Good sleep is foundational to health and well-being. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Establish a bedtime routine that signals to your body it’s time to wind down, such as dimming lights, reading, or listening to calming music.

11. Nurture Relationships

Meaningful connections are vital for emotional health. Make an effort to reach out to friends and family, whether through a phone call, a message, or a visit. Sharing your thoughts and feelings can strengthen bonds and provide mutual support.

12. Explore a Creative Outlet

Creativity is a powerful form of self-expression and stress relief. Whether it’s painting, writing, baking, or playing music, find a hobby that brings you joy and make time for it. Creativity doesn’t have to be perfect; it’s about enjoying the process.

13. Learn to Say No

Overcommitting can lead to burnout. Practice setting boundaries and saying no to tasks or events that don’t align with your priorities. Respecting your own limits is an essential act of self-care.

14. Seek Professional Support if Needed

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or low, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Talking to a therapist or counsellor can provide valuable tools and support to navigate challenges.

15. Celebrate Small Wins

Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Each step you take towards a healthier, happier you is worth recognising.

By incorporating these daily practices into your routine, you can create a foundation for a healthier and more balanced life. Self-care is not a one-size-fits-all approach, so adapt this checklist to suit your needs and preferences. Here’s to a January filled with self-compassion, growth, and well-being!

 

Disclaimer – This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns about your health or a medical condition.

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End of Year Message from the Bridge Enterprise Centres’ Chair.

This year, there has understandably been much media and pub talk about the cost-of-living, housing affordability, interest rates, energy costs, insurance and so on. Like you, my mind immediately thinks of these challenges as the ‘cost of doing business’ pressures. The repercussions of the cost-of-living increases are that the business expenses are increasing and profit margins for small businesses are squeezed. This inevitably means that the already heavy responsibility of owning and leading a business is added to by the stress and worry of actually staying afloat and of supporting your staff, your own livelihood and your community.

 

In a nutshell – conditions are still tough, although there are some signs of levelling off, while high business costs continue to put pressure on profit margins. We in Bridge Enterprise Centres can see encouraging signs, with more people thinking about starting a business, and many established businesses showing an interest in innovation and growth initiatives.

 

Another heartening signal is small business owners investing more into marketing, business development, planning and hiring. As always, despite the challenging conditions, our SME owners are showing an uplift in optimism with their ‘go for it’ attitude.

 

Throughout this past year we in Bridge Enterprise Centres have been working to improve the business environment for small business and support the best possible opportunities to succeed. We continue to advocate for fairer competition and call for better processes to support SMEs striving to win Government contracts.

 

As 2024 ends, it is time to think of new possibilities as we turn our eyes to the coming year. Next year you will see us advocating for better regulation that is the ‘right size’ for small businesses, tax measures to encourage business formation and expansion and support for businesses in taking risk to innovate and develop. We will also be vigorously advocating for better digital use and opportunities for businesses to capitalise on AI tools.

 

That is next year. For now, I wish you a healthy, profitable and fulfilling end of year. Take a breath, recharge your batteries and get back to profitable business for 2025 … and we in BRIDGE, your local centre of enterprise, will be right there with you! Just a call away, to assist you in your business challenges.

 

Mark Fielding.

Chairperson, Bridge Enterprise Centres.

 

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A Simple Guide to SEO for Irish Small Businesses

By: Richard McKeown, WSI

Search engine optimisation (SEO) is a crucial tool for any Irish small business looking to grow its online presence. With the right strategies, you can make your website more visible, attract more local customers, and drive meaningful traffic to your business.

 

What is SEO and Why Does It Matter?

SEO involves improving your website so that it ranks higher in search engine results. Why is this important? Because:

  • Up to 90% of online experiences start with a search engine.
  • Over 70% of clicks come from organic (unpaid) search results.

For Irish businesses, this means potential customers might never find you without an SEO-optimised site. A solid SEO strategy ensures your website speaks to both search engines like Google and your audience, helping you be found on Google and compete effectively in a crowded market.

 

Key Areas of SEO for Small Businesses

  1. Local SEO: Irish customers searching for businesses often include local terms like “near me” or “Dublin cafes.” Local SEO helps your business appear in region-specific results. Steps to boost your local SEO include:
  • Google Business Profile: Set up and optimise your profile with accurate details and opening hours.
  • Consistent Contact Information: Ensure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are identical across your website and directories.
  • Online Directories: Register on platforms like Golden Pages or local listings to enhance visibility

 

  1. On-Page SEO: This involves optimising content directly on your site, including keywords, high-quality images, and easy navigation. Irish businesses should focus on:
  • Mobile-friendliness—most searches in Ireland are now done on mobile devices.
  • Fast load times.
  • Clear and relevant content that answers your customers’ questions.

 

  1. Content Strategy: Regular, engaging content builds trust and drives traffic. Examples include blogs about your industry, how-to guides, and local event coverage. Use relevant Irish keywords to appeal to local searchers.

 

  1. Off-Site SEO: Links from other websites (backlinks) to yours increase your site’s authority. Partner with trusted Irish businesses, bloggers, or news outlets to build links.

 

 

Common SEO Mistakes to Avoid

  • Ignoring mobile optimisation: With Ireland’s high smartphone usage, mobile-friendly websites are essential.
  • Keyword stuffing: Focus on natural, user-friendly content rather than overloading keywords.
  • Inconsistent business information: Ensure your NAP details are the same across all platforms.
  • Expecting results overnight, SEO is a long-term strategy that will help you succeed in the longer term.

 

Many small businesses find SEO overwhelming or lack the time to do it effectively. That’s where an SEO expert can help. An expert can:

  • Handle the technical side of SEO while you focus on your business.
  • Offer faster, more reliable results based on proven strategies.
  • Identify and fix issues like slow loading times or broken links.

SEO is an investment in your business’s future, helping you attract more customers and grow your brand. If you’re unsure where to start or want a free SEO audit, get in touch today.

 

Richard McKeown, WSI

 

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End of Year Financial Planning

It is hard to believe that it’s nearly Christmas again. The last year seems to have gone by so quickly. It’s a good opportunity to take a look at what you are doing in terms of financial planning – because no doubt 2025 will go by just as fast, and before you know it we will be here at Christmas 2025 and no further on.

 

What changes are you going to make for 2025? There are so many small changes that you can make which will make a significant difference to your financial wellbeing. We have listed a few below and even if you implement a few of them, you will be better off.

 

  1. Energy: Switch your electricity/gas bill – so easy to do and you can save a lot of money. Go to one of the switcher sites like bonkers.ie and it does it all for you. With prices dropping there are better deals.
  2. Subscriptions: Review the subscriptions you are paying for. Do you really need 4x Netflix logins, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Audible, Kindle Unlimited, NowTV and Sky? When did you last use them? €10 per month doesn’t sound like much but that’s €120 per year. If you haven’t tried to cancel your Sky subscription lately you could be seriously overpaying for it, just call them and they will give you a better deal. Download your bank transactions for two months and isolate all the subscriptions you are paying for to decide if you really need them. Otherwise you are just throwing away money.
  3. Phone: Same for your mobile phone bill or broadband – loads of people are overpaying for plans they don’t need. Look at 48.ie or www.gomo.ie – cheap monthly SIM only plans; you could save €30+ per month if you already have a handset and an out of contract plan.
  4. Gym memberships: Don’t sign up unless you are definitely going to use it. There are lots of pay as you go options, and walking and running only cost a pair of shoes.
  5. Pension: Prop up your pension! It is really important to have a good pension plan in place and to be saving towards it regularly. If you are paying tax at 40% you can save €40 tax on every €100 you put in to your pension. Have a plan for when you want to retire and how much you will need to live on, go and see your financial broker and find out how much you need to fund – it may be less than you think.
  6. Protection: Please also review your life assurance and income protection – it is upsetting how many people with dependents don’t have adequate cover considering how inexpensive it can be (less than the aforementioned TV subscription). It is very straightforward to get a policy set up with your financial broker.
  7. Mortgage: Switch your mortgage – if you are in the fortunate position to own your home, with mortgage rates dropping it is well worth checking if there are savings to be made. You might think 0.5% of a rate difference isn’t a lot – but it makes a massive difference to the amount you will pay back in the end. Also if you can afford it, a lump sum repayment will seriously reduce your total interest bill. If you want a simple spreadsheet to illustrate this, email blewis@lewisco.ie and I’ll send it to you – I was amazed at the difference it made.
  8. Car finance: Is Santa bringing you a new car in 2025? Look out for 0% finance deals from the garages. Buy second hand/ex demo to reduce the impact of new car depreciation. Buy an electric car through your company – BIK tax free if it originally cost less than €50,000.
  9. Voucher: Pay yourself a voucher of up to €1,000 if you are an employer – do it before the year end. You’ve earned it!
  10. Save: Set yourself a savings target of at least €200 per month if you can afford it – set it to go out by standing order just after your salary lands. By the end of the year you’ll have nearly €2,500 accumulated.
  11. Eat: If you are in the office, try to spend less on your office lunches and takeaway coffees which can add up to a lot of money – €10 per day 4 days/week is €1,800 per working year (after tax money).

 

So set a target over Christmas to implement at least a few of the above, your wallet will thank you. Wishing you a very happy Christmas and best wishes for 2025.

Ben Lewis, Lewis & Co Chartered Accountants, www.lewisco.ie 01-2110000

 

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Mediation Service Launched for Motor Liability Claims

The Injuries Resolution Board has expanded its mediation services to include motor liability personal injury claims, effective December 12, 2024.

Announced by Minister Peter Burke, this extension builds on the Board’s existing mediation offerings for employer and public liability claims introduced earlier this year. The initiative is part of the Government’s “Action Plan for Insurance Reform,” aimed at enhancing the efficiency of personal injury claim resolution while reducing costs, stress, and time for all parties involved.

Mediation now allows the Board to handle cases involving disputed liability, a significant milestone in its operations. Over its 20-year history, the Board has resolved over 180,000 cases, saving approximately €1 billion compared to litigation. This expanded service represents a pivotal step in making Ireland’s personal injury claims system more accessible and effective, with nearly 40% of claimants already expressing willingness to mediate workplace accident claims.

 

Read the Press Release in full HERE.

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Tax-Efficient Ways You Can Reward Your Employees This Festive Season

As the festive season approaches, you may look for ways to reward your employees for their hard work throughout the year. However, these gestures of appreciation can sometimes come with hefty tax implications. To make your generosity go further, it’s worth exploring tax-efficient ways to reward your employees while staying compliant with Revenue’s guidelines, including the Enhanced Reporting Requirements (ERR).

1. Small Benefit Exemption Scheme

Under the Small Benefit Exemption Scheme, employers can provide employees with non-cash benefits, such as gift cards, up to a maximum of €1,000 in total per tax year, completely tax-free. This exemption allows employers to show appreciation without the employee incurring PAYE, PRSI, or USC charges.

Key Rules:

  • Employers may provide up to two qualifying non-cash benefits per year, provided the total combined value does not exceed €1,000.
  • Benefits cannot be redeemed or exchanged for cash.
  • The scheme applies to all employees but must be used within the defined thresholds to remain tax-free.
  • Only non-cash benefits (e.g., gift cards) qualify; cash gifts are subject to taxation. See possible providers below:
    • One4All Gift Cards: Accepted at multiple retailers nationwide.
    • Perx Rewards: Offers tailored reward solutions for businesses.
    • Me2You Gift Cards: Provides versatile spending options across a range of stores.
    • Sodexo Gift Cards: Customisable and widely accepted by various merchants.
    • VoucherMe: Digital and physical gift card solutions for modern businesses.

Changes Effective from 1 January 2025:

Starting January 1st, 2025, the Small Benefit Exemption Scheme is getting a serious boost. Here’s what’s changing:

  • Increased Allowance: The tax-free allowance is increasing from €1,000 to €1,500 per employee annually. This means you can give even better gifts without worrying about taxes.
  • More Flexibility: Employers will be able to provide benefits in up to five separate instalments instead of just two. This allows businesses to spread out rewards throughout the year and celebrate wins and special occasions as they happen.

These updates provide more value and flexibility for both employers and employees, making it easier to reward and motivate staff throughout the year.

2. Christmas Parties and Events

Hosting a staff Christmas party can be a great way to boost morale. Revenue allows reasonable costs for such events to be treated as a business expense, meaning they are deductible for corporation tax purposes. However, certain conditions apply:

  • The event must be open to all employees to qualify for the deduction.
  • Expenditure should be “reasonable” — excessive spending could attract scrutiny.
  • Any additional gifts given during the event may still be subject to tax unless they fall under the Small Benefit Exemption.

3. Additional Tax-Free Perks

Beyond the Small Benefit Exemption, employers can also provide other tax-free incentives such as:

  • Travel Pass Scheme: Offering employees tax-free public transport tickets under this scheme is a year-round benefit but can be a thoughtful gesture to introduce at Christmas.
  • Cycle to Work Scheme: Provide employees with tax-free bicycles and equipment up to €1,250 (or €1,500 for electric bikes). While not specific to Christmas, it can be a valuable perk to highlight during the season.

4. Bonuses and Cash Gifts

Bonuses are a popular choice at Christmas but are subject to normal tax rules. This means PAYE, PRSI, and USC must be applied. You may consider offering bonuses as part of a profit-sharing scheme or performance-linked incentive to optimise their impact.

5. Charitable Donations in Employees’ Names

Another meaningful option is making a charitable donation on behalf of your employees. While this doesn’t offer direct benefits to employees, it fosters goodwill and demonstrates corporate social responsibility. Charitable donations are tax-deductible for businesses.

Enhanced Reporting Requirements (ERR)

Revenue’s Enhanced Reporting Requirements demand greater transparency in how benefits and rewards are provided to employees. To ensure compliance:

  • Record-Keeping: Maintain detailed records of all rewards, including gift cards, event expenses, and other perks.
  • Reporting Obligations: Ensure all taxable benefits are reported accurately in payroll submissions.
  • Tax-Free Limits: Adhere strictly to thresholds, such as the €1,000 Small Benefit Exemption (or €1,500 from 2025), to avoid unintentional breaches.
  • Audit Preparedness: Be ready to provide documentation to Revenue upon request.

In conclusion, rewarding your employees this festive season is an excellent way to show appreciation and boost morale. By leveraging tax-efficient options such as the Small Benefit Exemption Scheme and organising staff events, you can make your gestures more impactful while staying compliant with Revenue’s regulations and Enhanced Reporting Requirements. Thoughtful planning ensures your rewards are both meaningful and cost-effective, spreading festive cheer without added stress.

Consult your Accountant/Tax Advisor for advice before making any decisions. 

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