Set your new business goals for 2026

The new year is almost here and it's time to reflect on what you have built in 2025, and what you can achieve in 2026.

If you're not sure where to start, here's a checklist to help you thrive and grow this year:

• Name your top three achievements. These can be big or small but think of what has had the most impact, whether that's new products, better software or a skills course that changed how you run day-to-day operations.

• What was your best quarter and why? Make a list of any changes that made this possible and keep doing it in the new year.

• What's something you learnt about your business this year? Perhaps a spike in productivity or demand at a specific time of year?

• If you were starting today, what would you do differently?

• Did you make the most of the free support available? If you're not sure, book a free consultation and one of our team can help you navigate the support available in London – most of it is free or low cost.

We spoke to several London founders supported by Grow London Local about their goals for the new year and what lessons they're taking from 2025.

What lesson are you bringing with you to 2026?

Find out more about what these London entrepreneurs learnt in the year just gone.

• Clarissa from The Chic Boutique by Clarissa said "I learned this year the importance of marketing and showing how wonderful your products are".

• The advice from Salim, the founder of Ding Ding Duck, is to "keep going, don't give up! Things may be rubbish one day [but] look at the long term. We all go through dark days but there'll be sunshine ahead".

• Jen from Two Dogs has learnt that slowing down and taking a break is actually a good thing for business "because it gives you time to focus and renew yourself for the next challenge".

• For Mixala Chai's founder Jaspreet, the biggest lesson has been trying out different physical spaces and showcasing products at different markets. However, Jaspreet says they "need to be selective in 2026 in terms of what we choose to do and where we choose to showcase Mixala".

• Managing stress around product launches has been the biggest lesson for Joanna, Zena & Rose's founder, who now says "if I do this again, I'm definitely going to take my time and do it step by step".

• Thinking ahead to growing Dibia in 2026, founder Ike has learnt that "collaboration helps you get further".

What are your business goals for the new year?

These London founders are excited for the next 12 months, with growth and expansion into retail as the main trend for 2026.

• Jaspreet from Mixala Chai is excited about growing the brand and "trying to get into retail, such as more independent and high-end stores".

• For 2026, Dibia founder Ike is "looking forward to working with people that will help me push my dreams for Dibia and make them a reality".

• Expansion into retail spaces is at the forefront of Clarissa's mind, founder of The Chic Boutique by Clarissa, along with supporting Bliss UK, a charity for the parents and families of premature or sick babies.

• On the creative side, Zena & Rose founder Joanna wants to "get as many people as possible doing craft kits and learning about woodblock printing [which] is a really special kind of craft".

• Getting his business out there and finding new ways to raise awareness for his brand is a key priority for Ding Ding Duck founder Salim, who feels that "it's really hard to get your word across. People are strained for time and information".

• Building on the success of the previous year, Jen from Two Dogs wants to see their famous sauces in more retail spaces, particularly the Nashville Hot Chilli Crisp sauce, the brand's bestseller.

A message from Grow London Local

It's a new year, filled with plenty of opportunities for founders trying to make it in London.

In 12 months, your life could change entirely. Perhaps this is the year your business idea takes off or you hire your first employee. 

Happy new year from the team at Grow London Local. We're excited to help you launch, grow and thrive in 2026!

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